《Sold? Oh Please.》


 Chapter 1 - 1.Missing?

    "Sarah, I love you can''t you see?" Philip asked grabbing her arm.


    "Love? You call this love?" she scoffed. "How dare you? Let me go!" she snatched her hand out of his.??


    "Cut!!" the director yelled "that''s a wrap for today. Good work guys."


    Jessie said goodbye to Martin as she walked to her trailer. It had been a long day, gosh she had to make appearances in four movies three of which she was playing the lead part. Tomorrow she had a shoot in a comedy series. It was a horror she was supposed to be best friends with her co-star Patricia but they hated each others guts. Thinking about the shoot made her head hurt.


    After getting out of costume, she changed into a pair of Jeans and a white lace crop top. She pulled on her boots and left.


    "Jessie are you ready?" Tony her manager asked. "What are you wearing?" he asked as she left her trailer.


    "Do I have any other thing on my schedule?" she asked.


    "Have you forgotten the interview by eight?"


    "Ah... I did I''m so sorry it''s been a busy day, I guess I just wanted to go home so badly." She laughed.


    "Well go back in there and Lana will come fix your makeup, and your clothes too." He ordered.


    Jessie was camera ready by seven and heading into her van for the interview. It was for the comedy series ''Trained together''. The biggest show on TV was interviewing the cast. She was quite excited actually, but she hated that she was going to be seeing Patricia Lee''s face today as well. Oh well at least she knew how to behave on camera so she wouldn''t have a problem.


    They arrived just on time, as the host was inviting them on stage.


    "Took you long enough to get here" Patricia sneered.


    "Well when you have a schedule as busy as mine you tend to be late to things" she sneered back.


    "Okay ladies, no fighting it''s show time." The director said.


    "Now if you will welcome the stars from our favourite TV show ''Trained together''!" the host said and on cue both ladies walked on stage, giving their best camera smiles.


    "Wow, look at you two, I must say this is such a treat. To have the biggest stars on my show today." Amanda the host said. "Jessie that is one hell of a dress, you two look amazing."


    "Why thank you Amanda, wore it especially for you" Jessie giggled.


    "Oh? Well I am indeed impressed." Amanda replied.


    "So you two are currently co-stars on the hit show Trained together, for three years now? I must say your chemistry on TV is beautiful. It''s like you guys actually grew up together. You two must be good friend to pull it off right?" Amanda asked.


    Before Jessie could speak, Patricia already answered "well the secret to our chemistry is the impeccable acting. When you are as talented as I am you can certainly pull of anything" she said with a laughter. Every one laughed but Jessie knew it was no joke.


    "Oh please tell us there are more seasons to come." Amanda asked.


    "Of course there are, you must know TV loves Siri." Patricia answered again, mentioning only her characters name in the show.


    "But not as much as they love Finley" Amanda said. "Tell me Jessie, how does it feel to multitask as much as you do? I hear your currently working on four lead roles all at once?"


    The look on Patricia''s face was priceless. Jessie laughed "Well Amanda what can I do when everyone wants a piece of me" she smiled.


    "Ofcourse that''s why your currently the highest paid actress in the whole country" Amanda said, Jessie gives her a blush.


    "Well, Patricia, what other movies or TV shows are you working on?" Amanda asked.


    "Oh you know me Amanda, I like to focus on a specific task and do my job to the best of my ability so I''m focused on Trained together." She smiled.


    "Oh? but we would love to see your face more on screen, this days it seems like the only thing you see on TV is Jessie. Not that we are complaining." Amanda replied.


    "Well I am so busy with my personal life right now, maybe sometime in the future after all the stress has passed from my wedding."


    "Wedding?" Amanda asked, Patricia put her hand on her mouth pretending to be surprised she let out the information unknowingly. "Oh Patricia you''re holding out on us? Come on Patricia."


    "Okay, Okay. I can''t tell you who it is just yet, but yes I am getting married." She smiles.


    "Well that is great news, Jessie any love interests?" Amanda asks.


    "Amanda you know my fans are my love interests" she says with the sexiest smile, the audience goes crazy.


    "Okay" Amanda laughs "it''s been great having you girls on TV. Come again?"


    "Certainly Amanda" Patricia answered.


    "There you have it people, Patricia Lee and our nations goddess Jessie Marin." the crowd applauds as they exit the stage.


    "Don''t think you''ve won Jessie don''t even dare because of some useless interview." Patricia spat at her immediately they left the stage.


    "Oh honey, you don''t even come close to competing with me. And I must say desperation is a good look on you." She laughs "Congratulations on your wedding." she says as she walks away from a fuming Patricia.


    Jessie gets into her van, it''s just her and the driver, Tony already told her he would not be able to wait for her. Eager to go home and sleep, she pulled of her golden strapped heels.


    As the van moved she drifted off into a light slumber. But was fiercely woken by the swerving of the van, "what the hell is going on?" she screamed.


    Before she knew they hit something and hard, she opened the door to look and found three masked men waiting by the van. She wanted to scream for her driver but his lifeless body she spotted by the tree they hit stopped her.


    Her hands flew to her mouth when she saw the blood. "Who are you? What do you want from me?" she asked as the approached her.


    "Wait! Stay away from me! Please! Help!" she screamed and tried to run away. She didn''t get far before on of the guys tackled her to the ground. He flipped her over and straddled her, holding her down. Another guy walked over and covered her nose with a handkerchief. She knew what was on it, she knew but it was pointless to hold her breath. Not long her vision started to blur and all she saw was black.

 Chapter 2 - 2.Auction.

    Jason Kang stared at the invite one hour to go he had still not made up his mind. His father had threatened him, impress the new business partners or let Jackson take charge of the family business. He hated the his father always threatened him like that, he had proved himself enough to father already. But always, always he had to bring up that bastard of a half brother to make him bend to their every wish. Now he had to marry a woman whose family made money from selling stolen and kidnapped women. And now he had to attend one of the auctions to show support. Why his father wanted to enter business with such disgusting people he had no idea. Plus, if he wanted sex he had many easy ways of getting it, so many women would throw themselves at him so he didn''t see why he should buy a woman and force her. He didn''t have sick desires like that.


    He swirled the whiskey in his cup and stared at the invite, he could just go and observe right? he didn''t have to buy anyone either. Besides it will give him a chance to see the mad men that lived for this. At least he would be careful when next he wanted to business especially when his useless father finally dies.??


    ***************************************************


    "Do you think she is coming to?" Jessie heard a voice pull her from the darkness, she slowly opened her eyes and and winced at the loud banging at the door.


    "Hey, bitches! get up, time to get you ready." A man yelled.


    Jessie took a look around the room and saw girls just like her, scared out of their wits. It was crazy how many ladies fell victim to this and even crazier she was here. But where was here?


    What were they going to do with them? What did they mean by get ready? Okay this isn''t making sense at all. A large man entered the room with a rifle and stood by the door while other ladies walked in after him they took the girls out in fives, after about thirty minutes they came back and did the same thing. Until there were just three girls left, Jessie and two others. She didn''t even have a chance to take notice of the paintless rough walls and the stench of misery.


    "Follow me" the lady said curtly to Jessie.


    "Follow you where? Where are you taking me? Please let me go." She pleaded but the woman gave her a pointed look and repeated.


    "Follow me!"


    "No! I will not go until you tell me where your taking..." a hard slap stopped her from saying anymore. Jessie grabbed her cheeks in disbelief and stared at the now angry woman.


    "Follow me!" she said again. Jessie got up to her feet and slapped the woman back.


    "How dare you!?" She yelled. "I am not someone you can treat anyhow, do you get me?" she added standing her ground.


    The big man by the door approached her and grabbed her arm shoving her into the wall behind her hard. She scraped her elbows on the rough concrete as she fell.


    "You think you''re better than her?" The man said in a thick accent, one she could not identify. Gesturing to the woman she just slapped.


    "No I don''t think, I know that I would never kidnap someone and do whatever it is you people do you here" she scowled at the man that had bent down to look her directly in the eyes.


    "Oh yeah? Well by the time your in a collar and sold to your next owner you wouldn''t feel so bold anymore" the woman spat.


    "Fuck you!" Jessie yelled "Fuck all of you!"


    And the edge of the barrel was the last thing she saw before everything was totally blank.


    ***************************************************


    Jason watched as they auctioned off ladies, how many women had been sold now? About 10? 15? He didn''t know all he knew was that he wasn''t the least bit interested. He didn''t plan on participating anyway and besides he hadn''t seen anyone he would even care for. But the efforts weren''t wasted, he had seen a lot of rich business tycoons in the room. A lot of respectable men, politicians, celebrities, businessmen and even a few well to do women in the crowd as well. He would never have taught in a million years that he would ever see this people here.


    "And now our last batch of ladies, but as they say we have really saved the best for last!" The auctioneer announced.


    The next lady they brought in caught Jason attention, he couldn''t see her face, they didn''t reveal any of the women''s faces they all wore black bags. More of a prove that they were only sold for their bodies. But this particular woman caught his interest, she wasn''t skinny like the other girls and she didn''t seem too young either. Her skin was smooth and tan, it looked like she took care of herself. She looked expensive. She had curves in all the right places and very long and appealing legs. But it wasn''t her perfect bust or tight ass that really interested him, but the fact that she was carried in. She was unconscious, that was a first. The auction began and it was no surprise they was a fight for her. She had a perfect body, a body that looked trained and taken care of. And in that dress, there was little left to the imagination.


    "2 million dollars" the next bid was placed.


    "4 million!"


    "5 million!"


    "7!"


    "20 million dollars" Jason raised his sign and everybody turned to look at him.


    "20 million dollars" the auctioneer yelled "any other offers, 3! 2! 1!"


    "Soooold to the gentleman over there."


    Jason got up and left the auction room, he was done here. He wasn''t quite sure why he bought her but he was sure of something. His father was going to be so pissed that he spent 20 million dollars on a woman. It was a far cry from what his mother, the man''s own wife got in her life time.


    "Sir, if you would wait a moment we''ll get her ready for you" A woman said to him as he left the auction room.


    "Make it quick I don''t have any more time to waste" he said and she nodded walking away.


    "Mr Kang, may I show you to the waiting room, then" Another lady asked and he followed her to a lounge. He was the only one in there at the moment. He sat on the couch and waited for his money''s worth. "May I get you anything?" She asked.


    "No. Where are the other men that... won the auction?" He asked.


    "They are in another lounge sir, you see this is the VVIP lounge" she said.


    "VVIP? Isn''t that trying to hard?"


    "Well it is necessary sir, you see no one has ever spent that amount of money on a product before."


    "Product? Aren''t you meant to be more sympathetic towards those women, considering your not even in much of a different situation." He spat..


    "I apologise if I have offended you sir."


    Jason shook his head, she had clearly been brainwashed either that or she was really sick.


    "Get out." He ordered and she left the room.


    "Mr Kang" a man this time walked into the lounge, with a briefcase. "This contains the contract, collar and the remote." he said placing the briefcase on the glass table before him.


    "A contract?" Jason asked.


    "A non-disclosure contract, it just routine procedure nothing serious."


    "And if I refuse to sign it?" Jason asked.


    "Ah... well um... that would be a problem sir."


    "Well I will not sign it immediately. I do not sign anything I have not thoroughly gone through" he said, crossing his legs.


    "Well you can go over it now, while the prepare your product."


    "I swear to god, one more person say product!" He snapped.


    "I''m so sorry sir, so sorry" the man apologized.


    "You may leave, nobody come in here unless my woman is ready." The man nodded and left.


    He picked up the briefcase and began to go through the contract. After a few minutes the door opened and two men walked in with his ''product''. A face he was familiar with walked in after them. George Lee, his new business partner.


    "Hello Jason, I must say didn''t expect you to buy any product. And 20 million dollars is a lot. You must have heard that you the highest spender since this started over three generations ago."


    "So? What now?" He asked.


    "So now you have your woman and we have some simple rules" George said.


    "Humor me" Jason replied.


    "You have a collar, optional but I advice you to put it on, you''ve bought a real spitfire. The remote is there in the briefcase and I''m assuming you''ve read the contract so, have you signed it?"


    "I''m not signing that, I have some changes that will need to be made." Jason stated.


    "As usual, I expected this, making trouble. This also you are the first."


    "Well I''m not some psycho with twisted sexual needs, I''m not playing right into your trap and give you a chance at blackmailing me." Jason smiled. "Now if you don''t mind putting the woman in my car, I''ll be on my way. Send a new contract to me and no funny business. Trust me I''ll find out." He got up and walked out. Leaving a very annoyed George behind.


    After they put the woman into the car, the drive was rather silent, the hood was still on, safety precautions. Although Jason was more than eager to finally see her face, he hoped she would be a pretty as she was hot. Not that he really cared for looks either. She hadn''t uttered a sound, if not that she was walking on her own two feet he would have assumed she was still unconscious.


    When it was finally only them alone in a room after the maids had directed her in and left her I a room, Jason walked in and took of the hood.


    For the first time in hours Jessie saw more than blurred images she looked up at the bastard that bought her, with a deep scowl on her face ready to pounce.


    " I must say, you look very familiar. By chance do I know you?" Jason asked taking of the gag.


    Jessie gave a small wicked grin looking straight at him.


    "Yes, you probably do."

 Chapter 3 - 3.Real.

    "What''s your name?" Jason asked her.


    "Can you please untie me?" Jessie asked, gesturing to her hands.??


    "Tell me your name" Jason ordered and she shook her head gesturing to her hands. Jason walked over to her and grabbed her face tilting it up to face him.


    "Look I have no intentions on being rough with you, all I ask is that you reciprocate the respect I show you if-"


    "Respect? You literally just purchased me like some product, putting a price tag on a human being, isn''t very respectful mister." Jessie interrupted him glaring at him with such hate.


    Jason clenched his teeth, this was a bad idea. He didn''t realise that they sold of girls like this? But what did he expect she was tied, unconscious and hooded. Ofcourse she was there by force. But he would not let 20 million dollars go just like that.


    "Fine, I''ll untie you" he said and he leaned in closer and stretched to reach her hands tied behind her back. Jessie tilted her head away from him, he was too close, his chest was practically touching hers and she hated how that made her feel hot. But the thought was fleeting because the moment her hands were free she sprung up and jumped on him.


    Jason caught by surprise fell back and landed on the floor with Jessie on him, before he could react she punched him. As he was responding to the sudden attack she was already out the door and making a beeline for the front door.


    Jason was so surprised he was amused, he sat up and started laughing when he heard Jessie cursing down stairs. But he didn''t remain sitting for long when she started banging on the door and yelling help.


    "It''s no use, stop already." Jason grinned as he descended the stairs, who knew such a slender body carried such strength. Although it wasn''t far fetched he just assumed that the trained body came from being in a gym not a dojo.


    Jessie turned to face him, her green eyes glowing with hate and face red with fury.


    "Let me go!" she yelled. "Let me go, right now!!"


    "What the hell is so amusing?" she asked him when he laughed.


    "The fact that you think you have any power here, you''re even ordering me around" Jason scoffed. "This is you last warning, calm down, tell me your name or I''m putting that collar on you." He raised his brows in question, waiting for what she would do.


    "Fuck you" she gave him the middle finger, and like lightning he was in front of her clamping a collar around her neck. As she grabbed the leather strip around her neck as it began to tighten, until she was on the ground gasping and struggling for air. She tried to claw at him but she didn''t have any oxygen to put energy into the attack. He bent down to look at her writhing form, "stop struggling or it won''t get better" he warned.


    Jessie as usual determined not to give him and satisfaction, refused to adhere. Not long after her gaze started to blur and a darkness she had surprisingly become familiar with welcomed her.


    **************************************************


    "Are you up?" he asked her as she sat up, rubbing her temples. Jessie looked around the room, struggling to take in her surroundings, from what she could see they were multiple blubs fixed into the ceiling yet the room lacked sufficient lighting. They couches, walls carpets and ceiling were all white. His bar sitting at the corner of the room was the only thing different in colour as it stood out because of the wood paneling. Jessie had sure experienced luxury in her life and she had a knack for sourcing out originality and flawlessly arranged designs. It was no doubt his interior decorator was top notch and despite the lack of character and colour, the room still breathed elegance.


    She leaned back into the couch and sighed as she scowled at her kidnapper, maybe wrong term but she was still here against her will.


    "Are you hungry?" he asked.


    "What do you think?" she sassed at him.


    "Well I think you''re not hungry, since you have the energy to keep talking to me like that." He said with a wicked grin, getting up and heading to out of the room. Jessie was on her feet, following behind him. She felt sticky, weak and dirty. If her agent saw her like this, he would have a heart attack. Her platinum blonde hair was frizzy and messy on top her head, her skin had been deprived of the daily religion of care products that cost more than most people''s cars. She felt relieved but also awkward walking without the extra inches but at least she was barefoot. She swore to her fans once that she''d rather be barefoot that wear flats. The dress she was currently wearing short and light, would be considered indecent but she had worn way worse for photoshoots and red carpets so she didn''t pay much heed. Even though a bath was long over due, all she wanted now was food. Still keeping in mind that she couldn''t over indulge, she already missed her workout today, ugh how kidnapping messes one''s schedule.


    She was already a prisoner, she didn''t need to be fat as well.


    Jason picked up a pan and broke an egg into it, laying out the bread, he put in some mayo and when the egg was ready put it into the bread. Jessie watched with rapt attention, that is until he bit out of it.


    "What about me?" She pouted.


    "What about you?" he asked between mouth fulls.


    "So you bought me to starve me to death?" She asked, folding her arms, an action that did not go unnoticed because it drew attention to her bust.


    Jessie''s brows furrowed when she noticed Jason line of sight. "Hey! My eyes are up here!" she snapped her fingers at him.


    He cleared his throat and looked at her. "Are those real?" he asked pointing to her bust.


    Her jaw dropped and for the first time since she met him words failed her.


    "So?" he asked again when she just stared at him with shock.


    "H-how can you ask a question like that?" she gasped.


    "So fake? Don''t worry I''m not surprised no way those are real" he grinned at her and worked away, sandwich in hand.


    Jessie stood in the middle of the kitchen, totally flabbergasted and extremely hungry.


    What the hell had she gotten herself into?

 Chapter 4 - 4.Stuck.

    Jessie couldn''t sleep, she did everything counted sheep, shut her eyes and thought of nothing but still she couldn''t sleep. How could she? She hadn''t eaten in days, she didn''t even know how long she''d been gone. And Jason didn''t have a television in his home and he wouldn''t give her food how would he let her any where near his laptop. Now staring at darkness, a grumbling tummy and a dirty body she couldn''t take it. It reminded her of the days she was still a trainee, but at least she was allowed to smell the food and bathe. Beside there were exercises she did to take her mind of things, she couldn''t even do that here.


    After he finished his sandwich he tied her to the bed post in a room and shut the lights, what if she needed to pee? She was so hungry it hurt so bad.??


    At least this way she wouldn''t be gaining any extra weight, she thought to herself. How did she get here? What did she do to deserve this? She was one of the most famous people in the world for crying out loud, for sure people must be searching for her right? The news channels must be all the rage right now, her disappearance would be trending.


    If only she could get out, there had to be a way. Definitely someone would recognize her, someone would find her yeah? She just had to get rid of this stupid collar, and find a way out this apartment. Everything would be fine.


    **************************************************


    Waking up was a struggle, It was as if she had to fight to get her eyes open, and even after that she struggled to get out of bed. It wasn''t until she was in the bathroom that she realized she was no longer tied to a bed post. She was so happy when she walked into the bathroom and saw that it was stocked with soaps, shampoos and bath gels. Stripping of the sorry excuse of a dress she opted for a shower, she didn''t think she had it in her to see how dirty she really was.


    After spending the better part of the morning in the bathroom, she decided to leave. Her empty stomach encouraging her to eat. She still couldn''t believe that Jason hadn''t given her food yesterday. Well after all he was technically in many sick ways her owner, and she admitted to herself that she had not been the nicest... well whatever she was supposed to to be.


    She wrapped the towel around her thin frame and another one around her hair, she walked out of the bathroom. If she was right there where meant to be miraculous clothes in her wardrobe right? At least when she read books about this kind of stuff the guys always bought clothes in the victims size. Walking towards the wardrobe that sat by the wall she opened it, to her biggest surprise it was empty.


    "Are you serious?" she huffed "oh come on, I get that you don''t have body lotion or even some light makeup, but no clothes not even sweats? What kind of animal is he?" She ranted "First he doesn''t give me food, then I''m forced to use basic bland soap and body wash, no toothbrush, no lotion, and now? No clothes?!" Jessie had enough she stalked out of the room to demand her rights, yelling as she walked down the stairs.


    "Mister!" She screamed only just realising she did not know his name, after yelling the whole way down she realized he wasn''t home.


    So he left her alone? That can''t be right, heading straight to the front door she tried to open but it was locked, of course.


    She walked into the kitchen to see if there were any other doors, her penthouse had another door in the kitchen. She used it as a service entrance, as she tried that door locked as well. Just great, she walked back to the living room when she noticed a sticky note on the fridge.


    Good morning.


    I''m off to work, help yourself to anything in the fridge, I will be back late, don''t do anything stupid. I took of your collar, don''t make me regret it.


    Jason Kang.


    "Oh fuck you!" Jessie swore as she yanked the fridge open. Tears came to her eyes when she saw what she was supposed to ''help'' herself to.


    There was a lonely apple on the first rack, a jug of milk and some lettuce. Even the egg she was imagining was no longer there.


    "Don''t cry Jessie Min Marin. Don''t cry, you are stronger than this." She said to herself as she grabbed the apple and walked away. She spotted some of the bread he ate yesterday but she wasn''t sure she could still digest bread. The last time she had flour was her sixteenth birthday and even then she made herself throw it up.


    Tired of walking around dry, and in a towel she checked around for Jason''s bedroom. Opening all the numerous doors in the penthouse, it was amazing how many rooms he had. She finally opened one that looked like it was in use. Walking in in she had to admit, the interior was great, unlike the rest of the house this room wasn''t monochromatic, I.e it wasn''t painted white. It was in a deep shade of maroon and there was a tiny chandelier like arrangement. The ceiling looked like an painting of the sky, with little stars she was sure glowed. There was a huge bed with a couch a couple of inches from it, not to mention the room had a desk and chair.


    The room had character, but not withstanding she had a purpose. After two unsuccessful attempts with the doors in the room, she got the right one. A walk-in closet that held many garments. She tried on pants but they fell off her, and she wasn''t willing to roll them up, so she settled with a big hoodie. Carrying out of the closet, she searched his drawers for body creams or lotions.


    By the time she was done she was drowning in Jason''s scent. And as happy as she was to be clean she needed to be out of here and fast. Besides the fool left her in a big empty house, alone with her thoughts. How would she not try to escape?


    Since the doors were locked she tried the windows, they were all open but with what Jessie could make out, they must have been on the highest floor. So high of the ground that the cars below looked so tiny.


    She checked all the windows until she saw glass doors that lead into a balcony. Wasting no more time she slid the doors open and stepped out. The distance to the other apartment wasn''t so far, she thought.


    It wasn''t until she was halfway through that she realized the ledge she was moving on didn''t extend to the other building. There was a gap and she couldn''t bring herself to jump. Admitting defeat she tried to go back, her feet wouldn''t move.


    "Oh shit! Oh shit! I''m stuck!" she cried. As she stood on a tiny ledge between to apartments that looked like they touched the sky now she stood outside. She leaned further against the wall and prayed with all her heart that Jason would come home soon.


    ***************************************************


    It had been a terrible day, mostly spent explaining why he spent twenty million dollars on a ''stupid whore'' at his father put it. After many unsuccessful attempts at trying to make his father understand, he now had to mentor his step brother. And after a long boring conversation with that bitch, he was fed up. How was it his fault? His father forced him to go to the auction, and he bought someone infact he was supposed to be commended but instead his father made brought in his stupid bastard son. This was so typical of his dad, always threatening him with Jackson, he rather die than let some long lost idiot threaten his position in the company he gave sweat and blood to.


    He walked into the elevator and headed to the first floor, he wanted to tell the receptionist to order some food for his apartment.


    "Mr. Kang, nice to see you again." The receptionist greeted.


    "Hello Diane, I''m going to need you to order a meal from the restaurant" he said and she nodded.


    "The usual solo package sir?" she asked after he told her what he wanted.


    "Make it two servings today" he said, she gave him a suspicious look but nodded anyways.


    "What''s going on out there?" he asked noticing a small crowd gathered outside the building.


    "Oh there a woman trying to commit suicide apparently, she''s standing on the ledge between two apartments." Diane explained. "Well I''m not sure it''s suicide though she''s been there for over thirty minutes."


    Jason shook his head and scoffed, "stupid girl" he muttered.


    "Come to think of it sir, she is outside your apartment. But don''t worry the police are already on their-"


    "Did you say the police?!" Shit, shit shit, he thought. Won''t his father be happy.


    "Yes sir, someone outside must have phoned them already." She nodded.


    "You have to tell them not to come" he laughed "I actually um... left something out there when I went out this morning, what people are looking at isn''t a real human being."


    "Are you sure?"


    "Very, don''t question me. If I need help I''ll call you. Now tell everyone to go to their homes or wherever they go to."


    "Okay then I''ll-"


    Jason didn''t wait to hear the rest he was already sprinting towards the elevator. Damn that woman! What was she trying to do now?


    He tore into his apartment and ran to the balcony, he turned to see a shivering hooded figure on the ledge.


    "What the fuck are you doing?!"

 Chapter 5 - 5.Confession.

    "What the fuck are you doing there?!"Jason yelled at her shivering form on the ledge. She stood on the ledge, her back plastered against the wall with her arms right by her sides flat aganist the wall as well.


    "Don''t shout, oh please don''t shout" her voice quivering with fear.??


    "How did you even, were you trying to escape?" Jason asked.


    "Well smart pants what do you think?"


    "Sass? Well it looks like you just fine where you are" he huffed turning to walk away.


    "Wait! Please wait! I''m sorry, I''m so sorry" she cried. "Please help, please I can''t move."


    Jason sighed, combing through his hair violently. "Look you have to come to me, the ledge won''t support both our weights so you have to move back."


    "I-I can''t, I can''t." she shook her head.


    "Look... uh what''s your name?" he asked.


    "Jessie." She blurted out, "What''s funny?" she whined when she saw him laugh and shake his head.


    "So this is what it takes for you to tell me your name?" He says.


    Jessie bit her lips and closed her eyes, "Please get me off of here."


    "I can''t do that Jess" he stated bluntly.


    Jessie''s eyes flew open and she craned her neck further to look at him in a way that will not cause an inch of her back to move from the wall. "So you''re just going to let me die?" she screamed.


    "Well, first of all you deserve what you got. What did you think was going to happen, you stepped out of the railing of a 50 foot balcony. You had the guts to escape from me and you''re not even remorseful for what you did, besides if I even wanted to save you, you have to walk to me. So why should I save you?" he asked raising his brows.


    Jessie burnt with fury, no she was at fault for trying to get her life back? What kind of person would she be if she didn''t even try to escape? Now she had to beg for her life from a man that bought her like an object for who knows what?


    She glared at him and he winked back, ugh! she was so mad but she was also so scared. And fear won over the rage in this case. So she bargained.


    "Look, I''m sure you spent quite an amount purchasing me, I want to believe it was more than a million dollars. Because I would feel pretty worthless if it wasn''t, so are you just going to let me die? I''m no business woman but that is not a good deal." she said.


    Jason gave her a suspicious look. "You''re right I did spend a lot of money, but you are not worth it. Rude, proud, so full of yourself and not to mention naive. Oh wait did I mention annoying?" he asked, pacing the perimeter of the balcony.


    "You''re not going to get me off of here are you?" She asked her voice small and defeated.


    "I already told you how to get off, you''ve gotta move Jessie."


    "But I can''t, I wish I could but I can''t!" she said her voice staring to shake. Jason could tell how scared she was, granted she was a strange woman. It surprised him that she wasn''t already crying, she was clearly terrified, her body was shaking, her lips were quivering and tears filled her eyes. But she refused to give in and cry. If she was crying Jason would have come out of the safety of the railing to get her. He couldn''t stand to see a woman cry, but he also hated it.


    But Jessie, she wouldn''t cry, she wouldn''t even beg. But looking in her eyes he saw the truth, behind the facade he saw her. So he walked back into the house admist her numerous protests not to. He grabbed a few of his ties and tied them together to make a rope.


    "Hey Jessie, look I''ll throw this to you. I want you to grab it and hold tight. Walk to me using the rope as a safety net, if you fall I''ll catch you." he said as he came back out.


    "Are you sure? It doesn''t seem safe" she said.


    Jason sighed again, staring daggers at her. Jessie nodded, he doesn''t like being questioned, noted. "Fine throw it" she said.


    Jason threw the makeshift rope to her and after the third try she grabbed it. "Okay now, Walk to me Jess."


    "You''ll catch me right?" she asked.


    "Yes I will."


    "You sure you''ll catch me?" she asked again.


    "Yes! Walk" he ordered.


    "You promise?"


    "Jessie just walk you''ll be fine." he said.


    "Promise me, promise you won''t drop me" she insisted.


    Jason bit the inside of his mouth in frustration. Maybe he should just leave her here, "I promise." He spat, and she nodded.


    "Here I go" she muttered.


    It took a while but she started to move, slowly. Dragging herself across the wall, never breaking eye contact with Jason. When she finally got close enough he grabbed her arms and pulled her to him. Holding her waist he hauled her over the railing and she fell on him as he landed on the floor.


    The laid like that for a while staring at each other, Jessie bit her lips to stop them from quivering gazing down on him. Slowly, slowly she inched closer, his black eyes pulling her in. She had never met anyone with black eyes, you could get lost, and she saw a million emotion within them. They alluring thing about his eyes was they revealed everything, she couldn''t tell exactly what he was feeling, he revealed too much. But what she was sure off, was his desire, the way his hand crept lower and she was sure she felt it to as she made no move to stop him. With his other hand Jason plucked her lip from between her teeth and ran his thumb across the wet length of her bottom lip. Jessie''s breath hitched in her mouth as she ran her hands from his shoulder till they framed his face. His skin was smooth and soft beneath her touch and she was spellbound.


    Jason lifted his head to meet her halfway, the wait was killing him. He was more than eager to meet her plush, plump pink lips that she just had to lick. It drove him crazy, his arms snaked through her hair as he pulled her closer to him, closing the distance between their lips. And in the last moment Jessie turned her face to the side and his lips came in contact with her cheeks.


    Jason sighed, his head falling back to the floor. "This seems to be a preferred position for you" He muttered.


    "I don''t understand, what do you mean?" Jessie asked.


    "This is not the first time you laying on me like this, I should really punish you for this."


    "Punish me? You pulled me onto you, how is this my fault?" She pouted.


    "Oh? Then did I force you to attempt suicide and change you mind halfway?"


    She rolled her eyes, "that was not a suicide attempt, trust me if I wanted to end my life, you would have come back to a corpse. And don''t flatter yourself, I was running away from you."


    He gave her a sinister smile. "Just the confession I was waiting for."

 Chapter 6 - 6.Show Time.

    Patricia rose as she heard the knock on her doors, she had been expecting the police. Took them long enough, she thought.


    Thanks to Jessie Marin''s disappearance she had days off while the writers and directors had to figure out what to do about the series. At least she had time to think.??


    "Miss Particia Lee?" the cop asked by the door.


    "Yes, that''s me."


    "You need to come with us ma''am" He said.


    "I understand" she nodded. "May I grab my bag?"


    "Certainly."


    She walked back inside and grabbed her purse and sunglasses. Making sure to put on a fur coat and some stilettos, if then plan was going to play out as she wanted then there will be paparazzi. She followed the officers into their cop car, sending a quick text to her manager. They drove off.


    She walked in quietly as they led her in, making sure to keep her head down. Innocent or guilty it was never good to have fans see and idol in the police station. She sat in an interrogation room for a while before the the detective came in.


    "Miss Lee" he greeted "I''m Detective Anderson."


    "Nice to meet you detective" she smiled.


    "Well let''s get to it" he said sitting down. "Based on your willingness to come for questioning, I assume you know why you''re here?"


    "Hmmm... I''m not so sure" she shrugged. "But I should cooperate with authority right?" She grinned at him.


    "Okay then, you''re co-star Jessie Marin is missing and based on recent information, it appears that you were the last to see her." Patricia shrugged again, "Can you tell us what happened?"


    "Well I already told the cops that came to my house yesterday what happened. After we left the interview she got into her bus and left." She said.


    "Ofcourse miss, but you see we have gotten new evidence that shows us you also got into that bus, but the funny thing is that we can''t tell if you were in there before or after Miss Marin. So why did you lie?" He asked her.


    "Okay, fine I lied to protect Jessie." Patricia huffed, taking off her sunglasses and placing it on the table between them.


    "Pardon? Protect her in what sense?" He asked.


    "Jessie was not the angel everyone thought she was, look I didn''t know that it was her bus when I got into it. I was exhausted so I fell asleep immediately after I sat down. When I woke up I heard noises outside, Jessie was not in the car and neither was the driver. When I got out she was gone and the driver was dead." She said.


    "And why are you just saying this?" He asked.


    "Because I don''t what you guys to think I did it."


    "So you''re telling me, you came out saw a dead body and didn''t call the cops?"


    "I was scared, look I understand how this looks but the only thing I could think off was getting out of there so I didn''t end up like the driver!" she groaned. "Look I''m sorry but my family and I haven''t had the best experiences with cops, so don''t blame me for not trusting you."


    "So why are you telling me this now, why didn''t you tell the detectives that came over to your apartment yesterday?"


    "I was scared! And now I-I I''m scared for Jessie."


    "Miss Lee forgive me but I find all this too overwhelming, you have to admit it is difficult to believe." The detective stared matter of factly.


    "Look, I''m sorry I lied but please believe me, I''m telling the truth okay. I''m a very famous person and I certainly have enemies. You have no idea the problems I deal with from anti-fans and haters, how many death threats I''ve had to face in my life time. So I get the right to be scared." Her voice broke.


    The detective stared at her and shook his head. "I''m sorry but I don''t believe you."


    Wiping nonexistent tears she sniffled and said


    "Well, detective I''ve told you all I know. Now if there is nothing I''ll be going. I assume you no longer have the right to keep me here." She finished. Standing up, she grabbed her purse and glasses and left the room.


    She picked up her phone and read the text sent back from her manager. The paparazzi had arrived and they were for her at the entrance.


    She punched some numbers on her phone and called. "Step two, dump the fake."


    Standing at the entrance, she put on a feigned hurt and walked out. It was show time.


    **************************************************


    "So what are you going to do? Yes I escaped or rather tried too, what are you going to do?" Jessie sassed at him.


    Jason grinned "you''re not in the least scared of me are you?" he asked.


    "Should I be?" Jessie laughed.


    "You definitely should" He said flipping over and trapping her beneath his own body. "You forget" he continued "You are a captive in this house, not a guest, not a visitor. And you won''t take a step out unless I say so. So I advice you to rather stop defying me and behave."


    "Or what? You''ll hit me?" she scoffed.


    "Oh honey there are worse punishments than physical abuse." Jason said.


    Jessie wanted to believe he was bluffing but they was a danger, a deep rage that she saw in his eyes that terrified her. Did she want to find out what was worse than a beating? She bit her lips and tried to push him off her, but he grabbed her arms and held them above her head. Pinning them above her head with on hand and gripped her neck with his other hand.


    "Don''t push me Jessie, I''m trying, really trying to be good. Be careful with that pretty mouth of yours." Jason warned.


    "You''re trying? I haven''t had a proper meal in the last three days, I have no clothes and I''m sorry but I''m I supposed to look at the ceiling all day? There is literally nothing to do in this house." she snarled. "You say there are worse things that physical abuse what else could you possibly take from me?"


    Jason smiled and tilted his head as she uttered her last words. Dipping his head he sniffed her hair. Coming down lower and biting her ear lobe. He loved the way she shivered at the contact.


    "Oh dear Jess, there a lot of things I can take from you" He whispered in her ear. Dragging his nose the expanse of the smooth clear skin of her long neck. When he placed a feather light kiss on her collar bone she struggled beneath him. But she was not strong enough to break out of his grip. As she realized this she whimpered. Jason froze at the sound and didn''t go further. He stared into her beautiful green eyes and released his grip on her.


    She scrambled to her feet and moved away from him immediately he let her.


    "Why are you wearing my hoodie?" He asked her, noticing the big sweater that fell down to her mid thighs. Granted he was a little annoyed but the thought of her in his hoodie made him quite pleased. Plus it showed of those legs that enticed into spending 20 million dollars.


    "I told you I have no clothes."


    He smiled at her flustered self. Her cheeks were tinted with pink and she avoided eye contact. He had to admit, it deeply pleased him how she shivered and struggled beneath him. He liked the feeling and wanted more of it. Jessie on the other hand was terrified, in all honesty she knew that she was in danger, that this situation was clearly no joke. But what scared her more than the fact that Jason did indeed feel attracted to her in a way she wasn''t ready for, was the fact that as he touched her she might have almost wanted it too. She shook her head, no way, no way. He was a sick bastard that purchased her like some doll in a store, everything he did was repulsive. She struggled to convince herself that it was not her fault she was trapped, she should have struggled harder.


    "Alright then, let''s do this. If you behave till tomorrow night, I''ll buy you clothes." He said.


    "Wait, so what am I to wear till then?" she asked.


    "What you''re wearing is fine."


    "But I don''t have any underwear" she blurted out. Immediately regretting reminding him of that very important information as his eyes darkened and he looked at her hungriliy.


    "As I said, behave and I''ll buy them for you" he said.


    Jessie fisted her palms in anger, but bit her lips to restrain herself. Yelling at him would not do her any good. She sighed taking her fingers through her hair.


    "Fine I''ll behave."

 Chapter 7 - 7.Me Or You.

    Jessie gave up and gave in to her fate. It was difficult to not argue but if she really was going to be trapped in this penthouse then she''d need basic necessities so she had to be good. Biting her lip she refrained from saying anymore to Jason. If her calculation was correct she was supposed to get her period this week, and she needed tampons. He had to get her tampons so she would be good, until then she would nod and smile at him.


    "You realize that smiling at me won''t get you any brownie points, right?" Jason said.??


    "No?" Jessie grinned. "Well a girl can try right?"


    Jason shook his head and walked back into his apartment, to answer the door when the bell rang. Jessie was immediately alert, this is it. She could tell whoever was at the door that she was kidnapped and held aganist her will. She walked into the house as well, moving quickly. She was almost to the door and Jason when he turned around.


    "Remember, you''ll behave. And if you still want to remain stubborn and try to escape, make sure you succeed. Because Jessie if you don''t, don''t blame me for the consequences." He said with a wicked grin.


    He is smiling?! Jessie thought. Nothing in her life puzzled and terrified her like this look he was giving her right now. It felt like he was challenging her to try and run away. She froze and stood still as the delivery guy worked in with some Chinese. He also dropped a box of what Jessie assumed was cake. And just as he came in, he left as well. She on the otherhand stood rooted to the spot, with Jason grinning at her.


    "Wow, Jess. I''m quite surprised, you didn''t misbehave." He said as the delivery man left.


    "I didn''t do it because you threatened me, I didn''t try to escape because it''s not the right time." She lied. "Don''t even think for a moment I''m scared of you, because I''m not."


    He laughed, shutting the door and walking over to her. "Who are you trying to convince? Me or you?"


    ***************************************************


    Jonathan Kang stood in front of his father mansion. He could not believe that the man that had banished his mother and himself for twenty years suddenly decided he wanted him back.


    A man in a black suit that almost seemed more elegant than his walked over to him, the man stood tall at about a 6''4 but as he came closer it was obvious, Jonathan still towered over him.


    "Can I help you sir?" The man asked as he was just staring at the gate.


    "Yeah I''m here to see the Chairman." Jonathan said.


    "And who can I say you are?"


    "Tell him his exile is back." He replied.


    The man gave him a puzzled look but repeated his statement into the earpiece in his ear. Almost immediately the gate buzzed open and he was led in. He was familiar with the house, he knew the blueprint by heart even, he studied it in college. His professor never stopped praising the architecture, he knew the crooks and cranies but it was his first time seeing it in person.


    The was a lot of space, the entrance alone had a waterfall in the shape of a fish, and it was glass. He had never seen a glass fountain, the grass seemed unreal and photoshopped. Statues and headlights were scattered around the place and the ground was marbled. Why marble was outside and not inside he could not understand or maybe it wasn''t marbled flooring. He''d had seen this type of flooring once in his life and even then he knew it was more money than his brain could put together. Despite the shine it wasn''t slippery, intact the floor looked wet but wasn''t.


    Then the mansion, it stood as tall as a castle but instead of the old bricks and towering gargoyles, there was glass and bulbs. He had never seen a modern house like this. The architecture was crazy, no wonder he had studied this house, his father''s house in college.


    He should hate this cold, heartless man that didn''t think of anyone else but himself. He only wanted someone around him when the person was useful for him. All his life his half brother was in the spotlight, heir to the family fortune. He on the other hand was hidden away like some social pariah, because he was illegitimate, like some spare. But instead he was eager to meet his father. His mother adored the man and always covered up for him, he had no idea why. This man sent them away and lived a happy life with his family but she raised him to love his father regardless. And now about to meet the man that had been the greatest pain and longing in his life, yet he was eager. The irony of things.


    As he past by the throngs of servants and maids, through the luxury he also had a right to enjoy but never did he finally stood in front of the man that he called father.


    "I assume you are Jonathan Kang? My son." The chairman smiled.


    He looked a lot like his half brother, they had the same hair, build and eyes. Maybe that''s why he kept Jason and not him.


    "Nice to see you again dad."


    ***************************************************


    Tossing and turning did nothing to ease the gnawing pain eating up Jessie''s stomach. She tried everything, pillow under her back, kneeling with the pillow beneath her stomach, nothing worked. She couldn''t get a single relief, she silently cursed herself for indulging in the cake. She barely sniffed cakes before but all off a sudden when Jason made a funny joke about her abstinence from the sweet dish she felt the need to prove him wrong. And now she was paying the consequences. She realized now more than ever, the importance of staying away from sugar. She had done so before in respect to maintaining her strict diet but now, experiencing this pain, she knew that it was a no go area.


    She got up from her bed and walked, bent over to the door. If this was any indication she needed supplies right away. Jason''s deal will just have to wait.


    ***************************************************


    Jonathan laid on the king sized bed in his apparently new suite. His father has assigned the entire floor to him. Trying to take his mind off all the things they had discussed earlier in the day he turned of the television. Smiling at the ease of access as everything was voice controlled in the mansion. The news was the same as the previous days. The missing actress Jessie Marin. It was too sad, honestly he was huge fan, the news says it might have been a kidnapping, but Jonathan couldn''t understand why anyone would kidnap such a strong personality. If anything the person was asking for trouble, everybody would be on the look out for her, ''the nation''s goddess''. He shook his head at the absurdity of this world. She suddenly seemed a whole lot human now, the fact that she was able to get into such a situation was unbelievable.


    Time flew by and the television was filled with images of Jessie Marin sudden disappearance and slowly Jonathan drifted in to a dreamless slumber.


    ***************************************************


    "What do you mean he''s here?" Jason asked.


    "He arrived this afternoon sir, the chairman sent for him." The voice from his telephone said.


    Jason sighed and paced his bedroom. His father was unbelievable, what kind of joke was this supposed to be?


    "Look keep me posted about everything, even down to the time he eats his meals, let me know about everything okay?"


    "Yeah, yeah sure sir."


    He threw his phone against the wall and it shattered, that would be the seventh this month. He didn''t care, he was so mad. Did his father really think bringing his bastard brother back from wherever the hell he was living was going to make him scared, the old man got another thing coming.


    He finally went to lay on his bed, trying to catch some sleep, and as his eyes were about to shut after what felt like forever, he heard Jessie scream his name.


    Whatever sleep was coming was definitely gone with the banging. He has no idea what she was doing but he hoped she was aware that this was not in any way, behaving.


    Walking to the door he flung the door open. Looking down at her crouching frame she looked small and pale.


    Jessie struggled to stand up when the wooden frame she was banging on was replaced by feet. Unable to stand straight she was slightly bent and her right hand clutching very tightly to her stomach while she used the wall to support her.


    "What the hell do you want?" Jason spat.


    "I need tampons."

 Chapter 8 - 8. Needle In Haystack.

    "You need what?" Jason asked.


    "Tampons, please" she said hunching over in pain.??


    "Are you okay?" Jason reached for her but she held a hand up to stop him.


    "Just get me tampons right now."


    "Like right now? Can''t it wait till morning?" he asked running his hands through his hair. "Can''t you hold it?"


    Jessie glared at him, blowing the hair that fell forward in the stare. "Hold it, hold it! Are you Kidding me?!" She screamed, anger suddenly blinding her pain, she reached up and grabbed his shirt. Pulling a very flabbergasted Jason down to meet her eye. "I swear to god, don''t get me tampons and underwear, whoever you seem to know will find your body tomorrow. Or when ever the hell they decide to look for you. " She growled.


    Jason raised his hands in surrender, man she was mad. Honestly even though he was quite annoyed looking at her turning into such a fierce dragon amused him. So this is what they meant by women were cranky when they got their period. Jessie was practically mad with rage. Her nostrils flared, her face red and he could see veins popping from her neck. Apart from her resting bitch face, this was the most emotion she showed him.


    "Fine, I''ll go buy some for you in the store." He said.


    And slowly she released her grip on him. "You are a horrible man do you know that?" She said, her voice breaking. "Not only did you take me away from my life, you didn''t even provide the basic necessities required for me to survive, tell me did I ever offend you? Tell me please! Who did I kill in my past life to deserve this?! I hate you and I hate this, I was at the peak of my career. Everything I worked hard for is now falling apart and why? Because some sick pig couldn''t just go to a whore house he had to buy a human being for what? 1 million, 2 million? Never in my life did I think I''d have to beg some stranger for tampons!" She sniffled. But she still didn''t cry, turning away from Jason she blinked away her tears.


    She had been kidnapped, sold and now whatever this was. But she would not cry, because if she cries she is telling him he has won.


    Jason was stupified, he stood there by his door frame looking at the woman who had suddenly appeared in his life and for the first time he felt just as disgusting as those men at the auction.


    When did he become this person, who could have whoever he wanted he was Jason Kang. He could have everyone but not the woman in front of him. He saw the pain in her green eyes, he saw the tears but she didn''t let them down, why? He wondered.


    Walking out of the hallway without a word, he left the penthouse and headed to the store. There was a store in the building he would get her tampons, but where could he get her underwear? All the stores that sold them would be closed by this time.


    He took out his phone and dialed the only person he could tell his current predicament too.


    ***************************************************


    Detective Anderson grabbed his third cup of coffee from the coffee maker, gosh this was a confusing case. No matter how he thought about his thoughts kept coming back to Patricia Lee. She was not telling them the entire truth, but why was she keeping stuff back? Was she guilty? Was she scared as she said she was? He couldn''t wrap his mind around it. Where the hell is the actress? If he had known this case would be bigger than this he would never have taken such a high profile case. Everyone was on him to get results and find the actress but it was like she disappeared into thin air. At this point she could be in heaven, because she was no where to be found.


    His phone rang in his pocket and he struggled to get it out, pulling his gun aside to create some space he answered.


    "Hey" the voice from the phone answered.


    "Lenora, how are you?" he said sipping on his coffee.


    "I''m good Jamie, how about you? How is the Marin case coming about?"


    "What can I tell you. It get more complicated as I investigate."


    "So you don''t have any Intel for me?" Lenora whined.


    "So that''s why you called? I don''t have anything yet. If that''s all then good bye." He said curtly.


    "Wait! Don''t cut me off, you that''s not the only reason I''m calling."


    "Doesn''t seem that way."


    "Come on Jamie don''t be like this."


    "Goodbye" He said and cut the call. Ugh now he wouldn''t be able to concentrate, why did she do this everytime. It was hard enough that they were secretly dating, but if she kept presenting exclusive news from the police people would start to get suspicious. But she didn''t want to get it, he didn''t know how to get through to such a stubborn woman. All she cared about lately was her job as a reporter, well at least she had that, it took her mind of things.


    Sighing he walked into the office, he was going to pulling another all nighter today, searching for a needle in the haystack.


    ***************************************************


    "Why the hell do you have me here by 11:30 in the night?"


    "I need your help, why else?" Jason said.


    The chestnut haired man grinned. "Wow look at the attitude. I have no idea why I''m still friends with you, might be why I''m your only friend."


    "Yeah whatever, I need underwear for a woman, panties to be specific." He stated with a bored expression.


    His friend tilted his head and laughed. "Are you serious? Your kidding right?"


    Jason stared at him pointedly. "Daebak! You not joking are you. Mind explaining?" His friend laughed.


    "Look I went to the Lee''s auction house because my father forced me and I bought a woman."


    "You bought a woman? Why? You hate those auction houses."


    "Look Paul I can''t get into details of what the hell I was thinking, but now she is asking for this and underwear." He raised the nylon bag in his hands.


    Paul reached out and collected it, after peering inside he burst into laughter. "Serves you right Jason, so why did you call me? It''s your problem."


    "Come on, you have connections. Get me into one of those fancy underwear boutiques, we are VIP."


    "No Jason, I am VIP. You are a jerk that thinks he is better than everyone, all the connections I have you could have had also, if only you swallowed that stupid pride of yours and talked to people. " Paul scolded him.


    "I am better than everybody Paul Song. And why do I need to socialize pointlessly when I have you?"


    "Is that a way of saying you need me? Huh? Tell me Jason are you finally admitting our friendship?" Paul asked with a wide grin. He already knew the answer to the question but it frustrated him how stoic his friend could be sometimes. Honestly he was eager to meet the woman that had Jason with a bag of tampons and looking for an underwear store in the middle of the night.


    "Don''t get ahead of yourself, get me the store and we''ll see." Jason said with a frown.


    "Okay, okay. I know the owner of the Victoria secret two blocks away, let''s go."


    ***************************************************


    After a while Jason returned with the tampons, some underwear and a dress. He walked into the apartment and as he headed up the stairs he heard whimpering. Turning around he followed the sound to the living room. Jessie was folded up on the couch, whimpering.


    "Jess" he called to her kneeling beside her. He brushed the hair that stuck to her fore head because of sweat."Jessie can you hear me?"


    "My stomach hurts so much" she said slowly opening her eyes. "Did you get it?"


    "Yeah, I got different types didn''t know which you would prefer." He whispered.


    She managed to sit up going through the plastic bag, she took it.


    "You bought a dress?" She said when she saw the chiffon off shoulder dress in the bag with the underwear.


    "Yeah, you wanted clothes right?"


    "Yes Jason, I need clothes. Asin more that one outfit."


    "You don''t need more than one outfit." He stated matter of factly.


    "Why not?" Jessie asked too tried and painful to ask more or included sass.


    "Because I thought of what you said earlier about buying you-" Jessie panicked was he going to punish her with this? She was an actress she couldn''t survive with only one outfit. She was used to wardrobes and wardrobes full of choices, she may be vain but she couldn''t help it.


    "Look I don''t take back anything I said, but I''m sorry I was rude, please buy more clothes." She interrupted him.


    Jason laughed, an action that had Jessie at the edge of her sit.


    "Did you just apologise?"


    "I told you I was going to behave so don''t punish me."


    "I''m not punishing you, as a matter of fact Jessie. I''m letting you go."

 Chapter 9 - 9. Trap.

    "You''re what?!" Jessie screamed. "Oh my gosh! Are you really serious?"


    "Well I''m not joking."??


    "But why all of a sudden?" She asked. "You know what nevermind I don''t care about the reason, I shouldn''t ask. Thank you so much!"


    "Yeah well, have a nice night. I''m going to bed now." He said standing up and walking over to his room.


    At least his conscience would be clear now, he wasn''t an animal, he wasn''t sick. Quite alright he wasn''t the nicest person but at least he wasn''t some monster.


    Come morning Jessie would leave his penthouse and return to her, what ever she did. He shook his head, well that was a waste of 20 million dollars.


    ***************************************************


    Patricia walked into the Lee & Lee''s group. She strutted in like she owned the place, because she did well part of it, in just hopefully a few years. She adjusted the scarf that wrapped her jet black hair, and put on her sunglasses, smacking her blood red lips she walked into the elevator. This lunch better be good, because she was leaving a very important appointment to be here. Relieved when the elevator dinged she exited and walked to the park area. It was an outdoor brunch, her grandfather loved to eat in nature. It was a surprise how a cruel man that murdered people without a heartbeat was so careful when it came to nature. He took care of this garden by himself, granted most of what was in it was genetically modified he managed it, so brownie points.


    "Is that you Patricia?"


    "George? What are you doing here?" She asked the handsome man that stepped out from behind a rose Bush.


    He immediately pulled her away from the sidewalk and behind the bush with him.


    "What the hell are you doing?!" She snapped.


    "Shhh" He held his index finger to his lips. "Why are you late?" He asked her.


    "What do you mean?" She lifted her right arm and checked the diamond studded wristwatch on her wrist. "I''m not late."


    "Well your grandfather is in one of his moods, and I am not ready to be scolded for your incompetence Patricia."


    Patricia shook her head "Come on now uncle, the only reason you get scolded is because of your own mistakes and nothing else."


    Her uncle narrowed his brown eyes at her and chuckled. "Don''t cross you boundaries there niece."


    "And yeah while we''re at it, have you seen a blonde woman at the auction house recently?" She asked.


    "What kind of question is that? Do you know how many people, how many women I see every day? Besides I don''t work directly with the products anymore." He scolded her.


    Patricia sighed, she shouldn''t ask. She doesn''t know how he will react at least not just yet anyway.


    "Wow Uncle I''m proud of you, you''re finally going up in the family eh? No longer grandfather''s lapdog?"


    George smiled. "At least I''m moving up, what about you? Still a whore?"


    Patricia pouted, but before she was able to say more she was interrupted.


    "Why are you two whispering behind my beautiful roses?" Mr. Xavier Lee asked his son and granddaughter.


    "Ah, Papa it is so nice to see you again" Patricia smiled widely and walked out.


    "Nonsense. I didn''t call you here to here about you missing me, neither did I call you here to watch you to backbite me. If you want to speak ill of me do it outside my property." The old man scolded.


    George shook his head at the bent old man carrying a cane. He should die already he was causing to much tension, problems and causing too many scenes. Plus he was under too much pressure already.


    "Come now, both of you." He said and started to walk to the table that had already been set with all kinds of food.


    Once they were sitted the bitter old man dug into his food. The remain two guests looked at each other first before they began to eat as well. It was rule no small talk during meals so after a while after they had finished eating, Mr. Xavier Lee broke the silence.


    "I saw the report from the auction house. The reports from this month were out of the ordinary." He said.


    "You mean impressive." Goerge said.


    "How did you do it? I hope you''ve not been foolish and become too greedy, I cannot have another run in with the authorities I''m too old for such."


    Goerge rolled his eyes and sighed, was it too hard to compliment a job well done? Why must everything be about not doing enough?


    "Well father, I cannot take all the credit for it cause you see you future grandson-in-law made the spike in the monthly reviews possible." Goerge said.


    "Jason did?" Patricia asked.


    Goerge nodded.


    "I don''t understand, explain it to me" Xavier said.


    "He bought a woman for twenty million dollars." Goerge told his family.


    "No way!" Patricia whined. "Are you certain it was him?"


    "Do not ask me stupid questions of course."


    Xavier laughed, "Wow, I certainly did not see this coming. It all better than I thought. You," he looked at Patricia "I have received reports that you have barely met with your fiance, why is that?"


    "Well grandfather" she tilted her head, a bit of her sleek black hair falling to her shoulders. "What can I do? He hasn''t contacted me since the engagement." She shrugged.


    "You fool. Are you going to sit around and wait for him?" Her uncle scolded.


    She scoffed "What am I supposed to do? Chase him around? Look unlike you Goerge I have self respect."


    "You little bitch! Who the hell do you think you''re talking to?" Goerge sneered.


    "I''m sorry but do you see anyone else around?"


    Their father slammed his cutlery on the table and they both stopped talking. "You have some nerve, the both of you. I am sitting here and you dare to squabble?"


    "Forgive me grandfather." Patricia said.


    "I''m sorry dad."


    "Insolent children. Look here, you''re uncle is completely right Patricia, you cannot wait around for him to come. If I know anything about the Kangs they are extremely proud. And you, I am happy that Jason has bought a product we can trap him with the contract."


    "That''s not going to be possible dad, he didn''t sign one yet." Goerge said.


    "What?!" His father yelled. "You really are Insolent, and why the hell did he not sign a contract? Has he taken the girl?"


    " Yes he was very impatient about it all that day. He took it away saying he had to look it over, he hasn''t returned it since. Besides father you were the one that told me to adhere to his every request when he visited that day or else I wouldn''t have let him go." Goerge explained.


    "I got my hopes up for nothing" his father sighed. "I know those people, by the time he cross examined that contract he would never sign it."


    The Lee owned a variety of illegal businesses but to outside world the had a perfume and makeup empire. They were the most powerful family in the country right now and that was because of those contracts. Exploiting the most powerful tool in the world, sex and money, they managed to trap many powerful men in every area of life, politics, show business, the economical sector, everyone. Anybody that purchased a product and signed that contract they blackmailed. The only family that stood in their way were the Kangs. Never has there been a Kang who has been caught doing illegal business. Xavier knew they weren''t clean but they were extremely smart, and now hearing the heir to the entire fortune finally fell into the trap he was ecstatic only to find out he didn''t really fall for it. It infuriated him how sly those people were.


    "Look here Patricia, you must seduce Jason Kang, I don''t care what you have to do. We can''t lose to them." Her grandfather told her.


    "Mess up and I swear I will kill you."


    Patricia smiled "trust your granddaughter now, I''ll succeed. Sure my uncle here failed you but I won''t."


    "Respect yourself Patricia" Goerge warned.


    "Or what?" She sassed.


    "You will respect your uncle Patricia, don''t make me say it again." Her grandfather warned.


    Patricia frowned, uncle her foot. He was six months older than her what kind of uncle was that? Either way be bit her tongue and hid her displeasure, not today. She lost the battle but she would definitely not lose the war. So she put on a fake smile and stood up.


    "If that would be all, I''ll take my leave." She said walking away.

 Chapter 10 - 10. SOS.

    Jason groaned as he got out of bed, wiping his face with his palm he walked into his bathroom. Looking at his reflection in the mirror he sighed, today his life would go back to normal.


    ''Jessie must be excited.'' He thought. Nodding to himself, why wouldn''t she be? He would be glad if he was in the same situation. He didn''t steal her from her life but he sure as hell enabled the entire situation. ''What was I even thinking!'' he thought combing his hair with his fingers. ''Father is going to be mad with rage. Oh well it is the least I could do. How could he bring back Jonathan?''??


    Grabbing his toothbrush rather forcefully he started to brush his teeth and curse at the mirror. A little while later he was done bathing and dressing. Grabbing his suit jacket he walked out of his room buttoning his sleeve.


    He headed down stairs expecting to see a blonde woman with a flowery dress. He went into the balcony kitchen and the gym room nothing. The laundry room was also empty, after going through all the rooms on the ground floor he wondered if she could still be upstairs.


    He went back up to her room, "Jessie?" He knocked on the door. "Jessie? Jessie open the door!"


    ''Did she perhaps already leave?'' he thought. He shook his head no way she would have gotten out.


    "Jessie?" He tried to open the door but it was locked, jangling the door he couldn''t get open. He pressed his ear against the door, as first it felt like he heard movements so he called out again, "Jessie?" He thought he imagined it until he heard a loud thud on the ground.


    "Jessie! Jessie can you hear me?!" He yelled. Using his body to ram into the door when he didn''t get an answer. He stepped back a few steps and kicked the door lock it gave in and broke open. Rushing inside he saw Jessie collapsed on the floor.


    "Jessie? Jessie, answer me" he shook her but she was unconscious and unresponsive. Her skin felt hot and clammy, she was sweating and looked very pale, picking her up he took her into her bathroom, stripped of her clothes and turned on the tub. He judged that she must just have had a bath since her skin felt oily, he dropped her into the tub of cold water. She was still unconscious, he quickly ran downstairs getting all the ice he could from the fridge and the bar he ran back to her. He dumped everything in the water, and knelt by her.


    "Jessie please wake up, please." He pleaded as her pushed the hair that stuck on her face away.


    "Hmm..." she groaned.


    "Are you okay?" He asked. Her eyes fluttered open and close until she finally came to.


    "Jason?"


    "Yeah, yeah it''s me."


    "What happened? I don''t feel very good." She said weakly. "I''m so cold, I want to get out of here." She said standing up.


    Jason held her back, "No not yet, you''re still too hot." He got up and reached into a cabinet in the bathroom and pulled out a thermometer.


    Putting it in her ear, "we need to lower your temperature Jessie. Please endure it a bit, hmm?"


    "I don''t want to" she whined, pushing him away to get out.


    Jason struggled to get her to stay put especially when she was determined to get out if the freezing water. In their tug of war, Jason pushed her to hard and in the process of clutching to him for support he himself slipped and fell into the water.


    "Shit!" he cussed as he fell in. It really was cold. He locked her in the tub and caged her with his body as he knelt with one knee in between her legs and his two hands at each side of her head.


    Jessie feeling a bit of comfort and heat from Jason body snaked his arms around his neck and pulled him closer to herself until he was touching her body.


    An action that made Jason distracted. Slowly he lowered his head, inching closer and closer with each millisecond. Even Jessie closed her eyes and raised her chin anticipating what could be coming next. As if in a daze they were both distracted or probably adhering to the physical attraction they''d been feeling since day one.


    And just as the imaginary drum roll got faster and contact was to be made, Jason phone rang. Jessie snapping from the daze withdrew her hands around his neck until her palms laid flat against his chest and she slightly pushed him away. Seeing that she was more alert, he ignored the phone call and picked the thermometer again and put it in her ear. 37.8, that was good enough. Moving backwards he stepped out of the tub and picked Jessie up as well, not trying to ignore the fact that she was only in her underwear. Jessie held his neck for support as her took her out of the room and laid her on the bed. A moment later he threw a towel at her and handed her a bath robe.


    "Can you change by yourself?" He asked.


    She nodded slightly. He walked back into the bathroom and picked up his phone from the washing hand basin. Walking out to give her some privacy, he went into his room to change his clothes, dripping as he went.


    He would tell the cleaning lady to come earlier today, after discarding his wet clothes he picked up the phone to see who called, Paul.


    He must be in the building, sending a quick text he dressed. Wondering what the hell made her so sick this morning. And silently cussing himself for being a bit relieved she wasn''t in any shape to leave just yet.


    ***************************************************


    Paul walked out of the elevator wondering what caused Jason to send him an SOS, the only other time in their twenty five years of friendship was when he was in an accident when they were teenagers and his father could not find out the he broke his leg or totalled his car.


    He reached the door and rang the bell, looking into the camera by the entrance. He dialed Jason number but before he called the door opened.


    "Dude, what is the emergency? You look fine to me."


    "It''s Jessie, I need a doctor" Jason said the desperation all though faint noticeable in his voice.


    "Who is Jessie?" Paul asked following Jason into the house as he basically ran upstairs.


    "The woman I bought from the Lee''s auction house." He said as they both ran up.


    "What''s the matter? What''s wrong with her?" Paul asked as they entered her room.


    "I have no idea, last time I saw her, last night she was having stomach pains so I just assumed it was you know, cramps. But earlier this morning I had to break down her lock to pick her up from the floor, she was so hot. I put her in the tub with some ice to reduce her temperature, she came to and I left her to change. Now she won''t wake up." Jason explained the situation. "You need to get some of your doctors in here, now!"


    Paul Song family had one too many hospitals, they had the biggest and best hospitals all across the country.


    Paul moved closer to the unconscious woman on the bed, sitting beside her he touched her forehead quickly retracting his hands because of how hot she felt. He looked at Jason, and shook his head.


    "This is bad Jason, she needs hospital, like ER right now. That fever isn''t normal at all. If she is going to be alive she needs a hospital." He took his phone to call his hospital.


    "I can''t take her to any hospital Paul" Jason said curtly.


    "Don''t worry, I train my doctors well, they are discrete okay." Paul said looking at Jessie again. He tilted his head as he took in her features.


    "What''s wrong? Make the call!." Jason ordered.


    "What did you say her name was?" Paul asked.


    "How is that important right now?" Jason snapped.


    "Just answer me, tell me Jason." Paul said firmly.


    "Jessie. What is the problem?" He asked noticing Paul expression.


    "Dude that''s Jessie Marin." Jason gave him a blank look. "The nations goddess, Jessie Marin. The missing A-list actress."


    Suddenly Jason recognized her as well, ''ah that''s where I know her from, she was costars with Patricia on some movie'' he thought.


    Then the problem dawned on him.


    "Shit! Shit, shit, shit!" He swore. "I swear if I find Goerge Lee I will kill him!"


    "Me and you both bro, but what are we going to do? My doctors are discrete but not this discrete." Paul sighed.


    "Isn''t there any other option?" Jason asked.


    "Well I say it''s easier to just let her die and dump the body." Paul shrugged.


    "You''re Kidding right?" Jason frowned.


    "I am not. You do realise what this will do to you if it comes out. What damage it will cause for you and you business. The entire nation and the cops are looking for this woman, if you happen to get caught, even if you eventually managed to get away from the law on this, everything about you is still going to come out into the open. Are you ready to explain Paradise to your father and the feds?"


    Jason sighed looking from Jessie to Paul, weighing his options. He really barely knew this woman, and all the time she has been here she was nothing but trouble. He couldn''t let his father get his hands on Paradise, he made a promise to his late mother. The only person he loved in this world.


    Paul looked at his tortured friend. "It''s your call bro."

 Chapter 11 - 11. We Wait.

    Frances put in her headphones after she finished her stretch, it was going to be a long run today. She had neglected her training for too long now she couldn''t do so anymore. The break was over and she was finally motivated enough to go back to school. She started to run the dirt track and down the path into the woods. It was still early in the morning but there was enough light for her to see where she was headed. After running for almost and hour she contemplated going back but decided to to an extra ten minutes. She continued running until she tripped.


    "Ooooff!" She landed on the floor, and began rolling down the side of the road. ''Is this the end for me? Am I going to die?'' she thought as she rolled. Until something prevented her from rolling further and she stopped.??


    Sitting up she examined her torn clothes and the bruises littering her skin. She looked to see what stopped her, it looked like a person.


    Removing her phone to check for sure, since she didn''t want to believe it, she turned on the flashlight. Her blood froze when she saw the body but the instant she recognized the face she let out and ear splitting scream.


    **************************************************


    Patricia got in her car immediately she heard the news, Jessie was dead! She had to act fast, turning it on she quickly headed to the police station. Bursting out of the car in tears she ran into the station.


    "Detective Anderson! I need to speak to detective Anderson." She sobbed.


    The cop at the reception directed her to his office and she went in.


    "Don''t you think all those tears are unnecessary?" The detective asked her, crossing his arms across his chest with a bored expression.


    "What do you mean?! My friend and colleague just died how can you say that?" She whined, wiping her nose. Without permission she sat down at the other side of his desk.


    "Well, since your here I assume you want to tell me the whole truth?" He said.


    "Yes, yes I''m not protecting her anymore. I''m really sorry I lied but I know what happened that night." She said.


    The detective gave her a blank look and she sniffled and started to talk.


    "That night after the interview, I was truthful when I said I got into her van thinking it was mine. I usually sit at the back so I''m sure she didn''t notice me when she got in because like I said before, I fell asleep. When I got up I heard voices like she was arguing with somebody and the van wasn''t moving anymore. I got out to see who it was but you must realise my shock when I saw her holding a gun to her driver. I wanted to say something, stop her but she fired and killed him. Instinctively I screamed, and she saw me. Before she could threaten me with the gun I hit it out of her hands and she took off running." Patricia narrated.


    "So you are saying Jessie Marin killed the driver" He said curtly.


    She nodded.


    "And you said nothing sooner because...?"


    "I was scared, I didn''t know what to do. I couldn''t judge the situation." She said sincerely.


    "So what makes you so bold now?"


    "Well Jessie is dead, she killed herself with pills from guilt." Patricia said matter of factly.


    "How do you know that? We haven''t released the news of her body to the press neither have we done an autopsy so how do you know that?" He asked her.


    "Because of this" she said digging her hands into her purse and bringing out her phone. She turned it on and played a recording.


    "Patricia" the voice from the phone called. The detective sat up straight as he heard it.


    "Is that Jessie?" he asked and she nodded motioning for him to be quiet and listen.


    "Jessie? Jessie where are you?!" Patricia''s voice from the recording spoke.


    "I''m sorry, I''m so sorry" Jessie cried. "Tell them I''m so sorry."


    "Tell who? Jessie you have to come back. Where are you? Where are you hiding?" Patricia asked.


    "It doesn''t matter and I can never come back, after killing the driver, I can''t."


    "So what now? Are you going to be on the run for the rest of your life?" She asked.


    "No, I won''t. Please tell my mother that I love her and she should take care of herself. Say hi to my manager and tell my agency they can go fuck themselves. No more."


    "Jessie, what are you saying? Where are you going?"


    "Where no one will follow me, good bye."


    "Wait. Jessie, Jessie!"


    Patricia picked up her phone from the table after the recording was done.


    "When did she call you?" He asked.


    "Two days ago." She answered.


    Jamie palmed his face and sighed. He was getting tired of this woman, did she think he was a fool? Or that she could manipulate him? Every day she added more to her story and was not even ashamed to tell him she got information and was willingly keeping it from him. He didn''t believe a word she said but she always brought evidence so he couldn''t dismiss her statement.


    "Okay, you''ll have to submit you phone as evidence I hope you have no issue with that." He said.


    "No, no of course not."


    "You can go for now, but this isn''t over. We''ll still need to you comeback again."


    "Certainly, thank you." Patricia said feigning hurt and dismay. She picked up her bag and walked out of the police station.


    And who said acting isn''t the best job in the world she smiled.


    ***************************************************


    Katherine waited anxiously in the parking lot, she had included just a few members of her team that she could trust because Paul was very clear that she should be discrete.


    As soon as she sighted his black g-wagon, she smacked on her gloves and they ran to the car.


    They were only four doctors in total there and the two men carried the unconscious woman and placed her on a stretcher. Katherine checked her pulse and her heartbeat. The others stood around the bed awaiting instructions. By the time they had administered the necessary first aid they wheeled her into the hospital.


    "Can you save her?" Jason asked.


    "Hopefully, we need to run tests first. Anything else important I should know? You know apart from the fact that I''m now struggling to save the life of our missing national goddess?" She said folding her arms and staring at the two men in front of her.


    "Kate, I promise I''ll explain everything later just help?" Paul pleaded.


    She shook her head, "I''ll do my best to save her life it is my duty as a doctor. But now, you owe me for keeping this a secret Paul."


    He nodded.


    "And you sir" she looked at Jason. "I''m very disappointed." She said walking away.


    "So what now?" Jason sighed.


    "We wait." Paul replied.

 Chapter 12 - 12. One More Day.

    "What the hell are you still doing?! I heard you received a statement from a witness why the hell are you taking so much time?" The commissioner of police yelled.


    Jamie Anderson bent his head and stares at his feet the whole time. "Sorry for the delay, but I strongly believe there''s a lot more to this case than we have."??


    "So are you saying your superiors are wrong? Are you saying I''m wrong?! Look out there, see all those people protesting against the police. Does it look like there is time for a hunch?" He said.


    "But sir, we can''t just base the entire case on one person testimony." He pleaded.


    "It''s not as if the witness didn''t come with solid evidence." The commissioner stated.


    "It''s just too unbelievable sir. For one I even believe that Patricia Lee is involved in this case somehow" Jamie said.


    "Mind your tongue boy, it may seem that way but don''t go barking up the wrong tree, it''s going to be detrimental for you. The Lee''s are not a family you can come against." The commissioner warned.


    "That''s why I want a longer investigation sir, we as the police can bring any corrupt or guilty party down." Jamie argued.


    "You don''t have evidence, all our evidence points to Jessie Marin as the murderer and states that she killed her self. I know it''s all too convenient but remember even if she is innocent she''s still dead so don''t let it weigh on your conscience Hmmm. Now close this case and leave it be, it causing to much stress for everyone."


    Jamie wanted to say more but bit his tongue. There was nothing more he could do right now, but he wasn''t going to give up. Something was definitely fishy and he was not going to rest until he found it. But as of right now he would close the case, because her fans where getting crazy all over the police station and the media wouldn''t stop bugging them.


    "Yes sir, I''ll take my leave now salute!" He said walking out of the office.


    ***************************************************


    Jessie struggled to open her eyes, she felt so weak and her limbs felt extremely heavy. She could her voices but they seemed far away. She blinked to adjust to the bright light that seemed to penetrate her eye balls, she took in her surroundings. Two men were discussing with another woman by the door and the room looked completely white. ''Hospital?'' she thought. ''But a hospital should have other things right?'' this one just seemed empty. Apart from the people discussing and her bed she couldn''t see anything.


    "Hmm... she''s awake." The woman said looking at her.


    "Jess?" Jason walked over to her bed, intact they all walked over to her.


    "How do you feel?" The woman asked.


    "Tired and weak. Where am I?" she asked her voice dry and coarse.


    "My name is Katherine Park, you''re in Song central hospital."


    Paul handed her a glass of water as Jason pressed the button for he bed to come up. After drinking a few sips she looked at them.


    "What happened?"


    "Well Jessie you collapsed, in my house? Can''t you remember?" Jason said.


    She looked at her laps and tried to recall.


    "It was pretty dramatic and quite scary, you truly are an actress" Paul laughed.


    "I wasn''t acting." Jessie said curtly.


    Paul opened his mouth to speak but Katherine elbowed him and shut him up. "Of course you weren''t, you are pretty sick." She said. "You have a stomach ulcer and being on your period didn''t help at all."


    Jessie groaned, why was her period such a big deal, ugh!


    "Plus" Katherine continued "you haven''t been eating well so that contributed as well."


    "I''m I going to be okay?" She asked.


    "Yeah, you just need a lot of rest and food. Stay away from stress it increases stomach acid and you can''t have that right now." Katherine adviced.


    "They''ll discharge you tonight, Katherine will be visiting the house while you recover." Paul said


    Jessie looked at Jason, wondering why he was so quiet. "Can I still leave your house?"


    "No." He said curtly.


    Jessie frowned, Paul raised his brow in question and Katherine stared daggers at him.


    "Jason!" Jessie fumed.


    "Jason, I swear if you don''t let our nations goddess go I will-"


    "You will what? What will you do Katherine?" he interrupted. "Don''t even try cross your boundaries" He warned.


    He raised a hand to stop Paul from speaking, he looked back at Jessie.


    "Your going to stay with me until your fine, not a minute earlier. Understand?" He growled.


    "Are you getting angry at me right now?" She huffed.


    Jason sighed "this is non-negotiable, okay?" Je said.


    Jessie shook her head and rolled her eyes looking away from him she laid down.


    ***************************************************


    Lenora practically sprinted into the news room with the papers. They had a very juicy exclusive, she knew she shouldn''t have stolen the information off Jamie laptop. But she couldn''t resist the reporter in her. This was definitely going to get her a promotion for sure.


    "Here is the final draft for the news this even Cap." She said.


    "Ah... we are definitely going to win the ten o''clock spot with this" He smiled. "Tell the news reporter to meet me in the room in five minutes I can''t believe this."


    She nodded and left.


    Walking to call her superior she also went to gather the interview that she did of Actress and heiress Patricia Lee. She saw on Jamie''s laptop she was the only witness to the murder. And though as much as she would have loved to believe she couldn''t wrap her mind around it. Why would the national goddess kill her driver? Why would she ruin her career like that. Was he perhaps blackmailing her? But about what? Any way it was already too late now, the story was written and edited in a few hours the country would receive the biggest shock, the beloved icon and role model not only dead but also accused of murder.


    As she reviewed the interview she wondered of she was doing the right thing, or if she and the media were just being lead by the evidence. Perhaps she should still investigate? She would lose this job if she said anything now. And Jamie would definitely break up with her after the news today.


    ''I''m I really going to be the bad person?'' she thought. ''I''m I going to be the person that uses others for my selfish interests?''


    She shook her head, she can''t think that way right now. It was already too late, it''s going to happen and she is going to face the consequences right?


    She spun on her heels and walked back into the meeting room, everyone was gathered as they discussed the news for this evening.


    "Ah look at our star reporter!" The director praised her, they all began to clap.


    Lenora wished they wouldn''t, her resolve to do the right thing was weakening by the moment.


    ''Can she really do this to Jamie?'' she thought. Clearing her throat she spoke.


    "I don''t think we should broadcast this today."


    "Why?" one of the reporters asked.


    "Doesn''t it seem strange? I mean not of it makes sense, we do not have a reason behind why she killed her driver and why she killed herself." she said.


    "I do agree with you, but if do not act fast with this other news stations are eventually going to get the scoop and what then?" her captain said.


    "I understand the situation, but imagine we were wrong? This isn''t just any story, think about what her fans are going to do to us if it isn''t the truth?" Lenora said.


    "What do you then propose?" The director asked.


    "One more day, give me one more day to confirm then we can broadcast." She said.


    "Do we have something else to take the breaking news?" The director asked the remaining reporters.


    "Oh there is the story on another teenager that has attempted suicide, it''s that third case this month." One reporter said eagerly.


    "Alright let''s do that, Lenora one day." The director said.


    She nodded and walked out, she had 24 hours to get this right, she hoped Jamie would forgive her for this.

 Chapter 13 - 13. Contacts.

    "I can walk on my own you know" Jessie said wriggling in Jason''s arms.


    "Stop shaking" he ordered. "Or you''ll fall."??


    Jessie couldn''t be in his arms a second longer, he was making her blush because she couldn''t stop thinking about what happened earlier. ''What was I thinking'' she thought ''how could I hold him like that in only my underwear, worse in a tub''.


    "Let me down." She said again.


    "Are you really going to be stubborn?" Jason asked, holding on to her tighter. His grip on her hips and back got tighter and he held her closer to him.


    "Yes, let me down!"


    "Can you two please stop this until you get into your apartment? Come on I''m here too." Paul said. "Just sleep together already" he muttered.


    Jessie''s face turned a bright shade of pink, and Jason chuckled at how flustered Paul''s comment made her.


    "Ignore him, he jokes like that all the time" He whispered in her ear.


    " Oh? I wasn''t joking." Paul said.


    "What the hell is taking this elevator so long?" Jessie asked fanning herself with her palm, why she was this affected she couldn''t understand. She had been in this position with many men she was an actress for crying out loud! Why was Jason any different? Perhaps was she starting to develop Stockholme syndrome?


    She couldn''t be more joyous when the elevator dinged open and they walked off. Jason still very insistent on carrying her took her in. Setting her down only when it was on the couch.


    Jessie sat up and pushed her frizzy hair away from her shoulders, her hair was thick and full and framed her slim face perfectly. Thanks to the week she hadn''t been able to straightened it, now it lost it''s slick and polish, ending up in large curls on her head. She grabbed a pen from the side of the table and rolled it up and stuck the pen in to hold it up.


    "I''ll get you some tea" Jason said walking to the kitchen.


    "Where''s Paul?" Jessie asked since she didn''t see him walk in.


    "Right here doll, you need something?" He asked.


    "Uh... no not really I was just curious." She shrugged.


    Paul smirked at her and tilted his head, "and here I was feeling flattered our nations goddess knew my name."


    Jessie smiled, who didn''t know Paul Song, playboy casanova. The only non-medical person in his family the black sheep, she had heard countless stories of him, his money, his looks and relentless charm.


    "How wouldn''t I know you, we''ve met." Jessie said.


    Paul''s eyebrow went up "We have?"


    Jessie nodded, that was not a night she was proud of, she almost made a mortal mistake. She was drunk, young and naive. But at least she could look back now and say at least she learnt a lesson.


    "Yeah, seven years ago, I was just debuting and was practically a nobody. You ofcourse didn''t notice me, but we met." Jessie said with a bittersweet smile.


    "No way!" Paul said. "How would I be in the presence of such beauty and not remember."


    "Don''t try to make me feel better, and plus I did not look at polished as I do now." Jessie shook her head.


    Paul eyes widened in fake surprise, then he smile and nugged his head for her to continue.


    "Well for one my hair wasn''t this colour, and plus I had brown eyes, with a mole right above my lips." Jessie said.


    "You had brown eyes?" Paul said.


    "I guess I still have them" she said. " You know, what the hell" she opened her eyes wider with her index and middle finger and took off the contacts that gave her green eyes and set them down, blinking at Paul.


    "You had that the whole time?" he asked.


    "Yeah, I barely take it off. My fans loved it, besides it added to my exotic look so I didn''t take it of as often as I should have."


    "What are you two talking about" Jason asked as he walked in with two cups of tea on a tray.


    "She has brown eyes" Paul said.


    "No way, Jessie had the most alluring green eyes I''ve ever see-" Jason set the tray down and stared at the woman sitting in front of him.


    "When the hell did your eyes get so big?" He asked in shock.


    "Oh" she said rubbing the back of her neck. "Another reason I wear the contact they help create the illusion my eyes are smaller. I have big brown eyes, deal with it. You guys are making me feel like a freak." She frowned.


    "Oh far from it, but forgive our shock, you look entirely different." Paul said.


    Jessie looked to Jason for confirmation.


    "Drink you tea, it''ll help." He said walking away from them.


    Jessie pouted, feeling a little disappointed and a little insecure.


    "Do I really look that bad?" She asked Paul "I never should have taken them off." She said as she reached for the contacts she placed on the table.


    "Don''t put it on" Jason said from the stairs.


    They both turned to look at him.


    "Put them in here" he said.


    "But that''s a trashcan." Jessie said.


    "I know."


    "I don''t understand you, Jason."


    "How hard was my statement? Throw them away."


    "No."


    "No?"


    "No." Jessie affirmed "I will not toss away the only things that make me feel normal because you asked me too. Besides you''re not the boss of me."


    "Are you sure about that?" Paul said, Jessie shot him a glare. "Hey" he rose his hands in surrender "I''m just saying if I paid twenty million dollars for someone I''ll will own them."


    "What? Twenty million dollars?" Jessie gasped.


    "You bought me for twenty million dollars?!"


    Jason gave her a nonchalant stare gesturing to the trash bin he held in his hands.


    "And you''re just letting me go?"


    "Would you rather I keep you here?" He asked.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter, I''m worth a lot more than twenty million dollars. You can''t put a price on life." She said coughing slightly. That was almost 75% of her networth, Jeez.


    "Jess?"


    "Hmmm?"


    "Contacts."


    "No. When I''m better which will be by tomorrow I''ll need it for my shoot." she whined.


    "Why do you wear those things?" Jason asked setting down the trash bin and squatting down to look her in the eye.


    "What do you mean? You yourself said it, I have captivating green eyes." She said.


    Jason got up and sat on the couch beside her, she was laying across it. He sat beside her hips, moving closer her covered the distance between them and held her face in his hands.


    Jessie could feel her heart pounding against her ribs. She hated it when he was this close, somehow his scent made her dizzy and no matter how she didn''t want to she couldn''t help imagining his thin lips on hers. And his eyes that held so much intensity and now currently bore into hers.


    He smirked and she gulped.


    "I like your eyes the way they are right now, I never really took notice of the green." Jessie snorted. "Truly, with the green eyes you looked like you were out of this world you''re looks were unnatural. But now like this, you look like you belong to earth."


    "You know it seems like you''re trying to compliment my big brown eyes but you suck at it. Try again." She sassed.


    "You''re misunderstanding me. What I mean is that with the contacts you look dangerous and seductive. Now your this innocent beauty, you look sweet and delicate. Like a beautiful flower that I want to protect." He said.


    Jessie looked into his eyes trying to find the lie, but all she saw was sincerity. She found herself slowly trusting this man that had stolen her from her life. Slowly falling for his brutal honestly and his enticing looks.


    "Okay... this is my cue to go. See you dude" Paul said ruining the entire moment as they both moved away from each other.


    Jason shot Paul a subtle glare and Paul responded with a wink. With a wave he walked out of the penthouse.


    "I should go wash up" Jessie said quickly getting up. She ran upstairs before Jason would try to pick her up. Not trusting herself around him anymore.


    Jason walked into the kitchen wondering why he just said what he just did. He couldn''t possibly start having feelings for Jessie right? His attraction to her was purely physical. But with everything that had happened today, he wasn''t sure anymore. Finding out who she really was, seeing her sick and helpless like that and the fact that he placed his future and the safety of paradise on the line to safe her. Now, seeing her big brown doe eyes, it was just too much. She was like this princess in a castle just looking at her brought out a sense of responsibility in him. He felt like he should shield her from everything that could potentially hurt her. He wanted to hold her and keep her shielded forever. How was it possible for one woman to awaken so many emotions in such a little time? Who exactly was Jessie Marin?

 Chapter 14 - 14. Tweet.

    "What do mean the investigation is closed?" Lenora asked her estranged boyfriend.


    Jamie looked at her with a slight scowl, he stared at the remaining reporters in front of him. "Well miss, the investigation has been relentless in efforts and we have come to a suitable and reliable conclusion."??


    "But none of it makes sense" she said. She could hear the other reporters murmuring but she wouldn''t back down. She was going to he toast when she got back to work. She stopped them from using the news she so generously provided and for what? Only to find out the police were also going to settle for that half truth. ''Why? why did I give it up?'' she lamented. If she had stuck to her job rather than her feelings for Jamie she would have allowed the news air and their station would he the hottest talk right now. But no, as usual her feelings always got in the way. And what did she get in return, a firm scolding and cold shoulders.


    Jamie frowned at Lenora, they had this conversation already. ''Stubborn as ever, that woman'' he thought. Like he didn''t know already that it didn''t make sense, why wouldn''t she just back down and eat up the news like the other reporters present at the press conference.


    "Well miss?..."


    "Hastings" Lenora said although he already knew that.


    "Miss Hastings, not every crime or incident makes sense. Life doesn''t always make sense but doesn''t mean it isn''t life. Likewise this doesn''t make sense doesn''t mean it isn''t life." He said.


    "I assume those are all your questions?" he asked, the reporters. "Even so, I''m done answering anyone. Good day." he said leaving with a slight bow.


    By the evening the country would be chaos, and he hated to be in the middle of all that madness.


    ***************************************************


    Patricia Lee stared at the television screen with a smile on her face, Jessie Marin was finally over. Even the most powerful and influential person would never get out of a scandal like this. But she wondered why they didn''t release the recording she gave them, that would definitely be the icing on the cake. This would teach her how pride comes before a fall. She picked her phone up, although the public would be going crazy right now she couldn''t be so safe.


    ''As much as I would love to bid such a good friend goodbye and a wonderful time in heaven. I am beyond heart broken and I feel extremely betrayed. Who knew she was a killer? Oh Jessie I wish I could say I miss you but what now?''


    She stared at the tweet and with a smile she posted it. In less than a minute her fans were blowing up her phone, liking reposting and replying. Now the place that had always been so toxic for her and seemed to lick the bottom of Jessie''s shoes praised her for her honesty. And sympathized with her for having to work for so long with such a woman.


    But then she started to see some tweets from Jessie''s fans insulting her and saying that she would never do such a thing. Eventually the public''s opinion shifted yet again and everybody started battering her.


    "Ugh!" she screamed at she threw her phone at the couch in front if her. "I swear if not for the fact that I need this people I would kill each and everyone of them." She huffed.


    Picking her phone back up, she tweeted again.


    ''Oh I certainly have proof and it also breaks my heart to do this. But I will not sugarcoat the truth just because she''s dead, nobody knew Jessie like I did, and that is why she spoke to me last before she killed herself.''


    Beneath the tweet she pinned the recording she showed the detective. ''Let''s see how they accuse me now'' she thought.


    Her phone vibrated and she immediately checked to see if anyone had replied to her tweet but instead it was her annoying uncle.


    ''Have you met with your Fiance? Don''t make mistakes and woo him''.


    She totally forgot about him, she would send a text for them to meet as soon as she could. Tomorrow would be good, get her mind of all this for the time being.


    After she sent a text to him, she checked her social media and there was no response, not even a like or anything. She checked again to see if it was actually posted and it was. So why was everyone so quiet?


    ***************************************************


    "Miss Jessie? It time for your medicine." Jessie turned to look at the nurse that Jason had hired to look after her when he went to work. After yesterday she didn''t know what to think anymore. She walked into her room to shower and when she opened the closet to wear Jason hoodie and it was filled with clothes. And this morning by the time she woke up, he had hired an entire staff. A chef, a maid and a nurse.


    "Thank you" Jessie said and she swallowed the pill.


    "Would you like anything, some deserts or snacks. Joel just made the creamiest icecream I''ve ever tasted." She smiled.


    Jessie smiled at her, "Icecream? Oh no I don''t eat icecream besides I''ve missed one too many days of my workouts. If I want to avoid nagging from my manager and agency I need to be fit. Thanks anyway Abigail."


    "You can call me Abi." Abigail said.


    "Okay than Abi." Jessie smiled and the woman walked away.


    She already told Jason she would be leaving today, she was too excited. Thinking of what she would tell everyone of why she was missing for a week, Tony would nag her so much. Ah all the apologising she would have to do, and all the movie schedules she had set off. But still, she was still going back to her life!


    Would she be missed? Surely they will be reports of her being missing, if she knew Tony at all it was a fact that he would be running to the police station the instant he didn''t she her in her house. Ugh if only that sour, bipolar man had a television in his house. Which billionaire didn''t have a television in his home? She would have asked him to put in if she was staying.


    And now she couldn''t help feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. No matter how many times she tried to convince herself that Jason had purchased her like some rag doll. ''But during my stay apart from absolutely annoying me with his nonchalant expression and his annoying smirk he didn''t ask me for anything disgusting. Or force me to do anything I didn''t want to'' she thought. Was she starting to like him? She shook her head, absolutely not. Of all the ways to meet a man, this was definitely not it. No way her love story would begin like this. No way.

 Chapter 15 - 15. Such A Tease.

    "Well Jessie your almost all good. Just try to take it easy for a few days you should be good." Katherine said standing up straight. Jason came back with her from work.


    Jessie could roll her eyes at him, he was acting way too strange. And it all started after she took off her contacts or rather after she came back from the hospital.??


    Katherine also commented about it, did she really look that different? That did something to her esteem. Although Jason seemed to like it, why? She couldn''t really explain why he did.


    "So I can leave right?" She said.


    "Yeah you''re good to go" Katherine nodded.


    "Do you hear that I''m good to go" She said to Jason who was leaning aganist the door sill staring at them.


    "Fine, leave then." He said curtly turning and walking away.


    Jessie and Katherine looked at each other and Katherine smiled.


    "Is it me or is he quite bipolar?" Jessie asked. "I can''t understand him at all. One moment he could be the most gentle and caring man, the next his brooding and angry." Jessie sighed and shook her head.


    "He''s always been that way, he doesn''t like to show his feelings. Paul says he thinks it makes him weak and vulnerable." Katherine said.


    "That''s bullshit" she shook her head. "How long have you known Jason?" Jessie asked.


    "Umm... he was my senior in college plus he is Paul''s friend so I met him once a very long time ago then college."


    "Are you and Paul....?"


    "A thing? No... umm... it''s complicated." She replied.


    Jessie smiled, "Well I hope it works out, Paul seems like a nice guy."


    Katherine narrowed her eyes at Jessie. "You''re such a good actress."


    Jessie laughed. "Apparently not good enough if you picked out the lie."


    "No not now, before at the hospital you were probably too woozy to remember but you told him bluntly that you thought he was a disgusting playboy that had nothing better to do than chase everything in a skirt."


    Jessie gasped and her hand flew to her mouth. "I said that?!" She shrieked "Omo! I can''t believe it" she laughed.


    "Believe it, and it''s not as if you said anything wrong." Katherine huffed.


    "Well screw men." Jessie said.


    "Yhup."


    "Are you done?" Jessie asked Katherine.


    "Almost, just wait a little.... done." Katherine said admiring her work, she had insisted in doing Jessie hair. The poor thing had been in a poor state since she had been kidnapped. She didn''t know how to keep it tidy, all her life she had her nannies for that and when she became an actress that was Lucy''s job.


    Jessie got up and picked up the denim jacket she decided to wear out. She took a mini pink dress and some boots, now with her hair tame and arranged she almost looked like herself.


    "Are you excited?" Katherine asked her.


    "Yhup, a little. I''m just majorly happy." She smiled.


    "Let''s go" Katherine gestured for the door and the two ladies walked out. As the walked down the stairs Jessie jaw dropped when she saw Jason.


    He was in a grey tuxedo with a purple shirt. His black hair sleek and combed back looking as polished as it always did. The light in the sitting room did well to highlight his high cheek bones and defined jaw line and his lips were pressed into their normal scowl. She shook her head at his thick full lashes, and when he looked at her with those intense black eyes her breathing hitched.


    "Oh my goodness Jason, are you going to an award show?" Katherine said saving Jessie from actually drooling. Jessie blinked and cleared her throat and kept walking.


    "Oh I have a date." He stated matter of factly.


    She stopped again, wondering why she felt jealous and angry.


    "How about I drop you off?" He asked.


    "No thanks, you shouldn''t be late for your date." She said.


    Katherine smiled a little noticing the jealousy in Jessie reply, she definitely had a thing for Jason.


    Jason frowned. "Non-negotiable."


    She scoffed. "You''re not the boss of me, and I no longer belong to you. So yeah, No."


    "You will always belong to me, now get into the car or forget it entirely." Jason stated bluntly.


    Jessie laughed, ignoring his statement "I don''t want to. Katherine you''ll give me a ride right?" she turned to ask the brunette standing behind her.


    Katherine looked at Jason then at Jessie "Uh..."


    "Let me make easy for you Kat. Paul said he is on his way, and unless you want to go to a hospital Jessie. You are coming with me."


    "Make me" she sneered.


    "Very well." He said, walking over to her and tossing her over his shoulders.


    Jessie shrieked and wiggled pounding on his back to let her down. "What the hell are you doing?! Let me down you jerk!"


    "I assume you can let yourself out." He said to Katherine as he walked out of the penthouse.


    He finally let her down in the elevator and straightened his suit.


    "Look what you''ve done!" she huffed gesturing to her hair that fell in ringlets around her face.


    "Do you know how long it took Katherine to get it to be like this?! Huh? I can believe yo-....ahhhh" she screamed as Jason slammed her against the elevator wall.


    "W-what are you d-doing?" She stuttered.


    Jason didn''t say a word he just kept staring at her face. As he kept her caged with his body he brought his hands to her face and caressed her cheek, feeling the expanse of her plush pink lips with his thumb. Jessie expected him to kiss her infact her eyes fluttered close in anticipation. But then she didn''t feel anything on her lips, infact the pressure that kept her against the wall was gone. Opening her eyes she realized she was the only one in the elevator.


    "Are you coming?" Jason asked. She turned to see him standing outside the elevator in the parking lot.


    She scoffed. "He''s such a tease." She mumbled walking out.


    She got into his blue Bugatti. "You really seem to want to impress this date of yours." She said as she put on her seat belt.


    "I''m a billionaire, that alone is impressive." He said with a small smile.


    "Yes yes of course you are, isn''t she such a lucky girl." She said.


    "Ummm...I don''t know, it''s very unlikely that she will get to get into the car with me, does that mean you''re the lucky one?" He asked with a wink.


    Jessie scrunched her face ''there he goes again acting nice and flirty''.


    "Pfft. Please this type of things don''t impress me."


    "Are you sure, because I watched an interview where you said you loved fast and flashy cars." Jason looked at her.


    Jessie stared at him flabbergasted, she remembered that interview, it was two months ago at vogue. She frowned, wanting to wipe that smug smirk of his face.


    "Whatever, just drive."


    Jason looked at her with a small smile. For an actress she was pretty open about her emotions. She wasn''t even trying to hide her jealousy. ''Does that mean she likes me?'' he thought. ''No way'' he shook his head, remembering all the times she attacked him.


    Turning on the engine he drove out of the building.

 Chapter 16 - 16.Incredibly Wrong.

    Paul picked his keys up taking one last sip of his soda he dropped it on the table. He walked to the television to turn it off when he saw Jessie''s picture come up. He paused and looked at the television waiting for the news.


    ''Early last morning the body of the actress Jessie Marin was found in the woods by a passerby. Police investigation have concluded that it was a suicide. The investigation says that the actress was guilty of murdering her driver and running away because of the guilt. The motive for the murder is not known but it is concluded, that her death was a suicide. They have received a series of incriminating evidence such as the gun used to kill the driver and a recorded call sent to her co-star Patricia Lee.''??


    Paul stared at the television in awe, what the actual hell?! Jessie Marin was dead?


    ''The entire country is in complete shock as this beloved icon has not only taken her life but has also committed the worst of sins. Her fans are in outrage and are protesting outside her residence and agency. The agency, King entertainments is yet to release a statement.''


    Paul pulled out his phone and went online, the entire internet was blowing up. Everywhere comments of what a witch she was, how she deceived and lied to so many people. But here and there he saw messages of people saying it was fabricated and someone was trying to pin the murder on her since she was dead. Even some other celebrities were supporting her.


    ''If Jessie Marin is dead, who the hell did he see this afternoon?'' He thought. "I''ve got to call Jason." He ran upstairs quickly and grabbed his jacket and ran downstairs dialing Jason''s number as he ran out of his house.


    "Pick up, pick up!" He said as he got into his Lamborghini.


    "What? Have you gotten Katherine from my apartment?" Jason said from the phone.


    "Ahh I actually forgot about that, I''ll go now. But that''s not why I called." He put down his phone and it connected to the car. So he spoke through the car as he drove, realising that Jason would probably be doing the same thing he asked.


    "Are you alone?"


    "Why?" Jason asked.


    "Just answer it''s important." He sighed.


    "No, I''m taking Jessie home." Jason said.


    ''Shit!'' Paul cursed internally.


    "Where are you going to be afterwards?" He asked.


    "Uh, I have a date."


    "You have a date?" Paul asked.


    "Yes. Can''t I meet women?"


    Paul laughed and shook his head "It''s your Fiancee right? Of course it has to be?"


    "You have a Fiancee?" Paul heard Jessie''s voice through the phone.


    "Look Paul I''ll call you later." Jason said.


    "But wait..." the phone disconnected. "Where the hell is he going to be?" He sighed.


    "Call Kat." He said as the phone dialed Katherine.


    "Paul?" Katherine said from the speaker.


    "Katherine! Where are you right now?" Paul asked.


    "Where do you think? I''m in Jason''s building. The jerk had my car towed!" She huffed.


    "Can I ask why?" Paul asked.


    "Huh... that didn''t sound as sarcastic or annoying as I thought it would be, you didn''t even laugh, are you okay?" she asked.


    "Yeah, just learned something big. About Jessie or the woman pretending to be Jessie Marin."


    "What the hell are you saying? What do you mean the woman pretending to be Jessie Marin. Paul?" Katherine asked.


    "I''ll tell you when I get there, I''m almost at the building. I''ll tell you when I arrive." He said.


    "Okay, I''ll be waiting." Katherine said disconnecting the call.


    Paul swerved switching lanes, he speed up and drove to Jason''s building. Something was incredibly wrong.


    ***************************************************


    "What the hell is this?!" Director Martin yelled slamming his hands on his desk. "Look!" He pointed to the television. "Look what that woman has done, how the hell are we supposed to come out of this situation! Tell me!"


    Tony bowed his head and stared at his feet, he himself had not been able to come to terms with the news. It honestly didn''t make sense to him, he was beyond shocked. He didn''t even know where to go from here, how to feel or how to think. Jessie was like a little sister to him, and she was dead! He didn''t even have the opportunity to mourn her and now they were blaming her for murder? He couldn''t believe it, he wouldn''t believe it.


    "Director, I don''t know, I have no idea what''s going on." He said.


    "You incompetent fool! She was your responsibility, did you not know she was doing all this or was such a person?" The director asked.


    "No I did not. Because she is not this kind of person, regardless of what anyone says I refuse to agree that Jessie was that kind of person." Tony said firmly.


    "Aigoo look at his attitude, of course. Do I look like I care what you think? What are we going to do now? Look at where we are meeting? Nobody can even go close to the building. She is not our only star, where are the musicians going to rehearse? Our trainees? What where you doing when this news was getting published?!" The director asked. "They media, her crazy fans are harassing our other stars and workers. I''m sure very soon the celebrities would be asking for termination of contracts and the trainees would be running to other companies. What now?"


    "This was too fast, before I had that opportunity to even ask the police what they had it had been released to the media." Tony said.


    "Stupid excuses!" The director yelled. "Fix this our you''re getting sued in her place!"


    Tony looked up at his director in shock, what could he do?


    "And release a statement apologising to the public for having a murderer as part of our agency-"


    "Director!" Tony gasped.


    "What! What! What else are we to do? And can''t you see? She is a murderer, we can''t be associated with her right now much less support her. Tell them we won''t have such mistakes repeated."


    "I won''t." Tony said.


    "What did you just say? Look Tony I understand you cared for her like your own family. But look it doesn''t matter if she is innocent, she is dead now. The living keep living. Are you going to throw away your job for her? It not as if she''s suffering any of this right now. So do as I say, remember your wife is pregnant with the third child. Don''t throw away your life Hmmm?" The director said. "Now do as I say."


    "But director."


    "Fix this, we can''t go under for someone that is not even alive anymore." He said.


    "That doesn''t mean we should tarnish her whole image." Tony argued. "She deserves respect, after everything she did for this agency. She was the one that picked it up from the ground. Even during the hard time she refused to leave and go to another company. Don''t do this director."


    "She might have as well let us go under that time. Because we would have at least have had some hope. Look Tony, I understand this is hard but I''m done negotiating with you. Do as I say."


    "Director please, at least let me alone support her. Even if the company isn''t going to, let me alone support her." Tony pleaded.


    "Fine, for old time sakes. But King entertainment has nothing to do with Jessie Marin. Not anymore at least."

 Chapter 17 - 17. Stop Making My Heart Flutter.

    Patricia walked out of her luxurious bathroom with a bathrobe around her body and her auburn curls rolled on top of her head with a towel. She picked up her phone and saw a missed call from her uncle. ''What does he want now?'' she thought.


    Dialing his number she placed the phone on top of her vanity and put on speaker as she stripped. Slathering and massaging her skin with expense lotions and perfumes, he finally picked up.??


    "Hello?" Goerge said from the speaker.


    "Uncle, you called me? Why?" Patricia asked.


    "Have you contacted you Fiance?" He asked.


    Patricia rolled her eyes and frowned "yes, I have a date with him this night."


    "Where?"


    "Why are you asking me that? Do you perhaps want to he a third wheel?" She asked.


    "Don''t play with me Patricia. Where are you going." He asked firmly.


    "Well if you must know, we are a going to the castle."


    "Hmmm... his idea or yours?" he asked.


    "His, so now are you done? I need to get ready." She said, walking into her closet to pick out underwear.


    "Another thing, why are you on the news?" He asked.


    "What do you mean? I''m an actress of course I should be one the news."


    "Not entertainment you fool, they say you''re the only witness to a murder and something about the death of an actress, Jessie Marin?"


    "Wow uncle I didn''t realise you were also a fan of Jessie Marin." She said trying to change the subject.


    "I am not, and I only know her name because it''s all the media is talking about these days. And your name keeps popping up. Isn''t that the actress you had a rivalry with?"


    "I wonder... I have a lot of rivalries uncle. I''m a Lee after all."


    "It''s clear to me, with the way you keep avoiding my questions and giving unreasonable answers. Patricia Mae Lee, I hope you did not do anything stupid?"


    Patricia frowned who did they think she was? For crying out loud, they could break rules and play around with people but she couldn''t? "Uncle, mind you it''s none of your business what I do with my time. Besides it''s not as if I''m not doing what you and grandfather have asked me, so stop prying into my personal life."


    Her uncle laughed. "Make no mistake Patricia, you are a Lee. That means everything you do is my business. I have a theory but I''ll refrain for now but the moment things get out of hand. Believe me when I tell you that it''s not going to be good for you. Have I made myself clear?" he said.


    Patricia fisted her palms and bit her lip in anger.


    "Have I made myself clear niece!" He said more firmly.


    "Yes!" She said and immediately pressed the red button to end the call. She screamed and she held her hair. He always knew how to annoy her, and here she was happy and fulfilled about how everything was playing out.


    Perhaps next she should frame her uncle she was pretty good at it, it would work. He was so annoying like a stone in your Louboutins you couldn''t get rid of, the annoying fool.


    She grabbed the dryer violently and began drying her hair. This date better go well because she is more than ready to kill someone.


    ***************************************************


    "Are you just going to ignore me?" Jason asked looking at the blonde sitting crossed legged and arms folded looking away from him and out the window. "Jessie? Fine ignore me. I hope you like ignoring me in my penthouse." He said turning the car around.


    "What the hell are doing?!" Jessie yelled.


    "What does it look like?" Jason looked at her with a smirk from the corner of his eyes. Her legs now uncrossed and her palms on the door and on his seat.


    "Stop! What is this? You can''t just change your mind." She snarled.


    "Oh yeah? I''m doing it right now." Jason said, he was instigating her. He wanted to see her reactions and from her facial expression it was all worth it.


    "Jason please, stop playing this foolish game. Take me home." She cried.


    Suddenly the car came to a halt be the side of the road and he turned to face her.


    "Hmmm... I don''t know, should I? I mean maybe I should ignore you like you did me. Doesn''t that sound right." He smiled.


    Jessie had an incredulous expression on her face. Why was he toying with her emotions? She wondered. How can he change his mind so easily? At this point she didn''t know whether to trust him anymore. He was acting like a child, for goodness sake.


    "Jason."


    "Woah, did I just make Jessie Marin scared?" He laughed.


    "I don''t understand, why are you doing this? You''re acting differently it doesn''t make sense." Jessie shook her head.


    "Different how?" Jason asked.


    "Your making jokes, acting nice and protective. Why?" Jessie tilted her head.


    "And that''s a complaint? I''ve always been this way" he said releasing a low laugh. "Nobody ever notices though, or maybe I don''t show this side to anyone else."


    "Then why are you showing it to me? Stop." Jessie said firmly.


    "Excuse me?"


    "Stop acting nice, stop saying you want to protect me. Stop making jokes or acting like I''m your responsibility. Stop making my heart flutter." Jessie spat out very seriously. "You bought me for crying out loud, you went to a place that sells people and you are one of those people that steals people''s rights to be free, to be their own person. I should hate you, I want to but now how can I when you''re acting like a regular guy?!" She yelled.


    Jason stared at her very intently, looking into her sincere brown eyes, he felt ashamed. He truly felt disappointed in himself.


    "You know, you''re the only person in the world that has had me questioning my decisions." He said with a sigh. Looking at her he reached for her face and touched her cheek.


    "Do you have to leave?" He asked.


    "What?" Jessie asked.


    "Can''t you just stay?" Jason asked.


    "How can you ask me that when you have a Fiancee?" Jessie said.


    "Then is that the only reason?" He asked.


    "I have a life Jason Kang. I have my dreams and my ambitions, a career that has been put in jeopardy because of what you did, how can you ask me to that? Do you even like me? Or are you just craving sex?" She asked.


    "I''m not that bad of a person Jessie. Believe it or not the day I bought out was the first time in my life I had been in an auction house and the moment I set my eyes on you I knew I wanted you." He said.


    "So what? Is this a confession?"


    He shrugged, "I honestly have no idea, I''m not sure what I feel, but I know that I don''t want you to leave."


    "I''m sorry but I can''t do that. I''m sorry that I want to be free and independent. I''m sorry that you made yourself a disgusting man. And I''m sorry that you think acting like you aren''t is going to change anything." Jessie said with so much venom.


    Jason smirked and looked at her wearing one of those evil grins he tortured her with previously.


    "Gosh you''re so serious. Did you think I was serious by chance?" He looked at her with a serious expression. The change in mood frightening her so much.


    "Are you Kidding me? So you were joking all along?" Jessie laughed. "Spare me the rubbish." She mumbled.


    "Come on I''ll drop you of, don''t be crazy." He said, suddenly moving to the other side of the car causing Jessie to press her back against the door. "It''s just like you said, I''m not a good person so don''t assume that I''m capable of feelings, hmm.. and I''m only letting you go because I want to, you''ve become a nuisance to me. I can''t have that in my life understand?"


    "Then why did you buy me then?" Jessie scoffed.


    Jason smirked away from her eyes and his gaze moved down her eyes to her lips, then her neck and finally rested on her chest. She was glad the dress she wore showed no cleavage not that it helped his eyes bore into her soul.


    Jessie''s breath hitched when she felt his hands on her knees, moving up gradually higher and higher until the where on her upper thighs. And as he made a move to open her legs she shoved him away.


    Struggling to open the door she looked at him, "Let me go!"


    Jason wearing an amused expression on his face he chuckled. Jessie was flustered, angry and extremely overwhelmed. Who did he think he was playing with her like that.


    "Open the damn doors Jason."


    "As you wish my lady" he said sarcastically as the locks clicked she flung the door open and stepped out of the car slamming the door and walking around to stand on the sidewalk.


    "Wish you well" He said driving away, leaving her standing in the middle of the high way, in the middle of the night.

 Chapter 18 - 18. Youre Safe Now.

    Jessie was beyond outraged. What in the hell just happened? She was so confused, she didn''t even know what to think. All she wanted was to go and sleep in her own bed. The possibility of that actually happening was what kept her walking. She didn''t know exactly where she was but the city was as usual bright and soon she was sure she would walk off the highway. If she found a store she would call Tony. She had no idea where she was, ahh the disadvantages of driving in a dark van with tinted windows. She finally got of the highway and walked into a street, as she kept walking she started to recognize somethings, like the house with the massive gate. Or the dog park that she loved to come to, she always wanted a dog but she was too busy to care for one. It was dark alright but this was unmistakably her street. Mustering up strength she ran, she ran with all her might, screaming at the top of her lungs. She was home! Finally she couldn''t wait to lay her head down on her mattress. But how come? She didn''t walk very far, by chance did Jason drop her there on purpose? ''No way'' she shook her head. ''It''s just a coincidence''.


    She was ecstatic as she took the turn that lead her to the house only to bump into somebody. She fell backwards on her butt and looked up to see who was standing in her driveway.??


    As she looked up she didn''t see one person in fact she saw a crowd standing outside her house, a crowd so large that it was still a couple of meters from her gate but right from the corner people piled. They were holding placards and signs. ''They must be here because I''m missing'' she thought.


    "Are you okay miss?" The person she bumped into turned around to help her up. He extended his hand to help her and when he took it and as soon as he lifted her from the ground he let go just as fast with a gasp. The lady beside him turned around and she with the exact same reaction when she saw Jessie.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Jessie whined rubbing her butt as she fell again.


    The second woman tapped her friend beside her "Susan tell me am I seeing this?"


    Susan screamed when she saw Jessie.


    "I see her too, oh my gosh, her ghost is back?!"


    "I know, I know I''m really back. I''ve been able to come back for you, my fa... wait ghost? What are you talking about?" she asked.


    The first woman started screaming as well, before Jessie knew it people began to turn and scream.


    "Look it''s Jessie Marin, she a ghost! She come back to kill!" Another woman screamed.


    Jessie got up and dusted her behind. Looking at them she smiled. "Look this must be a misunderstanding, I''m not here to kill anybody."


    "That''s a lie!" Another woman screamed.


    Jessie stepped back realising the crowd was getting agitated, learning from past experiences it was not a good idea at all to instigate a crowd of passionate fans.


    Before she could make a real run for it one guy grabbed her forearm and pulled her to himself.


    "Do you think this is a joke? Coming here looking like that? Do you think this is a joke?" He pushed her causing her to stumble and fall over.


    "You, have some shame. I understand that you loved her, but this is too much!" He yelled.


    Another teenager ran to her and grabbed both her shoulders "Tell me it''s not true, tell me you''re not a killer! Please, please" she cried shaking her.


    Jessie was so flabbergasted she didn''t know how to respond or react.


    ***************************************************


    Five years ago.


    "Why do I have to pretend in front of them? They were the same people yelling and cursing me. They said such nasty things about me online!" Jessie yelled.


    "Hey! Look at the way she talking to me. Look here, you''re an actress. In this country image is everything, the public is everything. You are an excellent actress but that won''t ensure anything. The public''s opinion of you is what is going to ensure you survival in this industry." The director scolded her.


    "But director! I didn''t become an actress for people, I did it because I love to act. Why do I have to apologise? I did nothing wrong the same people claiming to be my fans are the same people spreading such rumour. I didn''t ask for their love or their appreciation. I''m simply doing my job, they should mind their business!" She screamed out of frustration.


    "Aigoo... tsk tsk tsk. Look you will apologise weather you like it or not!"


    "No! I don''t want to, you can''t force me!" She screamed walking out.


    "Jessie! Jessie!" The director yelled but she ignored him.


    "Calm down sir, please be patient with her, you see she is still young, I''ll explain it to her." Tony pleaded with the director.


    "Where did I find such a stubborn actress? Fix this."


    "Yes director, excuse me." Tony said bowing and walking out.


    "Hey, Jessie! Hey!" He ran after her, until he caught up and held her arm to prevent her from walking further.


    "Hey! What was that? You can''t just act like this." Tony scolded her.


    "So what? Did I tell them to love me? Shall I apologise for their own mistakes? All I want to do act my movies and dramas, why do I have to suffer all this?" Jessie asked.


    "Look Jessie, the reason your such a good actress is because unlike many others you aren''t looking for fame. And because you just want to act, you''re passionate about it that''s what makes you do inspirational." Tony said leading her to seats by the wall.


    "Tell me something I don''t know." She rolled her eyes.


    Tony smiled, "You''re so arrogant. Look Jessie you are a new actress, you might be in many dramas but you''re still new. Acting is more than staring in different dramas. Each writer thinks up a story and writes it, they have a message to pass. Actors bring that story to live and inspire others. To the viewers you are the story, you are the message. You inspire people. You become an icon, a role model. Actors aren''t just acting, they have an image to uphold, even if you are really a bad person you must change because you are no longer living for yourself."


    "But that''s not fair" Jessie said.


    "Well it''s the burden you carry, Jessie you are very loveable, and kind and forgiving. Give all your best to the people that are looking up to you. Give hope to those who see you as hope. Can you do that?" Tony asked.


    "Ofcourse I can, I''m an actress after all" Jessie smiled.


    **************************************************


    "I''m sorry, please forgive me for what I''ve done." Jessie said to the crowd that had began to pull and beat her.


    "So you did it?!" The girl cried. "How could you kill a person!" She said.


    "What?" Jessie gasped.


    "That is not Jessie!" One man shouted "She is pretending to get us to forgive that evil woman!"


    "Yes!" Another person said "She''s a fake, she wants to deceive us. Jessie Marin is dead!"


    "No, no I''m not dead! Please believe me!" Jessie yelled.


    "Get her!" Some one shouted, and in a split second something smashed into her and broke all over her. The way the slime fell down her face made her realise it was an egg.


    Jesse turned knew that she might not make it out alive if she remained where she was.


    "Look! It''s a UFO!" That gave her the split second to run.


    "Look she''s getting away!" They screamed and took off after her.


    She tried to run faster, but the eggs kept coming, soon it was followed by tomatoes and when they were out of food stuffs the started to throw stones.


    One hit her heels and she tumbled onto the floor grazing her chin and elbow. At this point she was in tears and begging.


    "Please, please I didn''t do anything. Please stop! Please." She got up to keep running because she knew the moment she stopped running she would be dead. She was limping and exhausted but she kept moving.


    She struggled to see with the tears she kept running, begging, crying.


    Then one stone hit her one her head and she turned to look behind her and her heels bent in an awkward angle and she feel down. A searing pain tearing through her ankle, touching the back of her head she saw blood. She was sat on the floor crying.


    "Please, please I beg you. Please, please I can''t anymore, please. Don''t do this, don''t come closer please." She cried. Sitting in the middle of the road she hugged her knees and bent her head as the crowd continued to curse at her, stone her, yell at her.


    Then she felt arms around her and she didn''t feel the eggs anymore. She pushed the person, frightened that someone was trying to take advantage of her.


    "Jessie, Jess it''s me, it''s me."


    "Jason?" she said weakly.


    "Yes, you''re safe now, you''re safe." He said.


    She heard sirens approaching and it scared the crowd away as they all scattered running away from the police.


    Jason picked her up and held her. Walked to the car he put her in and after he put on her seat belt he walked around and got into the car. Tossing his egg and tomato soaked suit out the window he drove away.

 Chapter 19 - 19. Infamous.

    Katherine stood up from the curbside when Pauls'' Lamborghini was in sight. Walking over to the passengers side she opened the door and got in.


    "What''s all this about Jessie pretending?" She asked.??


    "Look at this" he picked up his phone unlocked it and gave it to her.


    As Katherine''s eyes scanned the screen she gasped covering her hands with her mouth. "No way! What the hell is going on?" She asked.


    "What do you think? Jessie Marin is dead." Paul sighed.


    "So if Jessie Marin is dead, who the hell did we see in Jason''s house?" Katherine asked.


    Paul shrugged. "No idea, but we have to find Jason now, before he lets her go."


    "Why do you want to stop him? And how sure are you about this news? You can''t trust the media." Katherine said.


    "Katherine when the entire country no, the entire world is saying something do you really think one person''s story is the truth?" Paul asked.


    Katherine scoffed "Of course you would think that way, why am I still surprised."


    Paul bit his lip and ran his hand through his hair. "Look I''m just saying it doesn''t make sense, and it doesn''t make sense to trust someone you just met over the actual news."


    "Well I don''t for a minute believe this, even if that woman wasn''t or rather isn''t Jessie Marin. I don''t believe the real Jessie Marin would kill someone." Katherine said matter of factly.


    "Really? I didn''t realise you were such a fan." Paul sneered.


    "Don''t do that, and besides what reason would she have to that?" Katherine asked.


    "You never really know anybody Kate." Paul said.


    "So what do you want to do now?" She asked.


    "I can''t let Jason let her go, he told me that he got her to sign a contract of non disclosure, if she really isn''t Jessie Marin then it won''t have any hold on her." He said.


    "I don''t think she''s pretending, she seemed so natural and she fit the role of a famous actress just kidnapped. And besides doesn''t Jason deserve to be punished, he did buy a person."


    "Katherine!" Paul warned.


    "What? I didn''t say anything wrong." She shrugged.


    "Look just like her doppelganger she might also be a good actress and Jason did agree to let her go, I think he deserves some brownie points on that one."


    Katherine shook her head. "I still don''t understand why you think that woman isn''t Jessie Marin the actress."


    "Well first of all because Jessie Marin is dead. And think about it, Jason had no idea who she was until I identified her after I saw her unconscious. That I''m sure is the main reason he decided to let her go. If she was really Jessie Marin why wouldn''t she tell Jason? It doesn''t make sense."


    "Think of it like this. If you were a famous person and in that kind of situation will you gladly reveal you identity? And if someone was even to blame it would be you, this is all your fault." Katherine said.


    "My fault? How?"


    "You said you were the one that identified her, if I''m not wrong you''ve always been good with faces."


    Paul glared at her for a moment then sighed "Well sitting here an arguing is not going to help the situation. Let''s go, call Jason."


    Katherine nodded and he drove off.


    **************************************************


    Jason walked into The Castle, walking into the restaurant he searched for Patricia, scanning the room he didn''t see anyone that looked like her so he just followed the waiter to the table he had reserved. He didn''t reserve the entire restaurant like he usually did when he met women. You could never be too careful when it came to Lee''s everybody knew that, so he welcomed the extra pair of eyes.


    He sat down and picked up his phone, he was already about twenty minutes late, where was she? Before he finished the thought he saw a woman in a skin tight red dress and black heels cat walking to him. Her Auburn curls bouncing as she approached, red lipstick making her lips more pronounced and makeup that highlighted her high cheekbones. Patricia Lee was a woman with strong features, she had a kind of face you could pick out from a crowd. Everything was defined and strong but somehow worked and complimented her.


    "I hope I haven''t kept you waiting?" She said in a most seductive manner. Touching her collarbone with the tip of her fake nails also painted red. Jason got up and pulled out her chair as courtesy demanded. After she was comfortably seated he went back to his seat.


    "Not really I''ve only just arrived myself." Jason said politely.


    She smiled "That''s a relief then, I was afraid I was too late."


    "Good evening, Mr. Kang, Miss Lee. I''ll be your chef for the evening. The waiter will bring your menus feel free to make any adjustments you see fit." The head chef of the restaurant bowed.


    Jason nodded. "Very well then."


    He left and walked away a waiter walking to them almost immediately with the menus in hand.


    "Give us some time to make up our mind, in the meantime some wine?" He asked Patricia.


    "Oh yes, white." She said.


    Jason looked at the waiter who nodded and walked away.


    "So I see you''ve been making a lot of progress in your new perfume collection?" Patricia said breaking the silence.


    "Yeah... honestly I don''t know why we didn''t do it earlier, it''s really not that hard." Jason smiled.


    This was a tradition, they would shake trees. Try to find weak spots and loop holes. He knew exactly why Patricia asked him about perfume amongst all the businesses he stared this year and he knew exactly how to reply. The first to show any strong emotion or reactions loses.


    Patricia laughed. "Of course I wouldn''t expect anything less from the infamous Jason Kang."


    Jason brow went up "Infamous? I''d like to think I have a better image to the public."


    "Well I can''t agree with you there, the stories are brutal to put that politely." She shrugged like she was commenting his shoes.


    "Oh yeah?" Jason smiled leaning on the tables he rested his chin on his knuckles. "What stories?"


    "Oh I don''t know" she shrugged looking seductively at him. "I hear you give your girlfriends a three month contract, why you can''t keep a woman if she isn''t bound to you by law?"


    "Well when you''re me you can''t be too careful." He said.


    "Oh yeah? And what''s so great about being you." She asked.


    "Oh I don''t know, how about being the most sought after man in the country. Not only I''m I the rich, I''m incredibly good looking, I mean what''s not great about me?"


    "So I should be incredibly grateful to be engaged to such a catch?" Patricia asked sarcastically.


    Jason nodded.


    "You forget why we are engaged" she said tilting her head. "If anything at the least we are a match."


    "A match? Hardly." He stated bluntly.


    Patricia narrowed her eyes at him.


    "I am the best in my field, no one can hold a candle to me when it comes to business. Can I say the same about you?"


    Patricia laughed and released an unlady like snort. "Pardon?"


    "I''m I wrong? Your not the best actress in the country, I must say. The only reason I even know you act is because I''m engaged to you. Beat Jessie Marin first then we would be a match."


    "Why the hell are you mentioning her name in this conversation?" She spat out. Jason raised his brow at her sudden outburst, Patricia realising her mistake, suppressed her emotions.


    "You forget that my family alone gives me an upper hand, besides I am the top of my field, I won. Jessie Marin''s dead, and her image is broken beyond rep-"


    "What did you just say?" Jason interrupted her.


    "Which part?"


    "Jessie Marin, what happened to her?"


    "She dead. Do you not watch the news?" She sneered.


    Jason got out his phone and tried to turn it on, dead. He got up and started to walk away, but Patricia grabbed his arms to stop him.


    He looked down at where she touched him before looking at her face. She had an ''are you kidding me?'' expression on her face.


    "Pardon my manners, I have to go. Something has come up." He said.


    "So you''re just going to leave?" She asked sounding slightly whiny.


    "Yes." He said, walking out.


    Patricia glared at him as he walked out, he was going to regret embarrassing her like that. The waiter finally arrived with the wine and after yelling at him for taking so long, she grabbed the bottle pouring a large amount into her flute she gulped it down.


    **************************************************

 Chapter 20 - 20. Impostor.

    Jason got into his car and plugged in his phone, ''how didn''t I notice it dying?'' he thought.


    When it came on he saw about seven missed call from Paul and Katherine. Dialing Paul he started the car and drove out of the building.??


    "Jason what have you been doing? I''ve been trying to reach you for a while now." Paul said from the speaker.


    "Yeah, my phone died. What''s wrong? You called so many times." Jason asked.


    "That woman isn''t Jessie Marin. Jessie Marin the actress is dead." Paul said.


    "What? Is that even possible?" Jason asked. "Are you sure?"


    "No he''s not" Katherine said from the background. "Jason send us the address were you dropped her off."


    " Uh... I dropped her off in the middle of the road I don''t think that''s going to help." He said.


    "You dropped her in the middle if the road? You dropped a beautiful woman in the middle of the road in the middle of the night?" Katherine asked saying it as more of a statement.


    "Paul" Jason called to his friend.


    Katherine shook her head, Jason always did this, whenever he was wrong and she gladly called him out on it he involved Paul to silence her. Well too bad not this time, Paul didn''t have that right anymore. Ignoring Paul pleading gaze she spoke,


    "Look here Jason. Not only did you ruin that woman''s life by kidnapping her or aiding it. You left her to fend for herself in the middle of the street while you were having a nice time dining with the devil." She scolded. "I do not for one minute believe that Jessie Marin is dead or a killer, you just dropped my favourite actress in middle of the road, in a country with mad and crazy fans enraged by the news!"


    "Katherine I already told you, Jessie is dead. That woman is an impostor." Paul argued.


    "Actually I agree with Katherine, I don''t think she was lying. Katherine Google her address and send it to me asap." Jason said.


    "Sure thing." Katherine said pulling out her phone.


    ***************************************************


    Johnathan played with his pen as he stared into space, thinking about the last conversation he had with his father. He was sitting in an office right below his brother''s, an office that now belonged to him.


    His father probably gave him the office right below Jason''s to show him were his place really was in the family. He had been in the country for almost two weeks now and he still hadn''t met Jason. He didn''t know if he was ignoring him or was just oblivious to him being around. Two weeks he was already C.O.O of the company. He was an architect he had no idea or information what so ever about how to even start a business. And he had to manage a multibillion dollar enterprise.


    "Mr Kang?"


    He looked up at his secretary Krystal. "You''re still here? It''s pretty late." He said.


    "Oh, it''s okay, besides it''s in my job description not to leave before my boss." She smiled.


    Jonathan tilted his head and smiled at her, "Well I guess I''m being a heartless boss yeah?"


    "Oh no not at all, I can understand that you''re also shocked by the news? I couldn''t do anything properly through out today." She sighed .


    Jonathan was confused at first but when he followed her gaze to the tv he understood what she meant. The dead actress, he looked back at his secretary and chuckled at her expression.


    "You must have been a good fan." He said.


    She nodded. "I''m the president of one of her fan clubs" She frowned. "You can''t tell anyone that!" she said quickly realising her error.


    Jonathan laughed, " don''t worry your secret is safe."


    "It''s just too unbelievable honestly. Jessie would never do something like this. Granted she wasn''t the nicest person but she had the kindest heart and she valued her fans." Krystal frowned.


    "Are you crying?" Jonathan asked noticing a tear drop rolling down her cheeks.


    "What?" Krystal turned to look at him, wiping her face. She rose her big glasses and sniffled wiping her eyes carefully so as not to ruin her mascara.


    "I''m sorry, I''m being so unprofessional right now aren''t I? Forgive me." She pleaded.


    "It''s okay, someone special to you just died and you realised she was not what she said she was, infact she was a killer. You must feel betrayed so it must hurt." Jonathan gave her comforting smile.


    "I don''t believe she killed that driver, it''s not true." Krystal said in a warning tone.


    Jonathan raised his brows at his secretary, he tilted his head to the side and rubbed his chin. ''This is bound to be interesting'' he thought.


    "How sure can you be? Surely you can never truly know a person, am I right? She was a model to the world but you can''t really know her personally." Jonathan said.


    "That not true! I know her, I may just be a fan, but I know her. Would a killer visit a sick fan, or would she own an orphanage?" She asked


    Jonathan rolled his eyes. "Do you not know what good publicity is? You can''t be that naive."


    "I''m not naive, I''m trusting. And I''ve never been wrong to put my trust in a person, Jessie Marin was real, unlike other actresses she didn''t hide her real personality and she has great talent." Krystal said. "Besides, why would I believe anything this news is saying, Patricia Lee is the only witness that alone is enough to cause suspicions" She continued.


    Jonathan watched his secretary speak about an actress with so much passion. The passion of a real fan, he saw it first hand today.


    "Why don''t you believe Patricia Lee?" Jonathan asked.


    "Are you Kidding me? She is always after Jessie, and the funny thing is that she couldn''t even hold a candle to Jessie''s talent." Krystal scoffed. "She always wanted to have Jessie''s fame and love."


    "I thought they were really good friends, I see many posters of them, aren''t they co-star in that hit comedy show?" Jonathan said.


    "Oh please, that''s just acting. We all know the truth." Krystal shook her head.


    "Alright, alright. Whatever you say JM fanatic."


    "What?"


    "You know Jessie Marin fanatic. That''s what I''m going to call you from now on." Jonathan said.


    "If you think that''s an insult or a tease you are mistaken sir, infact I appreciate it." She smiled.


    Jonathan shook his head, picking up his jacket he handed her his suitcase and they walked out of the office.


    ***************************************************

 Chapter 21 - 21. Rage.

    Jason drove as fast as he could, he was sure he went past a few stop signs but he couldn''t care less. He reached the address or rather as close as he could get but they was a massive crowd outside the houses that he had to park a block away. Getting down he strained his eyes to see if he would sight Jessie. Although no sensible person would see this kind of crowd and remain. ''But Jessie isn''t sensible'' a small voice said and he agreed. If anything that woman was incredibly impulsive and she didn''t think about consequences.


    He removed his phone and called Paul. "Call the police, I''m close to her house but there a large crowd of people rioting."??


    "Did you see her?" Katherine asked.


    "Is this on loudspeaker?" Jason asked. "I don''t want to speak to you Katherine."


    "Well neither do I but what can I do, the life of an innocent woman is in danger." She said.


    "Paul." Jason warned.


    "Sorry it''s off loudspeaker." Paul said after a few seconds.


    "Call the cops and come here asap I need an extra pair of eye... wait nevermind I can see her." Jason said when he saw Jessie struggling to get away from the angry mob behind her.


    "Call the cops right now!!" He screamed tossing his phone to the side and jumping out of the car, when he saw her fall.


    Were this people crazy? Her head was literally bleeding and they kept throwing things at her. He had never felt so angry in his life. Seeing her sitting there holding her ankle and hugging her knees to herself, he felt such rage. Felt an urge to kill each and everyone throwing things at her, he ran as fast as he could to her. Going on his knees and sliding to shield her from the flying eggs and tomatoes. When a stone hit his shoulder the only thing he could think was how horrible it must have been for her.


    Jessie began to struggle aganist him. He held her closer.


    "Jessie, Jess it''s me, it''s me."


    "Jason?" She said weakly.


    "Yes, you''re safe now, you''re safe." He said.


    The police finally arrived and the crowd began to scatter. Jason put his arm under her knee and the other under her arm and picked her up. Carrying her to the car. After he put her in the car sit he walked over to the other side shedding off his jacket, he tossed it on the road.


    Got in and turned on the car, he dialed Paul''s number.


    "Jason did you see her?" Paul asked.


    "Yeah she''s right here beside me, make sure no one escapes they are all going to pay for this." He said driving off.


    ***************************************************


    "No way!" Krystal exclaimed. Jonathan looked at her from the side of his eyes. She stared into her phone with wide eyes and jaw dropped.


    She quickly dialed on her phone and put the phone by the side of her face. "Pick up, pick up, pick up." She mumbled.


    "Oh thank goodness what took you so long?!" She asked when the receiver finally answered.


    "Where were you? Oh my gosh, you would not believe what happened today." The caller said through the phone.


    "Tell me, what''s on you instagram? Jessie''s alive?" She asked.


    Jonathan turned to look at her instantly.


    "Apparently not, they said it''s her look alike. But I couldn''t tell a difference I swear Krystal." The caller sighed.


    "So what then? Where is this woman now?" Krystal asked.


    "I don''t know the crowd went all crazy at her, it was bad Krystal. They threw eggs, tomatoes and even stones at her."


    "Oh my gosh, the poor thing. She must have gotten hurt." Krystal said.


    "She did. But some guy came and took her. Before the crowd could actually get to her, she was very lucky. Then the police came."


    "So where are you now?" Krystal asked.


    "That''s the thing, I''m in the station. I might need you to come bail me out."


    "You''re what! Karen! How could you be so reckless" She scolded her little sister. "How the hell I''m I supposed to find the money now?" She whispered looking to check if Jonathan was listening.


    "But Unni, you have to get me out." Her sister whined. "I can''t sleep in a jail cell tonight, please. I didn''t do anything wrong I promise, I didn''t even throw anything at the woman."


    "But what can I do? We just paid the rent I don''t have any money!" Her sister yelled, forgetting that she was not alone in the elevator. "Why, why why? Why would you get arrested? Haven''t I taught you anything? When you in that kind of situation, run away from the crowd or find somewhere to hide. Oh goodness you''re still not cut out to be a fan girl. Aigoo!" She said pulling her out of frustration.


    "What station is she?" Jonathan asked.


    Krystal slowly turned to look at Jonathan, bitting her lip and silently cursing herself for being so reckless.


    "It doesn''t matter really, you don''t have to worry." Krystal said nervously.


    "So you''re going to let your friend spend the night in prison?" He asked, with an amused expression on his face.


    "Actually my little sister and she should suffer to learn" She pouted. "It''s not like she doesn''t deserve it." She muttered under her breath, but Jonathan heard her just fine.


    "Come on, let''s go. You may be able to sleep this night but I can''t go to bed knowing there''s a little girl spending the night in prison like a criminal."


    "Seriously sir, you don''t have to do this." Krystal said follwing him as they walked out of the elevator in the basement where his car was parked.


    "Well I''m doing it. And didn''t your mother train you to say thank you and not say no when someone does you a favour?" He said.


    "Isn''t that not refusing gifts? And no my mother didn''t tell me that because she died when I was little. " Krystal said matter of factly.


    Jonathan stopped in his tracks and Krystal had to stumble to stop in time not to bump into him.


    "I''m sorry I didn''t realise." He said softly.


    "It''s okay, don''t worry about it. I never really knew her, it''s not a big deal." She shrugged.


    Jonathan nodded. "Let''s go to the station." He said walking to the car, wondering what on the world he would do if he didn''t have his mother.

 Chapter 22 - 22. Crossing The Line.

    Jamie Anderson walked home after a long day I the office contemplating strongly within himself.


    ''Should I have fought harder? Perhaps I shouldn''t have given in so easily'' he thought. This was the first time he allowed himself be influenced into letting a case go just like that. Everything from the investigation, evidence and prosecution was absolutely wrong. He didn''t want to let it go but what could he do? He wasn''t the prosecutor neither was he in charge. He constantly tried to convince himself constantly that he wasn''t to blame there was nothing he could do, but why couldn''t he get rid of the weight on his chest then?


    "Jamie?"


    He looked up and saw Lenora sitting in front of his house. "What are you doing here?" He asked.


    "What does it look like? I was waiting for you." She said, standing up.


    "Well, I have nothing to say to you so please leave." He said curtly.


    She sighed " Well I have something to say to you."


    "I don''t want to hear it, so go." He said firmly.


    "No. Jamie please listen to me, I-"


    "Stop! What else do you want? What lie are you going to tell me now? Look we ended things a long time ago let it remain that way, hmm. Reporter Ju." He said.


    "Reporter Ju? Jamie, now your speaking formally to me?" She asked in disbelief.


    "What? Does it confuse you? Why? That''s all we were anyway, and even after everything I was foolish enough to believe you again." He scoffed.


    "Jamie, how long are you going to be mad? Yes I admit I took information from your laptop but I didn''t use it, you don''t know the mess I got into in the office because I stopped a story that we had exclusively. Besides it was still the exact thing I took that you released to the press." She explained.


    "And so!" He yelled. "Does that justify the fact that you still betrayed my trust? Huh! What do you want? Do you want me to be thankful, oh I''m so grateful for what you did, at least this time you had the decency to not put my job in jeopardy again is that it?"


    "Jamie" she said softly but the tone of warning was there.


    But Jamie ignored it and continued "I should have known that people don''t change. You were such a conniving person back then what makes you any different now."


    "You''re crossing the line."


    "Oh yeah? If you''re truly sorry you''ll automatically filter my words." He stated bluntly.


    Lenora bit her lips and blinked back the tears that threatened to fall, clearing her throat she spoke. "I promise I did not come to you that day with an ulterior motive, but I saw it and I couldn''t help myself. I realise that I made a mistake and nothing can justify what I did but I am really sorry."


    He nodded. "You''re right nothing can justify what you did. And even if you didn''t come to me with ulterior motives, when you first approached me you weren''t sincere."


    "You''re right, but that doesn''t mean I didn''t love you, and besides you also weren''t sincere with me." She said.


    "Yes, but I was truthful. I told you how things were at the beginning you took advantage of me." He said.


    "Alright then, I''m an incredibly horrible person I agree. But please listen to me, it is about the Jessie Marin case."


    "That case is already closed. I don''t have the permission nor interest in talking about it further and especially not with you." He said.


    "Come on, you can''t say you aren''t also interested in that case. If I know you well, there''s no way you okay with the conclusion. Something is fishy, I can''t do it alone I need help please investigate this with me."


    "I already told you this case is closed and it''s done. Besides it''s not as if you really care for the victims. All you want is a nice little scoop" He said walking past her to his door.


    "Detective Anderson, I know you better than that. You and I both know this case is deeper than a dead murderous actress. Don''t play hard to get now because I know you''re itching to investigate and get to the bottom line." She said turning to face him.


    "I''m sorry to burst your bubble Lenora but you are own your own. I was that man too, but somebody changed me. Now I''m just a pushover with no power." He said without facing her. "Go home." He said walking into his house.


    "Jamie! Jamie! Don''t do this, please I really need your help. Jamie!" She yelled. Groaning when she heard his door slam.


    ***************************************************

 Chapter 23 - 23. Their Anger Is Justified.

    Jessie stared outside the the window throughout the drive home, she was thankful that Jason did nothing about the deafening silence in the car. At this point she was to shocked or numb to say or hear anything. Slowly the car came to a stop and although her eyes where open she just realised that they were parked in the basement of his building.


    Jason turned to look at her curled up shivering frame. Opening his door he walked out and around to the passengers side. Tapping on the glass for her to sit up he opened it.??


    "Can you walk?" He asked.


    Jessie looked at her ankle and even though it was sprained she could manage, but she still shook her head. She didn''t think she could walk even if she didn''t have a sprained ankle.


    Jason bent down and picked her up, carrying her into the elevator, Jessie tucked her head, hiding her face away in the crook of his neck.


    She was still shaking, and she was still crying, Jason could tell because her tears were soaking his shirt. It was a slight struggle to press the button on the elevator but he managed somehow. He hoped Katherine had already arrived, Jessie would need a doctor immediately, but he couldn''t bring himself to take her to a hospital. The only thing he knew at the moment was that he needed her to be safe in his penthouse, he should never have let her go.


    As they got off the elevator he didn''t have to worry about ringing a bell because Katherine and Paul were waiting outside for them.


    "Oh my gosh" Katherine gasped when she saw the bruises that littered her once perfect and flawless skin. The Jean jacket she wore earlier torn to shreds and one boot was gone. Paul opened the door immediately and Jason carried her in. Katherine walked in after them and went to look for a first aid box.


    "Jason were do you keep your first aid box?" She asked.


    "Top cabinet, beside the toolbox." He said.


    Paul walked into the kitchen after her.


    Reaching for the box as Katherine struggled to get it even on her tippy toes. She looked right above and met gazes with Paul''s chin. He handed the box to her and she took it without a word and walked away quietly.


    "I can''t believe they did this to you, Poor thing." She said and she knelt beside the couch Jessie was currently sitting on. She took out the cotton wool and disinfectant and struggled with the bruises littering her skin. The treatment was also done in silence, nobody knowing what to say in the moment.


    "We have to go to the station later Jason, the culprits have been caught. The police weren''t able to get most of them but they at least got the instigators." Paul said finally breaking the silence.


    "Alright, let''s go tomorrow. They should at least spend the night in jail." Jason said.


    "No" Jessie said firmly. "You can''t do that."


    "What?" They all said simultaneously.


    "Why not? Look at what they did to you." Katherine said.


    "It doesn''t matter, you can''t arrest them. Those are my fans." She insisted.


    "What do you mean? If they were your fans why would they hurt you the way they did? Fans my foot!" Jason yelled.


    "It doesn''t matter what you say or how you see it. Those people trusted me and I failed them, they looked up to me and put me on a pedestal and I was the one that failed them." She said.


    "Then did you really kill that driver then?" Paul asked


    "Of course not, but that''s not the case. I''m pretty sure what is being said on the news is really bad, and they must have felt betrayed and angry."


    "So you''re saying their anger is justified? What they did to you is justified?!" Jason asked.


    "I''m not saying that what they did was right, but I should be used to this, after all I accepted their love, their admiration, their heart and I promised mine in return. I promised to always do my best and make them happy but I failed them." She said.


    "What the hell are you saying! You did nothing wrong!" Jason screamed.


    "Correct. I did nothing wrong, you know that and I know that but they don''t know that. And you are to blame." She accused him.


    "Me? Did I give them the eggs or tomatoes to stone you? Look at you Jessie." Jason said.


    "No, but I was kidnapped and you bought me! If I hadn''t been kidnapped, if you hadn''t bought me-"


    "If I hadn''t bought you, you''d be a sex slave for some man somewhere." Jason said with so much venom.


    Jessie pushed Katherine''s hands off her and stood up.


    "Alright then, it''s all my fault." She said fresh tears falling, as she tried to balance on her good ankle. "It''s all my fault, I got myself kidnapped, I got myself sold, and I became a murderer. I have no idea what exactly is on the news about me or the demon the media have made me into. But don''t pin this on the innocent masses who like me have been wronged. Let my fans go because unlike anything in my life right now, they left their houses and jobs in the middle of the cold night to request answers. Their anger and confusion is well justified, they are being played and toyed with, just like I am."


    "Jessie." Jason said softly moving towards her but she held her hand in front of him to stop him. Her tears already becoming sobs.


    "I want to be alone." She said, limping away.


    Katherine wiped her eyes and stood up, turning to face Paul. "Do you still think she is pretending?" She asked him, walking past both men and out of the apartment. Making sure to slam the door behind her. Leaving the two very guilty ridden and disappointed men in silence, alone with their thoughts.

 Chapter 24 - 24. Youre Okay.

    "Krystal!" The skinny brunette ran to hug her sister. "Oh my gosh, how did you spend the night here? Even just the three hours I was here it was scary" Karen shuddered.


    "You''re just being a cry baby, it''s not that bad." Krystal shook her head at her overly dramatic sister.??


    "No, I''m not. Really, ah... my sister is really strong and brave. How many times is it that you''ve spent the night in jail?" Karen exclaimed ignoring all the attempts her sister made at trying to signal her to shut up.


    "Oh my gosh Karen could you be louder?" Her sister whispered.


    "What? Why are you telling me to be quiet? You said you were proud of every experience. You said you proved to yourself just how much you loved your icon." Her sister pouted.


    Krystal covered her face in shame as Jonathan approached them, still with that amused grin that had been etched on his face all night.


    "Wow I didn''t know my secretary had such an extensive criminal history?" He said with slight chuckle.


    "Who... are you?" Karen asked.


    "He''s my boss!" Krystal spat.


    "Oh... Oh!" She gasped bowing immediately. "I did not mean anything I just said." she said immediately.


    Jonathan laughed. "It''s okay, by the way what are you doing here? Did they let you go?"


    "That''s true, I thought you said you were being ''held''" Krystal added.


    "Oh they let us go, appeared the woman isn''t pressing charges." Karen said.


    "Oh thank goodness, she must not have been very injured then." Karen sighed.


    "No.. she was pretty injured. Her head was even bleeding." Karen insisted. "It was actually very surprising that she let us go."


    "Hmm... that is strange. You said she looked like Jessie Marin?" She asked her sister.


    Karen nodded. "What are you thinking?" Karen asked her.


    "This seems very similar, five years ago a similar happened to Jessie Marin and instead of pressing charges she let all the people go. She said they were only doing it because they were passionate about her." Krystal said.


    "So you think that woman might actually be the actress Jessie Marin?" Jonathan asked.


    "I don''t know, but it seems so." Krystal said.


    "Oh well, she disappears after the man came for her. I''m tried let''s go." Her sister said.


    "I''ll drop you." Jonathan offered.


    "No! no, you''ve already done so much for me. We''ll just walk, our house isn''t far from here." Krystal smiled. Pinching her sister behind to prevent her from saying anything.


    "Alright then." He said walking away.


    "Why did you do that? We have to take two buses now." Karen whined.


    "How can I keep accepting his help? I''m not that shameless, besides he is my boss." Krystal scolded her sister. The both of them putting on fake smiles as he drove past.


    As soon as they were out of sight they began to walk in the same direction, walking to the bus station.


    ***************************************************


    Jason tossed and turned all night, unable to get any sleep. For who knows how long he had been staring at his starry ceiling. He turned and laid on his side, after he made that call to the police he had this uneasy feeling in his chest. Of course he would feel guilty, seeing Jessie tonight so weak and broken it did something to him. He felt extremely hurt, a feeling he''d only experienced once in his life. He stared at his alarm clock, he hadn''t needed it in a long while. When you had a father like his, you tend to have an internal alarm clock.


    He got up to go splash water on his face, since he couldn''t sleep he should at least get some work done.


    As he stepped out of his room in search of his laptop, he heard screaming.


    ''Jessie!'' He thought, running to her room. As he twisted the door knob it gave way. ''Thankfully the door is open''.


    He rushed to her bed side, she was still sleeping but she was sweating and screaming.


    "No no! Please don''t! I didn''t kill anyone! Please!" She screamed.


    "Jessie! Jessie" Jason shook her by the shoulders.


    Her eyes opened and she looked at Jason. "Jason?"


    "Yes, yeah it me. You''re fine, you''re alright." He said, sitting on the bed pulling her up to a sitting position.


    "What?" She muttered.


    "It was just a dream, it was just a dream. You''re okay." Jason said.


    Jessie was confused for a moment before taking in her surroundings and realising that she was indeed not being chased by her fans but sleeping safely in Jason''s house.


    "I''m sorry, I''m so sorry" she cried. Covering her eyes with her hands she wept.


    "Hey, hey it''s okay. You''re okay." Jason said smiling softly at her.


    She raised her head and looked at him, looking so sad and vulnerable. "No it''s not." She cried.


    Jessie flung herself on Jason wrapping her hands around him she cried. Jason held her close, pulling her onto his lap he caressed her back as she shook violently with sobs, wetting his shirt with her tears. Jason didn''t know what to do, seeing her cry like this made him extraordinary angry, at the world at himself. It was clear that everything was planned from the get go, someone was trying to frame her and destroy her image. But what he couldn''t understand is why there would want her dead? He could kill right now, he was clenching his so hard that it hurt but he was too angry to even care.


    ***************************************************


    FOURTEEN YEARS AGO.


    "Jason, Jason!" A middle aged woman yelled at the pompous teenage boy walking away in front of her.


    "Jason Tan Kang!" She screamed.


    "What!" He turned around and walked back to her. "What else do you want? Why must you ruin everything for me!" He yelled.


    "What do you mean by ruin everything? And watch your tone young man, I am still your mother!" She said firmly.


    "I don''t care, I''m not doing this anymore. I''m sick and tired of you and dad treating me like this! I''m not that snot faced kid anymore mom, I''m done!" He said firmly walking back out.


    "Where are you going? Jason!" She ran out after him.


    Jason looked up at the light, five more seconds and the light would be green, he would run. If he made it the cars would start to move and his mom won''t be able to follow him.


    He strides became quicker until he was jogging across the road. He smiled when he crossed the road only to hear a loud horn and a big thud. Turning around he saw his mom in the air, "Mom!!!" He screamed running back to the road. He arrived just as she hit the ground rather violently banging her head on the asphalt.


    He knelt down a few steps from her and slid the rest of the way, scrapping his knee and tearing the fabric around his knees and he picked his mom upper body and held it to himself.


    "Mom! mom! Please" he cried. "Please! Pleeeeese! I''m sorry, I''m sorry please don''t leave me. Please mom, please." He sobbed.


    "Call an ambulance! Someone please call an ambulance!" He screamed as people started to gather around them.


    "Mom, mom please stay with me. The ambulance will be here soon please!"


    His mother struggled to open her eyes, as blood poured out from the gash that open when she hit her head on the ground.


    "Mom! Mom! Mooooommm!!" He screamed as her eyes fluttered shut."No, please no! I''m sorry, I''m so sorry."


    **************************************************


    Jason rocked Jessie slowly as she calmed down. She had stopped shaking violently as her sobs were silent. He stretched his neck to try see if she was still crying but he couldn''t see her face.


    "Jessie?" He called softly.


    No answer. He leaned forward and held the base of her head to support her as she fell into his hand. She was as sleep just as he had suspected. Gently getting up he turned around and laid her down. Wiping her tear stained face with his shirt he pulled off. He kissed her forehead and started to walk away, but she grabbed his hand and he stopped.


    Turning back around to look at her.


    "Can you please stay with me?" She said.


    "Are you sure?" He asked.


    She nodded, gently pulling him to her, she rolled over giving him space to get into the bed.


    When he laid down she turned around and snuggled into his chest, placing her palms flat against his chest and resting her head in the crook of his neck. Their bodies fit perfectly and he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to himself.


    Within a few minutes they had both drifted into dreamless slumbers.

 Chapter 25 - 25. Friends With Benefit.

    Jessie moaned in her sleep and tried to turn but she couldn''t. Her eyes fluttered open and she was confused when she stared at fair smooth skin. ''Huh?'' She tried to move away but the restriction tightened around her. She looked up and saw an incredible jaw line, unconsciously she lifted her hands and let her fingers graze his


    jaw as her eyes moved up to the lips, nose and eventually eyes that were shut in sleep.??


    This was not the first time she admired Jason''s good looks, but being up close with him like this it was breathtaking. He was one of those men that you could pick out of a crowd, his looks where conventional and striking. They was nothing exactly foreign to him but he was the classic definition of handsome. Defined facial structures, a pointed nose, smooth flawless skin, pink thin lips and eyes so striking they bore into your soul. He was the type of guy you could describe as beautiful, everything about his face was defined and chiselled but something about his looks and expressions held a certain softness to it. ''Gosh he was an attractive man!''


    Suddenly she realized she was in bed with a shirtless Jason, she immediately looked down beneath the covers. She sighed in relief when she saw that she that she was still wearing clothes.


    She tried to get away again but Jason moaned and held her tighter. Jessie struggled against him, trying to breathe. He was squeezing the air out of her lungs. She coughed and pushed his chest. "Jason, Jason" She said


    "Hmmm?" He moaned.


    "Jason, I can''t breathe." She gasped.


    His hold on her loosened but his hands were still locked around her waist.


    "Can you breathe now?" He asked her, his eyes still closed.


    "Yeah, I''m fine now." She said. She tried to get away again but he wouldn''t budge.


    "Stop wriggling, would you? I''m trying to sleep." He said.


    "Well let me go." She said.


    "Please let me sleep, I barely got any shut eye and I have work in the morning." he said.


    "Uh... excuse me mister, it''s morning incase you haven''t noticed." She said.


    "Ugh..." He groaned. "Just lay still and keep quiet, Oh and tell the sun to go back down." He said curtly.


    Jessie couldn''t help but smile at his reactions right now, who knew Jason Kang was not a morning person? He looked too cute right now, pouting in his sleep. He was like a child that didn''t want to go to school.


    "Oh yeah? how do you suppose I do that?" She asked.


    "I don''t know, you''re an actress surely you''re good at improvising." He said. She noticed that his speaking was getting more and more alert but still he hadn''t opened his eyes.


    "Mr sun, sun, Mr golden sun please go down for me." She sang lowly.


    Jason opened one eye and looked down at her. He had a playful smirk on his lips. Jessie didn''t know but his expression made her feel extremely hot.


    "You have a terrible singing voice" He said placing a feather light kiss on her forehead.


    She smacked playfully on his chest. "Oh yeah? Good thing I went into acting then." he nodded with a chuckle. "Then how do I get the sun to listen to me then? How about this, I''ll let you sleep another half hour, and go close the curtains."


    "Is that so?"


    "Ihmmmhmmm" she nodded. Jessie looked at Jason, wondering what she was doing in a man''s house, in his bed, in his arms and in the early morning. If her old nanny saw her right now she would have a heart attack.


    "What are you thinking?" he asked, worried that she might be thinking about her dreary situation and the horrible night that gave her nightmares.


    "I''m just wondering what I''m doing laying in bed with a man." She said.


    "What else? We''re sleeping buddies." He said.


    "What the hell is that, you''re making it sound like we''re friends with benefit." She said.


    "Trust me the last thing you''ll ever be is my friend". He whispered in the most seductive manner, leaving Jessie gulping and gasping for air.


    "I still can''t breathe and now I need to pee." She whispered.


    "You just want me to let you go." He said.


    "Ofcourse I always want you to let me go" she said.


    "But I never want to." He said now fully awake and staring into her eyes "Don''t tell me to let go of you because I never want to. I want to keep holding you like this, every morning, every day." He said, his voice suddenly carrying a serious tone.


    Jessie looked into his eyes, struggling to find the lie, trying to find the insincerity, struggling to find the amusement or joke. But she could find nothing but pure truth.


    She wanted to believe him, she really did. And she had no idea why, but then last time he had said something like this to her, he said it was a joke and as much as she didn''t want to admit to herself she felt disappointed. That would not happen now, even though she couldn''t see any lie or deception she wouldn''t fall for it.


    "Hey!" She pushed slightly against his chest. "What are you saying, stop joking with me and let me go. You have to go to work." She said, wriggling away from his hold and getting off the bed. She walked over to the curtains and held them turning around to look at Jason.


    "It''s 6:48 right now, I''ll let you sleep till 7:20 that''s thirty two minutes. Shall I close the curtains?"


    Jason wasn''t listening to anything she was saying anymore, his attention was on those legs of hers. They barely blocked and sun light but two long thin shadows the left on the ground was nothing short of a work of art. And the way the lights and shadows cocooned her legs in perfect symphony regardless of the bruises that littered her skin, and the fact that she favoured one leg over the other. Made him extremely pleased. This was a view he immediately decided was his favourite.


    Jessie thinking he was staring into space snapped her fingers to bring him out of his daze.


    "Hey what do you say?" She asked.


    "Hmm, what?" He looked up at her.


    She sighed. "Don''t worry, I''ll get up now, but I don''t think I''ll be going to work today." He said getting up and walking over to her.


    "Why?" she pouted.


    "There is a beautiful view I can''t seem to walk away from." He said as he made his way over to her.


    Jessie limped backwards as he approached her like a predator, a very hot and shirtless predator.


    "What view" she managed and he stood right before her. He laughed at how flustered she was, then reached behind her and pushed the window open and smiled.


    "This view."


    **************************************************


    I am so angry right now, I finished writing this chapter and indulged in some fangirling. When I came back to edit everything was gone. Just know that this is not the original version of things and If it seems forced blame webnovel (okay don''t really mean that). I wrote the perfect chapter, conveying the perfect tone of playful flirting, writing to the perfect song and now it''s all gone. Almost 1000 words of beautiful literature. That took an hour thirty minutes of my time and I am so sleepy and so mad. I''m ranting right now because I must finish this chapter tonight and I can neither write nor sleep angry so you my dear readers are my outlet. Honestly my earlier version was so good it was perfect and I come back and saw nothing! Nothing! It absolutely annoying and frustrating to realise all my hard work is gone. I''ll have to complete the chapter now, because it has to be done today, if not I''ll just get angrier and put it off much longer. Thank you for reading my rant, I don''t know if I have conveyed the perfect tone so I''ll say it again, I AM VERY ANGRY RIGHT NOW. AND THANK YOU FOR BEING A WONDERFUL OUTLET. ALSO THIS CHAPTER WILL PROBABLY BE SHORTER DUE TO MY ANNOYANCE AND SIMPLY THE LACK OF ENTHUSIASM TO REPEAT WHAT WAS ONCE PERFECT WRITING.

 Chapter 26 - 26. Brother.

    "What rubbish" Jessie scoffed as she looked out if the window, not realising that as she criticized the view he was calling beautiful he was actually admiring his perfect view.


    "Anyway" She turned to look at Jason who immediately avoided eye contact and faced the window. "I''m going to shower, I assume you''ll do that in your own room." She said turning to limp away.??


    Jason wanted to say something flirty but stopped when he saw her limping. "Are you sure you''ll be okay on your own?" He asked.


    "Why? You want to bathe me?" She asked sarcastically.


    "I''m serious, I''m sure the nurse and the rest of the staff have arrived. If you need help I can just call her." He said curtly.


    Jessie stared at him for a while, just when did he become so filial? "Why are you doing this?" She asked, this time seriously.


    "What do you mean why am I doing it?" He frowned. "Why am I doing what?"


    She didn''t say anything for a moment "You know what, nevermind. And yes I think I would need help. Thank you." She smiled walking or rather limping away.


    ***************************************************


    Just as he thought the staff was already here, the maid, the nurse and the chef he had hired when Jessie fell ill. Come to think of it she still didn''t have any clothes, he only bought that one outfit that were no shredded because he already let her go.


    He could go out and buy her new clothes, or would she prefer if she wore her old clothes? That wasn''t impossible to do. ''She would probably like that.''


    He walked down stairs and saw his maid already dusting some of the bookshelves.


    "Oh good morning Sir." She said bowing slightly.


    He nodded in greeting "Where is Abigail?" He asked.


    "Oh she''s..." she trailed of, "I''ll go call her." She said walking away. A moment later Abigail approached him.


    "Go to Jessie she needs help taking her bath." He said.


    Abigail frowned and her brows deepened in question, but Jason seeing no reason to explain himself turned around and walked back upstairs.


    He heard his phone ringing as soon as he entered his room, walking over to pick it up he answered. "Talk to me?"


    "Sir, I''ve been trying to get to you for two days now!" His secretary panicked.


    "What happened? Why do you sound so stressed?" Jason asked.


    "Sir, Phillip has been sending the reports you asked him for, and..."


    "And?"


    "Sir you''re father has brought Jonathan Kang to the company and made him COO."


    Jason was silent for a moment and his secretary knew what was coming next, which is why he was panicked. "What?!! And you''re just telling me this?!" He yelled.


    The flinching secretary held the phone some inches from his ear to dampen the blow to his ear drums.


    "Sir I called but y-you didn''t a-ans-answer" He stuttered.


    "You sir are in massive trouble. Send me everything that has to do with that bastard my father calls son and get here right now!" Jason said tossing his phone and walking in angrily to the bathroom. COO? COO! His father was truly too much. What did that half wit know about anything? And he was COO.


    After he was done and dressed in an attractive black suit, sleeking his damp hair back with the comb and some cream. He was thankful he shaved last night, otherwise he would be at work today with a light stubble.


    He grabbed his phone which luckily landed on the bed, and walked out of his room.


    Walking downstairs he saw his secretary waiting for him suitcase in hand. He moved with purpose.


    "Huh? You''re going to work? I thought you said you were working from home today." Jessie said from the couch. She was in another one of his shirts, the sleeve was too long and again her smooth long legs were on display.


    "He said that?" His secretary said in shock.


    "Yes" Jessie nodded. "Why? Has he never done that?"


    "Yes" this time it was the secretary nodding. "He never misses a day and he is never late."


    "Really? Wow, this morning he said he wanted to sleep in." She said.


    "Wow, unbelievable." The secretary shook his head and they both looked at the man of the conversation. He was scrolling through his phone.


    He looked up and saw the two pair of eyes on him and he frowned. "What?"


    "Your secretary says you''re going to work." Jessie said pointing at the other suit clad man in the room.


    "Yes, something suddenly came up. You''ll be fine on your own right?" He asked.


    Jessie smiled, "Don''t worry I''m tougher than a few angry fans."


    "They were at least more that 150 and you had to bathe with help. I''d say that underexerggerating the situation." Jason said curtly.


    "I''m fine really you can go, plus you''re secretary um..." she looked at him and he nodded when he understood what she was silently asking of him.


    "Matt."


    "Matt, said you haven''t missed a work day? Go I don''t want to be a burden." She shrugged.


    "Okay then, take care of yourself." He said walking down. He walked past Matt to the door, suddenly stopping and walking back to Jessie he grabbed the blanket draped on the side of the couch and dropped it on her legs.


    Jessie stared at him in confusion, "what''s this?" She asked.


    "There are men in this house, I don''t like you exposing your legs like this." He said matter of factly.


    "Pardon?" She asked. But he didn''t respond or explain himself as he walked out to the penthouse. Matt shot Jessie a sympathetic gaze as he followed his boss.


    **************************************************


    Jason walked into the building with purpose, he got into the special elevator for executives and before Matt could push the button for the highest floor Jason pushed the floor just below that. Matt looked at his boss in confusion.


    "I should go say hi to the new COO, don''t you think?" He said with a slight raise of his brows.


    "S-Sure thing sir." Matt nodded.


    As the elevator door dinged and slid open he walked out, and headed straight for his brother''s office. They were a few other offices on the floor, his friend had an office here as well so he knew exactly where to go.


    "Uh.. can I help you?" Jonathan''s secretary stood up with a haste and stood in front of Jason.


    "What the hell are you?" Jason asked with a tilt of the head. Matt stood on his tippy toes, poking out from behind Jason making motions to tell her to abort whatever she was trying to do.


    "I beg your pardon sir. But you do not have an appointment you can''t go in. And if you weren''t taught any manners, I tell you. People aren''t referred to like inanimate objects, I''m a who and not a what." She said matter of fact. Staring straight into Jason''s eyes with defiance.


    Jason was taken aback. "Do you have any idea who you''re talking to?" he said.


    The secretary looked uncertain for a moment before adjusting and jutting out her chin again.


    "I do not care neither to I want to know, you can''t go in." She said.


    Matt stood behind his boss with his head in his hands piting the soon to be jobless woman.


    Jason stoic face broke into a grin.


    The secretary stared at him with a surprised expression, no doubt this man was extremely good looking. But she at least had a filter and he was definitely the good looking jerk. She was able to identify that about him and stand her ground. Now he was smiling at her? She didn''t know why but she felt scared, although she''d rather die than show him.


    "What''s going on?" Jonathan asked from the slightly open door.


    Jason looked up and his grin fell of as he locked eyes with his brother. Jonathan who was shocked stood up taller. And looked at his half brother.


    "It''s being.... forever, brother." Jason said with a smile.


    "Jason, I wasn''t expecting you." Jonathan said sincerely.


    "Yeah well, neither was I" Jason said walking past the secretary. Jonathan opened the door wider and stepped aside for Jason to pass.


    As Jason walked into the office he stopped at the door frame and looked at the secretary.


    "You''re fired. Be gone by the time I come back out." He said stopping again to look back. "Oh and better hurry I don''t intend on staying long."

 Chapter 27 - 27. Is That A Challenge?

    Krystal stood in shock as she stared a the closed door. She looked at Matt and he gave her a sympathetic look.


    "Is he really serious?" She asked.??


    "Trust me he never kids or jokes, best case scenario just do as he says." Matt said.


    Krystal groaned pulling at her hair she always knew it her mouth would put her in trouble one day and now it did. ''What was she going to do now? She had her rent overdue. She couldn''t force her sister and herself to live on the streets.


    "What if I beg?" She suggested.


    "Really? You''re going to beg? I thought you pride was bigger than that?" He said.


    "Don''t do that, now is not the time." She said firmly.


    "I''m just saying what the hell were you even thinking? Who did you think he was going to be?" Matt said honestly.


    "I don''t know!" She whined. "He disrespected me and regarded to me as a thing. How could I let that slide?" She said.


    "Well it appears that what you have let slide is your job." Matt said with a small laugh.


    "Why are you laughing? How is this funny?" She asked.


    "It''s not, it''s pitiful. And don''t even act like a victim you brought this one yourself. You could not just let your pride go, well I''m sorry honey incase you haven''t noticed this is the real world. And in the real world people like us have no use for pride. It too bad you had to learn the hard way." Matt shrugged.


    "Why are you being so mean?" Krystal asked softly wiping the bottom of her nose, stifling in a sob.


    "I''m not being mean dear, I''m being honest." He said.


    "Well I don''t care what you say, I''m going to stay here and fight for my job." She said.


    Matt laughed "yeah, good luck."


    **************************************************


    "So brother, how do you like the company?" Jason asked sitting down in front of Jonathan''s desk.


    "It''s fine thank you." Jonathan responded stiffly. Turning to face his brother who was sitting in his chair.


    "You''re office is so nice, the old man really made preparations for your coming." Jason grinned at him.


    Jonathan clearly annoyed unbuttoned his jacket, his brother was clearly baiting him and while he wanted to keep his cool and remain calm. He couldn''t back down now, he was not a weak person and while he might not enjoy politics and power struggle amongst family he couldn''t ignore the fact that Jason was clearly disrespecting him.


    ''For crying out loud his legs are on my desk!'' Jonathan thought angrily.


    "Oh but ofcourse brother, I am his son after all." He said sitting in the visitors seat facing Jason.


    Jason''s brows went up slightly and he smiled. "Of course, you are his son. Although I won''t really say you''ve been his son for... remind me how old are you?"


    "Does it matter." Jonathan said through clenched teeth.


    Jason nodded "You''re right it doesn''t matter, you''ve only met your father for what? Two weeks? He has to make up for lost time. Don''t you agree? That''s why he has gone all out like the show off he is and made you COO." He took his feet off the table and placed his elbows on them instead, resting his head on his intertwined fingers.


    Jonathan sighed and looked straight at his brother. "Well I guess I should consider myself lucky then, he only knew me for two weeks and he has made me COO, but you''ve had to work and toil for twenty eight years to get to where you are." He said with a small smirk.


    "Woah..." Jason laughed leaning back into his brother seat. "Come on, I didn''t have to work for it, it has always been mine you see."


    "Oh is that why I''m here?" Jonathan asked.


    Jason bit his lip, Jonathan was really starting to get on his nerves but he had dealt with much worse. As usual this was a battle of nerves, the first one to show real emotions loses, and he has never lost in this type of fight.


    "Oh dear brother don''t be deluded, you''re only here as a means to an end. I''m sure you don''t know what that is, see I''ll explain it." He leaned forward again. "You see father doesn''t have any means to control me, at least not anymore, so he has brought you here. You are simply the means to him getting back control. "


    Jonathan opened his mouth to say something but Jason held his finger to stop him.


    "But... but he has deluded both you and himself because if he has no control anymore and he thinks you are a threat? Then both of you a sorely mistaken." He smiled.


    "So I''m a threat? Wow I didn''t realise that, thank you for telling me that, I only thought I was here to work in my fathers company. But it an entire ball game if I''m competition." Jonathan said back with as much venom as his brother.


    Jason laughed, and he laughed hard.


    "Oh dear aren''t you cute. Competition?" He scoffed. "Don''t pull my leg, all you are is illegitimate. Incase you hadn''t noticed," he looked up at the ceiling, pointing at his office. "Your place is below me, better learn it and stay there, or you''ll have nothing at all."


    "Is that a challenge?" Jonathan asked.


    "No not all, I only challenge people that an ability to hold a candle to me. And you brother are nothing." He spat.


    Before Jonathan could respond the door swung open.


    "Sir it from your penthouse." He said curtly.


    "What is the matter?" Jason asked.


    Matt walked into the office and handed Jason the phone. Jason placed it by his ear and listened.


    "Sir, sir! You have to come back home, Miss Jessie is out of control." Abigail said.


    "What do you mean?" He asked.


    "She says we have to let her go, or she''ll kill herself. She took a knife from the cupboard and said she was going to go kill some woman. When Chase tried to stop her she put on her wrist and threatened to slit it if we don''t let her go." Abigail panicked. "She''s not listening to any of us, I don''t think she joking."


    "Listen, try to distract her until I come. Tell her I''ll let her go when I come home. Oh and Abigail? Don''t dare let her get hurt." He said firmly disconnecting the call.


    He handed the phone back to Matt and practically ran out of the office, leaving a very angry Jonathan and his crying secretary.

 Chapter 28 - 28. Nothing To Lose.

    After Jason left, Jessie grabbed the blanket and threw it off her. This house had nothing at all, it was so boring. If only she had her phone, but after considering it that might be for the best she wasn''t mentally stable enough to endure all that harsh feedback.


    She stood up and adjusted the shirt, she took a collared shirt and tried to fold one of the sleeves but gave up almost immediately. Allowing the sleeves drape around the tip of her fingers she limped into the kitchen. Following her nose and the amazing mouthwatering scent that wafted out of there.??


    She knew Jason hired a chef but she hadn''t met him officially yet. She walked in and sat on a stool around the island.


    The chef was backing her so he didn''t know she was there yet.


    She leaned against the counter and watched him cook, he definitely had a lot of skill, but why did she feel like she knew him. ''Maybe I''m imagining it, but he does feel familiar.''


    "Oh my gosh!" He jerked when he saw her, bumping into the stove and hitting down the pot of soup he just made.


    "Oh no!" Jessie exclaimed. "I''m so sorry" she said limping around the island to go help him.


    "No!" He yelled as she tried to come towards him. "That is very hot liquid, you''ll get a burn if you step on it." He cautioned her.


    "I''m truly sorry, I really am, I didn''t mean to startle you like that." She said.


    "It''s Okay. Not my first ruined pot of soup." He smiled at her and it clicked.


    "Don''t I know you?" She asked.


    He looked up at her, for the first time really focusing on her face. "I knew it, it''s you. Jessie!"


    "I do know you!" She exclaimed.


    "Yeah, I was the winner of top chef, you were the host. It''s me Han Chase." He said extending his hands, Jessie took them with a smile.


    "But I''m sorry pardon my rudeness aren''t you supposed to be dead?" He asked.


    "Well apparently I''m not." She said.


    Chases'' brows furrowed. "Then you didn''t kill that man?"


    "No, I didn''t!" She snapped. "And what man did I kill?" She asked.


    "You haven''t seen the news?" He asked and she shook her head.


    He lead her back to the stool surrounding the island and sat her down, taking into consideration her bad ankle. He removed his phone from his apron pocket and went online.


    He handed her the phone. Jessie scrolled through the phone and tears pooled in her eyes as she saw all the comments and messages. Remembering the horrible way her driver had died.


    ''Why do they think I did it?" Jessie asked.


    "Um... they said they found your fingerprints on the murder weapon. And there was a witnesses testimony." Chase answered.


    "A witness?" She asked.


    Chase took the phone and went on YouTube, searching her name he saw a video posted from a news channel. He clicked on it and handed it back to Jessie.


    Jessie watched the video unable to stop the tear from rolling down her cheek. Ofcourse her fans would be mad, they had every right to do what they did to her last night.


    She continued to watched but as soon as she heard Patricia name everything clicked.


    "Wait are you saying that Patricia Lee is the witness?" She asked.


    "Well that''s what all the channels say, they say that you sent her your suicide note in form of a call." Chase said.


    His phone slipped from her hand and fell to the floor, Chase wanted to bend and pick it but a scream from Jessie stopped him.


    She grabbed her hair and screamed again.


    "Jessie? Jessie are you okay?" Chase asked panicked.


    "It was Patricia! It was fucking Patricia. Patricia Lee did this to me! I just know it." She cried, angry tears falling down freely. She got up ignoring the searing pain in her ankle.


    "I swear I''m going to kill that bitch! I''m gonna kill heeeerrrrr!!!!" she screamed. "Ahhhhhhh!!!!!"


    "Wait Jessie calm down, just wait." Chase tried to convince her but he might have as well being talking to a brick wall.


    "I''m gonna kill her, I''m gonna kiiiiillll heeerrr!!!" She screamed again.


    Abigail and Nancy rushed out to see what was going on and Chase motioned for them to stay away at the moment.


    "She did this to me, she did this I know it. When did I call her? Why is she lying?" Jessie asked sobs shaking her body, but her rage was what really had her vibrating down to her core.


    "When did I commit suicide? I''m alive, I''m here. I''m alive, you can see that I''m alive right?" she turned to ask Chase and they all nodded and smiled.


    She walked to the cabinets and opened them pulling them all the way out causing such a commotion in kitchen. Wiping her eyes she looked for the knives.


    "Where are the knives?" She asked Chase.


    "Huh?" He walked over to her realising the red light. She was absolutely hysterical right now, giving her a knife would mean giving a gun to a child. "Jessie, calm down." Chase said as he approached her slowly. "Breathe, calm down you don''t need knives okay."


    "What do you mean I don''t need knives? How am I supposed to kill that fucking bitch?" She asked, her tone eerily calm.


    "Jessie you''re not a killer Hmmm, you don''t need knives." He said soothingly.


    Jessie''s eyes darted around the kitchen and her eyes caught the rack and she looked at Chase. "What do I care anymore? Everyone already thinks I''m a dead killer" she said with so much disgust. "If I have to be dead, then I''m taking that bitch with me."


    "Jessie." Chase said in a warning tone. He followed the direction of her eyes and saw what she was looking at, the knives.


    But he wasn''t quick enough. He should have gone for her body instead, she reached the knives and pulled one out and held it in front of her.


    "Don''t come close to me, don''t you dare." She said.


    "Jessie, Jessie listen to me. You''re better than this. Don''t do this. This is not you." Chase said slowly.


    "Aaaahhhhhhh!!!'' She started to scream again. "I don''t fucking care!!!" She screamed. "Get out of my way, Get out!"


    "Jessie."


    "You won''t move? You won''t move. Fine don''t move and I''ll kill myself." She said placing the knife on her wrist. "And don''t you dare think I''m joking, what else do I have to lose?"


    Chase saw the determination in her rage crazed eyes and stepped back, backing away slowly as Jessie walked out of the kitchen.


    Chase continued to try and coo her but she wasn''t having any of it. Abigail and Nancy stood in front of the door reluctant to let her go. But they stepped away when she pressed the knife into her wrist and blood seapped out.


    She grabbed the door handle but before she opened it it swung open and she stood face to face with Jason. The three staff members sighed in relief at the sight of their boss.


    "Jessie what the hell are you doing?!" He asked.


    "Get out of my way!" She said firmly.


    "No, put down the knife." He said.


    "No! Get out of my way, Jason! Get out of my way!"


    "No! I won''t go anywhere." He said firmly.


    "I''ll kill myself if you don''t move." She warned raising her slightly bloodied wrist.


    Jason clenched his jaw when he saw the blood but stood his ground. "Fine then, do it."


    "I''m not joking Jason!" She said.


    "Well neither am I." Jason said.


    Jessie knew she wouldn''t win with this so she let her wrist fall limp by her side.


    "I need to go prove my innocence, I need to go kill that bitch Patricia Lee, she has to pay. Why can''t you understand!!!" She screamed. "I''m not dead, I''m not a killer and I''m being framed!!"


    "Let me go! Let me go, let me go now!" She said holding the knife to him, in her rage she left herself open and vulnerable. Jason easily smacked the knife out of her grasp and the both watched as it fell to the side.


    She looked at Jason, she leaned forward and began to pound on his chest, screaming crying for him to let her go.


    "Jessie!" he shook her. "Where will you go? You are accused for murdering someone, if you suddenly appear and you''re alive what do you think will happen to you? They have solid evidence against you. You''ll be put in prison." Jason said trying to talk some sense into the crazed woman banging on his chest and yelling.


    "Then I''ll go kill that bitch then." She said.


    "How will you get to her, you forget Patricia is still a Lee." He said.


    Jessie slowly coming out of her murderous rage looked at Jason like a broken and lost puppy.


    The tears she wiped off flooding her cheeks again. "So what now? Is that it? What can I do? I need my life back, please please." She cried.


    "I don''t deserve this, please Jason please." She sobbed.


    Jason bit his lip in anger, seeing her cry like that this made him extremely angry and sad. He quickly picked her up as her feet gave way, the adrenaline fading off.


    He walked over with her to the couch and placed her on it as she clutched his shirt and cried into it.


    Looking at her small defeated frame shake with heart wrenching sobs he swore to himself. He was going to destroy the person that put her through this pain.

 Chapter 29 - 29. Underestimate Me.

    "What do you mean he left in the middle of dinner?" Goerge asked.


    "Exactly that uncle, he just up and left." Patricia said through clenched teeth.??


    "What did you do?" He asked.


    "Me?" She said in disbelief "why do you assume I''m the one that did something wrong?" Her uncle gave her a pointed stare.


    "I didn''t do anything wrong" She affirmed.


    "Well if you didn''t do anything to make him leave then you probably didn''t do enough to make him stay." George said leaning into his leather office sit.


    Patricia laughed in disbelief, "Hey, why do I have to be the one that has to be at fault? He left in the middle of dinner, you should be questioning his choices, or his manners. Why are you asking all this foolish questions?" She scolded her uncle.


    Her uncle laughed as well, a laugh similar and dangerous. A trait all Lee''s carried, the type of laugh like that of a rattlesnake warning you of incoming danger.


    "Are you questioning me now, niece." He asked her with a smile but no tone of amusement.


    "What you don''t like it? Then stop doing it to me" Patricia said with as much venom as he.


    "And why should I? You are you Patricia and if I''m being totally honest you must have foolishly said something you shouldn''t have." He said.


    "No, the only reason you treat me like this is because I''m a woman. I must say uncle the story would be much different if I was a boy don''t you think? Oh then you would crawling and kissing the ground I walk on." She spat.


    Goerge laughed " awwn is that your fantasy? it''s too sad." He said sarcastically.


    "Don''t kid yourself uncle, my father was heir to the Lee empire and following the normal line of things I should be next in line." Patricia said.


    "But it''s quite unfortunate and unlike the trait of your gender you are right, if you weren''t born the way you were. Let me tell you dear niece you are nothing, just a little whore. So don''t you dare think of threatening me okay?" George threatened her.


    "Or what? Tell me uncle, you see as ''useless'' as I am. You and grandpapa still need me and I won''t be too cocky there. Don''t dare underestimate me, it will be detrimental for you. And yes I am a woman but don''t for a second think that''s any disadvantage after all I am still a Lee." She said staring straight into his eyes.


    "Woah" He sighed and started clapping. "Very inspirational, very touching" He feigned hurt. "Get the hell out of my office and go be the little whore you are and win that bastard Kang back or else..."


    Patricia looked straight at him waiting for him to complete his sentence.


    "You see uncle it pretty sad to see how people have deluded themselves into believing they are above authority. I don''t take orders from you, don''t forget. Grandpapa may be old but he is still very much in control and for the fact that he still hasn''t handed the business to you means he doesn''t think you competent enough, so stop worrying about me and think about yourself." Patricia said standing up.


    "Just because you sell a couple of helpless women, doesn''t mean that women are weak. And I''ll be more than glad to show exactly what I''m capable off." She sneered.


    "Bring it on neice, it''ll be fun to watch. Don''t you think?" He smiled.


    Patricia rolled her eyes and walked out of his office, thinking about how to bury the idiot man that called himself her uncle.


    ***************************************************


    Jamie walked out of his house with the intention to stop for some glazed donut on his way to work. He tucked his gun into the holster by his side and looked up. He sighed when he saw the person standing in front of his gate. ''Why am I not surprised, of course she wouldn''t back down easily.''


    "What do you want Lenora?" He asked from behind her.


    "Oh! You startled me!" She said turning around.


    Jamie gave her a pointed stare and she nodded in understanding. "Okay, fine I heard what you said yesterday..."


    "But?" Jamie asked.


    "But I can''t help myself, and I know you can''t either." She said and Jamie palmed his face and sighed in frustration. This woman never takes no for an answer.


    ''But ofcourse she''s a reporter, it''s etched in her personality.''


    "And look I brought you coffee and see" She lifted a box of donuts and Jamie frowned.


    "What? I got what you said yesterday but I know you''ll never be able to sleep peacefully if you leave this case like this." She pouted.


    "You mean you won''t sleep peacefully leaving this case like this." Jamie corrected.


    Lenora tilted her head, "Come on Jamie for old times sake?" She pleaded.


    His expression darkened and he walked out the gate and stood in front of her. "Oh so you can use and deceive me again?"


    Lenora bit her lip and glared at him. "Until when are you going to keep bringing that up?"


    "Until you get it into your thick skull that working with you is the last I want." He said.


    "Jamie!" She yelled.


    "Stay away from me Lenora." He said walking away.


    "Jamie! Hey! Don''t walk away from me! You jerk" she screamed, a stray tear rolling down her eyes. "Until when are you going to be mean?" She said to herself. She cried as she watched him get into his car and drive off. Dumping the donuts in the trash and throwing the coffee against his gate she stomped away.


    ***************************************************


    Katherine stood in front of the restaurant and drew in deep breaths ''I can do this, I can do this.''


    She stood in front of the door willing herself to open the door but she couldn''t make herself open the door. Knowing the dragoness at the other side of the door was enough to make her turn and run away. "Come on Katherine you can do this, you can do thi...-"


    "Are you going in ma''am?" A staff member asked her.


    "Yes ofcourse" she said clearing her throat she walked in.


    "You here?" The older woman covered in diamond accessories and designer clothing asked her.


    "Yes ma''am." She smiled. She walked to seat on the pillow placed on the floor when the woman motioned for her to do so.


    As soon as she was seated the older woman started eating, Katherine knew the drill. She also picked up her cutlery and ate. But as usual she could only manage a few bites by the time the older woman was done.


    "I''ll cut to the chase since you have refused to listen to me."


    Katherine dropped her cutlery and looked at the woman.


    She threw some pictures on the table and Katherine didn''t need to look at them to know what they were.


    "How many times must I tell you to stay away from my son?" She asked.


    Katherine bit back the reply that would be fitting to put the older woman in her place.


    "What? Why are you looking at me like that? What do you have to say for yourself?" She asked.


    "Mother...-"


    "Don''t you dare call me that!"


    Katherine bit her lip and scolded herself. She called her mother out of habit after all that''s what she grew up calling her.


    "I''m sorry Madam Song. I promise there is nothing going on between Paul and I. You may ask him if you want, really." She said softly.


    "I''ve been hearing that for god knows how long, why do you still appear around him?!" She yelled.


    Katherine flinched at the sudden rise in tone.


    "Ma''am please, listen to me. I''m telling the truth." Katherine said.


    "I don''t care what you say, all I believe is what I can see myself. Stay away from my son, understand?" She warned. Getting she threw the money from the meal at Katherine and walked out of the room.


    Katherine bit her lips in frustration and blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. This had to stop she couldn''t take it anymore. Just then her phone started to ring and when she carried she saw it was Jason calling. Rejecting the call she turned her phone off. She got up after arranging the scattered greens and placing them on the table. ''The waiter shouldn''t have to suffer as well''. After she walked out of the restaurant in search for some comfort.

 Chapter 30 - 30. Never Been, Never Will.

    Katherine walked into the hospital and her assigned nurse was already handing her a coat. "I have a patient?" She asked.


    "Well... you did but Doctor Ju has taken care of it, the patient is in surgery right now." The nurse replied.


    "Was I gone that long?" Katherine asked.


    "It was a VIP patient so you know..." She trailed off.


    Katherine sighed, she definitely understood what Felicia meant. Doctor Ju was like a vulture, always lurking around looking for great opportunities like this. Ofcourse she would never be assigned such an important client so she would always take extra shifts and was always willing to stay when no one would. Being available didn''t make you a good doctor.


    "But Mr. Song asked me to inform you, he is waiting for you in your office." She said.


    "Paul?" She nodded.


    Sighing she walked to her office, wondering why he decided to grace her with his presence. And warn him to stop doing things like this, it was causing misunderstandings.


    "Katherine! Oh my goodness why aren''t you answering your phone?" Paul rose as soon as she entered, his brown hair falling into his face. ''He must have been running his hands through them'' she thought. He tends to do that when he was stressed. ''I wonder what stressed him out'' she thought.


    "When did you call me?" She asked pulling her phone out of her jean pocket. "Oh I turned my phone off." She shrugged.


    "Why?" Paul asked as if she just said she shaved her head. Katherine pouted and walked to her sit.


    "What? I can''t do even that?" She said.


    "No, it''s just... it''s not really like you." He said. Sitting back down, brooding.


    Katherine smiled at his expressions, Paul was totally and absolutely cute when he wanted to be. He had the kind of personality that was easily volatile. He could be extremely playful, serious and absolutely cute when he wanted to be.


    "Paul, what are you doing here?" She asked.


    "Jason has been trying to reach you."


    "Of course that''s why you''re here." She said sounding a little disappointed.


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" He suddenly became serious.


    "Paul your mother met me today" Katherine said.


    "Really? Ugh... I''m sorry, I have no idea why she keeps doing that. I promise I''ve told her to stop." He said.


    "Well it seems you didn''t drive your point home, Paul I''m tired of this." She said honestly.


    Paul sighed and combed through his hair with his fingers, "I''m sorry Kath."


    "What does Jason want with me?" She asked.


    "I''m not sure, he said to tell you to go to his penthouse." Paul said.


    Katherine rolled her eyes, "I''m not doing that, I''m not your slave. To will me here and there as you deem fit okay?"


    "Katherine."


    "If he wants something he should come here and get it." She said.


    "Why are you acting like this?" He asked.


    "Are you still asking me that?" She stood up.


    "Because of my mom? Come on, seriously it not as if it''s the first time, and I don''t even know why it''s affecting you so much. We are not a thing, never been never will." Paul replied.


    Katherine gasped. "So then what the hell am I to you Paul? Why does you''re mother think I''m such a threat?" She asked him.


    "How am I supposed to know? You are nothing like the girls I usually date. I''ve never even thought of us like that." He said curtly.


    Katherine nodded. "Well tell that to your mother, tell her I''m nothing to you! Hmm... I''m not even in your league why does she keep hounding me like a vulture?!" Katherine yelled.


    "Are you getting angry at me right now?" Paul asked in shock. "Is this because of my mom?"


    "No! This is all you right now?" She spat.


    "Me? What did I say?" He said.


    Katherine stood in awe shaking her head in disbelief at the clueless man in front of her. "What did you say? What did you say."


    Paul raised his brows expecting an answer.


    "Get out!" She screamed. "You and Jason can go and fix your problems. Don''t include me in them!"


    "Katherine" Paul said in disbelief.


    "I''m serious Paul." She said staring daggers at the man in front of her.


    "Fine, if you don''t want to help either of us, do it for Jessie. You''re fond of her right? She tried to kill herself earlier today." Paul said.


    "She did what?" Katherine gasped. "Oh my, is she okay?"


    "Yeah, but Jason still wants to be safe."


    "Fine I''ll go." She said "But." she raised her hand to stop him from talking. "I''ll go on my own."


    "How? Your car is in the shop." he said.


    "I can commute."


    "Don''t. Take my car, I''ll find my way." He said handing her the keys. When she didn''t take them he placed them on her desk and walked out.


    Katherine shook off the tears that pooled in her eyes, ''No more Kate, no more.''


    Grabbing the keys, she shed of her labcoat and walked out.


    ***************************************************


    Jonathan stared into space for a while, replaying what his brother said to him this morning. ''Was he really challenging me?'' he thought. It made him incredibly angry, he didn''t ask for this. He was perfectly happy living his old life with his mother, he didn''t ask to be uprooted from his life, from everything he knew. He hated the way the first words his brother would say to him were full of spite and venom. He always imagined what it would feel like to play with his older brother. That was all he thought about growing up, watching his brother grow up on tv, in the centre of all the attention. But he was never jealous of that, the only thing he wanted was to have a brother, have a brother in his life. He was always envious of his friends that had older brothers.


    And know he finally met his older brother, and he hated him. Well the feeling was mutual, and he better watch out. He never had interest in the company of the family business but now? If fighting for the company was the only way his brother would acknowledge him then he would fight.


    He finally stood up and walked out to get some air and clear his thoughts when he saw a tearful and sobbing Krystal carrying a box of her things.


    "What are you doing?" He asked her.


    "Sir..." She cried, wiping her wet nose with the back of her long white sleeve.


    "Why are you crying and why do you have that box?" Jonathan asked struggling to hide his laughter.


    Krystal crying was really a sight, she didn''t have any inhibitions she just let her emotions out on display. He stood in the middle of the hallway with a wailing secretary.


    "Bu- but I''m firrreddd" She cried, sniffling.


    "And who said that?" Jonathan asked.


    "Your... your brother. The CEO." She said.


    "Who hired you?" Jonathan''s asked.


    "The job company" She cried.


    "Oh, I didn''t realise. That didn''t go as planned." He muttered. "It doesn''t matter, you work for me so I get to decide."


    "What?"


    "You''re not fired." Jonathan said.


    "Really? Are you sure?" Krystal asked.


    He nodded. She started to walk back to him, still crying. "Don''t" sniff " joke" sniff "with" sniff "me, you''re not joking with me right?"


    Jonathan laughed at her, "Don''t laugh either, this is serious" She sniffed "I haven''t paid my rent yet, I just said that to my sister so she wouldn''t say I''m irresponsible."


    "But I aaaammmm" she wailed. "I spent all the money on Daniel oppa''s new album, I really need this job." She looked up at him, box in hand and tears dripping.


    Jonathan couldn''t stop himself anymore, he chuckled as he walked to her. He leaned down and looked into her eyes. "You''re not going anywhere okay?" She nodded.


    "Look at you" he shook his head. Pulling out a handkerchief he wiped her face and lead her back to her desk in front of his office.


    "Unpack okay, and take the afternoon off." He said.


    "No!" She said enthusiastically. "I''m here to work for you! And I''ll do exactly that" She tapped her chest and bowed to him.


    Jonathan laughed as he walked away.

 Chapter 31 - 31. Fanatical Fans.

    Lenora poured out her aggression on the computer in front of her, ''Jamie, that jerk I''ll teach him!''


    "Hey!" Her supervisor tapped her. "Don''t you think the keyboard is suffering unjustly?" He asked chuckling at her huffing and flared nostrils.??


    Pushing her curly black hair from on top her shoulder she turned to look at her supervisor.


    "Mr Son, don''t you think this Jessie Marin case is strange?" She said.


    "Hmmm... I guess you could say it like that. It doesn''t seem to make any sense." He said. "Talking about that, her manager Tony, he said he wants to do an interview."


    "Really?" She asked.


    "Yeah, but the thing is that I''ve been dodging him now for some days." Her supervisor scratched his head.


    "Why? Aren''t we meant to jump on cases like this?" She asked.


    "I spoke to the captain about this, he said he knows what the manager would say."


    "And what''s that?"


    "What do you think? He''ll say she was innocent and is probably being framed."


    "And what if he''s telling the truth? You just said the story we have right now doesn''t make any sense." Lenora said.


    "That''s the thing, we can''t publish that kind of news without more proof. This current story at least has proof backing it up." Mr. Son explained.


    "What will happen if we get enough evidence to proof Jessie innocent?" She asked.


    "If only, no other news channel will ever surpass for years to come. Do you know what kind of relief it will cause the entire country to know that their beloved icon is not actually a murderer. At least we can mourn her properly now." He nodded.


    "Shall I go interview him then? I''m really interested in this case, Mr. Son." Lenora said.


    "Are you now?" He asked and Lenora nodded.


    "Come with me." He said standing up and walking out of the cubicle sections, she realised where they were headed when they walked past the elevator. Only one person''s office was there, the captain.


    Mr. Son knocked on the door first and then opened it. "Cap?"


    "What is it Steve?" The Captain asked.


    "Ah yes.. sir it''s about-"


    "Come on in why are you poking your head in like that?" the captain said.


    "Ah.. yes sir." Mr. Son said.


    Lenora furrowed her brows shaking her head at her supervisor, ''why is he acting so scared'' She thought with a small smile.


    Walking in behind him, she stood by the door because he wouldn''t move in any further.


    "Sit, both of you. What is it?" The captain asked.


    "Well sir the thing is that..." Mr Son trailed off.


    Lenora shook her head and sighed, turning to face the Captain. "Cap, it''s about the Jessie Marin story."


    The captain sighed and leaned back into his seat. "Wasn''t I thorough enough?" He asked Mr Son, staring dagger at the man who was already having a hard time.


    "Ah... yes but sir she does have a point." He said.


    "What point!" He slammed his hands on his desk. The both of them flinched and sat up straighter.


    ''So this was why Mr. Son was shaking like a leaf'' Lenora frowned.


    "Why? Why must you keep bringing that up? I already told you to leave it. Hmmm, ignore her manager, if he keeps calling block his number. Look this case is the most sensitive case this country has had in years. Let''s just leave things the way they are, if we begin to announce things we are not sure of, we''ll be digging our graves. Nothing is scarier than fanatical fans." He said.


    "Cap, I completely agree with you this story is very sensitive. But with all due respect what kind of reporters are we, if we just get things remain the way they are?" Lenora said.


    Mr.Son started giving her silent signals to abort mission but she ignored them all and pushed forward. "Cap, I''m not saying we have to report any little news we get, I''m not even saying we need a team on this. All we''re asking is that you let me work on this personally. I''ll find evidence and proof to support whatever story I find." She said.


    "How can you be so confident?" The captain asked.


    "Because it''s me, I don''t let things go. That''s what being a true reporter, I aim to report the truth. And right now this story doesn''t seem like the truth." She affirmed.


    "What do you think Mr. Son?" The captain asked him.


    "I think she should do it. We don''t have to involve anyone else." He said.


    "I''m not sure, I mean there''s work to be done, why do you want to go after such a troublesome and sensitive case?" He asked.


    "With all due respect Cap. Whether or not you give me your permission I am going to do this." She stated firmly.


    The captain narrowed his eyes at her and she refused to lower her head or look away.


    "And think about it, Cap. Imagine I get proof that Jessie Marin is actually innocent. And we report it exclusively on the news?" She smiled "Oh just thinking about it gives me goosebumps."


    "Fine, fine but this stays between us three. No one else can know about it." The captain said.


    "Yes cap." They both responded together.


    "I knew you''d do the right thing Cap" Mr. Son smiled.


    Lenora had to grab him by the collar and drag him out of the office to stop him from making kissy faces at the captain and hearts with his fingers.


    Finally, she could work on this officially. The only thing left now was how to convince that stubborn pig headed man Jamie Anderson. She would have to find a way to do it.


    Mr. Son cleared his throat and composed himself as soon as they were out of the office.


    "I assume you''ll need this." He said handing her a sheet of paper.


    "What''s this?" She asked.


    "Tony number. Go talk to him, it''s about time." He said.


    "Ah... yes." She mimicked him.


    "Hey, do you think getting scolded by the captain is a joke?" He raised his fist and threatened to punch her.


    "Yes. He didn''t seem that scary." She smiled.


    "Oh yeah? Of course he won''t yell you, that''s like biting the hand that feeds you." He said.


    "Hmm... You''re saying he won''t yell at me because my dad is a major shareholder here?" she asked and Mr. Son nodded.


    "But Mr Son, that doesn''t seem to stop you." She said.


    "What? Are you going to go running to daddy? Are you going to tell one me?" He teased her.


    And she pouted "What the heck?" she muttered.


    "Anyways, apologise to Tony for me. I used to be the one that pestered him for news and not I feel pitiful for how I abandoned him." He said.


    "Of course. You are doing more than enough, I''ll be sure to explain the situation to him." Lenora said.


    "Sure do that. Make me proud of being your senior hmm?" He smiled.


    "Yes! I will be successful." She said bowing slightly, as she walked away.

 Chapter 32 - 32. Why Are You Protecting Me?

    Katherine rang the door bell and waited for an answer. "How is it possible that you leave before me and I arrive before you." Paul asks as she walks in.


    "Why are you here? Don''t you have work?" She asked him.


    "Come on, what''s the benefit of being and heir if I can''t play?" He smiled.


    "Of course" She gave him a fake smile.


    "You''re here?" Jason asked walking down the stairs.


    "Yes, where is Jessie?" Katherine asked.


    "She''s upstairs, she''s probably sleeping." He said.


    "Alright, I''ll be quiet. I''ll check the wound then go." She said.


    Jason nodded and she went upstairs.


    Katherine opened the room quietly and crept in, the curtains were drawn close and the light was off. She knew if she turned them on she would wake Jessie so she resigned to tip toeing and her phone''s flashlight.


    "Jason is that you?" Jessie asked softly from within the darkness.


    "No, it''s me, Katherine."


    "Katherine? What are you doing here?" Jessie asked sitting up and turning on the lamp. The light quickly illuminating the room.


    "What do you think? Jason asked me to come check on your wound." She smiled.


    Jessie sighed rubbing her forehead. "I don''t know why he hired a nurse if he keeps bothering you."


    "Oh it''s no problem, I actually didn''t come because of them, I came because I''m concerned. How are you doing? And I''m not talking about how you''re doing physically." Katherine asked.


    "How do you think?" Jessie replied.


    "Paul said you threatened to kill yourself?" Katherine asked softly as if she was approaching a hurt animal. She walked to the bed and sat at the foot.


    Jessie laughed lightly. "It''s not what you think. Don''t worry I''m not suicidal. I didn''t mean it, it was the only way I could get them to let me go." She explained.


    "But why did you want to leave all of a sudden?" Katherine asked.


    "Because I was angry, I still am. I didn''t have a lot of time to think, but all through out last night I kept replaying what happened to me. I couldn''t understand why what happened to me happened. But now I know, it''s all Patricia, I know it." Jessie said.


    "Does she really hate you enough to do this?"


    "I didn''t think so before but I guess. I''m so stupid not to have realized what type of sly snake she was. Or how much she must have wanted my position. I honestly just saw her as another one of the many rivals I had." Jessie said with so much anger.


    "How did you even find out?"


    "Chase, the chef. He showed me the news on his phone, and I just couldn''t control myself any longer."


    "It must have been hard watching everyone slander you like that." Katherine said.


    "Chase?" The two women looked to the door and saw Jason leaning on the door frame.


    "Were you eavesdropping?" Katherine asked in disbelief.


    "It doesn''t matter." Jason stated firmly. "Is he the reason for your outburst earlier?" He asked Jessie.


    "No..." She said.


    "But you just said that he was the one that showed you the news." Jason said.


    "Yes... but-"


    "So he is at fault. He done with this job." Jason spat, walking out of the room.


    "Jason! Jason!" Jessie screamed jumping out of bed and limping after him. Katherine was right behind her.


    Jason was hard to keep up with, in a moment he was already downstairs and stalking towards the innocent chef that just finished cleaning up the mess in the kitchen.


    "Hey!" He yelled grabbing Chase and punching him.


    "Jason!" Jessie screamed at him. Before he could land another blow Jessie threw herself in between the two men.


    "What the hell are you doing!" He yelled.


    "I could ask you the very same thing!" She screamed back.


    "Get out of my way Jessie." Jason warned.


    "No! Are you mad? Why are you doing this? What did he do?" She asked Jason.


    "What did he do? Jessie you held a knife to your wrist today, because of him" Jason pointed at the chef behind her.


    "It wasn''t because of him, it was because of the news!" She groaned.


    "I don''t care, he should never have shown it to you." Jason said. Jessie scoffed in disbelief.


    "Hey! You''re fired. Get out of my house right now." He said.


    "No! no. You''re not going anywhere" she turned to inform Chase. "He''s not going anywhere, He did nothing wrong." She told Jason.


    "I really don''t care what you say Jessie, he''s gone." Jason said.


    "What is wrong with you?!" She screamed. "He is not going anywhere."


    "What are you still doing here?" Jason said ignoring Jessie.


    Chase started to walk away, but Jessie grabbed his arm and stopped him.


    "Okay then, If he is leaving them so am I." Jessie said.


    "Don''t be foolish, were are you going to stay? You can''t go back to your house and if you reveal yourself now, you''ll go to prison." Jason scoffed.


    "I''ll stay with Chase then." She said, and Jason fisted his palms to control his anger. Chase had a look of bewilderment on his face.


    Jessie turned to look at him, "You have a spare bedroom in your house right?" She asked him.


    "Uh... no?" Chase said.


    "Then you have a couch?" He nodded.


    "Good I''ll stay there then." She said turning back to look at Jason.


    "Hey! Jessie!" Jason warned.


    "I''m not joking Jason." She said still holding on to his hand.


    "Why are you protecting him?" Jason asked.


    "Because you are attacking him, and plus he''s the only person I know from when I was still... When I was still myself." She said.


    "What do you mean?" Jason asked.


    "I met him when I was an actress, when I was my really myself." She said.


    "What do you mean yourself? You are yourself right now." Jason said.


    "I couldn''t care less, Chase is not going anywhere or else I''m leaving with him." She said.


    "And what? You think I care? I''m doing you a favour here Jessie" Jason spat.


    "Well thank you so much, I should get out of your hair then." She said.


    "You''re really going to do this because of some common chef?" He asked.


    "Common chef? Do you think you''re anything special?" She glared at him.


    Jason reached out and grabbed her arm and pulled her away from Chase, disregarding her bad ankle he pulled her upstairs and flung her into his room.


    "What is wrong with you? Can''t you see I''m only trying to protect you? Look what happened after you watched the news. Why would he show you that?" Jason said.


    "And so? Should I never have seen the news? You realise eventually I would find out right? And how was he supposed to know I would react like that?" She asked him.


    "No you wouldn''t have, I would have made sure of it."


    "Why?! Look where that ignorance got me. If you had a television or something in this house of yours, I would have found out about this early enough. And perhaps I would have been able to stop things from escalating like this!" She screamed.


    "So now it''s my fault? Look at what has happened to you? Look at yourself, look how hurt you are." He said.


    Jessie stared at him in silence for a moment. "Don''t blame Chase, infact I''m thankful to him. Now I know why all this is happening to me."


    "And me? What do you feel towards me?" Jason asked.


    "What do you want me to feel? When you keep acting this way." Jessie sighed.


    "Acting what way? All I''m trying to do is protect you."


    "Why? You don''t have to. Why are you acting like this? Do I look that pitiful?" She asked.


    "Do you think I''m protecting you because I think you''re pitiful?" He asked.


    "Yes, it''s either that or you feel guilty about what you did. Am I correct?"


    "No, that''s not it. I''m not doing this because I think your pitiful, or because I''m guilty."


    "Then why would you hit someone like that?" She asked angrily.


    "Him again? Do you really care for that man?" He asked.


    "Yes, so don''t touch him again."


    Jason clenched his teeth and struggled to control his anger.


    "Fine, I won''t touch him. But I won''t sit by and just let you get hurt. Anybody that dares hurt you from now one I''ll destroy. And that includes that chef!" He spat, walking out and slamming the door behind him.


    Jessie sank into the ground as soon as he left. What in heavens name just happened?

 Chapter 33 - 33. Trump Card.

    "Jessie are you all right?" Katherine ran into the room, after Jason left.


    "I don''t know?" Jessie shook her head. "I have no idea what''s going on? I can''t understand Jason."


    "You and everyone else dear." Katherine shook her head. "Although I must say I''ve not seen him this interested in someone else''s life." She said.


    "What does that mean?" Jessie asked.


    "I don''t know" She shrugged. "Come here let me see that leg."


    Jessie scooted to where Katherine sat down on the rug and placed her left feet in her lap. Katherine sprayed a numbing spray and massaged it a bit before she started to tie it up with a bandage.


    "So how do you know Jason?" Jessie asked.


    "Let''s just say I met him through Paul. Paul and I kind of grew up together but it''s complicated. I met Jason when we were still kids, the two of them used to tease me back then. Jason was always mean and Paul used to be the one that would console me and protect me from Jason." She smiled at the memory.


    "We didn''t live in the city back then, we met with Jason when his family came to the island for vacation. He and Paul hit it off immediately but he wasn''t very friendly with me, at first though. I just coined it as him having a bad personality, and over the years I''ve been proved right." She said.


    "So you''re an heiress as well?" Jessie asked.


    "Oh no, I do have rich parents and I grew up in style but I have no inheritance." Katherine shrugged.


    "Why? Did you defy your parents like I did mine?" Jessie laughed.


    "No. I''m adopted."


    "So? What does that have to do with anything?" Jessie asked looking very confused.


    "Wow, you''re the first person I''ve said that too, that hasn''t looked at me with either contempt or pity." Katherine said.


    "Why would I do that? Why can''t you have an inheritance?"


    "My mother married the man I grew up to call father, my step father. But she died when I was little then he remarried. At first everything was nice and good, until my step mom gave birth. It was horrible for me, I ran away one day and ended up lost in the woods. That''s where I met Paul and we became friends. Being friends with him made my life at home bearable at the very least. Then my dad died and I was kicked out like some trash." Katherine said sadly.


    "I''m so sorry, I had no idea." Jessie said moving closer to rub Katherine''s back.


    "It''s okay, you didn''t know and bedside I''m not ashamed of anything. I''m proud of how far I''ve come." She said.


    "You are pretty brave Kate. I can call you that right?" Jessie smiled.


    "Of course. What about you? Why aren''t you in the line of inheritance? If I remembered correctly you are a heiress too." Katherine said.


    "Well there was a lot of resistance when I started as a trainee, my parents wanted me to do well in school and take over some part of the family business. But I was never good in school and when I decided to become a trainee after a commercial I did for my family''s company. My dad banished me and told me I was not going to receive a single penny from him anymore."


    "And you still did it?" Katherine asked in disbelief.


    "Well there''s not really much to get, I have three older siblings. Two brothers and a sister." Jessie shrugged. "Besides didn''t I make it? I admit it was hard but luckily it didn''t take long for me to start earning my own money." She said with a triumphant smile.


    "Well I guess, we''re two women who succeeded in life regardless of the hardships we faced." Katherine laughed and she and Jessie settled by the foot of the bed. Resting their backs against it.


    Jessie scoffed. "I hardly went through anything, you had to endure a rough childhood. I can''t compare with that."


    "It okay, I had Paul. He really was there for me." Katherine smiled.


    "You''re in love with him aren''t you." Jessie stated.


    "What?! No.... ofcourse not" Katherine blurted out.


    Jessie laughed and shook her head, "okay... whatever you say. But if I was you I would definitely have feelings for the perfect man that saved me from my harsh reality and especially when I was at a vulnerable age."


    Katherine didn''t reply she just rested her head on the edge of the bed and sighed.


    "We should probably go down." She said after a while of comfortable silence.


    "We should." Jessie agreed. "I have to apologise to Jason."


    "Did you say something?" Katherine asked.


    "No, not really... well maybe. But that''s not it, I just feel bad about how we left things." She said.


    "Hmmm... okay." Katherine help her to get up and supported her as they walked down the stairs.


    Jason looked up the instant he heard them come down. Getting up he went and picked up Jessie and brought her down carrying her straight to the couch.


    Paul also stood up when Katherine approached, they both looked like hurting puppies.


    They was a stretch of very awkward silence at first, Paul stared at Katherine and she stared at anywhere but him. Jason and Jessie stared only at each other.


    "I''m sorry." The two said simultaneously breaking the silence.


    "Why are you sorry?" Jason asked walking forward to sit beside Jessie.


    "I said some hurtful things, and I yelled at you in front of your employees. I''m sorry." She said.


    Jason sighed "how are you so considerate?"


    She shrugged. "I''m not considerate, I''m passionate. So why are you sorry?"


    "Well I''m sorry that I punched Chase and he had to quit." Jason said.


    Jessie smile dropped and she glared at him for a moment and she wanted to speak Jason cut her off. "Before you explode at me, I didn''t tell him to quit. He said it would be too uncomfortable working here after that."


    Jessie gave him a pointed look. "You don''t believe me? Ask Paul he was here." Jason pointed at his friend whose gaze left Katherine at the mention of his name.


    "He''s telling the truth, that''s what happened." Paul nodded.


    Jessie looked from Paul to Jason and sighed. "Fine, but on one condition I''m letting him go."


    Jason''s brow perked up.


    "You need to put a television in this apartment and I need a cell phone and oh yeah a laptop as well. If I am going to be here I need entertainment." She said.


    "Done."


    "So what''s the plan for the long run?" Katherine asked.


    "Well I''m going to expose Patricia no matter what it takes. I have to clear my name." Jessie said running her hands through her hair.


    "How do you plan on doing that?" Paul asked.


    "Well I''m not sure... I need to find out what exactly happened that night." She said.


    "And what the police has on you." Jason added.


    "Why would she need that?" Katherine asked.


    "She knows to know the evidence and how they got it in order to nullify it." Paul said.


    "But it''s not as if the police would hand it over of I ask nicely" Jessie sighed.


    "Paul don''t you have connections in the force?" Katherine asked.


    "My connections are very high up, the kind of people that handle cases that threaten on a national level." He said.


    "So you can''t help?" Jessie asked.


    "I don''t know, I will try but I make no promises." Paul replied.


    "Well I''ll have to try another angle in the mean time." She said.


    "How so?" Jason asked.


    "Destroy Patricia image, just as she destroyed mine. Although I''ll have to meet with my manager for that." She rubbed her chin.


    "Why?"


    "A while ago I had him gather dirt on Patricia, it kind of a fail safe. I wasn''t planning on using it or anything but I felt good threatening her with it." She smiled.


    "What kind of dirt?" Paul asked.


    "Well she''s a loose woman, I have hundreds of pictures of her leaving hotels and clubs with different men. I have evidence to proof she bribed he casting director to get her first gig, stuff like that. To make fans crazy." Jessie shrugged.


    "Why do you have that?" Katherine asked.


    "It''s just something we did, I''m sure she has dirt like that on me too. Although I must admit I am very careful."


    "So you also meet different men?" Jason asked.


    "No! I wish actually. I have schedules from hell, I don''t even have time for myself how can I meet men." She pouted.


    "Anyways let''s not get off track... "Jason said grabbing his ringing phone.


    He looked up at Paul when he saw the caller.


    "It''s George Lee." He said, walking to a separate room to answer the call.


    "Whose that?" Katherine asked.


    "That''s Patricia uncle, the person that runs the auction." Paul said. "Come to think of it, that''s the guy that probably sold you to Jason."


    Jessie eyes widened. "So the owner of that human trafficking ring is Patricia uncle?"


    "His not exactly the owner, it belongs to the family." Paul answered.


    Jessie face broke into a wide grin. She just found the trump card.


    "Why in goodness name are you smiling?"

 Chapter 34 - 34. Justice Or Revenge.

    "Are you mad?" Paul asked. "You want to go against the Lee''s? That suicide."


    "What? They started it, I was one my own leaving me own life and bam! Just like that kidnapped and sold, how is that fair?" Jessie asked.??


    "You''re not going anywhere close to Patricia or Goerge." Jason said walking back into the room.


    "Why?" Jessie asked.


    "Because it''s too dangerous." Paul replied.


    Jason nodded in agreement.


    "Why are you guys so scared of this family?" Jessie asked.


    "Yeah, I want to know as well." Katherine said.


    "It''s not that we''re afraid." Jason said.


    "Speak for yourself bro, I''m terrified." Paul shivered and winked at the ladies.


    Katherine scoffed. "I don''t understand, I mean I get that they are the richest family in the country but it''s not as if we leave in the past and they are royalty." She shook her head.


    "They might as well be. They are master manipulator and can deceive people into situations that give them power over you. Not to mention they are expensively dangerous and very wicked." Paul said in a very serious and annoyed tone.


    "How do they get that power? Surely the powerful people of the country aren''t ones to just bow to someone." Jessie said.


    "Oh you have no idea, it''s bad. Like they have some secret power to control people or something. But no one even tried to compete with them." Paul frowned. "By the way, why did the devil call you?" He asked Jason.


    "He said I haven''t signed the non disclosure agreement for purchasing Jessie." He said his voice quite distant as if he was in deep thought.


    Jessie looked up at him at that statement.


    "So what does that mean? What''s in the contract?" Katherine asked.


    "I don''t know? I took it that day to look over it but I completely forgot about it." Jason said.


    "Are you going to sign it?" Paul asked.


    "I don''t know" He shrugged. "It depends on what is involved." He said.


    "So this George just let you take me? Without any signing?" Jessie asked.


    "I''m not everyone Jessie" Jason said with a sly grin. "While they have the entire country under their slimy hold, our families share a mutual understanding.... I think."


    "So your not scared of the Lee''s then." She asked.


    "No. I''m not scared of anything Jessie." Jason stated curtly.


    "Then will you help me bring them down?" Jessie asked.


    "I don''t know if that''s even possible." Jason warned.


    "If you guys won''t help me how am I supposed to get justice?" She frowned getting frustrated.


    "What you want isn''t justice but revenge." Paul replied.


    "So? Don''t I deserve that too?" She said.


    "Jessie, it''s one thing to clear your name, but going against the Lee''s that just reckless and dangerous." Jason stated firmly.


    "I don''t care, I practically don''t even exist anymore, apart from the people in this room and the staff. I''m dead to the world. What else do I have to lose?!" She yelled.


    "How about you actual f******* life!" Jason yelled back. "Look Jessie" He said softly. "I understand your anger but this is dangerous."


    "What the hell do you understand?" Jessie asked him. "Tell me, did you lose your life? Your dream, ambition and life in the single space of one week? Tell me!"


    "I am not going to let you risk your life because your blinded by anger right now!" Jason replied.


    Jessie pulled at her hair. "What the hell even gives you the right to make such decisions for me? You aren''t anything to me!" She screamed.


    Jason flinched at her statement, why it hurt him so much was a mystery to him. But he was hurt.


    "I honestly don''t care what you say Jessie, you''re not doing it." He said.


    "I''ll like to see you try and stop me!"


    Jason laughed "Is that supposed to be a threat? You forget I actually brought you to this house as a prisoner. Don''t test me Jessie, you wouldn''t like it. I can easily keep you here and refuse to let you go, or you''ll listen to reason and be safe. For crying out loud I''m just trying to look out for you." He yelled.


    "Who asked you? Did I say I needed your help?" She asked.


    "That''s literally what you were just asking for." Jason stated and Jessie palmed her face at his stupidity.


    "Well you either help me out or I do it myself!" She warned him. "Since you so concerned for my safety all of a sudden. Your choice."


    Jason grinned and Jessie frowned. She hated it when he had that expression, it never meant well.


    "Cute. You either drop this whole revenge act or I''ll keep you here as a prisoner not a guest." He smiled. "Your choice."


    Jessie bit her lip and fisted her palm in frustration, ugh! She could never win against him. It was annoying.


    "How the hell are they arguing again?" Katherine whispered to Paul.


    Paul looked surprised at first then he smiled.


    "You just spoke to me" He said.


    Katherine who was distracted with what seemed to be a glaring competition in front of her answered. "Yes so?"


    "I guess that means you''re no longer mad right?" Paul said.


    Katherine broke her gaze and looked at a smiling Paul. She snorted and got up walking to another the only available couch farthest from Paul. "I hope that answers your question."


    Paul pouted and looked away.


    "So what''s is it going to be?" Jason asked her.


    "This isn''t fair!" Jessie screamed breathing heavily.


    "Hmm.... well life isn''t fair." He said.


    "So I''m just supposed to let everyone keep believing I''m dead and a murderer?" Jessie asked.


    "I didn''t say that, you can try to prove your innocence and clear your name get your justice but I will not let you put yourself in danger by trying to get revenge." Jason said.


    "So I can go out into the public if I''m not trying to go against the Lee''s." She asked.


    "Yeah, but you know you have to wear a disguise, people can''t know who you are." Jason said.


    "Sure, sure this isn''t my first rodeo."


    "So what''s it going to be? Justice or Revenge?"


    ''Both'' Jessie said to herself but she looked up at Jason and smiled. "Fine... I''ll choose justice."


    "Good. And don''t try any funny business, I will find out." He said.


    "Of course, I give my word." She smiled as innocently as she could. Jason nodded in belief.


    If she couldn''t beat him at a verbal argument she would do what she was best at, acting.

 Chapter 35 - 35. Debut.

    Lenora stepped out of her Jeep, it was eight in the morning and she was standing in front of her interviewee''s house. Since this investigation was on the down low she couldn''t have a crew. So she made sure her recorder was in hand, her pepper spray cause you could never be too safe and her phone dialed with the emergency number already. She walked to the door and rang on the door bell.


    "Yes?" A small voice answered from the intercom and she turned to face it.??


    "Good morning, I''m Lenora Hastings from NTP news station. I''m here to interview Tony Romero." She said curtly.


    "That''s my dad." The voice replied.


    "Oh... is he here?" She asked.


    "Yhup, he''s always here these days" The voice chirped.


    "Great... can you tell your dad that I''m here for him" Lenora said.


    "Sure thing ma''am." She said.


    "Wait, I''m not a ma... Oh whatever she''s gone." Lenora smiled.


    A little while later the door opened and Lenora met with a little man with three little girls playing around his feet. Lenora smiled at what seemed to be an exhausted father.


    Tony has a small build but regardless he kept his body toned and fit, and his statue although naturally petite was pretty bulky. Lenora admired his hardwork, muscles like that only came from a lot if gym and hardwork. His looks were pretty basic but when he smiled she saw that he had kind eyes.


    "Ahh Steve called me last night to tell me you were coming, come on in." He said giving her room to enter.


    "Hi, I''m Fiona" a little girl tugged at Lenora''s skirt and she recognized the voice from the intercom.


    "Hi, how are you?" She asked.


    "I''m fine thank you." She girl gave her a toothless smile and took of running with her two sisters to go cause mischief some where else.


    "You have lovely children." Lenora smiled at Tony as he walked in from shutting the door.


    "Thank you, they are quite a handful though." He replied.


    "Triplets?" She asked.


    "Oh no... my wife got pregnant and gave birth to them in three years." He said.


    Lenora eyes widened. Tony nodded "By the third pregnancy she had me in a hospital and getting a vasectomy." He laughed as he led her into the sitting room.


    The house felt so warm and homey it made Lenora a little sad, although a bit messy it felt happy. She never had that, for an only child whose parents are acute perfectionists she didn''t have the liberty to make messes or even... play.


    He gestured for her to sit and she did, taking out a note pad and her recorder she started the interview.


    "Wait before we start, what I''m about to tell you is my own opinion. I don''t speak for the agency." Tony said.


    "Well, that''s okay." Lenora smiled. "How long have you known Jessie Marin?" She asked.


    "Nine years now, I met her when she was Sixteen." He said.


    "And how did you come to be her manager?" Lenore asked.


    Tony smiled at the memory.


    ***************************************************


    "How the hell are you not tired?" A red head fell to the floor panting.


    "You guys forget, I''m not training to be a popstar, I''m into acting." Jessie laughed. "Hey get up, I''m not going to let you quit. Besides you deserve this, I told you not to indulge in the icecream yesterday."


    "I hate this, I hate you." The red frowned, getting up and jogging away.


    Jessie stood for a minute watching her friend run away, smiling she started again.


    "What do you mean Eve is quitting?" Some girls discussed in front of her.


    "She said something about not being able to do it anymore." Another one said.


    "Hmmm... well that''s too bad I guess."


    "I think it''s a good thing, if she quits I won''t have to work so hard anymore." The first one shrugged.


    Jessie stopped running and walked off the track. Panting she looked around for the little quitter. She searched everywhere but she couldn''t find her, until she heard crying under the bleachers. Walking under to find Eve, curled up and balling her eyes out.


    Jessie sighed and took out her phone, snapping a picture of the crying girl. Eve looked up when she heard the click.


    "What the hell are you doing?" She asked.


    "I''m taking a picture so I can show your fans how ugly their idol is." Jessie laughed.


    Eve pouted "Which fans? Didn''t you already hear? I''m quitting, I''m done."


    "Really, wow that''s too bad then. I guess I''ll show my fans, that might not sound threatening but trust me the entire country is going to worship me someday. It could ruin your image." She said walking over to sit on the grass.


    "I thought you didn''t care for fans or admiration?" Eve snorted.


    "Hmm... I don''t all I want to do is act" She shrugged. "And all you want to do is sing."


    "Well not anymore, I can''t do this." Eve shok her head.


    "I understand, it''s hard. And I can''t say I totally get your pain, you singers can''t even drink water to keep your weight down. Oh it horrible" she shivered.


    "I know right, all I want to do is sing. Why do they have to make everything so hard." Eve agreed.


    "So then, sing." Jessie suggested.


    "Are you joking? How long have I tried to lose weight? It in my nature I''m fat! I can''t keep starving myself!" Eve yelled.


    "When did I say anything about losing weight? And besides you''re not fat. I love you figure you have everything a woman should have. Boobs, a very nice rack and look at that waist." Jessie poked her friends side. "I''ll probably have to get work done on myself later on."


    "Oh please, you''re saying that because you don''t have massive thighs." Eve pouted.


    "Look talent isn''t restricted to slim hot girls. If it were that way how do you have the best voice I''ve ever heard?" Jessie asked. "Look all those malnourished girls out there are feeling relieved that your quitting because they all know, everyone knows" Jessie continued.


    "But how can I sing without an agency, I love singing so much that I want to make a name through that." She said.


    "And what''s stopping you?" Jessie asked and Eve looked at her like she was crazy. "Go to a mall, without a microphone or any instrument, stand in the middle and sing you heart out. Then use an instrument and a mic in the middle of the road the very next day. I know you have the pipes for it. Instead of training your body, train you voice."


    "So you mean busking?" Eve said.


    "No, I mean exposure. Sure enough the agency can get us where we want to be much faster, but you can do it yourself. Eve with a voice as extraordinary as yours, even angels would come down to listen to you sing. Show everyone that talent isn''t restricted and you will be the greatest singer this country, this world has ever seen. Even though you sometimes are the biggest girl in the room." Jessie said.


    "So I should quit the agency?" Eve asked.


    "Sure if that''s what you want, but don''t ever quit singing. Everyone thinks doing well here means you''ll do well in the real world." Jessie said. "But for you, with the voice you''ve got you''re good."


    Eve smiled a bit. "you''re a big fraud Jessie, do you know that?"


    Jessie frowned "what do you mean?"


    "You act really mean, but you actually have a heart." Eve laughed.


    Jessie snorted. "It''s called tactic, I can''t act nice. Those bitches are going to try to either make friends or try to bully me. I''m here for one reason to cultivate my talent and be awesome after I leave. Most of the trainees here are rich spoilt brats, I can''t be identified with such people when I''m famous."


    "What if you never debut?" Eve asked. "I mean you started pretty late."


    "Are you Kidding me? All I want to do is act, I can''t do anything else, I know because I''ve tried." She pouted. "I''ll debut and I''ll be good. I know, plus I''m pretty."


    **************************************************


    "I was on the bleachers all through that, I was the wicked trainer that was pushing Eve so much" Tony sighed.


    "By chance do you mean the international sensation Eve Montgomery?" Lenora asked.


    Tony nodded. "Jessie did that. How can they say someone like her can kill a person?"


    Lenora walked out of Tony house more convinced of the abnormality of the case. And surprisingly more convinced of Jessie Marin''s innocence.


    Now all she needed was to interview people that were close to Jessie, and figure out the exact evidence they had against her. This wouldn''t be a problem if Jamie would just stop being stubborn and join her. She sighed, walking to her jeep she got in and drove away.

 Chapter 36 - 36. Rich, Spoilt Jerk.

    True his word the very next day, Jason brought her a phone, laptop and put a television in the sitting room and another one in her bedroom. By the time she woke up she saw the cellphone and laptop sitting by the edge of her bed, Jason was already gone. The first thing she did was watch the news. After she showered and had breakfast she created a fake account and went online to see what people were saying about her.


    It was cruel and heartless, Jessie didn''t even try to stop the tears, after all she was the only one in the penthouse at the moment. Scrolling through she couldn''t help herself.??


    She would destroy Patricia even if she gets hurts in the process, for a rivalry she went too far. She wouldn''t even wish this for her worst enemy, who right at the moment was Patricia.


    Getting up she checked the contacts and as she suspected Jason had saved his number to speed dial. "Hey"


    "Is something wrong? Do you not like the phone? I can get it changed." He said.


    "Oh yes I''m not happy with something." Jessie said.


    "What? What is it?"


    "The fact that I''m still wearing men shirts that are about four sizes to big." She ranted.


    "I don''t know if it''s up to four, you know you seem like you added some weight." He laughed.


    "Did I? Oh my gosh!" She screamed and Jason had to hold the phone away from his ears. "Are you serious?" She whined. "I can''t be a killer, dead and now fat?!"


    "Aye this woman, you''re not fat I was joking." Jason said, regretting his actions.


    "Are you sure? Because I think I feel fatter." She pouted.


    "You''re fine, and I''ll go shopping with you when I get back"


    "No!" Jessie said immediately. "Uh... I mean I can go myself I''m just going to need you to pay." She said.


    "Are you sure? That doesn''t seem like a good idea." Jason reasoned.


    "Okay then I''ll take Katherine, send me her number?"


    "Okay then, be safe and call me if you need anything." He said.


    "Yeah, yeah sure." Jessie said ending the call.


    Jason handed the phone back to his secretary who was walking behind him. Matt moved forward and pressed the button to call the elevator. And as the elevator door opened he met with his brother and his secretary.


    Jason looked straight at the rude girl who no longer had any right to be on his property.


    "I hope you''re here for non-official businesses." He sneered. "Like say, telling your ex-boss, how much you''re loving unemployment."


    Krystal froze clutched tight to the files she carried she looked up at Jonathan.


    "Hey, Jason leave her alone." Jonathan said firmly.


    "And why should I do that?" He asked tilting his head. "I''m very sure I fired you, you see I never forget faces."


    "Well that''s not going to happen, Jason. She is my secretary so I get to decide whether she''s fired or not." Jonathan said stepping in front of Krystal. The elevator door started to close but Jason put his foot on the door sill preventing it from closing moving closer to his brother.


    Jonathan was at least a head taller than his elder brother, towering over him easily. But it did not do anything to intimidate Jason. Jonathan had a tall and lanky build, he had some muscles but he didn''t fill out his suit the way Jason did, plus he was freakishly tall.


    Krystal shook behind Jonathan but she wouldn''t let him have the best of her. ''Just because he''s boss doesn''t mean I have to be so scared right?'' She thought.


    "Look sir, what happens last time was a grave misunderstanding, I''m truly sorry. It won''t happen again." She said bowing slightly as Jonathan did not give her the space to do so freely.


    Jason tilted to the side to look at her behind Jason. "I''m just wondering what did you think was going to happen going off at me like that?"


    "She already said she was sorry drop it." Jonathan ordered.


    Jason laughed. "Get out of my way, I''m not talking to you."


    Jonathan looked down at his elder brother, "I don''t care I''m talking to you."


    "Wow, look at you growing balls" Jason tapped his brother chest, brushing away invisible dirt from his lapel.


    "I''m truly sorry for behaving that way, but you have to admit you were rude to me as well." Krystal blurted before she could stop herself.


    Both Jonathan and Jason turned to look at her.


    With brows raised Jason motioned for Matt to move forward and block the elevator. He walked past Jonathan and stood in front of Krystal.


    "And what the hell are you?" Jason asked grinning at her. "I like people like you, you make it very interesting and encouraging to want to stomp on you."


    "Jason" Jonathan warned.


    "I wonder are you just proud or are you looking for something exactly?" Jason rubbed his chin.


    "Look she made a mistake and she wasn''t aware of who you were drop it already!" Jonathan said.


    Jason turned to look at his brother. "I''m not surprised you''ll side with her, until a few weeks ago I''m sure you were like her. Full of stupid pride with nothing to back it up. And what kind of employee doesn''t know who her boss is? She doesn''t deserve to be here." He said curtly.


    Turning back to her. "Look if you were looking to get my attention and get knocked up by a rich guy to somehow advance your place in the world. I''m sorry to burst your bubble but I have no interest whatsoever in poor pitiful vermin like you. If not? Then you''re just proud with no cause, people like you are truly pitiful."


    Krystal jaw dropped at his accusation and her plams folded into a fist as his words sunk in. She wanted to slap him so bad, maybe she should. She rose her hand and put all her anger into her palm but before it reached his cheeks he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him.


    "Matt?" Jason called his secretary.


    "Sir." Matt responded.


    "Call security." He said.


    "Already did sir." Matt replied.


    "You are a disgrace and disappointment to this company." Krystal spat. "You''re just a rich spoilt jerk, who has now idea what real life is like." She ranted. "I swear I will not forget this, mark my words you''ll regret this. Karma is a bitch and I may not be the one to teach you a lesson but you''ll surely learn it." By now Jason had already let her go and gave space to the two security men that came to take her out.


    "Screw you Jason Kang, scre....!" She screamed as they dragged her out.


    "You can''t do this." Jonathan said in disbelief.


    "Just did brother." He said arranging his suit as the elevator doors closed.


    "I''ll rehire her, she is my secretary." He said.


    "Incase you haven''t noticed I am CEO of this company hence I have more authority. If you want to start a fight with me I would love to see you try." Jason warned his brother.


    "You know you keep pushing me to fight you, are you sure you''ll be able to handle it?" Jonathan asked his brother.


    Jason laughed. "The fact that you''re not already fighting already makes me the winner."


    "Don''t count your chickens before they hatch brother, I will beat you." Jonathan said.


    "That''s the spirit." Jason said tapping his brother''s back, he smirked.


    "This is your stop, you see I have to go higher." Jason said to him as the elevator dinged open.


    "How do I get my secretary back?" Jonathan asked.


    Jason shook his head, "why are you asking me? Use your imagination, be creative and get me to acknowledge you. But that woman is never to step foot into this building again." He said as the doors closed and he went up.

 Chapter 37 - 37. Intruder.

    Krystal stood in front of the company boiling. She glared at the security guards that just threw her out. The nerve of that man! Acknowledge him? Who the hell did he think he was? Like she''ll ever want to be with a jerk like that.


    She hurled insults at the guards, called all the employees spineless fools and threw every bad word she knew at Jason Kang.??


    Huffing she turned away and started walking back to the bus stop. Still clenching her teeth and fist to try an control her anger. By the time she was at the bus stop her anger had melted into despair as if just realising that she really didn''t have a job. As she entered the bus tears started to fall. She sat down beside the window and leaned her head again it, crying silently.


    "Curse you, you jerk! How could you fire me?" She yelled suddenly.


    "Hey! You startled me. Why are you shouting in a bus?" The man beside her asked. "Look here I was trying to sleep."


    "Are you supposed to be sleeping in a bus?" She asked him wiping her eyes.


    "Are you supposed to be shouting in a bus?" He asked her.


    "Mind your business." She said leaning back aganist the glass.


    "Tsk tsk tsk, such a rude girl no wonder they fired you from your work." The man shook his head.


    Krystal head snapped to him, "Look here mister, you don''t know me and I don''t know you. So you better watch what you say." She warned the man beside her. "What do you know about what happened? You just sit here, sleeping, and you think you have the right to judge?"


    "Are you getting angry with me right now? Am I the one that fired you?" He asked his eyes wide open.


    Krystal took in a deep breath and looked away from him, ''it''s not use talking now, I''m too angry'' she thought.


    The rest of the bus ride was pretty silent and the man left two stops before her. She went home and got into her onesie, grabbing a pack of chips and a soda, she headed to the couch. Took her laptop and did what she did best, fan girl.


    ***************************************************


    "Hello?"


    "Hey Katherine it''s me, Jessie Marin."


    "Oh hey Jessie, you already got the phone?" She asked.


    "Yeah, Jason gave it to me this morning. How are you?" She asked.


    "Swamped gosh I hate Wednesdays. It always so hectic for me. Sure when anyone else is on call there are no sick people but for me? Ugh..." Katherine ranted on the phone.


    "Oh? You''re busy..." Jessie said softly biting her lips and looking down at her outfit.


    "Oh I''m sorry, did you want something?" She asked.


    "Oh no no, just wanted to inform you I''m back in the world. Save my number." Jessie laughed.


    "Back the world." Katherine laughed. "Okay then see you later." She said and Jessie nodded.


    She sighed and walked back into her room. If Katherine was busy that means she was totally alone going shopping. She basically did a treasure hunt in Jason''s wardrobe to find pants that didn''t fall off and a polo shirt. She wore a pair of sandals, who knew she and Jason wore the same shoe size. He must have really small feet for a guy or this sandals belonged to him a long time ago.


    She walked back into his room, maybe this wasn''t a bad thing. She was alone, she could go out. Time to do some investigations. She tied her waist length platinum blonde hair up and put a face cap on top it. Grabbing Jason''s biggest pair of sunglasses and a black nose mask she found she put the card and her phone in his massive pocket and walked out of the penthouse.


    Earlier she joined a fan page for Patricia Lee, so her schedule was posted. Honestly how all these fans got this information normally puzzled her but now she couldn''t be more thankful. ''It seems she doesn''t have much to do today''s Jessie thought. "A massage? She''s going for a massage? Man she is so lucky. My schedules always seemed like there were sent from hell." She pouted.


    As she exited and got a cab, giving him the address she pulled her cap lower and mask higher. Holding the glasses tight she smiled. "I''m going to get you Patricia, I promise."


    ***************************************************


    Karen walked into her house, little surprised that the door was unlocked. Suddenly on high alert when she heard noises. Getting in the right formation, ready to unleash her taekwondo black belt skills on an intruder she was more angry at than scared. Whoever it was, was definitely going to leave here in a cop car with a scarring wound.


    She stood by the corner slowly making the turn into the sitting room, following her training she moved stealthily. Being extra careful not to make any noise which was less than she could say for the intruder. As she walked into the sitting room, she discarded her bag pack and rolled using the centre table to shield her movement.


    But she wasn''t entirely successful as the discarded chips on the floor broke as she rolled over them. Realising this, she knew there was no way the intruder wouldn''t hear that so she decided to just attack.


    Leaping into the air she jumped on the onesie wearing dancing intruder and tackled the person to the ground. Putting her in a tight lock she pulled off the hood.


    "What the hell Karen!" Krystal screamed.


    "Krystal? What are you doing here?!" Karen asked her sister.


    "I don''t know, how about I live here? I thought we agreed no more taekwondo on your sister." Krystal groaned pushing her sister off her.


    Karen landed on the side with a small thud, "that''s not what I meant. Why are you home at this time?" She asked.


    Krystal frowned and looked away, sitting up.


    Karen looked around, first at her sister attire, her camera was out. The chips and empty soda cans that littered the floor, worst of all her laptop on the couch beside the camera.


    "Krystal! Don''t tell me you got fired!" Karen groaned.


    "Fine, I never wanted to tell you anyway." Krystal said getting up and going to make herself comfortable on the couch, with her laptop safely on her laps.


    "What happened? Come on Krystal what the hell." Karen whined.


    "I have a jerk boss." Krystal shook her head.


    "I thought your boss was kind and thoughtful. I mean he came with you when I was in jail that one time." Karen said still sitting on the floor.


    "Not him, his douche older brother. The CEO of the company." Krystal scratched her eye brow.


    "The CEO fired you, what did you do now? You lost your temper didn''t you?" Karen asked.


    "Excuse me, don''t imply that I have a bad temper Karen and he was at fault he was being rude and annoying." Krystal said.


    "So what? You gave him one of your totally pointless lectures?"


    "Actually yes I did just that, and my lectures aren''t pointless."


    Karen scoffed. "Yeah sure they aren''t because they actually do something, get you fired. Gosh Krystal when are you going to learn? You have to stop doing this."


    "Stop doing what? Standing up for myself? So I should just let anyone douchebag walk over me?"


    "Yes! Yes especially when that douchebag is your boss."


    "I''m so sorry but I have a bit of pride and something called self respect."


    "Look where you self respect has gotten us, look where it''s gotten you. What are we going to do? We don''t have any savings left." Karen said.


    "I know that, I''m figuring it out." She said.


    "How?! You''re fangirling for crying out loud!" Karen yelled.


    "Look Karen I don''t have time for this right now, I had a very shitty day. And I''m doing what I love to allow me sleep this night. If you don''t mind take you negativity elsewhere." Krystal spat.


    Karen got up and walked to the door.


    "Where are you going?" Krystal asked.


    "What does it look like? I''m going to find a job since my sister is a complete good for nothing!" She screamed and walked out slamming the door.


    Krystal sighed "and she says I have a temper."

 Chapter 38 - 38. Hide Me!

    Jessie got out at the massage parlor, moving from corner to corner she struggled to stay away from sightings. She eventually got to the lobbying room and sat downstairs at a hidden corner, waiting for a window of opportunity to sneak past the ever alert receptionist. She didn''t have to wait for longer than a few minutes, as the receptionist got a call she was free to walk past.


    Quietly she walked past several doors and saunas, ''What would Patricia do in a massage parlor?'' She asked herself.??


    If she was here she would go for the actual normal classic massage and maybe some skin care. So Patricia would probably do the opposite of that right? She looked around for a while when she saw a door for Shiatsu massage.


    "This must be it." She said, opening the door slightly to peep. And she was right she saw the name written on the board, Patricia Lee. ''Bingo''.


    "What the hell took you so long?" Patricia said from the bed, she was already lying face down on it. This was a golden opportunity, it wasn''t revenge but she sure was not going anywhere without stirring trouble.


    She looked around the room for something, smiling as her gaze fell on some hot stones at the corner of the room she headed in that direction. "I''m extremely sorry ma''am, I''ll start immediately." She said, disguising her voice.


    She grabbed the bowl carrying the stones and placed them beside the bed. She peeled of the towel that covered her back and using a thong she began to place the stones on her back.


    "Aaah! What are you doing!" She groaned wriggling but before she could raise her head, Jessie pushed her head further into the bed with one hand and stretching she grabbed a sheet and tied her upper body to the bed. After she was secure she pulled her hands that were situated above her head and pulled them up tying it above her head.


    "What the hell is this?! Hey! What the hell are you doing? Do you know who I am?!" She screamed.


    Jessie grinned at all her protests, and walked to the oils and powder section. Patricia always complained about some coconut allergies, so Jessie searched for a bottle that had coconut oil as the main ingredient.


    Walking back, she picked the now cold stones from her back, wincing at the burns marks now decorating her back. ''Is this too far?'' She asked herself. ''No! She deserves even more'' she shook her head.


    Pouring the oil into her palms she rubbed it especially into the wounds. She looked up at the door hoping the room was sound proof because Patricia was screaming up a storm.


    ''I wish I could put this on her face'' Jessie thought, but she couldn''t. She couldn''t risk Patricia seeing her face, it wasn''t the right time.


    She slathered the coconut oil down her back and on her legs, ''Let''s see how she goes for shoots like this.''


    Jessie stood back admiring her work, as small pink spots were already appearing and Patricia was screaming bloody hell, saying it was so itchy.


    ''One more thing.'' She smiled. She searched the room for a scissors but she couldn''t find any but she found a razor. "Good enough" She mumbled to herself.


    Ripping off the towel wrapped around her head, her fell in waves like a halo around her head.


    Jessie stared at her sleek straight black strands.


    "Please, please not my hair. Whoever is paying you I''ll give you double, please!" She cried.


    Jessie smiled and grabbed a big piece, cutting it down so low it was almost at it''s roots. She struggled with the blunt razor. She was so distracted and happy that she cut her finger when the door shook. Her head jerked up and she cursed under her breath. They was no other exit apart from the door, she couldn''t get caught. No way! She was already hearing sounds coming from the other side of the door, and Patricia screaming was already becoming too loud and desperate. She was in a bad state, her entire skin had become red and spot filled. Didn''t help the blisters and burns on her back. Plus she was sure she was seeing the locks of hair that covered the floor.


    Jessie stepped back and stood beside the door. As soon as the door was pushed open it covered her temporarily as they all ran to Patricia. Jessie prayed no one else was outside at this point. As they untied Patricia, Jessie made a mad dash out of the room.


    "Hey catch that woman!" A man yelled.


    And as she expected different staff members were hot on her heels. She ran into corner after corner, throwing things in the way as she did. She saw a door by the side as she took a corner, pushing the door open she went in.


    "What the hell?!" A man yelled, struggling to keep his towel from dropping, gripping it tighter around his waist.


    "Shhhhh!" Jessie hushed him. "Please hide me! Please!" She begged.


    "And why would I do that?" He asked.


    Jessie stared at him desperately, she didn''t have time to think, ''God please if you exist, let him be good'' she prayed silently. Pulling off her mask and cap, she let her hair fall freely.


    The man''s eyes went wide as he stared at the dead actress.


    "No way!" He exclaimed.


    Jonathan mouth was low and he was beyond flabbergasted as he stared at Jessie Marin. ''What should he do?''He thought.


    She stared at him with the most powerful expression and such desperation. Jumping she looked at the door behind her as a knock destroyed the silence that settled in the room.


    Jessie looked to him again and pleaded. "Look I know you have no reason to believe me, you may even think that I''m fake. But I''m Jessie Marin the actress I promise, I didn''t kill that man and I am only trying to get revenge. So please." She begged.


    Jonathan looked down at the woman that was currently clutching on to his arm like her last life line.


    ***************************************************


    "You must have been a good fan." He said.


    She nodded. "I''m the president of one of her fan clubs" She frowned. "You can''t tell anyone that!" she said quickly realising her error.


    Jonathan laughed, " don''t worry your secret is safe."


    "It''s just too unbelievable honestly. Jessie would never do something like this. Granted she wasn''t the nicest person but she had the kindest heart and she valued her fans." Krystal frowned.


    "Are you crying?" Jonathan asked noticing a tear drop rolling down her cheeks.


    "What?" Krystal turned to look at him, wiping her face. She rose her big glasses and sniffled wiping her eyes carefully so as not to ruin her mascara.


    "I''m sorry, I''m being so unprofessional right now aren''t I? Forgive me." She pleaded.


    "It''s okay, someone special to you just died and you realised she was not what she said she was, infact she was a killer. You must feel betrayed so it must hurt." Jonathan gave her comforting smile.


    "I don''t believe she killed that driver, it''s not true." Krystal said in a warning tone.


    Jonathan raised his brows at his secretary, he tilted his head to the side and rubbed his chin. ''This is bound to be interesting'' he thought.


    "How sure can you be? Surely you can never truly know a person, am I right? She was a model to the world but you can''t really know her personally." Jonathan said.


    "That not true! I know her, I may just be a fan, but I know her. Would a killer visit a sick fan, or would she own an orphanage?" She asked


    Jonathan rolled his eyes. "Do you not know what good publicity is? You can''t be that naive."


    "I''m not naive, I''m trusting. And I''ve never been wrong to put my trust in a person, Jessie Marin was real, unlike other actresses she didn''t hide her real personality and she has great talent." Krystal said. "Besides, why would I believe anything this news is saying, Patricia Lee is the only witness that alone is enough to cause suspicions" She continued.


    ***************************************************


    Jonathan remembered what Krystal said and contemplated within himself, ''What should he do know? What would be the right thing?''

 Chapter 39 - 39. I Believe You.

    Jonathan shut his eyes for a minute and sighed. "It''s okay, I believe you." He said.


    Walking to the door he opened it and stood in the way. "What do you want?" He asked the man at the door.??


    "I''m sorry for the inconvenience sir but we''ll have to search this room." The man said.


    Jessie bent beside the bed and struggled to keep her rapid heartbeat from exposing her.


    "I beg your pardon?" Jonathan asked. "What right do you have to say such?"


    "It''s just... Sir there has been an intruder and the person ran past here so I have t-"


    "You mean somebody infiltrated your business and put all the safety of your customers in jeopardy? Is that what your saying?" Jonathan asked.


    "Uh... yes sir, that''s what happened." The man said.


    Jonathan laughed "and you have the guts to come here and ask to search my room? Instead of catching this person? You even had the guts to come here and tell me that my life is in danger due to the incompetence of your staff?!" Jonathan yelled.


    "S-sir... p-please..." The man stuttered.


    Jonathan grabbed the man''s shirt and pulled him closer looking straight down at the man he easily towered. "Look, unless you want to be buried in lawsuits I suggest that you go and and solve this problem, and stop disturbing me." Jonathan spat.


    "Y-yes s-sir I''m sorry sir." He said walking away.


    Jonathan sighed and closed the door. Jessie stood up slowly and she looked at him. There was a moment of uncertainty and silence, then Jessie broke the ice.


    "Thank you so much, you don''t know how you''ve saved me." Jessie said bowing slightly.


    Jonathan walked to her and stood a few feet from her. "This is absurd." He stated. "Care to explain?"


    Jessie nodded, "I would but I have to get out of here first." She said.


    "I could help with that. But quick question why are you being chased at a massage parlor? I should at least know what exactly what you did."


    He said.


    Jessie bit her lip and stared at her feet. "I''m not proud of it but you must understand, I am angry and hurting." She paused, Jonathan nodded encouraging her to continue talking.


    "I... I just had to see the woman that ruined my life." She blurted.


    Jonathan tilted his head and gazed intently as her. "By chance are you talking about Patricia Lee?"


    Jessie looked up instantly. "How do you know?"


    "Hmmm... I had an idea." He said.


    **************************************************


    Jonathan watched his secretary speak about an actress with so much passion. The passion of a real fan, he saw it first hand today.


    "Why don''t you believe Patricia Lee?" Jonathan asked.


    "Are you Kidding me? She is always after Jessie, and the funny thing is that she couldn''t even hold a candle to Jessie''s talent." Krystal scoffed. "She always wanted to have Jessie''s fame and love."


    "I thought they were really good friends, I see many posters of them, aren''t they co-star in that hit comedy show?" Jonathan said.


    "Oh please, that''s just acting. We all know the truth." Krystal shook her head.


    ***************************************************


    "So, what did you do to her?" He asked.


    Jessie stared at her feet and rubbed her neck with her hand. "Before I speak, know this I''m only human and it may seem that I might have gone overboard but I don''t regret anything." She said.


    "Is it that bad?" He asked, she nodded.


    "I put the hot stones on her back straight from the coal and rubbed her with coconut oil because she''s allergic. Then I cut her hair." Jessie said in one breath.


    "Hmmm.... You don''t regret anything you did?" He asked.


    Jessie shook her head. " So why are you running?"


    "Because I''m only just started. I''m going to destroy that woman and her family." She said firmly.


    "Isn''t that going to far? I mean she is your enemy not the entire family." He said.


    "You won''t understand, but thanks a lot for what you''ve done for me." She gave him a small smile.


    Jonathan nodded in response, "How do you intend on leaving?" He asked.


    "Ahh... I haven''t thought of that yet." She sighed holding her back. "I''ll figure something out."


    "So you really came in here to hurt Patricia without a plan?" Jonathan asked in disbelief.


    "I didn''t plan on hurting her, honestly all I wanted was to follow her and wait for her to slip up, so I could tarnish her image the way she did mine. But when I saw her lying there the way she was, I couldn''t help myself." She admitted.


    Jonathan groaned and shook his head. "You''re really reckless do you know that? If you didn''t plan to that why would you do so at first? Do you realise that you could have gone to jail?" He scolded her. "Look, anyone could be in this room, if it was anybody else, you''d be in big trouble." He said.


    Jessie stared at her feet.


    "But I understand your anger, so I''ll help you."


    "Really!" She perked up, smiling widely " thank you! Thank you so much!" She clapped.


    Jonathan smiled at her, she really was a beauty. Even now standing in men''s clothing she looked exquisite and beautiful. Something about her just made him want to help her, she didn''t even need to do much to convince her.


    After a while she and Jonathan exited the room, Jonathan was wearing his suit and Jessie was wearing jeans and a polo shirt with the logo of the massage parlor on it. She pulled her hair back and tied it behind her neck holding on to piles of towel she kept her head low and walked behind Jonathan.


    As they approached the lobby he handed his belongings to her when he got them. Patricia was screaming at everybody in the lobby, threatening to sue the establishment.


    The ambulance that was to take her to the hospital arrived the same time they reached the lobby so that provided adequate distraction they used to slip away.


    "So, what now?" He asked her as they reached his car.


    Jessie bowed. "I cannot explain how grateful I am to you, really thank you." She said.


    Jonathan nodded, "don''t worry about it, just do whatever you have to, good luck."


    "You''re an angel, thank you."


    Jonathan laughed at her comment. "Here''s my card if you need anything let me know."


    She smiled and took it, tucking it safe in her pocket she turned and walked away. Today was certainly crazy.


    **********


    Okay so my contract verification failed again. I''m so disappointed and I feel so listless I don''t want to write. Plus my country is a mess right now, so everything just sucks today.


    So for the meantime I won''t be publishing much chapters. I promise to get back with more lively content but for now I have to focus on passing the contract verification and praying for my country.


    Bear with me, and also put your dear author and her country in your prayers. It''s really needed.


    Thank you for understanding.

 Chapter 40 - 40. I Want You.

    Jessie got out of the car, and walked to the other side where Jonathan was standing.


    "Thank you so much for today. You really saved me, thank you I''m really grateful." She bowed and smiled at him.??


    Jonathan smiled back, it was hard not to. She had a beautiful smile. "You stay here?" He asked.


    "Yeah, I''m hiding out at a..." she paused what would she call Jason? What was their relationship? "A friends house" she nodded that''s it right? She definitely felt more than friends for Jason but what?


    "Really? My older brother leaves in this building." Jonathan laughed.


    "Really? well next time you''re here you have to introduce me." She smiled.


    "We''re not that close, next time I come I''ll come to see you." He said.


    She nodded "sure do that. I''ll introduce you to my friend then."


    "Well don''t forget, you still have you sob story to tell me." He reminded her of the promise she made him during their drive.


    "Well you''ve got my number, when you''re free. Due to some circumstances I''m free all the time."


    "Better enjoy it, when you return you not have time to even breathe." He warned her in a playful tone.


    Jessie froze, suddenly tears rolled down her cheeks.


    "Oh my, what''s wrong? Are you hurt did I say som...." Jonathan froze as well when the actresses arms wrapped around him and she laid her head against his chest.


    His hands hung limp at his sides. He didn''t know what to do or how to respond. Should he hug her back? Should he not?


    "Thank you, you''re the only one that has ever told me I''ll make a debut again. Really thank you for believing in me." She said softly, pulling away. She looked up at him with teary eyes.


    "I should go, bye, see you again." She laughed walking away.


    Jonathan could only manage a smile, wow!


    ***************************************************


    Jessie wondered what she would tell Jason, it was quite late. And she wasn''t holding any bags or anything at all. She hesitated at the door then took the leap of faith and opened the door.


    The room was dark, no sound. Maybe she would quietly sneak up and tell him that she came home early and went to bed.


    But before she could creep up the stairs the light came on and she froze. Turning slowly she locked gazes with Jason. He was sitting cross legged on the armchair watching her. He got up and started to walk to her, moving in purposeful strides in her direction.


    ''This is it.'' She thought ''I''m busted.''


    Jason stopped when he reached her, then he leaned down so he was staring straight at her face, she held her breath waiting for the outburst. It was creepy he hadn''t said anything yet. Before she could say anything he burst out laughing.


    Jessie frowned, ''what in literally hell?!''


    He laughed so much that he leaned back and pointed at her. "Wow!" He clapped. "You need to see your face! Oh my your soooooo cuuuuttteee." He grabbed her cheeks and pulled them.


    Jessie shoved him away, "What is wrong with you?!" She yelled moving back with her arms across her chest. Sniffing she finally perceived it, she couldn''t smell the alcohol before because she was too busy holding her breath.


    Jason pouted and Jessie''s heart skipped a beat.


    "Why are you pushing me away? Bad girl! I won''t be your friend anymore." He frowned and staggered backwards.


    "Are you drunk?" She asked the obvious question.


    "Of course" He laughed. "And you''re so sesssy" he giggled.


    Jessie looked at his staggering form and she could not help but laugh.


    "Come on let''s get you to bed." She smiled.


    "No! I don''t want to, who are you? I don''t go to bed with strangers." He said seriously.


    "Ahhh... alright I''m not a stranger come to bed?" She said.


    "What? Are you my girlfriend? Of course your so pretty. Oooooh girlfriend" he smiled in a sing song voice.


    "I''m not your girlfriend Jason."


    "No? Really? Then what are we?" He asked completely oblivious at this point.


    Jessie thought about it, what were they?


    "Come on" Jason pulled her both literally and away from her thoughts. He pushed her into the couch and sat beside her. "Lemme tell you a secret." He smiled beconning for her to come closer.


    "Ahh! My dad made me sad today, his a bad daddy. Will you help me beat him up?" Jason pouted laying his head on her lap.


    "Really, is that why you drank so much?" Jessie asked, sighting the empty bottle that once held bourbon.


    He nodded, "so will you help me beat my daddy? Wow! Do you know why he scolded me?" He raised his head.


    "Why?" Jessie asked humoring him.


    "He said I treated my fiancee badly, I left her once when we were having dinner. You see I had to go safe a girl I like, Jessie Marin. Don''t tell anyone okay." He sat up and whispered in her ear. "She is supposed to be dead, but I like her. I don''t like Patricia, she is bad. She hurt Jessie." He scowled shaking his head. "Patricia is bad, so my daddy said that he would give the company to my junior brother. It made me sad. Really sad." He frowned.


    Jessie stared at the man child before her, never in her life would she have imagined Jason had this part of him. First of all, his infamous Fiancee was Patricia? He liked her? Did he really jeopardize his inheritance to save her? Who was this man really? Why did she feel such a pull to him? Why did he do all these things? Making her feel so flustered and weak.


    "What are you thinking? Why aren''t you saying anything?" He asked, genuinely.


    "Are you perhaps enamored by me?" He laughed. "I understand," he flipped his hair. "Most women are totally smitten with me, expect that Jessie!" He shook his head.


    Jessie shook her head, he would be so embarrassed when he woke up the next day, she had to bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing.


    "What makes you think she isn''t smitten by you." She asked.


    "She is bad, she keeps ignoring me and pushing me away, and defending other guys." He said pushing his jaw up.


    "Really?" he nodded again.


    "Awwn you must have had a hard time." She laughed.


    "You know I''m starting to remember you, you have the lips" he thumb caressed her lips, "the nose." He tapped her nose. "The eyes" he touched those too. "The skin" he whispered caressing her face, rubbing his thumb back and forth across her cheek.


    "Jason" Jessie whispered as she leaned into his touch.


    "Shh... don''t stop me" he slurred "I''m going to kiss you, don''t move away."


    "Don''t you think it''s shameless to use your drunkenness to steal a kiss?" She said softly.


    "I don''t care, I''ll be as shameless as I want. If I get to finally taste does lips of yours. I''ve been dying to feel them again mine. I want to taste you, I want to taste every inch of you." He stated bluntly with an innocent smile.


    Jessie wondered how such and innocent face could utter such intense words. She was shivering at the thought, she too was eager to have him aganist her. The butterflies would not stop erupting and shaking up her entire system. It was so much, she couldn''t take it. She needed him, and she needed him now. Being this close to him made her heady with desire, wrapped in his warmth she felt safe and in danger at the same time. His finger left burning trails as he stroked back and forth.


    His other arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer to himself.


    "Don''t stop me" he said.


    "I won''t."


    That was all the permission he needed claiming her lips.


    **********

 Chapter 41 - 41. I Know You Love Me.

    Jason deepened the kiss and pushed her down so she was laying beneath him, he adjusted himself and settled between her legs. Jessie hands wrapped around his neck and she pulled him closer to herself. She wasn''t the drunk one but with the way she was feeling right now, she was definitely intoxicated.


    His hands moved down and he intruded the space between skin and cloth and drew burning fingers across her naked flesh. Jessie moaned and he finally got his wish. Tasting her mouth, her tongue in a passionte dance with his, both of them fighting for dominance. She never loved the taste of bourbon but here with Jason, drinking through his lips. It was suddenly her favourite thing. She couldn''t get enough, when Jason realized she was no longer getting enough air he broke the kiss and moved to assault her neck and jawline. He was so rough she loved it, very sure she would have bite marks by the morning.??


    He was like a rollercoaster, a full damn ride, he gave her everything. He was slow then fast, gentle then rough. Her body never felt so alive. Everything he did had her shiver and moan, she was a mess.


    Realising that if he moved any lower she wouldn''t be able to stop, she removed her finger from their tangle in his hair and pushed against his chest.


    Jason looked at her, frowning. "You said you won''t stop me." He stated.


    "I won''t, when you''re sober enough to remember this." She said.


    He pouted then sat up pulling her with him. "Let''s get you to bed." She smiled.


    "Fine..." He slurred falling to her laps, passed out.


    "Jason, Jason!" She tapped him, "Aiiish how can he fall asleep here? I can''t take him up." She groaned.


    Raising his head slightly she laid him down quietly and covered him with the blanket that hung of the couch.


    "He''s going to have such a headache tomorrow." She sighed. Biting her lip she got up and walked to her room.


    ***************************************************


    "Are you going to school?" Krystal asked her sister.


    "Where else would I be going? And you? Lemme guess you fangirling." Karen frowned at her sister.


    "Well in states of depression, Daniel oppa is the only one that can raise my spirits." She smiled.


    Karen groaned and walked out of their rooftop apartment, grabbing her school bag and hurling silent insults at her older sister.


    Krystal grabbed her own bagpack and followed suit, locking the door behind her she went downstairs. Her favourite singer was having a signing event today, she didn''t have a ticket, because she was too busy with that crappy job, but at least she would be able to take a picture as he walked in. Now that her favourite celebrity was dead, she would devote all her time to Daniel so she wouldn''t have any regrets.


    She headed to the hall he would be holding the signing and decided to wait in the cafe bedside it. Since the event wasn''t for another two hours, some coffee would do her good.


    ***************************************************


    Jamie scowled at his screen, another message again. Lenore has been goading him these past days. She would send every little information she got about the dead actress, trying to light a fire of interest. And the most annoying part? It was working.


    He was interested, but the last thing he was going to do was work this case with her. He''d rather eat his own foot and than let her win, again.


    He stepped out of the cop car and walked into the little cafe that sold his favourite donuts. Walking to the counter he placed his order and when he wanted to pay the barista told him someone already paid the bill.


    "What? Who?" He asked turning around, following the direction of the baristas finger. He saw Lenora waving at him with a big smile.


    Frowning he grabbed the box of donuts and turned to walk away, smiling at her with a slight bow to show his appreciation.


    He headed towards the door.


    "Detective Anderson! Wait." She yelled walking towards the door to stop him from leaving.


    "Wasn''t I clear? Why do you always have to do this. I was clear Lenora I don''t want to see you." Jamie said.


    "If you would just listen to me, please I have something important to tell you." She pleaded.


    "What part of no do you not understand? Get away, don''t come close to me, stop interfering with my life!" He yelled, walking past her to the door. Lenora grabbed his arm and held him.


    "I don''t care what you say Jamie your going to hear me out." She said firmly, turning to face him.


    Krystal, sitting in the corner turned to the see the couple causing a scene by the entrance. "What are they doing? Do they think this is a drama or what?" She scoffed.


    "Let go of my hand, let go!" He yelled.


    "Alright then! If that''s how you''re going to be, let''s yell!" She yelled back.


    "I''m in no mood for your drama right now Lenora, I have work. Let me go to work." He said.


    "Then listen to me."


    "Get away, can''t you get the message. I don''t want anything to do with you." He said, yanking his arm out of her grasp he began to walk away again.


    "Hey! Hey! Jamie! I''m in danger!" she screamed.


    He stood by the door, hesitating a bit, before he opened the door.


    Lenora panicked that he might actually ignore her decided to use her reporting skills to win this one. "Hey! I''m being targeted for the JM20 case."


    Jamie stopped and turned around, Krystal headed perked up when she heard the code.


    "What did you say?" He asked.


    "If you stop being stubborn, and just listen to me you would be on your way right now. I''m not asking for an hour just ten minutes, please."


    Jamie contemplated his options if he kept rejecting her they would only end up creating a bigger scene than necessary.


    Only a handful of people knew about that code, and Krystal one of them, that was the name of the case file. The one of Jessie that had been buried three years ago when she got in trouble with the authorities. Being a fan page manager and a fanatic fan she was one of the people that helped cover up that incident. Proudest moment of her life, helping her icon.


    She knew exactly what the were talking about.


    "Fine, five minutes nothing more." Jamie finally gave in.


    Krystal dragged her face mask up to her nose and pulled down her cap, stealthily making her way to the drama couple. They left the cafe and went to a secluded corner. Krystal being the professional fangirl she was, put on her mask and pulled down her cap, stealthily making her way out of the cafe and standing at a safe but close distance.


    "Look, I''m sure that Jessie Marin didn''t kill that driver." Lenora said.


    "What makes you so sure?" Jamie asked. "Do you have evidence to proof otherwise?" He asked.


    "No... but-"


    "Then what do you have?" He asked.


    "Hey, let me talk" she said. And Krystal nodded in agreement.


    "I went to interview her manager and he says that she would never do such a thing. But that''s not even what truly shocked me was the drivers family. They are grieving and heartbroken but still they won''t agree that Jessie Marin did it. His mother said the only thing he told her when he called was how much he admired his boss. She even paid for his daughters chemotherapy till she passed. She said he wasn''t close to her or anything but she was still so generous and careful. So why would she kill him." Lenora said.


    Krystal smiled in agreement, wiping little tears that pooled in her eyes.


    "Even the driver''s family?" He asked and Lenora nodded. "Now that''s odd... so what else did you find out?"


    "What?"


    "You said you were in danger, you''re being targeted?" He said his eyes full of concern.


    "Ahhh... yes. Um it''s only a speculation right now but I strongly believe that Patricia Lee is behind all this." She said.


    "Yes... so are the Lees after your life?"


    "Not at the moment, but certainly, definitely they will be in the future." She said looking at her fingers.


    Jamie was confused at first, before it dawned on him. "You lied."


    "I didn''t, I just predicted the future." She said.


    Jamie frowned at her, his expression falling into one of anger. "You''re very sly do you know that? I''m actually interested, you got me interested. I hate that you lied to me and I want more than anything to walk away from here, but I don''t know why I can''t." He said bitterly.


    "Because I know Jamie loves me. And I love him too." She said.


    "You''re so annoying." He said.


    She smiled "you can''t even bare the idea of me being in danger. And we are both aware that if my speculations are right, then this is deeper than any of us. And since I''m not going to stop, you have to be there to make sure I''m fine, thank you."


    "Don''t."


    "Fine, one more thing. It''s just a wild guess but I think Jessie Marin is alive."

 Chapter 42 - 42. Youll Be Dead.

    Katherine winced when she heard the screaming coming from the VIP ward. The patient in room 1103 had been screaming and insulting everyone, spewing threat left and right since yesterday. She heard the clutter of plates and she shook her head when the nurse came out looking distracted and angry.


    Katherine smiled at the nurse that was probably only holding the frustration because of the status of the patient. Goodness knows she wouldn''t be so understanding or patient, even if the patient was the president, okay too far, she couldn''t blow up at Mr. President. But anybody else.??


    The nurse was just about to close the door when a ceramic plate came flying out off the room hitting her in the head and falling, shattering to pieces as it came in contact with the floor.


    Katherine was outraged, who exactly did this person think they were?! Stomping into the room she was definitely going to put this person in their place.


    "I thought I said I wanted to be alone!" She screamed.


    Katherine tilted her head at the woman sitting on the bed, she couldn''t see her face. She was wrapped in bandage from head to toe. Only a bit of her eyes were visible, "look here miss. What right do you think you have to treat someone like that? What exactly do you think you are?" She asked.


    The woman scoffed and glared at her "What the hell is this? Who the hell are you?" The woman asked.


    "It doesn''t matter, don''t act like you''re God. Just because your richer than someone doesn''t give you the right to act like a barbarian! Do you think the people serving you are animals or what?" Katherine asked in shock.


    "I could bury you, do you know that. Infact I''m going to bury you... what in heavens gives you such audacity to speak to me like that!" She screamed.


    "Hey! Look here, this isn''t your company or your father''s property, you have no right here. Stop acting like such a bitch!" Katherine yelled back.


    The woman''s jaw dropped in utter disbelief. What exactly did this woman think she was, talking to her like this.


    Katherine walked closer to her. "Look I''m not asking you to apologise because I know that''s going to be asking too much. But I hope you realise this is a hospital and the doctors and nurses that just save your life can so easily take it as well. If I were you I wouldn''t be too bold." She leaned down to look the woman directly in the eyes.


    "Hmmph you''re bluffing, you don''t know the trouble you''ll be in if anything happens to me. This hospital would be done for, buried in lawsuits forever." She spat back.


    Katherine smirked and looked at the woman. "But you''ll be dead, it doesn''t matter what happens after, you''ll still be dead." Katherine said slowly. "And besides, we are doctors just as we know how to save lives, we also know how to accidentally fake real medical deaths. No one will suspect anything trust me. I''m saying this for your own good." She put her hand by the woman''s ears and looked at the door, searching for witnesses.


    "You see, I heard the staff in charge of your care, contemplating killing you. I wouldn''t be so terrible if I were you. This people hold your lives in your hands, be nice to them okay." She said before standing straight and walking away. But not before throwing a wink in her way.


    She smiled as she shut the door walking over to see her patients, message delivered, mission complete.


    ***************************************************


    Patricia was beyond baffled. Who was that? That woman had the audacity to threaten her. ''Wow Patricia how far you''ve fallen. First your attacked in your spa and now? A ballsy doctor is threatening you?'' She scoffed at herself.


    "She must be a cooperate heir as well, right? There''s no other reasonable explanation, why would she speak to me like that? I mean.. I''m still Patricia Lee right?" She said to herself.


    Deciding to her some sleep she laid down and shut her eyes, ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes later she couldn''t get any shut eye. She kept replaying the threat in her head.


    When she finally fell asleep, she saw the black haired woman, the doctor from earlier tap her awake. "What are you doing?" She asked.


    "Shhhh.... don''t worry it''ll be painless." She smiled at Patricia wickedly.


    What? What are you doing?" Patricia asked panicking.


    The woman took out syringe with a clear substance. "What does it look like Patricia?"


    "What are you doing?!" Patricia yelled.


    "Well Patricia I warned you, you''ve been a very bad girl." The woman laughed wickedly.


    "No, no I''ve not done anything wrong! I promise, please please." Patricia cried.


    The woman looked surprised, before grinning cynically "tch tch tch. Don''t add lying to your crimes Patricia, you''ve been a really bad girl. What did you think was going to happen? After lying to everyone like that, I know about Jessie Marin. I know you killed that driver not her. I know you lied about her body and you sent her to a whore house. I know it all!" She laughed loudly.


    "What? What?! I didn''t do anything please. Help me!" She screamed, sobbing she suddenly realized that she was restrained to the bed.


    "Admit Patricia, admit it. You killed that driver, you framed Jessie Marin. Admit it!" The woman screamed.


    "No! No! I didn''t do anything please!"


    "Okay then, say that to the devil when you reach hell." She said piercing the IV drip that flowed into her blood.


    Suddenly Patricia couldn''t breathe and the woman laughed loudly.


    "Please! Please! I didn''t do anything!" She gasped for air.


    "Miss Lee? Miss Lee!" The nurse shook her.


    Patricia jerked up with a scream, panting heavily she looked around for the woman, it was only a slightly freaked out nurse she saw. She looked at her hands, they weren''t restrained.


    "Ma''am? Are you okay?"


    "Get me out if here!!!" She screamed.


    ***************************************************


    "Have you heard?" Katherine friend asked her. Kim Sun always had the latest gossip in the hospital and never failed to inform her friend.


    "What about?" Katherine asked.


    "Patricia Lee is threatening to sue the hospital." Sun said.


    "Why? I didn''t even realise she was admitted her." Katherine said, totally interested in the hot gossip.


    "Well according to her, she said a female doctor threatened to kill her, and accused her of all manner of things." Sun informed her friend.


    Katherine eyes widened, oh gosh! She was the female doctor. What was she going to do if they found out it was her? She was so dead.


    "So?"


    "She doesn''t have a name yet, and apparently the descriptions she gave are very vague." Sun explained.


    "So what now?" Katherine asked.


    "Well if she can''t identify the culprit then there''s no case, besides the nurse in charge said she was talking in her sleep."


    "What does that mean?" Katherine asked already shaking in her scrubs.


    "The doctors are trying to convince her it''s was her imagination and a side effect of the medication she on." Sun sighed.


    Katherine bit her lip and began to pray that they didn''t investigate. Why didn''t she wear her face mask? Ugh! She was in big trouble, very big.


    DAMN!

 Chapter 43 - 43. Big Trouble.

    "You''re already up?" Jessie asked, as Jason descended the stairs. Looking as handsome as ever in his navy blue suit.


    "Of course I have work to do." He said, "Why do you ask?"??


    "No reason" She shrugged, "Just thought you would have a hangover this morning."


    "Nah... I don''t have those, I take painkillers before I start drinking." He said curtly.


    "Of course... only you would be so cautious." She shook her head.


    "The question we should be asking is what are you doing?" He asked, seeing her in an apron throwing different things into a pot.


    "What does it look like I''m cooking" she smiled and winked at him.


    Jason looked at the rolex decorating his wrist to make sure he still had time to spare then dropped his suitcase. "You''re cooking?"


    "Yes. Don''t sound so surprised. I''ve always wanted to learn how to cook, but never really had the time." She said.


    "So what are you making? That doesn''t seem like what someone would normally eat for breakfast."


    "It''s hangover soup. I was making it for you." She said slowly.


    "For me?" She nodded.


    "Last night..." he trailed off. Jessie ears got hotter and she kept pushing her cheeks because she was sure the were turning pink. Her heart picked up a pace and she wasn''t sure how to act.


    "No yesterday, where were you?" He asked.


    "What?"


    "When I came home last night you weren''t here, and don''t even lie. I know you weren''t with Katherine." He stated bluntly.


    Jessie blinked, then swallowed hard. That certainly took a drastic change of scenario. He didn''t mention the kiss, did he not remember it? She wondered. Deciding to try something she spoke up.


    "What do you mean? I was home all day." She said.


    "No you weren''t."


    "Yes I was, you were probably just too drunk to remember anything." She assured.


    "I didn''t start drinking till I got home."


    "Oh yeah? So what happened last night then? How can you explain that?" She asked.


    "Last night? No way" He muttered. "Did I make a mistake last night?"


    "You really don''t remember?" She asked.


    Jason sighed then scratched the back of his neck like a school boy, an action that made her smile. ''Ugh... he could be so cute sometimes'' she thought.


    "I don''t remember anything, I was pretty wasted. But tell me, did I do anything wrong?" He asked again.


    "It doesn''t matter, if you can''t remember. Forget it, it''s not important." She said.


    "Okay then. But you still haven''t told me where you were."


    Jessie frowned so much for changing the topic, should she tell him what happened last night? No. She can''t.


    "I told you I was here. You probably didn''t notice when you got back." She insisted.


    Jason didn''t believe her, but he knew if he pushed it she would get defensive and careful. He needed her to think he believed her. Eventually he would find out the truth.


    "Alright then. So are you going out today?" He asked.


    "Uh.. I don''t think so. I''ll just stay home today."


    "Fine. I''ll see you later then. Take care." He said walking out.


    Immediately he was out of the house, Jessie turned of the stove, and ditched the apron and ran upstairs to his room. She still hadn''t gotten clothes. So she took a big shirt of his, it fell to her mid thighs. With the sandals from yesterday, a big black coat and her signature mask and cap and headed out after him. It was time to go to the hospital.


    ***************************************************


    Katherine made a mad dash for the elevator. If she stayed in this hospital one more minute she would lose her Job. And probably go to jail. She couldn''t be here any longer. The hospital staff had ordered all the female doctors on duty, during the Patricia Lee incident report to her room. If that woman saw her she would be absolute toast. She would make up an excuse some other time but right now, she couldn''t be here.


    The elevator began to go down, but it opened on a floor inbetween. She was so freaked out at who it could be until she saw the person wearing such a big coat in the summer. The person stared at her for an unnatural length of time, she was waving as well.


    Katherine frowned and stepped backwards.


    "Katherine it''s me." The person said pulling down the nose mask.


    "Jessie?"


    "Why do you look like you''ve seen a ghost? Remember I''m not really dead." She smiled.


    "Of course I know that." Katherine let out a nervous laugh.


    "By the way what are you doing here?" Jessie asked.


    Katherine narrowed her eyes at Jessie.


    "I should be asking you that. Didn''t you come here to meet me?" She asked.


    Jessie was startled, so this is where Katherine works... Wow small world.


    "Of course, of course." She lied. "I did come to see you, of course."


    "Huh" Katherine said her tone full of disbelief.


    "Why do you look pale? Why are you shaking?" Jessie asked.


    "DR. KATHERINE PARK, DR. KATHERINE PARK. REPORT TO THE VIP WARD, ROOM 1103" The voice from the intercom buzzed.


    Katherine gasped, leaning on the elevator wall for support she paled.


    "Katherine what''s wrong?" Jessie asked.


    "Ahh... Jessie I''m in big trouble." Katherine cried.


    "Why what happened?" She asked.


    "Come we can''t talk here" Katherine said grabbing her arm and pulling her away from the elevator. They walked a while before they found a closet and she pulled them in.


    "Katherine what''s going on?"


    "I''m in big trouble Jessie, I threatened a patient and now she is making a big scene." Katherine said, biting down on her lip.


    "What did you say?"


    "I told her that we could very easily end her life in this hospital. Don''t look at me like that... she deserved it." Katherine pouted.


    "The patient is VIP? How could you?" Jessie shook her head.


    "I didn''t know who she was at the time, and she threw a ceramic bowl at a nurse." She spat.


    "Well then, who is she then?" Jessie asked.


    "Patricia Lee."

 Chapter 44 - 44. Alive?

    "What do you mean Jessie Marin is alive?" Jamie asked.


    Krystal''s heart began to beat faster. What did they mean by Jessie Marin was alive? Was she really? Tears fell from her eyes, she couldn''t believe her ears. Oh my goodness! If this was really true, she would be the happiest person in the world.


    "Did you perform a DNA test on the body you found?" Lenora asked.


    Jamie stared at her for a while. "It only a hunch but I don''t think she''s dead." Lenora continued.


    "It was her body, she was Jessie Marin. We didn''t need a DNA test, the woman looked exactly like Jessie Marin." Jamie said firmly.


    "Why are you now getting all defensive?" Lenora pouted "how could you not perform a DNA test? Still."


    "Now that I think about it, my senior was rushing the entire thing, infact he pretty much shoved the results in my hand and shoved me into the commissioner''s office." He sighed.


    "Then what about the prosecutor." She asked.


    "Hmmm... I only met with him once or twice. It is strange, Mr Jun met with him separately." He said.


    "Huh, so was he there when you guys performed the autopsy then?" She asked.


    He nodded.


    "I wonder how you''ve held all this in, all this while." Lenora said. "Left to you, you would have solved this case. But why did they name you detective in charge, if you never really were involved?"


    "Can''t you see, there''s foul play. I''m the shield...." he scoffed. "I can''t believe it. The police are corrupt."


    "There are corrupt people everywhere, no need to fret" Lenora comforted him.


    Krystal strained to hear, she really couldn''t get them as clearly anymore. Before she knew what was truly happening she tripped and knocked down a trash can. "Shit!" She cursed silently.


    "What was that?" Lenora asked, eyes wide. Jamie put his finger on his lips and caressed the gun hanging by his side. Moving slowly, with skill and stealth he motioned for Lenora to get behind him.


    Krystal struggled to get up but her backpack was tangled in with a rusted metal. "Come on, come on." She tugged.


    "Freeze! Put you hands up!" Jamie yelled as he held the gun to her.


    Krystal yelped and shakingly put her hands above her head. "I didn''t do it, I didn''t do it please!" She cried.


    Jamie looked at Lenora with a confused expression. "You didn''t do what?" Lenora asked.


    Krystal looked up at them and continued to cry.


    Jamie sighed and dropped the gun, before he could put back into the holster Lenora stopped him. "What are you doing?" He asked.


    "I could ask you the same thing, why are you putting your gun down?"


    "Come on Lenora, she''s just a kid." Jamie said.


    "It doesn''t matter, look how she''s acting so guilty" Lenora frowned at her, Krystal tried to get up but she couldn''t stand on her ankle.


    "Ahh... I think I twisted it" She groaned.


    "It not twisted, get up and stop pretending." Lenora scoffed.


    "Pretending?! Whoa... I wish I was so good at acting. Perhaps my dreams of becoming one wouldn''t be hopelessly bashed." She said ruefully.


    Jamie tucked his gun in it''s place and bent down to pick her up. "Stop!" Lenora said.


    "What now?" Jamie sighed.


    "Get up, I''ll do it. I''ll help her, don''t touch her." She scowled. Pushing him out of the way and helping her up. Jamie couldn''t help but smile at her jealousy.


    Standing on one feet she held the other up. Lenora helped her to the wall, so she could lean aganist it.


    "I saw you in the cafe, were you following me?" Lenora questioned her. "Who sent you? What is your aim? Who are you going to give your information to?"


    "Lenora" Jamie said.


    "Hey! Madam, look here, I''m not working anybody neither was I following you. I only got interested when you told him about it in the cafe."


    Lenora gasped "Madam? How old do I look to you?"


    "You''re older than me, and I''d rather not call you miss." Krystal scowled.


    Lenora coughed and gasped in shock. "Look at you!"


    Jamie shook his head at the two women in front of him "You said you were interested after what she said in there?" He decided to ask the obvious question.


    Krystal nodded. "But I can''t tell you why."


    Lenora''s eyes widened "Really? Would you rather we have you arrested then?"


    "Arrested?" She gasped. "You can''t arrest me for eavesdropping. Right?" She looked at the cop in their midst.


    "No." He said firmly, looking at Lenora.


    Krystal poked her tongue out at the woman before her, and Lenora scoffed.


    "How childish." She said.


    "So you won''t tell us why you followed us out hear and spied?" Jamie asked again.


    "It''s not as if I won''t, I just can''t."


    "I bet it''s because of the code" Lenora narrowed her gaze at Krystal. "If only a handful of people know to connect Jessie Marin with that, then you must be a fan page manager."


    Krystal coughed and stammered, words suddenly failing her.


    "How did I know? It''s quite obvious you see, plus I''m a very good reporter. I notice things other people don''t." She grinned at Krystal.


    "You''re lying." Krystal blurted.


    "Am I?"


    "Lenora don''t make assumptions." Jamie said.


    "Why don''t you ever support me?!" Lenora whined. "When have I ever been wrong about something like this?!" She scolded.


    "Ahhh... look at how your yelling at him, is that all you do? Yell at people?" Krystal scoffed.


    "Hey! Why can''t I yell at him?" She yelled at Krystal.


    "It must be hard for you to date someone like this." Krystal sympathetized with Jamie.


    And he smiled and nodded his head.


    "Hey!" Lenora warned. "Anyways it doesn''t matter. What''s your business? Do you like him?"


    "Please..."


    "Why did you answer like that? Is there something wrong with him?" She asked the question but it was more like she was accusing Krystal.


    Jamie''s look were a dream. He wasn''t too tall, but he was still taller than them both. He had a very boyish look, gentle and sweet but his evident muscles showing by the strain of his shirt made him daring. His hair was a buzz cut so it made him look younger than he actually was, and his smile was definitely something to die for. But she was not interested. He was not her type.


    "I''m into guys that have good taste in women, so no." She smirked at Lenora, winking at Jamie.


    Lenora''s jaw dropped and she wanted give a fitting reply, but Jamie hand on her shoulder stopped her.


    "Enough, I cannot keep listening to this useless arguing. Hey! You''re older stop." He scolded Lenora, who frowned in response.


    "Look if you''re Jessie Marin''s fan page manager, or at least one of them then you must know a lot about her right?" He asked and Krystal nodded.


    "Let''s exchange numbers and switch information okay?" He said and pulled out his phone.


    "No! You won''t give her your number or take hers. Here''s mine" Lenora gave her a card. "Call me."


    Krystal pouted and took it. "Ugh... do I really have to take hers?" She looked at Jamie.


    "Well she has spoken" He said chuckling.

 Chapter 45 - 45. Masked Woman.

    Jessie jaw dropped, she let out a sarcastic laugh. "That bitch never learns, I guess the spa wasn''t enough to teach her some humility huh." She blurted angrily.


    "I know right, she such a bitch!" Katherine wrinkled her nose, slowly coming into realization of what Jessie said.??


    "Wait a minute... what do you mean by the spa." She asked, remembering the gossip in the doctors lounge about a patient that came from a massage parlor with severe skin infections and burns. "Did you that?!" She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Jessie! What were you thinking?"


    Jessie frowned at her. " Oh please, she more than deserved it."


    Katherine scoffed "So you don''t even regret it?"


    "Why the hell should I?" Jessie jutted her chin.


    "Ahhh.... that''s why you''re here, what more do you want to do? End her?" Katherine condemned her.


    "Would that really be bad?" Jessie stated matter of factly.


    "Jessie!" Katherine warned.


    "What? I''m kidding, death would be to kind a sentence for that vile woman." She scowled.


    "Didn''t Paul and Jason warn you not to get involved with Patricia? You promised." Katherine affirmed.


    "I was never sincere, besides none of you had the slightest idea what I''m going through. And since that pig headed Jason wouldn''t let up I had to win in my own way. "Plus, why are you acting the saint? You were the doctor that threatened the life of your patient."


    Katherine sighed in admission. "Correct, I''m not any better. Maybe I should have thought before doing that. I''m probably going to lose my license and go to prison." She said sadly. "But in all honesty I don''t regret it either."


    Jessie sighed, "You''re not going anywhere. I''m going to help you."


    "What exactly could you do to get me out of this right now." Katherine asked "it''s over, my name is on the list for people who were on duty this morning, I''m not even done. One look and she''ll know."


    "Not if I''m you." Jessie smirked mischievously.


    "What do you have in mind?" Katherine asked with skepticism.


    "Just trust me and get me one of those scrubs." She said. "Oh and we''ll need a third person."


    ***************************************************


    Patricia sat on her bed with so much rage. This people were making a fool out of her! Who did they think she was, she knows what she saw and heard and remembers very vividly. If anything she was always certain of her memory, she never forgot a face.


    The was a light knock on the door and the hospital director walked in with a woman behind him.


    "Miss Lee, I''m so sorry to keep you waiting but we''ve managed to find the last doctor on call this morning." The director bowed slightly.


    Patricia rolled her eyes. "It would be good for you if this woman was the culprit, if not I swear I''ll bury you all. Fools!"


    The woman stepped from behind him, "This isn''t her!" Patricia yelled. "I''ve seen you before, what kind of sick joke is this?"


    "Oh I didn''t mean her" The director said. "She''s our chief of surgery. The doctor will come in now." He said.


    "Dr. Park." He called.


    And a masked woman walked in. "What is this? Take off you mask!" Patricia screeched.


    The woman waited till only Patricia eyes were on her and she pulled the mask down.


    Patricia gasped when she saw the face. She became white and sweat beads formed on her head. "Jessie?" She muttered.


    "Miss Lee?" The director called to her, as she stared straight her face pale and her expression full of shock.


    "What the hell is this? What the hell is this?!!" Patricia screamed. "What is she doing here!"


    As the director and chief of surgery wanted to turn around. A flower vase at the other side of the room broke. They all turned to it, and by the time they turned to look at the source of Patricia Lee''s terror.


    It was only the masked woman there.


    "Take off your mask!" Patricia screamed.


    The woman took off the mask and looked at Patricia with a confused expression.


    Patricia''s eyes widened and her jaw dropped in disbelief. "Bu... but... who the hell are you? Wha... what.. ha..." She stuttered unable to form coherent words.


    "Miss Lee?" The chief of surgery called out to her.


    "No... no that''s not right."


    "Miss Lee is this the doctor that threatened your life?" The director and chief walked over to her bed. She looked at them and nodded.


    "Are you sure miss, that woman?" The chief asked pointing to her.


    Patricia looked at the woman again to confirm, perhaps she was just seeing things. But she knew that was the woman. She looked at the face and saw a different person again. A face that spoke terror to her.


    Patricia squinted to make sure she wasn''t seeing things, "Jessie?"


    "No Miss, her name is Park, Katherine Park." The director corrected.


    "No that''s definitely Jessie Marin. I''m sure of it!" She screamed tears falling down her face.


    The director and chief looked confused as the turned back to meet with the familiar face of their Dr. Park. "Miss are you sure you''re okay?" The chief asked.


    "How can she be Jessie Marin? She''s Katherine Park." The woman explained.


    "No! No I saw her I swear!" Patricia cried. "You know what I don''t care anymore. Arrest her! Whoever she is, Jessie or Katherine arrest her!"


    The director looked at Patricia with worry, was she losing it?


    "Miss are you sure you aren''t mistaken?" The director asked.


    " How dare you?! Are you questioning me?! I said arrest her now!" She ordered.


    The director left the room, motioning for Katherine to follow him.


    "Dr. Park a hefty accusation has been laid on you." The director said.


    Katherine looked at her feet, her heart thumping loudly against her ribcage. Did Jessie''s plan really fall through? Was she really going to prison?


    "But it appears she is not in her right mind." The director sighed and a ray of hope shined Katherine''s way.


    "Of course director, her claims cannot be accepted. She is defined just making it up, how would I ever do such a thing?" She said "I''m a professional and you know that without a doubt sir." She stated pointedly trying to stifle her smile.


    "Indeed I do, but you see she is a very powerful person we can''t just dismiss her." He sighed.


    "What does that mean?" She frowned.


    "You will have to be arrested Dr. Park" he concluded. Katherine eyes widened and she opened her mouth to object but he stopped her.


    "Only to appease her. Please understand we cannot start a war with the Lee''s. You will be bailed out almost immediately. I promise this won''t be a big problem. We won''t allow it go to court." He tried to assure her.


    "What do you mean? We are talking about that crazy woman in there! She is not going to rest until I''m sentenced!" She yelled.


    The director winced and motioned for her to calm down but Katherine wasn''t having it.


    "Well it''s too late now, we''ve already informed the police. Dr. Park please, just go with them, I give you my word nothing will happen." He stated firmly.


    "This isn''t fair." She said sadly.


    The director walked back into the room, Katherine in hand and bowed.


    "She will be arrested Miss Lee. Please do not sue." The director pleaded.


    Patricia scoffed. "Not on you life" she sneered.


    Patricia glared at Katherine. Almost immediately the security was there to get her.


    "Wait. I want her to kneel before me and beg. Maybe I won''t sue then" she said. "I''ll even forget the entire thing."


    Katherine''s eyes widened, the director and chief looked at her with pleading gazes and urged her to do as she said.


    Katherine turned around and got on her knees, gripping her coat tightly and biting her lip so bad it bled.


    She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, she looked back up. "I''m not sorry, I didn''t do anything wrong and to hell with this." She spat getting up.


    Patricia eyes widened and her superiors looked at her like she was mad.


    "Arrest me if you want, sue me if you want. But remember you are the one that was screaming the name of a dead actress. Why would you be seeing her? Maybe you''re guilty of something. We have a lot of psychiatrists in this hospital I''m sure they''ll love to take in a new patient. And the fact that you were willing to let me go if I kneel means you''re only making it up and I''m innocent. Sure, call the cops lets see who the investigate at the end." Katherine said glaring daggers at Patricia.


    Patricia laughed sarcastically at the woman in front of her. "Do you not who I am?"


    "Is that important right now?" Katherine asked. "Because you''re rich and influential does not mean you should use the law in the wrong way."


    "Are you two idiots going to watch her taunt me like this!" She yelled at the two people at the other side of the bed.


    Katherine held her hand up to stop her superiors from talking. "You''ve been nothing but pure evil to all the staff treating here and you still have the heart to accuse and innocent woman." Katherine said.


    "Innocent! Why you little wentch!" She grabbed the remote by her hand and threw it at Katherine.


    Katherine flinched as the remote hit her, she touched her head and felt moisture. She was bleeding.


    "Take her away!" Patricia screamed and the security people dragged her out. As she walked out of the room and her eyes searched for Jessie, nodding to her she went on to jail.

 Chapter 46 - 46. Game Over.

    Jessie sighed as Katherine walked past her, she had to wait a bit. After about thirty minutes the nurse that took the brunt of Patricia anger earlier, walked out.


    "I''m so sorry, she wouldn''t fall asleep." She said.??


    "It''s alright. She didn''t see you come out though." The nurse nodded.


    "Did you get it all?"


    "Ofcourse, I managed to get her face and keep Katherine out of the entire video." She said handing Jessie her phone.


    "Thanks a lot, really I''m so grateful." Jessie smiled.


    "It''s no problem at all she''s a vile person, I still can''t believe you''re really alive though." She said.


    "It all thanks to her I''m in this situation, but don''t worry it won''t last forever. Please keep this a secret." She told the nurse.


    "Ofcourse you''re secret is safe with me."


    Jessie hugged the nurse briefly and ran towards the elevator. She had to go get Katherine from jail.


    ***************************************************


    Jessie stood at the entrance of the police station where they had brought her friend, she contemplated going in. She had to, how else could she save her. But if I''m caught it''s game over right there. She drew in a long deep breath and pulled her mask up and her cap down. She decided against the shades since it would raise too much suspicion as to why she was wearing sunglasses indoors. So she hoped for once someone was not a fan of hers.


    As she walked in and headed for the reception she sighted the cop that stood to receive people. She had an unfriendly face, wasn''t too pretty but she wasn''t ugly either. She was shorter than Jessie but if she was sitting then she''d be a giant then. She was quite plump and she barely had any hair on her head.


    "How can I help you?" She asked as Jessie walked over to her.


    Unable to give her charming smile for fear that she might give away her identity, she cleared her throat and decided to just get straight to the point.


    "I''m here to see a detainee." She said.


    "What''s the detainee''s name?" The cop asked.


    "Katherine Park."


    "Katherine... Park" the woman said as she searched the computer. "I''m sorry miss but there''s no one by that name here."


    "What do you mean there''s no one by that name?" Jessie scoffed. "I saw them bring her in here!"


    "Alright alright calm down" the woman said. "If she just came in, then she''s not yet on the database."


    "Ah... that''s a good thing then. Can I see her?"


    The cop held a finger up to signify that she wait, she picked up the landline by her side and made the call. "She''s currently unavailable, as she is taking her mugshot."


    "Mugshot! She didn''t do anything wrong. Does that mean she is going to get a criminal record now?!" Jessie huffed.


    "If she didn''t do anything wrong why pray tell, is she in a police station right now?"


    "I don''t know, the broken system in this country perhaps?" Jessie snorted. "When can I see her?"


    "Shortly, but before that might I ask your relationship with the detainee?"


    Jessie paused for a bit thinking of her answer, if she said the wrong thing now she might not be allowed to see Katherine. "Why does that matter?"


    The cop didn''t fall for her tactics, instead gave her a pointed look that made her pout.


    "She''s my sister?"


    "Are you asking me that?"


    "No, no she is my sister."


    "May I see some ID?"


    "Uh.... you may not? Look I heard that my sister was arrested and rushed from where I was to come see her. I didn''t have time to pick up my ID card. Surely you understand." She said with a small laugh.


    "No I do not understand, miss Park? The only people that do not carry their Identity cards around are criminals and judging by your dressing I''d say you''re coming from a bank robbery." The cop stated.


    Jessie mouth widened in shock, the nerve of this woman. As she started to give the woman a piece of her mind a voice interrupted her.


    "Jessie?"


    She turned around and met gazes with Katherine. "Kate!" She exclaimed. She looked at the cop for permission and she motioned for Jessie to go.


    She ran up to her new friend and gave her a tight hug.


    "Oh my goodness Katherine, are you okay?" Jessie asked, fussing over her.


    "I''m fine, truly." Katherine assured her.


    "What do we need to do to get her out of here?" Jessie asked.


    "Bail. You need to pay her bail, luckily for you it was set just two minutes ago." The cop that brought Katherine from the photograph room said.


    "So? How much is my bail?" Katherine asked.


    "One million dollars."


    Both women had looks of shock written all over their faces, Jessie eyes widened and Katherine jaw dropped.


    "One million dollars? It''s not like I killed someone." Katherine gasped.


    "Yeah well, I''m just following orders miss, if you don''t have the money right now I would suggest you head over to the holding cell." He said.


    Jessie gripped Katherine arm, "this isn''t fair." She said.


    "No? Call your lawyer then."


    "Why is it so high? She being accused for a crime she didn''t even commit. It all politics to appease some rich bitch!" Jessie huffed.


    "You do know I did do it right?" Katherine whispered in to Jessie ears as she was standing behind her.


    "Is that really the problem right now?" Jessie whispered back.


    "Look, this shouldn''t get out of hand. I''m warning you, don''t forget that corruption is highly frowned upon in this country." Jessie argued.


    "Look threatening the police isn''t going to do anything right now, I would advise to bring your lawyer or forget about it. Miss come with me." He said curtly. Grabbing Katherine upper arm and walking her away to a cell.


    Jessie followed behind them.


    "What are you doing here?" He asked sighing out of frustration.


    "You''re not going to kick me out now to will you?" She asked. "I''m allowed to visit aren''t I?"


    "Fine, you have fifteen minutes. " He said, not willing to argue with the woman in front of him.


    "What do we do?" Katherine asked, clutching to the bars like her life depended on it.


    "Isn''t Paul a lawyer?" Jessie asked.


    "Yeah but I don''t want his help." Katherine stated firmly.


    "But Kate,"


    "Don''t Jessie I don''t want his help. Besides there is no way he isn''t going to tell Jason, how are you going to explain being in the hospital and being here right now?" Katherine asked.


    "You are right, Jason can''t find out I''ve been stalking Patricia which means I can''t use his credit card either." She sighed.


    "So what now? Do you not have up to a million dollars?" Jessie asked.


    "All my money are tied up in investments right now." Katherine groaned.


    "You''re into investments? Didn''t coin you for the money type." Jessie said.


    "Well I''m tried of being treated the way I was today, and the only thing that ensures my safety right now is having more money than my oppressors." She said.


    "Well in this country, name is more important than money sometimes Katherine." Jessie frowned.


    "Yeah well, I can only do what I can right? I can''t immediately have a powerful name, but I can certainly make the papers." She replied.


    Jessie sighed, thinking hard, who could she call. If she had access to her own bank accounts she would be able to pay this in a heart beat. But this is were she was now, should she call her dad? No no no... her family couldn''t know she was alive.


    Then it came to her... someone that could help her. One of the people that she met in her current situation that wouldn''t require her to do much explaining.


    "I know someone that could help."


    "Really?"


    She nodded.


    "Who is it?" Katherine asked.


    "Uh.. I don''t know his name, but he gave me his card." She said.


    Pulling it out of her purse. "Jonathan Kang."


    Katherine scrunched up her face, "why does that name sound familiar?" She asked.


    "It sounds like Jason Kang?" Jessie shrugged.


    Katherine nodded "yhup that''s probably it, call him."


    "Sure thing."

 Chapter 47 - 47. Shit.

    "Hey Jessie?" Katherine called to her from behind as she was dialing the number on Jonathan''s card.


    "Hmm?"??


    "Have you posted the video yet?" Katherine asked her.


    "No, I haven''t had the time." She said.


    "Why not? Do it now, before you call this Jonathan." Katherine said.


    "But Kate getting you out of here is the priority isn''t it?" Jessie argued.


    "Jessie, I''m fine. Don''t blame yourself, I know that what you''re doing. I''m not in jail because of you, infact I''m able to save my job because of you. Please just do what you have to do. Teach that bitch a lesson ,heaven knows she deserves it." Katherine assured her.


    Jessie stared at her for a moment before she finally gave in. "Okay, but I''ll call him first."


    ***************************************************


    Krystal walked back home, she didn''t have any more interest in attending the concert. After hearing that they was a possibility of Jessie Marin being alive she couldn''t think of anything else. And since she wanted to clear her head she decided to ditch the bus and walk, she would arrive home when it was late but she didn''t care. Hopefully her bitter little sister would be fast asleep.


    But her phone kept buzzing, she made a promise to her sister that she would stop using her phone while walking. After she had almost died, because she wasn''t paying attention so she ran to the nearest bus stop and sat on the bench. Taking her phone out she looked to see what the problem was.


    Her fanpage was blowing up.


    "Wow I always knew Patricia lee was a bitch!"


    "No... wait.... why is she going on about Jessie Marin?"


    "Do you think she''s losing her mind?"


    "Don''t think! She is!"


    "But wait what if she actually saw Jessie Marin? The video only shows her, and not the person she was talking to."


    "What are you trying to say? Jessie Marin is dead."


    "Yes please don''t mention her name anymore I hate her for deceiving us."


    "Yes she''s the devil!"


    "Hey don''t get off track, this isn''t about Jessie Marin!"


    "I feel so bad for the innocent doctor."


    "Yeah me too."


    Krystal scrolled through the comments and frowned. What were they going off about. Next thing a notification popped into her phone, it was from an entertainment news channel she was following. They were famous for yellow journalism and scandals.


    A certain Dr. K has been unfairly treated and discriminated aganist. By one of the nation''s most influential actresses. Patricia Lee. She has always infamous for her bad habits and elitism. But today we see it first hand.


    Krystal clicked on the video below and watched as Patricia Lee kept yelling and insulting the doctor. ''Why does she keep saying she seeing Jessie Marin?'' She wondered.


    She shook her head when she watched where Patricia told the doctor to kneel or she would sue.


    Krystal frowned and went back to her fanpage. She typed furiously.


    It is quite clear what we have watched today, not only did she falsely accuse this innocent doctor, she threatened the entire hospital. It is quite clear that all she wanted was to feed her own ego, if the doctor really was guilty she would have pushed for prosecution no matter what. But the fact that she was willing to let everything go if the doctor kneels and begs only shows she was trying to crush this poor doctors ego and pride. Citizens like Patricia Lee are the reasons why the middle and lower class continue to be oppressed, we cannot continue to keep silent and let thugs like Patricia Lee continue to bully us because they have money and power.


    Krystal poured her disgust and frustration into the post, remembering what happened to her just a while back, perhaps she should post about that tyrant Jason Kang. It was people like him that continued to feed the rich with power. Thinking they were gods, pfft!


    Her fanpage ate up her post and continued to post and repost. But one post caught her eye and attention.


    "But why did Patricia Lee keep insisting she was seeing Jessie Marin?"


    Krystal thought about it, why? Wait. Perhaps is she really alive?! In some twisted and unbelievable way she might have been true. Even though it wa just a joke or some kind of lie she had to find out.


    She grabbed her bag pack and searched for the hospital where Patricia Lee was receiving medical attention. It was just two blocks from here, she could run he distance. If by chance she could get some proof, OMG!!!


    ***************************************************


    Jonathan walked into the police station and searched around, looking for the damsel that sent for him. He was actually quite surprised that she took him up on his offer to assist her at anytime. He caught gaze with a masked woman and her eyes immediately perked up. She got up and walked over to him, waving.


    "You''re here." She said.


    "I said I would be" Jonathan stated.


    Jessie smiled pulling down her mask. "I''m so grateful, I don''t know how to thank you." She said.


    "So where is this friend of yours?" Jonathan asked.


    "She''s in a holding cell." Jessie replied.


    Jessie lead the way and Jonathan followed as they walked towards the head office where they would post bail. When she called earlier he had insisted that she tell him everything on the phone.


    So he already knew to come with money, luckily for him his father gave him almost 200 million dollars along with his position.


    "No son if mine should ever have to double think or hesitate because of money." He said.


    Jonathan saw no need for such an amount, for someone of his humble beginnings he was never comfortable with luxury. But he couldn''t be more thankful this time. He had the chance to help someone that really needed the money.


    "I thought I told you to come in here with your lawyer. What part of I can''t help you do you nor understand? You can''t pay the bail, you can hire a lawyer don''t come in here and make foolish demands. " The cop from earlier said to Jessie.


    Jessie glared at the man. "Look here mister, mind who your talking too. You have no idea who I am and what I''m capable off, Officer... Kim" She said as she strained her eyes to look at his name tag.


    "Oh... I''m so scared."


    "You should be." Jonathan said as he walked into the office.


    The officer stiffened, getting up he assessed the giant man that stepped into his office. Jonathan was very tall, but he was also lanky. He had a lean and long physique so he easily towered over the police officer. Even ignoring his expensive suit and luxurious demeanor his height always gave him advantage in conflicting situations.


    The Officer did not know exactly who he was, but it was quite obvious he was powerful. Doing an estimated calculation his outfit cost more than 250 thousand dollars. That was more than his salary three years combined.


    "Uh... excuse me asking but who are you? The lawyer?"


    Jonathan gave him a small grin, his lips tilting up a bit "I look like a lawyer? Too bad I''m not here to negotiate with you. The bail, where do I pay?"


    "Ah... yes, sure thing just fill this form." He said.


    Jonathan looked to Jessie and she nodded.


    "I''ll do it, just show him where he can pay." Jessie said taking the form.


    In no time Jessie, Katherine and Jonathan were exiting the police station.


    "I cannot thank you enough, don''t worry I will pay you back the one million dollars." Jessie said bowing. Katherine did the same thing, thanking him.


    "Are you Kidding? I got to save my favourite actress, it''s certainly a dream to have such a call from you Jessie Marin. I''m glad I could help and I''m thankful you called." Jonathan smiled.


    "No... but this is too much though. One million dollars isn''t a small amount." Katherine said. "And it was me you saved, I''m indebted to you."


    Jonathan laughed "it''s okay, really. I have too much, you needn''t pay back."


    "Still...-" He held a hand to stop them grabbing his ringing phone.


    The two ladies waited for him to finish the call.


    "I''m sorry I have to go." He said.


    "We have to make it up to you some how." Katherine said.


    "How about dinner? Our treat." Jessie suggested.


    "That''s a wonderful idea." Katherine agreed.


    "I don''t suppose I can refuse" He said and the both shook their heads. "Fine, text me and will fix a date. I hope you can get home safe from here. It''s getting pretty late." He asked.


    "We''re okay, we''ll be fine. Thank you so much." Jessie said and he nodded, walking towards his sports car.


    Jessie waved as he drove away. "Isn''t it so shocking that people like this still exist?" She smiled.


    "Hey! Wipe that smile of your face, I think they found out." Katherine said, her voice laced with a little nervousness.


    "Who found out?" Jessie asked.


    Katherine handed her the phone and Jessie took it reading the text.


    "Shit."

 Chapter 48 - 48. Sick Joke.

    "Mr Song, I assure you this aren''t negotiable. We need to increase the budget for the machinery."


    "I am not changing my mind, I''ve told you hire a biomedical engineer. If you can''t find a good one, get me someone who can." Paul said firmly. "Look you''re the CEO of this hospital, I expect you to be more sensible than this. Because the Song chain of hospitals pulls in billions doesn''t mean you get to use that money, my money anyhow."??


    "Sir, with all due respect you''re not a medical person that''s probably why you won''t completely understand. I''m speaking from a doctors perspective." The CEO insisted.


    "Yeah well, I don''t care. This isn''t a charity, it''s a business and I will not have you spend money unnecessarily like this. Why do you need to get new machinery every year. Even the best hospitals in the world don''t change these machines like this."


    "That''s why we always remain the best sir."


    Paul laughed, grinning and walking of to the balding man that thinks he can intimidate him. He might not be a doctor but he was a businessman. He was also not stupid, he was going to proof to everyone that he could run a hospital without going to medical school. The health care sector was a business after all.


    He tucked his hands into the pockets on his pants. Looking down at the doctor, he smirked. "So you mean to tell me that the only reason we are the best is because of equipment? Wow... and my brother was bragging about hiring only the best staff. Are you saying you''re incompetent without new fancy equipment?" Paul asked the man smiling at him.


    The doctor gasped, he did not expect this line of attack. He always hated the fact that his superior was a pompous boy that had no idea what it meant to be a doctor, the struggles and hard choices they had to make every day. And he always thought of Paul as some green horn that knew nothing and would just play around, at least that was he''s exact expectations when his father appointed him has the head of the board for this particular hospital. What he did not predict was that this scandalous boy would be this interested in the affairs of the hospital.


    At first he seemed completely clueless and uninterested, but it was obvious like his father all he wanted was to make money. But unlike his father he didn''t care for the lives and the work that they did here. At least his father was also a doctor.


    Now he was smiling at him? Paul Song was the type of person that would love people to underestimate them, if fact that was exactly what he did. Over the short time he had known the man, he knew that although he wore an innocent smile on his innocent face, they was malice and danger in that mind of his, he was calculating and shrewd. The doctor knew this, but it appeared he underestimated him.


    "You''re not understanding what I''m saying Sir."


    "I don''t care, really if you can''t cut the spending expenses as the CEO I should probably start looking for someone who can." He said.


    The CEO coughed... "you can''t fire me? Your... your father appointed me himself."


    Paul laughed. "Come on, even you should know by now that I don''t answer to anyone concerning this hospital, especially not my father. I''m not afraid of anyone and trust me the fact that I''m not doctor motivates me to do better than my brothers. I want to prove that I''m much better, and I will do anything, anything at all. Even fire an arrogant old man that thinks he can keep questioning me."


    The doctor glared at him but kept his mouth shut.


    "Now you will hire a team of engineers to maintain our machinery. No new equipment will be bought without my approval. I hope I''ve made myself clear." Paul leaned down to whisper into the CEO ears.


    The man gritted his teeth but nodded.


    "Tsk tsk... that''s not enough, words CEO, words."


    "Yes sir."


    "Now that more like it" Paul smiled tapping his cheeks. "Have a nice day sir." He said walking out.


    Now he had to go tell Katherine the good news. It was her idea after all, if he could save and invest the 3 billion dollars they spent every year replacing all the machines he would definitely surpass his brothers.


    He walked out of the elevator, prancing about as he normally did, with his resting non chalant expression. He stopped to greet with her attending nurse as he normally did whenever he came around to see Katherine.


    "Mr. Song" The nurse smiled at him.


    "How is my favourite nurse?" He winked.


    The nurse gave him a small laugh as she tried to hide her reddening cheeks.


    "I''m fine, but I must warn you sir Dr. Park isn''t here." The nurse said.


    "What do you mean by that? I know for a fact that she''s on call right now." Paul frowned, where would she have gone? She never left the hospital when she was on call, never.


    .


    "Ahh... I see you haven''t heard yet." The nurse looked down and tugged her hair behind her ears.


    "Heard what?"


    "She was arrested." A voice said from behind him.


    Paul eyes widened in shock as he turned around.


    "What did you just say?"


    "Dr. Park has been arrested." The woman said.


    "Why?" He asked " why?" He turned to the nurse.


    "Mr. Song..." The nurse said.


    "She was caught threatening to take a patient''s life" The woman behind him said.


    "What?!" Paul yelled. "Katherine would never do that!"


    "Katherine huh... I didn''t realise she was so chummy with the Song family. Huh, I''m surprised, Anyways it''s been a long time coming, honestly. She thinks she''s better than everyone. " The woman said. "Maybe that''s what gave her the guts to threaten Patricia Lee''s life."


    "Patricia Lee? Patricia Lee is here?" He asked.


    The woman gave him an incredulous look, how wouldn''t he know that the heiress to the most powerful family was in his own hospital?


    "Look Mr. Song I can understand your upset that the good name of you hospital is tarnished. But you needn''t be too worried. You still have staff, good staff like me. I''m one of the aces of this fine establishment-" She kept rambling but at this point Paul couldn''t care less.


    Patricia was here? Why the hell was Katherine even with her? This most be some sick joke. He had to go get her.


    "Shit!" He cursed walking away.


    "Wait... Mr Song!" The woman called after him, huffing. "What! What are you looking at!" She yelled at the nurse.


    The nurse shook her head and struggled to hold her laughter in. "That was difficult to watch, but then again desperation looks good on you Dr. Choi." She said walking away.


    The doctors jaw dropped and she scoffed. "The nerve of that woman, hey! Who do you think you are?!"

 Chapter 49 - 49. Seductive Little Vixen.

    "What do you mean by it''s impossible?" Krystal huffed.


    "Exactly that miss, please leave before I call security." The man before her pointed towards the door.??


    "I''m not leaving here without seeing that video hmmm...?" She said.


    The man gave her a pointed stare then reached for the phone on his desk.


    "Wait..." She said slowly, blinking a few times to the give her long lashes a chance to work their charm. She gave him a dazzling smile, and reached over the counter to touch his sleeve. "Come come now, let''s not take things to that extreme?" She said sweetly.


    The man frowned and rose a brow, ''what the hell is going on?'' he thought.


    "Oppa, surely you can let me see the footage, pleeeaaseee" she said pouting. She flipped her waist length hair away from her shoulder and smile seductively. "You know, the news is already out there. Reporters would be swarming in here, you''d have to check it anyway. But you see..." She began to walk her fingers along the length of his arm. The man looked down at his arm first then at her. "If you really want to save your hospital''s image you''d go and delete that footage before actual reporters come begging. All I''m saying is that you allow me see it with you, hmmm?"


    The man closed his eyes and drew in a long breath, Krystal smiled, her tactic worked. ''My Krystal the seductive little vixen you are'' she thought to herself. He opened them again and smiled back at her and she struggled to maintain her seductive smirk, preventing it from breaking into a full goofy smile.


    He grabbed her arm that had now made it''s way up her arm and yanked it away.


    Krystal eyes widened and she struggled to form words. "Oppa!" She exclaimed.


    "I''m not your oppa, and if you touch me again I will break your fingers. Do you understand me?" He said curtly.


    Krystal huffed "what are you gay?"


    "As a matter of fact I am."


    She coughed and looked away. "So what ever it is you think you were doing there nice try but no."


    "Leave. Before I call the police."


    "I will not! I came here for answers and I''ll be getting them." She insisted.


    "What''s going on here?" A voice called from behind her.


    The guy at the counter immediately stiffened them bowed immediately. "Mr. Song."


    Krystal yanked her hand away from him and turned around. She gasped when she saw his face. He was good looking alright, but what was her undoing was the smile playing at his lips.


    He looked extremely innocent and cute, he could be an idol. Infact he should be an idol, he doesn''t need to know how to sing or dance his face is his talent. He was the type of guy you would want to protect and date at the same time.


    "How may I help you miss?" He said that unnerving smile never leaving his lips.


    Krystal opened her mouth to speak but closed it again, all of a sudden she couldn''t form coherent words.


    "Is Steven here being mean?" He said sweetly as if he was talking to a child. She nodded. "Awwn" he brushed his fingers on her cheeks and she unconsciously leaned into his touch.


    "Why don''t you come with me, then"


    "Yes please." She blurted out immediately regretting it as his eyes widened but she could only have imagined the fleeting expression of shock on his face.


    Paul gestured for her to follow him. They both walked into the elevator.


    "So you want to see footage from the VIP room?" Paul said as he pressed the button.


    Krystal so enamored and distant at this point wasn''t listening to a word he was saying, just watching his lips move was a dream for her. ''Wow... they train their staff so well.'' She thought. ''But he can''t be a staff right? His outfit costs more than 30,000 dollars''. She shook her head, she shouldn''t think about it.


    He turned to look at her and she immediately looked away, blushing slightly.


    "Miss?"


    "Hmm?"


    "Were you staring at me?" He asked.


    Krystal turned red and her ears burned. "No! Of course not." She blurted out.


    "Alright then." He laughed, "we''re here."


    "Where?" She asked looking outside, she slowly followed him out of the elevator and saw that they were at the first floor. She looked at the entrance and people flowing in and out.


    "Wait, no... I said I wanted to see the footages" she said, looking at him helplessly.


    He smiled "but you also said you weren''t staring?"


    Krystal furrowed her brows and pouted. "What does that have to do with anything?"


    "Well... we already discussed the footages in the elevator. I''m disappointed, were you in the same elevator with me and thinking of something else? Huh... that quite hurtful." He said, his smile pushing forward into a small pout.


    Krystal bit her lip, oh my was he cute. Her heart skipped a beat at the possibility of hurting him.


    "Ah no, no.. I understand. I was listening, totally don''t worry, I''ll go." She said.


    He smiled again. "I''ll walk you out."


    ***************************************************


    "Get me the footages that that girl was asking for" Paul said after he got back into the hospital.


    "You got rid of her?" Steve asked his eye brow risen in shock.


    "Hey, who do you think I am?" Paul smiled. "Of course."


    "Deabak! Wow! You''re amazing sir." Steve praised his boss.


    Paul flipped his hair and smiled, reveling in the praise.


    "How did you manage to do it? She was relentless." Steve scoffed.


    "Steve, focus I need the videos." Paul said.


    "Oh.. yes sure, if you would follow me we keep them on the last floor." He said.


    "Sure lead the way." Paul said as they walked into the elevator.


    "And by the way, she may be relentless but there is no woman in the world that can resist my charms." Paul grinned.


    Steve laughed, "I can totally believe that."


    ***************************************************

 Chapter 50 - 50. Proof.

    "Jessie?" Katherine called her friend.


    "Yes?" Jessie replied.??


    "What do we tell them?" She asked.


    Jessie sighed, remaining silent for a moment.


    "It depends on how much they know" Jessie said. "Let''s allow them lead the conversation, that way we wouldn''t have to tell them any more than they already know." She continued.


    Katherine sighed. "How did that big dummy even find out?"


    "That''s true, it was way too soon. Do you think he saw the video?" She asked.


    "That is possible, ah... how could we be so stupid." Katherine frowned.


    "It doesn''t matter, no matter what happens we have to stand our ground. We cannot let them guilt us into submission." Jessie said.


    "Yeah. I totally agree with you, we have the right to make our own decisions!" Katherine nodded.


    "Yeah, and we don''t owe them any explanations, we''re not in any form of relationship with them." Jessie affirmed.


    "Preach it sister."


    The elevator dinged open and they both stepped out, and walked to the door of the penthouse.


    "Wait... what if this doesn''t work?" Katherine said.


    Jessie nodded slowly, "that''s true, we need a plan B."


    "Yeah, it won''t hurt to be more prepared."


    "We could deny everything" Jessie suggested.


    "So where would we say we where instead?" Katherine asked.


    "Are you thinking what I''m thinking?" Jessie said.


    "I think so... but I don''t have any cash. We can''t exactly go shopping in less than an hour." Katherine said.


    Jessie nodded then she snapped her fingers. "We can use the mall in this building, there''s a store in there that looks like Choongs department store."


    "Really?"


    Jessie nodded.


    "What are we waiting for?" Katherine asked as the two women sprinted back to the elevator.


    ***************************************************


    "What the hell is taking them so long!" Jason yelled.


    "I have no idea, the police captain assured me someone bailed Katherine out. They should be here already." Paul said his tone holding the same annoyance that Jason''s carried.


    "Hey, you said you put a tracking device in Jessie''s phone" Paul said.


    "Actually it in her body, they put one in all the women at the whore house." Jason said.


    Paul''s eyes widened "what do you mean in her? Does she know about this?"


    "Obviously not, but I guess it''s a good thing right?" He shrugged.


    Jason turned around and grinned. "I''ve been so swarmed lately I haven''t even activated it."


    Jason grabbed his laptop and turned it on. Paul leaned down besides him and stared into the screen.


    "Wait, that says they are in the building" Paul said.


    "Yeah, but why are they not coming up?" Jason wondered aloud.


    "Can it be more specific?" Paul asked.


    "Yeah, I can get it to act like a Gps and lead me to her." Jason said, connecting it to his phone he and Paul left the apartment in search for Jessie.


    They followed the GPS to the mall a few floors below. Walking into the store the store the both of them searched with their eyes.


    "Are you sure this is it? I don''t see Jessie." Paul asked.


    "I''m sure, it''s not moving anymore, the red dot." Jason said.


    "Shhhh... listen that sounds like Katherine." Paul said, walking around the island to the other side of the rack of snacks.


    The both of them stood in shock as they looked at the women they spent the entire afternoon waiting for.


    "What do you think they are doing?" Paul asked.


    "I have no idea" Jason said his tone carrying the same amount of shock Paul''s carried.


    Jason huffed "did you convey the urgency of this meeting in your text?"


    "I''m sure I used an unhealthy amount of exclamation marks and angry emojis. What the hell are they doing?" Paul scoffed.


    Paul stared at the two women that didn''t notice their presence yet, He grabbed Jason''s arm and stopped him from walking over to them.


    He laughed sarcastically, "Why are you stopping me?"


    "Think about it, what would they be doing taking selfies in this store?"


    Jason gave him a pointed stare, shaking his head.


    "They''re trying to gather proof."


    "Proof of what?" Jason asked.


    "Proof that they weren''t in the hospital today, especially Jessie. I''m sure this was her idea, they are going to deny it." Paul said.


    "How foolish, we know that it was Jessie that posted that video plus you have the footage from the camera." Jason said.


    "Yeah... but they don''t know that, even if we have the video their faces aren''t showing. I''m sure neither of them thought of the CCTV camera."


    Jason shook his head and huffed. "Wow...." He shook his head, watching as they both giggled and changed poses.


    "Daebak!"


    "Wow!.."


    "We can''t let them get away with this." Paul said.


    "Certainly not." Jason agreed.


    "What are you doing?" Paul asked.


    "What does it look like? I''m taking my own evidence. Call Katherine and ask her where she is."


    "Yeah, sure." He took out his phone and dialed her number.


    ***************************************************


    "Here, you take this one, you have longer arms" Katherine handed the phone to Jessie.


    "Sure" Jessie stretched the phone to take what they agreed would be the last photo. "Hmm? It''s ringing, it''s Paul!"


    Katherine looked at Jessie and shook her head.


    "I don''t want to answer it."


    "You have too, he''s going to suspect if you don''t." Jessie insisted, pressing the green button and handing the phone to Katherine.


    "Kat?" Paul said from the speaker.


    Katherine looked at Jessie and frowned. Jessie motioned for her to say something.


    "Hey what''s up?" She said trying to be calm.


    "Where are you?"


    "Where else would I be? I''m on my way to Jason''s house." She said.


    "Why are you taking so long? We''ve been waiting for more than an hour." Paul said.


    "Ahh... we''re stuck in traffic." She said, looking at Jessie.


    "Oh yeah? Why is it so quiet then?" He asked.


    Katherine''s eyes widened she put her hand over the speaker and whispered to Jessie. "Make traffic noises!"


    "What? How?"


    "I don''t know, improvise aren''t you an actress?"


    "An actress not a car!" Jessie huffed.


    Katherine removed her hands and put the phone on loud speaker.


    "What do you mean it''s not quiet at all."


    "Hey! Mister! Get out of the way!" Jessie yelled her voice mimicking a man''s.


    She started to make ambulance noises and imitating horns.


    Katherine gave her a thumbs up and smiled.


    "Hello? Paul? Are you there?"


    She heard him clear his throat before he spoke. "How long till you get here?" He asked.


    "Uh, we''re almost here, okay bye!" She cut the call quickly as Jessie was already gasping for air.


    "Wow!" She clapped. "You are talented."


    **************************************************


    Jason almost dropped the phone he used to video them when Jessie started to make noises, his hand flew to his mouth as he struggled to hide his shock.


    Paul covered the speaker and tried to stifle his laughter when she yelled. He couldn''t hold it any longer when she started to mimic an ambulance.


    Other shoppers turned to look at the two women that were causing such a ruckus. They didn''t even care that they were attracting attention.


    "Hello? Paul? Are you there?" Katherine said from the speaker.


    Paul cleared his throat and answered.


    "How long till you get here?" He asked.


    "Uh, we''re almost here, okay bye!" She cut the call.


    "I cannot believe what I just saw" Paul shook his head.


    "Same here."


    "So what now?" Paul asked.


    "Let''s see how they go with the lie" Jason said.

 Chapter 51 - 51. Nervous.

    "So remember we let them lead first with their accusations" Jessie said as she pushed the elevator button to take them up.


    "Yeah, I''m sure the only thing they''ll have is the video you posted." Katherine nodded.??


    "Yeah, we''ll just tell them that it''s a different doctor besides they can prove anything if our faces aren''t showing." Jessie said.


    "What if they recognize my voice?" Katherine asked.


    "We''ll tell that it is impossible because we weren''t even there today, at the hospital I mean. That''s where the pictures come in handy."


    "And if they ask us for what we bought let''s just say we took it to my apartment hence the traffic." Katherine smiled.


    "That''s a splendid idea. Wow sure that will work." Jessie nodded.


    "You know, I honestly don''t know why we are even stressing ourselves out. Like I said earlier we have the right to live our lives the way we want to. We don''t need to explain ourselves either way." Jessie huffed.


    "You really think they''ll let us walk away with that weak ass feminist speech?" Katherine laughed.


    "It doesn''t matter it''s still the truth." Jessie pouted.


    "Fine fine alright we''re here." Katherine said as the elevator dinged open. They walked out and stood in front of the door. Jessie walked and held the door handle but didn''t turn it.


    "Don''t you know the code?" Katherine asked.


    "I do."


    "Alright then Jess, let go in." Katherine said as she stood in front of the door.


    "Sure of course" Jessie said again, still not moving.


    "Hey Je-"


    "Hello ladies" Paul opened the door, interrupting her. "I''m sure I don''t need to invite you to come in?"


    "Of course not." Jessie said as she walked in. Her eyes locked with Jason''s he stood by the chimney twirling what she assumed was bourbon in a glass.


    ''He got another bottle'' she thought ruefully.


    He laid the glass on the chimney and turned to face her completely. Jessie couldn''t understand his gaze but what she understood was that she was starting to remember all the things her body seemed to dull during the day. All the things she felt yesterday as his lips met hers, all the passions he awakened last night. She bit her lips and looked away. She couldn''t be getting all putty right now, they was a battle to be won.


    "Where were you today?" Jason asked.


    Jessie looked back at him and tilted her head. "Why do you ask?"


    "Hey Jason" Paul called but Jason raised his hands to stop him.


    "Answer the question Jessie."


    "I don''t know what you want me to say Jason, I was out." Jessie said panicked, she did not expect to come in to questions. If anything she was absolutely sure Jason was going to spitting out accusations at her and she was prepared for accusations. She expected him to yell and threaten her, and she was more than prepared to defend herself. But he was acting calm, and cold. She that was any indication, she was unnerved and nervous.


    She wiped her palms on her... his pants and stepped back.


    "Jessie why are you smiling that?" Katherine whispered in to her ear from behind her.


    "I''m nervous, my face does this when I''m nervous." Jessie whispered back.


    Katherine honestly didn''t know what to expect, they have been fewer times than the number of her fingers that Paul had ever been angry with her. And all those times she hurt herself, or in some way put herself in dangers way. She didn''t think she did anything of the sort today and she couldn''t really gauge his tone or attitude today, he was always transparent with her. Smiling when her was happy, crying when he was sad, and she knew when he was angry because his experience showed it. The only unknown was Jason. He was a difficult man to understand. But Jessie was confident about everything.


    When Paul opened the door smiling she didn''t feel so anxious, plus Jessie had come up with a meticulous plan, she looked so confident. Katherine didn''t see need to worry as much.


    But now, she had this.... smile, on her face. Katherine knew nothing was fine. And it was bad, really bad if she got nervous she became a blabber mouth. In her attempt to save herself she might just spill the truth so she couldn''t get nervous. She pushed Jessie lightly from behind.


    "Get a grip of yourself Jess, don''t you see? His trying to unnerve you." She whispered.


    "What are you two whispering over there?" Paul asked walking around the couches to stand beside Jason.


    Jessie shook her head and cleared her throat, Katherine was right she had to get a grip. She''s an actress, an a damn good one at that. She could do this. ''Just think of it as improv Jessie, you''re good at improv.''


    "Is this about the Patricia Lee video online?" Jessie asked.


    Jason gave her a pointed stare and raised his chin anticipating her next statement.


    "We had nothing to do with that." Jessie said.


    "Really?" Paul asked.


    They both nodded.


    "Okay, if you ladies wouldn''t mind then, where were you the whole day?" Jason asked.


    Katherine smiled but Jessie was a bit cautious. He agreed to easily, she expected him to counter attack with obvious facts from the video but either way they were still prepared.


    "At the Choong department store. Doing some much needed shopping." Katherine said.


    "Oh? Where are the things you ''shopped?''" Paul asked putting air quotes on the shopped.


    "At my place."


    "So Jessie didn''t get anything?" He asked.


    "I didn''t want anything." She replied curtly.


    "Ahhh..." Paul nodded.


    "So you went to a store and still did not get any clothes?" Jason asked as Jessie still wore his clothes. He didn''t mean anything by his statement infact he loved seeing her in his clothes. How she managed to find ways to wear his clothes everyday surprised him. Not she was wearing his shirt as a dress, the shirt fell past her thighs and settled a little above her knees. He had no idea he was that much bigger than her. But the sight of it only made him feel extremely hot.


    "We didn''t go to a boutique, we were about to but Paul sent that text." Jessie said.


    "So you weren''t anywhere close to the hospital?" Jason asked again.


    Jessie sighed and rolled her eyes. "I already told you no."


    "Even you Kat? You were supposed to be on call today." Paul said.


    Katherine nodded. "My shift ended this morning."


    Jason sighed rubbing his temples. "Fine, if you weren''t there can you explain who these are?" He said gesturing to his laptop.


    Jessie and Katherine looked at each other then walked to the laptop that sat on the table. The two of them watched each other play switch-the-doctor. In Patricia''s hospital room.


    "Any ideas ladies?"

 Chapter 52 - 52. Promise Me.

    Jessie shock could not be explained, she stared into the screen and saw exactly what she and Katherine did to Patricia earlier today. She looked at Jason, then at the screen then back at Jason again.


    "You already knew" She said. Jason glared at her, his expression already falling into his signature scowls. "Why did you ask?"??


    "I was giving you the opportunity to tell the truth. Giving myself on more chance at trusting you." He said.


    "What does that even mean?" Jessie scoffed. "Fine you caught me, what are you planning on doing? Why do you even have to do anything?" She asked.


    "Jessie. I clearly told you stay away from Patricia, I told you to keep her out of your revenge scheme. And you promised. Yet you defied me." He said.


    "Why because you scared for my safety?" She scoffed.


    "Yes Jessie, yes!" He yelled.


    "That''s not even it." Paul said.


    He tossed his phone to Katherine.


    She looked up at him. "Watch the video."


    Katherine gave him a suspicious look then played it.


    Her jaw dropped open when she realized what she was watching. Jessie turned to look when she heard the noises.


    Her eyes widened when she saw the video, they stared at each other and both knew, it was game over. They lost brutally.


    "I''m both shocked and impressed Jessie" Paul said. "If I wasn''t watching you make all those noises, I would never have believed that wasn''t an ambulance."


    "Why would you two go through all this to lie to us?" Paul asked. "It''s almost like you were trying to hide a murder, you even went to the extent of getting an alibi."


    ''How the hell did they find out?'' Katherine questioned herself.


    "I can''t believe you lied to me Jessie." Jason said.


    Jessie looked up at him, her guilt slowly transforming to rage. "So what? You followed me? How did you get the videos?" She asked.


    "Is that important right now?" Jason asked.


    "It is too me!" She yelled.


    Jason scoffed "are you getting angry at me right now?" He asked.


    "Do I not even have the right to that?" She laughed scornfully.


    "No! No you don''t!" Jason yelled back.


    "Look here mister, you are not the boss of me, I''m a grown woman and I''m more than capable of making my own decisions thank you." Jessie said.


    "No you are not, can''t you see I''m only trying to protect you?"


    "I don''t need you to protect me Jason." She shook her head. "I do not."


    "Well as long as you live under my roof you will follow my rules!" He yelled.


    Jessie''s jaw dropped. "Oh I''m sorry, dad, I guess I''ve overstayed my welcome then." She yelled running up the stairs.


    Jason followed right behind, she ran into her room and tried to shut the door but Jason held it open.


    ***************************************************


    "You... I didn''t mean it like that, Jessie." He said as he walked in.


    "I don''t care how you meant it, it''s my life I should do what I want."


    "You have no idea the trouble you''re causing for yourself and you refuse to see. That little stunt you pulled did you even think it true? Do you realise Patricia knows you''re alive now?" Jason said.


    She did not think that true, "Well it''s not as if she really killed me Jason. Of course I''ll be alive." She said.


    "But now you''ve put Katherine on her radar as well. Look you have no idea how dangerous the Lee''s are, Jessie stop just stop already."


    "Well it''s easy for you to say that, you have no idea what I''m going through." She spat.


    "Well I could honestly not give two shits, all I care for is that your safe and healthy."


    "Well I could care less about my safety or health."


    "I thought this was over, you promised Jessie. It that really how fickle you word is?"


    "Yeah, Jason yes. When you wouldn''t give me any other choice what the heck I''m I supposed to do?"


    "Listen to me damn it! If you keep doing this you''ll actually end up dead!"


    "I don''t care! I don''t care anymore Jason." Jessie cried. "She ruined my life, I basically don''t exist anymore, all the sacrifice all the hardwork. I sacrificed my relationship with my family for the life I had and now it''s all gone. Everyone thinks I''m dead, everyone hates me now. This is not the way to live Jason it''s not." Jessie said her pain evident.


    "That''s not true, you exist to me. And to those two people downstairs. I don''t hate you either Jessie." Jason said softly, walking closer to her.


    He raised her chin and wiped her eyes with his thumbs, holding her face. His fingers caressed her cheeks and he stared into her big brown eyes. His thumb moved lower and he drew it across the length of her lower lip. The action causing Jessie to draw in the lip and bite it.


    That was his undoing, he plucked her lips from in between her teeth and slammed his against them. Jessie gasped at the contact, her body coming alive. She wrapped her arms around his slim waist, clutching his shirt, tugging and pulling. Jason bit her lower lip, tugging slightly and she moaned deep into the kiss. Standing on her tip toes she wanted more, a lot more. She wants him, every touch, every kiss, the ministrations of his fingers on her body, even through the cloth makes her skin so hot that she might be on fire. The way she felt should be illegal, the way he made her feel.


    She opened her mouth and shoved her tongue into his mouth trying to take control of the kiss, her hands finding their way beneath his shirt and she ran her hands up and down the ridges that lined his stomach. The action driving Jason mad, he picked her up, her legs instinctively wrapping around his torso and they break the kiss momentarily.


    Her hands find their way into his soft locks and she stare into his eyes. She leans down and presses her lips against his again. And Jason comandeers the kiss, no longer allowing a chance for control, his leads then in a passionate dance, his lips trailing down her jaw and neck, her assaulting the skin there.


    She moaned his name, loud. Jason stopped and looked at her.


    "Say it again."


    Jessie narrows her brow at him. "Say wh-... Oh goodness" she moaned and Jason bit down on her collarbone.


    He walked to the mattress and placed her on it, unbuttoning her shirt. He bit the skin down there slowly and, teasing and kissing.


    Then she did it again, she moaned almost screaming his name.


    Jason stopped and looked into her eyes. "Promise me Jessie, promise me you would stop getting involved with Patricia."


    Jessie looked at him and held his face in her hands. "I can''t do that Jason. I''m sorry."


    "Well then I''m sorry too." He said getting up. Jessie got up with him, but she wasn''t fast enough. Before she realized what he was doing it was too late by then. Jason has already made his way out and when she heard a click she ran to the door.


    "Jason, Jason!" She banged on the door. "Jason! Open up! Please!" She banged. But it was too late he was already long gone.

 Chapter 53 - 53. Break Up.

    "So what do you have to say for yourself?" Paul asked Katherine when they were finally alone.


    "I don''t understand what you mean" Katherine shrugged sincerely.


    "You don''t understand what I mean? Why did you do that?" Paul asked.


    Katherine sighed, "I did a lot of things today Paul, you''re going to have to be more specific."


    "What Patricia was saying in that video was it true? You threatened her?"


    Katherine frowned "is this some kind of test? Didn''t you already see the video?"


    "I''ll admit that I saw you with her but I don''t want to believe you''d do that. You know better Kat, you know not to get involved with one percent and rich people like that." Paul said, walking over to her.


    Katherine frowned, her chest constricting with rage.


    "It''s not like you Kat, did Jessie put you up to this? You don''t have to do anything she says, honestly it''s not like you to threaten anyone." He said reaching to hold her shoulder.


    Katherine stepped back and swatted his hand. "It not like me? I should keep being a pushover? Do you even know me at all?" She asked, her voice slightly rising.


    "Who said you were a pushover? Katherine." Paul warned.


    "What? Am I such a dud that I need Jessie to even tell me when to yell or not yell at someone? Do I seem that pathetic to you?" She asked.


    "That''s not what I meant" he blurted out. "You know that''s not what I meant."


    "I don''t care what you meant Paul, I don''t have to stand here and take this from you. I only did what was needed in that situation." She said.


    Paul scoffed. "Do you realize that just puts you on Patricia Lee''s radar? Do you realize the kind of danger you''re asking for yourself?"


    "I could care less Paul. Yes I was always careful with rich bastards like her. I always felt so small and insignificant everything I did, nothing would be enough. Because I am not fortunate to be born like you guys?"


    "Katherine."


    "No Paul, weather or not Jessie was the reason I don''t care. My eyes are opened and I refuse to shrink myself to fit you people''s stupid standards. I will not."


    "You know I''ve never seen you that way!" Paul spat.


    "Really? Is that why you''re here yelling at me right now? Telling me I shouldn''t act out of line? I get that the Lee''s are dangerous and I had no idea it was Patricia Lee when I threatened her earlier. But I could care less at this point. Is that why your mother keeps on hounding me constantly that I''m not good enough for you?" She asked.


    "Why are you bringing up my mother? It''s not as if we have anything going on between us." He stated.


    "Exactly, there''s nothing going on between us so you don''t have the right to question my actions or in actions Paul. You''re my friend so don''t cross any boundaries." She warned him.


    Paul bit his lip and pocketed his arms. Sighing her looked at her, "why do you always do this? Push me away when I try to protect you?"


    "Because Paul! You don''t need to do that so don''t. Let''s respect the boundary and stay there. You don''t need to protect me, I''m not some eighteenth century english damsel swooning due to excessive heat. This is the 21st century, I''m damn able to look out for myself." She said.


    Paul was taken aback, he stared at her with confusion and slight sadness. Why did he feel like they were breaking up? And more importantly why did he feel like his heart was breaking? Katherine was the sweetest and kindest person he ever met. Thinking back when they were still kids, she was so timid back then, she only spoke freely when it was with him. She was rarely ever angry with anyone and completely trusted him to vent her frustrations to him. But her actions today not only shocked him but scared him as well. He knew her for more that 15 years and she always knew to be cautious and bite her tongue around the one percent, anyone powerful and rich. She didn''t like unnecessary trouble is what she would say.


    He had looked out for her for so long, it had become second nature. Now she was here asking him not to, it made him feel a certain kind a way, a feeling he couldn''t explain.


    "Look I''m grateful for everything you did when we were kids, always protecting me. Especially when Jason was being so mean to me. But I don''t need you to that for me anymore. I can take care of myself Paul." She continued saving him from having to form the words.


    "Kat..."


    "I will be careful I promise. I don''t know exactly how dangerous the Lee family is but I tell they are from the way you guys are freaking out." She said. "I''ll be more careful." She said, grabbing the purse she shed off when she walked in.


    She walked to the door but turned around before she opened it. "Do me a favour, help me explain to that pig headed friend of yours. Tell him that he shouldn''t dismiss Jessie''s feelings like that. I can''t imagine the rage she''s feeling. A few hours with that suffocating bitch even I feel like killing her. What must Jessie be going through? None of us can relate. So tell Jason not to be too stubborn and try to understand her."


    Paul looked into her eyes and Katherine''s heart hurt, she hated seeing that look of hurt etched across his features. The way he looked at her with those deceitfully innocent eyes of his, or how his lips were slightly opened and his face has worry written all over it. "I have three days off, don''t go to the hospital looking for me. Mirae told me you went over there today, I''m taking a break so don''t go to my office I won''t be there."


    Paul nodded, "I told him about the equipment. The board of directors were incredibly pleased with the suggestion." He said softly.


    Katherine gave him a small smile. "I''m glad."


    "You should be, it was your idea after all." He said.


    She laughed "Well CEO Choi can never find out. He''ll definitely fire me."


    "Like I''ll let him." Paul replied.


    "Goodnight Paul." She said walking out.


    Paul watched her go, but he felt so heavy. Why he felt so much emotions left him confused. Why did he feel like this was a breakup?

 Chapter 54 - 54. Hypnotized.

    Krystal stared at her screen for what felt like forever, she tried to convince herself of what happened earlier today but she couldn''t.


    "Krystal?" Her sister called out to her but she remained passive and in moving.??


    Peeping out through her sister tried to find out what she was doing, if she hadn''t heard her call.


    "Krystal.... Krystal.... Hey! Krystal!" She yelled. No answer, she dropped the noodles she held into the water, not caring if they became too soggy for her. She stripped off the nylon gloves and walked over to her sister. Tapping her violently she called out again. "Krystal!"


    "Hmm? What?" She responded looking up at her sister''s annoyed expression.


    "What exactly are you thinking of? Dinner is ready." She stated.


    "What are we eating?"


    "What else, noodles. We can''t afford anything else" Karen said bitterly reminding her sister of her unemployment.


    Krystal sighed getting up she walked over to the meal and sat on the floor across her sister. As time passed, Karen noticed her sister staring into space again, tapping her plate she garnered her attention.


    "What''s on your mind?"


    "Have you ever felt hypnotized?" Krystal asked.


    "Hypnotized? Wow... what have you gone and gotten yourself into?" Karen asked her sister.


    "I don''t know, I feel this strange way." Krystal said.


    "Okay then fine, explain to me everything that happened today" Karen said, deciding that hearing the events off her day would lead her into a suitable conclusion.


    "I didn''t feel that way at the beginning of today, I was at the hospital-"


    "Hospital?! Oh my goodness Krystal are you sick?" Karen asked worry etched all over her soft features.


    "Yeah, yeah I went there to...." She paused. ''Should I tell her about Jessie Marin?'' She thought, ''No it''s far too risky.'' "It''s no big deal, I was just there." She said.


    "You were just there? Come on Krystal don''t lie to me, please, tell me is something wrong with you? Are you dying?" Karen asked.


    Krystal sighed and rolled her eyes, her sister could definitely be loving when she wanted to, or maybe she just didn''t want to be an orphan. "I''m not dying, stop saying rubbish" Krystal scolded.


    "Then why did you go to a hospital Krystal? I can handle it, I swear. So tell me are you really dying?" Karen insisted on her question.


    Krystal sighed, she was unrelenting.


    "Fine I went there to look for a job." She lied, hoping it would be enough to get her detective little sister off her back.


    "A job? What qualifications do you have to be working in a hospital? Don''t even say cleaning because it common knowledge that you''re dreadfully lazy, plus you can''t be a nurse or doctor or anything of the sort." Karen huffed.


    Krystals jaw dropped and she stared daggers at her little sister, "shall I remind you I''m the elder sister? Hmmm?"


    Karen pouted "fine, I''ll back off. Why then did you feel hypnotized?"


    "I met someone, after I saw him I couldn''t speak coherently and I was completely stupified. Next thing I know I''m standing outside the hospital walking away to the bus." Krystal said, recalling the events of the afternoon.


    "Ahhh...." Karen frowned. "This is because of a guy."


    "Not just any guy Karen, I mean I''ve seen handsome guys in my life but he was...."


    "If you say beautiful I''m going to puke" her sister cringed.


    "No, no not beautiful definitely not beautiful. He looked like an angel, so... I don''t know how to put it!" Krystal squealed.


    Karen stared at her sister with a bored expression, typical of Krystal to act this way over guys. Although this was the first time she was losing sleep over a guy that didn''t sing or dance or sign autographs. "Is he really that good looking?"


    "No... it''s not about his looks actually, when you look at him for the first time he''s just another good looking guy. But when he has a way of making you feel.... seen? I swear I had an agenda I was not leaving that hospital without it, but he came and smiled at me.. next thing I was following after him." She said more seriously "wait a minute, I did have an agenda."


    Karen rolled her eyes "your story seems farfetched. Did you at least get his name?"


    "No... I told you, speaking was a challenge for me." Krystal sighed.


    "Now I''m curious, I want to see this guy. How about we search the hospital if he is as good looking he should be in the hospital media right? These days it''s all about visuals." Karen said, rushing to pick up her sister''s laptop.


    She sat beside Krystal on the floor and typed in Song group of hospitals, specifying the branch in their city.


    A couple of pictures popped up, with some articles. "Oh? that guy looks familiar" Krystal pointed to the article that read ''Bishop Song has appointed his son, the third son of Song Group, Paul Song, head of the board''.


    They clicked on the picture and saw Bishop Song and his third son cutting the ribbon into the newest branch of the Song hospitals.


    Krystals eyes widened and Karen gasped at her reaction. "No way, don''t tell me that is the guy that has you feeling hypnotized." She said.


    Krystal nodded. Immediately Karen went on the one place that would have more pictures, social media. While Krystal searched for more information on the web.


    "I can''t believe I was talking to a cooperate heir! Oh my gosh." She gasped.


    "Technically he isn''t a cooperate heir, he''s the third son" Karen corrected.


    She harrumphed "like that means anything these days."


    "Wow...."


    "What? What?!" Krystal asked her sister. Grabbing the phone from her hand.


    She smiled when she saw the picture, "That is the most good looking man I''ve ever seen. Awesome!" Karen said beside her sister.


    Krystal frowned, Paul was certainly good looking alright, but she wouldn''t say he''s the most good loo- oh wait she looked at the person standing beside Paul and immediately frowned.


    "Look at the visuals in this picture, wow!" Karen gasped, leaning over her sister''s shoulders to peek into the phone. "Do you know who this other guy is? You probably don''t right? And Paul Song didn''t tag him. I''m in love." She rambled.


    "Hey! Don''t you dare, this is the jerk that fired your dear sister." Krystal barked out of annoyance.


    "Really?" Karen asked with raised brows.


    "Hmmm.. so don''t dare compliment him in front of m-"


    "I''m sure he had his reasons." She blurted out interrupting her sister, she grabbed her phone and ran into her room.


    "Hey! This ungrateful brat! How can you say that about that about him, his a jerk! Hey! Karen!" She banged on the door. Huffing she turned around and walked back to the living room, when the door bell rang.


    She got up and walked over to it, "Who''s there?"


    She grabbed the handle and pulled it open gasping when she saw who stood by the other side of the door.


    "W-what are you doing here?" She asked.


    "What does it look like? I came to visit." The visitor smiled.


    She bowed and moved aside to let him in.


    "Krystal, Krystal what''s his name? I''ve gone through Paul Song entire posts but I can''t seem to find the name or another picture. Please tell me what the name of you ex-boss. Please, I don''t think I can go to bed without more pictures of his handsome fa- Omo!" She screamed when she saw the visitor.


    Jonathan tilted his head in question, he had a small smirk playing along his lips, looking to Krystal he grinned. "She''s not talking about me is she?"

 Chapter 55 - 55. Refugee Actress, Broke Secretary.

    Karen and Krystal stared speechless at each other and Jonathan''s gaze zeroed in on the picture on her phone. "Jason?"


    Krystal let out a loud sarcastic laughter in an attempt to shift the attention of the room elsewhere. Motioning for her sister to walk away from the room.??


    Karen cleared her throat and switched off her phone, putting into her back pocket.


    "Wait a minute, my brother is the handsome face you can''t sleep without?" Jonathan asked.


    Krystal grimaced ofcourse he heard everything and would repeat it to them. She put her thumb aganist her neck and dragged it across the length staring daggers at her sister.


    Karen looked for words but they as treacherous failed her, she looked at Jonathan''s face and smiled shyly. "Are you going to tell?"


    Jonathan tilted his chin to the side "I don''t know, should I? I''m sure my very serious and fun killing elder brother would love to hear that a pretty teenager needs to see his face to sleep."


    "Ahhh.... can you please forget you heard that?" She pleaded.


    Jonathan laughed looking at Krystal. "I hope it''s my face you need to sleep." He said, at first Krystal thought he was being serious but as she met his playful gaze she relaxed and smiled at him.


    "But ofcourse boss, you are always on my mind."


    "Gosh you''re the perfect secretary" Jonathan pouted. "I hope you don''t mind my intrusion but I needed to know you were okay."


    Krystal gauged his statement with his expression, he was indeed being sincere but she couldn''t sense anything deeper that cordial and gentlemanly affection. He was really the definition of the perfect gentleman.


    "Well we''re fine, I''m fine." She said.


    "Great, I''m truly sorry for my brother''s behaviour, throwing you out like that was too much even for him." Jonathan said.


    "Nah I''m sure Krystal was at fault. My oppa can never do anything wrong." Karen said before dashing into her room, fearing her sister''s wrath.


    Jonathan laughed. "Oh! Mind my manners I haven''t offered you a seat, please make yourself at home." Krystal said.


    She walked to her sister room and tapped on the door. "Karen?"


    "What do you want? I''m not leaving this room, I have more sense than that." Karen replied.


    "Come out, I promise not to hurt you. I can''t even do that not with COO here. Please you''re a better host than I am so please.... we''ve already embarrassed ourselves enough." She said.


    Karen opened the door and gave her sister a suspicious look, "remember I play taekwondo." She warned.


    Krystal pursed her lips and stepped aside for her sister to pass.


    She went to the living room and saw Jonathan perusing through the pictures hung around. Clearing her throat she drew his attention away from the picture of her complete family.


    "I didn''t know you had a brother" he said cautiously.


    Krystal nodded "He died in a car crash with along with my parents." She said curtly.


    Jonathan didn''t pry any further, he saw that she wasn''t exactly affected by the topic but still it wasn''t something that anyone would love to talk about.


    He sat in the couch she motioned him to seat in, placing his hands on his lap, she sat beside him.


    Karen walked into the room with a tray of snacks and soda. "I hope you like this, if not we have some noodles..." she suggested but her sister shook her head, frowning at the clueless teenager.


    "This is fine." He said. "Well before things get any more awkward I''ll get straight to the point."


    Krystal looked at her sister then back at him.


    "How much do you know about Jessie Marin?" He asked.


    Krystal blinked at him, surely he didn''t actually come here to ask about a dead actress.


    "What I mean to say is much information have you gathered on her?" He expantaited seeing her blank look seeming like she didn''t understand his question.


    "What you mean to ask is what information does she not have on Jessie Marin." Karen said, Krystal thought her voice held a tiny hint of pride? No! She must be imagining it, her sister would never brag about her, especially when it came to fangirling.


    ''She must be criticising me'' Krystal concluded.


    "That really can''t be what your interested in, is it?" She asked, finding quite suspicious how many times the actresses name seemed to pop up this days.


    "Actually it is." He said.


    "Alright, uh.. I know her very well. Not many people know that she is a cooperate heir, or that be an her family have an estranged relationship." She said.


    "Estranged? In what sense?" He asked.


    "In the sense that her family didn''t even make any effort to claim her body, when she passed." Krystal said.


    Jonathan sighed, she really has had a difficult life, "do you know why their relationship is so strained?"


    "It''s just speculation but I heard her family was not in support of her acting career."


    "What about Patricia Lee?" Jonathan asked.


    "I don''t know very much about her, only that they''ve had a specific animosity towards each other." Krystal said.


    Jonathan looked at Karen then back at Krystal contemplating within himself. Should he tell her Jessie was alive? No! ''It''s too risky for the actress'' He decided.


    Karen interpreting his gaze as he wanted her gone stood up and bowed. "I have homework, it was nice seeing you again Mr. Kang."


    Jonathan nodded, although it wasn''t his intention he was glad to have the pair of ears less.


    "I have a job offer for you."


    "Huh? Can you do that? I''m certain your brother isn''t going to let me work in your company anymore." Krystal said skeptically.


    "No it''s not my company, I need your talents right now." He said.


    Krystal gave him a questioning look and he continued. "Your fangirl talents."


    "My fangirl talents?"


    "I need you to find out everything about Patricia Lee, her past, present and possibly what her next moves are."


    "May I ask why?" She asked.


    "I''ve gotten interested in the Jessie Marin case, and I hate being curious. Help me please plus I really feel bad about my brother firing you. I need to appease my conscience." He said curtly.


    "So you''re offering me a make believe job doing the one thing I''m extremely good at and enjoy, to appease you conscience?"


    "Don''t get me wrong I didn''t mean it like that." He said cautiously.


    "I love it! Thank you so much boss!" She yelled, jumping up and down.


    Jonathan smiled, he really was good at business. Killing two birds with one stone. He could help the refugee actress and the broke secretary.

 Chapter 56 - 56. Drunken Mistake.

    Patricia grabbed her phone and answered the call that disturbed her sleep. "What?!" She yelled into the phone.


    "Uh... Patricia? Have you gone online recently?" The voice from the speaker asked.??


    "No... why?" She asked.


    "Well, I''ll send you a link, it''s really bad."


    Patricia put the phone on speaker and clicked on the link, her hands instinctively went up to cover her open mouth. Her eyes widened at the news and she struggled to hide a gasp.


    "When did this happen?" She croaked out.


    "A few hours ago, this is really bad Patricia. All the offers for new projects, especially the ones where you were to replace Jessie Marin, their pulling away. It''s good we left the agency because they would have kicked us out!" Her manager said.


    "This is really bad!" Patricia screamed. "How did this even happen?"


    "I should be asking you that, how are we going to fix this? It''s getting out of hand, really. My phone keeps blowing up, the sponsors, the projects everyone either sends a contract termination or a message to review the contract."


    "I could care less about sponsors, like I really needed them." She huffed.


    She looked up when her door started to slide open, her lips upturned in a frown and she scoffed at the visitor.


    "Patricia?"


    "Yes, yes Olivia I''m here. We''ll talk more tomorrow. Come over in the morning and we''ll discuss how to go from here." Patricia said ending the call.


    "What are you doing here?" She sneered.


    "What? Can''t I come visit my injured neice?" Goerge Lee asked.


    **************************************************


    Jason struggled to focus on his work, but he couldn''t. Checking his rolex he wondered if she would be hungry. ''Maybe she''s asleep? She has stopped screaming.''


    He gave up, shutting his laptop, he walked out of his study and up the stairs. Tapping lightly he called out to her. "Jessie?"


    Slowly with an unnecessary amount of caution, he opened the door. He frowned, feeling an annoying measure of guilt, "Jessie?"


    She sat on the floor beside her bed, with her head in her inbetween her knees. Jason was about to call her out on ignoring him, when she looked up at him.


    "What do you want?" She asked, not making any attempt to mask the ire in her voice.


    "Are you still mad? I come in peace you must be hungry right?" He asked approaching cautiously.


    "What do you think?" She said her tone sounding meaner than she would have intended.


    Jason sighed pursing his lips he threw away his caution and stalked towards her, sitting beside her on the floor. "You know that I''m only concerned for your safety right?"


    "That''s the thing Jason, why would you even care? You literally met me in a slave house, and a few weeks ago I was no one to you. Why?" She asked her voice sounding more steady.


    "Isn''t it obvious? I care about you Jessie, I really do." He said softly.


    "Yeah well I just think that you pity me and feel guilty for your involvement in my demise." She stated curtly.


    Jason held her gaze, returning the intensity he shook his head but her finger on his lip prevented him from speaking. "You are only so protective because you are a control freak, I didn''t see it before but now I see it clearly." Pressing further she continue to halt his speech.


    "I''m not accusing you of anything, really I''m not. But please remember, we are not in any form of relationship, I do not owe you an explanation. I will not stop you from trying to make this right, because I do appreciate all you''ve done for me so far. All I ask is that you don''t overstep your boundaries." She said getting up and finally freeing his lips. "I will take you up on that offer, I am hungry."


    "Jessie." He called out to her but she was already on her way downstairs sighing he followed suit.


    She sat down in front of the island and tapped her fingers aganist the vinyl top. He walked to her and sat beside her on one of the stools.


    "Am I allowed to speak now?" He asked, making his tone as flat as he could, despite the annoyance that steamed from her accusations he felt at the moment, he knew it would be better if he humoured her.


    Jessie looked at him and scowled, "well I''m no longer stopping you."


    "I don''t pity you at all, honestly. Nothing I''ve done for you was out if pity. Sure I do feel regretful for playing a part in your demise but nothing I do right now, nothing I say right now is out of pity or guilt." He said sincerely.


    Jessie looked into his eyes, Jason was not an overly emotional person. Infact displeasure was the one emotion he blatantly put on display, nothing affectionate. But looking at him, now? She saw his sincerity, but she was still too angry to give in.


    "So what is it exactly that you want?" She asked.


    "Stay away from Patricia Lee, stay away from the entire Lees. You can get back to where you were, you can get your honour back without sabotaging them." He said.


    Jessie laughed, ignoring her heart, ignoring her emotions and feeding her anger. "Are you sure you''re not just saying that because you''re infamous Fiancee is none other than Patricia?" She sneered.


    Jason''s eyes widened and he looked at her with suspicion "how did you find out about that?"


    "Is that really necessary? Don''t ignore the question Jason." She said.


    "Well you shouldn''t either, how did you find out?" He asked again.


    She licked her lips and sighed "you told me about it."


    Jason laughed getting off the stool he walked into the sitting room shaking his head. "No Jessie, don''t do that. I''m not Patricia neither am I a naive child, that''s not going to work on me. How did you find out about that?!"


    Jessie scoffed "are you yelling right now?" She asked in disbelief.


    He gave her a pointed look and she huffed.


    "Wow... you really don''t remember anything from last night do you?" She asked.


    His expression changed and he sighed "I asked you if I made any mistakes earlier. You couldn''t mention that?"


    "You really shouldn''t drink outside, infact never touch alcohol when I''m not there." She warned.


    He grinned "are you worried about me?"


    She pursed her lips "you wish, with how loose lipped you were last night I wouldn''t want to be a drunken mistake." She said.


    His brow went up at ''drunken mistake''.


    "Oh don''t give me that look, you know what I mean."


    "I actually don''t know what you mean." He said with a cocky smile.


    "I meant to say that I don''t need you spilling my identity and whereabouts to anyone especially not your fiancee." She stated firmly.


    "I''m not that much of a lightweight, I did drink the entire bottle. And I never make such mistakes in public especially not around a Lee." His expression falling into a serious one, mirroring his tone. He walked to her and sat her down on the couch, sitting beside her he continued. "Look my engagement to Patricia is nothing more than politics, it''s a ruse to quell the beef that has been between our families for generations."


    Jessie didn''t understand why she felt disappointed or why the question came from her lips but it did. "So you''re going to marry her?"


    "If all goes according to plan, then yes. But make no mistake, the Lee''s are as much my enemies as they are yours." He stated bluntly.


    Jessie drew in a lungful of oxygen and tried to calm her rapidly beating heart. He was going to marry Patricia, why did it make her so sad and a little disappointed. Why was she feeling this way? She shook her head and clutched the couch under her for support, hoping Jason wouldn''t catch her reaction.


    To her relief he was up and away immediately he said the words, as if escaping her as well. Stalking towards the kitchen he called out. "Now for that meal I promised you."

 Chapter 57 - 57. Compromised.

    "Why are you here?" She asked.


    "What do you think? I warned you, I''m sure I did. If things got out of hand I would get involved." He said walking towards her.??


    "What has gotten out of hand?" She frowned.


    "Are you seriously asking me that? Look at you, look at the state you''re in." Goerge stated bluntly.


    She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at her uncle, "don''t tell me all of a sudden you''re concerned about me."


    He laughed "I''m not concerned about your physical health, you are tarnishing our reputation. First you blow up about being attacked by some imaginary person in a spa, now you have scandalous video on the internet. For goodness sakes Patricia, you are a Lee act like one!" He yelled.


    Patricia rolled her eyes, "please like that video is going to hurt me." She huffed.


    "You think it''s not? Father sent me here, I didn''t even know about it. He found out first." Goerge said smiling at her reaction.


    Patricia stiffened and sat up straighter. She looked at her uncle and folded her arms.


    "What you don''t have any more snarky responses? Huh? Smart mouth?"


    "Shut up!" She screamed.


    He chuckled "it''s over for you neice, whatever leverage or brownie points you had over me with my Father is done." He said. "And the saddest thing is that you did this to yourself, pathetic."


    She glared at him.


    "While the walls are still closing in, would like to finally tell me what in tarnations you did to the actress Jessie Marin?" He asked.


    "It''s none of your business, Goerge" she spat.


    "You know for a second I was beginning to think, maybe she actually knows what she''s doing, maybe I should be wary of her. But it''s so pitiful to see you fall on your face neice." He looked at her "you are an embarrassment to our family, I mean if at least you can''t plan out someone demise without leaving dead ends how do you call yourself a Lee?"


    Patricia smirked and then looked at her uncle. Then she began to laugh, George''s brow went up in question.


    "Why the hell are you laughing?"


    "Beautiful dear uncle, if infact I''m truly screwed then you are going down with me. Infact you stand lose much more than I" She laughed.


    What are you talking about Patricia?" He asked.


    "How do you think I got rid of the actress?" Goerge gave her a pointed look.


    "Your precious little baby" She smiled, Goerge eyes widened and she continued. "In all honesty, you did it, you got rid of her not me. All I did was gift you a perfectly healthy and beautiful woman and you uncle did the dirty deed." She said slowly so each word hit him as she intended.


    "How the hell was that possible? I know all the women that come into my auction house, because at one point or another I get to meet them while we break them before they are sold" He said with so much venom.


    Patricia shrugged and blew his a kiss.


    George shook his head and paced the room. "We always do a thorough background check. Women that have been leaving alone for more than three months. Orphans, women with no one to look for them. Runaways, poor and unfortunate women that no one cares for. Jessie Marin does not fit into any of those categories. How did they ever?" He asked.


    "You''re not the only one with influence dear uncle" Patricia smiled at him.


    "How did she stay there for three weeks and I never came across her?" He asked again.


    "Because she didn''t, she was sold in a night. How? Because like you I have people everywhere. You might be the one in the running for grandfather''s throne. But a lot of people are still very loyal to my father hence they are loyal to me." She said, really enjoying the effect she was having on her uncle.


    He grimaced and look at her with intent to kill, walking up to her with murderous steps, he raised his hand to strike her but she stopped him.


    "I wouldn''t do that, you see that?" She pointed to the camera in her room. "Don''t be stupid." She warned him.


    He looked at the camera then back at her, grabbing her upper arm he pulled her to himself. Patricia winced at the pain but didn''t let him notice. Looking in his eyes with a much ferocity as he was looking at hers.


    "Ten years I''ve run that auction house without the slightest problem, ten years I strictly adhered to my rules and stuck to the principles. So many others came before me, so many came after me, but they no longer exist. Why? Because I never compromised. Now a foolish, stupid and naive girl playing gangster comes and messes everything up." He spat.


    "Oh please..." She rolled her eyes. "Do you really think this is the first time? Kim han ji, Felicia Han, yes the politician. I got rid of them through that very auction house. In your so called ten years I''ve sent not less that a dozen women there and you''ve hadn''t the slightly idea. And I always succeeded because I never heard of them again why? Because the men that buy women are just disgusting perverted criminals just like yourself. How Jessie Marin managed to come here to my hospital room today is shocking to me, I should be asking you uncle. What the hell went wrong?"


    George let go of her, rather violently. He walked back running his hands in his hair.


    "How long ago was this?" He asked her.


    "Uh... it should be a little over a month now." She said.


    "And you are sure Jessie Marin was in your room?"


    She nodded "I''m not crazy, I know what I saw."


    "Well I don''t believe anything that comes out of that deceitful mouth of yours, do you have proof?" He asked.


    "Of course not! Do you really think I would be slandered if I did?!" She yelled at him.


    "What about the CCTV footage? What happened to that?" He asked her.


    Patricia eyes widened "I hadn''t thought of that!"


    George shook his head "yet you thought of it while I tried to hit you. You really disappoint me." He said.


    "Let''s go check it out this moment" Patricia said.


    "Ofcourse we''re going this moment." George groaned.


    He waited for her while the nurse put her IV on a rollable stand, and they left together in search of the video room.


    ***************************************************


    "Katherine?" Paul held the phone to his ear, completely and totally in shock that she called him so soon.


    "You called." He said softly.


    "Make no mistake, I''m still very mad at you. I just wanted to make sure that you deleted the video from the CCTV in Patricia''s room" She asked.


    "The one of you and Jessica, sure I did." He said.


    "No, the one of me threatening her."


    Paul froze, "Hello? Hello? Paul answer me."


    "Shit."

 Chapter 58 - 58. Win The War.

    "I''m so sorry sir but that''s confidential information. I can''t give it to you." Steve shook his head vehemently.


    George narrowed his eyes at the man and smirked, Patricia was staring daggers at him.??


    "Do you know who I am?" She asked him.


    "How could I not, I''m a huge fan." He smiled.


    Her demeanour softened at the revelation. "Oh yeah? If that''s so can''t you do me this one favour?" She asked sheepishly.


    Steve sighed and looked at her "I''m sorry I can''t."


    Patricia frowned "Why not? Don''t you like me?"


    "Of course I do. But rules are rules, I can''t just let anyone see confidential footage." He said.


    "Confidential footage? But that footage is about me, it is my room after all." She pouted.


    "I understand that, and I understand you request but this things are just not up to me" He sighed.


    "Do you think they''ll be up to you now?" Goerge asked. Steve gave him a questioning look and Patricia also look to him in surprise. But the surprise soon turned to shock and dread for Patricia and Steve respectively, as they stared at the gun Goerge was holding at him.


    Steve instinctively rose his arms up in surrender.


    "Goerge!" Patricia warned.


    Ignoring her, and still wearing that sick smirk on his face he gestured for Steve to get moving.


    "I would suggest you put your hands down if you don''t want to end up dead." He dropped his hands to his sides and struggled not to have a panic attack. He was literally being held at gunpoint in right in his work place. And he was sure that Goerge had also noticed that the camera room didn''t have a camera in it, irony of things.


    "Show me the footage from this afternoon, when did you see the actress?" He asked Patricia.


    "Around noon, maybe one." She replied.


    "Play it from around there." He ordered.


    "Why is the screen blank? Why is nothing happening?! I wasn''t sleeping in the afternoon!" Patricia screamed as she stared at the screen.


    The footage showed her sleeping, all through from one till Goerge came into her room.


    Patricia looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "I promise I saw Jessie Marin, I swear." She cried.


    Goerge sighed rubbing his temples. "Why the hell would you say her name? Now I''ll have to kill him." He stated bluntly.


    Steve stiffened and Goerge didn''t miss his reaction, he didn''t react when Patricia said the actress'' name. And if he''s reacting to this only means he already knows that she was here.


    Deciding to play along, he wanted to make sure he was certain. "Play the footage from the began of the day."


    Steve struggled to grab the mouse, he tried to send a text or call the cops secretly with his phone as he played the footage. If he didn''t act fast he might actually just die, but they wouldn''t really kill him right? They would lose a lot if they were found right? They are the most powerful family in the country, killing someone wouldn''t be good for their reputation right? He asked himself as he struggled to do their bidding.


    The video started to play and Patricia ordered him to speed up. When it reached the part that she threw the ceramic plate at the nurse she told him to stop.


    Katherine walked in at that point.


    "There! There! That''s the bitch that was crazy enough to threaten me. Yes! I can totally post that and bury her. I''m not mad, this will salvage my reputation, give that to me!" She ordered Steve.


    "You''re not going to do anything with that video." Goerge stated firmly.


    She spun around and glared at him "and why not?"


    "Because the video proves nothing."


    "How the hell can you say it proves nothing?!" She yelled at him. "You can clearly see her face."


    "But can you hear a sound? To me it looks like she''s just doing her job, treating you." He said nonchalantly.


    "What? You don''t believe me do you?" She asked in annoyance.


    "It doesn''t matter if I believe you or not Patricia. It''s not plausible, she can deny everything if this gets out." He said.


    "Well it''ll be her word aganist mine." Patricia said.


    "Don''t be so confident neice, your name can only get you so far. Be patient, at least now we know an accomplice of that actress. It''ll be easy to figure out who''s behind her." Goerge said.


    Patricia frowned and folded her arms "why should I care about that. I want to bury that despicable doctor."


    "This is why your in this mess. Thinking with you emotions, don''t pour your energy into the battle. Fight with patience and endurance to win the war. This is going to be fun" Goerge smiled.


    "Don''t think I don''t see you sir, touch that phone one more time and you''re dead." Goerge warned.


    Steve froze, he was doomed. No way he would make it out of this, he already knew too much. Was this really his end? He put his phone on the table and put his hand in his pocket discreetly.


    "Put this video in this flash." George placed it on the table beside his hand and he put it in.


    "Now put that video on repeat, delete the video of us coming in here and turn of all the cameras that will catch is and we walk back to room 1103 and get up." Goerge ordered, Steve stood up and did as he was told. "Don''t be smart with me, I counted seven in total and you only turned five off."


    "Are you really going to kill him?" Patricia asked.


    "It depends, will you speak of this to anyone?" He asked


    "I won''t, I promise on my mother''s grave I won''t. Please don''t kill me." Steve begged.


    George rubbed his chin as if he was thinking about it, he looked at Patricia then back at Steve. "You know Jessie Marin is alive." He said.


    Steve''s eyes widened and he shook his head. "I don''t, I don''t, I swear."


    Goerge smiled. "Even if you were telling the truth which I know you''re not. I already told you so you do know she''s alive."


    Steve looked at him, pleading with his eyes, terrified for his life.


    "And that is a loose end that needs tying up. Goodbye sir" He said and he pulled the trigger.

 Chapter 59 - 59. Stained With Blood.

    Katherine and Paul ran into the hospital, after getting out their different cars.


    "How could you not delete the video?" She asked him as they waited for the elevator to reach it''s destination.??


    "I''m sorry, I was miraculously meant to know you actually threatened Patricia Lee? I already told you, it isn''t like you! It''s not something I could''ve predicted." He yelled.


    Katherine panted as she looked at him, "It''ll be fine. Nothing would happen, we will just go and delete the video okay?"


    He just glared at her and said nothing. As elevator door opened the ran out and to the camera room.


    Katherine gasped as she saw the blood that was spreading from under the door.


    Paul ran and pushed the door open before she could warn him and when she heard him scream, she ran in after him.


    Gasping, she covered her mouth her hand as she saw the bloodied man bleeding out on the floor in front of her. Paul was already on his knees and calling out his name.


    She ran to him as well, checking his pulse and his eyes. "He has a faint heartbeat." As soon as she said so, Steve''s eyes opened slightly and he tried to speak.


    "No, no no don''t speak you''ll hurt yourself. Don''t worry it''ll be alright." Paul soothed the man lying on the floor.


    Katherine looked at him and shook her head, he wasn''t going to make it. He had lost too much blood already and by the look of his wound and the blood at his mouth. The bullet was most likely in his lung.


    "No... Dr.. dr... ahhh. My pocket.... check my p-pocket. I-I... I... I''m sorry and I''m.... thankful... I g-got to d-die in.... in.... in the arms of m-m... my crush..." He said with much struggle, coughing out more blood.


    "Shhh.... shhh" Paul cried, rocking him in his arms. "Shhhh...."


    Katherine looked away as she sobbed silently to herself.


    "T-thank you." And with does words he breathed his last.


    Paul stated at Steve, he reached shaky arms and closed the dead man''s eyes. Placing him gently on the floor he took out his phone. Calling for the stretcher and some doctor he stood up.


    Katherine didn''t make a move, she didn''t leave the ground, she just stared at Steve''s dead body in disbelief. She literally saw his annoying face and his melodic voice right before she walked into Patricia''s room.


    Paul looked at the computer screens, walking over to it he realized it was on repeat. Clutching his fist he dug his nails into his palms and looked at Katherine. "Do you know what this is?" Paul asked.


    Katherine turned to look at him, slowly walking over to the computer she gasped. "What does this mean?"


    "What do you think it means? It''s clearly a message." He sad from between clenched teeth.


    "From the person that did this to Steve? Why is it my video?" She asked, scared of the answer she already knew but was afraid to admit to herself.


    Paul threw his phone at the wall and Katherine flinched as it shattered. "Damn it Katherine! Are you playing dumb or are just dense!!" He screamed.


    Katherine looked up at him with shock.


    "Fuck! Katherine. I told you, we warned you guys. Now look! You''re clearly their next target." He yelled. He moved to her and grabbed her shoulder. "Do you realize the kind of danger you''ve put yourself in!" He screamed at her, shaking her with each syllable that came out of his mouth.


    "Look there, look!" He pointed to Steve. "The only thing he did was do his job, you guys...


    your recklessness killed that man. Do you not realise? Look at what they did to someone, an innocent person. What the hell do you think they will do to you Katherine!" He screamed.


    Katherine blinked at him unable to control her emotions, she bit her lip and tried to stifle the sobs, but her tears? They fell freely they was no stopping that. Even Paul cried as he yelled at her.


    "How the hell I''m I supposed to protect you when you throw yourself I harms way like this?!" He yelled.


    "I killed him" She said softly. "I killed Steve, I did it" She cried. "I should''ve minded my business and not gotten involved. You''re right, I should''ve stayed away. I should''ve stayed away!" She screamed the sobs breaking out in a distorted cry. She clutched Paul''s shirt and cried into it.


    "I killed him! You''re right, I''m nothing, I''m just a pushover and... I should remain on the ground where I belong. I''m nothing" She cried.


    "You''re not nothing Katherine, you''re not. You are everything, everything a person should be. You''re so righteous and kind, you saw an innocent person being hurt and you went to help. You have the most beautiful heart I''ve ever seen in my life. Don''t ever say that. And you didn''t kill Steve, the Lee''s did. Don''t blame yourself." He said.


    Holding her close and she wept into his shirt. "I''m so sorry, I should''ve listened to you. I''m so sorry, gosh I''m a horrible person, I''m selfish and horrible." She sobbed.


    Paul bit his lip and struggled to contain the rage that burned his insides, rage for his friend lying lifeless and most if all, the heartbreak and anger that burned even brighter every time Katherine shivered against himself with a body wracking sob.


    "Now Katherine I have to delete this video before the stretcher comes." He whispered in her ear.


    "Don''t. Let them arrest me. I deserve to go to jail for this, it''s justice for Steve." She said.


    Paul held her face and stared directly into her eyes. "Hey look at me" he said. "You didn''t kill Steve, Patricia probably did. Now look, you didn''t do anything wrong. You defended you colleague there nothing wrong about that. I promise we are going to get justice for Steve, justice from the exact person that took his life. Do you understand me?" She looked at him, guilt still very much evident in her eyes. She tried to look away again but he wouldn''t let her.


    "Hey, hey. You didn''t do anything wrong. Trust me okay?" He said.


    He turned around and walked to the computer, deleting her footage and exchanging it for a four minute loop of Patricia sleeping.


    Soon the stretcher came and took Steve out of the room. Holding on to Katherine, they left the room they entered in haste. Stained with blood.

 Chapter 60 - 60. Your Career Or Your Heart.

    Lenora got of the cab and stared at the Song memorial hospital. After the video, she was absolutely sure she would find something here. No doubt now she was certain Patricia was involved in Jessie Marin''s disappearance, and her theory of Jessie Marin being dead was a fallacy. If there was any place she would start this investigation it was here.


    She started to walk in when she heard the siren, turning around she locked gazes with Jamie.??


    "You''re here?" She asked.


    "I could ask you the same thing, what are you doing here?" He asked.


    "Isn''t it obvious?" He gave her a pointed look and she sighed. "Tell me you haven''t seen the video."


    He pouted and shook his head. "What video?"


    "I''ll fill you in, let''s go in." She smiled.


    "Let''s go in? That''s not going to happen Lenora." Jamie shook his head.


    "Why?"


    "You know that''s not allowed, civilians aren''t allowed to interfere with police investigations. So you will stay right here and wait for me to finish with my investigation." He said curtly.


    Lenora frowned. "Really Jamie, come on. We''re partners you can''t possibly do this." She whined. "And what investigation are you talking about?"


    "A dead body was found in this hospital." Jamie said.


    "So what? A lot of people die here, it''s a hospital." She stated matter of factly.


    Jamie sighed "a murder Lenora, a homicide. I would advise you to go home but I know you wouldn''t so please stay away."


    Lenora gasped, "really? Now I have to see." She said turning around quickly to walk away.


    "Lenora." He warned.


    "What?" She asked sheepishly looking over her shoulder.


    "You know what? Do what you want, I don''t care." He said turning around to walk away.


    "Hey! Hey!! Don''t you walk away from me! Why are you acting like the victim when I''m the one that got dumped!!" She screamed stomping her heeled foot on the floor.


    Jamie stopped walking and put his hands in his pocket, but did not turn around. ''That''s right, I did dump her, but how can I even dump her when we weren''t going out in the first place?'' He thought.


    ***************************************************


    TWO DAYS AGO.


    "That girl has no respect, she is so annoying ugh!" Lenora complained as she played around with the contents of his glove compartments. "I don''t understand why you even had to ask her to work with us, I will tell you I''m not in agreement." She shook her head. Looking up at him, he didn''t even react, gosh he was such a stoic man.


    "Aren''t you going to say anything?" She frowned.


    "What do you want me to say?" He asked, his gaze still pointed at the road.


    "Tch...." She shook her head, slammed his glove compartment close and leaned back. "How about the fact that you didn''t correct that annoying girl when she assumed we were dating. Are we dating?" She asked with a small smile.


    For the first time he turned to look at her. "I didn''t see need to, and no we are not dating. I would be mad to date you again." He blurted out bluntly.


    She gasped, "ouch... you didn''t have to say it like that, a simple no would have sufficed" she pouted.


    "Why? What''s wrong with me?" She asked after a while of silence.


    Jamie sighed and rolled his eyes, "is that a trick question or do you really want me to answer that?"


    "Of course I want you to answer that" She cried.


    "Are you sure? I''ll be very honest." He warned.


    And she thought about it, he was brutally honest and oh so righteous it surprised her how someone could be so... good. "On a second thought no, don''t answer the question. I''m no longer talking to you!" She leaned her head against the glass, pouting.


    "Will you ever forgive me?" She said again, after a moment.


    "I thought you said you weren''t talking to me?"


    "Answer the question Jamie." She asked firmly.


    He sighed rubbing the back of his neck, "I''ve already forgiven you Lenora, but I can''t, I won''t let you break my heart again."


    "So what now? You''ll never be with me again?"


    "At this point it all depends on you, you have to choose. Your career or your heart?" Jamie asked lowly.


    Lenora turned to face him, "what does that mean?"


    Jamie swerved the car and put the car to park beside the road. Turning to face her completely he spoke. "Everytime you hurt me, everytime you betrayed my trust, you said it was because of your job. You even approached me with the intention of getting an exclusive. I can''t be with someone who I can''t trust, who will inevitably hurt me Lennie."


    Lenora bit her lip and looked away, "so you want me to give up my job? You''re saying I have to choose between being a reporter and being with you?" She choked out, her eyes filling with tears.


    "Honestly I''m not sure myself" He muttered. " I really want to be with you Lennie, but to be honest I''m scared. I''m afraid if I trust you again you''ll ending up hurting me, and I don''t know if I can take it anymore. So I''m choosing to trust that it''s you job that makes you so conniving and apathetic when you have to make these decisions that affect both of us. Because if it''s not then I can''t be with you."


    Lenora blinked at him, lips slightly parted as she struggled to find words. She knew that she was selfish, and mean. She only thought of herself and all she wanted was to prove to her family that she could make it without their money and their rules. But Jamie made her want to better, made her want to care. He made her a better person, but had she grown to the point of abandoning all her dreams for him?


    "You don''t have to give me an answer right away, whenever you''re ready. But I won''t wait forever Lenora. I deserve to be happy." He said curtly.


    Her eyes widened slightly at his last statement, ''what does he mean by he deserves to be happy?'' She scoffed. ''Don''t I also deserve happiness?''


    "What are you thinking?"


    "Nothing, let''s go. I need to be in the office." She said.


    He nodded and started the car, rejoining the traffic he drove away.

 Chapter 61 - 61. Jackpot.

    Paul held Katherine close as they watched the police do their job. He knew he would have a lot on his plate this coming week. There''s no way he would let the press get to know about this, it would cause his thriving business to take a u-turn.


    ''Song memorial hospital cannot even protect it''s staff, how is it supposed to protect and save the lives of it''s patients''.??


    He shuddered at the thought of the headlines that would pop up from this incident. As much as he would have loved to advertise and publicize this incident to tell the killer they were being watched. It would be too detrimental for the entire hospital and he didn''t know if they would survive the scandal.


    The detective stepped out of the room from behind the yellow tape, "we will need to interrogate you both the police station as well since you''re our only witnesses." He said.


    They both nodded.


    "Wait, detective." Paul called him. "Um Detective..." he looked at his name tag "Detective Anderson. Can I have a word with you in private?"


    The detective looked sceptical at first but reluctantly agreed.


    "I would like to insist that you keep this incident confidential from the press." Paul said to the detective when they were away from public ear.


    "I assure you sir, it''s already in our job description to keep all our investigations confidential." He affirmed.


    "Yeah well you say that, but we all watch the news. I wouldn''t want a situation where I would have to sue."


    Jamie narrowed his eyes at him. "Are you threatening me?"


    "Of course not, I''m only saying you should do you''re job properly." Paul replied with a slight shrug.


    "I always do my job properly." He insisted.


    "Look I''m not here to argue with you, I''m the director and head of the board in this hospital. And I''m sure you realise that I can sue if I suffer loss due to this incident. All I''m saying is that you should do your job properly this time." Paul sighed shrugging.


    "This time?"


    "Don''t act all innocent and moral, it''s no secret thanks to the press that you were the detective in charge of Jessie Marin''s case." Paul informed him.


    "And your point is?"


    Paul opened his mouth to speak but closed it again, if he told the truth he would expose Jessie to the police. Even though she didn''t kill the driver, if they found out she was alive she''ll definitely be arrested. And he couldn''t have Jason murder him when he was facing a scandal.


    "Never mind, just do your job and keep the results away from the press." He stated firmly.


    "We definitely will, that what police do. Find justice and protect the people who only care about profits." Jamie said with a sarcastic smile, walking away before Paul could reply.


    Paul furrowed his brow as he watched the exiting detective ''did he just imply that I don''t care for Steve?'' He wondered. Shaking his head he went to go find Katherine so they could head to the station.


    ***************************************************


    "I can''t go in?" Lenora scoffed at the receptionist that refused to let her enter the hospital.


    "No ma''am, we''re currently working on a situation and can''t let visitors in." The woman informed her.


    "Look miss, what if I''m sick and need attention?" She asked.


    "Then please take a number and wait in line. It''s clearly not an emergency." The receptionist informed her.


    Lenora frowned, turning around to look at the long line she shook her head. No way she was going to be getting in, even in three hours time. Did sick people decided this was the night?


    She walked back out of the hospital, scanning the surroundings, how would she sneak in? Was the situation that bad? That they had to prevent even visitors?


    She looked around then saw a staff entrance. She looked around to make sure no one was watching and she went it, the hallway was dark but she could still see where to go since they was light coming for the end of the hallway. Following the light she made sure her phone was recording, she walked into what looked like a locker room.


    She opened a locker after too unsuccessful tries, smiling when she saw the contents of the locker. "Jackpot!"


    Without wasting any more time she stripped and changed into the green scrubs, stuffing her clothes into her purse. She took her phone and put in her pocket, putting on the mask she walked out.


    "Hey! What are you still doing in there? There''s a vomit situation in the west wing, room 2900." A plump pretty woman yelled at her. Judging by her purple scrubs, she was probably a nurse.


    "Uh... bathroom break?" She laughed nervously.


    "Well chop, chop. We need all the help we can get tonight." The woman replied.


    "Why? Did something out of the ordinary happen?" She asked, the reporter in her pushing buttons.


    The woman eyebrows narrowed and she frowned. "Stop asking me stupid questions and go do your job."


    "Sure, sorry for asking" Lenora blurted as she began to run in what she hoped was the right direction. Since the woman didn''t stop her she assumed she was going in the right direction.


    She got lost severally but managed to find the room, it was the radiology wing. "Wow this hospital even has a special wing for cancer patients." She marvelled.


    Her face fell as she walked across the rooms, seeing all the sick people fighting for their lives. When she found room 2900, she pushed the door open slightly.


    "Oh my gosh" she whispered under her breath when she saw the patient. It was a kid, he didn''t have any hair on his head, and she assumed it was because of the chemotherapy.


    "Are you my new nurse?" He asked.


    "No, no. Um... I''m here to clean up." She smiled softly.


    "Oh? I''m sorry for making a mess." He said.


    She walked up to him and cupped his face. "Aren''t you such a sweet thing. It''s no problem, that''s why people work here to clean up." She said.


    "People? Aren''t you also part of those people?" He asked.


    She laughed softly "you''re very inquisitive aren''t you."


    "I try my best." He shrugged.


    "What''s your name?"


    "Min ho. I''m twelve." He said bluntly.


    "Well, Min ho. My name is Lenora, and I''ll let you in on a little secret. I don''t work here, actually I''m a reporter and I''m here because of a story." She said.


    "Really?" He asked wide eyed, she nodded.


    "Wow, so you speak on TV?" She nodded again.


    "What''s your story about?"


    "I''m investigating the death of the dead actress Jessie Marin." She said, surprised at her honesty with this strange child.


    "Hmmm... I''ve heard about that. I wish you luck." He said.


    "Thank you so much, I''ll clean your room now okay?" She said and he nodded.


    She grabbed the mop and bucket that had surprisingly been sitting there. "I wonder who brought this?"


    "The nurse that was checking my vitals earlier. Something suddenly came up and she had to go." He said.


    All they had been talking about this evening is about this strange thing that happened today, turning to Min ho. "Do you know what happened?"


    He shook his head, "But it must have been pretty serious, because she never leaves me, especially when I throw up."


    "What did she say before she left?"


    "That she would come back as soon as she can, but she would send someone here to clean up."


    That must have been the purple scrub woman, perhaps were they all on edge because of the homicide? ''Of course Lennie, someone was killed in this hospital'' She scolded herself. ''But who? And how? I have to find out.''

 Chapter 62 - 62. Ticking Time Bomb.

    "What are you thinking?" Patricia asked her uncle, his pacing was making her unsettled. She wasn''t very sure that their plan was going to work, but she also wasn''t sure it wasn''t. After they deleted all their evidence, and even if the police where able to trace all the cameras that were turned off to her room they would only have circumstantial evidence.


    "Who could have purchased the actress? I need to find out her buyer, that will be the start to determining her location." He said.??


    "Isn''t that simple? Just go through your records" Patricia shrugged.


    "It''s not that simple. If I could just go through my records do you think I wouldn''t have noticed a famous actress in my accounts?" He asked her the ire in his voice completely evident. "Nice one neice, dragging me into this. I will certainly never forget this and will act accordingly."


    Patricia gave his a sweet smile. "You know for someone making a threat, you words are incredibly proper."


    "Really? I don''t blame you for thinking that way, afterall you''re barely upholding or acting like a Lee. Why should I be surprised you think my speech is ''proper'' hmm?" He shook his head.


    "Are you talking to me about propeity? Mighty coming from the man that just killed someone." She said.


    George narrowed his eyes at her, "Don''t tell me death makes you squirm. Wow, that''s very interesting."


    "Death does not make me squirm, I just don''t enjoy doing the deed by myself. That''s what the hired men are for. Why should I get my hands dirty when I can simply sit and watch." She said.


    "Whatever, I''ve certainly stayed longer than I intended. I will be seeing you very soon Patricia. Goodbye and yes... call father." He said.


    Patricia frowned and rolled her eyes. "Do I really have to?" As he opened his mouth to reply her she interrupted him. "I know, I know. I don''t have a choice. No need to lecture me, good bye." She said laying down and turning away from him.


    Goerge straightened his suit and walked out of her hospital room.


    ***************************************************


    "Are you going to call Jason?" Katherine asked as they drove back from the police station.


    "What do you think? I have to, this does not only involve us. Jessie is in trouble as well, although that was no secret." Paul sighed, he was not eager for the call. Goodness knows how Jason would react.


    "Do you really have to call him?" Katherine asked softly, turning to look outside the window.


    "I mean, there are so many reasons we can refuse to tell him." She said.


    "Oh yeah? Like what?"


    "First of all, I think Jessie has been through enough already. I don''t want to burden her conscience with the fact that we caused the death of a man. If we hadn''t done what we di-"


    "Katherine." Paul called softly. Parking the car, he turned to face her completely. "Look at me" he said as she tried to avoid his eyes. "It''s not your fault."


    "Stop saying that, stop protecting me. You said it yourself I... my foolishness killed that man." She said her eyes welling up with unshed tears.


    "I... I wasn''t thinking when I said that, I didn''t mean it." Paul sighed.


    "Exactly Paul, you weren''t thinking. Meaning you said the truth, when you think you lie, when you''re in your right mind you tend to hide the things that can hurt me." She said. "You''ve been protecting me all my life, and I understood why, I always accepted it because I thought I was innocent I deserved to be protected. But not this time. Paul you don''t have to protect me anymore, I am wrong I should face the consequences."


    "Hey, don''t say that. We have no idea what happened in that room, and we have no way of knowing. You didn''t pull the trigger that killed Steve, you didn''t do anything wrong. You stood up for a helpless person being bullied and you tried to fight injustice. Don''t blame yourself for Steve." He explained.


    "How are you so calm? You were close to him, I know you too had a relationship." She said softly.


    "Hey, don''t make it seem like we were dating or something" He laughed softly.


    She slapped his arm "how are you laughing right now?"


    "Hey that hurt!" He exclaimed. "Ah!" He yelled as she hit him again.


    "Look, I''m upset. And I promise I''m going to find the culprit and punish them. Steve was my friend and I''m definitely going to avenge his death. And you my dear are not to blame okay?" He said.


    "Whatever, are you still going to call Jason?"


    "Do you still not want me too? I already told you, it''s not your fault and it''s not Jessie''s either."


    "Just because you said it doesn''t make it true, and that''s not why?"


    "Hey... you''ve really changed, you were never this hard to comfort" He pointed out.


    "Yeah, because my problems never involved a dead person, but that''s not what I''m talking about. I''m afraid Jason might really lock Jessie up if he finds out about this."


    Paul nodded, biting his lip. "You are right about that, he''s unnaturally concerned for that woman."


    "Right. Do you think he''s starting to have feelings for her?" Katherine asked.


    "I hope not" Paul said firmly.


    "Why not? I believe they''d make a nice couple. Each taming the other." Katherine insisted.


    Paul shook his head. "Jessie is a ticking time bomb, it''s not in any of our interests to be around her."


    Katherine scoffed "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "Look she''s basically a refugee. To the world she doesn''t exist, if the public does find out about her being alive, she''s going to prison. The scandal it''s going to cause... it''s going to shake the entire country. Not to mention the most powerful people in this country are after her." Paul replied.


    Katherine''s Jaw dropped in shock and she shook her head. "I really, really don''t believe you just said that. How is it any fault of hers, she is basically a victim in all this. And what if she manages to find evident to prove that she didn''t murder that driver?"


    "It doesn''t matter, if she''s the victim or the perpetrator. Even if she''s cleared of everything the scandal would still be to big and scary."


    "So what? Jason should abandon her? We should just abandon her?" Katherine asked.


    "I''m not saying we should avoid her, not like it''s even possible anymore. Were already involved, your on the Lee''s radar now and my hospital was used as a killing ground. Even if we wanted to step back now we can''t." He stated.


    "So what the hell are you saying" She said, more aggressively than she would have intended.


    "All I''m saying is that I''ve never seen Jason lose his cool before. Ever since Jessie came into his life he has been an emotional mess, always getting angry and the only thing emotions get you in our world is dead or broke." Paul replied.


    "Well I''m sorry to say, but I''m happy that Jessie makes him behave the way he does. At least he''s not all cold and distant as he usually is. And how would you ever understand? You don''t know what love is, you can''t understand him." She scolded him.


    Paul scoffed "and you do?"


    Katherine laughed ''a lot more than you think, dummy''.

 Chapter 63 - 63. Chopsticks.

    "Wow... I''m so surprised you know how to cook." Jessie gasped as she watched Jason sashay around the kitchen with elegance.


    "Really? There''s nothing I don''t know how to do?" He boasted his chest puffed up.??


    Jessie smiled and shook her head "I believe you."


    He winked at her as he dropped the plate of hot steaming pasta on the island in front of her.


    She looked up at him, then back at the food. "This really smells great."


    "Dig in" he encouraged her.


    She pouted when she looked at the cutleries, picking up the fork she dug in.


    "No chopsticks?" Jason asked.


    "I''ll tell you a secret, I don''t know how to use chopsticks." She whispered.


    Jason brow lowered and he walked around the island, tossing the apron he sat on the stool beside her. "Would you like to learn?"


    "Sure, why not? But what I''m really interested in is cooking" She shrugged.


    "One step at a time." He said with a seductive smirk playing at his lips. Jessie looked away to calm her breathing, when did she forgive him? Why was she feel so hot?


    "Fine." He smiled and picked up the chopsticks, putting them between his fingers he demonstrated how she should hold them.


    Taking them from his hands she tried to hold it in her hands. "Like this?" She asked.


    "Wait... hold inbetween your index and middle finger." He corrected, she still could not get it.


    He leaned towards her and grabbing her hands from behind puppeting her movements, Jessie froze when his chest came in contact with her back. Turning slightly she met his gaze, they stared into each other''s eyes for what seemed like eternity but was only a couple of seconds. Before Jason broke the eye contact and his gaze lowered to her slightly parted lips.


    Hot and bothered Jessie habitually drew her bottom lip in between her teeth and that was Jason undoing. His other hand left her side and travelled up her neck, and he tilted his head to capture her lips. Until the chopsticks fell and hit the ceramic plate, jerking them both out of their trance.


    Jessie cleared her throat and looked away, shoving her hair behind her ear nervously, "I''m I doing it the right way?" She asked picking up the sticks again.


    Jason blinked and moved back into his stool by the island. "Yeah, you got it."


    Nodding she set out to start eating, but failed totally. "Ugh! Why can''t I get any in my mouth?!" She yelled frustrated and covered in sauce.


    When she heard laughter she turned to look at Jason. "Hey! Don''t laugh" she whined.


    "Here just use the fork, you''re hopeless." He laughed, she pouted.


    "No fair, I can''t even revenge because you''re not bad at anything" she frowned.


    "What do you want me to be bad at? I''ll do it for you." He said.


    "What the heck is that? Don''t make me even more pitiful." She warned.


    "Fine, fine. Oh yeah, not that I mind but wouldn''t you be more comfortable in clothes your own size?" He asked, noticing she was still in his shirt.


    "That is true, I''ve been wearing sandals all week. If my stylist saw me she would have a heart attack." Jessie nodded between mouth fulls of pasta.


    "I think you''re doing fine on your own" Jason shrugged.


    "Right? Ofcourse I have to have some fashion sense it is a crucial part of my industry." She nodded. "Are you really going to let me go shopping?"


    "No" he shook his head.


    She pursed her lips and looked away, "I''m also going to need my card back." He stated bluntly.


    Jessie eyes widened and she stared at him in shock, "no." She shook her head. "You can''t take your card away, please."


    He expression remained stoic and he stared at her with a bored smile. "You know a lot of people I know would be hesitant to take someone''s money. You didn''t even argue when I gave you the card."


    "Well... yeah, not a lot of people are me. What I''m supposed to do with my life if you take your card?" She asked, giving him her cutest pout and puppy dog eyes.


    "What are you doing with the card right now? You didn''t get anything, instead you''ve been spending fortunes following Patricia around. Do you not know it''s cheaper to take a bus?" He asked.


    She gasped and stepped of her stool, "you can''t be serious. How are you so stingy when you''re so rich?" She asked in disbelief.


    Jason just leaned back and folded his arms, staring at the actress, and her break down. It was so cute, she was so spoiled.


    "How can you be so entitled when you basically have nothing anymore?" He replied her, with a small smirk.


    She huffed, "I have something."


    "And what is that? You don''t even have clothes pray tell what is this thing you have?" He asked, amusement coating his words.


    She narrowed her eyes at him. "Not what, who?" Jason''s brow rose in question.


    "I have you. You can give me everything." She said with a wide smile.


    Jason looked taken aback at first, then he started laughing. "Is that so?" He said stepping off the stool as well, Jessie nodded.


    "Well if you have me, then you don''t need anything thing else. I am such a catch don''t you think?" He said stalking towards her small frame, not realising his intentions or the distance closing inbetween, Jessie rolled her eyes.


    "Don''t deceive yourself, I only said that because you gave me your credit card. And there are no backsies with me." She said.


    "Oh yeah? So you only want me for my money."


    "No... I want you for other reasons too" She said.


    "Like what?"


    "Well... you kn- wait a minute what are you trying to do?" She asked finally realising where the conversation was heading to.


    He laughed, shrugging "I only wanted to know what little miss perfect wanted me for?"


    "I don''t want you, you don''t want what you already have." She stated matter of factly.


    Jason brow went up and he stopped in his tracks, he knew Jessie was not a shy woman but he didn''t expect her to be this bold.


    Jessie cringed when she saw his reaction, that did not sound the way it did in her head. And when did he get so close to her?


    Before he could say anything in response to her apparently bold statement, she ran around him and grabbed her bowl of uneaten pasta.


    "Where are you going? We''re not done here." Jason eyed her suspiciously as she clutched the bowl like it was her life.


    "Yeah well, I''m done." She said running up the stairs.


    "Hey! Hey! Come back here!" Jason yelled after her, trying to hold back his laughter. That woman definitely knew how to surprise him.

 Chapter 64 - 64. Card.

    Lenora bid the little kid goodbye and promised to come visit him again, hoping that she wouldn''t get too busy and forget. She pushed the bucket into the elevator, pressing the top floor, she left the chemotherapy and radiology wing. When the elevator dinged on another floor, for someone to get in she noticed the floor had a lot of green scrubs in it.


    "What happened here?" She asked the lady that walked in.


    "Are you new here?" Lenora nodded.


    "Yeah well, so I''m I. Apparently there''s talk of some top secret thing that happened on the 47th floor." She shrugged.


    "Top secret how?" Lenora asked.


    "I have no idea, no one does. Infact the entire floor is locked. And apparently all the head nurses are nowhere to be found." She sighed.


    Lenora knew that going to the scene of the crime would be impossible, and she wouldn''t even want to run into Jamie. So she decided if it really was homicide, the body would end up in the morgue, if it hasn''t already. She would go to the morgue.


    "What floor is the morgue?" She asked.


    "Uh... it''s below, -05." Nurse replied.


    "There a five floors below?" Lenora asked in disbelief.


    "Twelve actually, this is an impressive hospital I must admit." The nurse nodded. When the door opened again she left.


    Lenora finally noticed all the buttons that had minus on them, pressing the button for the morgue she went there.


    It was surprisingly not quiet as empty as she would have thought. They were doctors or people that looked like doctors walking to and fro. She kept walking, refusing to admit to herself that she was hella confused.


    "Hey, take this to room 508." A doctor shoved a plastic bag containing clothes in her hands quickly. Before he could walk away she stopped him.


    "What I''m I supposed to do with it?" She asked, still clutching her bucket, afraid to let go of her only prop.


    "Oh I''m sorry, I''m in such a rush. Just place it in there, the label and tag is already in there. It''s the belonging of the deceased." He said.


    "It still looks fresh" she commented talking about the blood that coated the clothes.


    "Yeah because the death is still fresh, I''ve got to go. Thank you." He said rushing off.


    Lenora pursed her lip and began to look for room 508. If this death is still fresh and the clothes aren''t hospital gowns... "Oh my goodness!" She exclaimed. ''This must be the dead man''s clothes.''


    Her steps quickened and she rushed to look for the room, pushing the door open she shut but behind her. Ripping open the ziploc she put on gloves that sat in her pocket and removed her phone to take pictures.


    As she pulled the clothes out something fell out and dropped hard on the floor. "A recorder?" She bent down and picked it up.


    She gasped when she heard footsteps, shoving the clothes back into the ziploc she fled the room. Deciding to call it a night, it would be impossible to get to the 47th floor this night. And it would be more impossible to get anything out of Jamie. So she just hoped the recorder had something in it.


    ***************************************************


    As Jessie wheeled her cart in the convenience store downstairs, she could hear the angels sing hallelujah when she walked past the candy section. She hadn''t been very active the past month and although her manager wasn''t here to check and seive everything that entered her mouth she couldn''t get herself to indulge in chocolate. So she quickly wheeled past there and ended up in the cereal section. This should be fine right? It''s is cereal afterall.


    She grabbed two different boxes and went to buy milk again avoiding the sugar. She was terribly hungry when she woke up this morning, it was already past eight and she didn''t have the confidence or shamelessness to go ask Jason for food. Besides it seemed he was sleeping in, because she couldn''t find him anywhere and his room was locked. So she decided to come down stairs and get fast food, cereal.


    Heading to the counter making sure her hoodie and mask where perfectly covering her face she placed her items on the counter.


    "That would be 12 dollars miss." The salesman informed her.


    Nodding she put her hand in her pocket to pull out her card, but she couldn''t find it. Her eyes widened, she smiled nervously at the guy not that he could see. She searched her large hoodie frantically not finding the card anywhere.


    "Is there a problem miss?" He asked.


    "I don''t know... I can''t seem to find my card." She said.


    "I''ll get it, bill it to my card as well." A voice said from behind her.


    "Oh no no you don''t have to do that." Jessie said turning around to see the good samaritan.


    ''He''s cute'' she thought with a small smile. ''But I can''t accept his help, I''m shameless when it comes to Jason, no one else.''


    "Please let me, it''s just 12 dollars don''t worry about it." He insisted.


    "Ah... you really don''t have to do that, I live in the building I can just go get my card." She said.


    "Will you just accept his help already? We''ve got places to be!" A woman shouted from the line.


    Jessie scowled at her, then looked back at the guy. Bowing she thanked him as he paid. Grabbing her bag, she left the store in a hurry. She needed to find that card! That was so embarrassing.


    Slamming the bag on the island, she ran upstairs and searched her entire room. Her phone was there, her laptop and everything else. But no card, where was her card!


    "Looking for this?" She froze and spun around Jason leaned against her door frame, one hand in the pocket of his plaid trousers and the other holding up the credit card. Wearing a smug smirk on his face.


    "Ah... it''s my card!" She squealed running to grab it from him, but he stepped back and held it higher. She frowned at him, "what is this? Give it to me."


    She tried to jump but she couldn''t grab it since he continued to move it in different directions. After a while, Jessie bent over and leaned her hands on her knees panting, he was still grinning, looking effortless with his hand in his pocket.


    "You took it didn''t you?" She accused him.


    "Why do sound so surprised? I already told I was going to last night." He stated matter of factly.


    She brows narrowed and lips tensed as she glared at him with sad anger. She opened her mouth to speak but words failed her so she closed it. Glaring at him with contempt, "what do I need to do to get my card back?"


    "Your card?" He asked with a small laugh.


    "Fine the card, the card." She said.


    "Hmmm.... what do I want? What. Do. I. Want?" He asked in a sarcastic tone. "That''s easy, stay away from Patricia Lee and her crazy family."


    Jessie huffed.


    "Before you say anything, remember. You were born and raised in luxury, you one of the highest paid actresses. It''s safe to say that you can''t survive without money, so think about you response carefully." He said.


    "Why do you always do this?" She asked.


    "Do what? Try to keep you safe?"


    "I can''t with you anymore, I just can''t!" She screamed walking into her room and slamming the door in frustration.


    Jason laughed walking to the door, he knocked on it. "Get ready and come down. I''ll take you shopping."

 Chapter 65 - 65. Nightmare.

    Paul groaned when he heard the doorbell ring, he slept in his apartment the night before because he just could not face his mother. He was totally sure she was the one at his door. She hated it when he stayed in his apartment, her last son should always be close to her she would always say.


    He wasn''t ready to see her outside. As he walked to the door and checked the video cam, he saw Katherine.??


    "Katherine?" He asked in surprise as he opened the door.


    She walked past him and started to pace his living room, one hand on her waist and the other under her chin. She appeared disheveled and disturbed as if she was in deep thought.


    Paul shut the door slowly, as if cautious of startling the woman before him. "Katherine? Are you okay?"


    "Of course I''m not okay!" She snapped, halting any movement and turning to face him. "And I know you''re not either, Paul, Steve is dead. Like he''s never coming back, and I''m so paranoid right now I couldn''t sleep all night. It''s either I see his face or Patricia Lee''s face, it''s so scary." She shuddered.


    She did indeed look like she hadn''t slept all night. Katherine wasn''t a woman that was vain, she didn''t normally put as much thought as other women do into her appearance. So long she looked neat and proper she didn''t care much for fashion. But today, it looked like her wavy black curls hadn''t seen a brush, and she had bags under her eyes. Not to mention she came all the way from her house in her slippers.


    Paul squinted to look at her face, at least she washed it.


    "Aren''t you like a doctor? Shouldn''t you be used to death by now?" Paul asked as he walked to kitchen to get a coffee, because he needed one this morning.


    "Yeah people I don''t know dying sure." She said, hot on his heels.


    " Pfft. You didn''t know Steve till yesterday" Paul pointed out.


    "I-I knew him!" She huffed angrily. "I just... did not like him."


    Paul scoffed, "please no one disliked Steve, he was the most charismatic guy in that entire wing." He stated, sadness evident in his statement.


    ''Because he liked you'' she thought ruefully, not that she could tell him that or that it even mattered.


    Shaking of the thought she decided to change the subject but her mouth had other plans. "How are you so calm about this?" She asked him. "Steve was your friend."


    "You think I''m calm? Hell Katherine I want to kill Patricia with my bare hands, but it''s not time. Besides Steve was my friend but protecting you is more important. We can''t act irrationally right now." He said.


    Her heart jumped after his statement, but she couldn''t help feeling guilty for about it.


    "Don''t worry, we''ll definitely avenge Steve''s death." He assured her.


    The door bell rang again, "who''s that?" Katherine asked.


    Paul shrugged, walking to the door he turned around quickly. "It''s my mom!"


    Katherine''s eyes widened, and she began to look for places to hide. After running to his room and hiding behind his desk she began to pray.


    "Mom, what are you doing here so early in the morning?" Paul asked his mother as she walked into his apartment.


    "Must I have a reason to visit my favourite son?" Mrs. Song asked as she looked around, scrutinizing everything.


    "Mom, it''s 7:30 in the morning. I should be asleep." He stated bluntly.


    "This is why your business is facing such a terrible scandal. Jason Kang never sleeps till 7:30 in the morning. Look how the Kang business empire is thriving."


    Paul rolled his eyes, so typical for his mother to compare him to Jason. "Well mom, how sure are you about this information? And besides Jason is the eldest Kang son, I''m the last. I was basically born to play." He shrugged.


    His mother glared at him. "Is that the kind of attitude I raised you to have?" She nearly screamed. "Is that the kind of attitude you have towards the hospital?"


    "Mom, sit. I''ll bring you tea, and for your information Jason goes to work around nine... ish. Besides I''m doing a pretty good job for a lawyer running a hospital." He smiled.


    "I still disapprove, you know that right? It''s not too late to go to medical school like your brothers." She yelled from the sitting room.


    "Mother, I''m 28 what I''m going to do in school? Besides I have an MBA as well, a hospital is still a business afterall." He yelled back as he made her cup.


    "Just make sure you don''t disappoint your father, he will not hesitate to give the hospital to your eldest brother. You know it was supposed to go to him." His mother cautioned him.


    Paul sighed and continued to make her cup. After a short while, he walked into the living room with the cup. The tray almost dropped from his grip when he saw his mother sitting with Katherine opposite her. He managed to safe the tray in time but it still didn''t quell his shock.


    He looked at Katherine who avoided his gaze but refused to met his mother''s eyes, this was a literal nightmare.


    "Care to explain?"


    ***************************************************


    A FEW MOMENTS BEFORE.


    Mrs. Song stared at the painting that hung from the wall of her son''s living room, he definitely had her taste. But she still could not understand why he decided to get an apartment, granted it was all the rage this days. But he wasn''t one to follow trends.


    She heard vibrating on the couch and turned to check, pulling out the phone she frowned when she saw the caller. Jessie Marin? Wasn''t the actress dead? Her curiosity got the better of her and she answered.


    "Hello? Katherine?" The caller said, Mrs. Song eyes widened and she cut the call. ''This is Katherine''s phone, which means she must be in this house''.


    She stood up and walked into the rooms, heading to the one that Paul used first. She made sure she was quiet so she wouldn''t startle Katherine and make her run.


    As she entered the room she shut the door opened the wardrobe, checked the bathroom and everywhere. When she couldn''t seem to find her she went back into the bathroom and closed the door slightly, looking out a bit.


    Katherine saw an opportunity, she would sneak out while Mrs. Song searched the bathroom. Unfortunately, Mrs. Song had the upper hand, she locked the door.


    Ad soon as Katherine turned the door knob and the door wouldn''t budge she panicked, it was over. Before she could run back Mrs. Song glared at her with her arms folded, leaning on the bathroom door frame.


    "You whore, did you really think I wouldn''t find you?" She asked walking closer to Katherine.


    "I promise it''s not what you think?" Katherine said, eyeing her possible escape routes.


    "And what do I think? What do you expect any sensible person with eyes to think?"


    "Look I promise, I only hid hear because you hate it when I''m around Paul-"


    "And yet here you are." She stood in front of Katherine, cornering her.


    "Look moth-" Mrs. Song palm stopped her from saying more. Katherine held her ringing cheek but didn''t look up.


    "Don''t you dare call me that. How many times have I told you to stay away from my son! And you''ve had the guts to not only blatant disobey me but lie to me. What did you say? There''s nothing going on between you and my son?" She asked.


    Pulling her arm, she moved her away from the door, still holding that arm she dragged Katherine into the living room and ordered her to sit.


    "This ends today."

 Chapter 66 - 66. Wonderful Day.

    The rays of sun, were carried by a soft innocent breeze. Even in the bustling and busy city, the birds chirped and little vegetation danced in the direction lead by the gentle breeze following softly and obediently. People were out and around, exercising, brunching and enjoying the blossoming flowers that came with the nearing of autumn. A wonderful day to go shopping, a wonderful time to go sightseeing, a wonderful time to be outside.


    Jessie and Jason admired the beautiful weather as they drove, Lenora decided it was best that she work on her balcony today. Krystal and her sister went to the park to watch the dogs they wanted but couldn''t not afford to get. Jonathan took a run outside deciding to kill two birds with one stone, enjoy the weather and exercise. Jamie stayed out longer after his morning coffee, sitting outside the cafe to enjoy the flowers, even Patricia opened the window of her hospital room to let some light in.? ?


    It was a beautiful sunday morning, but unlike the rest of the world, country, city. Paul and Katherine couldn''t be bothered with the weather. As Katherine struggled to quell the raging she felt inside of her as her cheek burned and her pride crumbled. While Paul stood inbetween the two trying to protect an innocent Katherine from his murderous mother.


    "Who does she thinks she is? She must leave this house at once! I don''t want her working in that hospital anymore!" Mrs. Song yelled.


    "Mother, stop!" Paul yelled trying to push his mother away. "Stop acting like this please. There really is nothing going on between Katherine and I. She is my best friend and that is it."


    "Oh please, like a man and a woman can be just friends, I don''t want her around you anymore. She will quit her job." His mother yelled.


    Katherine tried to escape and grab her phone and bag, but his mother was determined. ''This woman is mad! What else does she want? She already slapped me!'' Katherine thought.


    "Fine I''ll go, but don''t expect me to quit my job." She huffed.


    "What? What did you say? What gives you the right to-"


    "No disrespect Mrs, but you do realise that unfair and unofficial methods of firing a person can lead to legal matters right? I am well qualified for my job and I''m making massive progress in my research. I will not just quit and leave, and trust me the world does not revolve around your son. I did not spend the night here, and there is nothing going on between Paul and myself. Believe or not I don''t care if you hit me, but please refrain from such outbursts in the future, you''re no longer as young as you would have us all believe. It''s not healthy to act like this, you can get into serious trouble going around and hitting people. I''ll take my leave." She bowed and walked out of the apartment slamming the door behind her.


    Mrs. Song flinched at the loud noise the slammed door made and her jaw fell in utter shock.


    "Oh my gosh! My son? Did you see the way she just spoke to me? Oh my gosh! That girl must have a lot of guts. What did she say? Did she threaten me? Son, I''m I getting old? Me?" She turned around to ask Paul.


    "Are you smiling right now?!" His mother yelled.


    ***************************************************


    "Katherine? I thought you had left?" Paul asked walking to Katherine as she leaned against his door. He just sent his mother off after another round of Katherine 101: the evil woman set out to destroy him.


    "Well I can''t exactly leave without my phone or purse." She sighed. "Why are you looking at me like that?" She asked.


    "Like how?"


    "With your face looking like that, what exactly is so amusing?" She asked plainly.


    "Are you still mad?" Paul asked halting his movement, he has dealt with more than enough drama for today.


    "I don''t know, I kind of got most of it out in my outburst earlier. Plus seeing her so flustered made me feel much better." Katherine shrugged then face fell into a frown. "Did I go overboard? Should I not have called her old? Maybe I should apologise?" She asked Paul, no longer certain of herself.


    "Don''t you dare, that seemed.... hot." Paul admitted, leaning on the door beside her and staring at her face.


    "Hot? That seems like an odd thing to say to me." She narrowed her eyes at him, there had always been a clean clear cut difference when he was with her and when he was with other girls. She was his best friend, words like hot, sexy or even stunning weren''t used on her. Sure he called her beautiful from time to time but with a playboy like Paul. It was clear when he was flirting and he did not flirt with her. If anything he was more than proper, if you count insulting her from time to time as proper then he was more than proper.


    "Well I''m pretty impressed I would not lie. I''ve never seen that side of you Kate." Paul replied.


    "Well as I continually say, you do not know me Paul Song." She gave him a sarcastic smile as she pushed open the door and walked in.


    "How can you say I don''t know you? I''ve known you for almost twenty years. If I don''t know you then I''m not sure anyone does, not even you." Paul said.


    "Then what do you suppose this is?"


    "You''re changing Katherine, and I don''t know yet." He stated.


    "You don''t know what?" She asked.


    "Weather I like it or not."

 Chapter 67 - 67. The dead Actress.

    Lenora gasped as she listened to the recording, she almost dropped her laptop. Getting up, she paced the length of her balcony. This was huge, this was really huge. What could she do with it? Call Jamie? If she called Jamie then he would act too rashly, as much as she didn''t want to think this way, he was too much of a cop. Geez and here he was lecturing her about loving her job too much.


    There were four main voices, two before Steve died and two after. She picked up the recorder again and played it.??


    ***************************************************


    "Put this video in this flash."


    "Now put that video on repeat, delete the video of us coming in here and turn of all the cameras that will catch us and we walk back to room 1103 and get up."


    "Don''t be smart with me, I counted seven in total and you only turned five off."


    "Are you really going to kill him?"


    "It depends, will you speak of this to anyone?"


    "I won''t, I promise on my mother''s grave I won''t. Please don''t kill me."


    "You know Jessie Marin is alive."


    "I don''t, I don''t, I swear."


    "Even if you were telling the truth which I know you''re not. I already told you so you do know she''s alive."


    "And that is a loose end that tying up. Goodbye sir".


    **************************************************


    Lenora flinched as she heard the gun shot, it was the second time but she still couldn''t stop shaking.


    There were three people here and the only person she could identify was the guy begging for his life, it had to be Steve.


    There was a man and a woman that were responsible for this, why would Dr. Katherine Park say she was responsible then?


    She played the recorder again.


    ***************************************************


    "He has a faint heartbeat."


    "No, no no don''t speak you''ll hurt yourself. Don''t worry it''ll be alright."


    "No... Dr.. dr... ahhh. My pocket.... check my p-pocket. I-I... I... I''m sorry and I''m.... thankful... I g-got to d-die in.... in.... in the arms of m-m... my crush..."


    "Shhh.... shhh, Shhhh...."


    "T-thank you."


    "Do you know what this is?"


    "What does this mean?"


    "What do you think it means? It''s clearly a message."


    "From the person that did this to Steve? Why is it my video?"


    "Damn it Katherine! Are you playing dumb or are just dense!!"


    "Fuck! Katherine. I told you, we warned you guys. Now look! You''re clearly their next target. Do you realize the kind of danger you''ve put yourself in!"


    "Look there, look! The only thing he did was do his job, you guys... your recklessness killed that man. Do you not realise? Look at what they did to someone, an innocent person. What the hell do you think they will do to you?"


    "How the hell I''m I supposed to protect you when you throw yourself in harms way like this?!"


    "I killed him, I killed Steve, I did it I should''ve minded my business and not gotten involved. You''re right, I should''ve stayed away. I should''ve stayed away!"


    "I killed him! You''re right, I''m nothing, I''m just a pushover and... I should remain on the ground where I belong. I''m nothing".


    "You''re not nothing Katherine, you''re not. You are everything, everything a person should be. You''re so righteous and kind, you saw an innocent person being hurt and you went to help. You have the most beautiful heart I''ve ever seen in my life. Don''t ever say that. And you didn''t kill Steve, the Lee''s did. Don''t blame yourself."


    "I''m so sorry, I should''ve listened to you. I''m so sorry, gosh I''m a horrible person, I''m selfish and horrible."


    "Now Katherine I have to delete this video before the stretcher comes."


    "Don''t. Let them arrest me. I deserve to go to jail for this, it''s justice for Steve."


    "Hey look at me. You didn''t kill Steve, Patricia probably did. Now look, you didn''t do anything wrong. You defended you colleague there nothing wrong about that. I promise we are going to get justice for Steve, justice from the exact person that took his life. Do you understand me?"


    "Hey, hey. You didn''t do anything wrong. Trust me okay?"


    ***************************************************


    Lenora furrowed her brows, she knew two people Steve Jung and Katherine Park. Based on the conversation Katherine had with the other man, they were sure the Lee''s were involved. Does that mean, the woman earlier was Patricia Lee? Would make a lot of sense. One thing she was absolutely sure of was that Jessie Marin was alive and everyone who spoke in this recording were all aware.


    She knew it, the ''dead actress'' is truly alive.


    The question is what is she going to do about this information, as sure as she wanted to be she had to be absolutely sure. If the voices belonged to Patricia Lee and Katherine Park. It would also do her a lot of good to find out who the men were.


    If she told Jamie he would totally overreact and ruin everything, but she just couldn''t sit on this information right? Her only lead now was finding out who stayed in room 1103.


    But if she wanted to find out about the doctor she would need to involve Jamie or go through his laptop again without his knowing. Was she really brave enough to steal information from him again?


    She shook her head, ''I''ll start with the hospital room first, at least I have that."

 Chapter 68 - 68. Home.

    "I cannot believe I agreed to this." Jessie laughed as Jason pulled up in front of a designer store.


    "What you want to go back home? I don''t mind." He shook his head.? ?


    "So what I''m going to do about clothes then?" She frowned.


    "You look good enough to me" he eyed his polo shirt and shorts on her.


    "Ugh... I look like a preppy, pubescent teenage boy." She said with disgust on her face.


    Jason laughed, "don''t insult my wardrobe. How is it my fault that the only things that fit you are my old clothes?"


    "What did you do with these? Play golf?" She scoffed.


    "Actually yeah, that''s exactly what I did." He said.


    She rolled her eyes and pushed the door open, getting out. She put on her face mask and pushed her hair up into the cap.


    Jason followed suit and they both walked into the store. Jessie unconsciously grimaced, fisting her hands by her side, she closed her eyes she reminisced about her life. How far had she really fallen, she was always in one designer store or another when she was in between projects. Now? She felt awkward and out of place.


    Jason noticed her reaction and grabbed her arm.


    "What are you doing?" She asked.


    "Don''t just stand at the entrance, people need to go out." He said, masking his true intentions.


    "Oh..." was all she said in response.


    "Wait here." He ordered her, leaving her by a corner.


    "Why? Where are you going?"


    "Don''t ask questions, just trust me" he said walking away.


    After a little while he came back and grabbed her arm again, walking over to a display of dresses, on mannequins.


    "Wait are you meant to that? You can''t undress the mannequin, where is the attendant?" She whisper yelled.


    He looked at her with a smug grin, pulling off her cap and nose mask. "Ah!" She screamed covering her face. "What are you doing?!"


    "Relax will you? I sent everyone out." He stated.


    "Huh? Including the attendants?" She asked and he nodded.


    "Don''t ask questions Jessie. Relax and enjoy yourself, you have the entire store to yourself." He said.


    She eyed him skeptically, "you didn''t even consider the fact that we need attendants to help with our purchases?"


    He gave her a pointed stare, "I''m absolute that you know your way around stores like this. But if I''m wrong I can just go bring everyone back in." He stated bluntly turning to walk away. She grabbed his arm before he made any progress.


    "Wait... oh stop grinning like you have me all figured out. And you can''t take the dresses from the mannequin, I''m a different size. Sit down, I''ll get the clothes I want okay?"


    He smiled and nodded "only on one condition."


    "What? If it''s a budget I refuse" she blurted.


    He laughed softly "it''s not a budget, feel free to go crazy. You have to try out all the clothes and show me." He said.


    "Try out the... who said I needed your opinion?" She blinked at him.


    Jason gave her pointed look and she sighed. "Fine, all right whatever." She said, walking away.


    Jason sat down and smiled at the way she went round the shop with purpose and intent. Scanning, skimming and picking out only the best. Every moment, every day he felt drawn to this woman. She was spoiled no doubt but he loved that about her, the way she was confident and shameless when it came to telling people she couldn''t survive with money. He was happy when she didn''t ask how much it must have cost to get the store empty or how she didn''t bother looking at pricetags. She was just like him, and he loved it. It was so cute to watch her try to bargain with him over the credit card, she was even prideful when she begged.


    His phone rang in his pocket and he took it out, Paul. "Jason Kang" he answered.


    "Hey, uh... where are you right now?"


    "In a store, a designer store." He answered. " Why?"


    "We have to talk, and why are you in a designer store? You have your clothes tailored."


    "It''s not for me, obviously. I brought Jessie to shop."


    "Huh... I thought you wanted to surprise her with her own clothes." Paul replied.


    "I thought about it but it might not be a good idea, it would just remind her of her past." Jason said.


    "Which store are you?" Paul asked.


    "I''m not sure didn''t notice the name as we walked in. Can''t it wait till I''m home?"


    "No Jason, it''s pretty important."


    "Huh. Should I be worried?" Jason asked.


    "Just tell me the name of the store" Paul said.


    "Wait a minute, I''ll text you the address. See you." Jason said, cutting the call.


    He looked to his side and picked up a coaster. Viennex, turning it upside down, he saw the address. Perfect, he quickly texted it to Paul.


    "Hey," Jessie called his attention.


    He looked up and she was standing in front of him in a short pencil black dress. It was high neck with ruffles around the bottom.


    "I like it." He nodded, admiring her long legs.


    "Of course you like it, I picked it and I''m wearing it. I''m I going to do this with all the clothes?" She asked.


    "Why? What''s wrong with doing this with all of them?" He asked.


    "Are you really willing to spend your entire sunday in a store with me?" She asked, placing her hands on her hip.


    "Why will I spend the entire da- are the clothes really that much?" He asked.


    "Yes... and you shouldn''t be surprised, besides I only bought clothes that I would wear at home. When I go out I''ll basically be in all black, it wouldn''t matter." She shrugged.


    Jason titled his head at her statement, first of all she referred to his penthouse as ''home''. Why did it make him so giddy? Why was he so pleased with the idea of her living with him?


    "Hey! What are you thinking?" She asked.


    "Who said you would be going out?" He asked.


    Her jaw dropped. "Jason you can''t possibly be serious." She gasped.


    "And if I am?"


    "Hey!" She screamed at him.


    "Sir?" A voice called from the entrance of the store and Jessie ran away to hide.


    "This isn''t over" She mouthed before she fled.


    Jason frowned and turned to look at the woman, "what?"


    "There''s a man and woman outside saying they need to see you." She said.


    ''That must be Paul and Katherine'' he thought.


    "Their names?"


    "Mr. Song and miss Park." She replied.


    "Ah... let them in."

 Chapter 69 - 69. Screwed.

    "You sent out the staff?" Paul asked as he walked in, with Katherine by his side.


    "Yeah, I can''t exactly know who will or will not recognize Jessie." He shrugged.??


    "I cannot believe you''re here though, since when do you shop?" He questioned.


    "I could ask you a similar question, since when does Katherine wear your clothes?" Jason raised his brow, assessing Katherine outfit.


    "Hey Jessie wears your clothes all the time" Paul pointed out.


    "So? She doesn''t have any clothes, Katherine does."


    "There was a situation this morning, it couldn''t be helped." Katherine smiled at Jason sarcastically. His skeptical gaze didn''t waver though and she sighed. "His mother visited while I was there" She explained.


    "Hmmm... it''s just ten, how early did you-... I don''t understand." He stated, rubbing his chin.


    "Well that''s why we''re here, to help you understand." She said, already getting tired and slightly annoyed with the questions. Jason normally didn''t pry, but she knew why this was different. They knew each other almost Twenty years but he never trusted her. Or just probably the fact that she didn''t have money and they did, it was always something of the sort with Jason.


    He was the type of person that wouldn''t associate or even entertain the thought of mingling with people he thought were beneath him. It was pathetic in her opinion, but again who was she to judge?


    "You came here to tell me about your run in with Mrs. Song?" He asked.


    "You know what? I''m done, where''s Jessie I need to find her." She bowed ans walked further into the store.


    "I don''t understand why you two behave like this towards each other" Paul shook his head.


    "Whatever, what so important?" Jason asked walking back to the armchair he was sitting in.


    "I believe the Lee''s are making their move" Paul said.


    "Their move? What move exactly?" Jason questioned.


    "Against Jessie, and now Katherine is on their radar as well." Paul stated seriously and Jason''s brow furrowed.


    "What?"


    "Steve''s dead Jason, he was murdered last night. In my hospital." Paul said slowly.


    Jason tilted his head, "Steve? Wait a minute the nerdy guy that always had a thing for you?"


    "The very one." He said sounding heavy.


    "Oh man, I''m so sorry. Do they know who did it?" Jason asked.


    "No" Paul shook his head. "There''s nothing, no lead, no suspects nothing."


    "There''s nothing like a perfect murder." Jason murmured. "How does this connect to Jessie?"


    "When we walked into the room, he was... he..." He cleared his throat. "After he... anyway, we... Katherine and I saw a video of her on repeat. A video of her threatening Patricia Lee."


    "Didn''t you... sorry didn''t Steve already delete their video?" Jason asked.


    "He did, but I had no idea there was the video of Katherine threatening Patricia. Some how I still didn''t believe it." Paul shook his head.


    "I don''t know why you seem so shocked." Jason shrugged.


    "You only saying that because you don''t like Katherine."


    "Sure whatever makes you feel better." Jason shrugged. "So you guys don''t have any leads? Steve didn''t say anything before he died or was he already dead?" Jason asked, his voice softened.


    Paul pursed his lips and squinted. Thinking back on his last encounter with Steve. "Wait a minute" he snapped his finger. "He mentioned something about his pocket!"


    "Maybe he was talking about his phone?" Jason asked.


    "No, no his phone was on the desk when and the police took it. That wasn''t it." Paul replied. "Katherine! Oh my gosh, Kat!" He yelled getting up to go look for her.


    Jason followed behind him, and his eyes widened when he saw the scene before him.


    Jessie was holding a sobbing Katherine, he looked at Paul then back at the ladies. As he opened his mouth to speak Jessie mouthed and motioned him to keep shut. So they all remained silent until her sobs became quiet and she calmed down.


    "I''m sorry" Katherine whispered.


    "It''s okay, are you going to tell me what''s going on now?" Jessie asked but her gaze was going back and forth between Paul and Jason.


    "Jason will fill you in, I need to speak to Katherine." Paul said walking Katherine out of the room.


    Jessie looked at Jason and lifted her brows.


    "It''s not important, don''t worry about it." Jason said firmly.


    "Seriously, it''s not important and Katherine bursts into tears as soon as she tries to tell me?" Jessie frowns.


    Jason sighed, pocketing his hands he pursed his lips. "Look Jessie trust me, you don''t have to know about this, nothing good will come out if it." He stated, afraid she might blame herself for Steve''s death.


    "You know me enough to know that I''m not going to stop, so will you tell me or shall I find out myself?" She asked.


    "Okay then, no matter what, just remember that it''s no fault of yours don''t blame yourself okay?" He said. He narrated the story as Paul told him. After he finished, Jessie stared at him blinking.


    "Jessie? Are you okay?" He asked walked closer to her.


    "I... I''m dead." She blurted out Jason furrowed his brow, hesitant about moving any closer. Jessie turned around palming her face she walked to the door. Turning around abruptly she scoffed in disbelief and alarm. "I should''ve listened to you, I can''t believe Patricia is so...


    dangerous? It... It''s like I''m walking into a gunfight with a stick! Oh my goodness Jason, I''m so screwed, I cannot believe I even dragged Katherine into this, I-I I killed someone" She told him, whispering the last part.


    Jason looked confused, he was confused. He expected her to scream, shout, cry even. But she was acting eerily calm it kind of freaked him out.


    "Jessie, are you okay?" He asked, unsure of his statement.


    "What kind of stupid question is that? How the hell can I be okay!" She yelled, clearly outraged.


    "Okay, okay my bad" He raised his arms in surrender. Feeling slightly relaxed, she''s yelling that means she''s angry. He could work with angry.


    "Jason! We have to rush to the hospital. Steve did mention his pocket." Paul rushed into the dressing room.


    "I''ll come with you guys." Jason said and Paul nodded.


    "Me too." Jessie informed them.


    "Absolutely not." Jason shut her down.


    "What?! How can I not come? Patricia killed someone to hide what she did to me?" She huffed.


    "I''m not arguing about this with you Jessie, trust me you will not win. While I''m trying to be understanding and graceful just stay put." Jason warned from clenched teeth. "Besides we can''t have you anywhere close to that hospital until we know who exactly is responsible it''s too dangerous and someone could recognize you." He stated before she could say more.


    He gestured to Paul and Katherine and they left a stunned Jessie in the store. She frowned and put on her mask and cap. Wearing the black hood she just purchased she followed after them until she was out of the store.


    "Where''s the nearest salon?" She asked on of the staff that stood by the side of the store.


    "We have a very good one, right by the corner. Shall I escort you to it?" The woman offered.


    "Yes please, I do hope they are discreet."


    "Of course miss."


    "Good let''s go."

 Chapter 70 - 70. Killer.

    Jamie stared at the passing traffic as he pondered on his current case. Paul Song and the Dr. Katherine Park had to be involved somehow. Firstly they tampered with the crime scene, how could they take the body away without the police? Plus Paul Song insisted that the autopsy be done in his hospital. When he questioned them as to the reason they tampered with a crime scene, he said they weren''t thinking straight. He didn''t know if that answer was mockery or just plain stupid.


    ***************************************************??


    "So you''re saying you walked in when he was already dead?" The detective asked.


    "He was still alive but he was already shot, he died a few seconds after we went in." Paul replied with a grim expression on his face.


    "Did he say anything when you went in?" The detective asked.


    "Yeah, that he was glad to die in the arms of the man he loved." Paul replied firmly.


    "Are you serious? Mr. Song please be serious here, we''re dealing with a homicide case here."


    Paul slammed his palm on the table. "Do I look like I''m joking? How dare you! What the hell do you know about the man that died? What the hell do you know about me? Look if you''re going to undermine me, we are done."


    The detective grimaced, looking at the glass mirror by their side, he sighed.


    "That''s not the way is works here, you don''t get to decided when you''re done." The detective replied.


    "Alright then, get on with it. I want justice for Steve to remain here and not involve a lawyer. Don''t ask me unrelated questions because all the answers I give you are the truth and nothing I say will change, the statement I gave the other detective in the hospital."


    "Why did you tamper with the crime scene? Doesn''t that seem suspicious to you?" The detective asked.


    "Like I said that was a miss judgement on my part. And trust me anyone else in my position would have done the same thing." Paul frowned.


    "I highly doubt that sir, we rarely ever meet emergency situations without a preserved crime scene." Detective assured him.


    Paul smiled. "You think you meet ''preserved'' crime scenes. That''s not true, when a person calls the emergency hot line its because they''ve found a body, especially if that person is someone they are acquainted with, it not for the police it for an ambulance, or just so they take the body away to a morgue. Steve was still alive, ofcourse we would try to save him first, besides he was in a hospital. We have a morgue, we had no immediate reason to call the police." He said curtly.


    "So you''re saying people call the emergency hotlines mainly for the medical treatment?"


    "I''m I wrong? If it isn''t a direct threat to the caller and they stumble on an injured person or a corpse, trust me they''re immediate need is an ambulance not a cop." Paul sighed. "Look I know how it looks, but if I were really involved in this I''m not so naive as to make such a stupid move. I know the law enough to get away with murder."


    The detective brow rose, "I don''t know if you''re toying with me or just plain stupid."


    "It''s none of the above, surely you know that I''m a lawyer." Paul said. "Do you really think if I were guilty I would be this bold or rather in your words, stupid."


    "I don''t know Mr. Song. But we''ll be requesting your presence again. We''re done here."


    "Sure as far as it helps catch Steve''s killer. Good bye detective Bak."


    ***************************************************


    Jamie stood up, tossing his empty coffee cup into the trash. Walking back to his car he seriously pondered on the case. He couldn''t explain or conclude any thing right know because they were too many speculation that made sense. He had to head back, sunday was usually his day off but if he went home like this he wouldn''t be able to rest. He would go back to the hospital and cross check, they must have missed something. He drove back to the hospital and immediately went back the camera room. The police tape was still there and he didn''t need to show his badge to cops standing guard outside. Walking in he met his friend, Detective Bak.


    "Ah, Anderson isn''t this you day off?" He asked.


    "Well not any more." Jamie replied.


    "Huh, you need a girlfriend Jamie, only you works on his day off for free." Detective Bak shook his head. "What happened to that pretty reporter that used to come around? Did she get smart and leave you?"


    "Haha very funny." Jamie said sarcastically, it was a thing in his station at the time. No one could understand why a woman like Lenora from an extremely wealthy family, with a fast track career would go for him. He also wondered, at the time he thought he was so lucky, well it turned out he actually wasn''t. She only dated him for information.


    "What have you found?" He asked changing the subject.


    "These cameras, it''s strange really. The cameras in front of the room were turned off." Detective Bak stated and Jamie walked over to see what he meant.


    "Does that mean the killer was already here before the vic came in?" Detective Bak asked.


    "That''s possible, what does the background check of the victim say?" Jamie asked.


    "Pretty much has no family, he was born in a different city and moved hear. He didn''t go to college, but he is really good with computers." Detective Bak informed Jamie.


    "So we don''t have any suspects yet." Jamie concluded.


    "Yeah, if we aren''t counting the director and the doctor."


    "I doubt they did this, their story though hard to believe isn''t something you''d make up to tell a lie." Jamie said. "What about the camera in the hall? We should check that to see who passed by during the time his autopsy claimed he was dead."


    "That''s the problem there was no camera working for about seven rooms down."


    "Really? Let me see that." Jamie walked to the computers where the security feed was playing.


    "Look here, the cameras all the way down to the elevator are not working."


    "Yeah... you''re right, does that mean this was premeditated?" Detective Bak suggested.


    "Probably, I''ll call the IT team to check it out so we can know for sure. One thing we''re sure off is that the killer left the room and the floor immediately this was done. Which means we can also suspect a patient." Jamie said.


    "So what now?"


    "It''s safe to say the killer could still be in this hospital."

 Chapter 71 - 71. Stalker.

    Jessie kept her head down and hood up and she walked into the salon. She didn''t have Jason''s card on her the wicked guy couldn''t even leave it with her. And she was in dire need of a disguise. It would be harder for her since she was an actress, different looks were kind of necessary in her line of work.


    "What can we help you with miss?" The receptionist asked.


    "Uh... I need to do my hair." She said.


    "Oh okay, the hair salon is on the second floor." the lady directed her and she nodded, thanking her she walked into the elevator. As she got off she walked past an open room, she froze when she heard the voice that came from it.


    "Sunny, you can''t be serious. The CEO will not be happy about this, we have to cut your hair for the part." The voice said.


    "But look... I don''t want to" Sunny whined.


    Jessie''s hand flew to her mouth and tears fell down her cheeks, Tony. She moved back and tried to peep into the room but she could only see the woman sitting on the customer sit.


    She had to see him, it''s been too long!


    "What if we just give the role to someone else?" Sunny suggested.


    Tony got up from the couch he was sitting on and walked over to her, holding her shoulder. "Do you think you''ll be young forever, Sunny. You can''t keep being an idol, you have to start acting. Your band will last tops, three more years then what? By that time trust me you''ll stop getting offers." Tony warned.


    Jessie bit back a sob as she watched the man that had been a father to her for the last ten years. He hadn''t changed a bit, he was still so short but very compassionate yet stern. She didn''t realise how much she would miss his nagging she till now. If only she could just close her eyes and go back, that would be her.


    Tony looked in the mirror, he knew he felt odd. He saw a dark figure peeing through the small opening in the door, he didn''t understand why, but he wanted to see the person behind the mask. His mind kept telling him it was just some crazy fan but his instincts insisted he check. If he looked back right now he might just scare the person away without finding out who it was. Why did he feel like he knew the person.


    As he looked again he saw the figure dash away, ''Did the person figure out I knew?'' He asked himself.


    But his question was answered as soon as the stylist walked in. ''The person was probably startled'' he concluded.


    **************************************************


    Krystal leaned against the wall as she waited for her sister to walk out of the department store with their lunches, instant ramen. Her phone rang in her pocket which was odd, she didn''t have anyone that called her. It was Jonathan.


    "COO good afternoon!"


    "Krystal, hey you don''t have to call me that anymore, you know that right?" He said with a small chuckle.


    "Ah... then what else do I call you?" She asked.


    "Jonathan oppa?"


    She coughed, "what? No that''s not acceptable" she squealed. Her face turning a bright shade of red as she heard him laugh through the phone.


    "Whatever, call Mr. Kang then." He said the amusement in his voice evident. "What have you found for me?"


    "What?" Krystal asked, totally confused.


    "About what we talked about last time? Have you found any valuable information?" He asked again.


    And it came to her, "shit!" She cursed. She totally forgot about that.


    "Um... well she still alive!" She blurted out.


    "Yeah I knew that much. Anything else?" He asked.


    "Nope, not at the moment. Although I do have a lead, I was going to check it out today." She lied.


    "Really? That would be great. So I''ll call you later?" He asked.


    "Yeah sure. Good bye!" She said quickly ending the call. Shit! She totally forgot! She began to rack her brain, where could she go from here? She could go back and beg the man from the hospital... no that wouldn''t work. He was too rigid and besides she couldn''t risk losing her senses if she ran into the breathtaking man from last time. The sassy reporter! She snapped her finger. She pulled out her card and typed in the numbers, hoping that she wasn''t touchy today. She needed information and she needed it fast.


    **************************************************


    Jessie struggled to calm her racing heart, that was too close. She was almost exposed, a few more seconds and they would have found a her standing outside. How bad would it look? Pretty bad, she would seem like a stalker with the wrong intentions. Not that she hated or disliked Sunny or anything but she wasn''t the nicest of celebrities. If she was caught no way the matter would have been resolved easily.


    She stood in the restroom a little longer, after a while she decided it would be safe to walk back out and she bumped into someone.


    "Oh I''m so sorry." She apologised, looking down to see who she bumped into.


    "Jessie?"


    Her eyes widened and she took a step back. Before she could dash away the person caught her arm and pulled her into a tight hug. Jessie''s resolve to escape and remain hidden broke and she cried. Hugging back with as much emotion. She missed the short, stern man, she''d missed him too much.


    "Thank goodness you''re okay!" He said.


    She opened her mouth to speak but only sobs came out, burying her face in his shoulders she cried. After a bit, she calmed down and he released her from the hug.


    Tony held her arms and smiled, "take those off let me see you." He said.


    She smiled and pulled of her mask and cap, letting her platinum curls fall freely.


    "You''re okay, you''re okay." He smiled cupping her face.


    "Tony... I missed you so much!" She cried.


    "Hey, why are you crying so much? When did you become such a cry baby?" He asked lightly.


    "Don''t tease me, I really missed you." She said wiping her tear stained face.


    "This seems too good to be true, how are you here? Your supposed to be dead Jessie."


    "I know, it surprises me as well" she laughed.


    "What happened Jessie? Where have you been?"


    "Oh Tony, it such a long story. Do you have the time?"


    "I always have time for you. Tell me everything."

 Chapter 72 - 72. Youre Going To Be My Wife.

    Jason, Paul and Katherine walked to Paul''s car, when Jason''s phone began to ring. He pulled it out of his pocket and groaned as he saw the caller ID.


    Paul narrowed his eyes at Jason who held his index finger to indicate they wait. He walked a distance from where they stood and answered the call.


    "Father." He said curtly.


    "Jason." His father replied in the same manner. "You seem to have forgotten you are an engaged man."


    "I assure you the fact hangs heavy over my head every day father, is there a point you''re driving with this?" He asked struggling to mask the disgust he clearly felt whenever the topic was brought up. Which was basically all his father spoke about these days.


    "Your Fiancee has been sick and hospitalized for three days now and not once did you go visit." He father spat.


    Jason groaned inwardly and palmed his face, of course.


    "I''ve been busy." He stated bluntly.


    "Don''t give me any of that crap, boy." He father sneered.


    Jason frowned, he hated when his father referred to him in that way. It was like he was constantly reminding him that he was still very much in control of the family business. And still in control of his life.


    "I''m not giving you any crap, father" he said, emphasising on the last word. "I am indeed busy running your business."


    "Oh so now it''s my business? I remember the long lecture you gave me the other day, now it''s my business?" His father intentionally provoked him, but Jason had enough experience with the man to know not to react.


    "It''s seems it''s your memory that''s faulty, father. If I remember clearly you said the Kang empire was never going to be mine if I never succeeded to one-up you. Especially now that a brother I never knew existed has come into the picture." Jason said.


    "Ha! If you think Jonathan is your only competitor you are denser than I imagined. Every ambitious person in this country is vying for a seat at the head of our empire." His father snorted.


    "I''m well aware of the power I currently possess father, no need to remind me. Besides no one can ever take away this business from me, no one except you father." Jason said through clenched teeth.


    "Aha, I see you''ve finally realized who really has the power here." He said.


    "Trust me father, if I wanted it I could take it. But I wouldn''t because unlike you I''m like my mother." Jason warned.


    "That''s why you''ll always lose to me, you''re weak and compassionate." His father replied.


    "No father, I''m honest. And remember just because I''ve not found a legal means of taking my company from an old man that doesn''t realise his reign is over doesn''t mean it will never happen."


    "Pfft. I will be the happiest person when that day comes, but since it hasn''t you still answer to me. Go to Patricia Lee, don''t make me say it again."


    Jason cut the call and fought the urge to throw the phone against the pavement.


    He turned around and walked back to Paul and Katherine. "I''ll be taking my car."


    "Why the suddenly change of heart?" Paul asked.


    "An annoying problem, you''ll probably be leaving the hospital before me so it''s better this way." He said walking away before they could ask him for clear details.


    **************************************************


    Jason walked into the hospital and headed straight for the receptionist. She hadn''t noticed him yet, he cleared his throat to get her attention and her head immediately snapped up.


    Gasping she struggled to hide her reddening cheek with an obvious cough. ''Oh my goodness!''


    Jason clearly used this kind of behaviour from women, rolled his eyes and frowned. "I''m here to see Patricia Lee."


    "Ah.. oh yes, sure." She stuttered, checking the monitor in front of her she pushed her glasses up her nose. "Room 1103."


    Jason thanked her and walked away from the breathless woman.


    Knocking he entered the room, without waiting for permission.


    "I thought I told you I do not want to be dis- Oh look what the cat dragged in, if it isn''t my fiance!" She gasped.


    "Hello Patricia, you''re standing so that''s good, you must be recovering." He said curtly.


    She gave him a sweet smile, "thank goodness right?"


    "Sure, why not." He said walking over to the chair beside her bed but she stopped him.


    "It''s such a lovely day, don''t you think a walk is better?" She offered.


    "Only if you well enough for it."


    "I am." She stated, "great it''s settled then." Pressing the button on the remote for her nurse, the nurse put her IV drip on a stand and she was ready.


    "So do you have any idea of what happened to you?" Jason asked breaking the long silence that loomed over them as they made way out of the building.


    Patricia eyes softened as they took in the beauty of the gardens, it truly was a lovely day. There were other patients scattered about in hospital clothes with their care takers. She saw a group of children by the fountain, this garden was pretty.


    "What did you hear?" She asked.


    "That you were apparently attacked while getting treatment." He said looking at her, "an irony I must say, you went in there to improve your appearance but came out with injuries." He said motioning to the bandages that covered her upper arms.


    "Well that seems pretty accurate, and I was attacked. It wasn''t apparent." She said.


    "Fine, I''m sorry." He apologised. "So no suspects?"


    "Why are you so interested in knowing about the culprit?" She asked.


    He wanted to know if she blamed Jessie for it, how much of the truth she had realized about Jessie. After her, foolish prank or whatever she wanted to call the hospital scene. He needed to know how much danger she was in at the moment. But he couldn''t tell Patricia that.


    "You''re my Fiancee, you''re going to be my wife. I''d like to know how many enemies you have and how far they would go against you." Jason said.


    "And? If I have a lot? What''s that going to change?"


    "Ignorance." He stated bluntly.


    "People say ignorance is bliss." She said.


    Jason scoffed "are you feeling very blissful right now? If anything ignorance is the road to one''s destruction. If you knew about the attack wouldn''t you have prevented it?"


    "Touche'' I do have someone in mind. But it''s only going to sound crazy to you." She said.


    Jason didn''t bother to ask her who was in her mind, because she wouldn''t tell, not that it should surprise him. They were any thing but allies or friends, infact sworn enemies is a prefect way to describe the relationship between the two families.


    "You''re being polite today, did my future father-in-law threaten you by chance?" She asked with a small smile.


    Jason pursed his lips and pocketed his hands. "It''s called etiquette Patricia, perhaps you should give it a try."


    "Coming from the guy that walked out on me during our last dinner. With no excuse or apology." She gave him her sweetest smile but he could her the malice in her statement.


    It was a big deal what he did the last time, he was even surprised it didn''t become a whole issue. She most have felt embarrassed that night.


    "I had my reasons, I''m sorry." He said plainly.


    "Of course you did, you wouldn''t walk out on me for no reason." She snarled, she also wouldn''t ask what his reasons were because he wouldn''t say. This wasn''t that kind of relationship.


    "You head back, you look tired." He said.


    "I am."


    "I''ll walk you back." He said, another deafening silence falling upon them as the made their way back to her suite.


    "Well shall I thank you for fulfilling your duty?" She asked.


    Jason gave her a small smile, "no need. Good bye Patricia. I''m glad that the attacker spared you face." He stated completely out of the blue.


    Patricia laughed, "didn''t coin you for a vain man Jason."


    "I''m not, I''m just picky. Good bye, get well soon."

 Chapter 73 - 73. Cut It All Off.

    "Are you sure you''ll have the time? I saw you with Sunny. Are you her manager now?" Jessie asked.


    "Apparently, but I can''t be comfortable with anyone else. Never thought I would miss your spoiled ass." Tony scowled.


    "Yeah, old man, didn''t expect to miss all the nagging." She laughed.


    "Old man? Nagging? Just who do you take me for?" Tony frowned.


    "Here we go again" Jessie giggled.


    "Ah... I missed this. Why are you here?" He asked.


    "Ah that''s right. Tony I need your help, I need to change my hair and get some form of disguise." She said.


    "Disguise? Why would you want that?" Tony asked.


    "Don''t you remember? I''m supposed to be dead, no one can know I''m still alive." She said.


    "Why? Isn''t it best you come out now and just tell the whole world you didn''t kill your driver?"


    "With what evidence? They found my prints on the murder weapon Tony. If I come out now I''ll only be arrested. I need to find evidence to clear my name first." She said.


    "You''re right, but how? Do you even know who is behind this?" He asked.


    Jessie nodded. "It''s Patricia, Patricia Lee."


    Tony brow went up slightly and he left out a low laugh. "Why I''m I not surprised? That bitch."


    "So? Will you help? I need a haircut without the eyes?"


    "Certainly of course I''ll help you dear. Just hold tight, I''ll send Sunny off okay?" He said and she nodded.


    Moments later he was back, and he lead her to the room they just left. A bald man walked in and smiled at them.


    "I''ll be damned, if it isn''t Jessie Marin in the flesh." He said.


    "This is Joong, he''s my very close friend. You can trust him." Tony said.


    Jessie looked into the mirror, looking behind her at the man she smiled. "Please take care of me, thank you so much for this."


    "Ofcourse dear, I''m a huge fan. Tony explained the situation and I totally understand my lips are sealed." He said. "So what to do with you hair?"


    Tony sighed, "it''ll be difficult. She has had so many looks and too many hairstyles people tend to recognize her in everything now."


    "That is a problem, what do you think Jessie? It is your hair." Joong asked.


    "How about bangs?" She suggested.


    Tony shook his head, "your last two projects you had bangs, that can''t be it."


    "Well I need something to cover my face, and this colour is definitely going." She said looking at the platinum blonde.


    "So what do you want? Your natural black?" Joong asked.


    She shook her head. "How about brown? Always liked a soft brown." She said.


    "Okay, we''ve settled on the colour. What about the actual style?"


    Jessie stared long and hard into the mirror, the only way to remain undetected in plain sight without her mask was to constantly change her look. She couldn''t keep coming here, and she had no experience when it came to dealing with her looks. She always had stylists for that.


    Wigs would help a lot, but that would mean she would need a hairstyle that would allow her wear wigs very easily.


    "Cut it off, cut it all off." She said.


    **************************************************


    Paul and Katherine walked out if the hospital looking dejected, the entire visit was fruitless. There was nothing in Steve''s pocket. And not only did they have to come out empty handed they had to go through everything all over again. Seeing Steve lying down lifeless in the morgue wasn''t something either of them wanted.


    "What now?" Paul asked.


    "I don''t know, it seems our luck has failed us yet again. It''s like we''re in a very wicked game." Katherine sighed.


    "I don''t want to believe that Steve was just rambling, there must have been something in his pocket." Paul insisted.


    "So are you saying someone might have taken it? Whatever it was?" Katherine suggested.


    "That''s possible, maybe the killer?"


    "Well we suspect Patricia, it''s not as if we can go ask her." Katherine sighed. "What do we do now?"


    "I''ll call Jason, see if he managed to find something out from his meeting with her." Paul said pulling out his phone. As soon as he wanted to dial, it started ringing. "Hey, was just about to call you" He said.


    "Paul get here now" Jason said firmly.


    "Where? What happened?" Paul asked noticing Jason''s serious and worried tone.


    "The fucking boutique Paul! Jessie, she is missing!" Jason yelled.

 Chapter 74 - 74. Shes Very Important To Me.

    Jason paced up and down the boutique while the manager stood a distance away trying to calm him. "If you don''t get that woman in front of me right now, consider you life ruined. I will destroy you, all of you." He warned, his eyes spitting fire.


    The manager didn''t even know what to do, what kind of luck is this? This is exactly why he hated VIP clients, they never left without some drama. How were they even supposed to look for a faceless and nameless woman?


    "Jason!" Paul yelled as he pushed through the staff,cowering by the door. "Where did she go to?"


    "If I knew that would I be here?" He snapped.


    Paul nodded, "that''s definitely true. Do you at least have any leads? She could have left on her own."


    "That''s what I''m afraid of, who knows what she''s thinking right now? She''s probably blaming her self for Steve''s death, she''s capable of anything right now." Jason sighed.


    "I don''t think she has enough information to do anything, besides Jessie might be impulsive and incredibly determined but she''s not stupid." Katherine said.


    "But right now she might be emotional, don''t you think?" Paul asked Katherine. "Just yesterday you wanted the police to arrest you for Steve''s murder."


    Jason eyes widened at Paul statement and he looked at Katherine with slight surprise. "Jessie wouldn''t go to the cops right?" He asked.


    Katherine rolled her eyes, "Of course not."


    He sighed nodding "she wouldn''t go to the cops, she wouldn''t." He mumbled trying to convince himself.


    "Hey! What''s taking so long?!" He yelled at the manager.


    "Uh... t-the thing is... no one saw her leave." He stammered.


    Jason''s brow rose and he walked over to the man that was shaking visibly. "So you''re saying, a woman in a black mask and cap. Probably looking very suspicious suddenly teleported or vanished?" He asked with an eerie calm.


    The man blinked looking down, they don''t pay him enough for this. He looked back up, and cleared his throat.


    "Sir, if you could give us a name? It would make it easier."


    Jason frowned, "you don''t get to ask me that, you should have kept a closer eye on her. Besides you saw me, Jason Kang come into a store with a woman. I sent everyone one out so she could shop in Peace what does that tell you?"


    "She wants her identity private?" the manager asked in an audible whisper.


    Jason smirked at the man and leaned down so he was talking into his ear. "No... it means she''s very important to me, and If I can''t find her in the next ten minutes, your family will find your body, battered and beaten. You''ll be lucky if they even recognize you." He said. Standing straighter he looked down into the man''s eyes, feeling satisfied with the look of horror that he saw in them. "I hope you understand me."


    The manager nodded and scrambled away. In exactly ten minutes an attendant walked up to them alongside the manager.


    "What is this?" Jason asked.


    She bowed swiftly, avoiding eye contact she kept her head down. "I saw the lady, she asked me for a hair salon."


    "She did?" Paul asked, the attendant nodded.


    "Let''s go, take me there." Jason said immediately.


    **************************************************


    "Are you sure? What exactly do you mean by cut it all off?" Joong asked.


    "The only way I can keep walking around undetected is if I keep wearing wigs, I have no idea how to manage or maintain my hair. It''s easier this way." She said.


    "My spoilt princess has finally grown up, hasn''t she?" Tony smiled. "Do it, she definitely has the looks to pull it off."


    "Fine, but I''ll give her a buzz cut. I can''t shave all the hair, I''m scared of her fans." Joong said and they all laughed.


    By the time she was done she looked in the mirror. "So? What do you think?" Joong asked.


    Jessie smiled, "Wow. I just cut my hair." She touched it. All her hair surrounded the chair under her, the blonde was gone and a deep shade of chestnut brown decorated the top of her head. It sat in waves on top her head, the sides shorter than the middle.


    Tony smiled, "I knew it. You look good with everything."


    "Right?" She agreed.


    "Honestly I was skeptical at first, but I must say you look breathtaking. No one would notice your big eyes with you other hair styles but I see it now." Joong said.


    "Here it''s your phone, it''s ringing again." Tony said handing her the phone. "I wonder who has been calling you, it''s 18 times now."


    Jesse''s eyes widened, "oh my gosh, Tony. Why did you put my phone on silence!" She yelled, grabbing it from him.


    She looked at all the calls, Jason. She wasn''t even surprised, she could only imagine what most be going on in his mind.


    Quickly dialing the number she called him.


    "Jason?"


    "Jessie! Damn, where the hell are you?!" He yelled.


    "Calm down, I''m sorry. Let''s meet at the penthouse, I''ll explain everything."


    "What? Where are you?" He asked.


    She looked at Tony and bit her lip. "I''ll explain everything, I''ll be late."


    "Late to where? Tell me where you are, I''m in front of some salon, if you''re in there just come out. Or tell me where you are and I''ll come to you."


    Her eyes widened. "No! I''m no longer there."


    "Then where in tarnations are you?" He asked sounding extremely annoyed.


    "I already told you, I''ll explain when I get home. Please just trust me, thank you bye!" She said quickly cutting the call.


    "Who was that?" Tony asked.


    "Jason kang." Jessie said.


    Tony''s brows went up in question. "Why is Jason Kang calling you? Why are you meeting him? Where is this home?"


    "I promise I''ll explain, just let''s get out of here. I don''t trust him not to come in." She said.


    "Where do you want to go?" He asked.


    "I would love to see the girls." Jessie said.


    "I don''t think that''s a very good idea. You can''t reveal yourself to anyone just yet. Especially not three talkactive little girls." Tony replied.


    "Fine, where do we go?"


    "How about your safe place?"


    "The church? But it''s in public."


    "And you''ve got a black mask, it''ll be like old times." He smiled at her.

 Chapter 75 - 75. Fallen In Love.

    Jessie stared at the serene and peaceful atmosphere, she always loved coming here now it seemed like an eternity ago, even though nothing had changed.


    The clockwise ringing of the bells, the soft singing of the choir. The beautiful garden, that she and Tony normally sat in, where she sat right at this moment. Watching as the sisters lead the children in a silent prayer. It hurt her so much that she couldn''t give more to the children before her predicament, she always donated money anonymously. Perhaps she should have given more. Everything about this park made her feel quiet and peaceful, it was like therapy.


    Tony sat quietly, watching her take in her surrounding. He saw the unshed tears and knew she struggled to be strong for him. After a while he decided to speak.


    "Jessie, what happened? How are you alive?"


    She turned to look at him, smiling a sad smile. As her lids closed the tears that pooled in her eyes fell and she began to sob. "I miss this Tony, the bells, the choir, the kids. I miss coming here with you." She sniffled.


    Tony pulled her into his arms and rubbed her back.


    "It''s all Patricia Lee, Tony. She''s the one behind this." Jessie said still clutching onto his shirt.


    "Are you sure? Do you have proof?" Tony asked.


    "What other proof do I need? Tony she''s the only witness to my supposed homicide. I didn''t kill my driver, some men attacked the van and they shot him. Next thing I knew was I woke up in a room full of women." Jessie cried out in frustration.


    "A room full of women? I don''t understand."


    "She sold me or rather took me to a slave trafficking place, house? I don''t know what it''s called. And besides how did she get a suicide call from me? I never sent one, I have no idea how she even got it to sound like me." Jessie frowned.


    "That is true, but I never expected your rivalry with her to reach such an extent. She really hated you didn''t she?" Tony said, more of a statement than question.


    "She''s just pure evil, Tony. Honestly."


    "How did you end up with Jason Kang?" He asked.


    "He bought me, when they auctioned me in that place, I don''t know the details because I was unconscious for most of it but I ended up in his home."


    "So... you''re his sex slave?"


    "No! Goodness no! I''m not sure how exactly this happened but he isn''t like that. He let me go after sometime and he never touched me." Jessie said.


    "If he let you go why do you still stay with him?"


    "Where else was I supposed to stay? I went to my house and I was almost killed by my fans. I wasn''t going to go back there." She shrugged.


    "So what? He invited you to stay with him?"


    "Actually yes, he saved me from the crowd and took me back with him." Jessie said.


    "And you just stay there? I don''t understand how you can stay with someone who would do something as despicable as buying a person. I mean, what if this is some elaborate scheme to seduce you and get you to fall for him so you''ll be a willing participant in bed."


    Jessie gasped, "Tony!"


    "I''m I wrong? Tell me he hasn''t at least kissed you."


    Jessie bit her lip and looked away.


    "You see, I''m right."


    "It''s seems like pretty expensive way to get a woman then." Jessie frowned at him, he was always too protective of her. He acted so much like her real father she couldn''t bare it sometimes.


    "I don''t want you staying at his place, you''ll come with me. I''ll arrange something for you." Tony said. "I can get your money for you, Jessie you''re not helpless."


    Jessie''s eyes widened, "Tony, what are you saying? How can you get my money?"


    "Don''t ask too many questions, just come with me. Okay? I can''t trust someone who bought you at a slave... market." He shook his head.


    "Tony, Tony calm down! You can''t do that. Please listen to me, your just rambling because your angry. There''s no way you can get my money for me because I didn''t have a next of kin. Plus, Jason isn''t like that. I promise, I was the first woman he ever bought, he only went there because his father made him since he''s engaged to Patricia. He didn''t plan to buy any-"


    "He''s engaged to Patricia?!" Tony yelled. "He''s playing you! Oh my goodness, how are you so blind and gullible?"


    Jessie palmed her forehead, that was a mistake she shouldn''t have said that. It slipped out before she knew what was happening.


    "Jessie they''re both using you, Patricia kidnaps you and makes sure you stay put somewhere and with someone who can keep an eye on you!"


    "No, no Tony you''re misunderstanding the entire situation. I agree that Jason isn''t exactly the kindest of persons, nor is he someone that goes out if he''s way to help others, but truly he understands he made a mistake. That he is part of my demise, unknowingly so, he is trying to make up for it, truly. He has been so generous and helpful, he''s even very protective of me. Just like you." She gave him a reassuring smile.


    Tony groaned and shook his head, sitting back down . "Oh my sweet naive spoil girl, you like him don''t you. If you haven''t already fallen in love with him."


    Jessie eyes widened and she blushed profusely, her ears turning red she shook her head. "I do not like him!" She refused.


    "Yeah, sure. Of all the people you''d fall for, all the handsome actors you''ve starred in dramas and movies with and you fall in love with the one person you shouldn''t." He says.


    "I''m not in love with Jason and what does that have to do with anything?"


    "It has to do with everything, love is blind. You can''t see the truth because your head over heels for this man. Jessie now more than ever I can''t let you go back to that man."


    "Excuse me?" Jessie scoffed.


    "You heard me, I''m very serious."


    "And what makes you think you can make that decision for me?" She asked.


    Tony gave her a questioning look, his brow raised and his mouth curved into a sinister smirk. "You''re coming with me and that is final."


    "And if I refuse?"


    "You can''t refuse, now come!" He pulled her up and began to drag her away from the park. Jessie struggled to stay put, digging her heels into the ground but it wasn''t possible, this short man had an incredible amount of energy in him. Those biceps weren''t for nothing.


    "Tony? Tony let me go! I''ll scream" she threatened him.


    "Go ahead, scream. Let everyone find out you''re alive and then call the cops." He said firmly, walking with intent.


    "Tony! Tony!!" She screamed and just at that moment her phone began to ring. Pulling it out of her pocket she tried to answer, before she could he snatched it out of her hands and tossed it into the water fountain.


    "Oh my gosh! Tony!" She gasped, but his grip only tightened.


    Suddenly a black van appeared out of nowhere and she was bundled up and tossed into the van. As she continued to struggled Tony looked at her sympathetically.


    "I''m sorry for this but it for your own protection." He said, next thing she felt a cloth cover her mouth and nose. And for the second time she struggled to hold her breath and not inhale the pungent smell coming from the cloth. But she could only stop breathing for so long, her eyes began to flutter closed and she fell into darkness.

 Chapter 76 - 76. Trouble.

    Lenora picked up her ringing phone, annoyed at whomever decided to disturb her right at this moment. When she saw the caller she felt the intense urge to just swipe left. But her curiosity got the better of her and she answered.


    "Lenora Hastings." She answered.


    "Hi, this is...-"


    "I know who you are, what do you want?" She asked.


    "Okay, tone down the bitchiness. I''m not going to eat you up."


    "Are you going somewhere with this?" Lenora asked with an eye roll.


    "Yeah, I am. Like I would call you otherwise, have you found anything important to the Jessie Marin case?"


    "And why should I tell you if I have? You''re not my boss nor do I owe you any information." She said.


    Krystal sighed through the speaker, gosh this woman was too bitter! It took all her patience to remain calm, she needed information.


    "Well I was hoping we could exchange info, it seems only logical that way, don''t you think?" Krystal offered. She didn''t have anything concrete or useful, but she needed something to get close to Lenora. And she couldn''t even feel bad for lying to the woman, she deserved it.


    Lenora thought about her offer, she could have peices of the puzzle that she didn''t have at the moment. "Fine, I''ll text you my address."


    Krystal smiled pumping her fist in the air. "Alright then, it''s good that you at least know when you need help."


    "Hey!" Lenora yelled but before she could say more Krystal ended the call.


    **************************************************


    "Where the hell is she?!" Jason yelled as he paced to and fro in his apartment.


    Katherine continued to call her phone but she couldn''t get through while Paul took it on him self to make tea to calm him down.


    "Calm down Jason, have tea she''s probably running late or stuck in traffic. She''ll be by don''t worry." Paul said handing him a cup, but decided against it, placing the cup on the table after the glare Jason sent his way.


    "Maybe you try call her one more time?"


    Katherine suggested after she gave up herself.


    Jason pursed his lips and drew his phone out of his pocket. Dialing he called, his eyes widened when it started to ring. All the while her number had been unavailable.


    "Did she answer?" Katherine asked noticing his reaction.


    "No, it''s just ringing." He said. "She didn''t answer" he said slowly.


    "Call again." Paul said.


    He pressed the phone again, the voice came out again. "This number is currently unreachable at th-" Jason sent the phone flying and it shattered against the wall.


    Katherine sighed and Paul ran his hand through his hair, goodness knows how many phones Jason had destroyed in his life.


    "Was that really necessary?" Paul asked.


    Jason groaned, "what is wrong with Jessie? Why does she always do this?!" He yelled. "I told her to stay put, how hard is it to stay put? She was surrounded by beautiful clothes and bags and whatever it is that she could want. What else could she be looking for?!"


    Katherine and Paul remained quiet, it was always better to let him cool off when he was like this. But to be honest, he was never like this. Infact he never showed any obvious emotion apart from disgust or boredom, he was usually cold and distant. But all of a sudden he was a fiery ball of anger, it was too new to the both of them. So they decided silence was the best line of action.


    "She even left the salon before we got there, how could she not be here already?" He asked. Turning to look at them he asked, "do you think she might be in trouble?"


    Paul and Katherine looked at each other then back at him. "You said you were with Patricia right? Who else could have done this then?" Paul asked.


    "I don''t know, her uncle maybe" Jason shrugged.


    "Why would Patricia''s uncle want to harm Jessie?" Katherine asked.


    "I don''t know Katherine! I said maybe!" He yelled at her.


    "Hey! Don''t take out your frustration on me!" She yelled back.


    Before things could get heated, Paul came inbetween the two of them.


    "Hey, both of you stop it. Jason didn''t you say you had a GPS of Jessie? Not the one on her phone, I don''t think we''ll be able to use that one. " He asked.


    "From her phone?" Katherine asked.


    "No, and yes that''s a perfect idea. I need a new phone." He said walking out of the apartment.


    "GPS?" Katherine asked Paul after Jason left to buy a new phone, since he couldn''t even call his secretary to get him one.


    "When he bought Jessie, they planted a gps device in her body." Paul explained to Katherine.


    Katherine''s jaw dropped in disbelief. "And let me guess, you guys kept it a secret from her? Why would Jason do that?"


    "Well I could only assume it was for times like this." Paul shrugged. "How do you think we found you guys in that department store, taling selfies to get an alibi for your lie?"


    Katherine gasped, shaking her head at him.


    "Times like this? So he didn''t really let her go? So what was all that talk about releasing her, what that all a lie?" Katherine asked


    "Look I have no idea what runs through Jason''s mind, but I must say, it''s pretty useful to have a GPS device right now isn''t it?" He said.


    Jason came in before she could answer, "I''ll get the tracker, and we''ll grab my phone on the way down." He said.


    Almost immediately they left the apartment in pursuit of Jessie. "She''s moving, look the dot it moving."


    "Where is that?" Paul asked.


    "I''m not sure, it certainly far away from here. I don''t think this is Jessie, something must have happened to her." Jason growled.


    "Fine let''s go get her then." Katherine said.


    They left the building and began to drive in the direction the tracker led them.

 Chapter 77 - 77. The Chase.

    "Lay her down gently, make she isn''t hurt." Tony ordered the men he hired to help kidnap Jessie.


    He hated to do this to her, especially after she told him how traumatised she was the first time. But this had to be done to save her from herself. Jessie was an incredibly stubborn and pig headed woman. She was always hard to control but at least she trusted him enough to listen to him when he reasoned with her.


    When he realized she had feelings for Jason he knew no amount of words would stop her from going back to that man.


    Picking up his phone he dailed the number of his benefactor.


    "Tony?" The caller answered. "I hope you have good news for me."


    "Even better sir, She''s alive." Tony said, unable to conceal the joy he felt at that admission.


    "She''s alive? Jessie is alive?"


    "Yes sir, I''m looking at her right now." Tony said. "It would be better if you had her, it''s no longer safe for her here."


    "No Kidding Tony, I''ll be in the city first thing in the morning. Till then, do not let her out if your sight." He ordered.


    "Certainly, of course sir." Tony nodded and the call ended.


    "Boss!" One of the men called to him.


    "What is it?" Tony asked.


    "We have a problem" he said.


    "What is it?"


    "There''s a man outside asking for a woman with her descriptions, except he says she has long curly blonde hair." He explained, pointing to an unconscious Jessie laying on the bed.


    "A man? Do you know who he is?" Tony asked slightly panicked.


    "I''m not sure, he looks very familiar. He''s standing with a man and a woman."


    "Take a picture of them and come show me."


    Tony ordered and the man compiled walking out.


    "I thought you said no one was going to look for her? We cannot get in trouble for this Tony." One of the men that carried Jessie inside told Tony.


    "No one was supposed to follow her, no one was around the park I''m certain of it. But how could they have found us, and so fast?" Tony pondered.


    "Does it matter? Right now let''s not take chances and get out of here." The man said.


    Tony nodded, that would probably be for the best, he wasn''t quite certain it was Jessie the people were after but he wasn''t going to take and chances. He ordered them to pick her up and slip out the back, they came to a shady motel so as to avoid questions.


    "I know of a hostel at the other side of town where they don''t ask much questions as long as you give the right amount." Another man offered.


    "Alright then let''s go there" Tony agreed.


    **************************************************


    "What do you mean by you can''t give out personal information?" Jason sneered at the old woman sitting behind the glass at the other side of the counter.


    "Exactly that, I can''t tell you anything and I can''t let you go in." She said.


    "Do I look like I''m asking your permission? Open that door right now or I''ll call the police." Jason yelled.


    "Call them, I''m not scared of you. If there''s anyone they''ll arrest it will be you, coming unto my property and making such ruckus because your wearing fancy clothes and speaking fancy." She snorted.


    "Hey!" He slammed his hand against the counter.


    Katherine and Paul jumped but the old lady didn''t even blink, looking Jason in the eye.


    "I swear to god, if it do not let me in right now I will not only destroy this pitiful crappy building you call property but I will end your pathetic little life!" He threatened.


    "Okay!" Katherine said, while Paul pulled Jason away to calm him down.


    "Look, ma''am. Forgive him he''s just emotional, he doesn''t mean what he said."


    "Like hell I don''t!" Jason yelled.


    Katherine glared at him, turning back to the woman she smiled sweetly. "See our friend has just been kidnapped and we think she''s here in one of your rooms certainly you can help right? Please she''s been through enough already as it is let us save her." Katherine pleaded with the woman.


    "Hmmm... Is she the grumpy ones girlfriend?" The old woman asked.


    Katherine looked at him then back at the woman and nodded.


    "Hey the dot is moving, they taking her away!" Paul yelled.


    Jason was on his feet as soon as he sat running out of the motel right behind Paul.


    "Uh! Thank you so much ma''am." Katherine said as she ran after them.


    "Where are they headed now?" Katherine asked as she shut the door.


    "It looks like their headed back into the city." Paul said as the engine roared to life at Jason command.


    "Why are they leaving? Did they find out we''re here?" Katherine''s asked as Jason sped away.


    "I have no idea." Paul sighed.


    **************************************************


    "Again!" Tony yelled.


    The man nodded. It was definitely Patricia that chased them. He recognized the men in the picture, he couldn''t see the woman face since she was the one speaking to the woman at the counter. But she could be Patricia, it was definitely Jason Kang, the wealthy business tycoon. Heir to the Kang empire. He was the one engaged to Patricia and he must have noticed Jessie was missing. But the question was how they managed to find them each time. It hadn''t even been up to six hours but he found them at the hotel and now hostel.


    "How do they keep finding us?" Tony groaned.


    "Perhaps they are tracking her phone?" one man suggested.


    "I already tossed her phone into water it''s not on her." Tony said.


    "Then how?" the man asked.


    "Perhaps the tracker isn''t in her phone, maybe it''s on her." Another man suggested.


    Tony looked at the two men sitting with him behind the van, "you could be right Woo Tak." Tony said sitting up.


    "But nobody lays a hand on her, can we get that device that finds electronics or is it metal on a person?" Tony asked.


    The guy driving spoke "I have a contact that can get it for us on such short notice."


    "Well call him immediately. For now we''ll keep moving, we can''t stop or they''ll catch up to us." Tony said, getting tired of this chase.

 Chapter 78 - 78. Betrayed.

    Jessie stirred slightly, her head hurt like hell. She must be imagining things, how did she get here. She kept hearing muffled sounds and movement, and she felt like she laying on her front. The bed underneath her body was strong and lumpy and incredibly uncomfortable. The bedspread was coarse and itchy underneath her cheek. Why did she keep seeing Jason''s face? Why was she calling out to her? Why did she want to walk away with him. She knew it was a dream because even when she held his hands she couldn''t feel a thing, but the uncomfortable mattress beneath her felt incredibly real.


    She would see Jason, with the most beautiful smile that could grace a man''s face, holding his hand out to her. The she would see Tony holding a gun to her head and apologising for killing her, next thing she hearing all this sounds of people discussing. She was incredibly confused what is real? What is fake? Why is Tony holding a gun to her head? Why was the bed beneath her body incredibly itchy? But the question that confused her the most was why was Jason smiling so sweetly? He never smiled, always wearing scowl, the bitter man. Why was she seeing him? Was he really there? What was going on?


    All this questions where answered in an instant, when she felt a searing pain behind her neck, along her shoulders. She didn''t see Tony or his gun with his sad eyes anymore, she didn''t she Jason with his beautiful smile and outstretched hand. She opened her eyes and she saw a dark dreary room, with peeling walls and a dingy old couch. She heard clearly now and she knew exactly what was going on.


    "Ahhhh!!!!" She screamed as the assault of her shoulder continued. It felt as if someone was slicing into her flesh and she felt incredibly weak and painful.


    "Hey, hey Jessie it''s okay, it''s okay. It''ll be okay in just a few minutes." A voice cooed her, rubbing her head.


    "Ahhhh!!!!" She screamed. Next thing she felt something digging into the open skin that bled down unto the scratchy bed. She tried to struggle but she found her hands were tired above her head and hands held her legs down.


    But before long the digging was done and she heard a clang, she finally managed to look up and she saw Tony, kneeling down by the bed beside her.


    She tried to sit up but he held her down. "Don''t move, they need to stitch the wound." He whispered.


    "What?" She said weakly. "Ah!!" She groaned when a cold liquid that caused stinging was poured over the wound.


    "Here bite in this" Tony said handing her a white cloth.


    Jessie glared at him and slapped the fabric out of his hands and unto the floor.


    "Jessie" Tony pleaded softly, but she wasn''t listening to anything, tears biting at her eyes a the needle entered her skin. She blinked the down, feeling every single thing, how the needle passed through her flesh, and the thread was pulled along, closing the open flesh.


    After they were done, Tony ordered all the men to leave the room and sat her up, untying her hands.


    "Jessie, look at me." He said.


    Jessie looked away, sobbing quietly. "Why?" She said softly. "Why are you doing this? Who is making you do this?"


    "It''s not what you think Jessie, I''m trying to protect you."


    "Protect me? How does kidnapping me, making me unconscious and ripping my flesh open protecting me!" She cried.


    "I had to get you away from that man Jessie, he''s not good for you." Tony replied.


    "What?! Not good for me? What right do you have to say that after everything you done to me today?" Jessie said. "Tony! What the hell?"


    "Can''t you see? You''re been misled, blinded by you feelings for his man how could you want to stay with him? After everything he has done to you?" Tony asked.


    "And that''s any better to what you''ve done?" She asked in disbelief.


    "Yes! I''m trying to save you ans protect you, he isn''t."


    "Again Tony how is this protecting me?! What makes you think kidnapping me is okay? I am a grown woman for crying out loud, I can make my own decisions!" She yelled.


    "He''s engaged to Patricia Lee, he bought you from a friggin auction house and he is keeping you in his house like some kind of trophy." Tony spat. "He''s only keeping you there because he is trying to keep an eye on you for his Fiancee and you are blinded like a fool because you''ve gone and fallen in love with him."


    "Shut the hell up Tony, you don''t know anything so stop just stop!" Jessie screamed. "Jason has nothing to do with this, why are you so dense! All I''m doing is staying with him, until I can prove me innocence okay? Yes he''s engaged to Patricia but that doesn''t mean he doesn''t hate her as much as I do, and he made a mistake purchasing me like some property. But he gave me my freedom Tony, I''m even glad he''s the only that got me, imagine I was bought by some disgusting man that would use my body like some rag."


    Tony stared at her in disbelief and silent resolve. "You''re even in deeper than I imagined." He shook his head. "How deluded are you? If he really was Patricia enemy why the hell hasn''t he exposed her? Instead he is a having wonderful date with her."


    "What rubbish are you saying?" She scoffed.


    "Look at this, he went to visit her in the hospital yesterday. Didn''t you say he went to investigate something with your other ''allies''?" Tony asked.


    Showing her a picture of Jason walking by the hospital park with Patricia. "He left you in that boutique and went to see his fiancee and like a fool they keep playing you."


    Jessie stared at the picture, her resolve breaking slightly, why did this make her sad? Why did she feel betrayed? Did he lie to her then? Shaking her head she tired to get rid of the feelings, he didn''t owe her anything. Patricia is his Fiancee afterall. But why did it hurt to see the both of them together?


    "She is his Fiancee afterall, is she not? I am not in any form of relationship with Jason so that doesn''t mean anything." She said looking away.


    "Really why did he lie to you then? Why did you have to sneak around to stalk Patricia?" Tony


    asked.


    Jessie frowned beginning to regret telling him every single possible detail. Look at where her big mouth got her.


    "I''ll ask you one question, answer me honestly Jessie." Tony said, putting the phone back into his pocket. "When Jason found out what you did to Patricia in that spa, how did he react?"


    Jessie frowned, Jason wasn''t at all happy, infact he was incredibly mad.


    "You see, you can''t answer because you know I''m right. I''ll even be so bold to assume that he never supported any idea to go after Patricia Lee, I''m I right?" Tony said.


    Jessie looked down at her lap and struggled to blink back the tears that threatened to fall, if she cried now she would only be confirming Tony''s assumptions. And Jason wasn''t like that, right? He did hate it when she brought up Patricia, and he was totally pissed when he found out about she and Katherine. And he lied to her in the boutique, why wouldn''t he just tell her he was going to see Patricia?


    "And look over there" Tony pointed to the bloody platter. He walked over to pick it up and walked back to her. "Do you know what this is? A Gps device, my guess is you''ve had in you since the trafficking house or whatever it is called. And I''m sure you had no idea it was in you. You call that him giving you your freedom? How is knowing where you are, every single time freedom?" He asked.


    Jessie stared at the gps in disbelief, the tears she so desperately tried to stop flowed freely and she couldn''t stop them. Biting her lips she shook her head, was Jason really the bad guy? Was he really an ally for Patricia? Even if all other things were circumstantial evidence this small black thing in front of her wasn''t.


    She began to sob gently, hiding her face in her palms she cried. She didn''t want to believe it, she couldn''t believe it. Was it all fake then? Saving her from the angry crowd, saying he always wanted to kiss her, cooked her a meal? Was it all fake? How desperately emotional he became when she insisted on going after Patricia, she always thought that annoyance and possesiveness was because be wanted her to be safe, was it because he wanted Patricia to be safe?


    "Hey Jessie, don''t cry. I promise I won''t let anyone else hurt you anymore, you can trust me." Tony said, reaching out to touch her shoulder, but she shrugged him off.


    "Don''t touch me! Don''t." She cried.


    "Jessie, we have to go. There''s someone you need to meet." Tony said.


    She looked up at him, and coincidentally there was a knock aganist the door.


    "That must be the person, stand up we can''t stay here anymore. I''m sure Jason is one his way now." Tony said.


    Jessie stood up and turned to the door while Tony walked to open the door.


    Jessie jaw dropped and her eyes widened when she saw the person behind the door. No way! She looked at Tony in absolute disbelief, he couldn''t do this, no way Tony wasn''t like this. Right?

 Chapter 79 - 79. Air Of Authority.

    Lenora frowned when she opened the door and saw the annoying fan page manager. Krystal gave her a sarcastic smile.


    "You''re late."


    "Nice to meet you too" Krystal said walking in. Looking around she could not hide but visibly drool at the apartment. Everything made of either glass or ceramic and her apartment was covered in neutral colours.


    Gray, white and black. She had a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling and there many beautiful architectural structures, the living room was even lower than the rest of the room, where her couches sat. She had a dinning table that could house up to six people and she assumed moving away the kitchen would be equally grand. This apartment, if it was one, was easily three times the size of her rooftop room.


    And that was just the sitting room and dining.


    "When you''re done drooling come onto the balcony, it''s pretty hot now but I''m too lazy to start moving everything back into the house." Lenora said.


    Krystal blinked and looked at her, shaking her head she followed behind her. "You have such a wonderful place, what did you do to get it?"


    Lenora turned around, looking at her with upturned lips, "what''s that supposed to mean?"


    "I know a reporters salary can''t get you this apartment, it''s an annual lease right?" Krystal asked.


    Lenora folded her arms and pursed her lips. Tilting her head so her waist length brown hair fell across her shoulders. "So what? Do you think I do something illegal?"


    Krystal shrugged. "I was just asking, it''s either you''re making crazy secret online money, or you a cooperate heir."


    Lenora eyes narrowed into silts and she was about to attack, Krystal saw the signs and held her arms up. "Hey, if it''s a touchy subject I wouldn''t mention it again okay. Can we go?" She said trying to stifle the smile that threatened to burst out on her face.


    Lenora turned around and walked away swiftly. Krystal smiled at herself, she found an Achilles heel now all that was left was some inside research into the woman and she would have at least some leverage.


    "I should offer you something, but I don''t want to." Lenora said as she sat down.


    "It''s okay I don''t mind getting something for myself." Krystal said with a smile.


    "Fine the fridge is in the kitchen on the left." She pointed and Krystal nodded, heading into the kitchen.


    "So what have you found out?" She said from the kitchen.


    "Shouldn''t I be asking you that first?" Lenora said.


    Krystal rolled her eyes, of course she would be difficult. What did she expect from Lenora. But since she had nothing, which was why she was here in the first place, she would lead her on and be as vague as possible.


    "Well I''m sure you know that Jessie Marin was sighted in the Song memorial hospital right?" She said walking back to the balcony with a canned bear in hand.


    Lenora eyed the can in her hand and frowned, "are you old enough to drink?"


    "Excuse you, what do you take me for? I''m 21." Krystal frowned.


    "Huh, what responsible adult follows celebrities around do you not have a job? Or are you just desolate?"


    Krystal jaw dropped. "What kind of adult still makes childish remarks, I''m sure you much older than me yet I seem to be the only responsible adult in the room."


    Lenora frowned "why do you keep assuming I''m so old? I''m only 25."


    "Ahh... you look 30 my bad."


    "Hey!"


    "Don''t blame me, haven''t you heard people that scowl a lot tend to get wrinkles." Krystal said dusting of imaginary dirt from her jeans.


    "I do not have wrinkles!"


    "Whatever, ma''am." She bowed. "Shall we get on to business?" She asked.


    Lenora scowled at her and opened her laptop. Krystal took the opportunity to look around the papers that were scattered around the balcony.


    "I must say you''re pretty bold."


    "Why?" Lenora asked.


    "Leaving papers scattered around, outside, it''s like you teasing the wind." Krystal shook her head and set out to gather papers.


    "What is this? Someone died in the Song hospital?" She asked, holding up a paper that Lenora used to scribble down her thoughts.


    "I guessed you haven''t heard? Rookie" She mumbled the last word and Krystal scoffed. "A staff member, I think he was a tech guy the one handling the cameras and stuff."


    Krystal frowned, she knew a guy, handling the cameras. A guy in the Song hospital. "What did he look like? Was he incredibly tall and lanky, with a sassy attitude and pale white skin. He had a military hair cut."


    "No idea, never actually saw him. And I doubt I ever will, all I know is that a tech guy was killed in the hospital."


    "He was killed? In the hospital? Wow! Do they know who did it?" Krystal asked.


    "No not yet, although I think I''m have the evidence they need to catch the culprit." Lenora said slowly.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "... I''m not sure I should tell you, what if you blab to someone else?" Lenora said seriously.


    Well she was definitely going to blab, her rent was literally on the line, but Lenora didn''t need to know that. And although she was a terrible actress she was a pretty decent liar.


    "Who would I tell? Is this that serious, you look very scary right now." Krystal laughed nervously.


    "All I''m saying is that these people are pretty sick and incredibly dangerous." She warned.


    "Okay? Wait, is this related to Jessie Marin? Because if it isn''t then you don''t have to say anything."


    "It is, I believe this are the same people responsible for framing Jessie and making the world believe she''s dead." Lenora nodded.


    "Wow... that''s big." She said trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach and hoping her eyes weren''t making dollar signs.


    "So? Who are they?"


    "I have no idea" Lenora said. Krystal face fell, how helpful.


    "So....?"


    "It''s a recording, I can''t tell or decipher anyone''s voice." Lenora admitted.


    "Is that it? Let me listen, I might be able to tell."


    "Really?"


    "Yeah."


    Lenora looked at Krystal skeptically, then played the recording.


    Krystal frowned, "so I''m guessing you know the identity of the last two voices."


    Lenora nodded. "Paul Song and Katherine Park. Apparently they were friends with the victim."


    Krystal nodded slowly, wait a minute Paul Song?


    She knew that name, she liked that name. "I know who Paul Song is, I meet him the last time I went to the hospital. He took me away from the sassy and annoying tech guy, whose name was Steve... Oh my goodness." Her hand flew up to her mouth. "He''s dead, play the recording again."


    Lenora did as she was told, Krystal replayed it over and over. Stopping only at the first two people before the gunshot.


    "Do you recognise any one?" Lenora asked.


    "I''m not sure, but the woman''s voice sounds extremely familiar." Krystal said.


    "Really? How can you tell, she only spoke once through out." Lenora replied.


    "I don''t know, it just sounds incredibly familiar, like I''ve heard it before." Krystal said. "Wait a minute, let me check something." She pulled out her phone and went through her videos, opening the very last interview Jessie had with Patricia before she went missing.


    "Well the secret to our chemistry is the impeccable acting. When you are as talented as I am you can certainly pull of anything"


    Krystal played a part of Patricia speaking from the interview. "Now, play the one from the recording."


    Lenora nodded and did as she was told.


    "Are you really going to kill him?"


    Krystal played the interview again and Lenora played the recording. They did this three more times and stared at themselves with knowing looks.


    "How did you know to check Patricia Lee first?" Lenora asked.


    "Isn''t it obvious?" She huffed and mumbled rookie as well. Lenora rolled her eyes and scoffed yet again.


    "Patricia was the only witness to Jessie''s ''kidnapping'' and she was the one that got her ''suicide'' note, call whatever it was." Krystal said slowly as if she was explaining it to a child.


    "And since Jessie Marin isn''t dead, where do you suppose arrogant miss Lee got her information from?" Krystal asked.


    "Damn. This seems extreme for a rivalry don''t you think?" Lenora frowned.


    "Well nothing seems extreme for crazy people." Krystal shrugged.


    "What about the guy in the recording, do you have any idea who he is?" Lenora asked.


    "None at all, I don''t know of anyone close enough to Patricia that would do something of the sort. Infact I don''t know of anyone close to Patricia at all." Krystal shrugged.


    "He doesn''t seem like a regular thug, he does has an air of authority." Lenora suggested.


    "An air of authority? What is this Shakespeare?" Krystal scoffed.


    "What is wrong with you?" Lenora asked.


    "An air of authority, an air of authority." Krystal repeated making strange gestures with her hands.


    "Hey!" Lenora yelled, reaching to grab her but Krystal darted away and began to repeat it over and over, laughing as she did.


    "Real mature!" Lenora said.


    "I know right?" Krystal winked. "I''m sorry back to business, what do you plan on doing with this information? Aren''t you going to give it to the. cops?"


    "I don''t trust the cops."


    "Huh.. I get what you''re saying... I mean I really do, but isn''t your boyfriend like a cop or something?" Krystal asked. "Shouldn''t you at least trust him?"


    Lenora didn''t say anything, she looked at her phone. "It''s getting pretty late you should go."


    "Really? We''ve not even discussed what we''re doing with this."


    "We? We.. are not doing anything with this, and I swear I will destroy you if you mention this to anyone else. So go." She said.


    Krystal frowned, another achilles heel? She nodded grabbing her phone and jacket she walked to the door. "You know, maybe if you stop being such a brat and start to consider other people''s feelings. You''re relationship with the cop wouldn''t be so strained." She said as she stood before the open door.


    "What the hell do you know about me?" Lenora spat.


    "I know enough to conclude your a terrible host, and you''re only going to push everyone that could possibly help you away if you don''t change, especially the cop." Krystal said.


    Lenora glared at her.


    "Well, I''ll be off. My regards to the cop, and don''t worry no matter how much you try I won''t go away." She said with a sweet smile.


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Lenora asked.


    "It means, now I know where you live I''ll be coming often. Expect company bye." She said shutting the door behind her.


    Lenora frowned as she sat back in the balcony, the sun was already beginning to set. Maybe she should call Jamie, but did she have an answer? Could she stop being a reporter and just be his girlfriend?

 Chapter 80 - 80. Goodbye.

    The evening breeze was slow and calm, as the perfectly wonderful day came to a close. The sky looked beautiful in the twilight, the sky a mixture of light and dark, the blue contrasting with the retreating orange of the sun. And to add a cherry to the perfect sundae that was this day, the road were clear as day, no traffic no noise. the cars drove past with a whiff, adding a perfect symphony to the beautiful view.


    But none of this mattered to Jason, or the two people terrified out of their wits trying to calm the enraged man driving faster than he should.


    All he wanted was for Jessie to be safe in his apartment he didn''t care if he tore the city to peices in the process.


    "Where do I turn from this street?" Jason asked.


    "Uh..."


    "Damn Paul where the fuck do I turn?" He yelled.


    "I don''t know the dot is gone." Paul said.


    The car came to a screeching halt and they all jerked in their sits, Katherine was so glad she was sitting at the back, she wasn''t interested in flying out of a windscreen.


    "What do you mean by it''s gone?!" Jason yelled.


    "I mean it''s gone, vanished, disappeared." Paul replied, trying to remain as calm as possible. His friend wasn''t exactly very friendly right at the moment.


    Jason took the tracker and stared it, clenching his teeth he fisted his arm to stop himself from pounding of the steering.


    His phone buzzed in his pocket and he removed it to see a text from an unknown number.


    Jason stared at the message, he read it like three times. Over and over but he couldn''t explain why he felt completely numb.


    Paul tapped him, jerking him away from his trance. "What''s that?" He asked and pulled the phone out of his grasp.


    "Jason... It''s Jessie. I lost my phone that''s why the number is different, just wanted to tell you that I''m leaving and you shouldn''t look for me. I''m incredibly grateful for everything you''ve done for me up until now, but I''m afraid I must leave now. I met my manager and he has convinced me to leave so that''s what I''m going to do. You were right I shouldn''t go after the Lees, I can''t have anyone else die because of my foolishness. While the casualties are still down to one I''m going to call it quits, I have no idea where I''m going now, but I can''t stay here anymore. I promise to be safe and I glad I got to know you, even though we didn''t meet in the nicest of conditions, I will never forget you.


    By the way I found the GPS, not cool. Don''t look for me, not that you should anyway. Tell Katherine and Paul bye on my behalf, and tell them I am incredibly grateful for their help. I will forever be in your debts, goodbye Jason." Paul read out loud.


    The care was silent for a bit, before Paul broke the silence. "So that was an incredible waste of time." Paul sighed.


    "I can''t believe she just left" Katherine said slowly.


    "Neither can I, but I guess it must have been too much too handle. None of us can relate to what she''s been through. Steve''s death must have hit her harder than we thought." Paul said.


    Katherine wiped the tear that fell down her cheek. "I just can''t stomach the fact that Patricia is going to get away with this."


    "Jason? Bro are you alright?" Paul asked slowly.


    Jason lifted his head and looked at Paul, "that isn''t Jessie." He said.


    "What do you mean that isn''t Jessie? Who else would know about what she just said?" Paul asked.


    "I don''t care, I''m not going to accept any flimsy text, I''m going to find Jessie''s right now." He stated bluntly.


    "How are you even going to that? The Gps is out!" Paul yelled.


    Katherine held Paul''s upper arm and shook her head. "Let him do what he wants to" she whispered to him.


    Jason turned on the car and began to drive again.


    "Jason, Jason! What the hell are you doing, where are we going?" Paul asked.


    "The last place we received a signal, we might find a clue there." He said curtly.


    Paul looked at Katherine, and Katherine just shook her head. He needed to do this, indeed a text message was too shallow for a goodbye.


    They drove to the motel, it was shabbier than the others they''d been to. After parking,Jason was out of the car in a flash. Paul and Katherine followed close behind him trying to stop him from doing anything regretful in a fit of rage.


    "Excuse me, have you seen this woman?" He asked, showing the man at the counter Jessie''s picture.


    "Hmm.. I don''t know if I have, what''s it to you?" The man asked.


    "Answer me right now, I don''t have time to waste, have you seen this woman?!" He yelled.


    "I don''t know if I have, I might remember if I have some encouragement, don''t you think?" The man smiled showing his dirty brown teeth.


    Jason scrunched his face in disgust, he didn''t carry cash so he turned to look at Paul.


    Paul sighed and removed money, dropping it on the counter.


    The man picked the money and smiled at them again. "I have, I didn''t see her come in but she left with two men. One fancy dressin'' too."


    "Was she forced?" Paul asked.


    "I might have forgotten that as well, need some joggin'' of my memory." He smiled again.


    "Would you just answer the question?" Jason growled.


    "Pretty stingy are you, look at that car over there." He pointed to their Porsche parked outside. "I''m sure you guys can do a lot better huh?"


    Paul groaned, pulling out all the money from inside his wallet he dumped it on the counter.


    "Talk."


    The man nodded at him and continued.


    "Not that I recall, she did look pretty sad, I remember thinkin'' of such a pretty sad face." The man nodded.


    "You see Jason it''s nothing out of the ordinary, let''s go. She''s gone." Paul said grabbing Jason''s arm.


    "Let me go" he snarled, snatching his arm out of Paul''s grip. "I can''t believe that, I just can''t!"


    Paul frowned this was getting really annoying.


    "Why? She''s gone Jason get over it. Shouldn''t you even be happy? She''s finally moving on, I mean you did what you could for her but now she''s gone, there finished. Let''s just all go back to our lives." He stated.


    "I can''t accept it, Jessie wouldn''t give up so easily, she wouldn''t." Jason said still contemplating with himself.


    "Well you better believe cause that is what happened. Let''s go, I''ll drive." He said pulling Jason out of the motel back to their car.


    **************************************************


    Jessie stared at the man in front of her in disbelief, she was sure her eyes were playing tricks on her. Until he called her name. Her real name, she knew there was no trickery.


    "Ae ra."


    "Dad?"

 Chapter 81 - 81. Yoo Aera.

    "Aera!"


    "Yes? What do you want?" A little black haired girl ran down to the stairs to the skinny teenager that called out to her.


    "Is that anyway to speak to your older brother?" A beautiful woman walked in on the two kids standing at the foot of the stairs.


    "But mum, he''s bullying me!" Aera cried.


    "I was not! I was just trying to stop her from playing with that despicable dog again." The boy frowned. "Look at how she''s dragged mud everywhere again mother."


    The woman looked around the room, just noticing the trail of mud up the stairs. "Aera! Look what you''ve done." She yelled.


    "What kind of child did I give birth to? Look at your elder brothers and sister never giving me any trouble but you..." her mother said ruefully.


    Aera pouted and took a step back incase her mother decided to hit her. She had no idea why her mother was so mad, she wasn''t the one that was going to clean up the mess. It was the servants and the her nanny who was also a servant encouraged her to take a break for her tutorials and have some fun. What more appealing is playing with a puppy in the mud on a rainy day!


    "Are you going to apologise to mother?" Her brother asked.


    Aera rolled her eyes and frowned, what was his business in all this? A mama''s boy was all he was that''s just it, always acting like the eldest child when he was her immediate elder brother just to make mother happy.


    As Aera opened her mouth to apologise, realising that things would be faster that way if she just apologised, she heard a bark. They all turned to watch a wet, large aussie running towards them.


    Her coward brother screamed and ran behind her, well the dog wasn''t very friendly with her brother so he had every right to be wary of it.


    "Aera!" Her mother screamed mortified, "when did the dog get so big?"


    "He is an aussie mother that all they do, grow!" Her son yelled from behind his sister.


    "Get that thing out of my house!" She yelled as it jumped on little Aera knocking both brother and sister to the ground. The dog was only interested in it''s owner licking her face earning giggles from the little girl.


    "Aera!" Her mother called more forcefully, forcing the girl to frown and push the dog back, standing she arranged her clothing. She was still in her raincoat and boots, her nanny wouldn''t let her go out without them, she couldn''t catch a cold.


    The dog saddened by the shove, whined and moved back to it owner. Her mother wasn''t happy about the entire scene, she grabbed the girl arm and pulled her away from the dog screaming that she should get rid of it.


    "But mother I can''t" Aera cried.


    "You will get rid of this monstrosity this instant."


    "If I get rid of it where is manny supposed to go?" She asked.


    "I don''t care, get rid of it."


    "No!" She said stomping her feet on the ground.


    "You Insolent child!" Her mother yelled raising her hand to smack the stubborn child in her grip when a firm voice stopped her.


    "No, don''t hit her."


    Aera smiled when she saw her saviour, escaping her mother from grip she ran to her father, the dog running after it owner also escaped the hateful glares passed it''s way by mother and son.


    "Dad!" She yelled running into his arms.


    "Causing trouble for you mother again?"


    "No! It''s not my fault." She insisted with a determined pout.


    "Harish, you cannot keep babying that child, she''s never going to learn. Look at the mess she''s made." Her mother scolded him.


    "It all harmless, Aera why are you out here? Has your tutor left?" Her father asked.


    "No... but nanny said I could take a break. I promise I didn''t go outside without permission." She said.


    "Okay it''s fine if you had permission, just don''t bring your dog into the house, you know Deok soo doesn''t like dogs." Her father said.


    Aera shot a rueful glance at her brother, and nodded. "Good girl, now off you go." Her father said and she ran away with her dog right behind her.


    **************************************************


    "How is she going to get into a good college with this result?" Her mother yelled.


    The entire family of  seven were sitted in the living room, but one of them wasn''t. Kneeling in the beside the edge of the door, was a beautiful black haired girl. In short plaid skirt and a black blazer she placed her hands on her laps and stared down at them.


    "Mirae, she''s thirteen. She doesn''t get into college till she''s twenty she still has time." Her father said with a sigh.


    Her mother glared at him, clutching the report card firmly in her hands. "Why do you do this? I''ve told you, you''re spoiling this girl."


    "Mother please don''t yell too much, it''s not good for your health." The eldest child walked over to sit on the armrest to pat her mother''s back.


    "Aera will do better next time won''t you? Aera?" Her sister asked her.


    "Yes mother, I will do better next term I promise." She said.


    "I don''t know why you guys won''t just give up, she''ll never be good in school." Deok soo said with a satisfied smirk.


    "Shut up, do you not know when to speak?" His elder brother scolded him.


    "Don''t waste your time with him, Dong hyun." His twin brother shook his head. "And you, Aera. What are you even doing in school? Getting that kind of result?" Dong sun said to her.


    "I promise I read and studied hard. Yet..." Aera frowned. "I can''t believe I still failed. Mother please forgive me." She said bowing so her head was touching the floor.


    "Aera." Her father called out and she rose her head to look at him. "Stand up, come here." She did as she was told.


    "Did you really study? Be honest with me." Her father asked.


    "I did father." She nodded.


    "Well then there''s nothing we can do now can we?" Her father said.


    "Nothing we can do?!" His wife yelled. "Harish!"


    "Mother please, calm down. Shouting will not do you any good right now." Deok mi her eldest cooed their mother.


    "Look at your siblings, Deok mi has gotten into the most prestigious college in the country. Dong hyun and Dong sun are top of their classes and Deok soo? He was the top in the national math competition. Just where did you come from? Who gave birth to you? You''re not my child they switched you in the hospital!" She yelled.


    "Mirae! Stop! Aera don''t think anything of what she said." Her father soothed her.


    Aera nodded her head, this was not the first time her mother was saying something like this, but she would not get hurt. She knew she was different, but at least her father was on her side. Her siblings were all hypocrites, only acting nice because father was around, they all hated the fact that father showed leniency towards only her. If anyone else had come with this result they would have probably been out on the street by now. But at least they were kind enough to ignore her most of the time all except that bitter Deok soo.


    "Don''t worry father, I know mother is only saying this because she loves me and is concerned for me. And mother if I''m not your child why do I look so much like you?" Aera asked.


    Her mother shot her a deadly glare, any other child would have shrunk back at the stare but not her youngest daughter, she was too pigheaded and stubborn to be scared.


    "I''m even more like you than any of your other children." She added pushing her mothers buttons.


    And she was indeed her mother''s copycat.


    "Aera don''t provoke your mother further." Her father warned her. "Go to your room now."


    "Harish" her mother cried, he nodded at her and sent Aera to her room.


    **************************************************


    "I hate to say this but I told you so" Mirae told her husband. Harish was outraged.


    "What do you mean your going to become a trainee?" He yelled at Aera.


    "Father please, I''m not good at school or sports even music. For the first time there''s something I''m good at and they want me please father." Aera pleaded.


    "No child of mine will do such a thing. My business is big enough to accommodate all five of you. Even if you don''t want to work, you will live a life of luxury all your life I''ll make sure of it." Harish Yoo declared.


    "I don''t want to live off my siblings, at the most you''ll marry me off to make some business deal when I''m older like Deok Mi." Aera cried.


    "Shut up you, can''t you sense the situation?" Dong hyun yelled at her.


    "Yes... I can sense a situation, and I know this what I want to do with my life. Is it too difficult to just support me?"


    "I told you she was good for nothing, no one listened to me then." Deok soo sneered.


    "Shut up Deok soo, you''re no better." Dong sun reprimanded his brother.


    "I don''t care what anyone says, I will not mooch off anyone and I refuse to continue to punish myself by going to school anymore. I''m no good at it. I promise I''ll finish high school but that''s it." Aera said firmly.


    "So your decision is made then." Harish said.


    "Are you really letting her go? Harish!" Mirae yelled at her husband.


    "It''s not like we can stop her." Dong hyun said.


    "If you leave this house to go to any agency I assure you I will forget that you''re my daughter." Harish said and they all gasped.


    "Father." Aera cried.


    "Don''t come back, you no longer have a family." He added.


    "Harish!" Mirae yelled, "you can''t do that. She''s our precious child, you don''t mean that. Say you don''t mean that!" She cried shaking him. But his mind was made up and his decision was final.


    "Think carefully about that, before you make your decisions tomorrow." He said walking out of the room.

 Chapter 82 - 82. Coward.

    Jessie stared speechless at the man standing in front of her, a whole decade had passed and she only got to see her father when she was supposed to be dead. She didn''t know what to think, she had no idea what to say.


    "What is this?" She asked Tony.


    "What do you mean? Greet your father Jessie."


    Tony said.


    "My father?" She asked still in a daze looking back at the tall powerful man that once held her close to him while she cried her eyes out. The man that held all her dreams and never shut her down, that gave into all her whims even the slightest and most childish. Until he didn''t anymore, until he shut the doors of his house and refused to let anyone in her family see her. Separated a child from her mother and for ten years she had no one, no family and no name. She loved her father with all her heart and he broke her heart into a million pieces when he discarded her like a used tissue. She understood that it was hard to accept her choices but how can one stay away from their child for ten years? And she was meant to be his favourite.


    "Aera" he said again.


    And immediately she heard that name she knew what to feel, joy? Peace and relief? She should have felt that but all she felt was anger at his betrayal. He was her father, her hero, her whole world but what did he go and do? Abandon her, a fifteen year old to fend for herself. And it was hard, it was incredibly terrible to be a trainee without connections or sponsorship. Things she was already born with, she had to suffer and fight like anyone else. At least now she can hold her head up high and know with all certainty that she achieved everything she had all by herself. She made herself a name all by herself. And that name wasn''t Yoo Aera.


    "Don''t call me that, my name is no longer Aera." She said slowly.


    "Oh I''m sorry, you go by Jessie now. Jessie Marin, how nice." He said with a frown.


    "Yes father, oh sorry you said I couldn''t be your daughter anymore what do I call you, Mr. Yoo?" She asked ruefully, blinking away unshed tears.


    "Call me whatever you like I don''t care. I''m here to take you back home, your mother misses you terribly." He said curtly.


    Jessie looked into her father''s eyes, why did his eyes say something else? Why did his eyes want to pull her into a hug? Why did his eyes have unshed tears like hers did?


    "Mother?" She said softly. "How is mother?"


    "Sick, she''s very sick. She had a huge shock when she heard you were dead, she''s been really sick since then." Harish Yoo told his daughter.


    "Mother h-had a shock? What kind of shock?" She asked her father.


    "Nothing too serious, she''s much better now but all she wants, all she talks about is seeing her daughter again." He said.


    The tears could no longer be stopped and she cried, her mother wanted to see her.


    "Come  now Aera, come home. It''s time." He said, his voice strained.


    "Home?" He nodded and her anger dissolved and all she felt in that moment was gratitude and relief. All she felt was joy, the way she was supposed to right? She ran into her father''s arms and hugged him tightly, she cried into his shoulder.


    "Let''s leave this devastating place." Her father said after a while, looking around the building he shook his head. And she nodded, hand in hand they walked out of the motel, Tony following behind the reunited father and daughter.


    ************************************************


    "Do you think he''ll be okay?" Katherine asked Paul as they walked out if Jason''s building.


    "Ofcourse, he''s Jason. Why wouldn''t he be okay?" Paul said.


    "He didn''t look okay Paul, I think this really hit him hard." She said.


    "Why the hell would it hit him hard?" Paul said sounding slightly annoyed.


    "Maybe because he has feelings for Jessie, perhaps he even loves her."


    "Stop saying rubbish Kate, how can he fall in love with a woman he has known barely two months." Paul frowned. "If anything he should be relieved that woman is gone."


    "Hey, he is not the type of person that needs to know someone for Twenty years and still not decide to love them. Besides are you still on that issue? Jessie is not a bomb." Katherine said, her voice rising slightly.


    Paul narrowed his eyes at her, "oh yeah? Explain Steve."


    "She is not responsible for Steve. What is wrong with you?" Katherine frowned.


    "I''m just saying if she never came into our lives in the first place, we wouldn''t have to be wary of the Lee''s and Steve would be alive!"


    Katherine scoffed, "nice one Paul, nice. If Jessie is responsible for Steve then so I''m I. And I don''t know why your so against her but you better get over it. Because she''s gone true enough already, and if she''s ever to suffer a scandal when she makes a comeback it will be because of people like you." She spat.


    "People like me? What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "It means I was blind and ignorant to ever think you were different from Jason. If anything you are even worse, all you rich people keep looking down you noses thinking you''re better than everyone else." She said walking away.


    "Hey, Katherine, don''t cross the line." Paul warned, grabbing her arm.


    She yanked it away and glared at him, "you don''t have to worry about me. Worry about yourself and stay out of Jason head, long enough for him to listen to his heart and bring Jessie back." With that she walked away leaving a very surprised and annoyed Paul standing in front of the building.


    **************************************************


    Jason stared at a the clothes Jessie picked out, he had taken them from the boutique and now they sat on her bed, in her room, in the place she called home.


    Everything was still here, her laptop, her scent, her memories. They were all here. But she wasn''t. Why did he feel so listless? Why had he somehow lost all his energy and interest?


    He walked back to the door and shut it, turning off the light he sat on the floor, quietly in the darkness. Still wondering why she left, she shouldn''t have left. She couldn''t have left, did Steve''s death really take a toll on her? Was she that affected? That she had to run away the first chance she got.


    His phone buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it out and read the text message. He had a board meeting tomorrow, why didn''t he care?


    He always cared about this stuff right? Why couldn''t he remember, why can''t he feel anything? He wasn''t sad, he wasn''t angry, he was definitely not angry. He just felt... lethargic. But he wanted something, he wanted Jessie. He wanted her to be here, in her room with her stuff, in the place she called home.


    He needed her to be here, with him. But why? Why did he want her here? Why was he so depressed now she wasn''t here? Why didn''t he care anymore? About anything at all. Why wasn''t she here? How could she just give up so easily? Wasn''t she the person that was ready to slit her wrist? Ready to fight tooth and nail to get her revenge on Patricia? She wanted to get her place, her fame and the position she worked so hard for back. So what happened?


    "WHY DID YOU LEAVE?!" He screamed throwing his phone against the wall. "Why does it affect me so much? Why do I care so much?"


    "When did you become such a coward Jessie?" He whispered, pulling his knees up and leaning on them. "Why did you give up?"

 Chapter 83 - 83. Revenge Or Family.

    Jessie''s eyes slowly opened as light filled her retinas, the first thing she felt was confusion. How did her pale beige and plain room become white and extremely spacious? Since when did she have a massive glass window, door? Why was there so much sunlight? And what happened to her navy blue bed covers? Sitting, she threw off the creamy duvet covering her slender long legs, and stepped down from the bed. Looking down at her body she frowned when she noticed she was wearing a bathrobe with apparently nothing underneath, she wriggled her legs in the fluffy slippers by her bed side and stood up.


    Slowly it all came to her, she was no longer in Jason''s apartment, infact she wasn''t sure she ever wanted to be. After all the things that happened yesterday it was a surprise she slept so well.


    She was finally going home, after ten long years, she would finally see her family again. Would they want to see her? She wasn''t sure, but she was nervous and anxious to how her mother would receive her. When she was banished or rather renounced as a family member, no one was in support, even that bitter Doek soo and surprisingly especially her mother.


    Now after ten years, they had all moved on with their lives, she would come back. Deok mi was a proud mother of two, Dong hyun was also married but last she checked he didn''t have any kids. Not that it was a surprise he had his hands full from running their father''s business. She didn''t know much about Dong sun, he was handling the overseas business so she couldn''t know, but she heard he was divorced. And that bitter Deok soo was about to be married, pity the woman that would ever tie the knot with him.


    She didn''t know what to expect, she didn''t know how to feel and honestly the only thing that weighed on her mind was Jason''s betrayal. But she didn''t have concrete proof, just like she didn''t have concrete proof on Patricia but it would take any one with two eyes to see she was behind everything. So likewise Jason must have played her as well.


    Laughing ruefully she walked over to the balcony and leaned against it, taking in the beautiful view of the garden, on a day that wasn''t nearly as beautiful as the one before. How could such a beautiful view cause her such heartache and comfort at the same time? She could describe her heart as bittersweet at the moment.


    "Jessie?" She heard a knock on the doors and walked over to open it.


    "Tony, good morning." She said stepping aside for him to enter.


    "Are those for me?" She points to the clothes hanging in his hands.


    He raised the hanger for better view "well I''m most definitely nor wearing a short skirt." He shrugged.


    She grabbed the clothes out of his hands and and threw them on the bed. "And my father?"


    "He has work in town, he''ll be back later. He did say you can enjoy the hotel in the meantime.


    They have a killer spa here." He informed her.


    "I''m not interested, I''ll just order room service." She said, walking to the phone.


    "You seem... angry."


    "What do you expect me to feel Tony?" She said.


    "I don''t know, I mean I get that you would be overwhelmed but anger? You just met your dad." He said.


    "Sure I did, and I do feel overwhelming... I just... I''m so stupid, I feel so stupid and I''m angry at myself for being so stupid."


    "Because Jason Kang." Tony concluded.


    "I''m I being selfish if I say I still want to see him? That I still want to take my revenge on both of them? Even though my mother is sick because of me?" She said her voice shaky, she blinked rapidly and tried to fan her eyes so the tears wouldn''t come.


    "You really are in love with him aren''t you?" Tony said leading her to the couch. He sat opposite her.


    "I don''t know how I feel, all I know is that I''m incredibly hurt. That he would do such a thing. Besides I don''t have the luxury of love right now, my life is too messed up to think about that. Even if I did love him, I doubt he feels the same." She said slowly, as if she was afraid talking any faster would end in sobs. And she did not want to cry.


    "I don''t just want to leave everything behind and run away, I don''t want Patricia to win and I really want to look Jason in the eyes when I ask him why he toyed with me the way he did." She said. "But then on the other hand, I want my mother, I need her to be okay. I would never forgive myself if something happened to her because of me. Plus my father, the man I haven''t seen in ten years finally wants me back home. I don''t know what to do. I''m I a bad person for thinking about this? For putting my own agenda over my family?"


    "You''re just human Jessie, and you''re a very hardworking and determined woman, a real fighter. But your also compassionate and surprisingly kind. What does your heart tell you?"


    "I don''t know Tony, it''s divided. Did you not get any of what I just said?" She snapped.


    Tony shut his eyes and opened them again, briefly. "No Jessie, your heart can never be divided. It''s knows which place you really want to be, and if you still can''t decide then ask yourself what the right thing to do is, revenge or family."


    "So basically you''re telling to go home?"


    "Yes Jessie, I''m telling you to go home."


    "This is not fair, I need someone that isn''t biased. You''ll definitely take my father side. You work for him." She frowned.


    Tony laughed, "you are such a difficult person when you want to be."


    "Tony, how long have you been working for my dad?" She asked.


    "You really don''t remember me do you?" He asked.


    "What are you talking about?"


    "When I was seventeen years old, I was a disturbed kid with no parents, I stole from your father. And instead of sending me to the cops he sponsored my schooling and expenses. Your mother was pregnant with you at the time. I worked in your family house until you were at least three years old. When I went to college. I didn''t see your father for twelve years after that when he came to me to offer me a job in King entertainments."


    "Didn''t you already have a job? That was twelve years ago." Jessie asked.


    "I did, but I owed your father. And I could tell he only wanted me to protect his baby girl." Tony shrugged.


    "So all of that time, you were my father''s spy?"


    "I guess you could say it like that."


    "Wait a minute, he didn''t help me with anything right? Like my projects and stuff." Jessie asked.


    "What if he did?"


    Jessie stood up and walked around the couch. "No way" she shook her head. "No way, no way! I achieved everything on my own right? Tony please tell me he didn''t help!"


    "I''m sorry Jessie."


    She stared at him wide eyed, laughing bitterly. "My life is a lie, my entire friggin life is a lie." She laughed, sitting back down as the tears started to fall again. She broke into sobs, Tony went over to comfort her but she shrugged his hand away.


    "Get away from me! Get out Tony, get out!" She screamed. "Please just leave, ahh I can''t do this anymore. Just leave." She cried.


    Tony sighed, walking to the door, he took one last glance at her and left the room.

 Chapter 84 - 84. Set The World On Fire.

    Jason eyes flew open, he raised his head and looked for the annoying alarm that kept ringing. His eyes searched for the the source of the sound and landed on his phone, ''huh I guess it''s pretty strong'' he thought.


    Grumbling he tried to stand up, after sleeping on the floor, in a sitting position with his knees to his chest and his head resting on them. His whole body shook with pain, today was going to be very uncomfortable.


    He walked to where the phone lay on the floor and picked it up, inspecting it he was even more assured of it''s strength not a single scratch. He should buy this brand more often.


    He read the text again, the board meeting was by 10AM  right now it was seven. He had three hours, he should probably get to work as soon as he can to prepare for his father today.


    In less than an hour he was ready, and as he came downstairs his secretary Matt, was already waiting for him.


    "Good morning sir." Matt bowed.


    "Good morning Matt, what are the stats looking like today?" Jason asked.


    "Well sir everything seems bright and sunny today, but the day is going to be pretty hot, so I arranged for bigger car so you''ll be taking the jeep. The agenda for today''s board meeting is simply the quarterly statement report. And to discuss the sudden decline in shares." Matt informed him.


    "Let''s go, inform me the rest on the way. How were last weeks sales for the new perfume line?" Jason asked.


    "They were surprisingly higher than expected, and the marketing team have suggested we have another advertisement with a popular celebrity. People voted on your fiancee Patricia Lee." Matt said as the elevator doors closed.


    "Patricia Lee? They realise that the two families are business rivals right?" Jason frowned.


    "The point was brought up but..." he trailed off.


    "But?"


    "Many were persistently, saying it''s best to show a truce between families and that she is your Fiancee afterall."


    Jason furrowed his brows and stepped out of the elevator. "They have no right insisting based on stupid reasons. Find another celebrity." He said firmly.


    Matt wanted to argue further but he also did not want a Lee endorsing any of the Kangs product. Who knows what they do with things they touch?


    "Have you set meetings with the share holders yet?" Jason asked.


    "Yes I made the effort and reached out, but many are wary of the idea of overthrowing the chairman." He stated as he pulled the door open and Jason stepped in. He walked to the front and got in and the driver drove away.


    "Hmm."


    **************************************************


    Jason kept shifting in his sit, sleeping on the floor did not sit well with him, besides this meeting was suffocating. He never cared for board meetings because all anyone ever did was try to impress his father, and now he couldn''t even concentrate. His mind was on Jessie the entire time. Why couldn''t he accept that she was gone? Why didn''t he want to accept it? Could it be that he has grown attached to her in just two months?


    "CEO?" Jason looked up, all eyes were on him. He sighed and sat up straighter. "Can you repeat the question, I didn''t get you."


    "Actually it was the chairman that asked the question." The man pointed to his father.


    Jason pursed his lip and looked to his left, where his father was sitting, at the head of the table.


    "I heard you are using Patricia Lee to model the new perfume line?" His father asked.


    "You heard wrong father, I''m not doing that." He said firmly.


    "Why not? This is a perfect chance to show the world that the Kang and Lee families are making a business alliance." His father stated.


    "Well there are the brides family, I believe they are to make the first move, besides the perfume business is all mine. And I make the final decision and my answer remains no." He frowned.


    His father narrowed his eyes at his son. If he pushed this further it would not end well for either of them. If the chairman forced this decision and Jason declines it would be undermining to him. But if he did and Jason agrees it would undermine Jason, either way one of them wouldn''t come out unscathed and Jason knew this. So his father let it go and looked at his second son. "Jonathan your reports?"


    Jonathan nodded and the manager under him came and began to deliver the reports. For someone without business experience he did pretty well, and Jonathan''s kept looking towards his brother to his reaction. But he wasn''t even paying attention, was he really that unimportant? He worked hard to make sure Jason


    acknowledged him as competition but he wasn''t even looking at the screen.


    Before long the meeting had ended and Jason was already out before anyone could even say hello. Paul also noticed his friends strange behaviour and was following close behind him.


    As Jason walked into his office Paul was right behind him.


    "Jason?"


    "Paul? You''re here? You know you don''t have to come for all this monthly board meetings right?" Jason said as he sat down behind his desk.


    "I came because I was worried about you, I guess I made the right decision." He frowned.


    Paul and Jason both had shares in each others businesses, the two families were pretty close to each other.


    "In what sense?" Jason asked.


    "You''re not acting like you normally do, I know you hate board meetings but you''ve never been distracted before. This is about Jessie isn''t it?" Paul asked.


    "And if it is?" Jason asked nonchalantly.


    Paul scoffed, "not even denying it anymore are you?"


    "I don''t see the reason to, besides why are you so invested in my feelings?" Jason asked, looking incredibly bored.


    "Your feelings? You realise you are the person that always warned me about getting emotional involved with a woman that would be detrimental for my work right?" Paul asked.


    "And you point is?" Jason yawned, leaning on his desk.


    "I''m sorry I''m I boring you?"


    "Oh no, sorry I just didn''t get enough sleep last night." Jason said.


    "My point is, you''re doing the exact thing you warned me about. You have a woman that can basically make you the most powerful man in the country, down side she is a witch but that''s a small price to pay for power. And isn''t all you want to get enough power to bring Paradise out?"


    Jason eyes perked up when he heard Paradise, that indeed was a dream of his, infact it was his goal.


    "So your saying I should put my emotions aside and marry Patricia so that I inherit the Kang empire and finally get Paradise out huh?" Jason said.


    "Wasn''t that always the plan? That''s the only reason you agreed to marry that witch." Paul replied, sitting on the couch.


    "But marrying Patricia isn''t the only way to get the Kang empire." Jason said.


    "What are you finally ready to go to the dark side?" Paul asked with a small laugh.


    "Yes." Was Jason curt answer and Paul''s smile was upturned.


    "You can''t be serious. You promised you wouldn''t become you father."


    "Yeah well, I feel like I''m inbetween a rock and a hard place. And the only way I can escape is foul play. Besides I need to be powerful enough to look down on the Lee''s and never have to be wary of them." Jason said.


    Paul shook his head, "so this is because of the Lee''s? Do you really hate Patricia that much, or do you really love her that much? That you are willing to throw away your principles?" Paul asked.


    Jason stared pointedly at him and didn''t say anything. After everything yesterday, after every that had been going on for the past month, he could finally answer the biggest question on his mind. Why he cared so much for the actress? And he had never been so sure.


    "Yes Paul, I love Jessie and I am willing to set this world on fire to get her back." He stated firmly.


    "Wow.. I never thought I''d ever see the day you would give up on your mother''s memory for someone else." Paul replied, trying to open emotional wounds to get him to get out of this delusion.


    "Look, I understand your concern but I believe I''m still fulfilling my mothers dream, she did tell me to do what ever I could to fight for love. At the time I couldn''t understand her, I didn''t even want to understand her because I was so angry at her for loving my father even though he didn''t care about her. But now all I want is Jessie, I want her by my side as my woman." He said with a small smile. "To make that happen I need to destroy everything that makes her scared, angry and upset. I need to be strong enough to destroy her enemies. So that in the end the only thing that will be on her mind and in her heart is me."


    "You''re in deep huh?" Paul asked staring intently at his friend.


    "I am, and I am about to turn this world upside down to find her. The question now is will you help me?" Jason asked his friend.


    Paul scowled at him. "Do I have a choice?"

 Chapter 85 - 85. Fresh Start.

    Jessie laid on her bed the entire day, looking up at the ceiling. She couldn''t stop the tears from flowing, she felt utterly betrayed and heartbroken. Her whole life was a lie, she hadn''t achieved anything at all, honestly nothing at all! Now she had no idea weather to hate her father or not. He only did what he did out of love for her but still. She left home with the mindset of proving herself to her family, she wasn''t completely useless. She was good at something, she was extremely talented at something but apparently she wasn''t. She was just a spoilt rich girl that was throwing a tantrum and deceiving herself for ten whole years.


    She heard a knock on the door, sitting up she wiped her red face. "Go away! I don''t want anything."


    "Jessie?" She heard her father''s voice at the other side of the door.


    "Go away father, I don''t want to talk!" She screamed.


    "Jessie please open the door." Her father pleaded, his voice sounding so pained.


    She got of the bed, still in her bath robe and walked to the door, she unlocked it. And walked back to her bed. Her father following suit, shutting the door behind him.


    "Jessie, I cannot begin to understand what your going through-"


    "Now you can''t father, you can''t." She spat. "I don''t know which is worse, being betrayed by someone you wholeheartedly trusted or living a lie."


    "Living a lie?"


    "Yes father, Tony told me everything, my whole life has been a big fat pitiful lie." She cried.


    "Don''t you say that Jessie, I know we''ve been strangers for ten years but you grew up with your family for the majority of your life. And the love we had for you was never a lie." Her father reprimanded her.


    "Is that so? Father you of all people shouldn''t say that. When everyone was always looking down on me, when they said I was useless and dumb, you stood by me. Whenever I wanted something you gave me, whenever I was sad you made me laugh. But what did you do when I wanted to become an actress? You disowned me, how I''m I even supposed to believe that you ever loved me? Huh? Do you know how much you broke my heart?" She cried. "And now all I wanted to do was be the very best I could so I would come back and show you that I''m not a failure, that i didn''t make the wrong decision. But what did that get me? It was all a lie, I never achieved a thing!"


    "Don''t you dare say that, Aera. I''ve never been prouder of any of your siblings the way I''m proud of you. You are the only child that ever stood up to me and challenged me because of something you wanted for yourself and for that alone you earned my respect." Her father said, walking over to hug her.


    "I love you Aera, more than you''ll ever imagine. So stop fighting, just come home hmm?" He said. And she nodded against his chest to spent to cry anymore.


    After Harish stepped out of the room he saw Tony standing in the hallway, waiting for him.


    "How is she?" Tony asked as he walked towards him.


    "The poor thing is has cried so much it physically hurts to see her like that." He sighed.


    "But was it necessary to lie to her?" Tony asked.


    "Aera is a difficult child, she has always been. She''s head strong and stubborn. But the thing that scares me the most is her strong will, when she believes in herself it doesn''t matter what anyone says or does or how dire her situation is, she wouldn''t give up. I need my daughter Tony, I''ve spent ten years without her and I can''t anymore. This is the only way to get her to come." He said slowly.


    "Alright sir, I''ll trust you on this one, when will you be leaving?" Tony asked.


    "First thing in the morning, I gave the pilot a day off his family lives here."


    "That''s very generous sir, I guess I''ll be there to say goodbye." Tony nodded.


    "Yes, do come Aera will appreciate it. And say hello to Joo hui and the girls."


    "Will do, good bye sir." He said walking away.


    *************************************************


    Jessie frowned when she heard ringing. That was definitely a phone but she didn''t have one anymore. Not after Tony tossed hers into the fountain, although that was probably for the best. She might have caved and called Jason, it would have been too pitiful. It was for the best that she just forget this past ten years and especially the past two months. At least she had a chance at a fresh start.


    She walked over to the phone and picked it up, her breathing stopped when she saw the caller ID. Mimi, that was her father''s pet name for her mother. Her mother!


    "Hello?"


    "Hari- oh my goodness... Aera?" Her mother


    gasped.


    "Mother" Jessie said breathlessly.


    "My sweet girl, oh my baby how are you? How have you been? How are you alive?!" Her mother cried.


    "How are you? I''m sorry that your sick because of me." Jessie cried.


    "What? Sick? I''m not sick. Sick and tried of waiting for my baby girl yes, but not sick." Her mother said.


    "You''re not sick? At all?" Jessie asked her mother.


    "No not at all, where did you get such rubbish from?" Her mother asked.


    "Father, father told me you were really ill mother." Jessie frowned wiping her cheeks.


    "That''s strange... how are you even with your father? Where did you two meet?" Her mother asked.


    "He... he kidnapped me or rather had Tony do it. Then he told me you were very sick after hearing I was dead, and that I should come back home so you can get better."


    "Damn you Harish." Her mother cursed.


    "He lied?" Jessie asked utterly and totally confused.


    "Aera, calm down your father must have had his reasons, besides I believe it''s high time you come back home." Her mother said.


    "It''s funny, I''ve always wanted to hear that, hear you guys say that. Hear father say that, but now I don''t know what to think anymore." Jessie scowled.


    "You have no idea how many times I''ve wanted to call you my baby, how many times I''ve wanted to come out and see you."


    "Then why didn''t you come mother? Why didn''t you call?" She asked sadly.


    "Because you father wouldn''t let me, he would always say our daughter is flying, all on her own and we shouldn''t drag her down. We shouldn''t distract her, she''s soaring high. Let''s see how far she can fly on her own." Her mother said softly.


    "What does that mean mother?" Jessie asked.


    "Your father was heartbroken when you left Aera. He never expected you leave, honestly when he said you were no longer his daughter if you left was only that... a threat. He didn''t think you would actually choose your dreams over your family, over him." Her mother said.


    "Everyday he would wait for you to call, everyday for ten years he refused to change his cell number."


    "That doesn''t make any sense mother, if he wanted to see me he could have just come. He was the one that banished me in the first place!" She yelled, getting agitated. She didn''t understand anything anymore.


    "Aera, don''t be mad at your father. If he lied to you it''s because he just wants you to come home. He felt very guilty and sad when we heard news of your death. He fell very ill, Aera your father had cancer."


    "What? Since when? Why didn''t he tell me?" Jessie yelled.


    "It''s not much of a problem right now, around the time of your death he was getting treatment in the hospital. So we couldn''t even come claim you body. He is much better now, and infact he told me he was coming to get you, your corpse. But here I am talking to my daughter." Her mother cried.


    "I don''t, I don''t know what to say mother."


    "Talk to me dear, what happened? How are you still alive?"


    Jessie tearfully narrated her story to her mother and her mother was sobbing by the time she was done.


    "You are really a fighter do you know that?" Her mother said.


    "No mother, I''m not a fighter I''m just fraud. I didn''t do anything on my own, I just learnt that dad  was involved in my career. What kind of fighter I''m I? I''m I going to be if I couldn''t even make my career on my own?" She said bitterly.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "I mean father helped me in the background, Tony told me and father confirmed it."


    "Listen to me closely Yoo Aera. You did not get any help from any one. Goodness knows how many times I begged your father to intervene when Tony informed us about you. He never did, he would tell me, our daughter has what it takes to conquer this on her own. And you did. Whatever Tony or your father told you isn''t true." Her mother insisted.


    Jessie covered her mouth and fell on her knees, she couldn''t cry and more so she began to laugh but the was no happiness in her laughter. Only anger, betrayal, relief and sadness.


    And right at that moment her father barged into her room his eyes searching, searching for his phone. Jessie gaze flew to he door, and she stood her hands hanging limp by her side.


    "You lied to me."

 Chapter 86 - 86. Paradise.

    "Aera you don''t understand." Her father said slowly, walking over to her.


    She held out her hand to stop him, "what don''t I understand? After everything I''ve been through was lying to me really necessary?" She asked.


    "You have to understand, I only lie because I want to protect you" her father insisted.


    "Protect me? Protect me?! Woah... I hate hearing that. Who do all these men think they are trying to control me life for me?" She asked respectfully. "Why do you have to protect me? You haven''t done it for ten years, why start now? I''m no longer a child father, I''m 25 incase you forgot. I don''t need your ''protection''" she spat.


    Her father scoffed, "yeah and what a nice job you did all on your own."


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" She frowned.


    "What it means is that from being a top notch actress you''re a dead refugee."


    Jessie jaw dropped in disbelief. "Wow, father, low blow."


    "Look Aera-"


    "Don''t call me that, my name is Jessie." She said.


    "Fine, Jessie. I just want you to come home, please." Her father pleaded.


    "I want that too father, but I can''t go home not yet. I promised myself I would come home when I''m richer than my family." She said. "I''m still very far from that father."


    "You basically have nothing right now, when do you then plan on coming home when we''re dead? I don''t have a lot of time left Ae- Jessie."


    "Mother already told me everything you can stop lying now. I know about your cancer and I know it''s gone." She frowned.


    "Tch."


    "So father, go back home I''m not coming with you." She folded her arms.


    "I''m sorry Aera, but you have no choice in this." Her father stated firmly.


    "What? You''re joking right? Wow! You''re not going to take me anywhere aganist my will!" She screamed.


    "Watch me, hey!" He called out the bodyguards outside her room. "Don''t let her leave this room for anything, understand?" They nodded.


    Jessie looked at her father in utter disbelief, he couldn''t do this right?


    "Hey! Father! No, Mr Yoo! Mr Yoo!!!!" She screamed as he left the room. "Mother, mother? Are you still there?" She asked.


    "Yes, yes I am." Her mother answered.


    "Mother do you kn-"


    "I heard everything, look Aera  please don''t hate your father he is only doing what he thinks is right." She said.


    "So you''re supporting him? Kidnapping is illegal!"


    "I never said that, listen closely to me. Your father has always been an incredibly stubborn man so no matter what he is going to do everything even knocking you out to bring you home. Aera you have to escape"


    Her eyes widened at her mother bold proclamation.


    "Don''t fight him, act like you''ve given up and look for an opportunity okay?"


    "Why are you supporting me?" Jessie asked her mother.


    "Because I''ve realized something over the years, you''re the only child that takes after me. I guess that why I was so hard on you when you were growing up, I didn''t like being at the receiving end of such stubbornness and strong will. But those are the things that shaped you into the woman you are today. Like hell I''ll let my daughter just let the people that ruined her life roam free. Go and get your life back Aera."


    "Mother..." Jessie choked out.


    "What are you doing?" Her father walked back into her room. "Give me that." He walked over and snatched his phone from her ear.


    "Now listen, both of you. Whatever your planning, give it up. Because you are coming back home with me, okay?" With that he walked back out of the room.


    Jessie wiped her eyes, filled with new determination she took of her robe and went to take a shower. She couldn''t sit around crying all day, that wasn''t who she was, that wasn''t Jessie Marin.


    **************************************************


    "What time was the appointment?" Jason asked Matt.


    "Ten minutes ago sir" Matt replied.


    Jason frowned, "I have met with sixteen share holders already. Do I really need to meet with a tardy one?" He asked.


    "It depends on how many of them agreed to back you, sir." Matt said.


    "They all did."


    "Really? Wow that is very good news."


    "It is isn''t it, if Mr Jun ever arrives tell him he already decided a side the moment he decided to arrive late. Have you spoken to the press?"


    Matt wanted to argue Mr. Jun case, but he knew it would be a lost cause. "Yes sir, they will publish the news at exactly 4PM this evening."


    Jason looked at his watch and back at Matt.


    "That''s in twenty minutes."


    "Yes sir."


    "Perfect, lets go." He said standing.


    Matt looked confused. "Go where?"


    "The most important meeting of today, Paradise." Jason stated matter of factly.


    "But sir that not for another two hours." Matt said.


    "That''s what they want you to think, let''s go now." He buttoned his jacket and walked out of his office with Matt close behind him.


    *************************************************


    Matt wanted nothing more than to run the other direction when he saw the building they were headed into. He looked up to see if Jason shared the same interests as him but if he did he didn''t show it. He had worked for Jason for nine years now, he always handled all his files and appointments. He knew everything Jason was working on, he knew what he thought and what he preferred. But for the first time in nine years he was finally going to see Paradise. Jason always mentioned it but he never explained or mentioned what it was about. The only thing he knew was Paradise was an inheritance his mother left for him.


    Jason walked to the door and knocked, a small shuttle in the door open and a pair of eyes looked out at him.


    "Can I help you?" The voice asked.


    "I''m here for the meeting." Jason said curtly.


    "And who are you?"


    "The owner." He replied curtly and after a moment the door opened and he walked in.


    Matt jaw dropped as he saw the inside of the building, was it magic? No way the inside could be this big. The outside of the building looked like a shabby, sketchy  archaic looking piece of real estate. Infact it was located in an alley. But the inside was more luxurious and beautiful than anything he''d ever seen.


    Jason didn''t even care about the surroundings, although he hadn''t been in the building before, he couldn''t lose face by gaping about. Matt was already doing  a fine job at that.


    He followed after the man that opened the door, looking around as he did. They were people walking about, this was literally and metaphorically an underground company. They walked into a one storey building and now it seemed like they were in a forty storey building. The only thing that made it look like it was, there was no sunlight. Instead the place was light by what appeared to be luminous stones, strange.


    The man lead them to two big heavy doors. "The meeting is in this room."


    Jason nodded at him and he left. After a short moment Jason pushed the doors open and walked in, suddenly the entire room fell silent. Until one man sitting at the head of the long table spoke.


    "You''re early."

 Chapter 87 - 87. Claim My Throne.

    "You''re early."


    "Really? Because it seems everyone is already here." Jason said walking to the opposite end of the table, he stared into the man eyes and pocketed his hands.


    Mr. Reginald Choi, the most powerful man in the country. He was basically the president. Jason eyes moved round the room, looking at all the people that were really in charge of the country, but did it from behind the sidelines. Out if the spot light. And now the man that questioned him, he was the godfather of politics in the country. No one could become a president if he didn''t approve, his mother told him about Reginald Choi. He couldn''t believe he was now his boss.


    "I don''t think I have to introduce myself. You all know who I am right?"


    "Jason Kang, nobody that''s somebody in this country doesn''t know that name. Heir to the Kang empire and the son of Dominic Kang." One woman said. She was the prime minister wife.


    "Wrong,  I will not be known as the son of my father here, since I''m here to claim my throne, you''ll refer to me as Jason Kang, Veronica Parks'' son." He stated.


    The room erupted into murmurs. But he never broke eye contact with Reginald. "Quiet down now, we all knew this day was coming. So Jason, why did you decide to come now?"


    "My mother told me it was my duty to protect Paradise, especially from my father. In order to protect this... gathering and all your identities. I stayed away." He said.


    "Still doesn''t answer my question." Reginald replied.


    "Yeah, what''s different now?" Another man asked.


    Jason looked at Matt and nodded. Matt clicked on his laptop and the projector behind Jason turned on. Jason stepped aside so they could watch the news.


    "An emergency board meeting has been called in the KE holdings, to discuss the dismissal of chairman Kang."


    ***************************************************


    "Jason?" A beautiful woman walked over bare footed to her child who was busy beside the water to pay her any attention.


    "What are you doing?" She asked the the little boy that was only focused on his sand castle.


    "It''s a sand castle, see?" He laughed.


    "Aren''t you too old to be playing with sand?" She teased him.


    "No, I''m only seven. I''m not too old." He pouted. She smiled at him, and patted his head. Bending beside him she inspected his work.


    "Jason do you like the ocean?" She asked.


    "Of course." He chirped.


    "Why?"


    "Because it''s beautiful, like and endless watery paradise." He stated.


    "Wow, Jason. I''m glad you said those words, you see, this world is full of bad people very bad people. That hurt all the innocent and helpless people." His mother told him.


    Jason frowned, "why don''t the police shot all the bad people?" He asked.


    His mother laughed, "that would be easy right?" He nodded. "Well you must always remember not everything is as it seems Jason. The police aren''t always your friends. You must become so strong that you wouldn''t need help from anyone. You would be strong enough to protect the people you love."


    "Like you mummy?" He asked.


    "Yes, see there are people, very powerful people that have taken it upon themselves to ensure that this world remains safe and those in power don''t exploit poor and helpless people. They are like the ocean. Beautiful and endless. But also very dangerous and scary."


    "I don''t know if I like them." He said.


    "Are you sure, mummy is part of them."


    "Really?" She nodded.


    "And you will too, when you''re grown up."


    "How about daddy, is he part of you guys?" Jason asked.


    "Oh no Jason. You must never tell your father about this, promise me. You must never tell anyone okay?" She said sternly.


    Jason nodded. "But I don''t even understand mother?"


    "Look mummy is part of a top secret organisation called Paradise. They hold so much power it''s almost invincible, and that belongs to you." His mother informed him.


    "Me? Why?"


    "Because you are my son, but even though Paradise is very powerful it''s also very fragile, you must protect it with your life. Because it''s much bigger than all of us. Okay?"


    "Okay mummy, I think I understand."


    "That''s great Jason, I love you." She kissed his head.


    "I love you too."


    **************************************************


    "This does not prove anything, you''re still not in charge yet." The prime minister''s wife said.


    "Oh it does, I say with absolute certainty that by this time tomorrow I will be in charge of KE holdings." Jason stated curtly.


    "And how are you so sure? You can never really trust people to keep their words." Reginald said.


    "Oh I know, that''s why I invited all the people that will betray me to my office today." Jason stated.


    "You see, it''s pretty simple actually, only those that wish to double cross you will agree to give all their shares to someone that they spoke to for less that an hour." Jason continued.


    "And you know this how?" Another person asked.


    "Because I''m my mother''s son. You all had unconditional respect and trust in my mother. I ask that you try to look past my surname and father and do same, because my mother was the one who raised me." Jason said. "Besides it''s not like you have an option, I am the heir to Paradise." He looked back at Reginald Choi. "I believe your sitting in my chair?"


    Reginald scoffed and got up, gesturing for him to come take his place. Walking over to another chair. Jason to swift strides to the chair and sat down.


    "Well now for the reason I called the meeting." He said slowly and some of the members gave him questioning looks.


    "You don''t think I called a meeting here because I wanted to introduce myself, as you said earlier there''s nobody here that does not know who I am." Jason said with a sinister smile. "I''m here because I need everyone of you to use all your connections if need be to find that woman." He pointed at the screen.


    "You want us to look for the dead actress? Isn''t she dead?" One man asked.


    "Apparently, but I have concrete proof that she isn''t." Jason replied.


    "And what is this proof?"


    "The fact that until the day before yesterday she was living in my penthouse." He stated bluntly.


    Yet again the room erupted into another bout of murmurs.


    "So you want us to look for your girlfriend?" Reginald asked.


    "She''s not my girlfriend" Jason said. "Not yet any way, and don''t worry this isn''t only personal." He got up and walked back to the front of the table.


    "Jessie Marin was framed for murder and passed off as being dead. While in actuality she was kidnapped and into a slave market." He said.


    "I''m not sure how that is any of our problems, you do realise we interfere with problems that are at a national level." The prime minister wife said.


    "Oh did I forget to mention? The Lee''s are behind her entire demise, Patricia staged the kidnapping and everything. She was sold at the auction house, it is owned by the Lee''s. I believe that has been something that Paradise has been trying to get their hands on right?" Jason said.


    "Is all this true?"


    "It is. This is the perfect opportunity to destroy the tyrant Lee family don''t you think?" Jason asked them.


    "How are we sure it isn''t for your personal gain?" Another man asked.


    "At this point does it matter? It is true I want the actress back, but we can''t give up on such an opportunity." He stated.


    "So I hope we are all on board, first we have to find Jessie. That will be all for this meeting, get to work then." Jason said.

 Chapter 88 - 88. Keep Up The Charade.

    Jason walked into the office that was prepared for him in the Paradise building. As he entered he saw Reginald Choi sitting on a couch waiting. His eyes perked up when he saw Jason by the door.


    "Mr Choi." Jason stated curtly.


    "How long has it been?" Reginald asked.


    "Long enough." Jason said with a small smile. Walking into the room he sat opposite Reginald.


    "I''m sorry I was too harsh on you in the meeting. I was only doing my job." He said warmly.


    "It''s okay, I didn''t expect any less." Jason replied.


    "So... you''re finally taking you''re father''s company. Took you long enough."


    "Well I didn''t exactly do it on my own accord. I initially intended to grow my business more. But circumstances hastened my decision." Jason said.


    "The actress?" Jason nodded. Reginald laughed,


    "you don''t even try to hide your heart."


    "Should I? Am I being too brazen with this?" Jason asked, honestly.


    "A little bit." Reginald laughed and Jason rubbed the back of his neck looking like a little school boy that was being scolded. "Your mother was right about you." He continued. "You truly are what Paradise needs."


    "Don''t flatter me too much, I haven''t done anything yet." He said. "Also, I''ve been meaning to apologise, for what happened fourteen years ago. I shouldn''t have condemned my mother, she was unhappy with my father and had every right to be happy with someone else."


    "It wasn''t your fault Jason, you were still a child. I hope you don''t blame yourself for what happened to her." Reginald asked sincerely.


    Jason gave him a small smile.


    "You were your mother greatest pride, know that. And the only way to honour her memory is to live up to the image she had for you." Reginald said. "I''m glad to see you didn''t grow up like your father at the end."


    Jason narrowed his eyes "what makes you say that?"


    "Look at all your doing to protect the woman you love, that something your father was not capable of."  Reginald said. "So what are you going to do about your Fiancee?"


    Jason pursed his lips, "I hadn''t thought about that. If I am successful in taking my father''s company tomorrow I wouldn''t need to keep up with the charade." He stated.


    "Well I guess this decision benefits you greatly doesn''t it." Reginald said. Before Jason could reply he heard a knock on the door.


    "Come in."


    Matt walked into the office with files in hand. "What is that?" Jason asked.


    "The information you asked for in the meeting, this is what we currently have." He said.


    "I''ll excuse you now, let''s meet for drinks some time."Reginald said standing up.


    "Of course sir," he said standing as well. He walked over to his desk as Reginald left the room. Matt placed the files on his desk along with some pictures.


    "So this is her manager?" Jason asked inspecting all the pictures.


    "Yes, and this is all the information on him." Matt showed him another file. "So what do we do now sir?"


    "He has three kids?" Jason asked looking at the picture of three little girls.


    "Yes sir."


    "That is interesting."


    **************************************************


    Jonathan frowned as he walked out if his father''s office, he had been to the man''s house more than he would have liked in his entire life. Before he came to the city he was always anxious and nervous when he thought about his father and his brother. He was eager to meet them, but it appeared they didn''t share the same feelings. His father just saw him as a pawn he could use whenever he wanted and his brother? If he wasn''t ignoring him, he was being incredibly intolerable. And now he was caught in between a crossfire. His father or his brother. Normally he wasn''t supposed to be thinking of it and support his father, he would''ve have gladly done so a mere thirty minutes earlier. But his father has the guts to threaten his mother, a woman that only lived for him. Even after everything she had been through, she still loved him and never said anything bad about him to her son. And now? He was also using her for his personal gain. It wouldn''t do, he hated his father for this. It made him angry to think this was the man he wanted to meet for so long. It was time to prove to both his father and his brother that they weren''t the only ones that mattered, he was a human being too. And regardless of his being illegitimate he was still a Kang.


    **************************************************


    Tony ran his hand through his short black hair as he walked to the door, that must be the baby sitter he asked to look after the girls while their mother was on a trip. She gave him a long speech of needing time off after he abandoned her for most part before Jessie''s supposed death.


    He pulled the open, expecting squeals and little hugs around his legs, but instead he was met with and annoyed looking, handsome man in a suit so expensive.


    Tony frowned "can I help you?"


    "Yes you can, where is Jessie Marin?"


    "What? I don''t understand, who are you?" Tony asked with venom. Collecting the business card the was handed to him his eyes widened when he saw the name, Jason Kang.


    "Why should I tell you anything? You''re not going to get any information from me, so it be in your best interest to live before I call the police." He spat.


    "And it would be in your best interest to tell me what I want to know." Jason warned.


    "Why would I do that? Jessie is finally free from the likes of people like you. What did you think you would keep deceiving her? It was only a matter of time before she realized she was being played like a fool." Tony said.


    Jason frowned. "Being played like a fool? Who? Jessie?"


    "Of course, I know the only reason your keeping her in your home is because of Patricia Lee. You''re keeping an eye on her, keeping her in check for you wicked little fiancee." Tony said with a lot of resentment.


    Jason scoffed "is that why she left? Because she thinks I''m playing her?" He asked in disbelief.


    "How long did you really think you could continue to deceive her?" Tony asked him.


    ''That does not make any sense, if Jessie really believed that she wouldn''t have sent that text message or she didn''t. If she didn''t then someone else must''ve sent it.'' He thought.


    "Is that what you told her?" Jason asked Tony.


    "Yes, I helped her see the truth so what?"


    "So you lied to her, because if you really believed that yourself you wouldn''t have sent this text message to me. I''ll ask this only once again, where is Jessie?" Jason asked his voice low and dangerous.


    Tony felt extremely intimidated but he was just one man. He could take him, besides if it meant Jessie''s safety he would endure anything.


    Jason sighed and motioned for something with his hands, Tony couldn''t see what but when two men stepped out from behind he couldn''t stop himself for stumbling a few steps backwards.


    "I really didn''t want to do this, but you must understand how serious I am." Jason stated.


    One of the men behind him showed him the screen of a tablet. Tony eyes widened when as he watched a video of his three girls and their baby sitter playing in a small playground.


    "I reckon I don''t need to say more, are you going to speak or not?" Jason asked.


    Tony bit his lip and tried to stop his hands from trembling, if this was only him he wouldn''t have spoken. But his girls, even though Jason might not hurt them, he couldn''t be so sure.


    "Thank you for your cooperation Tony." Jason said after he told him everything. "You''re daughters will be delivered to you safe I assure you." He stated walking away.


    "Wait. If you''re not doing this because of Patricia, why are you going to this extreme to get Jessie back?" He asked.


    Jason turned around slightly. "Because I love her." He said bluntly, walking away.

 Chapter 89 - 89. Sinking Ship.

    Jonathan waited patiently for his brother to come home, it had been almost three hours and still no sign of Jason. Did he already go up? No that wasn''t possible, he was attentive no car came in here without him knowing. As he looked at his watch a car came in and at a glance he knew who it was. His brother. He watched quietly for him to get down off the car, that was an natural number of bodyguards. Since when did he start going around with bodyguards? Did he suspect their father would hurt him? Was he capable of that?


    Jonathan got off as well and waited for him by the elevator.


    "The old man send you?" Jason asked as he walked towards him.


    "Yes... but that''s not the reason I''m here." Jonathan said.


    Jason stood before his brother and tilted his head, "are you going to tell me or should I guess." Jason asked, wearing a bored expression on his face.


    "I''m here to give all my shares to you." Jonathan stated curtly. "Shall I continue? In front of them?" He asked gesturing to the three men that stood behind him.


    "Matt take another elevator with them, I''ll go up with Jonathan." Jason ordered.


    "With all due respect sir, we cannot allow you out of our sight, especially with someone else in an enclosed space." One of the bodyguards spoke up.


    "I''ll be fine thank you, right Jonathan?" He smirked at Jonathan.


    "Whatever, let''s go." He said turning around to go the elevator. The bodyguard wanted to insist but Matt stopped him and led them out of the basement as Jonathan''s and Jason walked into the elevator.


    "So?" Jason asked as they walked into the elevator.


    "I''ll start first with the old man''s message. He says you may think you''re grown up but you''re not. ''Stop this before you fall flat on your face, your still my heir don''t let the shareholders witness  what will clearly be an embarrassment. You forget I know have a spare, you aren''t indispensable.'' That''s what he said." Jonathan stated curtly.


    Jason nodded "and you?" He asked, by that time the elevator door opened and they both walked out.


    "I have conditions for my information. And my shares." Jonathan said as they walked into his penthouse.


    "What makes you think I need them?" Jason asked.


    "Because if you don''t, father message will become you reality." Jason brow rose at his brother proclamation.


    Jonathan smiled, looking around his house, "I wonder, would I ever have gotten the chance to enter your house if you didn''t want something for me?"


    Jason took of his jacket and walked to the bar, "do you want anything?" He shook his head and Jason nodded pouring himself a glass of bourbon. He walked back and sat down, watching Jonathan inspect his apartment.


    "I never said I wanted anything" Jason stated curtly.


    "Oh but you do, right at this very moments at the shareholders you assume you have in your corner, are kneeling down eating out of father''s palm." Jonathan informed him, but he didn''t expect the reaction Jason was giving his news. There was no surprise, or disappointment. It was like he expected it.


    "You knew." Jonathan said slowly.


    Jason nodded, "I did."


    "So why? If you know there''s no chance of you winning?" Jonathan asked truly perplexed by his older brother.


    "Listen closely, teachable moment. What happens when there a situation, that say a country experiences a long reign of peace? First the citizens get too comfortable, then they get confident, soon after that they become cocky." Jason explained to Jonathan.


    "Father is just like the citizens, for decades he''s run the Kang empire, with no attempts for the sit and hardly any on his life. He''s become too cocky." He said.


    "So you''re just trying to rattle father? You have no intention of winning?" Jonathan asked.


    "Oh no... I definitely do."


    "How? I just told you there''s no one on your side."


    "But here you are, and besides with a business as big as the KE holdings. You never all your shareholders. I never expected any of the people I met with today to side with me." He stated.


    "You couldn''t have known I would come." Jonathan said.


    "Actually I didn''t, but to be honest I''m glad you did. You make me proud and finally I can see you as competition."


    "Because I''m on your side?" Jonathan scoffed.


    "No even better, no you''re thinking like a Kang. Like father, like me." Jason said with a small smirk.


    "And how I''m I doing that exactly?"


    "You know right when to jump out of a sinking ship."


    **************************************************


    Jessie stared at the clock, if she didn''t escape now she never would. In just about 30 seconds they''ll be here to call her to leave for the airport. Her father had suspected she would try to escape which of course she would and moved their departure to this evening. She was in the short skirt and buttoned up shirt that Tony brought for her. Forming a bad habit of chewing in her nails, nothing she could do now. She was about thirty floors high and besides after the last time she tried to escape Jason''s apartment she developed quite a fear of heights, nothing would make her even consider the balcony. And there were guards right outside her door, curse the hotel rooms for having only one way of exit.


    If only she could get her hands on a phone, who would she call? If she couldn''t trust Jason then she probably couldn''t trust Katherine and especially not Paul. But they all seemed to share her dislike of Patricia and her infamous family, especially Katherine. Then there was her knight on shining armour as always, Jonathan Kang. But she didn''t know his number and never saw the need to memorize it since she had it saved on her phone. At this rate she might as well just be shipped home. Either way she wouldn''t give up until she had tried everything.


    "Miss Yoo? It''s time." One if the guards informed her  from behind the door.


    Since she didn''t have any luggage she didn''t have to pick anything, instead her hands hung iddly by her side.


    "Aera" her father said from the door. And she frowned at him.


    "I told you not to call me that." She said firmly. As he walked into the room.


    "Why? That''s your name is it not? You''ll do well to forget the name Jessie Marin and leave it behind, forget everything that has to do with that name." He stated bluntly.


    Jessie frowned ready to lash out of her father but her mother''s words echoed in her head. She decided that being agreeable would suit her well and might loosen up a bit. And at the perfect moment she would escape.


    "...."


    "Very well, you seem ready let''s go." He said. And she followed quietly behind him and they walked out of the hotel, and got into the car. Jessie had forgotten how extravagant her father tended to be sometimes, a limousine? That was unnecessary but as always it was important to keep face. Even though their family and family business wasn''t based in the capital they were still a pretty expansive family. So when they were in capital, surrounded by all those eyes, they had to keep appearances. She refused to speak all the while, but humoured her father endless chatter with slight sighs and hums, in response when they were needed.


    Her father excitement was very obvious and Jessie noticed it as well, be was indeed sincerely happy that she was returning with him. At least both her parents seemed happy about her return, she had no idea how any of her siblings would react. Especially Deok soo, silently hoping he had outgrown his bitterness.


    As they entered the private jet Jessie knew it was most likely over, maybe she should prepare for escaping from the family house instead, because it seemed like she would be going home. After about thirty minutes of flying the aircraft landed, the pilot mumbled something about fuel and not being able to restock because the sudden change of schedule. Jessie didn''t pay it any heed until the door opened. She looked at her father, his seemed distracted by the laptop in front of him. This was an opportunity! She didn''t know how far she would get but she was sure as hell going to try. She slowly took off her belt and before her father would turn around to check she slipped out if the plane. And just started running. She didn''t know where or how but she just kept running. Soon enough she reached the boarding place where the buses that carried passengers were parked. She managed to slip through the security and the she saw the entrance, she looked back and no one was following her. They hadn''t realized, she was free!


    How wrong she was. As she stepped out of the airport building she bumped into a large suit claded man, and fell back. He turned around to apologise when she noticed the earpiece in his ear. He was a bodyguard and she recognised his face.


    "Miss Yoo?" She shook her head but before she would try to run away again, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to a corner.


    "Let me go! Let me go now or I will scream." She threatened.


    "Oh? Go on then, scream let''s see how you explain your face." Her father voice sounded behind her. She whipped her head around and glared at him.


    "I should have known, you were being too agreeable. You never give up do you?" He asked.


    "You cannot do this! Let me go, this is kidnapping and it''s illegal!" She yelled.


    "Oh yeah well you''re illegal so..." he trailed of, he was taunting her. When did her father get so pigheaded? Oh that''s right ten years ago.


    "Will just give up already? You make me want to put you on a complete lockdown when we get home." He stated.


    "Please Father, don''t do this." She pleaded when she saw that her chances of getting out of this were running slim.


    "Take her back to the plane" he ordered the bodyguard, ignoring her. Her pleas fell on silent ears as they drove back to the plane. And she felt an immense urge to break down and just cry, but what use would that do? Give her a runny nose and headache.


    She felt defeated and annoyed, walking back into the plane. How naive she must have been to think she had escaped. She almost bumped into her father as she got in, seeing as he was standing there in front of the entrance.


    "What are you doing?" She asked, but he didn''t reply, following his gaze she looked at what had him so... shocked?


    Her eyes widened and her breathing stopped when her eyes landed on the opposite direction. "Jason?"


    "What the hell did you do to you hair?"

 Chapter 90 - 90. Love Confessions Arent About Courage.

    Katherine stood in front of the Song memorial and took in a deep breath, closing her eyes. She took a short leave, wishing it would be longer, but it couldn''t. She had surgery today and had to come back for it. Mustering up her courage she walked into the hospital.


    "Welcome back Dr. Park." The receptionist and nurse behind the attendance counter bowed at her and she nodded at them.


    "You''re back?" Dr Han said with a brow raise.


    "Miss me?" Katherine''s asked as she pressed the button on the elevator. Dr. Han rolled her eyes and scoffed.


    "No... I just expected that you would stay longer, you know it''s not everyday a doctor sees someone die in front if them." She stated sarcastically.


    Katherine narrowed her eyes at Dr. Han, she knew what she was doing, and even though she normally wouldn''t humour her, but she couldn''t let her statement go. The elevator was filled with people, nurses, doctors and residents. If she didn''t reply she would lose face so she did.


    "Well personally I don''t see a lot of deaths, but I guess that''s not the case for you?" Katherine replied with a grin.


    "Pfft... it''s called having a strong will, I guess someone that trails behind the Head of board wouldn''t understand." She stated.


    Katherine pursed her lips, "well it''s better than taking up patients that would still end up dead. Perhaps I should come to you for guidance, you seem pretty strong willed to still come to work with you death rate."


    Dr. Han laughed and sighed. "I guess this are the trials good doctors like me have to face, at least people like us don''t shy away from difficult cases."


    Katherine tilted her head, "I never realised a common cold was a difficult case, ooh Dr. Han you might be on to something here."


    "You!" Dr. Han spat.


    "Me? If you want to know how pros do it, the bone marrow transplant is this afternoon by 3. I always love helping my struggling colleagues, why don''t you come watch.." Katherine offered with a big smile.


    Before Dr. Han could reply the elevator door opened and Katherine pointed outside. "Isn''t this your stop?"


    "This isn''t over" she spat as she left the elevator. Katherine nodded and waved her goodbye, there were a few snickers as she left the elevator and Katherine''s chest puffed with pride and satisfaction. Her assistant nurse was waiting for her as soon as she stepped out of the elevator.


    "Oh thank goodness your back, it''s time to for a pre surgery check up for our patient."


    "Oh okay, let''s go." Katherine nodded. "I''ll drop my bag in my office and head there."


    After a short while the headed to her patients room. "Oh the specialist from the other branch has also arrived."


    "Oh? That''s great then at least we have sometime to discuss the surgery." She said.


    **************************************************


    Devon Geum was a man off his own principles, being the youngest doctor ever to be on the country''s board of doctors was no small feat. And he did let it get to his head, a natural genius that had graduated top of his class, at just age 19. If he had done a four year course he would have graduated 17. He loved to work alone and he made sure to make people around him know he was better than they were, which he was.


    Coming to the Song memorial hospital wasn''t something he was willing to do, but he just couldn''t pass on a chance at a rare case as the patient in question. While he was eager for the case be wasn''t at all interested in the collaboration. He would find a way to get the resident surgeon to drop out of the case if he could.


    But the moment his eyes fell on the black haired beauty walking towards him, all those thought left his head. Goodness she was beautiful, her hair barely passed her shoulders, she had plump pink lips, and an oval face. Her eyes weren''t very big but the had an intensity to it. It felt as if time stopped as he watched her walk. Soon enough she was standing in front of him as the woman besides her made the introductions.


    "Dr. Park, this is Dr. Devon Geum, Dr. Geum this is Dr. Katherine Park." She said.


    "Nice to meet you, I''ve heard all about your work. I''m so flattered to be in presence of such a beautiful mind, I hope we get along." She smiled and held out her hand to him.


    Devon blinked and cleared his throat. He took her slim hands in his bigger ones and smiled awkwardly. What the hell was wrong with him? He was never nervous. Then it dawned on him.


    "Dr. Katherine Park?"


    Katherine smiled "that is my name" she replied.


    "You''re Dr. Katherine Park, the Dr. Katherine Park?" She nodded, looking at him suspiciously.


    "Is something the problem?" She asked.


    "You''re beautiful." He blurted.


    Katherine gasped and turned away as heat rose to her cheeks. Her assistant, Hannah giggled and hid it with a cough, when Katherine glared at her.


    "Did I say something wrong?" He asked when he saw their reaction.


    "No! No it''s... it''s okay, thank you. You''re handsome yourself." Katherine said sincerely. This wasn''t the first time she was seeing Dr. Geum, and she wasn''t the only doctor that admired him, both as a doctor and as a man. For someone with his academic prowess he was too good looking. The only thing that made him seem human was his horrible personality, Katherine had heard many rumours about how arrogant and obnoxious he was.


    He smiled back, laughing nervously. "Forgive my forwardness, it''s just I didn''t expect you to be so pretty. Honesty I expected a plain, glasses wearing bookie." He said curtly.


    Katherine laughed, "that''s not a very nice thing to say." She scolded him playfully.


    His brows rose in slight confusion and Katherine had to admit he looked adorable. "It isn''t? Oh.. but I said you weren''t like that."


    "Still it not nice to speak about someone like that." She insisted.


    "It isn''t? Huh, but what if it''s the truth?" He asked.


    "Well you hide that truth. You don''t have many friends do you?" He pouted and shook his head. Katherine fought the urge to pull his cheeks.


    ''Ugh! He''s too adorable!''


    "I have no idea though, I was told honesty was the best foundation for a good friendship but it''s doesn''t work for me." He said sincerely.


    Katherine smiled, "that''s because of your honest opinions on people''s appearances." She stated.


    "So should I not have called you beautiful?" He asked.


    "Oh no no no, you can do that. You can definitely do that." She laughed.


    "That''s good to know." He nodded.


    "Shall we go see the patient now?" Katherine suggested.


    "Sure, sure lead the way." He smiled giving her way to lead. He definitely wasn''t chasing this doctor away.


    **************************************************


    "Is it me or were you flirting with Dr. Geum?" Hannah teased Katherine as they walked to the operating theater.


    "I was not flirting." Katherine insisted.


    "I''m just saying, if he does like you go for it. I heard he''s not the nicest of people so if he is nice to you it has to mean something. Besides until when are you going to continue with this unrequited love of yours?" She asked.


    "Hey, my unrequited love is none of your business. I''ll stop when I want to, okay. Besides what kind of unrequited lover would I be if gave up so easily?" Katherine said.


    "Ugh... aren''t you even going to tell him? The dummy doesn''t even know." Hannah cried.


    "I''m only going to say when I''m sure he likes me too, a love confession isn''t about courage it about probability. If the chances of getting rejected are above 30% abort plan. If the chances of getting accepted are above 80% then go for it." She informed her dear assistant.


    "That''s the stupidest thing I''ve ever heard.  So what are you''re chances right now." Hannah asked.


    "80%" She said sadly.


    "Wait isn''t that good?"


    "80% at getting rejected."


    "Oh... did something happen?" Hannah asked.


    "I''m not even sure Hannah, I don''t know what to say." Katherine sighed.


    "Well think again, because I feel like that probability just went down." Hannah said.


    "Why?"


    "Look" Hannah pointed to a figure leaning aganist the wall beside the door of the operation room.


    Katherine frowned. "Paul?"


    His head perked up and he turned to look at her.


    "See you" Hannah said as she made herself scarce.


    "What are you doing here?" She asked him.


    "I could ask you the same thing, I told you to take some days off." He stated.


    "And I did, now I''m back to work, besides I have to operate today, I couldn''t miss it." She replied.


    Paul nodded "after you''re done can we get a coffee?" He asked.


    "I don''t think so Paul. This surgery is scheduled to take eight to twelve hours maybe even more." She said. "The only thing I would want to do after is sleep."


    "Then tea?"


    Katherine''s eyes narrowed and she frowned. "What part of  sleep do you not understand?" She said


    He nodded. "I heard you''re operating with that obnoxious Dr. Geum, if he gives you any trouble tell me. I''ll fix it okay?"


    She frowned. "I told you to stop doing that Paul. I can take care of myself so back off." She spat


    Paul''s brows furrowed "are you still mad at me?"


    "Well yes, if you keep acting like this." She said.


    "Katherine i-"


    "Dr. Park we''re ready for you." A nurse called from inside the OR.


    "I have to go." She said.


    "We''re not done talking about this."


    "Well I am, I''ve said everything I want to. Good bye Paul." She said walking away.

 Chapter 91 - 91. Wake Up To Responsibilities.

    Jessie jaw dropped as she stared at Jason, so many questions at the moment in her head. How, when and why was he sitting down in her father''s private jet.


    "Why did you cut you hair?" He asked again, getting up to walk over to her. He reached for her face and cupped her cheeks, rubbing with his thumb. Jessie snapped out of her thoughts and slapped his hand away.


    "Why do you care? It''s my hair I have the right to what I want to do with it." She snarled.


    Jason eyes darkened and she expected him to yell but he looked behind her instead.


    "I assume your Jessie''s father? Mr. Yoo?" Jason asked.


    "Yes, and you must be Jaosn Kang." Jason nodded. "Well since the introductions have been made, get out of my plane. As you can see I''m taking my daughter back home with me." Harish stated firmly.


    "I''m afraid that wouldn''t be possible." Jason said bluntly, pocketing his hands.


    "And just who do you think you are to make does decisions? You have no right over my daughter."


    "Well apparently neither do you." Jason said.


    Harris''s eyes widened and he clenched his fist, the audacity of this man! "Excuse me?!"


    "I''m not telling a lie, if the laws of this country are still effective then I''m right. Jessie is not a child, and she is well above 18 so she can make her own decisions." Jason replied, wearing a bored expression on his face.


    Jessie looked between the two men that argued about her life, in her very presence. Still too shocked to say anything, she was still trying to figure out how Jason found her. Was they a second GPS device in her body? There weren''t even in the city anymore, this was a different city for goodness sake. How did he find her?


    "That may be true but I never stopped being her father, and besides it''s time for her to reunite with her family." Harish sneered at him.


    "But it seems that Jessie is reluctant. She doesn''t want to come with you, you can''t force her to." Jason said.


    "So what? You want her to go with you? Aera will come home with me, and there''s nothing you can say or so about it." Harish warned.


    "Stop it, both of you. This is my life you''re talking about,  don''t I get to make the decision?" She asked. "What''s up with all these men trying to control my life?"


    "This is not up for discussion Aera, you''re coming with me." Her father said.


    "She not." Jason stated curtly. Frowning slightly.


    "Yes father I''m not." Jessie said.


    "So what? You''ll go with him?" Her father asked.


    "Yes."


    "No." They both answered simultaneously.


    Jessie glared at him and Jason looked at her with a raised brow.


    "Yes."


    "No." They said again this time their answers directed at each other.


    "I''m not going anywhere with either of you." She stated. "Neither of you." She affirmed.


    "Look I understand you mad at me right now but don''t you think you''re being to courageous?" Jason asked her.


    "Courageous?" She huffed.


    "Uhmm. How are you going to survive on your own? You have no money, no house, no clothes, you don''t even have an identity. Believe it or not but you need one of us." Jason stated curtly.


    Jessie jaw dropped and she fought the urge to hit him. "Is that what I am to you? Some... some damsel in distress?" She asked in disbelief.


    Jason sighed realising his mistake. "That''s not what I meant Jessie."


    "What then? What did you mean?" She asked angrily. She turned to her father. "Even you, when I was okay, when I was great you never came for me. But all of sudden your helpless daughter has no where else to go, you''re here trying to act like a father." She said.


    "Aera-"


    "Don''t call me that. Don''t call me that!" She screamed. "I''m I really that pitiful? That a man that hasn''t been a father to me in ten years and another that purchased me like some item feel like it their duty to protect me?" She asked.


    "Jessie" Jason said softly.


    "Don''t, don''t. Both of you just stop! You''re not helping, either of you! I realise I''ve become pathetic, I understand my situation but if you keep acting like this, like I''m some helpless and lost puppy. How I''m I supposed to live? How I''m supposed to believe that I''m not so pathetic? Huh?! My life was ruined I get it! But can you please stop pointing out how bad it is?!!" She yelled.


    "Aera."


    "Jessie."  They both said.


    "Stop!" She screamed. "I-I can''t do this right now, I can''t do this." She cried walking out if the plane.


    The bodyguard stood in front of her to block her exit. Jessie glared at him through her tears and he moved away, giving her room to walk out.


    "You''re not taking her Mr. Yoo." Jason said matter of factly. "I assume you are wondering how I found you?"


    Harish stared daggers at the pompous man standing before him. But he was indeed curious as to how he found him.


    Jason pulled out a card and held it inbetween his index and middle fingers. "You should know what this is just by the design alone."


    Harish eyes widened when as looked at the purple card with gold designs in his hand. There was only one place in this entire world that had those cards.


    "Paradise, if that''s what you''re thinking then your correct. You probably came to the city to attend the meeting, I called for it." Jason admitted to the older man.


    "You called the meeting?" Harish asked.


    "Yes."


    "Then that means..."


    "I''m Veronica Park''s son, your new President. Yes." Jason stated.


    Harish frowned, last he heard the heir to the Paradise throne was collecting information and experience. Reginald told them he was in a difficult situation where he couldn''t take up his responsibility as he should have.


    "I thought you were in a difficult situation? What happened to your father?" Harish asked him.


    "No longer a problem, you see you''re looking at the new chairman of KE holdings." Jason informed him with a smile.


    "How did that happen? Did Dominic die? Because I heard you were too much if a wimp to take charge of your father''s company either way." Harish sneered.


    Jason expression darkened dangerously. "You will do well to watch your words Harish, do not forget you are now my surbodinate." Jason warned. "And no, my father is not dead."


    "So why now, after all this time? Did you decide to take control?" Harish asked him.


    "I guess I could say you''re the reason." Jason said honestly.


    "Me? How so?"


    "You took Jessie." He stated matter of factly.


    "How did that make you wake up to your responsibilities?"


    "Trust me I''m not eager to carry the weight of both Paradise and KE holdings. But I realized at that moment when Jessie went missing that I was not as powerful as I would have wanted to be, I was not powerful enough to find her. So I got powerful." He stated bluntly.


    "So you did all this to find my daughter? Why?"


    "Isn''t it obvious? I''m in love with with you daughter Mr. Yoo. And I''m willing to do anything to get her back, even if it means taking her away from you." Jason says curtly.


    Harish didn''t know weather to be relieved that someone so powerful was ready to go to an extent for his daughter or to be annoyed at his audacity to speak so boldly at the father of the woman he claims he loves. Or weather he should be scared at his passion.


    "You do realise that by taking control of Paradise, you must step up. You can''t just waltz in and out. Weather or not your ready for the responsibility you must shoulder it." Harish stated.


    Jason nodded. "I knew the reparcautions of my decisions before I took them. Like I said before there''s nothing I wouldn''t do for Jessie."


    Harish scoffed. "I''m not happy with this arrangement because I''m still unsure you''ll be able to make my daughter as happy as she deserves to be. But it''s not like I have a choice in the matter. Take care of my Aera, if you hurt her I will forget you''re the president and I will act." Harish warned.


    Jason nodded, "I wouldn''t have it any other way." He said sincerely. And the two men nodded in mutual understanding. They weren''t friends, they weren''t allies. But they respected each other.


    Harish still had his reservations, being the president of such a powerful organisation as Paradise wasn''t something that was easy. You''d become target to so many things, but Jason was now his superior. He couldn''t outright refuse him like he would want. All he could hope for was that Jason was strong and wise enough to protect his daughter.


    Jason walked to the exit of the plane, stopping at the door before he left he turned to say one last thing. "Thank you, for letting me have Jessie. I promise to keep her safe and happy." He said.


    "You better."

 Chapter 92 - 92. Damsel In Distress.

    Paul frowned at Katherine, was she really still mad? He wasn''t even aware of what ticked her so much. All he said was the truth was it not? Sighing he walked away, he really needed that coffee, it seems he would have to drink it on his own today.


    He walked back to his office on the last floor, he waved at his secretary as he passed by and opened the door.


    "Mom?"


    "How are you son?" She smiled sweetly at him.


    "Mom what are you doing here?" Paul asked his mother as he walked in and shut the door.


    "No how do you do? Hmm... what manners is that woman teaching you?" She harrumphed.


    Paul sighed fighting the urge to roll his eyes, he sat opposite her and asked his secretary to bring up coffee for both of them.


    "Can you please not bring up Katherine right now?" Paul humphed.


    His mother pouted, "fine. Besides I''ve come with a marriage proposal for you." She smiled.


    Paul brows furrowed, true he did agree to give his mother power over his marriage but after what happened with the last woman he didn''t expect another proposal so soon.


    "She''s just returned from studying abroad." His mother gushed, showing him a picture on her phone.


    Paul pursed his lips and took the phone from his mother, "she''s pretty isn''t she? You two will make such a visual couple!" She said.


    Paul examined the picture, she was pretty and she had a hot figure as well. While his mother was seeing white gowns and hearing wedding bells, Paul was imagining how quickly he could seduce her and have her lying splayed on his bed.


    "She''s pretty." He nodded. "How old is she?" He asked.


    "23. She''s the only daughter of Choi cosmetics. Choi Yuri." His mother informed him.


    "Hmm... when is the meeting?" He asked.


    "On thursday." His mother smiled. "It''s good for you too to also finalize a wedding date, don''t you think?"


    "A wedding date? Mom, we have not even met. And you''re talking about a wedding?"


    "Yes, it''s time to get married, don''t be left behind. Look even Jason has been busy. He''s now the chairman of KE holdings, and he''s already engaged to the Lee family. That kind of alliance is even scary to the rest of the cheabol  families, you also need to strengthen your stand in this country." His mother scolded him.


    "Why are you bringing Jason into this when you don''t know anything?" Paul frowned.


    "What? Am I wrong? I''m just saying it won''t hurt to be like him once in a while..." she trailed off.


    "Mom! Whose your son, Paul or Jaosn?" He asked.


    "Paul." She answered quietly.


    "Whose is your favourite, Paul or Jason?" He asked again.


    "Paul."


    "Good, now I''ve agreed to meet this woman haven''t I?" She nodded.


    "That''s good enough for now" she said. "I''ll leave you to continue working hmm... work hard and make your mother proud." She said standing up. Before she opened the door Paul stopped her.


    "Mom, I''ve agree to go on this meeting so promise me you''ll live Katherine alone." He said.


    His mother turned around to glare at him. "Is that why you agreed to meet this girl? To protect that whore?" His mother spat.


    "Mom" Paul warned.


    "Why do you always have to bring her into everything? Yet you''ll claim there''s nothing going on between the both of you." His mother frowned.


    "There''s nothing going on between us." He stated vehemently. "That''s why I don''t understand why you always go out of your way to make her feel bad."


    "Fine, if you marry Yuri I''ll be sure that there''s nothing going on because the both of you." His mother said.


    "You can''t deceive me into married mother. I''ve given my condition, if you don''t accept you can simply call off the entire thing." Paul replied.


    His mother scoffed, staring at her son in disbelief. "Are you threatening me?"


    "You cannot blame me mother, you pushed my hand. You went too far the last time." Paul said bluntly.


    "I went to far? Did you not see how she spoke to me?!" His mother yelled.


    "Alright, alright. You both went to far, but you started it. Please don''t fight with me on this, trust your son." Paul walked to the door to appease his mother.


    "I trust you, I just don''t trust that woman. I''m not giving an assurances, I''ll watch her and decide for myself." She said.


    Paul nodded, that''s the best he would get right now. And he was going to take it. Giving his mother a light kiss on her cheek he walked her out.


    **************************************************


    Jessie stood outside the airplane trying to calm her emotions. Sometime during her earlier outburst she had begun to cry and that on it''s own pissed her off. She had cried so much lately that she was beginning to feel like some helpless damsel, waiting for her prince charming. Nothing irritated her more than women that acted helpless and dependent. But as much as she wiped her tears they just kept falling. She hated it!


    "Jessie?" Jason called out her name as he walked to her.


    She turned her back to him and struggled to stop her leaking eyes. "Don''t come here, I don''t want you to see me cry." She said.


    "Jessie I''ve seen you cry a lot of times, why is this different?" He asked softly.


    "I don''t know, it just is!" She snapped.


    And Jason nodded, walking to her he shut his eyes and hugged her from behind.


    "What are you doing?" Jessie''s asked as she struggled to get out of his grip.


    "Calm down, my eyes are closed, I can''t see you." Jessie looked up at his face and true to his words his eyes were closed. "Just let me hold you okay?" He said. "Cry all you want, I won''t look."


    Jessie frowned and wiped her eyes, pushing him off her she turned fo face him. "Why are you here? Why couldn''t you just let me go? Did Patricia threaten to leave you if you did?" She asked her voice lined with so much venom.


    Jason blinked at her, and frowned. "I know you don''t believe that Jessie, you''re just angry." He replied.


    "I don''t know what I believe anymore Jason. Apparently my life is now some game that anyone could play with so at this point anything sounds plausible." She said, her eyes widening in anger.


    Jason stepped forward and she moved back holding her hand out to stop him from walking further. Jason furrowed his brow and his lip upturned in annoyance.


    "Don''t dare come close to me." She said. "Why are you even here? Where is my father?"


    Jason looked at her with such an intensity that she thought her legs would give way, and he grinned. She frowned, what was he thinking now?


    "You''re a smart girl, surely you can sense what''s going on." Jason said.


    She thought about it, her father was still in the plane and he was down here. "No way" she shook her head with a small laugh. When she looked at Jason''s grin she huffed.


    "He''s letting me stay?" She asked in disbelief.


    "No, he''s letting you come with me. Note the difference." He stated bluntly.


    Jessie eyes narrowed into slits. "Why would I come with you?"


    Jason looked surprised at her statement. "Where else would you go?"


    "You really think you''re so indispensable to me right?" She scoffed.


    "Why are you saying this things, I know you know that nothing about Patricia or me keeping you captive is true then why?" He asked.


    "Oh? Is that why I had a friggin device at the back of my neck?" She yelled.


    "I understood your anger, and it-"


    "Do you? Really do you?" She asked.


    "Look, I didn''t ask for the device to implanted, it was just there." He shrugged.


    "Oh and you didn''t think to say, ''hey Jessie there is a black beeping GPS in your body''." She frowned.


    "I''m sorry." He stated sincerely. "I was going to tell you, but you went missing the first time and it was easy to find you, I just thought it would be useful incase of emergencies." He rambled. "Look Jessie I''m honestly sorry, can''t we just go back to the way things were before all this?"


    "I don''t know, I always shoved the matter away before but I need to know now, why are you helping me?" She asked.


    Jason sighed, "why do you think I''m helping you?"


    Jessie frowned, "you know what, ignore the question all you want. But I will eventually find out the truth Jason Kang." She said.


    "So you''re coming with me? Just like that?" He asked.


    "Why you expected me to be more stubborn about it? I''ve given up" she said. "I am a damsel in distress apparently. And even my father seems to think he can''t leave me alone without some... I don''t know, guardian." She said sadly. "I''m so pitiful that your ego and male pride won''t even let you be if you don''t come help this helpless woman." She rambled.


    Jason could hardly make sense of what she was saying, he was sure even she could hardly make sense of what she was saying. But it was clear she was incredibly hurt, and it hurt him even more to see her like that. Jessie had already turned around and began to walk to his car, when Jason called out to her.


    She turned around slightly to look at him raising her brow in question.


    Jason walked closer, but he still stood steps away from her, when he pocketed his hands and pursed his lips.


    "You asked why I''m doing this, it''s because I love you."

 Chapter 93 - 93. Conspiracy.

    Jessie froze at first, then her brain started working, over working. He can''t love her right? Absolutely not, she shook her head. No way, this was all too crazy, perhaps he''s joking with her again? No, no that can''t be it... after everything she said how can he s- that jerk! He must pity her so much he is willing to say anything just to make her feel better. That was just low, how could he do that? She agreed that she was pitiful didn''t mean she would allow herself be lied to like this. He even dared to go so far as to confess, ha!


    Jessie tilted her head and folded her arms, glaring at him. "Ha ha very funny Jason." She said sarcastically.


    Jason furrowed his brow in confusion, what?


    "As if it isn''t enough that you would go out of your way to come here to find me, I get that you''re trying to make up for buying me in that auction house but don''t you think this is going too far?" She asked.


    Jason blinked at her utterly speechless, he didn''t know what else to say. Did she really think he was joking?


    "You know I''m not a fool, you''re not going to fool me again" she said remembering the last time he played with her emotions then discarded her by the side of the road like no man''s business. And look at him looking genuinely confused. ''Ha, he should have been an actor, he''s so good at it!''


    "...."


    "No need to say anything, you don''t have to make me feel better by joking about things like this, okay? Let''s just go back to your penthouse, I''m tried all I want to do is sleep." She said finally walking to his car. Before she could reach to open the door someone came out of the front seat and pulled the door open. Jessie furrowed her brows in confusion, judging by the suit he was wearing, and the mic on his ear he was a bodyguard. Since when did Jason start moving around with bodyguards?


    When they were both seated in the car she asked him. "What''s going on? Was there an attempt on your life while I was gone? What''s with all the guards?"


    Jason looked at her, feeling to confused to explain everything to her he dismissed saying he would tell her everything later. Since there were no flights to their city from this one and he didn''t bring a private plane. The drive would be rather long. So he leaned his head aganist the window in an attempt to get some shut eyes since he hadn''t rested this past days looking for the woman he loved but appeared who did not return the affections. Was he perhaps too subtle in his confession? Talk about getting rejected, she didn''t even consider his confession to be real, to even reject it. He sighed gently, for now he would be content with just having her close. Maybe if they manage to eliminate the Lee problem, she wouldn''t see his affections as pity.


    **************************************************


    "You were amazing in there Dr. Geum." Katherine praised him as they washed their hands.


    Devon smiled at her, "you are correct about that but I''m always amazing." He winked and Katherine scoffed at him, some people definitely knew how to accept a compliment.


    "But you were even better" he continued, surprising Katherine. She really didn''t expect him to say that so naturally heat rushed to her cheeks and she lowered her head.


    "Thanks a lot." She smiled. "So you''ll be heading back soon?" She asked him.


    He nodded "regretfully so, I''m afraid there''s a new case waiting for me, perhaps maybe I''ll have you come over so we can take a look at it together?" He offered.


    "Of course, that the most I can do to thank you for today." She smiled, bowing to him.


    Devon wondered if he should ask her out to dinner before he leaves and just as he was about to she got a call.


    "Hello?" She answered.


    "It was nice meeting you Dr. Geum. Hope we collaborate some other time, goodbye." She said quickly walking off.


    Devon sighed, ''maybe some other time.''


    **************************************************


    Patricia couldn''t believe that just minutes ago she felt so happy and relieved that she was getting discharged. The hospital was already getting too stuffy, and now? She wished she could go back. Of all the things to do the moment she was out go on a meeting with her grandfather and uncle. Ugh! Why was she the only surviving Lee woman? Those two made her so angry sometimes. Not long after her car came to a stop outside the Lee mansion. Patricia frowned in anticipation, what did her grandfather want?


    "Miss Lee." The chauffeur bowed as he opened the car door. Patricia stepped out, she was dressed simply, in a plain white shirt and Jean''s but she was still wearing her red heels. Red was her signature colour she didn''t go anywhere without wearing it.


    "The chairman and Head of the board are waiting on the third floor." He informed her, leading the way she followed after him.


    "Grandfather." She greeted him, shooting a glare at her uncle she walked and sat opposite him, while her grandfather was sitted between them.


    "I assume you fine now, since you''ve been discharged." Her grandfather stated.


    Patricia smiled sweetly, "grandfather if your worried about me you can just say so. I missed you to, it''s a shame you couldn''t come see me in the hospital."


    Her grandfather nodded. "I did send your uncle though."


    She shook her head, "it wasn''t the same. Besides it''s already part of uncle''s filial duty to come see his sick neice. Isn''t it uncle?" She asked him with sacarstic cuteness.


    "Acting cute doesn''t suit you, you''re a villainess just keep being that." Her uncle scowled.


    Patricia pouted, "I''d like to think I can do both uncle. And don''t worry uncle I''m like a cat, I look cute but doesn''t mean I don''t have claws."


    Goerge scoffed. "If anything you''re a lioness, you''re beautiful but any normal person can sense the danger from a mile away." She rolled her eyes at him and before it would escalate into a full blown argument as they were used to the eldest in the room intervened.


    "Patricia when last did you hear from your fiance?" Her grandfather asked.


    "A few days ago, he came to see me in the hospital." She replied.


    "Did he tell you anything about what happened yesterday?" George asked.


    "No, not at all. Honestly it came as a shock to me as well. I did think he was acting strangely with me the last time." She pursed her lips. "Do you think he''ll call off the engagement?"


    "I''m not happy to say this but I have no idea." George shook his head. "That Fiance of yours is a very elusive one."


    "Why would you be asking that kind of question?" Her grandfather asked seriously. "Weren''t you supposed to woo him? You shouldn''t be asking foolish questions."


    Patricia fought the urge to roll her eyes, who did his man really think she was, some prostitute? "Well grandfather you should know better than I do, that unless a man has interest in you from the beginning there''s only so much a woman can do." She replied grimly.


    Her grandfather grey brow rose, "so you''re saying it''s his fault? Don''t think I just sit here doing nothing, I''m well aware of the fact that you barely even see each other." He stated, his voice rising slightly.


    Patricia sighed, arguing about this with him was only going to escalate matters further. "I''ll do better, I promise."


    "It''s not as if she can just throw herself at him father. She does have her image to maintain." Goerge said.


    Patricia pouted, was her insufferable uncle really defending her right now?


    "Jason is a difficult man, he is nothing like his father. Trust me I know." He continued.


    "Let me guess he still hasn''t signed the contract?  You lot are useless! We cannot even use that to threaten him." Chairman Lee spat.


    George also sighed, this was getting really annoying. "I have a plan about that father. Patricia you just keep trying to seduce him, I have a way of getting him to sign the contract."


    "You''d better not mess this up, both of you. I don''t know what I did in my past life to warrant such useless children." He sneered. "Both of you get out, and you better bring back results."


    Neither of them hesitated, walking out immediately. Meetings with this somber old man never rested well with either of them.


    "Why did you that?" Patricia asked her uncle as the exited the mansion. "Defend me."


    George looked at her and cleared his throat. "Don''t get it wrong, I didn''t defend you. I''m just tired of that old man, I wish he would just die already."


    Patricia laughed nervously. "Don''t tell me your planning on killing grandfather. Because I don''t want to know anything." She stepped back, they were all evil and lacking in the departure of conscience. But the chairman was on a whole different level, the man was ruthless. Don''t let his age deceive you, if he heard off any kind of conspiracy, whoever it was even his own family didn''t survive.


    "Stop being so terrified, I''m not that horrible of a person. I wouldn''t kill my own father.... yet." Goerge said. "You can seduce Jason right?"


    "I don''t know, he is a difficult one but no one can resist me, not for long anyway." She said.


    "Good. Just do that and I''ll take care of the rest." George finished and walked away.

 Chapter 94 - 94. Coincidences.

    "These are the list of rooms that you asked for sir." Jamie looked up at the paper in front of him.


    "Thank you Matthew." He scanned over the list and frowned. Patricia Lee, again. This couldn''t be another coincidence right? He was never one to believe in coincidences anyway.


    "Look at this detective Bak. Room 1103, it belongs to Patricia Lee." He stated showing the paper to his associate.


    "So what are you implying Jamie, you do realise it''s merely a speculation right?" Detective Bak said after getting over his initial shock.


    "Don''t you think it''s too suspicious how her name somehow keeps coming up?" Jason insisted.


    Detective Bak shook his head, "it is a coincidence. There are more than 3000 rooms in that hospital so what if her room falls under the blindspots. Besides she''s a celebrity, her name is bound to come up. That is kind of the point."


    "Well, it doesn''t matter she''ll have to come in for questioning. Something doesn''t just feel right." Jamie shook his head.


    "Careful there Jamie. Patricia Lee has not only a powerful family but also a strong fanbase. Let''s not get hasty and make mistakes."


    Jamie frowned at his partner. He knew that people were particularly wary of the Lee family but he didn''t expect the police to be this biased. Any way he learnt his lesson from the Jessie Marin case, if he wanted to take down big dogs such as the Lee family then he would need substantial proof that they wouldn''t be able to bury.


    **************************************************


    "He''s involving Patricia again?" Detective Bak nodded.


    "What is wrong with that man! Does he not fear for his future?" The man scoffed.


    "I managed to convince him not to jump into any conclusions." Detective Bak informed. "But you know Detective Anderson very well, sir. There''s nothing we can do when he has made up his mind. What is the next line of action?"


    "Make him believe you''re interested and keep working with him. Keep an eye on things for me, don''t get involved or try to stop him. Just report everything to me."


    "And if it gets too far?" Detective Bak ordered.


    "We''ll take care of him, don''t worry about it detective" he emphasized.


    Detective Bak frowned and took a step back. "What do you mean by- don''t tell me you intend to kill him?!" He asked in fright.


    "Detective Bak! The less questions you ask the better for you. Now go and do your job." He scolded.


    Detective Bak bowed and walked away.


    *************************************************


    "That is indeed interesting news but how does it relate to Jessie Marin?" Jonathan asked Krystal after she narrated everything she had gotten from Lenora.


    "It''s basically a speculation, but that man, the victim it seemed like they killed him because he knew something about Jessie." Krystal said.


    Jonathan furrowed his brows in confusion. "What makes you say that?"


    "The day he died, or the day before there was a scandal involving Patricia. It was a video, no one could see who she talking to but she kept shouting and yelling Jessie Marin''s name." Krystal informed him. "I always thought it was suspicious, well everyone did. But what if Jessie was really in her hospital room that day?"


    Jonathan pursed his lips as he thought about what she said. "It is possible, so they killed the tech guy because he knew she was there? Jessie Marin?"


    "I''m sorry that''s all I could gather at the moment." Krystal said slowly, looking down.


    "Hey" Jonathan tapped the table and she looked up again. "I never expected this to be easy, that''s why I came to you."


    "Mr. Kang, may I ask why you''re so interested in Jessie Marin?" Krystal asked.


    Jonathan wondered if he should tell her, well considering the circumstances he could but first, "Will you come back?" He asked.


    "Come back?" Krystal shook her head in confusion.


    "To work for me, as my secretary." He explained.


    Her eyes widened and she laughed nervously, tucking her hair behind her ear. "How is that possible? Your idi-..." She cleared her throat, stopping before she made a mistake. "Your brother, the CEO fired me. Besides his the chairman now, if that isn''t a red flag I don''t know what is."


    *************************************************


    "So what are your conditions?" Jason asked his brother.


    "The first condition is that I have total independence and control over my staff, you can''t fire or hire anyone on my behalf." Jonathan stated curtly.


    Jason''s brow rose, "still irked about your secretary?"


    "I will not lie that was annoying, and just so you know I will be hiring her again." Jonathan informed his brother.


    "I''m not sure why you would want a disrespectful and underqualifued secretary" he mused. "Or is it because your sleeping with her?" He asked with a mocking chuckle.


    Jonathan frowned "are you done? I''m not sleeping with her. She has just grown on me, so do you agree?"


    Jason sighed, rubbing his chin. "Fine. Knock yourself out."


    **************************************************


    "You don''t have to worry about Jason, he won''t be a problem. So will you come back?" He asked.


    "I don''t know, and don''t think I don''t notice you changing the subject." Krystal said.


    "I''m not changing the subject, I just need your answer first. Will you come back?"


    "Like I said, I don''t know. I wasn''t a very good secretary, plus I kind of really like this job. I get to be a fangirl and still get paid." She said with a small pout.


    Jonathan smiled, "I never said you''d have to stop, I just need someone I can trust by my side."


    "And you chose me? You barely know me."


    "But I know enough, I can''t explain it but my gut tells me your reliable."


    "Well tell your gut that I hate responsibilities like this, what if I betray you?"


    "Is that really what you''re scared off? Betraying me?" She nodded.


    "Then I was right, you asked me why I''m so interested in Jessie Marin''s case?" She nodded again. "Become I''ve met her, after she was supposed to be dead."


    Krystal eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hand. "No way."


    "If you want to know more, I''ll see at work first thing tomorrow morning. Goodbye Krystal." He got up, bowed slightly and began to walk away.


    Leaving a very flabbergasted Krystal behind, before she could get a hold of herself he was already gone.

 Chapter 95 - 95. Dont Stop.

    "Did I tell you that I hate that you cut your hair?" Jason said as the drove back to the city.


    Jessie glared at him, "well I''m sure I''ve mentioned that you don''t own me, so. Besides, what up with all the security? I mean it looked weird at the airport but now two more cars have joined in your convoy. What''s going on? Are you in trouble?" She asked, looking back to see the convoy. There were two cars in front of them and one behind, all identical.


    "Ahh.. well I''m now the chairman of KE holdings." He stated bluntly.


    Jessie''s gaze flew to him and her eyes widened. "Wow... uh, congratulations?"


    Jaosn stared at her then he looked away, not saying anything.


    "A lot happened while I was gone, didn''t it." She said slowly, noticing he wasn''t very happy with the new arrangement. "Are you okay?"


    He remained silent, and she sighed leaning back into the chair. After a short while of silence he finally spoke.


    "I don''t know." He said lowly that she almost didn''t hear. "I''ve wanted this all my life and now that I have it, I''m not sure anymore. Maybe it''s because the reasons for wanting this have changed. It doesn''t matter now anyway, don''t worry about it." He said leaning aganist the window.


    Jessie sat quietly and watched him, soon enough his breathing became shallower and he was asleep. There were a few times Jason was ever this calm and honest with her. Times he should her a sneak peek into his heart, showed her his vulnerability. And those times the only thing she wanted to do was pull him in to a hug, hold him close and never let him go. Before she could help herself she reached over and tucked a stray strand of glossy black hair behind his ear. Jason instinctively turned and leaned into her palm, she was startled by his sudden movement that she pulled her hand away. But Jason held it before she could get away and pulled her to him to she landed on top of him in and awkward mess.


    "Jason." She said in a voice that wasn''t more that a whisper, as air left her lungs. As she put her free hand on his shoulder to move away he snaked his hand around her waist and held her closer.


    "Jason." She whispered again, "let me go." She said cursing herself for not meaning it. Jason saw through her, he wasn''t letting her go anytime soon, if at all ever.


    "Don''t stop." Was his short reply.


    "Don''t stop what?" She asked utterly confused.


    He brought the hands in his grip back to his cheek and left it there. Jessie furrowed her brows at his actions but continued anyway. Drawing patterns and combing his hair with her fingers as she did. She looked back into his eyes and bit her lip nervously when she realized he was watching her the entire time.


    She had looked into a lot of people''s eyes in her life, well it was pretty much a requirement in her line of work. She knew how to read people emotions through their eyes, she had seen anger, sadness, lust so many emotions. But she never imagined she''d see all those all at once in Jason''s eyes. His eyes were completely sincere and then there was the look she couldn''t understand, and it bothered her. It was the most intense but she couldn''t place it, it made her feel naked as his eyes bore into hers, it made her feel like he was staring into her soul.


    Jason arm around her waist slowly crept up until it rested behind her neck, slowly he brought her closer to himself. Ever slowly he coaxed her to trust him and not pull back, and as the distance closed between them her eyes fluttered shut and his did as well. Now all they waited for as time slowed down was for the contact, but it never came.


    "Chairman." The driver in front called and Jessie broke out of his spell and pulled away, realising they weren''t the only ones in the car. She blushed profusely as she fought to get out of his grip.


    Jason let her go with a silent groan, this is why he hated bodyguards they had the worst timing possible.


    "What?" He growled.


    "Well uh... we''re here."


    Jessie looked out of the car and frowned, were where they? There were still trees around so much so that it looked like a small forest. This wasn''t the busy city with tall skyscrapers she knew about. She wanted to see more but there was only so much the car window could allow and as she looked for buttons to bring it down she found none. ''How convenient.''


    The car began to move again and the trees disappeared instead a large building replaced it, fountains, statues, a drive through and a lot of flowers and grass. Jessie looked at Jason skeptically and she didn''t need to ask for him to explain.


    "The chairman of KE holdings can''t exactly stay at a penthouse." He said, as he got out of the car, Jessie turned to her side and exited as well as one of the guards opened the door.


    "So what now? This doesn''t look like it''s anywhere close to civilisation. Couldn''t you rent or buy in an estate or something?" She asked.


    "Now what''s the fun in that? Besides I need an address no one knows." He said.


    Jessie shook her head, she looked at the gate she couldn''t see it. Meaning it must be quite a distance, if she can''t see civilisation then she can get a taxi or even an uber. How was she supposed to go out!


    "Wait a minute, wait a minute. Is this the Kang mansion or something?" She asked.


    Jason shook his head "this is mine, all mine."


    "Was this necessary?" She pointed at the massive house.


    Jason sighed, he also didn''t want an excessively large house. This is what he gets for trusting Paradise, but in a way they were right. He was not only the chairman of KE holdings but also the president of Paradise. No one could know his current location, no one could find out his residential address not that this house feels residential at all. And he couldn''t go to his family house not that he wanted to anyway.


    "My second condition is that you don''t take father''s mansion from him." Jonathan''s stated.


    "I was never planning to, but why did you say that? Has the old man grown on you as well? What are you a tree?" Jason scoffed as he nursed his bourbon.


    Jonathan frowned, "can you not completely become your father? Besides what good would it do you to kick your own father out of his house?"


    "Fine, I won''t touch the sky mansion, I''ll get mine. Anything else?"


    "Don''t think I don''t see what your doing, I''m not going to be a prisoner here." Jessie huffed.


    Jason smiled, she was too cute when she was annoyed. And now she looked at least five years younger without hair, on an impressive balance between cute and stunning. Her big eyes were now out in the open and he couldn''t help but smile.


    "Why are you grinning like that? Can''t you hear what I''m saying?"


    "Chairman, uh miss...." the man in a service suit froze awkwardly looking at Jessie, not knowing what to call her.


    "Aera. Miss Yoo Aera." Jason finished for him.


    Jessie shot him a glare. "Would you like to come in? I''ve prepared your rooms, you can wash up and adjourn at the central dinning room for a meal."


    "That''s very kind Uh..." Jason looked for a name tag.


    "Choi Myeong soo, head butler here sir." He bowed noticing his employer.


    "Where''s your name tag? If you don''t wear make all the servants wear them, I prefer to refer to people using their names." The butler nodded. "And we would like a tour first." He said.


    "Very well sir, come with me." The butler lead them away.


    Jason looked at Jessie with a smile and gestured for her to walk in, she reluctantly agreed and walked beside him, whispering as the walked.


    "What was all that about? Yoo Aera?" She whisper-yelled.


    "Would you rather I told them the famous actress Jessie Marin was going to be their new madam?" He replied, with a smug look on his face and she pursed her lips in annoyance.


    "And of all the names you could come up with, Yoo Aera? Seriously?" She said through her teeth.


    "This is the main living area, and the central dinning room is also on the first floor. Along with the outdoor swimming pool and the green house." Myeong soo said as he lead them.


    Jessie brow rose when she saw the ''green house'', it was basically a garden indoors, with the roof of that part open. Then the living area was so large it could be a ball room and that central dinning, the table had to be at least 50 metres long, right? Why did the size of everything in this house scream 18th century castle. But the because of the architecture and design it could by no means be called a castle, it was a modern mansion through and through.


    "Hey we''re not done with this." She said as she saw him walk away with the butler.


    Jason turned and smiled at her, why was he acting like this? Was she a joke? Was there something in her teeth? ''No way'' she shook her head she hadn''t eaten yet.


    So why had Jason become this person? He never smiled before, he was even winking?! Jessie held her face, it must be a dream right? This insane house, Jason, everything, right?

 Chapter 96 - 96. Do You Really Hate It When I Smile At You?

    Jason couldn''t help himself, just realising that no matter what Jessie did now he could control most of her actions. The thought of that made him smile and he couldn''t seem to stop. First of all, she would stop playing with fire and putting herself constantly in danger by going after Patricia as she normally did, because she physically couldn''t, not anymore. And if she wanted to go out, something he didn''t intend on stopping she had to use a car, and he wasn''t going to give her one without a driver and a spare bodyguard, how would she venture out on her own now? Impossible. Sweetness, also it was just them in this mansion, well apart from the servants, meaning there would be no interruptions whatsoever, it made him glad. And at first he hated that she cut her hair but he didn''t think that way anymore, she looked too cute huffing and puffing in annoyance it made him want to pull her cheeks and kiss them, she was too cute. If he knew all the advantage to this he would have done it much sooner.


    After what felt like forever they finally ended the tour and Jessie wasn''t as annoyed as she was when they started, not because of anything Jason said or did, because heaven knows his actions lately absolutely, totally confused her. Why did he keep smiling and chuckling to himself? The butler even asked what was so amusing?! Any way the only thing she wanted to do now was sneak off into some corner of this massive three storey mansion and gather her thoughts together, she would take the room the farthest from his.  The master bedroom was on the second floor so that was a no go, she would take on of the bedrooms on the third floor.


    "I suppose you''d eat before settling down?" Myeong soo asked them and Jessie nodded quickly. She was positively starving.


    "Myeong Soo? We''ll use the dinning room on the second floor, I''m afraid the main dinner room is far too large for just two of us." Jason stated and the butler bowed before walking away.


    "Is he the only employee working here? I didn''t see anyone else during the tour." Jessie thought aloud.


    "I told them to do their work when we''re not around, I don''t like seeing strangers in my house. It''s uncomfortable, do you need something?" Jason asked.


    "No" she shook her head. "I was just wondering, is that why you moved into a penthouse? Instead of living in your family home?"


    "Well, one of the reasons, it stopped being a family home after my mom died." He said.


    "Oh."


    "Come on let''s go." He said holding a hand out to her. Jessie narrowed her eyes at him and frowned.


    "What''s wrong with you?" She asked as she walked past him into the elevator. Jason sighed and walked in after her.


    "What do you plan on doing to disguise yourself? Now that you cut your hair." He asked.


    Jessie looked up at him, "do you really hate it that much?" She asked.


    Jason nodded. She pouted, rubbing her earlobe "I don''t think I look that bad." She mumbled.


    "This isn''t about how you look, it appears you''ll look good in everything. But didn''t you have to cut it this short?" He frowned. "I don''t like it."


    "So you don''t have a reason? Hmm." She said as she walked out of the elevator. Her jaw dropped when she saw the feast on the table. What was wrong with this people?! How were two mouths supposed to eat all that? The last time she saw so much food was when she was on a set of a traditional drama, and even then most of it was fake.


    Jason walked past her and sat down, "aren''t you going to sit?"


    "You''re staff hate me" she said sadly.


    "Why? Is there something wrong with the food?" He asked.


    "Em." She nodded.


    "Uhm... Butler Choi."


    "Sir" the butler responded swiftly, he looked at Jessie that was still standing and gawking at the table.


    "Miss Yoo Aera?"


    "Do you want to die?"


    "Heh?" The butler stepped back sending a questioning glance at Jason.


    Jason furrowed his brows at her, what was her problem now?


    "Don''t call me that, ever." She spat.


    "Ah... then what should I call you?"


    Jessie stared at Jason and sent her a warning glare, which she completely ignored, of course.


    "Jessie, Jessie Marin." She smiled sweetly at him.


    Jason was up an instant pulling her away from the table, "Are you mad!" He yelled at her. "Why the hell would you do that?! It''s like you have a desire for trouble, what''s wrong with you? I have no idea the loyalty or discretion of this servants because their all new how can you be so careless?" He scolded her.


    "What? Isn''t that my name? I refuse to go by Yoo Aera, that stopped being my name ten years ago." She spat back.


    "Go in there and tell him your joking!"


    Jessie stared into his eyes and he did same, both intimidating each other. But neither backing off until Jessie sighed and smiled at him.


    Jason furrowed her brow at his reaction.


    "Thank goodness, for a minute there I thought you were someone else." She said.


    "What?"


    "Well... you can''t exactly blame me? You''ve been acting strange, the whole drive here you didn''t lose your temper and your signature scowl was replaced by a smile. Since when are you so vague? I couldn''t tell what you were thinking and I made me want to pull out my hair, well the little I still have. Plus you winked at me! Winked." She explained.


    Jason scoffed, "so you were testing me in there?"


    "Well... I don''t know about testing you but I''m happy you reacted the way you did. Don''t worry I''ll tell butler Choi, that Jessie Marin isn''t my real name." She replied, walking past him.


    Jason grabbed her arm "do you really hate it when I smiled at you?"


    Jessie looked into his eyes and frowned, that look again. What was it? Why couldn''t she identify that emotion? Why was she feeling so squeamish and why was her stomach doing somersaults? She didn''t like the way she was reacting, it scared her. If this continues then she will really start loving him. Love was a pleasure she couldn''t afford right now.


    "Yes. I really do, so stop smiling at me, just be who you normally are." She pulled her arm away and walked back into the dinning room.

 Chapter 97 - 97. Friendzone.

    Paul frowned, staring at his watch yet again, where was she?


    "Perhaps I''ll inform you when she comes?" Her assistant Hannah said noticing Paul''s impatience, well he had been waiting for over an hour now. What was Katherine doing?


    "You''ll do that for me?" He smiled at her and Hannah bit the inside of her gums trying remind herself, he was a playboy! Plus Katherine already called dibs.


    "Of course." She said with a straight face, if she started smiling now she might just blush.


    "Don''t tell her though" he said.


    And she nodded quickly, he should just get going, already. A girl is only so strong.


    "Don''t tell who what?" Katherine asked as she walked towards her office.


    "Katherine." Paul sighed, "were have you been? Why aren''t answering you phone?"


    "I was visiting patients and why are you in front of my office?" She pursed her lips.


    Paul pouted and blinked, looking for a reason he was here. Hannah bit her lips and looked away, it was like he was doing it on purpose!


    "I missed you?" He laughed.


    Katherine stepped backwards, and tapped her chest to brace herself. What was with him this morning? "Are you drunk?" She asked.


    "No... it''s 11 AM Katherine, you have to give me more credit. I''m more responsible than that." He stated.


    "Don''t smile like that, it''s too early for it." Katherine shook her head and walked past him into her office.


    "That''s right, since when did you start locking your office? See how you made me wait outside!" He exclaimed.


    "Yet you''re perfectly fine." Katherine said. "I started getting an annoying visitor, it was required." She said shuddering at the thought of the pimples face resident that had been bugging her for days now.


    "Anything serious?" Paul asked, Katherine looked up at him with a warning glare.


    "Hey, I didn''t say I wanted to do anything. Just... you I''m here if you need me." He winked.


    20 years, she had known Paul. But she never grew immune to all his charms. He was incredibly charismatic and to worsen it why did he have to look like that? Paul was without a doubt a player, and it was as if he was blessed with his charms from birth. He wasn''t as attractive as some men, like Jason. Jason looks were just out of this world, it wouldn''t even be fair to compare. But while Paul was also incredibly handsome, he was nice, and charming. He was someone you could easily be comfortable with and let your guard down when your around him. Even when he wasn''t trying he was still... ugh.


    "Hey! What are you thinking?" He asked snapping Katherine out of her thoughts.


    "Why are you here Paul, I have work to do." She lied.


    "I remember a time where we enjoyed each others companies what happened to that?" He asked.


    "Do you really want the reason?" She asked, and he nodded. She pulled out her phone from the pocket of her labcoat and showed him a message along with a picture from his mother.


    Paul took her phone and when he saw the text he groaned. "I told her not to bother you I promise." He rose his arms in surrender.


    "Give me my phone. So when are you meeting her?" She asked.


    Paul palmed his face, "I don''t know, today? Tomorrow? Who knows." He said sitting down across from her.


    "She''s pretty." Katherine commented.


    "Yeah" he replied.


    Katherine bit her lips as she watched his nonchalant expression, ''I hope the meeting becomes a disaster'' she pouted.


    "Aren''t going to sit?" He asked.


    "Em."


    "What are you thinking?" He  asked again.


    "It''s nothing, nevermind." She dismissed it.


    Paul frowned, something was definitely bothering her. "I have good news."


    "Really? What is it?"


    "I''m not supposed to tell you because Jason doesn''t want me to but you look like you need some good news. And I''m always here to lift my best friends mood." He smiled.


    Katherine fought the urge to reach across the table and slam his head onto it. Was this the good news? Reminding her that she was in the friend zone? Gosh her life was pathetic, she was a shame to the female race, weren''t women the ones supposed to be doing the friend zoning?


    "Look be quick with it, I have a lot of work." She snapped.


    "Jessie''s back."


    Katherine eyes widened and she immediately forgot her current sorrows. "Really? You''re not pulling my legs right!" She smiled. "You''re telling the truth right?!" She said happily as she sat up in her seat.


    "Are you really that excited?" Paul scoffed.


    "Of course! Oh my gosh! Let''s go, let''s go I need to see her. The poor girl must have been through a lot." She stood up immediately.


    "Where do you think your going?" Paul asked when he saw her reaching for her purse.


    "Where else the penthouse. Aren''t you coming? You know on a second thought you don''t need to." She said.


    Paul frowned and shook his head at her, "Jason doesn''t live in the penthouse anymore and besides didn''t you say you has a lot of work?"


    "I was clearly lying and besides I can abandon work for Jessie, she like my best friend." Katharine said and Paul harrumphed. "And why did Jason move out of his penthouse?"


    "Did you forget that he''s now the chairman of KE holdings?" Paul asked.


    "What does that have to do with anything? Is that the reason he moved?" She shook her head. "I really can''t understand you guys. So where does he live now?"


    "Honestly I don''t have the slightest clue. He probably inform me, he''s only moving in today afterall." Paul replied.


    "So I can''t see Jessie."


    "No, no you can''t see her. Not now at least, but it''s a good thing that she''s back right?" He smiled.


    Katherine grip on her purse tightened and she refused to hold back her frustrations any longer.


    "Hey!" She swung the purse and hit him with it.


    "What is this?!" Paul yelled in a panicked state.


    "Why would you tell me she''s back if I can''t even meet her or talk to her?" She hit him.


    Paul was already up and away from her, using her table to barricade himself from her coming attacks.


    "I don''t understand, why are you taking it out on me?" He yelled.


    "Who else is there to blame? Just you!" She swung at him again.


    "Jason, he''s the one keeping her away! Besides it''s for the best she bad influence." He stated bluntly.


    Katherine gasped. "Get out, now."


    "What?"  Before he could get an explanation she was already shoving him outside with her tiny hands.


    "Don''t come find me until you can take me to see Jessie!" She yelled, slamming the door behind him.


    Hannah looked at him in confusion and he shook his head her.


    "I''m just as confused as you are. And she says Jessie isn''t bad for her." He scoffs.

 Chapter 98 - 98. Gossip Gretha.

    Lenora walked out of the news station building, wrapping her hair up into a pony tail she zipped up her company jacket. Her superiors were more than proud with the way her Jessie Marin investigation was coming about, but she needed a break so she was going to cover an accident site.


    "Lenora."


    "Jamie?" She asked with an instinctive smile. "What brings you here?"


    "I was in the neighbourhood and I thought I''d ask you to a cup of coffee?" He offered.


    Her brow rose up in question and she looked at her watch. She still had about twenty five minutes before the rest of the crew would come out.


    "You''re being awfully nice today? Is something wrong?" She asked.


    "Don''t worry I''m not here to ask your decision about what I asked last time. Can we just press pause on that and just be happy?" He asked.


    Lenora brows furrowed in actual question. "Jamie you''re scaring me, did something bad happen?"


    He laughed lowly, but there was no hint of amusement, "must something bad bring me to see you? Is that really what we''ve become?"


    "Well I hate to break to you Jamie but you were the one that decided this, not me. I know something is wrong right now, and trust me I really want to help. Can we have coffee this evening when I get off work? I have a story to cover now." She explained.


    He bit his lips and nodded. "Six o''clock it is." He said turning around to walk away.


    Lenora grabbed his arm and turned him around, and slammed her lips unto his. Expecting him to push her away, because for many reasons this kiss was wrong. But to her surprise he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss, slanting his lips over hers. Lenora shut her eyes after the first shock and moaned into the kiss, heady with desire.


    She moved her hands up his strong chest and powerful arms and wrapped them around his neck pulling him closer. Jamie had different intentions though he wanted more, his hands moved lower and he was so happy she wore jeans today,  he could do what he wanted. Sneaking his hands into her shirt, beneath her jacket to touch her skin. The contact surprised her so much so that she gasped and Jamie used the opportunity to taste her mouth. Lenora felt hot and sparky, his touch was leaving burning and sensational trails and awakening feelings only he was capable off. Soon she felt regretful, she shouldn''t have started something she wouldn''t be able to finish. But still she couldn''t stop, she couldn''t have enough, with Jamie there was never enough. He was a drug and her addiction and was a massive relapse for this addict.


    Jamie mouth left her lips and he kissed her cheeks moving down when the heard someone cough. It''s like a bucket of ice cold water was dumped on Jamie he immediately stiffened and let go of Lenora. Lenora inwardly groaned, turning to look at who it was, she let her groan come out.


    "Gossip Gretha?" She said.


    "That''s not my name!" The woman yelled as she stared daggers at Lenora. Lenora shrugged.


    "Do you not have the courtesy to not interrupt?" Lenora scowled at her, still clinging onto Jamie''s arm.


    "Do you not have the courtesy to go at each other like starved animals in public!" She scoffed.


    Jamie let out an uncomfortable cough, and before he could apologise Lenora spoke. "That''s how we looked right, we''re always hungry for each other." She said with a smile.


    "Is that so? I heard you too were broken up."


    "Well as you can see" Lenora said wiping the sides of her lips for effect. "Why don''t you run along and gossip about it, you two faced bitch."


    The woman rolled her eyes, "Lenora." Jamie''s warned.


    "Don''t even start defending her" she warned back.


    "I''m sorry about her Susan." Jamie smiled softly at her.


    "It''s not your fault she was born damaged." Susan sneered. "It''s all hers, not even her mother or father. She''s just damaged."


    Jamie opened his mouth to speak again but Lenora bit him to it. "As least I was born damaged, what''s your excuse?"


    "I''m not the one with physiological issues." She spat back.


    "And yet I was marking my territory all around the love of your life." Lenora laughed.


    Susan frowned fisting her palms she fought back the urge to punch the annoying bitch in front of her.


    "What? Sad much? Gossip Gretha" Lenora provoked her further.


    "Hey!" Susan screamed, walking forward with killing intent.


    Jamie immediately pushed Lenora behind him. "Susan, Susan." He said. "It''s not worth it, you''re not like this hmm?"


    "Yeah Susan, you''re not like this." Lenora laughed from behind him.


    "You, shut up." Jamie warned.


    Susan spun on her heel and began to walk away, Lenora move away from behind him and watched her walk away.


    Susan practically ran into the bathroom, gripping the edges tightly she fought the urge to cry. How dare she?


    ***************************************************


    Lenora sighed as she pulled her hair into a pony tail, it was too much for her. Who did her senior think she was, an intern? She didn''t sign up for entertainment news why was he telling her to interview an actress, Jessie Marin at that. She wanted court cases and lawsuits but oh no. She grabbed the files and walked to her cubicle. The sound of papers turning and typing always managed to calm her.


    "Oh my, Susan, is that you''re boyfriend. You were talking for pretty long."


    Susan have her a coy smile but when she noticed Lenora walking past she spoke up. "He''s a cop, the most handsome cop in the entire district."


    Lenora stopped walking and looked at her with disgust, shaking her head at her pettiness, she started to walk away, but the gist became juicy.


    "Do you think he will give you a scoop on the lawsuit?"


    "Well, he is the detective in charge of the case" she smiled coyly. She turned slightly and noticed Lenora listening in, so she turned things up a notch. "I mean he wouldn''t refuse me if I ask, I pretty much have the case bagged."


    "Wow, I hope you''ll introduce him to us someday" the lady smiled shutting her laptop.


    Lenora eyes narrowed, the Lee lawsuit? That lawsuit was aganist KE  holdings. She wanted that scoop! And she would get it.


    ******


    "Jamie what a nice surprise!" Susan gasped as she saw Jamie Anderson walk into the building.


    Jamie smiled at her, "hey, how are you doing Susan?"


    "I''m good, what brings you here?"


    "He''s not here for you." A voice called out from behind her. "He''s here for me" Lenora said and she stopped in front of her.


    Susan looked at her outfit, a black short pencil skirt and a tight fitting pink chiffon blouse. Not to mention the seven inch stilettos that allowed her tower over her.


    Susan turned around to look at Jamie. "I don''t understand?"


    "Let me explain it for you, you''re going to cover a case and I''m going on a date." Lenora smiled sweetly at Jamie.


    "D-date?"


    "Em." Lenora nodded.


    "You''re going to cover a story? I''ll definitely watch it." Jamie smiled from behind her, "we won''t delay you. Lenora let''s go." He said.


    Lenora nodded and walked away with him, but not before stopping to whisper in Susan ear. "I hope you don''t keep quiet about today. Tell it as you usually do, and oh don''t lie. It''s pretty embarrassing when you''re caught calling my boyfriend yours."


    Susan clenched her fist and struggled to hold back the tears that bit at her eyes. As she watched the man she had a crush on for the longest time, walk away with her mortal enemy.

 Chapter 99 - 99. My Body Belongs To You.

    Jessie struggled with her conscience through out the meal. And to make matters worse, the most uncomfortable silence rested in the room, and she had no idea what to say to fix her mistake.  And Jason wasn''t helping the situation at all, he stared at his plate without once looking up, from time to time  he would check his phone but other that he didn''t say anything. After rectifying her mistake with Butler Choi, she wasn''t sure he would believe she wasn''t Jessie Marin but at least she tried. She informed him that the staff should refer to her as miss, and nothing else. She couldn''t be Jessie Marin and definitely wouldn''t be Yoo Aera.


    "I have business to attend to, see you later." Jason said curtly getting up and leaving.


    Jessie stared in disbelief, was he really that mad? What was she supposed to do now? After she was done eating she headed to her room to freshen up, thankfully it was on the same floor. She gasped as she walked in, they didn''t go into any of the rooms during the tour only the major ones, but this room was just like hers, when she was... before... well.


    The walls were still the same shade of grey and her sheets were a brilliant purple just like in her original room. The vanity, the couch and bean bag. She immediately took of her shoes eager to see if the carpet felt the same way, she released a soft groan immediately her feet touched it. It felt like heaven, just like hers, maybe even better.


    Just like that she back, in her old room in her old life. Talking to her Tony about firing her current stylist, or discussing scenes over the phone with a co-star. Maybe even her favourite past time, reading a good book. As her feet carried her along, her fingers refreshed her memory. As she trailed them along everything, the bed, the dresser, the furniture and the arrangement. They found the handle to the walk in closet and as she stepped in the spell broke. Her golden stilettos weren''t there, neither was her wardrobe of different clothes, her favourite outfit from different sets. And she was back to reality, a stray tear fell from her cheek and she ran out of the room. Bumping into a hard body as soon as she dashed out of her room.


    "Woah there."


    Jessie looked up at the person that stopped her, "I''m sorry, are you okay?" She asked.


    He chuckled, "I should be asking you that, you''re the one with tears in your eyes, are you okay miss?"


    "I-I don''t... who are you?"


    "Oh mind my manners, I''m Kevin your personal bodyguard." He stated firmly.


    Jessie stepped back out of his hold and he let her go. She eyed his outfit and his appearance. "What about you mic thing?" She pointed to her ear.


    "Oh that? I don''t have to wear that. Is there something you need? Are you okay? You ran out of there pretty quickly, no way! Did you see something or someone?" He asked already moving to the room.


    "No, no" she stopped him. "I... it''s  a long story never mind. And I''m sorry to inform you but I don''t need a bodyguard." She shook her head.


    "Of course, I don''t have to be your bodyguard anything you need." He smiled.


    "What makes you think I need anything? Jason told you to follow me around didn''t he? Does he think I''ll run away? I don''t even know where I am, besides I came willingly." She frowned.


    "Nothing of the sort miss, he''s just concerned about you. And I have a feeling you need company it is a big house and the boss isn''t going to be back anytime soon." Kevin replied.


    "Really? He''s gone to work?" Kevin nodded. "Hmm, I guess that''s understandable, he is the chairman now." She said rubbing her neck.


    "Yes, and I''m here to keep you company. So why don''t you freshen up and do something fun."


    She scoffed "I''m not a child and I''m not going back into that room."


    "Of course you''re not, and is the room not to your liking? CEO Kang was so sure you''ll be satisfied with it. Infact he kept saying he couldn''t wait for you to see the room, don''t tell him I told you."


    "Jason did that?"


    Kevin nodded "he was very insistent about the design of your room, it was the only room in the manor he was interested in."


    If Jessie wasn''t guilty before she definitely was right now. "Where is Jason now?" She asked.


    "He went to work."


    "Take me there, take me there right now." She said.


    "But mi-"


    "Didn''t you say Jason ordered you to be anything I need?" She asked.


    "Well not in those words."


    "Well I don''t care, take me to Jason right now."


    "Uh... how about you freshen up first" he gestured to her room in attempt to distract her.


    Jessie stared at the door in reluctance, "where is Jason''s room?"


    **************************************************


    "What do you mean by this was a mistake? Wait a minute, is this because of gossip Gretha?" Lenora asked.


    "Why do you call her that?" Jamie sighed.


    "Gossip Gretha? Well because she''s a two faced coward that prefers to talk behind people''s back why?" She pouted.


    "So? That''s not very nice."


    "So that''s why? Because of her? You saying this was a mistake? Do you like her? How nice" she spat.


    Jamie rolled his eyes, typical of Lenora to get overwhelmed with her own opinions and conclusions. How she managed this trait while being a reporter he wondered. "It''s not because of her, all I''m saying is it wouldn''t kill you two get along."


    "Pfft, I don''t want to. And if you think you can start something and not finish it your grossly mistaken sir." She warned.


    "Me? Start? You were the one that kissed me." He huffed.


    "And so, I wasn''t the person sticking my hands in someone else''s clothes, what did you think was going to happen?" She spat back.


    Jamie chuckled, "oh I see it''s my fault? Who asked you to moan like that?"


    "Who asked you to make me moan like that?! Hmm, hmm?"


    "Look here miss, take responsibility for your own body." He scolded her.


    Lenora''s jaw dropped, "I can''t believe you just said that, who told you my body is mine? It belongs to you." She stated matter of factly.


    Jamie stared at her and smiled. "Really?"


    "Em." She nodded. "And you definitely cannot leave me all hot and bothered. Especially when your having a bad day, don''t push me away Jamie. I need you just as much as you need me." She said, he would never say it himself, and she knew that. He had a bad habit of pushing everything away, as if he didn''t have a right to be angry or sad. To feel happy, but she was here and she was going to make sure he felt everything he needed to. That was the reason he fell for her the first time, she had a talent to sense even the slightest emotion, and feel them for him.


    "Don''t you have work?" He asked.


    "I don''t care about work, I care about you." She said bluntly before she could realise. Infact she didn''t realise what she said until she saw Jamie reaction.


    "I-I ..." She stammered.


    "It''s okay," he laughed. "That, that''s okay for now. Don''t worry I''ll wait. I won''t go anywhere, call me when you get off work." He said. "See you later."


    Lenora smiled and nodded. And he walked away.  Did she just give up work for him? And the most surprising thing is that she really meant what she said. Wow.

 Chapter 100 - 100. Unpredictable.

    "What do you mean by I can''t call off the engagement?" Jason asked with a frown.


    "Well I''m not saying you can''t call it off, but it would be better not to. We need to take down the Lees, why would you destroy the only connection you have with them?" Reginald advised him.


    "It''s not as if we even treated this as a real engagement anyways, so I should be nice?" He scoffed. "I can barely stand the woman, how you suppose I even pretend to like her?"


    "Pretend she''s Jessie Marin, you love her right?" Jason laughed mockingly.


    "You know I''m right, in order to successfully take Patricia and her family down you need to woo her." Reginald informed him.


    Jason groaned and palmed his face, his life ewas only getting more difficult, now he knew why he waited before taking over Paradise. This was no fun at all.


    "Fine, I''ll give it a shot. Thanks for coming." Reginald nodded and stood. "You should use the other elevator, we can raise suspicion you still are an enemy of the Kang family."


    "Of course, see you later Jason. No, president." He smiled.


    "You know you don''t have to call me that right?" Jason said.


    "Actually I do."


    "Matt will walk you out." He stated pressing the button for Matt to come in. As soon as Reginald left he got a phone call.


    "Yes?"


    "Sir, we have a bit of a problem." The speaker answered.


    "What do you mean problem? Is Jessie okay? Did she escape?" Jason asked.


    "Oh no no she fine, but she''s insisting on leaving the manor and coming to see you." Kevin replied.


    "Coming to see me?" He asked with a small smile "Why?"


    "I''m not really sure, but she asked to do so after she left her bedroom."


    "She has seen the room? What did she think? Did she like it?" Jason asked, unable to mask the emotion in his voice.


    Kevin sensed it and felt bad about the next part. "I''m sorry sir, but I don''t think so. She practically ran out of the room and it was obvious she had been crying. Even now she refuses to enter the room."


    "Oh" he said sadly. "Where is she now?" He asked.


    "In your room, she went in there to shower."


    "My room? You know what, I was going to ask you to distract her but bring her to me." Jason agreed.


    "Okay sir, well be there as soon as we can." Kevin replied.


    "And oh Kevin? Bring and extra guard and don''t let her out of your sight. She''s a sneaky one." Jason warned.


    "Sure thing sir."


    Jason stared at his phone, disappointment filling his heart, did his kind gesture make her sad? Gosh she was such a difficult woman to understand. First she asked him not to smile at her, how can she hate his smile? He was gorgeous, his smile was breathtaking. Women literally nosebleed when he smiled at them and here she was hating his smile. He pouted.


    ''Jessie Marin, exactly what kind of woman was she? She was so confusing sometimes. Ugh!''


    **************************************************


    Paul walked into the cafe to find his date, looking into his phone again at her picture. She really was pretty, it would be nice to know how long it would take to woo her. He looked up to see a woman waving at him, taking one last glance at his phone he concluded she was his date. He pocketed his phone and walked over to her.


    "Choi Yuri?" Paul asked and she nodded, standing to greet him. She held out her hand to shake him and he took it in his and placed a soft kiss at the back of her palm all the while looking in her eyes. Yuri fought the urge to swoon, he was really a playboy. Oh the nerve, how could he just kiss her like that?


    ''Stay strong Choi Yuri'' she told herself.


    "Paul Song, it''s nice to finally meet you, your mother has told me a lot about you." She smiled.


    "All good I hope." He said.


    "Of course she is your mother after all. But I''ve heard a lot more from my friends." She stated bluntly.


    "Ah... now that can be a problem then." He laughed.


    "What makes you think it''s  a problem?" She asked.


    "I do have a bit of a rakeish personality, you see. Although I''m sure you''ve heard a lot about that." He said.


    "You seem proud?" She asked.


    "No, I wouldn''t say I''m proud but it''s something I can''t help. When I see something beautiful I want it, don''t you like beautiful things Choi Yuri?" He said slowly.


    Yuri could not believe the sound of her name when he said it, gosh all the warning signs are in place, she knew this before she came here but damn was it hard to resist. How could he make her name sound so sensual? The next line of action would be counterattack.


    "I don''t know, I don''t trust things that are to pretty for their own good. Besides beautiful things just like people aren''t to be trusted." She said with an innocent smile.


    Paul narrowed his eyes at her, interesting. "So you don''t trust yourself?" He asked sweetly.


    Herself? Was he calling her beautiful? You sly man.


    She smirked, "no not really, I tend to be quite unpredictable you see, and you? Do you trust yourself?"


    "Not around beautiful things no. Especially beautiful unpredictable people. " He smiled back.


    "Oh? Then should I be scared?"


    Paul smiled, he liked this girl. "A little. Predictable is boring, incredibly. "


    "So Mr. Song-"


    "Call me Paul."


    "Okay then, Paul, would you say your also unpredictable?" She asked.


    "If you mean to ask if I trust myself, completely."


    "Then in your words you''re boring?" She asked again.


    "Oh no, I''m only absolutely sure of my actions, decisions and desires. Confident if I may, and from what I know confidence is daunting not boring."


    "Hmmm... so what are you confident about?" She asked.


    Paul smiled. "You. I''m absolutely confident that I want a beautiful thing, and that is you."


    Choi Yuri eyes widened slightly and she coughed. Talk about being direct.


    "Your mother insists on a setting a wedding date." She said changing the subject.


    "You can''t possibly want to marry a man you just met?" Paul asked.


    "No... but isn''t that why there''s dating?"


    Paul grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Are you by chance asking me out, Miss Choi Yuri?"


    Yuri shrunk back slightly into her sit, was she making a mistake? Why was he looking at her with that dangerous look? Like she was prey and he was a predator?


    "And what if I am?" She said, her confident voice doing nothing to express her real emotions.


    Paul opened his mouth to say something but stopped when his phone rang. "Excuse me."


    He took the phone out and answered. "Hannah?"


    "Sir, you have to come now. Doctor Park is in trouble!"


    "What?! What happened to Katherine?" Yuri looked up at him with concern.


    "I''m sorry, I have to go." He told her, tossing a few notes on the table he practically ran out of the cafe.


    Yuri laughed in disbelief, did he just ditch her? "Who the hell is Katherine?"

 Chapter 101 - 101. Dont You Dare Touch Her.

    "Ma''am, if you would please just calm down." Hannah asked slowly.


    "Calm down? Calm down?! How could she cut off my son''s leg?! Who does she think she is?" The woman yelled.


    "If I didn''t amputate his leg he would have died, his diabetic for crying out loud, the wound would never heal." Katherine sighed, she had been explaining it to the woman but she just wouldn''t listen. "Please don''t be stubborn this had to be done."


    "Stubborn? I''m being stubborn?!" The woman screeched and grabbed Katherine hair, pulling her down. "You will see stubborn, I will sue for every penny you have and make sure you never step foot in another hospital."


    "Oh my! Please ma''am calm down, let her go we can talk this out." Hannah cried out.


    Katherine winced at every tug but she refused to beg, she did the right thing why would she apologise?


    "Hey!" A loud voice called out from the other end of the hallway. The three women turned to see who it was.


    "Excuse me ma''am, why do you see need to abuse my staff?" Paul asked walking to them. "Let her go." He ordered.


    "I will not! Who the hell do you think you all are? I can bury each and every one of you, tell this doctor to bring back my son''s leg? What type of child would he be without his leg?!" She yelled.


    "Ma''am! I would advise you to stop that before I call security."


    She scoffed, "do you want to die?" She asked Paul. "Bring your director here, tell him his future mother in law is here and his Insolent staff are disrespecting her." She yelled in an effort to intimidate them.


    "You''re looking at hi- what?" Paul asked as he realized what she just said.


    "Future mother in law?" Hannah said slowly and Katherine looked up at him in shock.


    "Yes, you''re Paul Song right? I''m Moon Do-Hui, Choi Yuri''s mother." She stated frankly.


    Paul laughed ruefully, his luck. "Mother, please let her go."


    "What?" The woman asked in disbelief. "Are you siding with her?!"


    Paul looked at Katherine face, her expression made him hesitate before answering. "No, I''m not aiding with anybody, I don''t know what''s going on. So please let her go and we can talk about this in my office."


    Mrs. Moon reluctantly let go of Katherine hair, though some strands still remained in her grasp. "We don''t have to go anywhere" she said. "Fire this woman right now, she''s  a quack."


    Paul looked at Katherine with a confused expression but she didn''t even look at him so he looked to Hannah for help.


    "An accident occurred close to the hospital and all the victims were rushed  here two days ago. There was a diabetic patient that had a horrible leg wound that refused to heal, so Dr. Park had to cut it off." Hannah quickly explained.


    "So what exactly is the problem?" Paul asked.


    "My son is a minor and she didn''t get a signature, I would never have let you cut off my only son''s leg." Mrs. Moon spat.


    "So you would have allowed the wound fester and decay? And you would prefer your son dead?" Katherine spat back.


    "Oh my? She''s not even sorry, you witch!" She screamed.


    "Ma''am, I understand your anger but what was I supposed to do? I waited two whole days but no guardian showed up, how was I supposed to let him die? What kind of mother doesn''t visit her minor who has been hospitalized for two days?" Katherine asked her emotions getting the better of her. Ever since the mother in law news she couldn''t hold back anymore.


    Mrs. Moon''s eyes widened at her accusation and she rose her hand to slap Katherine. Katherine already shut her eyes in wait for the contact but it never came. She opened her eyes to see Paul in front of her, holding Mrs. Moon''s arm.


    "Don''t you dare touch her." He growled. Mrs. Moon eyes widened as he threw her hand away from his, making her stumble a few steps backwards.


    Katherine jaw dropped when she saw Paul in front of her and Hannah gave a silent prayer of gratitude. She definitely did right thing by calling him.


    "What did you just say?" Mrs. Moon gasped.


    "Mother, out of respect for your relationship with my mother I won''t call security to walk you out, but I advise that you leave on your own." He stated firmly.


    All the woman there had different expressions on their faces but it all read shock.


    "You heard what she just said, your son would have died if she hadn''t amputated his leg. You should be thanking her, and yet?" Paul said.


    Mrs. Moon could not believe what he was saying to her. "So you''re really defending that whore?"


    Paul shut his eyes to reel in his temper.  "Don''t call her that, she''s the doctor that saved your son''s life."


    Mrs. Moon scoffed, "you have just made the biggest mistake of your life Paul Song. You will definitely regret this!" She screamed, grabbing her purse from the floor and walking away.


    Paul turned around to look at her, "ate you okay?" He asked.


    "Why the hell did you do that? You didn''t have to get involved." Katherine asked him slowly, her rage festering and building. Mother in Law?


    "What do you mean by that?" Paul scoffed.


    "Why did you get involved?!" She yelled.


    "Why are you shouting? Gosh, you''re so ungrateful I can''t understand you these days." Paul frowned.


    "Ungrateful? Didn''t you say she was your mother''s friend? I''m sure you''re coming from a marriage meeting, you just had to make my life more complicated huh?"


    "What the hell are you talking about, what does that have to do with anything?!" He said his voice also going higher. "If I hadn''t stepped in you would be facing a lawsuit and she would have even beat you up."


    "And you think I don''t know that? Paul you''re mother is scarier than any lawsuit, she already comes after me because she thinks we''re in a relationship and you just gave her confirmation!" Katherine yelled back.


    "Why do you always have to bring my mother into this? I ditched that woman and came running to you immediately Hannah called me? Can''t I do that? Why are you mad?!"


    "So I should be thankful for saving you from a date with your future wife? What I''m I your mistress? Even if she had sued me, I wouldn''t have gotten acquitted because I did the right thing. So why did you have to come and complicate things?" She said.


    Paul scoffed. "Why can''t I help my friend? Even if I''m marrying someone else does that me from caring about you?"


    Katherine swallowed the lump that formed at her throat when he said that word.


    "Then just stop."


    "Stop what?"


    "Stop caring about me, a wife comes before a friend, always. Since that''s all I am to you just stop." She said with tears in her eyes.


    "What the hell are you saying?" Paul asked, utterly confused. Why was she acting like this? Why was she holding back her tears?


    "What I''m saying Director Song, is let''s stop being friends."


    "What? Katherine you can''t be serious." Paul replied with sadness in his voice.


    Katherine looked into his eyes and it took everything in her not to breakdown and cry. It always hurt her to see that look in his eyes, but she couldn''t take it anymore. This was the story of their lives, he would have a fling but it would be nothing permanent. He always dated and she never did, waiting for him to realise her feelings for him. But how foolish she was, he never did. And never had he admitted to marrying someone else, those words broke her.


    "I am, goodbye Paul." She said walking away.

 Chapter 102 - 102. You Can Cause An Accident Going Out Like That.

    Jessie stepped out of Jason room in a turtleneck, it was so big it came down to her mid thigh. "You''re still here?" She asked Kevin who was practically standing by the door like a statue.


    "I need to get some things from the other room" she informed him walking past him to go to the room next door.


    "If your going in there why not just wear something other than the boss''s turtleneck?" He asked.


    She thought about it then shook her head. "I like this, is anything wrong with it?" She asked him.


    For the first time Kevin allowed himself look down, he made sure his eyes didn''t rest on her braless boobs or her curves, most of all her extremely long legs. Coughing he looked back into her eyes. "You can cause an accident going out like that." He pointed his finger along the length of her body.


    Jessie''s eyes widened and she folded her arms across her boobs as her cheeks reddened.


    "Perhaps I should send a female staff around." Kevin bowed and walked away.


    "You certainly should!" She squeaked running back into Jason''s room.


    After a short while the maid arrived and Jessie explained what she wanted from the other room.


    By the time she was done dressing she looked was in black heeled boots and she belted the turtleneck. Wearing panty hose and pink hood. And surprise surprise, Kevin was waiting outside the room, she saw him immediately she stepped out.


    Smiling at him she winked. "How do I look?"


    "Go back."


    "What?"


    "Go back and go change, you can''t be seen in public like this." He stated.


    Jessie brows furrowed and she frowned. "I don''t see anything  wrong with this, at all."


    "This." He pointed to her shoes. "Your legs are already too long and now? Heels? Why even wear those?" He pointed to the pantyhose. "It only makes your legs more attractive and tempting, and a belt? You put a belt on the shirt? Woah!!! You really do want to cause an accident. I understand that seeking attention is in your blood, because of the job you had, but you have to keep a low profile and dress normally." He ranted.


    Jessie jaw dropped, where the hell did Jason find a person like this? She was speechless, she didn''t even know what to say. He knew she was Jessie Marin? Tch. Why did he sound so familiar?


    "How isn''t this normal!" She squealed.


    "Jeans and a t-shirt is normal, this is just... maybe it would look normal on any one else but I''m sure you realise that no matter how pretty you are your best asset is your body,  and parading that isn''t going to help either of us." He scolded her.


    Jessie scoffed, her body? Now she knew where she heard this from, her CEO. Tch... all this clueless men. So what if her body seemed to be perfect in their opinions? She shouldn''t walk on eggshells because of that? It was her body and she could dress anyway she wanted, what was wrong with that?!


    "Hey! Who gave you the right to-"


    "I''m only doing my job miss, I hope you understand." He bowed completely interrupting her.


    Jessie jaw dropped, the insolence of this man?. Again where did Jason find him?!


    "And if I refuse to change?"


    "Well I''m afraid you won''t be leaving the manor then." He stated matter of factly.


    Her brow rose, "no way, are you threatening me?"


    "Oh no no, I would never do that miss I''m only stating facts, you in charge of your own choices" he bowed again.


    "What choices?!" She yelled. After sighing she calmed down. "Sorry for yelling, but how can you call this a choice? You''re saying I either do what you want me to do, or I forget about going out all together." Then it dawned on her.


    "That jerk! He doesn''t want me to go out does he? That''s why he''s making you do this?" She asked.


    "Not at all Madam, the boss does want you to come, but he also doesn''t need a scandal on his hands." Kevin replied.


    "Scandal? I''m..." she huffed,  how possible was it that this annoying man made her speechless, twice in one conversation? Finally realising how helpless she was she decided to beg. "Can''t you at least compromise? I haven''t worn heels in a while, please."


    The idiot remained stoic. "I advise you to make your decision quickly miss Marin. We''re burning daylight."


    Jessie huffed, if she couldn''t win this headon she was going to definitely win it somehow. "Fine, leave it will only make me angry knowing you''re outside the entire time I''m dressing. And send the maid back." She said.


    She wasn''t sure if that was a smile but she was sure his lips curved slightly upwards. He bowed again and walked away. Almost immediately the maid was back.


    "I need your help,  you must be discreet hmm? What your name?" She asked.


    "Agnes." The maid replied.


    "Okay Agnes, I don''t need any clothes from the other room, I''ll just wear Jason''s, but I need you to pack up what I''m wearing in the smallest bundle possible. And put it in this." She gave her a small purse.


    After a short while she was done dressing, wearing the same turtleneck and plaid pants that she had to fold. She had long legs? Pfft. And the only shoes of Jason''s that fit her, the trusted sandals, she was so glad he brought it here.


    "You satisfied?" She scowled at Kevin.


    He turned around and walked to her, putting a face cap on her head and handing her a black mask. "What''s in the bag?" He asked suspiciously.


    "Are you worried about even that? Fine take a look, if you''re interested in lady products and all that go ahead." She stretched the purse to him. And just as expected, he backed down, guys were always squeamish when ladies spoke about their periods, one line she was sure was still intact.


    He lead her out of the building and to the garage, why there were so many cars? She had no idea, but she wasn''t going to be complaining. Soon enough they were in one and driving out of the manor.

 Chapter 103 - 103. Just Play.

    12:15 PM.


    "Why thank you Kevin." She said sarcastically as she stepped out of the car, totally dismissing his hand.


    "You know you could have worn clothes your size, you do have your own wardrobe." He said when he saw her adjusting the pants when she got out.


    "Hmm.. I guess you right, I something about Jason''s clothes just make me feel at ease. Like he''s hugging me, it feels warm and sweet and reassuring. " She stated absent minded. "Never mind me, let''s go in."


    Kevin lead her in, as they entered the elevator he brought out a purple card, that PK engraved in gold. Next thing she new the back of the elevator opened up instead.


    "Let''s go in." He gestured.


    "What is this? Since when?" She asked. "Was this always here? How come I''m just finding out about it?"


    "Do you always ask this much questions?" Kevin sighed.


    "Do you always act stuck up and uptight?" She asked back.


    He didn''t answer her, and after what felt like an incredibly never ending maze they finally arrived at a door. Kevin knocked twice and she heard the door click. He pushed it open and let her walk in first.


    Jason''s brow went up when he saw Jessie, his clothes? Was she that upset about the room? She wouldn''t even go in to take her own clothes?


    "Is this your office? Wow. You really are the boss aren''t you, I must say it''s pretty impressive." She stated as she walked in.


    Jason stood up from behind his desk and gestured towards the couches, by the side. "Miss me so much that you has to come see me?" He asked with a smug grin.


    Jessie rolled her eyes at him, "don''t flatter yourself, I''m here mainly for me." She said.


    "For you?"


    "I felt guilty about the way we left things, and I came to apologise. But it doesn''t seem like you''re still mad at me though." She replied.


    Jason brows furrowed in question. "Mad? When was I mad at you?" He asked.


    "Well when you refused to say anything during our entire meal and then you just left abruptly. Weren''t you mad?"


    "Oh? I wasn''t mad, I was working."


    "Really? Hmm... then this visit was pointless." She huffed, folding her arms. Jason fought the urge to chuckle at her,  gosh really was too cute.


    "Did you really hate the room so much?" He asked and Jessie''s gaze flew to his. "It''s just your wearing my clothes, that means you couldn''t even bare to be in that room." He asked slowly.


    Jessie guilt came back again when she saw the expression on his face, why? Why? Did every little hurt expression make her feel so horrible?


    "I''m really truly grateful for the room, I really did love it... at first. But what upset me wasn''t the room, it was the fact that I''ve gotten so passive about my situation. I mean when was the last time I actually went out to find evidence to prove my innocence? Or try to get my life back?" She said sadly. "I''m afraid I might have gotten sidetracked."


    Jason nodded in understanding, he couldn''t begin to fathom what exactly she was going through, or what she went through.


    Jason bit his lip in hesitation but still spoke. "Can''t you just trust me? Trust that I''m doing everything within my power to get you out of this mess?"


    Jessie gaze narrowed, "I don''t understand you Jason." Jessie stated honestly.


    "Would you let me take care of this for you? Just play, take this as a break and just play." He said.


    Jessie brows furrowed slightly as she opened her mouth to speak he stopped her again. "I know you don''t like it when I try to help because you think I''m controlling you, trust me it was a thing of worry for me as well, when I always got mad and overly emotional when it came to matters concerning you. But honestly all I want is to see you happy and safe, mostly safe. So please wouldn''t you just let me handle this?"


    Jessie stared blankly at him, she almost didn''t know what to say or how to react, but this wasn''t Kevin. It was Jason, and she would always have something to reply weather or not it sounded rational. "Why? Why do you want to do this? Why should I trust you?"


    "I think you already know the answer to that, but I promised I wouldn''t say it again until you were ready to accept I am being sincere." Jason replied.


    She bit her lips and shut her eyes to calm her raging emotions, she didn''t know why she was getting worked up and angry but she was. "I don''t want you doing any of that for me, it''s my problem and I should fix it. You''ve already done more than enough." She said curtly.


    "Fine,  I thought you would say that. I have information concerning the detective in charge of your case." Her eyes widened. "But I''ll only give it to you on one condition."


    Jessie frowned but didn''t say anything, this was one of the times she would nod as if she agreed but still do what she wanted anyway.


    "You can''t approach him directly and you must always take Kevin along with you when you search for information." Jason stated.


    "Kevin? Really? Of all the people, you know I''ve been meaning to ask you, where the hell did you find that guy?" She whined.


    Jason smiled, "good you hate him already, seems he''s doing a good job."


    "Good job?! Is vetting my clothes also part of his job?" She scowled.


    Jason brows rose and the side of his lips went up in amusement. "He did that? Woah, he''s good, he''s good."


    "Give me the information, I can''t stand your smug face anymore." She said.


    Jason couldn''t help but laugh at her frustration, ringing Matt to bring in the folder. She grabbed it immediately and walked out of his office, fuming. What? He was doing his job?! They''ll just have to see about that, no way she would take any of this lying down.

 Chapter 104 - 104. Dead Meat.

    1:06 PM.


    Jessie stepped out of Jason''s office and Kevin was there to walk her to the elevator, as much as she hated the guy she was thankful he was there. Heaven knows she wouldn''t have found her way out otherwise.


    As they stepped out of the elevator onto the first floor she desperately looked for opportunities to get away from Kevin, not because of any special agenda but just the fact that she wanted to cause trouble. It was frustrating how little people were on the first floor, and how Kevin wasn''t even blinking. And it didn''t help that this was her first time in Jason''s building.


    But if she learned anything from her countless attempts to escape fans she knew the bathroom was the first space of opportunity for something like that. "Kevin I need to use the bathroom can you point me to it?" She said sweetly.


    "I''ll take you there" he said. Jessie nodded ofcourse she expected him to take her there, arguing about it would only raise suspicion. The bathroom was behind a wall, separating male from female. She allowed him watch as she went into the female bathroom, but as soon as she entered she began to peep out for an opportunity he even blinks. Luckily for her he got a phone call and she swiftly ran into the male side. Thank goodness she was cross dressing at least the initial impression wouldn''t be shock. She went into the stall and changed her clothing, as much as she wanted to wear what she did before it wouldn''t be wise. And she wasn''t that stupid. Still in heels, she opted for stilettos this time, and Kevin was right, Jeans and a shirt wouldn''t raise suspicion. Agnes was a real help, she even managed to get her a wig, she was a godsend. She put on the brown, banged bob, with big sunglasses. Ditching every other thing into the trash except the sandals. As much as she would hate to deny it, she had grown attached to them. She stayed in the stall for another 20 minutes, when she was sure Kevin would have barged into the female toilet looking for her she fled.


    1:45 PM.


    She literally ran out of the building after giving the men relieving themselves a proper fright, she was laughing so hard she almost wet her pants. Perhaps she should have gone in there. She looked around after walking a little and saw a cafe she decided to enter. Oh how she missed the pinch that came with wearing heels, how you always had to wriggle your toes to find a comfortable position but never did. She missed the uncomfortability of fashion. She didn''t bother put on her face mask, the glasses where big enough to cover half of her face. After she ordered her latte, she went to sit to wait for it. Looking out the window she spotted two men in black suits. Not sparing a moment to confirm weather or not they worked for Jason she dashed out of the cafe, and just kept running. If they found her now, it would all be for nothing.


    1:58 PM


    Soon enough she found a crowd to blend into, it appeared there had been an accident, not wanting to sound heartless but thank goodness. She hoped no one was dead though. She stood amongst the crowd and watched the different expressions and reactions, despite that being a safe place she couldn''t let her self stay. She had an eerie feeling eyes were on her. So she began to make her way out of there as quickly as she could. She walked quickly but her hurried steps broke into a run when she heard someone yell "Wait!"


    What scared her the most was that the voice sounded feminine not bothering to look back she began to sprint. Clutching on to her bag for her dear life she began to realise the irrationality of her actions, what if this was crazy fans? She shuddered when she thought about the last interaction with her fans in front of her house. Or Patricia''s goons? From what she saw it was a man and a young girl chasing after her, but they didn''t seem like the were doing it together.


    She looked around for the nearest building and ran into it, incidentally she ran into a spa. Again?! It didn''t matter now, she dashed into on of the rooms and squatted down behind a couch. Clutching her knees to her chest and cursing Jason for not giving her another phone. What was she supposed to do know? In a matter of moments her pursuers would eventually find out where she was hiding, she was practically dead meat. Realising she couldn''t stay in here anymore, and she couldn''t go out, she sighted a landline sitting a few inches from hers. She didn''t know if it would work, she had never taken time to memorize Jason''s number before but she had seen it enough times to maybe at least know. She would try any ways, even if it didn''t work she had to at least try.  She walked to the landline and punched in the numbers the first time didn''t go through. The second didn''t either. She was about to give up after the third try until she heard the door rattling. Getting more desperate her fingers fumbled as she tried a different combination, it was a long shot but she had to at least do something.


    "Hello?" The voice was calm and cold, sounding slightly annoyed so she knew she hit the bullseye.


    "Jason?" She almost cried out.


    "Jessie? Jessie,  where are you?! Are you okay?"


    He asked.


    "No I''m not! Jason please help, someone was following me and it wasn''t Kevin, I''m so ahhh!" She screamed when the person behind rammed into the door.


    "Jessie! Where are you?!" Jason asked his voice full of trepidation.


    "I''m not sure, in a spa I think it called ''self-appreciation'' it shouldn''t be too far from your building." She said with so much fear.


    "I''ll be there immediately, please stay safe and don''t so anything stupid. If you can don''t move, stay hidden. I promise to come find you." He said, cutting off the call.


    The rattling got louder and soon she heard a click. Her heart leapt to her throat as the door opened slowly. She stood lifeless as she waited to see who was behind the door. The suspense was killing her, she never felt so scared before. But nothing could have prepared her for who it was, as soon as the door opened fully she gasped.

 Chapter 105 - 105. Jessie Marin Sightings 1.

    12:00 PM.


    "I''ve kept my own end if the deal, aren''t you going to keep yours?" Krystal asked Jonathan as she entered his office to hand him his files. "I can''t believe you wanted to fire your current secretary because of me." She huffed.


    Jonathan smiled sweetly at her before replying, "don''t flatter yourself, I would never fire Vincent. Do you know how much easier my life got when he was in charge? Why would I choose a loud mouthed, irritable college dropout with an enormous sense if justice over a calm,humble guy with a college degree?" He asked all the while keeping a sweet smile on his face.


    Krystal scowled at him, not a lot of people knew this but behind his facade of righteous and kind, Jonathan was the most calculating and sly person she''d ever met. He was the type of person that would plan your death and destruction, or hate a person so much he could explode but still keep a sincere smile on his face in front of his enemy. And that honestly scared her, but at least for now he was being honest. And she never did anything to get in his bad books right?


    "How reassuring." She smiled back. "So, are you going to leave me hanging?" She asked.


    "You know the cafe across the street right?" She nodded. "I''ll meet you there in fifteen minutes. I''ll explain everything okay?"


    "Fine, I''ll be waiting for you then, since I''m  an under qualified brat with nothing to do." She smiled sarcastically.


    He nodded at her, after a few minutes he had covered some reasonable grounds with his work he decided to finally go meet her. Walking off the elevator he nodded at the people that greeted him until one person walked past him and caught his attention. There was nothing special or particular about the person but he had seen those shoes somewhere. Sandals, where had he- no way! It was Jessie Marin!


    Turning around quickly he followed after her as she walked into the elevator, but he was too late. It seemed like she was with someone, and he couldn''t tell what the situation was because he couldn''t see her expression through the mask. So he waited. After a while he saw her step out of the elevator again, then walk towards the toilets. Then the most surprising thing ever she ran into the men''s toilet? After a while the man that followed her walked into the ladies'' room to look for her, and out of curiosity he followed. But by the time he came out she was gone, she was no longer in the men''s toilet either. Jonathan groaned as he bolted out of  the building, searching, ugh! He should have waited.


    1:45 PM.


    Krystal was getting furious, was all that just a ploy to get her out if the office and to stop pestering him? If he thought that was going to work then he had another thing coming. How did fifteen minutes turn into and hour and a half? That jerk! She would teach him a lesson, but first she would order coffee and place it on his tab. Fitting for the less than gentlemanly behaviour, and she was just getting started. If she remembered correctly from the few days she worked, Jonathan was basically a caffeine addict, the owner seemed to offer only him a tab. At the time she wondered why, why a rich man that could probably buy an island wouldn''t be able to pay upfront for his coffee, but now she couldn''t be more pleased.


    She stood on the line unconsciously fiddling with her fingers, thinking of all the things she could do to get back at the annoying man. But all those thoughts flew out of her head when she heard the voice of the woman ordering. She immediately became attentive, straining her ears as though it would help her listening. While most people recognize faces, she had a talent for voices. But she didn''t want to jump into any conclusions so she tried to peep at the woman from behind the people in front of her. The woman walked past her to the table beside the window. Long legs, shapely and elegant curves, a familiar voice. Could she really be this lucky? She wondered.


    She stepped away from the line and sat on the table opposite the woman, wondering how she never so much as got a glimpse of the actress when she was... well supposedly still alive and now?


    Krystal almost withered when she stared in her direction, immediately she was up and basically running out if the cafe. Krystal got up immediately as well, did she figure out that Krystal knew her? Shit, she couldn''t afford to lose her, she was too close. Krystal grabbed her purse as well and made a mad dash out of the cafe following the actress.


    1:30 PM


    Jamie walked towards his car but decided to ditch it and take a walk to clear his head. He could seem to get Lenora out of his head, well in defense he just saw her. But with the day he''s had he shouldn''t be thinking about her.


    "Detective Anderson, how many times have I told you, you can''t go after a family as powerful as the Lee''s if you didn''t see them commit murder and have the evidence on video and you have mere speculations?" His chief asked him.


    Jamie kept his head low and refused to look into his superiors eyes in respect, "sir with a due respect, isn''t that what detectives do? I believe it wasn''t a coincidence that Patricia Lee''s room happened to be in the list of rooms in the blindspot. We''ve started investigations for far less, what different this time?" He asked.


    The chief scoffed, "you''re not going to learn are you? Do you even realise what you''re getting yourself into, going after the Lee family?"


    "So I shouldn''t investigate because they''re powerful? Isn''t that above the police? You can''t really be biased as well, if even the police are biased then this country is doomed." Jamie said looking into the chief''s eyes for the first time.


    "And juniors are supposed to take orders from superiors without questioning them, you''re relieved of your duties for the day detective Anderson. I believe a break would do you some good." The chief informed him.


    Jamie''s jaw dropped in shock, he has not even started doing anything and he was fired? Or rather suspended, he didn''t even argue he just bowed his head and left.


    Unconsciously some how he ended up where Lenora was doing her report on the accident scene. Outrighly accusing the government for being lax in care of the city, since this was the second accident that happened in just a mere two days. This was why he fell in love with her, her confidence and bravery. The fact that she was brutally honest and refuses to bow to authority, it made him feel a little better knowing someone else was fighting for good, even if she wasn''t doing it intentionally. No, Lenora would never do the right thing intentionally or maybe that''s what she wanted people to think.


    Soon enough the report was done and she sighted him, he smiled and waved at her only realising she wasn''t looking at him when she didn''t respond. She was looking behind him, he turned around to see what grabbed her attention, the woman in the brown bob? What was so special? He looked back at Lenora to make sure that was what she was looking at. Before he could say or ask anything, she started to move and judging by her frantic mannerisms she was panicked. Jamie looked back at Lenora who''s eyes were following the woman, he pushed his way through the crowds as quickly as he could and she finally noticed him.


    "Jamie, quick that''s was Jessie Marin!" She snapped.

 Chapter 106 - 106. Jessie Marin Sightings 2.

    1:00 PM


    Lenora struggled to concentrate on the story at hand. She couldn''t get her mind of Jamie, why did he come to her? This was certainly a first, not to mention that kiss, wow. The ghost of his touch still lingered on her lips, it was distracting. And as much as she wanted to focus on the reason why he was in such a bad position, she couldn''t deny the spark of desire he had awakened. How could he just leave? He did this to her and he just left? If he knew what was good for him he''ll be back to pick her up by six and finish what he stared.


    "Hey, Lenora, it''s go time. What are you doing standing over there?" The one of the crewmen yelled at her.


    She snapped out of her thoughts, shaking off every thought of Jamie. Grabbing the mic she stood in front of the camera and began to describe the scene into the camera.


    After several takes she finally managed one that didn''t have several mistakes. "What happened today Lenora?" The camera guy asked with a tsk.


    "I''m sorry, I''m just a little distracted I guess. That''s a wrap right?" She asked.


    "Yeah, we''ll finally be able to head back, no thanks to you." The crewmen from earlier sassed.


    Lenora rolled her eyes at him, "hey, you shouldn''t make it more obvious than it already is, hmm? Aren''t you tried of sitting at a desk all day? That stomach isn''t going anywhere if you don''t get off that fat ass and do some walking." She spat.


    "What did you say?" He hissed. Lenora phone buzzed in her pocket and she held her index finger up to stop the man talking as she pulled out her phone to read the text.


    The man huffed incredulously, who did she think she was? With that attitude?


    ''There''s a woman with a dark brown bob in jeans and a white shirt. She wearing black stilettos and carrying an odd bag. You have to find her she''s Jessie Marin!''


    Lenora''s eyes widened at the text, should she trust it? Well it was from Krystal she would know Jessie Marin right? Her eyes began to roam through the crowd and as the text said her gaze landed on a woman with the the same description. She began to walk towards the woman.


    "Lenora? Lenora! Where are you going?" The camera man yelled behind her, but she couldn''t spare him an explanation right now.


    Before she could catch up with the woman she began to run, shit! And her luck when Jamie seemed to appear right in front of her, at that very moment.


    "Lenora?"


    "Jamie, quick that''s was Jessie Marin!" She snapped.


    "What?"


    "There that woman, she''s Jessie Marin! You have to catch her!" She yelled. And they began to run after her but Jamie was much faster to he took the lead.


    Damn that woman could run, and in those heels? Wow,  she has to admit even she wasn''t that impressive. There was a lot of gap between the woman and Jamie, and a lot of gap between Jamie and herself. So it took a while for her to get to the building she saw Jamie run into.


    The first person she saw was Krystal, bent over and panting heavily. "Where is she?" Lenora asked, also out of breath.


    "I''m not sure but she must be in here somewhere. Your cop boyfriend is looking on the upper floors, let take the rooms on the ground floors okay?" She huffed and Lenora nodded.


    "But wait a minute,  are you absolutely sure that is Jessie Marin?" Lenora asked.


    "I mean, even if she''s a look alike, her profile fits the actress. Besides if your not guilty why would you run?" Krystal replied.


    "Fine, that a good point. Let''s go."


    "Wait, wait." Krystal said.


    "What?!" Lenora asked impatiently.


    "What do we do once we find her?" Krystal asked ignoring her sharp tone.


    "What do you mean what do we do? Ask her what happened and we''ll go from there, don''t ask stupid questions and just search." Lenora snapped and Krystal frowned shaking her head at her and walking towards the rooms.


    She pulled her phone out of her purse and made a call. She never really intended on informing the bitter reporter or her cop boyfriend, but if she wanted to catch the runaway actress she needed and extra pair of eyes. And now that she got it, it was time to inform her true employer, Jonathan.


    While she preferred they did not find Jessie before her, because she didn''t know their real intentions behind looking for the actress. She couldn''t let Jessie get away, that was first priority. And even though she couldn''t trust Jonathan as well, he was the only one paying her. The thought of it all seemed disgusting to her but when she thought of her expiring lease and her sister nearing the end of her high school study. She knew she had to be disgusting to get by, and it''s not as if she was doing anything so wrong, okay maybe but she hoped Jonathan had good intentions towards the actress. She was her fan after all.


    "Krystal? Did you find her?" Jonathan asked.


    "No, but I''m not the only one searching, I just texted you the address you have to find her before any one else." Krystal informed him.


    "How do I find her if you haven''t?"


    "I''m searching, but two pair of eyes are definitely better than one. So get here now." She said cutting of the call.


    She opened the doors slightly, just a little bit to listen in. Nothing out of the ordinary, the only thing that she still wondered no one had come to bother her about snooping in the establishment. Were they just that lax? Either way, it was benefiting her so she didn''t care about it.


    She had checked every door on that wing, except one. And it was locked, she tried to shake it open but it wouldn''t budge. Placing her ear on the door she struggled to listen for activity, about to give up because of lack of noise she heard something.


    It sounded like a woman talking, crying? She sounded desperate and scared. Krystal sighed, bingo. Her phone buzzed in her hand and she picked it up to answer.


    "I''m in the left wing, room 118." She stated curtly.

 Chapter 107 - 107. I Have No Regrets.

    Jessie heart was stuck in her throat, as she watched the door slowly open. She struggled to breath but found she couldn''t, stepping back slowly her flailing arms found a lamp and she held that in front of her as some shield or a weapon as the need would arise. Her heart thumped faster and louder so much so that was all she heard. The footsteps were rapid and fast but at that moment to her they were slow and dreaded. Now she knew how it felt to be preyed upon, to feel absolute terror, terror that came from knowledge, knowledge of impending danger, danger that couldn''t be avoided.


    As soon as the figure behind the door came into full view all that fear was replaced by genuine shock and total confusion. She couldn''t be this lucky right?


    "Mr Kang?" She managed to choke out.


    Jonathan eyes widened when he saw the lamp in her grasp, walking over quickly he slowly took it out of her hands. "Are you okay?"


    Jessie still frozen from shock nodded her head slowly. "How are you here? I don''t understand." She shook her head.


    "It doesn''t matter now, just come with me. Quickly." He said.


    Jessie blinked at him, unmoving. Not that she didn''t trust him, but to be honest she was waiting for someone else.


    "Jessie? Come." Jonathan stated again.


    "W-where?" She stuttered.


    "Some place safe?" Jonathan stated bluntly, looking at her with a concerned expression. "There are people after you, isn''t that why you''re hiding?"


    Suddenly Jessie''s brain began to work again and she nodded. "Did you see them?"


    "Yes, so we need to get out of her right now." He informed her. "You can''t go out like that, here take my jacket." He said.


    Jessie nodded, it would be better to disguise herself. She pulled out Jason''s sandals from her purse and tossed the heels aside. Removing the bob wig from her head she pulled out the cap she wore earlier and put that on. Jonathan eyes widened a little when he saw her hair but he didn''t say anything. She put on his jacket and if she thought Jason''s clothes were long then this was just wrong. His jacket almost came down to her knees. She wasn''t a short woman, she stood around 5''9 but with Jonathan she felt incredibly short.


    "Let''s go." He said.


    She nodded yet again, seeing as words kept failing her, and made way with him towards the door before she stopped abruptly.


    "I''ll be there immediately, please stay safe and don''t so anything stupid. If you can don''t move, stay hidden. I promise to come find you."


    "I can''t... I''m supposed to be waiting for someone to come get me." She said.


    "Who? The person you told be about the last time? Your guardian?" Jonathan asked.


    "More like my... he''s not my guardian I''m not a child, he''s just... I need to wait for him." She insisted.


    "Jessie I get your hesitation and how difficult it must be for you to trust me right now, but if you don''t come with me right now. I''m not very sure I can protect you from the people after you." He said.


    "Bu-"


    "Don''t worry, you''ll call him and inform him your whereabouts when your someplace safe. Okay?" She nodded and he took her hand in his and pulled her out of the room. They kept a low profile and managed to sneak out of the spa quietly.


    "Where are we going now?" She asked as the stepped out of the spa. Before they could answer the heard a voice yelling.


    "She''s gone, and quite recently she most be outside!"


    Jonathan grabbed her arms again and pulled her into a run, Jessie struggled to keep up with his long legs.


    "Over here!" Someone yelled from behind a building. And Jonathan ran to the girl.


    "It''s okay, I know her, we can trust her." He said noticing Jessie''s resistance. When they were safely hidden in an alley, Jessie bent over her knees panting hard.


    "Are they still chasing after us?" She asked Jonathan, who went to look.


    "No, I can''t see anyone. I go get my car, okay?" She nodded. "Krystal will keep you company." He stated walking off.


    Jessie looked at the woman in front of her, staring. She looked incredibly young, that at first glance she mistook her for a teenager. But though she might not be one, she looked like she was just fresh out of that faze, even still having some baby fat around her cheeks.


    "Hi, I''m-"


    "I know who you are." She blurted out, biting her lips. "I... I just, I-I can''t believe..you''re alive!" She squealed hugging Jessie.


    Jessie stood with her hands hanging idly by her sides, unsure of what to do. Krystal held on tighter unable to move away. She couldn''t believe it, she did believe it but still... having her right in front of your eyes. This was a woman she idolized every day of her life. The woman whose movies gave her a release and an escape from the crappy life she had. Because of her love for this woman she met an amazing community of people that she had never met in person but people that cared for her because they shared the same love and admiration for this woman. And here she was right before her eyes!


    "Um.. I''m sorry, I-I can''t br-breathe" Jessie said.


    "Oh, I''m sorry" Krystal pulled away, wiping her eyes. "I''m so sorry, are you okay?"


    Jessie gave her a small smile and nodded. "What''s your name? Krystal?"


    Krystal nodded, eagerly. Her sister would die if she knew who she was standing before this moment.


    "I''m such a huge fan! You have no idea, I love all your shows. My first one was the ''Moonlight tales'' but that isn''t my favourite, I can''t have a favourite with you, you''re just so good! How do you manage to have chemistry with every male lead? It so surreal!" Krystal rambled.


    Jessie was overwhelmed at first then she began to laugh, ''Wow, I didn''t think I still had fans'' she mused. She laughed so hard, that tears began to fall, at this point Krystal had stopped talking and watched her with slight shock on her face as her laughter turned into sobs.


    Jessie face went into her plams as she cried, yet again. Krystal frowned not knowing what to do.


    "What happened?" Jonathan asked alarmed, he quickly rushed over to Jessie and pulled her into a hug, tapping her back gently.


    "What did you do?" He asked Krystal in an audible whisper.


    "I... I don''t know." Krystal replied.


    "You must have done something, what did you say?" Jonathan asked more forcefully than he intended.


    "She didn''t do anything" Jessie said, pulling away from his embrace, she turned around and pulled Krystal into a hug instead. "Thank you so much, thank you for believing in me and not hating me." She said.


    Krystal heart leapt out of her chest. ''Mother, father, if I die now I have no regrets!''

 Chapter 108 - 108. No.1 Fan.

    Jason was livid, he was so furious he could kill a person. So he banished Kevin, he didn''t trust himself not to do anything drastic if he remained in front of him. He headed into the spa along with the bodyguards and now they were standing in front of him with a wig and a pair of heels but no Jessie. He stared at them, with nothing but terrible thoughts running through his mind. He could yell, he could break things but that wouldn''t bring her back, the only thing he wanted was her before him. What he even thinking? Leaving her like that? These bodyguards were all useless!


    Her last call kept replaying in his head, he never heard her sound so scared before and that on it''s own made him incredibly terrified. What would he do with himself if she was hurt, or even worse. What if it was Patricia? He was so terrified it made him angry. He was practically the most powerful man in the country at the moment and yet, he was still powerless.


    He told her to stay put if she could, which meant she either couldn''t or she was taken. He couldn''t bare to trust this group of idiots anymore. He pulled out his phone and punched in numbers.


    "Hello?"


    "Paul, I need your help." He stated curtly.


    "Right now? This isn''t really a good time." Paul mumbled over the phone.


    "Jessie missing." He said.


    "What? Again?" Paul asked in disbelief.


    "Yes Paul, again." Jason said through clenched teeth.


    "I thought you had bodyguards with her, how did she go missing aga-"


    "I don''t know Paul! I guess I''m surrounded by buffoons!" He yelled. After a short moment of silence he spoke again. "I''m, I''m sorry for snapping, it''s just, I really need your help."


    "I''m not sure what I can do Jason, you are the one with the connections." Paul reasoned.


    "Yeah but I''m too emotional to give any reasonable orders right now, would you just please?" He asked.


    "Fine, where are you. I''m on my way." Paul replied.


    **************************************************


    "You really don''t have to thank me." Krystal said slowly, afraid the words might come out the way they were in her head, jumbled up.


    "Actually I do. I''ve been acting for almost eight years and the only thing fans do is demand demand demand. Sure they love and admire me, but when there''s a scandal or rumour there are the first people that would turn their backs on a celebrity. I''ve seen vicious comments online, and I wonder, are this the people that say I''m the best? I don''t know I just expected people to hate me so much that they would actually be happy to have me dead. But I guess I was wrong." Jessie said, laughing nervously.


    Krystal shook her head. "I would never hate you, I couldn''t. And I''m sure that there are people out there too that feel the way I do as well. It''s true that the majority aren''t your true fans, nobody really has millions and millions of fans. But there are people that love you, truly, through thick and thin."


    Jessie smiled, "I don''t know about people, but I know about you. You''re amazing Krystal, for believing in me the way you do. I''m truly sorry for ending up in this situation, and for breaking the hearts of my precious fans that believed in me. But I''m grateful to you, that you still believe in me, your my no.1 fan."


    "Stop, my heart can''t take anymore of this!" Krystal squeaked, blinking back tears.


    Jonathan cleared his throat behind them, "uhm I hate to break up this beautiful scene and all, but the car is here, let''s go."


    They both nodded. The drive to Jonathan place was short and the two ladies were occupied in a deep conversation about Jessie''s career.


    "Boss, I thought you lived in your family mansion." Krystal commented as the walked into a building.


    "Oh I left, couldn''t stand the old man anymore." He shrugged as he held open the door for the women to walk in. Seeing Krystal''s excitement now he knew why she gave him that ultimatum.


    "I will give you Jessie location on one condition, you allow me meet her."


    "Oh shoot. Mr. Kang?" Jessie turned around suddenly remembering she needed to make a call.


    "Call me Jonathan." He said as he shut the door.


    "Okay, Jonathan. Can you please lend me your phone? I really need to make a call." She asked.


    "Your guardian?" He said with a small playful smirk.


    "It''s true, who is this mystery man you''ve been staying with anyway?" Krystal asked.


    Jessie looked at both of them, wondering if she should reveal the information. "You''ll find out once he comes to get me, so can I have your phone?" She said.


    Jonathan nodded "fair enough." He said handing her the phone. She thanked him and went into the other room to make the call.


    "So who do you think the mystery man is? I mean he has to be bold and resourceful to be housing the dead actress, well supposedly dead." Krystal asked Jonathan.


    "I have no idea, it could be anyone. I know I would." He replied.


    "That''s true, you haven''t even told me why your so fascinated by the actress." She informed him.


    "Do I really need a reason to want to help?"


    "Jessie Marin? Oh yeah."


    "Well, I don''t think that''s any of business now is it?" Jonathan said slyly.


    Krystal brows furrowed in annoyance, and she pouted. "No fair! You promised to tell me if I came back to work!"


    "He promised to tell you what?" Jessie asked as she walked back into the room.


    "Nothing!" Jonathan replied quickly. "You must be hungry after all that running, I''ll go prepare something. You girls keep yourselves company." He stated firmly leaving the room.


    "What was that about?" Jessie asked with a small smile. "Did I walk in on something private?" She asked.


    Krystal shook her head, then she eyed the expression realising what Jessie was implying. "Oh no! Oh no! Nothing of the sort, we don''t have that kind of relationship." She vehemently refused.


    "Okay, okay if you say so." Jessie laughed.


    After a little while the door bell rang, and Jonathan went to get it, wiping his hands on the apron he wore. Immediately he opened the door, a fist approached him, too starled to avoid it, it came in contact with his jaw. Making him stumble back a few steps.


    "Jonathan?"


    He looked up and frowned. "What the hell Jason!" He yelled.


    "I could ask you the same thing, what the hell are you doing here?!" Jason asked.


    "What do you mean by that? I live here? Since when do you greet people with blows?" He spat, touching his lips and looking down at the red that coated his fingers.


    "What''s going on here?" Jessie gasped from on top the stairs. "Oh my goodness, Jason?"

 Chapter 109 - 109. Half-brothers.

    "Jessie?" Jason breathed out. "It was you? You took her?" He sneered at Jonathan. Grabbing him by the shirt.


    "Jason! Stop." Jessie yelled running down the stairs with Krystal right behind her.


    "Jason, stop it, let him explain." Paul said from behind him, pulling both of them apart.


    "He''s the guy?" Jonathan asked Jessie his expression etched in disgust. Jessie nodded at him and Jonathan scoffed, laughing ruefully. "Why are you staying with such trash?" He spat.


    "Excuse me?" Jason said.


    "You heard me." Jonathan replied.


    Before they could start fighting again, Jessie put herself in between the two men. "Both of you stop it, I don''t understand, why are you acting like this? Do you know each other?" She asked.


    "The question should be why the hell you know him?" Jason spat.


    "Why? What wrong with Jonathan?" She frowned looking at Jonathan. "Hello Paul, it''s been a while." She said quickly sending him a quick smile.


    Paul laughed at her response. "It''s has been while. And do you really not know the relationship between these two?" He asked.


    Jessie looked back and forth between both of them and she couldn''t see anything thing. She shook her head.


    "They''re brothers" Krystal pointed out.


    "Half-brothers!" They both snapped.


    Jessie jaw dropped, Jason Kang, Jonathan Kang. "Really? Like seriously?" She asked in utter disbelief.


    "I know right, I''m nothing like that idiot over there." Jason scoffed.


    "No, he''s nothing like you." Jessie said. "I, I mean how can one brother be so selfless and calm and I end up with the hot-tempered one." She huffed.


    Jonathan smiled and Jason face fell into a scowl. "Excuse me?"


    "No... I mean apart from your last names you guys are nothing alike." She said. "He''s nice and kind, and then you''re... you." She smiled at his already frowning face. While the rest of the room struggled to stifle their laughter.


    "I spent the better part of this afternoon, worrying about your safety and basically almost going mad because I couldn''t find you in that spa. And you''re saying my brother is better than I am?" He asked.


    Jessie chuckled, walking over to him,she slipped her arms beneath his jacket. Snaking her arms around his slim torso she laid her cheek aganist his chest hugging him. "Thank you, for worrying about me." She said.


    Jason stiffened, the scent of Jasmine wafting into his nostrils so strongly. She always smelled of jasmine, but today it seemed stronger. And it made him heady, only Jessie would have such and effect on him like this. He wrapped his arms around her shoulder and placed a kiss on her forehead. Pulling her closer, this was perfect.


    Krystal was shocked at first at the scene playing out in front of them, but then it made sense. Now why a sweet beautiful and amazing woman like Jessie Marin would end up with that infuriating man. But just seeing both if them together just made sense. She looked up at Jonathan to his reaction and just like that she knew why he was so interested in Jessie Marin.


    The way his brown eyes held such an intensity, and how his fists were clenched tightly by his sides. How hard he was trying to keep his face expressionless, of course. Of course.


    But she couldn''t be bothered by that right now, not while the man that made her brain jelly was standing right there in front of her, in same room. He seemed bored, of course he would be. She couldn''t help the smile that permanently etched itself on her face, she wanted to see him again, who knew today would bring her such luck? First Jessie Marin and now, Paul? Wow, she was truly lucky. Honestly if she died today she would have no regrets at all.


    "Let''s home Jessie, it''s about time we get out of Jonathan''s hair." Jason said after she pulled away.


    Jessie turned to look at Jonathan, who gave her a tight smile. She looked at the apron she he had on and felt bad about the food he started to prepare for them. Then she looked at all the bodyguards Jason brought along, no way he made enough for everyone right?


    "Well, sure but I''m not going without my food." She said.


    "Your food?" Jason asked.


    "Em." She nodded. "Jonathan?"


    "You still want it?" He asked slowly.


    And she nodded. "Of course I want it, you said you were making something for me right. It''s a shame I can''t eat it here with you, but I''ll take it to go?" She said.


    Jason frowned at her, why was she patronising him? Why would be cooking for her? Tch.


    "Sure, ofcourse if that''s what you want." Jonathan nodded.


    "It is, maybe we''ll eat together some other time?" She offered.


    "Never going to happen." Jason spat from behind her.


    "Hey!" She jabbed him with her elbow.


    "What? After your little stunt today, don''t think you''re leaving that house without me again." He whispered in her ear.


    "What? Without you?" She whined. "What happened to Kevin?"


    "What do you think? I fired him, so now you''re stuck with me." He said curtly.


    "You can''t do that" she said lowly. She hated Kevin, and she definitely wanted him replaced, but not at the expense of Jason? How was she supposed to do anything with Jason always breathing down her neck?


    "Watch me." He replied.


    During their squabbling, Jonathan had already gone and returned with a small foodwarmer. He put it a small bag and handed it over to Jessie.


    "Thank you so much Jonathan." She took the flask. "Wait a minute, your lips are still bleeding." She gasped, shoving the flask into Jason''s arms she rushed over to Jonathan.


    Jason frowned handing the flask over to one of the bodyguards. He walked over to the chair Jessie had seated Jonathan on. "I''m pretty sure he can handle that on his own." He scoffed.


    Jessie hissed at him. "How can you even say that? You did this you should apologise." She said.


    Jason pursed his lips, folded his arms and looked away.


    She rolled her eyes at his behaviour, leave it to him to be so childish. "Where is your first aid box?"


    "In the kitchen by the cupboards." He replied and Krystal went to get it.


    Jason continued to clench his teeth and cough non-stop as he watched her tend to his brother''s wound. The moment she placed the bandage on his lips he grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the apartment.


    "What is wrong wit- oh my goodness!" She gasped.


    "Let''s go, it getting late already." He said.


    "So? I didn''t even say goodbye." She frowned.


    "It doesn''t matter, let''s go."


    "She can''t go, not right now." Paul said, leaving the house.


    "Why not?" Jason asked.


    "Because she needs to see Katherine, something is bothering her and she needs a friend. She needs Jessie."

 Chapter 110 - 110. Your Face Doesnt Seem Bad.

    "How could she just disappear? I was sure she was the one!" Lenora groaned. "We were so close and we had her cornered. Where''s Krystal anyway?" Lenora asked Jamie.


    "I''m not sure, she said something came up." He replied.


    "What exactly could be more important than this." She huffed.


    "Lennie, calm down I know what your about to do and a lot of things are more important than this." He said walking over to her so calm her down.


    "Bu..but" she whined, Jamie pulled her into his embrace and placed a soft kiss on her head. "Tch... how are you always so calm?" She frowned.


    "Well one of us needs to be calm, we can''t both blow up, they''ll be none of the world left. Besides you have enough hellfire for both of us." He cooed.


    "You know what could calm me?" She said softly.


    "What?" Jamie asked.


    She looked up at him and stood on her tippy toes, placing a soft kiss on his jaw.


    "Lenora, we''re in public." He warned.


    "Didn''t seem to stop you before." She smiled.


    He laughed. "Why are you so horny?"


    "Hypocrite, like you aren''t either. I know your burning up inside with the need to have me, like I said you''re just better at hiding your emotions. But I see you Jamie." She leaned to whisper in his ears. "The real Jamie."


    Jamie looked down at her smirking frame and before she could process what was happening, she was aganist the wall and and his lips delivering heavenly ministrations, on her forehead, her nose, her jawline. Next thing he picked her up and finally kissed her.


    Lenora wrapped her leg around his thick torso as she grabbed unto his shoulders for support, it was so hot the sensation reached all the way down to her toes and she wasn''t stopping him now. He had the lead and she had no problem with following.


    "Oh my goodness!" Someone squealed beside them and they broke out of their trance to look at a missus with a huge pile of towels spilled on the ground. "I.. I''m sorry." She grabbed what she could and dashed away.


    Jamie slowly placed Lenora on the ground and they both burst out laughing. "Second time today we''re interrupted." She pouted.


    "Let''s not make the same mistake again, what do you think? Six?" Jamie grinned at her.


    "Tch... I can ditch work." She smiled, and Jamie''s brow went up. "Let''s go."


    **************************************************


    Katherine struggled with the idea of just heading home, she balanced the ice pack on her sore scalp and reviewed her reports. She could just go home and sleep, goodness knows she needed that. She still needed to sign and submit the document for Choi Ji hoon''s forceful discharge.


    The poor boy, having that kind of mother. Not only did he have to live with just one leg, the rest of his life he had to deal with his mother constantly blaming her neglect in parenting on a doctor.


    She looked up as the knock on the door drew her attention, "I thought I told you not to disturb me again, Hannah."


    Hannah head came through the gap between the door and the wall, "you have a visitor. It''s Dr. Geum."


    "Dr. Geum? He''s here?" She asked grabbing the ice pack.


    "Should I let him in?" Hannah asked.


    "Umm.. sure." Katherine''s replied, ''why the hell is he here?'' She thought. Soon after the door opened and a smiling doctor stepped into her office.


    "Dr. Park" he greeted.


    Katherine stood up immediately, "Dr. Geum, uh it''s good to see you, here, again, so soon." She laughed nervously.


    He stood in front of her staring at her with a slight tilt of his of his head.


    Katherine felt trapped with just them in her office, somehow she felt anxious that someone would walk in and assume the worst. That person would be Paul, and she didn''t know why she seemed so pitiful but somehow she didn''t want to disappoint him. So her next words were "Dr. Geum, want to take a walk?"


    "Can''t we just talk here?" He stated bluntly.


    Katherine smiled, "I''m about to do my rounds wouldn''t you want to accompany me?" She said sweetly.


    "Oh if that''s the case I won''t interrupt your work, I''ll go." He bowed slightly and turned to walk out of the room.


    Katherine''s jaw dropped, what exactly was wrong with this man? Was taking a walk such a big deal? "No, wait." She called out to him.


    "Just come along hmm, besides we have a patient together." She smiled quickly walking past him to open the door, she held it open and gestured for him to go out. He didn''t.


    "Dr. Geum?" She asked.


    "Ladies first."


    "Huh?"


    "Ladies first." He insisted.


    "Ah" she said slowly and walked out, he followed suit and shut the door behind them.


    "You know I meant it when I said that the patient, your patient that was briefly also mine was totally in your care." He stated as the walked down the hall.


    Katherine frowned, "so you really don''t want to accompany for my rounds?" She pouted.


    "Oh heavens, no. I meant that as a compliment. I have recently realized I always want to be around you." He stated bluntly.


    Katherine eyes widened and her neck became red. She turned to hide her blush with a slight cough. Before she would reply Devon was holding a handkerchief for her.


    "There''s no need to worry about me" she said, biting her bottom lip. He nodded and tucked the handkerchief back into his pocket.


    They continued to walk and visit her patients, she was glad for the conversation starters. After the odd look he gave her after the first patient she explained all the things she could tell about each patient the had visited. Almost an hour later they were back to her floor. As they walked back to the office, Devon grabbed her arm and stopped walking.


    "What''s wrong?" Katherine asked as she turned to look at him.


    "I came here to tell you something important, but I couldn''t do that because you were working." He said.


    Katherine brow formed a crease, that was the entire point of the rounds, she already went on her round today! He was supposed to be talking.


    "So what do you have to tell me?" She asked.


    As he opened his mouth to speak someone called out to Katherine from behind them.


    Devon turned to see a woman in sunglasses, a scarf around her head. Black turtle, jeans and sandals.


    "Oh my goodness Jessie?" Katherine gasped happily. Jessie waved at her as she walked to them, before Devon knew what was going on Katherine had already dashed past him to hug Jessie. He frowned slightly when he saw them squealing. He cleared his throat and got their attention and they turned to finally look at him.


    "Oh pardon my manners, This is Dr Devon Geum." Katherine said. "Dr. Geum this is Jessie." She introduced them.


    Jessie extended her hand to shake him, a small smile on her lips. "No surname?" He asked.


    "Ah, is that necessary." Jessie asked.


    "Ofcourse, I feel disadvantaged. You know mine why can''t I know yours?" He asked.


    Jessie looked at Katherine with an odd expression before looking back at him, withdrawing her arm when she realised he wasn''t going to take it. Who the hell was this bozo? "Well , Dr. Geum, I don''t have a last name." She stated rather forcefully.


    "That''s suspicious, is that why your wearing a pointless accessory indoors?" He asked pointing to her sunglasses.


    Katherine''s jaw dropped and Jessie scoffed in disbelief. The hell?


    "I don''t think that any of your business Dr.Geum" she stated.


    "No.. it''s just, sunglasses are meant to be worn outside, hence the name sunglasses." He insisted.


    "Well if you must know, I''m trying to hide my identity." Jessie stated firmly.


    "Why? You''re face doesn''t seem bad." He said.


    Jessie jaw dropped and she struggled to form words. "..... doesn''t seem bad?" She whined, shooting Katherine a glare. "You know what if you what this glasses off so badly, then here. But don''t say I didn''t warn you." She pulled them out disregarding Katherine pleas. Pulling down her scarf she stared into Dr. Geum eyes intently.


    "What the hell have you done?!"

 Chapter 111 - 111. Nations First Love.

    "What the hell have you done?" Katherine gripped Jessie upper arm and shook her as though sense would flow into her impulsive friend.


    Jessie stared at Devon with a small smirk, playing on her plush red lips. Devon raised his brow at their reactions, with the smug look on this woman face and the mortified on Katherine''s it seemed he was supposed to say something?


    "I''m I supposed to know who you are?" He asked.


    Jessie blinked and Katherine look of mortification turned to utter shock. No one, absolutely no one did not know who Jessie Marin was, in this country. Even if you didn''t know her face, you would definitely know about her but it was rare to find someone that didn''t know her face. After all she was the nation''s first love! No one forgets their first love.


    "You don''t know who she is?" Katherine asked again just to be sure she heard right, and Devon sincerely shook his head.


    "It doesn''t matter, does my face seem like a ''doesn''t seem bad''?" She said with a frown.


    "Well if it doesn''t seem bad doesn''t that mean it''s good?" He scratched his head. "I''m not sure what you want exactly." He sighed after he saw Jessie features fall into slight rage.


    Katherine jabbed him, and smiled. "She''s beautiful isn''t she, breathing taking even." She said through clenched teeth, looking up at him.


    "Yeah well I guess, but in my opinion your more breathing taking Dr. Park." He stated bluntly.


    That was it, she was going to kill this man! If they could see, they would definitely see the smoke that was coming out of Jessie ears.


    Katherine eyes widened as she looked into Devon''s eyes, did he just say she was more beautiful than Jessie in his opinion? No one, absolutely no one had said something so nice, and she felt funny. She wasn''t an ugly woman, not even average. She knew she was good looking no doubt there. But for someone like her that never dated before and had never heard such strong affirmations from the man she longed for most of her life, her self esteem tended to have dimmed over the years. But she never thought she would ever be compared to the nation''s first love, worse... she was more beautiful?


    Jessie on the other hand was burning up with fury, Katherine was a beautiful woman no doubt and while she didn''t want to feel proud or anything, wasn''t she the nation''s first love? Hell this guy didn''t even know who she was. She was always humble as a celebrity, she would introduce herself everywhere she went because she did want assume everyone knew who she was, but then again they did. So why not him? Had she really fallen so far? Unless...


    "Really? So you like Katherine then?" Jessie asked bluntly.


    Devon opened his mouth to answer before he stopped himself.


    "Where are you going?"


    "Song memorial hospital." Devon replied curtly.


    His friend brows furrowed in question. "But we are at Song memorial hospital."


    "No, the one in the capital. I''m going to see Dr. Park." He said with a smile.


    "Dr. Park? Weren''t just there a few days ago? Is there something wrong with the patient?"


    Devon poured, "not that I know off, no" he shook his head.


    "So why are you going there?"


    "I already told you, to see Dr. Park." Devon said.


    His friends eyebrow rose, normally ofcourse at this point one would assume he likes Dr. Park, but the Devon Geum he knew didn''t like people, he had known him for eleven years and he always said relationships where an absolute waste of time. Not that it stopped women from throwing themselves at him.


    "Is she threatening you?" His friend asked.


    "What? No! I want to see her." He said rather forcefully.


    "Why?"


    "Because I''ve come to the realisation of my feelings for her." He stated matter of factly.


    His friend went into a coughing fit, no way! "So what are you going to say to her?"


    Devon rolled his eyes, "I''m going to tell her I like her." He sighed in frustration.


    "Don''t do that!" His friend scolded. "Absolutely don''t do that. You''ll definitely scare her away. Women are like bread doughs, you have to knead her and knead until she''s soft and right then you bake! Do you understand?"


    Devon opened his mouth then closed it again, shaking his head.


    His friend drew in a large amount of air and spoke again. "You have to make her like you first, even if it''s just a little."


    "How do I do that?"


    "Oh my friend, you''ve finally grown." His friend laughed deeply. "Make her comfortable around you, by visiting frequently. It should be easy for you, women throw themselves at you. But no matter what do tell her you like her."


    Devon blinked at Jessie them looked at Katherine. "I can''t tell you that right now." He replied.


    Jessie jaw dropped and she scowled at him, what kind of person is this?


    "Well then, I will see again Dr. Park. In maybe three to four days. Goodbye." He bowed and walked away.


    The two women stared at him walk away with two different expressions but they read the same thing, disbelief.


    "Who the hell is that?" Jessie asked Katherine as she lead them to her office.


    "Dr. Devon Geum, he is a genius with an IQ of almost 200." Katherine stated.


    "Ugh, I hate his type, always did. I never did well in school so those geniuses that did so without effort always made me mad. That must be why his head is so out of it!" She exclaimed.


    Katherine fought the urge to laugh, who knew Jessie would be so affected by his statement. He was basically a hot nerd that knew nothing apart from his work.


    "Oh I really don''t like him!" She exclaimed again as she sat down.


    "Because he said I was prettier than you?" Katherine teased.


    "... ah" Jessie sighed not wanting to come of as rude or proud.


    "I''m just teasing" Katherine laughed when she saw Jessie serious expression. "It natural you''d feel annoyed you so used to being the most beautiful person in the room." She consoled Jessie. Smiling mischievously again she teased "until now."


    "Hey!" Jessie laughed.


    "So why are you here? I mean I missed you and all but this is strange? Jason letting you come out here after what happened." Katherine asked.


    "Oh, Jason wasn''t the one that sent me, it was Paul. He said you too had a fight?"

 Chapter 112 - 112. I Refuse To Be Abandoned.

    As Jason stepped into the elevator Paul followed suit. "What are you doing?" Jason asked.


    "What does it look like? I''m following you to your office." Paul stated bluntly.


    "And who invited you? Why did you people insist of messing up my schedule like this?" Jason groaned. "I refuse, go away." He said.


    "Come on Jason, I don''t have any where to go. Em?" He smiled, wriggling his brows at his best friend.


    "Tch... do I look like a naive girl? Those don''t work on me, and I''m already behind on work I can''t talk to you." He sighed.


    "If you had so much work to do, why bring Jessie out? You even left your office to go save her, yet again." Paul replied "what''s different now?"


    "It''s simple, you are a pest I grew fond off and Jessie is the woman I love. Take note." Jason stated matter of factly.


    Paul''s jaw dropped, and he shook his head at his friend. "It is true what they say, people really do abandon their friends when they fall in love." Paul pouted.


    Jason rolled his eyes and walked out of the elevator as it opened and of course Paul was right behind.


    "I''m not going to stop, I refuse to be abandoned." Paul said, pushing the door of his office open before he could shut it.


    "Ugh! You''re not being fair, I have so much work!" Jason groaned.


    Paul smiled sweetly.


    "Fine,what''s going on with Katherine?" Jason asked when they were sitted.


    "I have no idea, really I don''t. She asked to stop being friends, with me. Can you imagine?" Paul scoffed as he remembered the scene.


    "Really?" Jason brow rose up, could it be that she''s feed up chasing after an unrequited love? But if she would give up this easily then why did she endure so long?


    "It''s doesn''t make any sense right? I mean we''ve been friends for over twenty years, that kind if relationship doesn''t just end over night." He said with a long sigh.


    Jason opened his mouth to speak then shut it again, "I''m really the wrong person to be discussing this with. I don''t even like Katherine, I will not be able to say what you want to hear, I''m pleased with the news." He stated bluntly.


    Paul glared at his friend, "how can you dislike Katherine you''ve known her almost as long as I have. Yet you fall in love with a stranger that is totally toxic." He spat.


    "Toxic?" Jason exclaimed.


    "Yes, I''m sure she''s the reason Katherine is acting up." He frowned.


    "Don''t blame Jessie, Katherine is responsible for her own actions. Besides she finally did the right thing by splitting up with you." Jason spat back.


    "Woah... you''re such a traitor, Katherine didn''t do anything wrong, Jessie is too blame." He said.


    "Yet you sent her to advocate for you." Jason reminded him. "Why do you hate Jessie so much?"


    "Why do you hate Katherine so much?" Paul replied with his own question.


    "Touche''."


    After a short while of silence Jason spoke again. "Katherine wouldn''t just say you too should end your relationship, what exactly happened?"


    "Well I got a call from her secretary to come over because she was in trouble, and I came to this whole scene. There was a crazed mom yelling at Katherine, long story short Katherine was right and I told the woman to leave. I even held her hand when she was about to slap Katherine. And she yelled at me, why would she yell at me?" Paul asked in total confusion. "Isn''t she supposed to thank me? Even give me a hug of appreciation? Tch."


    "That''s it?" Jason furrowed his brows. "Get out, I can''t help you."


    Paul sighed, checking his watch. "You can''t kick me out right now, I cleared my schedule because of a blind date." He stated with a pout.


    "Your still going on those? You''re too much off a pushover, you shouldn''t let you mom bribe you like that." Jason said.


    "Well mr. Engaged, not all of us have multibillion dollar Fiancees." Paul replied.


    "Don''t even remind be about that, I can''t. Tell me why you clear your schedule for a blind date, isn''t that a ten minute thing?" Jason asked.


    "Oh you novice, you really have no manners do you?"


    "It''s better than being coined a playboy." Jason replied.


    "Yeah... the ladies love that." He agreed with a smile.


    "Wait a minute, you were going to sleep with her weren''t you?" Jason laughed. "That''s why you cleared your schedule?"


    "Ding, ding ding. I was so close, she seemed feisty. Her mother just had to cause a scene at my hospital, how annoying." He groaned.


    "Wait, her mother? When?"


    "I already told you, the crazed woman that was pulling Katherine''s hair." He replied "did I not mention that?"


    "You kicked out your prospective mother in law? Oooh your mother is not going to be happy." Jason said.


    "I''m surprised she hasn''t even called yet, today is so fucked up. I want to play, what do you say about a game?" Paul wriggled his brows.


    Jason glared at him, "are you trying to provoke me? Because of your annoying and clearly pointless chit chat I''m already staying overtime. And here you are taunting me." Jason frowned.


    "Alright, alright I''m sorry. You know it gives me the chills when you stare at me like that." Paul replied. "That''s why you should never be born as the first born in a cooperate heir family. Everyday I see you I''m more thankful I''m the last child."


    "Get out, get out." Jason said as Paul laughed.


    "Awwn I''m sorry, did I hurt your feelings Mr. Chairman? Or should I say President?" Paul laughed even harder.


    Jason pressed his buzzer, "Matt, can you get security up to my office."


    "Hey!" Paul cautioned him. "My mother will kill me if I get into another scandal." He stated.


    Jason glared at him and let go of the button. "You should stop worrying about my life and think about yours. What are you going to do about Katherine?" Jason asked.


    "I have no idea, but I will go and beg for forgiveness I guess. But it will be hard seeing as I have absolutely no idea what I did. Ugh, no woman ever gave me this much head and heart ache in my life." He groaned.


    Jason smiled at his overly dramatic friend. "Not even your mom."


    "Not even my mom."

 Chapter 113 - 113. Men Are Sluts.

    "His future mother in law?" Jessie gasped, after Katherine finished narrating the incident today.


    "He really said he was going to marry that woman?" Jessie asked again.


    "I don''t know Jessie, but he''s never done anything like this before, he even started calling her mother after she revealed her identity. Mother? Like he does not already have a mother that tortures me?!" She yelled.


    "And he was wondering why your mad" she shook her head. "I would have done so much worse, if I were in your shoes." Jessie scoffed.


    "Aren''t you meant to be patient as a celebrity?" Katherine laughed as her huffing friend.


    "You would think so but I''m really not, I hated it when fans would say I gained weight or I was too loose in a movie. What right do they have to judge me like that, I''m human too." She said with a roll of her eyes.


    "So what did you do?" Katherine asked.


    "Wha could I do? My fans are like my bosses, without them I wouldn''t be as rich or popular as I am so I should have been agreeable right? I''m not sure my CEO usually handled all of the scandals. There was a time I was even arrested oh... hardtimes." She touched her head and feigned stress.


    "You''re a little bitch ain''t ya? How have I not noticed it before?" Katherine asked sincerely.


    "A bitch? I''m just true to myself, besides you love me like that. Anyways enough about me, what are you going to do about that clueless bastard?"


    "Don''t call him that" she whined. "He''s just slow" she mumbled.


    "Slow? Oh... you fool, don''t you realise if you''re going to have a relaxing and comfortable relationship the guy has to like you more?" Jessie said. "If I were to choose I would definitely go for that Dr. Geum, even though I utterly dislike him. Paul is a sweetheart but he has hurt you way too much. I hate to see you like this."


    Katherine laughed bitterly, "I can''t give up now, Jessie I really love him, I can''t help it. I hate that I do, but I really do." She said her eyes slowly welling up.


    Jessie bit her lips in frustration, she couldn''t understand completely what Katherine was going through but she had an idea. She was in her position a while back, acting a love struck woman in a one sided love affair.


    "Katherine." Jessie said slowly.


    "I know, it''s pathetic I''m pathetic. I''m  a beautiful strong and independent woman, hell I''m an incredibly talented and intelligent doctor. Leaps and bounds ahead of my colleagues but I can''t seem to get over one man that doesn''t even see as more than a friend." She wiped her eyes.


    "So what makes today different? Do you always cry like this? If you''ve endured this for twenty years, why do you want to end it now?" Jessie asked.


    "Because.... I just realised he would never see as more than a friend. He loves me but not as a man loves a woman. But that was okay because Paul never loved anyone, he was never going to settle down. But today, something felt different, when I heard him call that woman mother it broke me." She wiped a tear from her cheek. "Do you sometimes I even imagine myself as one of his conquests? Being the center of attention, even for a short while and sharing his bed. Pitiful." Katherine mumbled.


    "It''s not pitiful Katherine, nothing is pitiful about being in love. You can never really choose who you love, our hearts are traitors like that. What is important is that your true to yourself and you look for happiness." Jessie replied, reaching out over the table to take Katherine hands in hers.


    "But I always believed my happiness lied with Paul." She said slowly. "When his happy, I am. When his annoyed or having a hard time I can''t rest until I make that charming smile come back. He''s the easiest person to talk too and he never judges. All I want is to be around him, all the time, all I want is to see him smile and be the reason behind his smile. But it hurts way too much, I just can''t anymore. I can''t take it."


    "So what? Are you going to tell him?" Jessie asked.


    "Goodness no, I don''t have the courage to do that." She shook her head. "It''s one thing to cry because he doesn''t acknowledge me,but if he rejects me I might die."


    "Fine, I understand that. You made the right decision, some space might help you figure out what it is you really want. Happiness, love and completion or Paul." Jessie stated bluntly.


    "What?" Katherine asked, laughing admist the tears. "That''s not a very fair comparison, are you saying I won''t have any of those things with Paul?"


    "No, I''m saying you might or not. But remember this feeling, at this very moment those tears they are all because of him. Paul is a great guy and a good friend but is he a good boyfriend? I really doubt it. You''re an amazing woman Katherine, it''s all up to you but I personally want you to be doted upon and loved for a change." Jessie replied. "But I get that you might still want Paul, love is tricky like that. But be happy, just be happy."


    "Paul is going to be pissed if he finds out his advocate isn against him." She laughed, grabbing a tissue to blow her nose.


    Jessie laughed, "you''re probably right. But I doubt that why he sent me, he probably just wanted you to have someone to talk to, since it couldn''t be him."


    "That fool, that''s why I feel for him in the first place. He too considerate, he always sleeps around but he''s never forgotten a name. He says it the bare chivalry he is required to give for the passion he got in return." She said.


    Jessie face scrunched up in disgust. "Ugh, he''s such a rake it disgusting." She shook her head.


    "Hey don''t go throwing stones, Jason is no better." Katherine defended.


    "Jason? What did Jason do?"


    Katherine gave her a pointed look and she shook her head. "It''s official, men are all sluts, the lot of them!"

 Chapter 114 - 114. We Cant All Go Around Killing People.

    Jason sighed, finally he was alone again. As he pulled his keyboard closer to get work done his phone rang.


    "Who the hell is calling!" He groaned. Grabbing the phone he read the caller Id with a scowl on his face. Turned the phone upside down and continued to type ignoring the call. Almost immediately it rang again, he grabbed the phone and tossed it to the other side of the room and focused on his work. A short while later, Matt buzzed him.


    "What is it?" He asked.


    "Sir you have a call on line two. It''s urgent." Matt replied.


    Jason fought the urge to toss the landline away as well but he picked up the phone and answered answered.


    "Father" he answered, he was definitely persistent.


    "I thought you were going to continue ignoring my calls." His father said through the speaker.


    "What do you want father."


    "You realise you have to throw a ball right? Although you stole the chair your sitting in right now, respect is reciprocal. If you want he support and respect of the board, you must show them respect as well. The ball is long overdue." His father informed him.


    What is only him or did his father start saying rubbish and think he was spouting wise words because his old? Maybe it''s the retirement? But he was right about the foolish party, he needed to throw one.


    "I understand, I''ll get on it. If it will make you happier I''ll throw it at the Kang mansion." Jason said.


    "Do whatever you want, bring you Fiancee as a date non negotiable." He father ordered.


    "I don''t think you have a say in such matters anymore, father. It my decision to make, if that would be all the goodbye." He stated bluntly, ending the call. That man! Still ordering him around!


    *************************************************


    Goerge stared at his men with a deep frown, for so long he asked them one simple thing. Look for the actress and find out who is behind her and they even mess that up.


    "So what your trying to say is that you can''t find her? I told you to use all you connections." He stated.


    "Yes sir, but she''s no where to be found, maybe she''s actually dead." The man replied.


    George''s brow went up and his fellow comrades took about two steps backwards to avoid the wrath that was about to follow.


    "Are you saying that I''m wrong?" George asked with a tight grin, and that brow still lifted.


    "Of course not sir!" He paled instantly. Looking to his sides for help he instantly realised, he messed up.


    "Well I''m not wrong, she''s alive and the lot of you are incompetent. That actress was in my precious house and I had no idea. You all conived with that stupid woman to dupe me, isn''t that it?" George spat, rising from his seat.


    This time all of them stepped back and tried to recall duping him. According to him, that was the twenty million woman. Wasn''t that the highest a woman has ever been sold? But they didn''t dare say another word. It a fact, he was standing someone was going to die if not all of them, so they bit their tongues and prayed it wouldn''t b-


    The bullets were silent, instantly they were two dead bodies on the floor and the third stared at him with horror.


    "I always leave someone alive to tell what happened here. Find that actress or you won''t be left alive the next time. It appears you men seem to think for some reason I make mistakes and your lives aren''t at stake. Get this, I never make mistakes and your lives are always at stake. Clean this up." He said, bottoming his suit, he dropped the gun on his desk and walked out of the room.


    **************************************************


    "What the hell have you been doing? I thought we had a deal." Goerge spat, as he stared at his neice on a couch watching TV with a dog on her lap.


    "I''ve been recuperating, you seem to forget uncle I''m convalescent." She smiled at him.


    Goerge slammed his hand against the couch, right behind her head.


    "What the actual fuck?" Patricia cussed.


    "What do you mean? You have the guts to convalescence after the mess you caused? You already standing on thin ice with your fiance and nobody can tell what the man is thinking yet..." he trailed off.


    Patricia sighed, "fine get out of my personal space will you, I''ll call him."


    "Even better go see him, don''t let me involve Father in this, just because I sided with you the last time does not mean I''m on your side. Don''t dare push me Patricia." He warned.


    "I said I get it, move." She pushed him away from her couch. "It''s not as if I haven''t had my problems, but with you and grandpa everything is Jason, Jason, Jason. Ugh! It''s starting to get very annoying!" She huffed.


    "Hello, miss Lee?"


    "Chief! Have you fixed the problem?" She asked.


    "I suspended him, and stopped the investigation. You don''t need to worry about anything." He stated.


    "You suspended him? Did I not tell you to kill the stupid detective already, choose your life or his." She spat.


    "But that''s too extreme, this would be enough I assure you miss."


    "You know what would happen if that useless detective comes at me again, remember that when you go home to your wife and kids. If you don''t want them to grow up without you. Goodbye." She said cutting the call.


    "Have you found any leads on the actress?" She asked her uncle.


    "How did you know I was looking for her?"


    "Come on uncle, you''re still asking those questions? I mean you should understand by now I am a Lee afterall." She smiled at him.


    "Oh yeah, a Lee that doesn''t know how to take care of stubborn cops." He said.


    "I see you''ve found out about that as well." She pursed her lips. "Unlike you I fixed my problem, I don''t have to worry about him anymore. Besides if we''re being really honest isn''t that your problem? You were the one that killed the guy not me."


    "And yet you let the idiot that wants to build a case live." Goerge replied.


    "Hey, we can''t all go around killing people."


    "Whatever, just do as your told and seduce Jason Kang. I''ll figure out the actress." He said curtly walking out of the room.

 Chapter 115 - 115. Emotional Release.

    Jessie and Katherine could not stop laughing as they watched a movie in her apartment. "My goodness Jessie, you really are a great actress, what''s with that expression?" Katherine laughed.


    "Of course, I''ve never had the time to watch movies, it''s great to do it with a friend. Your apartment is really great. How much do you earn? I even remember they wouldn''t let me come up to see you earlier because I didn''t have an appointment." Jessie said.


    "Well I am the head of my department, Neurosurgery." She shrugged.


    "Wow Katherine your way too humble. And what your only 26?" Jessie marvelled.


    "27, well almost, next week." She winked at Jessie.


    "Wow, your older than I am. We would never have been friends in school, not only are you my senior your smart too." She pursed her lips. "So should I call you older sister now?"


    "Of course!" Katherine laughed. "What do you want watch next? Another Jessie Marin drama?"


    "Sure whatever, you pick." She smiled.


    Katherine phone vibrates on the couch besides them and she picks it up and looks at the text.


    "It''s for you" she hands the phone to Jessie.


    "Me?" Jessie takes the phone and reads the text.


    **************************************************


    "You know you could have let me stay in Katherine''s tonight right?" She sighed as the walked into the manor.


    "And you''ll abandon me in this large house alone? That doesn''t seem fair." Jason said.


    "Alright then, I''ll stay with you." She said with a small smile that Jason returned. "Oh by the way, are you planning a party? You spoke about it on the phone all the way here." She asked.


    "Oh yeah, it''s a tradition I have to throw a ball since I''m  a new chairman." He replied.


    "Ooh a fancy party, I love those. Besides it will do this manor good, it''s perfect for a party." She smiled.


    "I''m not having the party here, I''m throwing it at the Kang mansion. I can''t go to the stress of buying a manor that is hidden just to invite people to it." Jason informed her.


    Jessie''s brows furrowed and she pursed her lips. "I don''t understand, isn''t it more convenient to throw the party here? It won''t be easy to attend the party if you throw it at your father''s house." She frowned.


    Jason tilted his head and let out a low laugh, "you must have misunderstood me, you''re not attenting the ball." He stated matter of factly.


    "What? What did you say?" She laughed. "A ball, with fancy dresses and dancing, you''re joking right?"


    "I''m not, you cannot come." He said.


    "Tch, let''s see you stop me." She scoffed.


    "Stop you? From my ball, that I''m hosting? It''s simple you''re not invited."


    "Why?!" She exclaimed.


    "Because Jessie, you''re not exactly a person that can be seen in public. It''s not as if your any regular person, you''re the most famous actress in this country for crying out loud!" Jason said his voice going higher in annoyance. Trying so hard to keep his cool.


    "So? Like that has stopped me before, I''m going to that ball Jason. You can''t stop me." She huffed.


    "What the hell is the big deal it just a party, why do you have to argue with me one everything!" He yelled.


    "Because! You always control everything, I can''t understand how you haven''t figured out I''m not exactly one to follow orders." She spat.


    "I''m not controlling you Jessie, I''m protecting you." He said slowly.


    "Well I never asked for your protection, the same way I never asked for any of this, to be kidnapped and bought!" She screamed.


    "Why are you even bringing that up right now? Are you trying to make me feel guilty?" He asked.


    "Shouldn''t you? I mean..." she gestured to her surrounding.


    "I''ve been nothing but courteous and kind to you, hell I go out of my way every single freaking day for you. And your blaming me for you problems?" He huffed in disbelief.


    "And did I ask you to do that?" She spat, all the alarms in her brain were going into overdrive, telling her to stop talking. But she ignored all of them, she already started she might as well just see it through, besides the fact that he was right made her even more angry. She couldn''t explain why but she was frustrated and he was going to have to be her emotional release.


    Jason fisted his palms to push down his anger but just like Jessie he was talking before he could think. "Oh yeah? So I shouldn''t have bought you that day, probably.  Left you at the mercy of some deranged sicko, who you''d probably be sucking off right now like some whore!"


    Jessie eyes widened at his statement and she looked around her, grabbing the flower vase beside her. She chucked it towards him, he tilted his head in the nick of time. Causing the case to shatter against the wall behind him.


    "Jessie!" He yelled.


    But all she was seeing at that point was red, she grabbed whatever she could and tossed it at him.


    "Jessie, wait... wha-" he struggled to walk over to her, it wasn''t easy to navigate through a room of flying objects. The only thing he could be thankful for was her horrible aim. He finally made, grabbing her arm before she could grab something else he pushed her to the wall as she struggled aganist him. Holding both arms above her head and trapping her with his body.


    "Let me go!" She panted as she glared at him. Her eyes glistening because of the welled up tears.


    "Jessie, I didn''t mean what I just said."


    "Let me go Jason!" She struggled.


    "Why are you getting so mad! Would just calm down? Stay... hey.. stay put." He pushed her back towards the wall.


    Realising going about this head on wouldn''t help matters she raised her legs and slammed her knees right where it hurt the most.


    Jason, not at all expecting that reaction from her immediately let go and  fell on his knees in pain.


    Jessie used the opportunity to dash away from him as fast as she could, he tried to run after her but damn she put a lot of force into the attack.

 Chapter 116 - 116. Love Shouldnt Be Difficult.

    "Where the hell are you going?" Lenora asked Jamie as he got up from the booth the just had dinner.


    "Uh... home?" He said.


    "Home. Mine or yours?" She smiled.


    "Both, we go to our respective houses." He stated bluntly, walking out if the restaurant.


    "What? Hey, Jamie!" She yelled running after him. "You cannot just leave like that, you have to finish what you started."


    Jamie stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her, standing in front of the restaurant, huffing. "Can we just forget it, today has been awful for me Lennie. I thought could forget for a while but that Jessie Marin scare just brought me back to reality so let''s just stop." He said.


    "Stop? Why are you acting like this all of a sudden? You were the one that said we should take a break, why are you changing your mind now?" She asked walking closer to him.


    "I''m sorry, I made a mistake. Forget all I said." He said curtly.


    Lenora scoffed, "so what? I''m I just a pushover, someone you can toss and turn as you wish? Were you just using me to make yourself feel better?" She asked.


    "That''s exactly why I''m walking away, I''m not like some people." He said.


    "Like me you mean."


    "You know that''s not what I meant." He sighed.


    "Then what do you mean Jamie? Tell me, what''s bothering you? Why are you so sad? Please just be honest with me, let me help." She whispered softly cupping his face.


    Jamie instinctively leaned into her touch, shutting his eyes he allowed himself feel content with just this. After a while he pulled away, but Lenora grabbed his arm and held him in place.


    "Don''t. I know you always want to hide your pain, and somehow you refuse to share your problems with me. But just for tonight, please use me, I give you the permission to use me." She said softly, standing on her tip toes and bringing him closer to her until their lips met. Immediately he felt the contact, her body pressed against his he lost all rationality. Wrapping his arms around her thin waist he pulled her even closer, deepening the kiss. When he couldn''t take it, not being able to touch her skin, he picked her up and moved to his car parked by their side. Placing her on the bonnet he took of her jacket and began to kiss down her neck.


    Lenora shut her eyes and angled her head away to give him better access and she bit back her moan. When he nibbled on her collarbone she ran her hands throw his hair, gripping it tightly she was sure it hurt. His hands snaked up her shirt cupping her through her bra he pushed her backwards that she fell back onto the bonnet.


    "Your apartment or mine?" He asked huskily breaking off the kiss.


    "Mine, mine is closer." She breathed out.


    He helped her down the car and walked her to the passenger sit, after she was sitted and buckled he went around and got in. They held hands the entire way, barely in the apartment when he pulled her to him. Kissing her so deeply she felt it all the way to her toes. Lenora skin was on fire, she felt heady and drunk. And Jamie wasn''t even letting one sensation rest before he sparked up another. He was like a starved beast and she was like the a balance between food and drink and he consumed without mercy. Soon enough she no longer had the capacity to bite back her moans.


    Jamie was a broken dam, he feasted on her body and kept her crying out, voice thick with pleasure and the air thick with desire and passion. Clothes all littered all around the apartment, they laid together bare. All night they moved in an erotic dance all through the night. Their bodies entwined with lust and desire, passion that could not be fanthomed. He took from her as he desired and she true to her word, gave without reserve or inhibitions.


    When morning came, Lenora struggled to wake. When she reached across the bed she didn''t feel anything, her eyes flew open immediately. She looked at the clock by her bedside, 7:40. He couldn''t have been gone long because he woke her in the early hours for another round of passion. She threw of the blankets wincing slightly at the sore, between her legs. She looked around the apartment when she finally admitted that he left. Only at that moment did she remove his last words to her as her eyes shut in exhaustion the night before.


    ''This is a one time thing, don''t look for me. You did give me permission to use you, so let me continue to do so, don''t look for me.''


    "Jamie!" She yelled. Grabbing a robe she dashed out of her apartment. His car was gone! Where did he go? Why did he leave? "Jamie! Jamie!" She was frantic and desperate. She ran back to her room grabbed her phone and dialed his number.


    ''This number is unavailable, leave a mess-''


    She tried it again, and again. Until she was sick of the woman''s voice. Tossing her phone on her bed she fell to the floor. He can''t be gone can he? Soon enough tears began to fall down her cheeks, and she sobbed.


    "Gosh you''re way too kind." Lenora frowned as he walked back to her, after dismissing the person that spilled coffee on his shirt.


    "It was unnecessary to make a scene Lenora." He replied as he grabbed tissues to wipe his shirt.


    "Let me do it." She said grabbing the tissues from his grasp. "You''re such a pushover, you always avoid difficult situations. How did you ever break up with your ex?" She asked.


    "Uhm..." he rubbed the back of his neck.


    "Did she break up with you?"


    "No, I think it was mutual? I can''t really be sure." He shrugged.


    "What do you mean by you can''t be sure, your either broken up or not. Tell me what did you say?" She pryed.


    "Nothing actually, I just left."


    Lenora froze, "what do you mean by you just left?


    Lenora got up immediately and started searching her room frantically, "please, please please" she cried.


    "After the last time we slept together I left a note and moved to a different city."


    His voice echoed at the back of her mind. She left her room when she didn''t find a note and searched her entire apartment like a crazy person.


    ''Why did you dump her in the first place? That was harsh.''


    ''Hm.. the relationship became too difficult I guess. Love shouldn''t be that difficult.''


    Lenora stood in the middle of her apartment, without a note but with a lot of tears and a broken heart.


    He left.

 Chapter 117 - 117. Women Problems.

    Wow you look like crap." Paul shook his head as he watched Jason basically drag himself into his office.


    "And you''re here, again. You do realise you have a job right?" Jason said as he plopped on his sit.


    "Yeah well, I can''t seem to work comfortable knowing Katherine is a few floors down, mad at me. I feel the way you look" he smiled.


    "Huh, I feel the way I look. I didn''t sleep a wink last night." He said.


    "But that''s not news, you pull all nighters all of the time, is old age catching up?" Paul asked sacarstically.


    "I got into a huge fight with Jessie last night."


    "Define huge."


    "She was throwing my decorations at me." He stated grimly.


    "Ooh... what did you do? Or rather what did you say?" Paul asked.


    "Ah... it was my fault I know, but I still think she went overboard!" He frowned.


    "Oh so you did say something, what did you say?"


    "It''s just that she was being difficult as usual and we got into this whole to do about her current predicament and my involvement in it. And I might have mentioned, in passing that she should be grateful I was the one that bought her." He said but Paul expression forced him to reveal further. "That if I didn''t she would probably be sucking someone off like a whore." He muttered.


    "Sorry I didn''t get that?"


    "I said if I hadn''t bought her she would be down on her knees sucking someone like a whore!" He yelled.


    Paul jaw dropped and he blinked at his friend vigorously. "Oh no, oh no no no. You did not say that. Wow." Paul replied, shaking his head.


    "That''s not all" Jason said.


    "There''s more?!"


    "When I tried to calm her down, saying she was overreacting she kneed me, right in the crotch." He stated sadly.


    "Ah." Where the only words that escaped Paul''s lips.


    "I know, I screwed up but she just has a magnificent way of getting under my skin and ticking me off. I always lose my temper with her, it crazy. Now look what she made me do." He groaned.


    "You know that''s why I never liked her for you" Paul sighed. "You were never like this, ever. The only time I saw you act emotional was the period you were mourning your mother." Paul stated. "But now that I think off it, Jessie is the only one that makes you act human, after fourteen years you finally act out your emotions."


    "Is that meant to be a good thing?" Jason frowned. "Look at the mess I made. You know what, distract me. What happened with Katherine this morning?"


    "Ugh, I don''t want to talk about it." He frowned.


    "Fine." Jason muttered, picking up a file on his desk.


    "She''s totally lost her mind." He stated, Jason dropped his pen and looked up, licking his teeth. "The most annoying thing is I still have absolutely no idea what I did wrong." He continued. "I even went to her office, before she arrived with the coffee she likes from her favourite cafe all the way across town. I didn''t get myself but it''s the thought that counts right? And she totally ignored me, me. Wow, she''s lost her mind, no. She''s an impostor that''s not Katherine, maybe she swapped bodies with someone or probably transmigrated or some shit." He ranted.


    Jason sighed deeply, "this was pointless, it just made me feel worse."


    "Me too." Paul groaned in front of him. "Whomever said sharing your problems makes you feel better is a fraud!"


    Jason laughed, "the person probably didn''t mean women problems, goodness knows nothing makes it better."


    "Oh well, at least we''re experiencing this together right?" Paul winked at Jason.


    "Get out of here. I need to work, unlike some people." Jason frowned at him.


    "Fine, fine I''ll get out of your way." Paul replied, getting up. "See you again, friend."


    "Whatever, bye." Jason waved him off.


    **************************************************


    "Miss Jessie?" A voice called out to Jessie from the other side of the room. "Miss Jessie?!"


    What was once a beautiful room looked like a scene from a horror movie. The wallpaper was partially peeled off, the bean bag that added a bit of comfiness to the room what thrown and the foam within spread all over the plush rug. The vase, and cosmetics that were neatly arranged on the vanity laid scattered by one side. The mirrors shattered and crumbling, and in the midst of all this mess Jessie laid, fast asleep. Destruction was energy consuming.


    "Miss Jessie!" Another more forceful voice yelled, banging this time.


    Jessie groaned, she sat up rubbing her head. She didn''t drink last night but her head felt like it did, after the initial confusion wore off she managed to get up from within the darkness and disaster. She walked to the door and opened the door slightly.


    "Where is he?" She asked.


    "He''s not in the manor, he has gone to work." The butler answered.


    "You should eat something miss Jessie." The maid that helped her yesterday suggested.


    "I have a horrible headache, do you have anything for that?" She groaned.


    "Of course, I''ve got you covered." The butler nodded. He motioned and just like that a tray of pills and a jug of water appeared from behind the door.


    "Thanks a lot Mr. Choi, you''re a lifesaver." She smiled as wide as her throbbing head would allow.


    "Just doing my job, how about you freshen up and come down for brunch." He insisted.


    She nodded and went to do just that.


    **************************************************


    "Chairman?" Matt knocked on the door, peering in slightly.


    Jason looked up from his computer. "What? Can''t you use the phone?" Jason asked.


    "Well it''s miss Lee." Matt said slowly.


    "Tell her to call back later, I''m busy." He stated bluntly, looking back into his computer.


    "Too late!" A feminine voice stated. "I''m already here, so make some time for me Fiance."

 Chapter 118 - 118. What Did You Do?

    Jason walked into the manor and headed straight to the the rooms, before he walked into his he decided to talk to Jessie first. He knocked on her door.


    "Jessie, can we talk?" He asked politely, but she didn''t answer.


    "Jessie, I''m going to keep this up until you open the door, you''re not the only stubborn one" he said again, before he could start knocking he heard music coming out from inside the room.


    He furrowed his brows and looked at the butler that stood beside him. "When did she get a speaker?" He asked.


    The butler answered, "her room was a mess this morning, so she asked that we change the decorations but that''s not a speaker it a television. " He replied.


    "Is that all she asked for? How long has she been in there?"


    "Well... she did ask to change everything, although we basically had to. But she went inside recently." He replied.


    "How long ago is recently?" Jason asked.


    Choi Myeong Soo swallowed before answering. "Immediately you came into the house."


    Jason bit his lips and sighed in frustration, "Jessie! Come out!" He banged on the door. "I''m not leaving here until you do!"


    "Sir it''s pointless she can''t hear you now, and she has everything she''ll need inside that room." He stated.


    "What about dinner? Has she eaten dinner?" He asked.


    "She has, she set for the night, I advise you wait for her to come out in the morning. It appears she is quite taken with the gym." He suggested.


    "I can''t wait that long, I have work." He mused. "Do something for me Mr. Choi."


    "Anything sir." He replied as Jason pulled him away from her front door and the walked a few steps to his. "Get her to lower her guard and remain somewhere open, then inform me of it. Keep her there until I get home, can you do that?"


    "Ofcourse sir, I will." He nodded.


    **************************************************


    Two days, two days had passed and Jessie avoided him like a plague. And she ran so fast it was basically impossible to catch up with her.


    It seemed the isolation had benefited her more than it did him and she knew his house better than he did. Even the servants were leaning more to her than him. That darn Mr. Choi. After the first meeting he set, the man made up any excuse he could to avoid that kind of situation again. And he wasn''t sure if it was because he''d grown fond of Jessie or just the fact that the last time he set them up as par his instruction, they destroyed the room again.


    So now he had to turn to others for help, which is why he ended up in Song memorial hospital, standing in front of Katherine''s office. Holding her favourite flowers.


    "Are you sure you don''t want to go in and wait for her?" Her assistant asked again.


    "It''s fine, I have to do this anyway." He gave her a tight smile and faced forward. Luckily for him he saw Katherine approach her office.


    Katherine halted in her tracks when she first sighted him, at first she thought her mind was playing tricks on her until she saw him wave. She began to walk again but cautiously.


    "This isn''t weird at all." She said sacarstically as she stopped before him and eyed the flowers in his hands.


    "I come in peace." He said. "Can we talk?"


    She lifted her brows in wary question. "It''s not about Paul, although I''m still open to that. But I really need your help."


    "Fine" she agreed. "Come in." She gestured to her door and the walked in together.


    "So what''s is the infamous Jason Kang doing in my lowly office." She smiled at him.


    "Infamous? You''re the second person saying that, is my reputation really that bad?" He frowned as he sat.


    She drew a long breath, "if you don''t know then it''s better it stays that way then."


    "I want to pry, but I don''t have the time. I need your help, Jessie is mad at me." He said slowly.


    Katherine blinked at him with a bored expression on her face. "When is she never mad at you?" Katherine asked.


    "No you don''t understand, she like really mad totally angry. She has been avoiding me for days, and she won''t talk to me or even look at me. Even my staff is beginning to shun me, their boss." He sighed.


    "What did you do? Jessie is mostly reasonable, she is also impulsive, that means she gets emotional just as quickly as she let''s go of it. What did you do?" Katherine asked giving him a pointed stare.


    "I know I messed up, I really did but I''m trying to fix it." He stated firmly after he narrated the incident to Katherine, Katherine mouth and eyes were wide open in shock.


    "You called her a whore?" She breathed out. "And she only hit you... there?" She pointed down and Jason glared at her.


    "What else could she have done? That is the most painful place you could hit a man, what you wanted her to slap me?"


    "Yes! Many times!" Katherine exclaimed.


    "Well I am ready to take any punishment but it irks me that she''s purposefully avoiding me." Jason stated.


    "Why Jason? Isn''t it even better that way? It''s risky for her to go to the party, at this point you''ve won the argument. Why do you still need her to speak with you?" Katherine asked.


    "What do you mean by that? Why should we live in the same place and not interact? I mean it not right is it?" He pouted.


    Katherine narrowed her eyes at the man before her, for the fact that he came to her office then he most be seriously bothered by the situation at hand. Infamous, he got that reputation because of how horribly he treated women. He couldn''t date anyone without a contract and when he was bored which constantly happened he tossed the woman away like used tissue.


    He was the definition of cold, distant and unfeeling. He didn''t care about anything but things that affected him and all he wanted was his father''s company. Not to mention he was incredibly insufferable, but Jessie walks in and his this ball of new emotions.


    She tilted her head and asked. "Jason do you have feelings for Jessie?"


    He huffed, "I''m in love with her."

 Chapter 119 - 119 Fierce And Fiery.

    Katherine''s eyes widened slightly and her shocked expression broke into a big smile and she began to chuckle softly.


    "What''s so funny?" He asked with a small upturn of his lips.


    "Nothing, it''s just for the first time in my life I feel like your human." She stated.


    Jason blinked at her with a scowl on his face.


    "Since when did you find out?" Katherine asked.


    "Why is this necessary? Are you going to talk to Jessie or not?" He asked more forcefully this time.


    "I will if you answer my questions. When did you find out that you loved Jessie?" She asked again.


    "When she went missing, it felt like I couldn''t breathe and everything irritated me. I was so emotional my chest hurt and it embarrassed and confused me. But it all made sense when I admitted it to myself." He said.


    "Have you told her?" He nodded. "You have? So that means... oh my goodness!" Katherine laughed. "You got rejected? Wow!"


    Jason furrowed his brows and his face scrunched up into a frown and displeasure, before he grinned deceptively at her. "Jokes on you Katherine. At least I had the courage to confess my feelings."


    Katherine stopped laughing and clutched her chest. "Low blow Jason. Low blow" she shook her head.


    He scoffed. "But it appears you''ve given up?"


    "I''m taking a break, I''ve endured too many heart breaks in my life I need a break." She said.


    "You should tell him you know, the guy is racking his brain nonstop wondering why his in the slums with you. And his blaming you''re sudden change on Jessie." Jason crossed his legs and leaned back into the chair.


    "Tch... that all he does, blame his shortcomings on others." She rolled her eyes. "If his insistent that I changed I guess he never really knew me then." She shrugged. "Perhaps this is for the best." She mumbled.


    Jason stared pointedly at her, "it is the best, but can you really do it? You loved him for over twenty years can you just stop?"


    "Why? Do you want to know how to stop loving someone so you can stop loving Jessie?" Katherine asked.


    "No. I will never stop loving Jessie, it''s longer a question of whether or not I''m capable of doing so, my mind and heart are in this together, it''s Jessie. No matter how long it takes it''ll always be her." Jason stated firmly, with such intensity in his black orbs. And intensity that inspired and scared Katherine, he was dead serious about this. She felt slightly jealous at Jessie, why couldn''t Paul love her like that?


    "Well I guess I don''t really love Paul then, because I''ve wanted nothing more than to stop loving him the moment I realised I did." She smiled sadly.


    Jason knew that was not true, she was the strongest person he ever met. The entire world was aganist her heart, including her but she never wavered. Love is different for everyone, and Paul was unnaturally lucky to be the recipient of such a fierce and fiery determination. But he would not tell her that, he could not tell her that. The last thing he wanted was to encourage this persevering love of hers.


    "Unrequited love is hard isn''t it?" She laughed ruefully. Jason gave her a sad smile in return.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll talk to Jessie and try to convince her." She said.


    "Thank you Katherine."


    **************************************************


    "Patricia Lee is planning the party? Since when? How can she be planning the party, it a Kang family ball what is the likes of the Lee''s doing getting involved?" Krystal as Jonathan with her face scrunched up in disgust.


    Jonathan looked at the naive and overly honest woman in front him and sighed. "Krystal, your supposed to pick up the file, drop it and leave. I have too much work to indulge in idle chit chat." He said curtly.


    Krystal frowned. "Tch... I can''t believe this isn''t bothering you? I mean if Patricia is close to Chairman Kang then that means Jessie Marin would be in danger." She huffed.


    "And that should concern me why?" He looked up from his desk with a gaze so intense she stumbled back a few steps. Slowly, slowly this man in front of her reaveled his real identity. And Krystal wasn''t enjoying what she was seeing. But nevertheless she was a cowardly woman.


    "I just thought you cared about the actress, if not why go through all the stress to find and save her. Unless...." she trailed off.


    "Unless what?" He asked guardedly.


    "Unless you have an ulterior motive?" She suggested deviously.


    Jonathan gave her one of his sweet innocent smiles. He got up and walked around his desk, and kept moving forcing Krystal to stumble backwards. Until she couldn''t anymore, trapped between the wall and this tall man she felt odd. He leaned down and looked her in the eyes.


    "What if I do?" Where his short curt words.


    Krystal''s eyes widened and she pulled him lower the action drawing a small gasp from Jonathan. She spoke into his ears. "I don''t know you Mr. Kang so I can''t tell if this is a joke or not. But know you enough to not put it past you, you don''t know me either. I''m very meticulous and passionate about very few things in this world, Jessie Marin is one of them. It would be in your best interest to not touch her."


    Jonathan began to laugh, he pulled away and clasped his hands looking down at Krystal. "Woah... it''s true what they say, short girls are scary." He laughed.


    She furrowed her brows at him. "Calm down, I was pulling your legs. If you''re really so confident about her then I''ll tell you. Patricia Lee would be engaged to my brother. Jason Kang."


    "Heh?"


    "Yeah, that''s why she''s hosting the party, it basically her duty."


    Krystal could not believe what she was hearing, Jessie stayed with Jason. She could be in danger! But would he hurt someone he looked at like that? She thought remembering the scene in Jonathan''s home. She shook her head, it''s too much of a risk. She needed to find out what the hell was going on.

 Chapter 120 - 120. Twisted.

    Lenora was going crazy, she hadn''t seen Jamie in three days now. And she didn''t hear anyone from him, was he in the city was he not in the city? She had no idea. Plus she couldn''t even find him at work, he was suspended. No wonder he came to her like that, but it''s this too much? Was this her punishment?


    ***********************************************


    Susan was enraged, how dare she?! Gosh she was such a bitch! She pulled Lenora chair away and slammed her hand on her desk.


    "Might I ask the reason for this stupidity?" Lenora asked.


    "You used him!" She yelled.


    Lenora looked around the office and noticed people starting to stare, she got up and folded her arms. "Do you really want to do this here? Not that I mind or anything but your the one that loves to deceive people into thinking your nice when your just as twisted as I am."


    "Fine, come with me." She said walking out.


    Lenora followed her until they were on the roof.


    "How could you? I understand that your sick enough to steal people''s hard work and take the glory for it, but how could you jeopardize Jamie? Because of a story?"


    Lenora shrugged, "hmm well, I''m a reporter don''t hate because I''m better than you are."


    "You''re so sick! What kind of human being are you?!"


    Lenora laughed. "Don''t act all holy now, you are even worse. Don''t think I don''t know about how you solved the Morrell corps murder. Yet you claim to love Jamie? Spare me the bullshit."


    "It''s not as if I was in a relationship with him, and whatever you think you heard you don''t know me! Besides it''s one thing to go extra measures for a story but to deceived and manipulate that''s just wicked."


    "Why are you acting surprised? You did this, why brag about him in front of me? You claim you know surely you must have known I would go after him." Lenora shook her head.


    "So it''s my fault?" Susan asked in disbelief.


    "The only reason you acting this way is because you like Jamie. And regardless of what you do he would never even look at you, even now he would still choose me. And yet, I still hurt him, does it bug you?" Lenora laughed.


    "I hope that''s it, now that you''ve got what you want leave Jamie alone." Susan warned.


    "Alone? Oh no, oh no no. I can''t let him go? I actually started liking him as well." Lenora said.


    "And yet you still ruined his life? Just when I thought you couldn''t stoop any lower."


    "Well you see, it hard not to fall in love with someone that''s so good in bed." She said coyly before laughing. "Not that you''d know anyway."


    Susan couldn''t take it anymore so she released the pent up anger on her cheek.


    Lenora eyes widened and her jaw dropped in a sick scoff. She grabbed Susan''s hair and pulled it down. "Do you want to die?"


    "What the hell are you doing?!" A voice yelled at them from the door. The both turned to look at a very angry Jamie. "Lenora let her go, this instant."


    Lenora stared at him with no emotions in her eyes except boredom but she refused to let go. Jamie walked to her and grabbed her arms forcing her to let go, then he pulled her away from the roof to another secluded place.


    "Aren''t you being to much? Why are you attacking my friends as well? You''ve already ruined my life what more do you want?" Jamie asked with so much heartbreak and contempt at the woman standing before him.


    "She hit me first, I was only defending myself!" Lenora yelled.


    "Defending yourself? From what? The only thing anyone needs defending from is you! How can someone lie so doggedly? You loved me? Ha!" He scoffed.


    "How much did you hear?" She asked softly.


    "From the when you said you only came after me to spite Susan. Now you''ve gotten what you want  leave me the hell alone Lenora. What horrible luck, I wonder what terrible sin I committed in my past life to meet such a twisted person." He spat. "Dont ever appear in front of me again." He said walking away.


    Lenora blinked away the tears that threatened to fall, she always felt like he never fully forgave her for that time. But she really has changed, and he made her want to be better. How could he just leave?


    "Reporter Hastings!" Her supervisor yelled.


    Lenore jerked and turned to look at the man yelling by her desk. "What the hell are you thinking? I''ve been calling out to you for goodness knows how long." He scolded.


    Lenora looked around the office to see everyone staring at her. She awkwardly cleared her throat and faced him. "What can I do for you?"


    "Our sources tell us there is going to be an inauguration ball for the new chairman of KE holdings. Can you get an invite?" He asked her.


    "On one condition, I get to cover the story I personally." She said.


    "That''s up to the captain, just do your job okay?" He told her walking away.


    **************************************************


    "What do you mean? Ofcourse there has to be press." Patricia whined.


    Jason sighed at the other side of the speaker and rubbed his temples. He asked her to take care of this party so he wouldn''t have to worry about it, why was she being so stubborn now?


    "I want a small quiet gathering, besides all the people coming are influential and famous don''t you think bringing the press would  make them uncomfortable?" He asked her.


    "Well how are we supposed to announce our engagement without press present?" She asked.


    Jason rolled his eyes, fighting the groaned that pressed to come out. "Look Patricia that''s my final decision. I''m discussing this with you any further, do you understand?"


    "Wait a minute, Jason. Look you asked me to take control, don''t you think you being too stiff?" She huffed angrily.


    "Yet I''m still in charge of final decisions, my decision is final Patricia. Goodbye." He said curtly cutting the call.


    Patricia huffed, who the hell did this guy think he was?!

 Chapter 121 - 121. Standing On The Edge.

    Patricia tapped her fingers aganist her desk, her fake glass nails making loud noises in her quiet home. No press huh? She was incredibly angry but she was a Lee, even in the utmost states of rage she wouldn''t lose her cool. Well, it was clear Jason didn''t like her at all. Then why was he still in this farce relationship? Why was he acting filial? Why did she feel oddly good when he exerted his dominance? Hmmm.... she must be crazy.


    She picked up her phone and called her manager. "Mary, I need a reporter. Call Yoo na." She said.


    "Why? Yoona is on maternity leave, she''s not even in the country." Mary replied.


    "What? Who the hell gave her permission to go away?" Patricia scoffed.


    Mary rolled her eyes thankful she couldn''t see her, since when did someone need permission to start a family. "She''s fired, tell the station to fire her, she shouldn''t even come back." Patricia stated.


    "Aren''t you being to impulsive?" Mary started passively.


    "Are you questioning me Mary?" Patricia asked in a low dangerous voice.


    "Hey! Don''t forget I''m not just anyone Patricia don''t cross the line." Mary reprimanded her.


    Patricia shut her eyes and drew in a lot of air, calming herself. "Get me a new reporter."


    "You should have led with that. I''ll call you back." Mary said cutting the call.


    **************************************************


    "Do you have good news for me?" Lenora smiled at the woman sitting across from her.


    "It depends, what are you willing to do for this information?" She asked.


    "Oh I think you''ve lost your advantage here, Mary. You need a new reporter, I''m a new reporter." She said smugly.


    "And there are hundred more of you, I can get someone else." Mary shrugged.


    "Oh you mean someone you can blackmail? Come on now what''s the fun in that? Aren''t you sick of the way these innocent people are treated? I know you are." She winked.


    "It doesn''t matter, all I have to do is my job. Nothing else nothing more." Mary replied.


    "Are you sure? I really don''t need to go through you, you know." Lenora said.


    "If you already know the truth why don''t you just go publish it?" Mary asked.


    "Well what I ''know'' is mere speculation, but you just confirmed it. Patricia Lee is involved in Jason Kang''s inauguration ball. Shall I just go to her directly then?" Lenora smiled.


    "Wait..." Mary called out.


    "You''ve lost your chance Mary, but don''t worry I won''t forget that I got the tip from you. I see a bigger fish to catch." Lenora smiled at her.


    "Are you seriously going to approach her directly? You don''t know what your getting yourself into." Mary warned her.


    "Come on Mary, between Patricia and I who is more twisted? I have the background and personality to deal with her, I''m not as easy as the average person you know that." Lenora informed her.


    "I know just how sick you are Lenora but Patricia is sick on an entirely different level. You have Jamie to ground you, she has no one." Mary replied, looking at Lenora with a serious stare.


    "Don''t dare mention his name around me." She said through clenched teeth.


    "What happened? Did you guys fight again?" Mary asked.


    "It''s none of your business, perhaps I should really fall of the wagon. What better influence than the demoness herself." Lenora face fell into a sinister smirk.


    "Lenora, Patricia is not the person you can make and acquaintance with. She is the direct definition of when dinning with the devil use a long spoon." Mary insisted.


    "Don''t cross the line Mary, don''t dare tell me what to do. If she''s really that scary then I should become scarier." Lenora said, grabbing her bag and walking out.


    Mary bit her lip anxiously, how did she get here? Stuck inbetween to mad people. Patricia was pure evil, all Lee''s were. She was someone that would never let a discrepancy go, she would deliver precise blows to people she didn''t like. And she was like a deliverance, like a divine punishment on those that dared cross her. She had no regard for life.


    Lenora on the other hand was a poison, once she latched on no way you''d escape without some form of damage. She would go to any extent, to get what she wanted. Destroying whatever stood in her way. But she was changing, Jamie was changing her. Why did he have to screw up? Now she was mad and angry. All she wanted was revenge.


    But even though Lenora was the direct definition of a bitch, she couldn''t compare to Patricia. She didn''t have regard for people feelings or relationships in general. But Patricia had no regard for anything, if she didn''t care about lives what could feelings or relationships do?


    And while she was scared for Lenora safety, she was more afraid of Patricia ability to corrupt even the purest of things. Lenora was already standing at the edge, what if Patricia tipped her over?


    Mary shuddered at the thought, she can''t let that happen. Grabbing her phone and purse she ran out of the cafe.


    Where the hell was Jamie?


    **************************************************


    Lenora walked into her apartment, if Jamie thought he could just walk out of her life like that then he could go to hell!


    She stripped and opened her closest, picking out a short black dress. With a thigh slit and low back, she put it on. She put on red boots and grabbed a fur coat, with a skin purse. In that instant she looked like a million dollars. She quickly threw her things into the other purse and walked out her apartment.


    She walked into the boutique and scanned the area until her eyes landed on her target. With a smile she walked over to the VIP section.


    "What sort of abomination is that?" She said slowly.


    Patricia Lee turned around and looked at the woman that spoke, with a slight raise of her brow.


    "Lenora Han, nice to meet you." She smiled at Patricia.


    "Han? Han energy and chemicals?" Patricia asked.


    "Of course, you must  be Patricia Lee, I''m  a huge fan." Lenora smiled.


    Patricia smirked at her. "Nice to meet you Lenora Han."


    "Please call me Lenora."

 Chapter 122 - 122. Abomination.

    Patricia frowned, only one way she would deal with this anger, shopping. Jason, Mary all the lot of them were so annoying. She grabbed her purse and drove to the most expensive boutique in the town.


    Throwing her keys to the valet she walked in, someone was at the door to take her purse and glasses and direct her to the VIP section. What she needed was something so exquisite and expensive, pretty things always managed to calm her down.


    She sat down as the attendants brought what they imagined would attract her attention, red and indecent. What did they think she was? A whore? Wow these people really had a low key way of insulting people. How dare they?


    She got up and walked to they rack and pushed it down.


    "What is this? Just because I mostly buy red dresses does that mean all other colours cease to exist?" She asked the two women before her.


    They both stepped backwards, that''s right she had a reputation for hitting staff. "We are extremely sorry ma''am."


    "Look I''m already in a very bad mood, shouldn''t you ask me what I want before you assume?" She asked them with a crooked smirk. "Or your just trying to scam me out of my money? Who the hell would pay this much for this scrap piece of cloth?" She held the dress up, and tossed it to the ground. "Leave. I''ll find my own dress."


    The bowed once again and basically ran out of the room. She walked into another room and scanned the dresses, finding one she liked. It was royal blue, mid length and frame hugging. The sides were open all the way to the hip and the fabric was held together by straps. She liked this.


    "Ma''am how about some boots to go with that dress?"


    Patricia looked behind at the woman standing behind her. ''Didn''t I say I didn''t want to be disturbed?'' She thought.


    "What do you think I would want?" Patricia asked her.


    "It''s not about what you want Ma''am, but what would be perfect for the dress." She stated bluntly.


    Patricia brow rose and she was amused. Well if the lady was this confident then she had to give her a chance. "If I don''t like it then you''ll lose your job, deal?"


    "Deal." The attendant said immediately, Patricia didn''t know what was what in fashion. This was public knowledge that''s why her stylist was so famous. She always came out looking stunning but today she saw an opportunity. She needed to sell up to a particular amount to get a raise, and she was the only girl that hadn''t met her quota for the month. An opportunity has presented itself how could she not use it.


    Unfortunately for her, someone else was aware of this flaw that Patricia Lee had. And that someone was far more cunning than she was.


    Immediately she returned with the boots she placed them by Patricia''s feet. "Perfect fit, perhaps you should try it on miss Lee." She said.


    Patricia took the dress and shoes and walked into the dressing room, after a while she came out. She eyed her outfit and laughed out in absolute amusement. What did this woman take her for? Even with a poor fashion sense she could tell this was a disgrace. This type of boots with this dress? Well she kinda expected this, she wanted to see how things would play out. And the lucky woman would be her punching bag today.


    "Wow, you look absolutely breathtaking." The attendant gushed.


    "Really?" A voice came from the entrance of the room. Both of them turned around to see a beautiful woman leaning on the door. And judging by her appearance she was well to do. "Your outfit looks like a fashion abomination to me." She shrugged.


    Patricia eyed the woman cautiously, as she walked into the room. She walked slowly and elegantly to the attendant, and to her biggest surprised she slapped her.


    Patricia eyes widened, and the poor woman held her cheeks in disbelief. Unable to look up again.


    "What sort of abomination is that?" She asked. "Do you take her for a fool? Or are you so bold to actually attempt to scam her for her money? I''m sure you thought to yourself ''oh she''s rich, she wouldn''t miss a few'' huh?" The woman said staring down the attendant with an icy glare. She rose her head and looked at Patricia with a small smile.


    "Lenora Han, nice to meet you." She smiled at Patricia.


    "Han? Han energy and chemicals?" Patricia asked.


    "Of course, you must be Patricia Lee, I''m a huge fan." Lenora smiled.


    Patricia smirked at her. "Nice to meet you Lenora Han."


    "Please call me Lenora."


    "I''m sorry to intrude like that but I simply could not help myself, it annoys me seeing gravel like this try to be smart." Lenora said, glaring at the attendant.


    Patricia looked at her with amusement, the attendant immediately fell to her knees. Shit!


    "Please forgive me, I''m so sorry I made a mistake." She begged desperately. There were two ways this was going to go and it had gone totally south.


    Patricia looked at Lenora and smiled. "You should punish her, after all you were the one that caught her."


    Lenora laughed, she wasn''t stupid. No way Patricia Lee was getting duped, and she realised this was also a test. To see if Lenora underestimated her the way this foolish attendant did, even if it wasn''t a test. People like Patricia, people like her hated more than anything to lose face.


    "Come now, I only exposed her first. You had a plan I''m eager to see how you deal with her." She said sweetly.


    Patricia smile widened, she took of the boots and threw them at the attendant. The one of the heels hit her forehead and broke her skin. And blood trickled down her face.


    The attendant gasped and touched her forehead in shock.


    "What are you looking at?" Lenora scoffed. "What did you expect to happen? I don''t know weather to commend your courage or laugh at your stupidity."


    "Right?" Patricia agreed. "Remember our deal? Get lost before I actually lose my temper." The attendant scrambled out and just as she was about to leave Lenora called her back.


    "Take these awful things with you."


    "Do you want to have coffee with me, Lenora Han?" Patricia asked with a smile.


    "You don''t have to ask me twice, Miss Lee."


    "Call me Patricia."

 Chapter 123 - 123. Life Sucks.

    "Hey, how I''m I supposed to talk to Jessie without a phone? Get her a phone already." Katherine sighed.


    Jason scowled at the phone. "Do you think I haven''t already done that? I sent her a new phone but the next day I saw it on my desk."


    "Wow... she''s really mad. So what now?" She asked.


    "I''ll send a helicopter to the hospital." Jason stated curtly.


    "A helicopter?"


    "To take you to the manor." He said.


    Katherine shook her head, it was sure nice to have money. "Is the manor even that far? Why would you buy a house so far away from civilisation?"


    "Don''t ask questions Katherine, just go talk to her." He replied.


    "Tch... you didn''t even ask me if I was busy." She snorted.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll speak to you boss." He said with a hint of amusement in his voice.


    "Whatever bye." She rolled her eyes.


    "They''ll be there in fifteen minutes." He said cutting the call.


    **************************************************


    Katherine jaw dropped the moment they removed the hood from her eyes. She was so annoyed at first, as if she would know the way to his manor from a helicopter. But it was all worth it, if she had this beautiful mansion she would also keep it hidden from the world.


    "Miss Park, I''m butler Choi Myeong Soo. I''ll take you to miss Jessie." A middle aged man bowed in front of her.


    Katherine nodded absent mindedly. Would she ever be able to build a house like this for herself? Was is something that was possible in this lifetime? This world was truly unfair! The rich get richer and people like her could only grasp so much. She barely followed the butler, so many times he had to get her after she wandered away. She was lead to the back of the manor, the butler called it the east wing, how fancy. To think that only two people lived in this huge massive house, wow...


    The butler bowed and walked away as soon as she stood in the sun, she took in the breathtaking view of vegetation and water. Her eyes finally settled on a slender but curvy woman sunbathing.


    "Wow... just look at you, Jason is racking his brain thinking of how to pacify you and here you are living the life." She stated as she walked over to Jessie.


    Jessie lifted the sunglasses and looked over to the voice. "Katherine?" She asked with excitement in her voice.


    She got up immediately and ran to hug Katherine. "Hey! You''re so oily." Katherine scolded her playfully.


    "I was bored to death, you definitely know when to make an entrance!" She almost squealed.


    "I''m so jealous, I wish I could be bored. This is the dream vacation." Katherine sighed looking around.


    "I guess, I always wished I could rest like this when I was still so busy. Be careful what wish for." Jessie said. "I would ask you why your here, but from your earlier remark, Jason sent you?"


    "He did." Katherine agreed.


    "I see he has reported me?" She asked as she walked back to grab her robe.


    Katherine laughed. "Remember I was on your side when Paul sent me." Jessie continued. "So choose carefully." She said playfully.


    Katherine rolled her eyes.


    "Do you want to stay here or go in?" Jessie asked.


    "Well I don''t have a bathing suit so inside?" Katherine said.


    Jessie eyed her, "we''re almost the same size wanna borrow mine?"


    "Why should I? I''m only here for a few hours." She shrugged.


    "Don''t leave me" Jessie pouted. "You know what, let go get massages, butler Choi told me about this missus in the manor. You look like you need a massage, we can talk after it."


    Katherine narrowed her eyes at Jessie.


    "Come on, I don''t like going to the spa alone. And you''re here now, besides I heard they are guys and incredibly hot." Jessie wriggled her brows at Katherine.


    "Why do I feel like you''re trying to avoid the talk." Katherine asked suspiciously.


    "I promise I''m not, it''s just I always wanted to do these things with a girlfriend, pretty please." She smiled adorably, giving her cutest puppy eyes.


    Katherine gave in and agreed. After a long intense and relaxing while the two ladies sat relaxed in the steam room.


    "That. Was. Awesome." Katherine moaned.


    "Right? Told you so." Jessie moaned as well.


    "Don''t you think Jason has suffered enough?" Katherine asked after a while.


    "Ugh... don''t ruin this perfect moment" Jessie groaned.


    "I don''t know what better time to address you emotional baggage, you''re body is completely relaxed don''t you want your heart to be relaxed as well?" Katherine asked.


    "Fine." She spat out. "I know I''m being too much, I think? I don''t know I''m just confused, it''s just anytime he says things like I can''t do this or I can''t do that, it makes me aware of my depressing situation." She said slowly.


    "But you do realise he''s mostly right, as much as you would hate to admit." Katherine said. "He just wants to protect you."


    "Yeah, but that the point. I don''t want him to protect me, it makes me feel awkward when he does that. I''m a strong and capable person, why did I have to be in a situation that I need to be protected?" She asked sadly.


    "So you''re mad at your situation not him?" Katherine asked.


    "No, I am definitely mad at Jason. He said some pretty hurtful things to me." She pouted.


    "I get that, and he made a mistake. Are you going to keep punishing him for that forever?"


    "Well I''m still angry about it!" She huffed.


    "Are you angry at him or at you life? It sounds to me like your just using him as you punching bag, because you''re frustrated." Katherine scolded her.


    "Hey!"


    "What, you know I''m telling the truth. And you know that Jason is right, you can''t go to that party Jessie. It''s not safe for you!" Katherine continued.


    "Wait a minute... are you getting angry at me right now? Did I ask to be kidnapped? Or framed for murder, or wait this one is good. Dead?" She laughed scornfully.


    "But you were, and you have to live with it now. Life sucks, I get it. Don''t punish Jason for it." She said.


    "Why not? It''s not as if his not also guilty in all this." She crossed her hand across her chest.


    "But he''s been making up for that for the past two months, don''t you think it''s time to give him some slack?" Katherine asked. "You and I both know you need Jason, and although he doesn''t owe you anything he still helps."


    "So I have to leave my life as the object of pity?" Jessie frowned.


    "Jason does not pity you, no one does. Hell you make it impossible for anyone to do that. Jason is in love with you Jessie." Katherine said, when she saw Jessie bit her lip and avoid her gaze her eyes widened. "You know? He told you?!" She asked even though she already knew the answer to that.


    Jessie met her gaze again and nodded.

 Chapter 124 - 124. Pleasure Of Falling In Love.

    "Jason already confessed his feelings to you, and you''re still behaving this way?" Katherine asked with a disbelieving laugh.


    "Well I didn''t believe he was sincere at the time, I can''t believe he told you." She said rubbing the back of her neck.


    "He''s basically telling anyone that will listen, how can he not be sincere? Can''t you tell?" Katherine asked.


    "Well don''t blame me, once bitten, twice shy." She frowned.


    "He''s confessed to you before?"


    "It wasn''t exactly love, but something like that. And the next instant he was laughing in my face. Look even if he is sincere I can''t..." she sighed. "I don''t have the pleasure of falling in love right now. Look at my life, do I look like the type of woman that wants to depend on a man her whole life? I have my ambitions as well."


    "I understand what you mean, but coming from someone who hasn''t had anyone love her, don''t ignore it." Katherine''s advised.


    "All I wanted was to go to a party, now I''m so confused!" Jessie groaned leaning backwards.


    Katherine laughed, "why would you even want to go to a party hosted by Patricia?" She asked.


    "What? What did you say?" Jessie sat up straighter.


    Katherine pursed her lips, had she said something wrong? "It nothing, just Jason ball is going to be hosted by Patricia Lee. She basically going to be in charge of everything."


    "Why the hell is that sick bitch planning Jason''s party!" Jessie said more forcefully than she intended.


    Katherine eyed her suspiciously, "well she is his Fiancee after all." She replied.


    "So what? It''s not like they are married, what is Jason even still doing still engaged to that snake?!" She snorted. "Isn''t he already the chairman?"


    "Yet he claims to love me, what a joke." She mumbled.


    "What was that?" Katherine asked.


    "Nothing! It''s getting too hot in here!" She yelled walking out.


    Katherine''s brow rose, was she jealous?


    **************************************************


    "Katherine what the hell did you say too Jessie? She''s worse!" Jason groaned through the phone.


    "Ah... I might have made things worse?" She said nervously.


    "Worse? Worse? She divided my house!" Jason yelled.


    "Calm down, calm down." Katherine said.


    "Calm down?! Huh... now I see why she kicked me, that''s a stupid thing to say. I asked you politely even brought flowers and you made things worse!" He exclaimed.


    "Look this is an opportunity for you. Just listen to me." Katherine pleaded.


    "What?"


    "She''s no longer angry at you for your little fight, I think? No.. no that''s not the point. I think Jessie is jealous." Katherine said.


    "Jealous? Of what?" He asked.


    "I accidentally told her Patricia was hosting the party because she is your Fiancee and she hot so mad." Katherine said.


    "She did?"


    "Yes, she even walked out on me. Look I can''t tell you what to do, but if Jessie is jealous of Patricia I hope you know what that means?" Katherine asked expectantly waiting for him to answer.


    "..."


    "Don''t tell me you don''t." Katherine asked after he didn''t respond.


    "If you know it just say it." He growled.


    "It means she had feelings for you too you idiot."


    "You think I don''t know that? Of course she has feelings for me, what I need to know is why she doesn''t believe I''m sincere " he said.


    "Well, if you want answers Jessie is not going to give them to you, she too arrogant for that. You have to drag it out of her." Katherine said.


    "How do you suggest I do that?" He asked.


    "How should I know? I''ve only known her for two months, I have yet to discover what ticks her." "Aren''t you Jason Kang? I''m sure you can figure it out." Katherine stated bluntly.


    "Wow, you''re so much help" he said sacarstically.


    "Hey, it''s your problem. Good bye Jason." She said ending the call.


    Pull it out of her? How was he going to do it? Jessie wasn''t even looking at him, hell she moved to the other side of the manor.


    "Paul was right." He groaned. "This woman isn''t good for me, I really don''t have time for this drama, I have so much work!" He sighed pitifully.


    Wait a minute, he knew someone that knew Jessie long enough to understand her crazy mood swings and impulsive outbursts.


    **************************************************


    "Hey, son can you go to the convenience store, you''re father forgot to buy the milk again."


    "Mother, father didn''t forget to buy any milk. He died remember?" Jamie tapped his mother.


    "Oh... I forgot, the cat has been disturbing for so long, you should go get him some milk." She said.


    "Sure." He said walking out of the house. Her condition seemed to be getting better, apparently the meds were working. Advantages of having a doctor in the family.


    He pulled on his hoodie and began to sprint as the sky opened up and the rain began to fall. At least she didn''t burst into tears anytime they reminded her that her beloved husband and their father was dead. His brother encouraged him to tell her the truth whenever she made such mistakes.


    He ran into the store and quickly got the milk, walking out he waited under the shade for the rain to let up, when his phone rang.


    He looked at the caller ID but it was a number.


    "Hello?"


    "Jamie? Jamie Anderson?" The voice asked softly.


    "Yes, this is him." He answered.


    "Hi, this is Mary Cha. You might not remember me bu-"


    "I remember you, what do you want?" He asked the hostility in his voice evident.


    "Look I''m not calling to antagonize you or anything. It''s just, I''m worried for Lenora." She said.


    "Lenora? What happened to her?" He asked.


    "Look she''s angry and vengeful, she''s beginning to hang around Patricia Lee." She said, continuing when she got no reaction from him. "She not thinking straight Jamie. She''s bitter and she is taking solace in the wrong person, you know how difficult Lenora is, Patricia isn''t a good influence. You shouldn''t let her-"


    "Look I appreciate your concern, but Lenora is a grown woman. If that is going to make her feel any better then let her do what she wants." He said. "Good bye miss Cha." He said cutting of the call.


    ''What the hell are you doing Lenora?''

 Chapter 125 - 125. Sold Off.

    Paul stepped out of his office and headed to the board room for a meeting. He checked his watch to make sure he wasn''t late or too early.


    "Right on time." He mumbled and he pushed the door open. The entire room was empty, did he miss the way? Was he in the wrong room?


    As he stepped backwards to leave the room the seat at the head of the long table turned around and he met face to face with his father. His eyes widened and he turned around to run out of the room.


    "Paul!" His father''s voice boomed and he halted in his track.


    He turned back to face his father, bowing immediately. "Have you been well father? It''s been a while." He said.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be having a meeting? Where are you going?" His father asked.


    Paul stood up straight. "I know right, I''m going for my meeting, it appears I''ve come to the wrong place." He stated with a tight smile. "So then..."


    "Come. Sit, we need to talk." His father ordered firmly.


    Paul stood by the door hesitant. "You know I''m pretty comfortable right where I am." He said.


    "That was not a request, don''t not let me ask again." Paul pursed his lips and walked to the table, sitting directly opposite his father the farthest distance between them.


    "It appears you''re not so worthless after all." His father said. "I didn''t expect the hospital to remain open this long, let alone bring the profit it is." He continued.


    "Careful father, that almost sounds like praise." Paul replied.


    His father gaze narrowed at him. "If someone compliments you, you should say thank you."


    Paul gave him smug smile. "That didn''t sound very complimentary to me, sorry I didn''t realise it was one."


    His father pushed his lips with his tongue and spoke again. "Your mother sent me, you''ve been rejecting her calls."


    "Of course, I was wondering when she would come barging in here, to think she would actually send you." He laughed.


    "This is not a joke Paul. I heard what you did, insulting your mother in law like that." His father said.


    "My mother in law? If I remember correctly I''m not married. And I didn''t say anything that didn''t need to be said. She was causing an unsightly scene in my hospital, aganist my more than competent staff. I would have reacted likewise to any other person." He stated firmly.


    His father rubbed his chin and nodded. "Well I don''t expect any less. But you must understand, I''ve given you way too much freedom it''s time you get married."


    "I''m not even thirty yet, don''t you think your being too hasty?" Paul questioned his father.


    "Your older brothers married before thirty, and they are very happy. We only want the same for you Paul. Besides you will never get a family as good as the Choi family, considering you''re the third son." His father stated bluntly.


    Paul shut his eyes and struggled to control his anger. "I''m grateful for your concern, but that wouldn''t be necessary. I don''t need to be sold off." He said, masking the ire he felt.


    "Is that what you think this is?" His father asked.


    "What else? ''Let''s get him married to a rich family, since he is such a failure. We can secure his future that way for when his older brother inherits the family business.'' Is that not what you and mother think?" Paul said through clenched teeth. "I thought this hospital would be enough to stop you people from butting into my life but apparently not. I''m not my brothers, so don''t treat me like them."


    His father scoffed. "Of course you''re not, what child of mine chooses law over medicine?"


    "Yet I succeed in a hospital." He says.


    "You call this success, I call it luck. How long do you think you can keep it up?" His father asked.


    "Well why don''t you just take it back then. I never wanted to work in a hospital, I thought studying law would give you guys the gist." He spat.


    "A profession you don''t even want to practice, because you did it out of spite. Until when are you going to behave like this? You don''t want to work, you don''t want to get married? What do you want to do? Go around bedding women like some rake?!" His father yelled. "Enough is enough, if Choi Yuri will still have you then you will marry her. Do you understand me?"


    Paul stared at his father with contempt, not saying anything.


    "Do you understand me damn it!" His father slammed his palm on the table.


    He reluctantly nodded, biting his lip in anger.


    "I have no problem with you marrying whoever it is you want. But since you refuse to pick out a girl you will marry the one we have chosen for you." His father stated. Getting up he walked over to his son, placing a hand on his shoulder.


    "Good job with the hospital, I am proud." He said, walking out of the room.


    **************************************************


    "Chairman Song?" Katherine gasped as she stepped out of the elevator.


    "Katherine, it''s nice to see you here." He said plainly, with a small smile.


    "Same here" Katherine smiled widely. "What brings you here?" She asked.


    "Oh just talking some sense into my son, you seem to be heading to surgery?" He said eyeing her scrubs.


    "Oh I was, but I postponed it. The patient was having a fever, it''s a bone marrow transplant so I dare not." She shrugged.


    Bishop Song smiled at the young woman before him. He always wanted a daughter, he always said he would spoil her silly. Unfortunately he had Paul instead. And his two older brothers, and somehow when he imagined having one, Katherine''s was always the face that would pop into his head. A talented and intelligent young woman.


    "Well I''m sure your patients must be very lucky to have you as their doctor." He smiled at her.


    Katherine laughed lightly. "Don''t tease me, sir."


    He frowned, "what''s with all the formalities. Call me Uncle, or better yet Father. Like you used to." He said.


    "Come on now, of course I want to call you all those things." She smiled. "But I have to professional" she whispered. "What would those foolish interns think if they see me being chummy with the boss."


    He laughed, tapping her head lightly. "Uncle!" She whined. "You promised to stop doing that!"


    "I can''t help it, it''s been a while. We should meet up for tea sometime." He offered.


    "I would love to, but I''m afraid I''ll have to decline. Perhaps some other time?" She said.


    "Fine, I won''t interfere in your work then. I will be waiting for your call then." He stated and she bowed as he walked into the elevator.


    "Should I be jealous? You seem to get along with my father a lot better than I do." Paul said leaning aganist the wall.


    Katherine frowned at him, "well you broke his heart and went to study law, and you wonder why?"


    "Tch."


    "I''m busy, don''t disturb me. Goodbye." She said walking away.


    "Hey!"

 Chapter 126 - 126. Unfavoured Main Chick.

    "Hello?"


    "Mr. Song? It''s Choi Yuri."


    "Yuri? Hey, how are you?" Paul asked, dismissing the nurses and walking into his office. "I didn''t expect a call from you to be honest."


    "Well I didn''t expect to call to either, but it seemed like the right thing to do. Are you perhaps free? I would like to talk." She said.


    "Sure, just tell me were." He said.


    "I''m actually in your hospital right now, if that''s okay with you." She replied.


    "Okay, I''ll tell them to let you up." He said.


    "How about you come get me, you see I''m not very comfortable with strangers." She said.


    "Fine, if that will make you feel better I''ll  be there in a short while." He said curtly.


    "Choi Yuri?" He called out to the slender woman standing in front of the reception. She turned to look at him with a small smile.


    "Good day Mr. Song." She smiled.


    "Call me Paul." He said pulling her into a small hug. "Come with me." He said leading her to the elevator.


    "You must be wondering why I''m here? You know after the whole incident last time." She said breaking the silence that fell on them in the elevator. As Paul opened his mouth to respond the elevator door opened. So they didn''t say anything more till they were in his office.


    "So... I''m sure your mom must have told you what happened, I expected the whole arrangement to be cancelled." He stated bluntly.


    "We still need to talk about it don''t you think?" She asked.


    "If you''re expecting an apology it''s not going to come, I don''t regret what I did because I wasn''t wrong. And neither was my staff." He said.


    "Well I am the one that will be marrying you now won''t I? I believe that''s my decision to make. My mother was in the wrong and I apologise." She said.


    Paul brow rose slightly, "really?" She nodded.


    "Then why do you look displeased. It''s like your mad at me for something." He said.


    "I am. While I agree my mother shouldn''t have made a scene here, you can''t really blame her. Her son''s life was just ruined it a tough pill to swallow. But that''s not why I''m annoyed." She frowned slightly.


    "Are you going to tell me why then?" He asked.


    "You left abruptly in the middle of our date, if that isn''t demeaning I don''t know what is. Worse you left so quickly to come defend another woman, why would you meet with me if you''re interested in someone else?" She asked.


    "Excuse me?" Paul squinted.


    "Tell me Mr. Song? Regardless of what happened with my mother are you really interested in this relationship?" She asked again. "I will not be a side chick, or rather the unpreferred main chick."


    Paul opened his mouth, then he closed it again, not knowing what to say. Somehow she managed to make him speechless, interesting.


    "First of all, I am sorry for leaving you like that, I believe I apologised. And a relationship? Is that what this is?" He asked, pointing at her then himself.


    "What else would you call a marriage? I understand this isn''t a love arrangement, but we could at least be amicable." She said.


    "So you''re serious about this? About us?" Paul asked.


    "Only if you willing, of course I can''t force you to marry me or anything like that." She said.


    "Fine then. Let''s do it." He smiled sweetly at her.


    "On one condition, promise me there is nothing going on between you and that doctor." She said.


    "There''s nothing going on between Katherine and I. She''s my best friend, and I would die for her and she would for me. But that''s it." He stated firmly.


    She scoffed. "That doesn''t seem like nothing to me." She said shaking her head. "How will you lay down your life for her? I mean, isn''t that too far?"


    "Not with Katherine, no. I''ve known her majority of my life, she has been with me through a lot. We''ve gone through so much together." He said.


    "Well I don''t feel comfortable with her or your relationship with her. If you really are just friends then end it." She insisted.


    Paul frowned. "It seems you refuse to understand, relationships like that don''t just end." He said, trying to convince himself more. As Katharine words echoed in his head.


    ''Let''s stop being friends.''


    "Trust me, we''re just friends." He insisted as well.


    "Fine then, I will hold you to your word. Walk me out?" She asked.


    "Sure."


    He walked her out of his office and they walked through the hallways of the hospital.


    "Director Song, hello!" Hannah chirped from the door frame of a room.


    Paul stopped and turned to loom at her. "Hannah, how are you?" He asked her with a sweet smile.


    "Great! Are you going somewhere?" She asked, peering beside him at the pretty woman standing beside him.


    "Em. Just walking her out, where''s ka-"


    "Why are you standing in the way? Come help me with this." Katherine said as she walked out of the room. She looked up at Paul and smiled before she could stop herself.


    "Hey" Paul greeted with a smile of his own, ''she seems to be in a good mood.'' He thought.


    "Hello, Paul." She returned the greeting, clearing her throat and hiding the smile the moment she realised what she was doing.


    ''Paul?'' Yuri wondered. ''She must be familiar with him to call him by his name.'' She stepped out from beside him so she was visible to Katherine.


    Katherine frowned when she saw Yuri eyeing her with hostility. Paul noticing her line of sight opened his mouth to introduce the two women. The moment Paul glanced at Yuri her glare was replaced with an innocent smile and Katherine fought the urge to gag. ''Great another jealous bitch.''


    "Um.. this is Katherine." He said out of habit.


    "Dr. Park." Katherine corrected.


    He gave her an awkward smile. "This is Choi Yuri."


    "His Fiancee." She also corrected.


    "Pardon?" They both said in unison.


    "What?" She blinked innocently at Paul. "I mean it''s basically already settled isn''t it?" She asked Paul.


    Paul rubbed his neck and glanced at Katherine. Why did he feel awkwardly saying this in front of Katherine? Somehow he disliked that she heard that.


    Before he could explain any further Katherine spoke up. "Congratulations. If you would excuse me I have work to do." She said stiffly, quickly walking away.


    "She seems nice." Yuri said immediately. "Let''s go." She grabbed his arm and pulled him away.


    "Dr. Park?" Hannah said cautiously as she trailed behind Katherine.


    "Don''t you dare say another word Hannah." Katherine growled. ''Jerk!''

 Chapter 127 - 127. Intense.

    Tony watched his daughters play with happiness and contentment. They were his pride and joy, if there was anything he did right in his life it was the three little angels playing in front of him. But that was short lived because in an instant his vision was obscured and all he saw was black. He tried to struggle but a pair of strong arms grabbed his hands and put them behind his back. Before he could get lose they was a sharp force on the side of his neck and he lost consciousness.


    When he finally woke up, he struggled to keep his eyes open. Eyeing his surroundings slowly, a couch? Was he in someone house? He sat up slowly and saw a desk and a computer. An office, he was in an office. And someone was sitting behind the desk.


    "You''re awake! That didn''t take long."


    "What the actual fuck Jason Kang!" He yelled. "You''re behind this?!" He screamed. "Where? Where are my daughters? I swear if you touch even a single hair on their he-"


    "They are fine, still playing happily in the park. Don''t worry, it''s you I want." He said standing up and walking over to the couch.


    Tony got up at an alarming speed and rushed towards Jason, but was interrupted before he could reach. "Where the hell did you even come out from?" He asked as the man twisted his hands behind his back and brought him to his knees.


    "I have bodyguards in my office as well, trust me I didn''t ask for them but now I see they are pretty useful. Plus they do a really good job of blending into the surroundings don''t they?" He smiled. Walking past them and sitting on the couch.


    "Does this seem funny to you?!" Tony asked with the anger evident in his voice. "It''s illegal you know, I can bury you with this you know."


    "Oh yeah? When I do it, it''s wrong but when you do so it okay?" Jason asked looking honestly curious. "Tsk... this is discrimination of the upper class, don''t you think?" He asked motioning for the bodyguard to let him go.


    "But sir-"


    "It''s okay, he''s a smart man he won''t try to attack me again." He said a silent warning to Tony.


    "When did I ever..." Tony started realising he was referring to when he kidnapped Jessie. "That was different." He huffed.


    "Why? You convinced yourself you were doing it for her good. Well that''s the same case here, I brought you here because of Jessie." He shrugged, wiping and invisible stain of his expensive suit.


    "Jessie? What''s wrong with Jessie?" Tony asked, walking back to the couch he was sprawled upon just a matter of minutes ago.


    "I need your help, she''s being... difficult." Jason stated.


    "And why the hell would I help you?" Tony scoffed.


    "I should sue you for defamation Mr. Martell but I didn''t so you owe me one." Jason stated bluntly.


    "Defamation? When did I ever?"


    "Telling Jessie I was working with Patricia to jeopardize her? I''m still pissed at that, and I know it was you." Jason said with an uneasy tone in his voice.


    "Did she tell you that?"


    "She doesn''t need to, so are you going to help or not?" He asked again.


    Tony sighed. "I''m not helping you because you''re ''pissed'' at me. I have a feeling you''ll keep me here until I do, and you can''t blame me for not trusting my girls are doing well." He gave in.


    "Well you''re right I would keep you here. And don''t worry about your daughters their babysitter. Was it Sarah? Susanne?" He thought aloud.


    "Felicity." Tony said through clenched teeth.


    "That one" he nodded as if he was close to figuring out the name. "She with them."


    "How? She has school today."


    "Well not anymore apparently." Jason stated. "Anyway, back to the matter at hand. What do I do if I need to pacify Jessie? She''s mad at me, for good reason but for some reason she is refusing to forgive me." He said with a small pout.


    Tony wanted to laugh at the sight but he held it back, he didn''t like Jason. "Why is she mad?"


    Jason narrated the incident again, and what Katherine''s told him as well.


    "Hmm... she''s not mad at you." Tony said curtly.


    "What?"


    "She''s not mad at you, she''s mad at her situation.  Jessie is a reasonable person, that is when she wants to be but she''s also extremely stubborn. What she wanted you do was ask her to the party anyway so she would decline. Plus how do you expect her to feel hearing Patricia is hosting it? I mean the person she hates the most, ofcourse she would have declined immediately but you had to order it." Tony shook his head. "Every woman hates a man that seeks to control them. Do you not know this?" Tony asked him as if he was an idiot.


    Jason glared at him and frowned. "So she is jealous about Patricia? I can use that to make her come to me?" He asked.


    Tony pursed his lips and sighed. "I''m not sure I should tell you this but as much as i hate to admit it, I understand what you''re going through."


    "I''ll let you in one a little secret, you can get Jessie to do anything you want by involving Patricia. Those too are so competitive it almost funny." He said.


    "Really?" He asked and Tony nodded.


    "But the only way to get out of this one, considering how deep you dug yourself is to allow her come to the party." Tony smiled mischievously.


    "You know I can''t do that." Jason stated firmly. "She can''t be seen in public right now."


    "Well who said anything about her being seen? You''re a smart guy Jason figure it out." Tony stated.


    "You''re not making any sense do you know that? You just said she wasn''t mad at me, and now I should pacify her?"


    "What I meant was her anger is not from what happened but make no mistake it''s directed at you. Plus you failed to inform her Patricia was hosting your ball." He stated bluntly.


    Jason sighed. "Fine, what exactly happened between the two anyway?"


    Tony laughed. "It was pretty intense."


    Chapter 128 preview: All is well that ends well.


    Jessie turned around to see a very angry Patricia walking towards her, before she could ask what happened her head flung to the side as the impact for Patricia plan stung her cheeks. Jessie eyes widened and she glared at Patricia holding her assaulted cheek.


    "What the fuck!" She cursed.


    "You did this, didn''t you?"

 Chapter 128 - 128. All Is Well That Ends Well.

    Seven years ago.


    "All that? I have all that on my schedule of today? The way you were reading it out seemed as if that was for the whole week." Jessie said.


    "Well I''m sorry Jess, it''s what Tony sent to me." Lana shrugged. "It seems too much right? It not even fair, you must feel overwhelmed."


    "Why the hell would I feel overwhelmed? This is amazing!" She shrieked.


    "Eh?"


    "I finally feel like a real star, I was just a no name actress until now! I mean I can finally say I''ve been busy with a lot of projects. They think it''s not possible to film two movies at once? I''ll show them!" She smiled.


    "You''re... you''re happy?" Lana asked totally confused.


    "Of course! Ooh I''m so happy, when I acted in the last drama I never knew it would be my breakout role." She laughed softly. "I''m even costarring with the big leagues."


    "But fans hate your character in this movie, your the second female lead."


    "Do they really?" She asked. "Hmm... well it means I''m doing my job right then." She shrugged. "It should be about time for my scene with the Patricia, let''s go." She stated and Lana followed behind her.


    "What utter crap!" They heard a voice screaming. "How could you make such a pointless mistake? I mean are you daft?"


    Jessie and Lana gave themselves confused looks as they walked towards the source of the yelling. It was Patricia''s trailer. She was yelling at her makeup artist in front if the trailer.


    "Patricia, calm down. She made a mistake we will postpone the shoot." The director said.


    "Why should I? I told her I was allergic to coconut, how could she put it on my skin? Look at me!!" She screamed.


    Jessie eyes widened when she saw the actress ridden with spots and swells. "Oh my goodness!" She gasped.


    "You bitch! You''re not even remorseful" she screamed raising her hand to slap the makeup artist. But someone grabbed her arm halting her movement.


    "Don''t." Jessie stated plainly, staring into her rage filled eyes.


    "What the hell? Get out of my way Jessie Marin, this does not concern you." She spat venomously.


    "I understand you''re angry and you have every right to be, but you shouldn''t hit her. It''s only going to reflect badly on you." She said in a low tone.


    Patricia snatched her arm out of Jessie''s, and scoffed. Storming off angrily.


    Jessie turned around and shot an intense glare at the makeup artist before walking away as well.


    **************************************************


    "That''s great Jessie, you''re doing good!" The photographer gushed as he clicked away.


    "No miss! You can''t go in there!"


    Jessie turned around to see a very angry Patricia walking towards her, before she could ask what happened her head flung to the side as the impact from Patricia''s plam stung her cheeks. Jessie eyes widened and she glared at Patricia holding her assaulted cheek.


    "What the fuck!" She cursed.


    "You did this, didn''t you?" She held up her phone and Jessie had to use a few seconds to adjust her gaze and look at the videos as she was still disoriented from the slap.


    "What? I''m also implicated in that video. Why would I do that?" Jessie frowned at the video of her and Patricia apparently bullying an innocent makeup artist.


    "I don''t know, you''re jealous of me? Jealous of the fact that you''re nobody and I''m the actual fucking star." Patricia spat.


    Jessie rolled her eyes. "Why would I be jealous of you? I mean I have projects lined up till next year. Endorsements and shows my life is picking up why would I be jealous of a bad actress with nothing but a rich family backing her up?" She sneered.


    Patricia rose her arm to hit her again but Jessie caught it. "Don''t you dare think I''m a pushover because I''m not. You should be grateful to me that I stopped you before this scandal became an assault case. And if you don''t want me to sue you you''ll get out of my shoot!" She warned her, staring her down with.


    Patricia shot her an icy glare before walking out of the studio but not before threatening her. "This isn''t over Jessie Marin!"


    **************************************************


    "She did what?" Jessie gasped as she stared at her phone. That bitter wrench! "When did I ever? What did she say flirting with a married man? Wow how low can she really stoop!" Jessie yelled.


    Lana stood by the side, letting her vent before she told her the worst news. Patricia Lee was really out to get her, first starting a scandal of her flirting with the main lead who was already married.


    "And who are these useless mosquitoes saying rubbish?" She sneered as she scrolled through the comment section. "So two co-stars can''t be friends? Wow that jealous bitch, she was the one trying to sleep with him, because he rejected her she''s coming at me? Alright then Patricia if you want to play dirty let''s play!"


    "She''s the new lead for ''Impostor''." Lana said quickly, deciding to just RIP the bandage off.


    Jessie brows rose "but I was offered that role... you know what if she want it she can take it. It''s a pretty boring script anyway. It takes talent to bring such a dead script to life. What other dramas does she have at the moment?" Jessie asked.


    "Well she in talks to work with writers Choi Won and Kim In na." Lana said.


    "Do you still have the pictures? Let''s post them, but secretly leak it to one of my fanpage managers." Jessie said.


    "What does the manager say?" Lana asked.


    "Nothing, just leak the pictures." Tony said from behind both women.


    "Why not?" Jessie snapped.


    "Because people are crazy, it''s better to let them conclude for themselves what they want to believe." He stated.


    Jessie eyes widened and she began to smile. "Why are you smiling? I still don''t understand?" Lana frowned.


    "With this kind of provocative pictures if I say anything, in my situation the public will call it a farce and a cover up. Let them decide what they want to see, it''s never going to be good. Fanatical fans are crazy like that." Jessie explained.


    **************************************************


    Patricia threw her phone against the wall, how the hell did Jessie Marin manage to turn the situation against her?! How did she get those pictures?!


    ''I really cannot believe what I''m seeing. How can Patricia be so tasteless?''


    ''She''s so shameless, chasing after a married man and blaming it on Jessie Marin.''


    ''She should be fired from whatever dramas she currently working on, if not they wouldn''t be successful!''


    ''It so disgraceful, I can''t believe I called myself a fan of hers!''


    "Aissh!" She screamed, grabbing her hair in frustration. "Why are you just standing there like that? Fix this." She yelled at her manager.


    He coughed and gave her a confused stare.


    "What do we do?" She asked again.


    "Miss Lee... it would be better to lay low and let this pass." He said slowly.


    "What? Lay low? What kind of fool did I hire?" She laughed.


    "Pin it on the man. Pin it on actor Phil Shin. I mean it''s not as if he''s guilt free, he was indeed flirting with Jessie Marin." The woman beside her manager spoke up.


    "But that will free Jessie as well." Patricia frowned.


    "Would you rather you get out of this with Jessie Marin or get dragged down alone?" She said again, staring Patricia in the eyes.


    Patricia bit her lip and thought about it. "Fine, you''re fired. Congratulations your my new manager." She smiled at the woman.


    "Bu... but miss lee" the man pleaded.


    "Did I stutter? Get lost!" She yelled and he ran out of the room. "Well fix this." She said to the woman.


    "I never said yes." She replied.


    "What?"


    "I never said yes to being your manager."


    Patricia rolled her eyes. "Fine what do you want? More money?"


    "How about respect. My name is Mary, just Mary and I will not be disrepected by you. And yes I do want the extra money because working for you is no easy feat." She smiled.


    Patricia laughed. "You know I can dismiss you right now right?"


    "And you''re reputation will be destroyed, I gave you a solution but not everyone can actually deliver it." She said with confidence.


    "Fine, but mess up once and you''ll regret it." Patricia warned. "Go fix this."


    **************************************************


    "I won." Jessie smiled as she leaned back into her seat. Scrolling through her phone. Lana and Tony were seated with her, Lana happily holding three beautiful trophies as she took selfies with them.


    "Is that what you''re worried about right now?" Tony asked her shaking his head.


    "Ofcourse, you don''t know how happy I am. Did you see Patricia face when I won the excellency awards?'' She giggled at the thought.


    "I''m even wondering how she thought she would win with that drama, ''impostor''. I guess she must not be that horrible an actress it got nominated. But when you pair an amazing actress, yours truly." She gestured to herself. "With a script like ''the tale of acordia'' now that just success." She gushed.


    "Your right Jessie, you''re currently the biggest actress in the continent." Lana agreed.


    "Right!" The two off them squealed happily.


    Tony fingered his ears to save his eardrums. "Well I hope you''re happy now."


    "Of course I am, all I have to do know is solidify my position in the entertainment industry and work harder." She said. "Ah... all is well that ends well."


    129 preview : Filial daughter.


    "That punk? I have to admit I didn''t think he had it in him, and I was right." Bishop Song said.


    Katherine was nodding to his words at first but his last statement surprised her. "What?"


    "You gave him all those ideas didn''t you?" He asked plainly and Katherine almost choked on her tea.


    "No.. that''s...that''s not it." She coughed.


    "Really? Shall I call him then?"


    "No!" She yelled.

 Chapter 129 - 129. Filial Daughter.

    "Hello Patricia." Jason greeted as she sat down across him.


    "Jason. I have to admit I was surprised when I received your call." She smiled at him.


    "I hope I''m not keeping you from anything." He said.


    "No that''s not what I meant, it''s just if I had known helping you with your work would result in your attention, I would have done so sooner." She pushed her bone straight hair away from her shoulder in an attempt to expose her delicate neck line.


    Jason brows furrowed at her statement, ''she would have done it sooner?'' What the hell is going on?


    Patricia bit her lip, ''too much?'' She asked herself. "Work more suitable to me, perhaps you should throw more parties." She said, diluting her earlier statement.


    "I''m not much of a fan, I tend to do the bare minimum." He gave her a tight smile.


    "Well I hope we can find a balance then." She said smoothly.


    "Ah... yes do you want anything?" He asked.


    "Hmmm... some wine? Non alcoholic ofcourse you must still have work to do." She said.


    Jason nodded, motioning to the waiter.


    "How are the preparations coming along?" He asked after he made the order. "I hope it''s not too tasking for you."


    "Of course, such things are my strong suit. It like a breeze." She laughed.


    "Great then, I was hoping we could make some changes." He stated bluntly.


    Patricia brow rose in suspicion but she let him continue. Ugh! She hated how she had to walk on eggshells around him.


    "I would like some... something extra like a theme." He suggested.


    "There''s already a theme, a ball isn''t a ball without a theme." She said. "I was thinking something more elegant, like a black and white ball." She stated.


    "That''s boring, everyone already wears black and white and other monochromatic colours at the office, how about a masquerade ball." He suggested. The waiter came back and served their wine, stepping backwards.


    "That''s highly inconvenient, I mean how will you identify your board members easily? Besides it such a bother for the ladies and their expensive makeup." She frowned, nursing her drink.


    "Then they shouldn''t use expensive makeup if they''ll be bothered by it." He simply shrugged. "Besides, if don''t already know the profile of each board member then I  wouldn''t be Chairman."


    "So basically you''re not asking you''re telling." She surmised.


    "Exactly. Oh and the venue let''s change it. We''ll have the party at my manor. I''ll get you in touch with my head servant and you can discuss the proceedings." He said curtly.


    Patricia fought the urge to flip the table over, why ask her to plan the party if he was just going to change everything? But still she couldn''t just agree quietly.


    "Don''t you think you''re being too much, I mean changing the venue that''s a bit rash." She complained.


    "Well I didn''t expect you to take this lying down. What do you want in return?" He asked.


    Patricia eyes widened slightly, did he just give her a loop hole? "Well I did want the press in attendance."


    Jason laughed inwardly, ofcourse. "I''ll allow one person. The security details will be sent along, if that would be all." He said standing.


    "Wait a minute, I don''t even know where your manor is, when can I see it?" She asked.


    Jason paused, he hadn''t actually thought of that. Patricia would definitely insist on going to his manor at least twice and with good reason. How does he explain this to Jessie?


    "Jason?" Patricia called out to him.


    "-but if Jessie is jealous of Patricia I hope you know what that means?"


    "I''ll arrange for it, but a heads up you cannot know the location. So you''ll have to be blindfolded." Je said.


    And Patricia fought the urge to scoff. "Fine I won''t fuss, if you let me bring a tag along?"


    "... we''ll see." Where his curt words. "I have to go, I have a lot of work to do." He said walking out.


    **************************************************


    "Katherine? I''m pleasantly surprised."


    "Hello uncle, I was wondering if you have some free time. Perhaps we can have that tea?" She said.


    "Of course I''ll always have time for you, come to the Yong tea parlour." He said. "Are you free this afternoon?"


    "Of course sir. I will be there." She agreed.


    "What the hell are you doing Katherine?" She scolded herself as she hung up, this was playing with fire right here. But she has to know, was Paul really engaged? Was that woman really his Fiancee? She ofcourse couldn''t ask him directly, and his mother was a no go. His brothers didn''t know anything about it, well she couldn''t blame them they barely knew anything about each other. Born years apart from each other each brother grew up separately. So the only option was to ask the head of the family. Bishop Song.


    She grabbed her purse and shed off her lab coat and walked out of the hospital. It took a little while to get to the parlour he requested so she ran into the place as soon as she reached.


    After giving her reservations the waiter lead her to a separate room, somehow this brought back unpleasant memories. Did the old couple like this kind of restaurants? The last time she was in a place like this, pictures were tossed in her face and she was heavily threatened.


    "Good afternoon uncle." Katherine bowed and she walked into the room. He nodded at her and gestured to the empty space before him. She bowed again before taking off her shoes and moving to sit on the cushion before him.


    "Katherine Park. It''s wonderful to catch up with you. How is your father doing this days?" He asked jumping right into the conversation. One of the reasons Katherine really liked him, he didn''t beat around the bush.


    "I''m not sure I haven''t spoken to him in a while." Katherine shrugged. "But the last I had contact with him, he was doing well."


    "You mustn''t do that, he is your father I expect you to be a filial daughter." He scolded her softly.


    Katherine tucked a stray strand of hair behind her head nervously. "I guess it would be easier of I didn''t have step mother acting as a barrier." She pouted.


    "Ah... Carol is still acting up."


    "When she isn''t she? Well I have you here so I will fulfill my daughterly duties to you, since you''re also a father figure to me." She said in a  serious tone, laughing lightly. Not realising how seriously the old man had taken it.


    "You must. You''ve already said it I won''t let you take it back." He said.


    Katherine looked up in slight shock but she nodded anyway.


    "How is the hospital these days?" He asked.


    "Well there have been a lot of improvements under Paul''s supervision. We cost down the massive cost on new equipment every year. And we''re buying it every five years. Also the obstetric and gynecology department was reopened with part of the money." She stated.


    Bishop realised one thing as she spoke about the hospital, Katherine was the reason that hospital thrived, not Paul,  Katherine. And not once did she claim the glory. His heart went out to her. He prayed that in his next life he would be blessed you her as a child.


    "Uncle, have you been to visit Paul? You know since you''re in town?" She asked cautiously. Noticing his distracted expression.


    "Unfortunately, I''m having a much better time with you." He smiled at her.


    Katherine wanted to groan, don''t change the topic so quickly. She wanted to talk about Paul.


    "You must be so proud of how well his doing right?" She said again, bringing him back into the conversation.


    "That punk? I have to admit I didn''t think he had it in him, and I was right." Bishop Song said.


    Katherine was nodding to his words at first but his last statement surprised her. "What?"


    "You gave him all those ideas didn''t you?" He asked plainly and Katherine almost choked on her tea.


    "No.. that''s...that''s not it." She coughed.


    "Really? Shall I call him then?"


    "No!" She yelled and he smiled smugly. "Look honestly Paul is a wonderful leader. Only a few leaders in this world would be humble enough to ask the opinions of the staff, listen and actually take them into consideration." She explained. "I admit most of his ideas aren''t original but they are at least necessary." She added.


    Bishop Song narrowed his eyes at her and sighed. What was her deal? Was it possible for someone so intelligent and brilliant not to be ambitious? The more she spoke the more in love with her strong character and morals he fell.


    "Well, it is a virtue to have humility, something most doctors lack." He sighed.


    "Exactly the reason why he is respected. He doesn''t have that sense of elevation or pride that doctors possess" she said again.


    ''What is wrong with me?! Why the hell I''m I praising him? I should tell his father he skips out on work and uses the hospital wheel chairs for racing!'' She scolded herself.


    "Well neither do you Katherine."


    "Oh.. I''m just being modest because it''s you uncle." She laughed.


    His phone buzzed in his pocket. "Oh my sorry my dear but I have to go." He said.


    Katherine nodded vigorously and walked him to the door. "What a pointless meeting, I didn''t even get the information I wanted." She groaned.


    Not realising that Bishop Bishop Song was already cursing himself for picking out a bride for Paul when the perfect candidate was right under their noses. ''She would have been perfect!''


    Preview chapter 130: Background check.


    Patricia features suddenly became serious. "Is that a joke? Do you really expect me to believe you just pieced that together just now?" She asked leaning towards the table and placing her jaw on her palm.


    Lenora smiled at her, refusing to be intimidated. "Alright you caught me." She said leaning backwards and crossing her arms. "So I did a little background check on you, are you going to be a baby about it?" She shrugged.


    Patricia gave her a wicked smile. "Not a lot of people would dare call me a baby." She said emphasising the last word.


    "Hmm well I''m not a lot of people." Lenora returned the smile.

 Chapter 130 - 130. Background Check.

    The sky darkened until night fell upon the city, but that did nothing to dim the city, for it looked more magnificent in the night. And it was a splendid sight, from the top floor of the grandeur mansion. An architectural wonder that houses all the most exquisite and fancy businesses. Right now Patricia enjoyed this view from the Mace restaurant a seven star establishment she loved to frequent. It was the only place that wouldn''t bend to her will and power. She didn''t have the power to send out other customers when she ate her, and for that reason alone she liked it. She was born with a lot, some might call it a head start but she always thought it was already the like she was standing at the end of the race. She had power to get anything and everything and she did. So when she came across people that didn''t cower before her she either really hated them or really loved them. Like this restaurant right now, and oddly Jason was slowly crawling to the other side of this spectrum. She hated him right? Why was he getting more and more under her skin these days? She sighed and looked away from the glass wall that covered the side of the restaurant.


    Looking straight she saw a familiar silhouette


    "Lenora Han?" Patricia called out to the woman sitting before her.


    Lenora turned around and her eyes widened as she saw Patricia. She hoped she seemed sincere, her acting skills were pretty good but she couldn''t be too sure with Patricia.


    "Fancy meeting you here Miss Lee." Lenora smiled at her.


    "Why don''t you join me, you don''t seem like you brought a date either." Patricia offered.


    "Are you sure? You seem like you want to be alone." Lenora asked, never accept an offer too quickly, leaves room for doubt.


    "If I wanted to be alone I wouldn''t have asked you to join me." She said bluntly.


    Lenora gave her a tight smile and quickly agreed, before her pride made her take back her offer. She needed to go to that ball. And befriending Patricia was her ticket to both covering the event and attending as well.


    Lenora gestured to the waiter who pulled the sit aside for her. "How about some wine?"


    Patricia gestured to the one she was nursing and Lenora shook her head. "A new bottle, if I''m joining you we should share the same bottle don''t you think?"


    "Fine how about another bottle of red wine." Patricia said to the waiter. "Do you not want red wine?" She asked when she saw Lenora stiff expression.


    "I''m more of a white wine person." She replied.


    "Well I prefer red wines." Patricia retorted.


    Lenora frowned. "How can you prefer red wines? It not only stains your teeth but it not as healthy." She snorted.


    "Really, that''s just a coward''s point of view, and besides it takes skill and elegance to drink red wine without stains." Patricia said.


    "Really? I''d just say it a lot of experience." Lenora gave her a tight smile.


    "Experience? Are you trying to say I drink too much?" Patricia scoffed.


    "Well I''m I wrong? Not that there''s anything wrong with it." She shrugged.


    "Ladies, how about you settle for a Rose'' it''s neither white nor red, I''m sure you''ll enjoy it." The waiter said before they could start hurling actual insults.


    "Fine." The said simultaneously.


    "This is all your fault, share the same bottle of wine? Tch." Patricia scoffed.


    "Don''t forget to thank me when you love it." Lenora scoffed as well.


    As Patricia opened her mouth to reply, her phone began to ring. "Excuse me, Riley?"


    "What is that supposed to mean? I hired you because you are the best or by chance did I make a mistake?"


    "I said the venue and theme are changing, I don''t care about the cost, do whatever you want with the decorations and arrangements you already got. Just change it!" She said forcefully.


    "No you cannot see the venue, I don''t know. I guess I''ll take pictures and send them to you. Wait a minute... didn''t I already send you the head servants number? Use it, don''t fuss over useless details. Make this work or you''ll regret it." She threatened cutting the call.


    "Party troubles?" Lenora asked.


    "Something like that, I''m planning a ball." Patricia stated.


    "Ah... that''s strange." She mumbled.


    "What''s strange?" Patricia asked.


    "No... it''s just it''s strange your planning a ball and Jason Kang is throwing one as well. Unless... oh my goodness, is he the fiance you spoke about on television? I''ve always been curious about that." She said with the look of subtle shock on her face.


    Patricia features suddenly became serious. "Is that a joke? Do you really expect me to believe you just pieced that together just now?" She asked leaning towards the table and placing her jaw on her palm.


    Lenora smiled at her, refusing to be intimidated. "Alright you caught me." She said leaning backwards and crossing her arms. "So I did a little background check on you, are you going to be a baby about it?" She shrugged.


    Patricia gave her a wicked smile. "Not a lot of people would dare call me a baby." She said emphasising the last word.


    "Hmm well I''m not a lot of people." Lenora returned the smile. "Besides it not as if your engagement with Jason Kang is one big secret, all that remains is officially announcing it."


    "So did you also stalk me here? I''ve been coming here for years and I''ve never run into you before." Patricia asked.


    Lenora smirked, "can''t I enjoy a quiet steak? I only recently heard about this place, it was a coincidence." She lied. Of course it wasn''t, the food here was not to her liking at all. Why the hell people came here she had no idea.


    "Oh? I expected that to be the reporter in you." Patricia stated bluntly.


    Lenora brows rose, she knew?


    Preview, 131: Sex is important.


    "Um neither, I don''t care much for looks, I mean again it doesn''t benefit me directly. And he doesn''t need to have money, I already have that. I like a man that''s exquisite in bed"

 Chapter 131 - 131. Sex Is Important.

    Krystal struggled to balance the pile, mountain of files in her hands and knock the door. After knocking once she pushed it open and entered.


    She walked slowly to Jonathan''s desk and placed the files on it with a loud thud. Turning around she yelped. Covering her gasp with her hand she stared at her boss. "Wow you look like crap." She said.


    He gave her a lopsided grin. "Don''t you know it''s basic etiquette to compliment your boss regardless of the situation?" He said curtly.


    "Okay, you''re appearance shows how much your working, good job boss!" She said with sacarstic enthusiasm.


    "Haha very fun- is that for me?" Jonathan pointed to the pile of files on his desk. "Wait, this is the 21st century aren''t this things supposed to be computalized?" He frowned.


    "Oh yes that reminds me, Vincent asked me to inform you to make sure you check your email before the end of the day." She informed him.


    "I don''t understand? Is this some form of punishment? I don''t remember doing anything to annoy Jason, or wait... do you think he found out?" Jonathan asked Krystal with a tired expression.


    "About that? No, no way we were very careful. Besides your basically the CEO now, Vincent said Matt told him that this work load is pretty normal for Jason." She said.


    "Well it should keep being normal, why is he giving me all his work all of a sudden? Aissh! I''m about to go crazy, I haven''t slept I three days." He groaned.


    "Well it seems the news I''m about to tell you wouldn''t be any consolation either." Krystal bit her lips.


    "What? Did something happen?"


    "Yeah, your brother''s ball, party whatever is now in his manor, he changed the venue." Krystal informed Jonathan.


    "What?! He can''t do that!" Jonathan exclaimed.


    "Well he already has."


    "But that''s going to ruin everything, are you sure he doesn''t know? Because what other explanation is there for the sudden change?" Jonathan asked.


    "I was suspicious as well, but if he did do you think he wouldn''t have confronted you about it? I mean Chairman Kang is pretty impulsive and incredibly arrogant. I don''t think he can know sch a thing and not come to confront you about it." Krystal shrugged.


    "Well at this point there''s nothing more we can really do than restrategize." He said. "Inform the other parties."


    "Sure thing" she nodded walking past him to leave the room. "Oh and boss? Get some sleep, I''ll see you tomorrow." She bowed.


    "Wait, tomorrow? You''re leaving me here?" Jonathan asked.


    "Well yeah, I mean work hours were finished about an hour ago, I have to go home." She said bluntly.


    "No, it''s not going to be possible you have to stay." He said.


    "I actually don''t, it''s against labour laws. So follow my lead and go home and sleep. Don''t let you brother bully you too much." She advised him. "Good night."


    ************************************************


    Lenora brows rose up, "ah... so I''m  a reporter does that change anything?" She asked.


    "It depends, I''m not a very forgiving or trusting person. I still haven''t figured out where to place you, do I hate you? Or do I like you?" Patricia said with an intense glare.


    "That''s all up to you, but I believe we certainly have a connection." Lenora said, completely unfazed by her stare.


    "I''m not gay." Patricia leaned backwards with a pout.


    Lenora laughed. "That''s not what I mean, you remind me of myself. We are both sociopaths, with a tint of crazy. I mean apart from our differences in wine, we have similar likes and similar dislikes." She said.


    "What makes you say that? We barely know each other" Patricia narrowed her eyes at her.


    "Black or white?" Lenora asked.


    "Neither, they are too boring I prefer red."


    "Same here, but I''m more of a purple girl."


    "Alright, my turn. Your favourite flowers?" Patricia asked.


    "Here you go ladies." The waiter said with a smile as he placed the bucket besides them, and poured the wine into their glasses.


    Lenora took a sip before she answered. "I don''t have any, I believe flowers are pointless gifts. I mean why would I accept something I have to keep alive? It doesn''t make sense to nurture something that does benefit me." She stated bluntly. "But if I should choose, I''d say roses whose thorns haven''t been plucked, at least those do something amusing." She smiled.


    "Hurt people." Patricia finished.


    "Exactly."


    "Alright last question, would you rather a handsome or rich guy. He can''t be both." Patricia asked.


    "That doesn''t seem fair, you have both." Lenora said with a small pout.


    "I guess I''m one of the few lucky girls. So?"


    "Um neither, I don''t care much for looks, I mean again it doesn''t benefit me directly. And he doesn''t need to have money, I already have that. I like a man that''s exquisite in bed." She laughed seductively.


    Patricia chuckled. "I don''t completely agree with you, looks matter a lot to me. I mean I can''t be with a man that doesn''t match up to me. But u do agree with the money and the sex. While sex is important, imagine your meeting him for the first time."


    "Hmm... I guess someone that pulls a reaction from me, a man that makes me tick. Who is not intimidated by me or my money, while I love being in control I don''t mind someone taking the lead from time to time." She said, picturing Jamie as she spoke. Shaking her head she pushed away the thoughts, not now.


    Patricia nodded. Why was she thinking of Jason right now? Why was she smiling? She cleared her throat and pushed him out of her head.


    "Well Lenora, I guess you were right. You pass, friends?"


    "Wait a minute, you haven''t passed mine." Lenora said pointedly. Patricia''s brow rose, Lenora serious expression broke into a teasing grin.


    "Do you love this wine or what?" She groaned.


    Patricia laughed and they clinked their glasses, the beginning of a frightening alliance. Two people that should never have met.


    Preview 132: Boss'' lady.


    "Because you are  my boss'' lady."


    "Hey! I told you guys to stop calling me that!" She whined. "Jason and I don''t have that kind of relationship."


    "Sure, you don''t." He stated sacarstically.


    "Hey, I''m serious!" She huffed.


    "Sure, you are" he responded.


    "I teach you a lesson" she threatened.

 Chapter 132 - 132. Boss Lady.

    Jessie yawned, opening her eyes slowly to deal with all the foreign light that would normally flood her retinas early in the morning, but this time was different. The light wasn''t blinding, it wasn''t even bright! She rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn''t seeing things but it was clear she wasn''t. Her room was no longer her room, her vanity was gone. The doors that lead to her bathroom and walk in wardrobe weren''t there either, the walls as well. Just and endless darkness, where was she? The only things that remained familiar was her the bed she laid on. Pushing the covers away she stepped onto the cold dark floor. She stepped into a shallow pool of water, that seemed to cover the entire ground but her feet didn''t feel wet.


    She tried to call out for someone, anyone but she herself couldn''t hear her voice so she started walking. One step at a time she went further in to the darkness, leaving her bed and the only light source behind. Soon enough, deep in the heart of this dark abyss she felt suffocated by the absolute silence and eerie darkness. She decided to go back to her bed, but she couldn''t find it anymore. She was sure she felt light coming from behind her, where was it?! She began to run, her feet slamming into the water and making heavy impacts on the hard floor but making no sounds. She missed her stepped or she thought she did, but she didn''t. Her feet passed through the floor and soon the rest of her body followed and she fell. In an instant she jerked awake, looking around she was in her van. In the same blue dress, feeling the same kind of way. Fatigued.


    Her eyes closed slowly, drifting back to sleep until the car made impact with something else and she became alert and awake. She knew what was going to happened, she remembered this! But it was like she was watching her own body move without the ability to stop it. When she called out for the driver it was audible. She reached over to pull open the door. ''Don''t do it!''


    She pushed it open and stepped out of the bus, her eyes landing on her dead driver with a bullet hole in his head. Before she knew it, this loud sound pushed up from her throat and she opened her mouth to let it out. It was heard, loud and clear. Realising her mistake she struggled to rush back to the van, but it was gone. Instead she was met with three masked clad men, all guilty. The carried guns and her driver was killed with one. Turning around fast on her heels she began to run, but not fast enough, she felt something heavy push her down and before she knew she was struggling beneath the heavy body of one of the men. Her screams were futile, as the sound soon became muffled, was this a dream? If it was why did the smell of the handkerchief invade and burn her nostrils as it did? Why was she struggling to stay awake? Why was the darkness welcoming her again.


    Jessie woke up with a gasp. She was panting, sweating. What the hell was that?


    "Jessie?" A familiar voice called out to her. Jessie? No one called her by just her name, unless...


    She sat up straighter and saw Jason standing in her room with a tray in hand, wearing jeans and a tshirt. She placed her hand on her chest to calm her raging heart, she didn''t understand her emotions at the moment. They were everywhere, first a chilling fear gripped her like sharp cold finger at her nape, she was still panting. Her whole body felt so cold yet she was sweating and now Jason just had to come in wearing jeans looking like that.


    "Jessie? Are you okay?" Jason asked again, noticing her disheveled state. He walked to her bed and dropped the tray by her night stand. Leaning down he pushed a small strand of her hair stuck on her wet forehead. Her hair was already growing out, it almost fell to her neck.


    Jessie looked up at him and nodded, she wanted more than anything to lean into his touch but she couldn''t not now. She grabbed his hand and pushed it back. "What are you doing in my room?" She asked.


    "Are you still mad?" He asked her slowly.


    "What does it matter? I need to freshen up, you need to go." She said, climbing out of her bed.


    "I''m having guests today, just thought I should inform you." He said as she walked into her bathroom.


    Jessie turned around to look at him. "So stay out of sight, got it. It will be as if I''m not even here." She smiled at him.


    Jason sighed. He wanted to say more but now wasn''t the time. He nodded and walked out of the room. Jessie bit her lip in guilt. "Not now Jessie you can''t crumble and give in. Not now." She said walking into her bathroom.


    She didn''t spend a lot of time, brushing quickly. She decided to hit the gym quickly and come back to her room. She got into her exercise clothes, long yoga pants and a tank top.


    As she entered the gym room she saw someone. "Em? Sensei?" She said excitedly.


    The man stopped what he was doing and looked up. "Miss Jessie, you know you don''t have to call me that right?" He said.


    "No... you''re my teacher so I should, besides I like it." She insisted stubbornly. "Do you have time? I was planning on using the bicycles, maybe dancing but since you''re here how about a session?"


    "Sure thing, I can''t exactly say no to you." He laughed.


    "Because I''m so pretty?" She winked at him, playfully.


    He shook his head. "Because you are  my boss'' lady."


    "Hey! I told you guys to stop calling me that!" She whined. "Jason and I don''t have that kind of relationship."


    "Sure, you don''t." He stated sacarstically.


    "Hey, I''m serious!" She huffed.


    "Sure, you are" he responded.


    "I teach you a lesson" she threatened running to attack him. After what felt like the hundred and first time, Jessie landed on the ground with a loud thud.


    "Ahhh" she groaned. "How is this so hard? I didn''t even land a single blow. Can''t you pretend to even allow me win?" She whined.


    He extended his arms and helped her up. She glared at him, and he laughed at her. "I did some judo before but it was never this difficult." She pouted.


    "Well it''s either you had a terrible teacher or you were just completely hopeless." He said.


    "You''re mean."


    "I''m honest, I have to go now. See you tomorrow miss Jessie." He bowed and walked away.


    Jessie looked up at the clock in the gym, 11:27.


    "Oh my!" She gasped. Grabbing her water bottle she dashed out of the gym hoping Jason guests hadn''t arrived. She walked cautiously but she wasn''t so lucky, when she heard voices she froze. They were here, and taking a tour apparently. Two women walked towards her, but the looking everywhere but ahead, thankfully. Jessie brows furrowed, ''Patricia? What the hell was she doing here?!''


    Preview 133: You''re the one I love.


    "What the hell is she even doing here in the first place!" She whisper yelled.


    "I told you that I was having visitors, the question is why are you outside?" He replied.


    "I thought I had time, you didn''t tell me when they were coming."


    "Well how could I when you were so eager to kick me out your room this morning."


    "Still, how could you bring Patricia here! To your house, when I''m here!" She said forcefully.

 Chapter 133 - 133. Youre The One I Love.

    Lenora got out of her car and walked into the news station when she got a call.


    "Lenora Has-"


    "It''s Patricia." Patricia interrupted her and thank goodness she was just about to give up her pseudo name. Although she might already know about it.


    "Hello Patricia, how can I help you." She answered.


    "I''m going to my fiance manor today, I was supposed to take my party planner but I don''t want to. Wanna come?" She asked.


    "Sure, what time?" Lenora asked.


    "How about now? Text me your address and I''ll have my driver pick you up." She responded.


    Lenora looked at her outfit, then at the news station''s building and began to walk back to her car. "Tell him or her... to come in thirty minutes." She replied.


    "Fine." She said and cut the call.


    Lenora got into her car and drove back home, she contemplated calling her superiors but didn''t. He was the one that gave the assignment so...


    "Is the manor really that far?" Lenora asked eyeing the helicopter that sat before them.


    "It''s time ladies, you''ll need to wear hoods. Chairman Kang insists that the location of his manor remain secret, and you''ll have to hand your phones to us as well." The guards informed them.


    Lenora sent a suspicious glare towards Patricia, but she didn''t seem to have a problem with it. Was she already aware? Still... a good seemed a little too much. And if he wanted his manor to remain secret why throw a party?


    After the security procedures they were air borne. And despite the helicopter it took about thirty minutes, roughly to get to the manor. The two ladies were not strangers to luxury and grandeur but this was impressive.


    Lenora eyes widened as she stared at the house, if any one thought Sky mansion was an architectural wonder then they should come see this. It was amazing.


    "Hello Ladies." A deep rich voice greeted them.


    Patricia looked at her fiance with a smile. The house was impressive and all but she was admiring a much more impressive view. Who knew the cold and aloof Jason Kang could look so effortlessly sexy in jeans and a shirt. His hair usually combed back danced around his forehead and her fingers  itched to comb through them.


    "Are you ready?" He asked, snapping both women from their trances. Patricia walked up to him and gave him a casual hug, Jason stiffened as her contact and brashness. And while that night be interpreted as surprise it was repulsion. He wanted to grab her hair and pull her away but he couldn''t. He also couldn''t bring himself to return the hug so he waited for her to pull away herself.


    "Goodday Mr. Kang." Lenora greeted, after Patricia pulled away.


    "Goodday, do I know you?" Jason asked.


    "Lenora Han, nice to make your acquaintance." She said.


    Jason nodded and lead them away. After Butler Choi explained everything and lead them to the ballroom and they finished the discussions. Patricia sought out Jason again but he already made an escape.


    "Miss Lee, if there''s anything else you need you may ask this servant." Butler Choi bowed.


    "Where''s Jason?" She asked.


    "Oh he has some important work to do, he asked be to take care of whatever you may need." He answered.


    "How about a tour?" Lenora suggested.


    "Absolutely, I''ll guide you." Butler Choi smiled and lead them out if the ballroom.


    Patricia could care less about the tour, where was her fiance? How was she supposed to seduce him if he couldn''t see her? But still she followed along the butler and Lenora. As they walked she thought saw something but when she looked again she couldn''t see anyone. It was so quick she must have imagined it. Soon enough she separated from the two people walking in front of her, on her own personal tour and hopefully she would find that fiance of hers.


    **************************************************


    Jessie couldn''t be more glad about her knowledge of this manor, avoiding Jason really forced her to learn the corners and turns of the manor. So as soon as she sighted the ''visitors'' she turned on her heel and dashed the other way. After going through some tricky pathways she ended up on another path. Sighing in relief she began to walk. To her greatest dismay, she heard that annoying click of heels. But it sounded like just one person. The first thing she saw where were red shoes, Patricia! No way she could hide in time. There where no flower pots or tall vases in this hallway. Feeling a tightening grasp on her wrist, she yelped. Suddenly she was pulled into a dark room. Hands clasped around her mouth to keeping her from shouting again.


    She heard a click and she could finally make out her surroundings. It seemed like a storage room? What was a storage room doing on the third floor? But that was the least of her problems, her biggest problem now was the man standing so close to her she could probably count his long lashes. With his hand over her mouth. She blinked at him and he finally let her go.


    "What the hell are you doing?!" She yelled.


    "Ssshhh don''t shout!" He reprimanded her forcefully but quietly.


    Before she could ask why she heard a familiar voice. "Who is there? I saw you, you''d better come out!"


    Ugh! Patricia.


    "See?" He whispered.


    "What the hell is she even doing here in the first place!" She whisper yelled.


    "I told you that I was having visitors, the question is why are you outside?" He replied.


    "I thought I had time, you didn''t tell me when they were coming."


    "Well how could I when you were so eager to kick me out your room this morning."


    "Still, how could you bring Patricia here! To your house, when I''m here!" She said forcefully.


    "Ugh... she''s my Fiancee, coupled with the fact that she''s by duty hosting my ball. You already knew that." He stated matter of factly, waiting to see her reaction.


    Jessie eyes widened with rage and she tried to shove Jason away from her but he wouldn''t budge.


    "She''s gone let me go" she spat.


    "She isn''t, wait a bit longer just to be safe." He stated.


    "Oh please, you just don''t want me to leave isn''t that right?" She scoffed.


    "If you already know why are you trying to leave then?" He lowered his head and whispered into her ears. Jessie shivered at the feather light contact. "It seems you don''t either." He teased, lowering his hands he snaked them around her waist and pulled her to himself.


    Jessie gasped and stared at him wided eyed. "Are you still mad at me?" He asked her for the second time today.


    "Of course, how could you bring Patricia here?" She said, wriggling in his grasp.


    "I already told you, and it''s not as if you really had a problem with it at first. What changed?" He asked. "Are you perhaps jealous?" He said with a sly smirk.


    Jessie looked away, his eyes were biting holes into her, she was afraid to show any emotion. Too much was at stake.


    Jason took her reaction as encouragement and trailed his nose across her neck. Smiling as she stiffened. "Don''t be, she doesn''t mean anything to me" He whispers as he placed a light kiss on her jaw. "You''re the one I love."


    That broke the spell, she used a move she learned earlier to push him away. It was supposed to put her in the most beneficial position but he was just way too strong. So they were on equal footing.


    So she had to be faster, she pulled open the door and dashed out. Screw Patricia finding her, it wasn''t as if she was guilty. If anyone was guilty it was Patricia, not her.


    Preview 134: What I want is you.


    "What the hell is wrong with- ahhh!" She screamed as Jason shoved her off the side of the hallway. It was open space all through the side to the next corner, like a long balcony but with rooms. He used this opportunity to push her off, Patricia struggled to grab something in the commotion, but she couldn''t grasp onto anything. Lenora and the butler screamed but they were too late, all anyone could do was watch her fall.

 Chapter 134 - 134. What I Want Is You.

    Jessie ran into her room and shut the door loudly. She definitely burned a lot of calories with her all the running she had been doing. Still trying to wrap her head around the fact that Patricia was right here, in the same place as she was and yet she had to hide. Why was she even hiding? It wasn''t as if Patricia believed she was dead, she was behind everything so she would know she wasn''t dead. Oh how she would love to show herself to her, rub it in her face that her fiance was supporting her enemy. But at this point she couldn''t be so sure anymore. She never really gave much thought to it before but after Tony mentioned it, she began to doubt Jason true intentions. Everything became jumbled and entangled in her head, worse he told her he loved her.


    What did that mean? She''d never been in love before, but she knew she felt something for him. More reson why she should be listening to her head right now. But even if Patricia was hosting his party, wasn''t it in his father house? Why was she here then? Was Tony right?


    ''she''s my Fiancee, coupled with the fact that she''s by duty hosting my ball. You already knew that."


    If he really wasn''t working with Patricia, then the biggest question would be why the hell would he stay engaged to her? Why would he bring her to his manor?


    "Alright this is it, I can take this anymore. I need answers, right now." She huffed, grabbing her face mask and his giant hoodie and walked out if her room.


    **************************************************


    Jason chuckled as Jessie dashed out of the small room, she looked hot and she was definitely jealous. He felt so relieved for the first time in days. She was finally speaking to him, or rather she finally spoke to him. Throwing the party in his manor was totally worth it.


    "Jason? Where have you been?" Patricia asked from behind him.


    Jason turned around walking in her direction. "Why are you alone? Where''s butler Choi?"


    "Oh we finished the talking about the preparations long ago. Were you here all this while? Didn''t you hear me call out?" She questioned him.


    "Why? Were you looking for something?" He asked innocently. "You should have asked butler Choi then, I ordered him to attend to anything you''d want."


    She gave him a sweet smile. "Well what I want is you, and he didn''t have you so I came to find you." She stated frankly.


    Jason coughed awkwardly at her admission, ''what the hell?''


    "Don''t look so confused, you''re my dear fiance aren''t you?" She stated bluntly.


    Jason gave her a forced smile. "Of course. Well if that''s all I won''t take more of your time. Walk you out?" He stated and she nodded.


    "Miss lee!" Butler Choi exclaimed as he saw her, he was afraid she had gotten lost, worst walking around the manor unattended.


    "Butler Choi, you''re here? Now?" Jason said with a sinister look in his eyes. Butler Choi gulped, he definitely screwed up.


    "Well since Butler Choi is here, he will see you out. Miss Han I hope you enjoyed yourself?" Jason asked, his words sounded kind but his face did nothing to express that. He remained stoic and indifferent.


    "Ofcourse this is a lovely mansion." Lenora responded but when she remembered the suspicion person she sighted for a brief moment wondering the halls she asked before she could stop herself. "By chance Chairman Kang, do you have a guest?"


    Jason face expressed no real emotion but she thought she saw a flash in his eyes, although she could have imagined it.


    "What makes you say that?" He asked.


    "Um... I saw a woman not very clearly though, and she wasn''t in a uniform." She replied.


    "You too? Same here, I can''t clearly tell what she was wearing cause it seemed she was desperately trying to hide, what does that mean Jason?" Patricia asked him.


    "I''m not sure, you were the one that saw her. I assure you I have no guest here, apart from the staff, I''m the only one." He said with a tight smile. His gaze upon the already retreating butler.


    "So if that''s right, a servant girl is parading your manor in casual clothes? Certainly you have to find and punish this person." Patricia suggested. "Who knows she might be a spy or worse an assassin! I knew I saw someone." She insisted.


    "You must be mistaken." Butler Choi muttered respectfully.


    "Are you saying I was hallucinating? Who the hell do you think you are to say such to me?" She spat.


    Jason looked at her with such an intense glare Patricia felt his killer instinct and stepped back unconsciously. "What the hell is wrong with- ahhh!" She screamed as Jason shoved her off the side of the hallway. It was open space all through the side to the next corner, like a long balcony but with rooms. He used this opportunity to push her off, Patricia struggled to grab something in the commotion, but she couldn''t grasp onto anything. Lenora and the butler screamed but they were too late, all anyone could do was watch her fall. It wasn''t a long fall but it was lethal, she hit the concrete ground with a loud thud, and sounds of shattering bones. Jaosn stared expressionless at the crimson liquid pouring out from beneath her body and forming a pool around her in moving body. He stood up straighter and looked at Lenora mortified expression with a wicked grin.


    "I shouldn''t tell you what you need to do, do I?" He asked looking at her but the question was directed at Butler Choi.


    The butler was definitely rattled and shaken but he was still at his disposal, so before Lenora could gather her senses and run he grabbed her.


    "What the hell is going on here?" Jessie said from behind Jason.


    Jason turned around and laughed. "What does it look like? It''s all over now."


    Preview 135: Engagement ring.


    "Of course not. What kind of friend would I be to what you to be married to such a dragon. I thought about it background wise, Jessie is a scandal waiting to happen and Patricia is just a... bomb."

 Chapter 135 - 135. Engagement Ring.

    "Jason? Jason! What are you thinking? What are you going to do about this intruder?" Patricia snapped her fingers to pull his head out of the clouds. Why was he looking at her in that way? It sent chills down her spine.


    Jason blinked and visibly relaxed. Clearing his throat he finally spoke. "You shouldn''t get too worked up about other people''s business Patricia. It''s my manor after all, I''ll handle my matters. So you just focus on the ball." He stated indifferently. As she opened her mouth to what he assumed was protest he continued, interrupting her. "If that would be all, butler Choi see them out. Goodday ladies." He finished walking away without a second glance.


    How easy would have been to just have killed her, although it will start a full blown war with the Lee''s. No that he minded anyway, he just didn''t want to taint his hands with blood like hers, or get Jessie dragged into the crossfire. It was first everyone''s best interest he walk away.


    "Sir you have a call in your office." A female staff member informed him. He nodded and walked to his study.


    "Jason Kang." He answered the phone.


    "Hey Jason, it me. How did go?" Paul asked at the other side of the speaker.


    "Why are you calling my landline?" Jason asked.


    "Because you wouldn''t answer your phone" he stated matter of factly.


    "And for good reason, surely running a hospital must be quite tasking, you should do your work properly." Jason scolded him.


    "Ugh you sound like my dad! I was bored and I remembered you mentioned Patricia coming over to you manor, so I thought I should ask how it went." He said.


    "How are you so jobless." Jason groaned.


    "Come on, you know you want to talk about it." He insisted.


    "I''m not sure, I just had a very graphic imagination of Patricia dying at my hands." Jason said "it felt so right but still quite annoying, I was both relieved and disappointed when I realised I was just imagining it."


    "So why didn''t you actually do it?" Paul said grimly.


    "What?"


    "Why didn''t you do it? I mean if she''s dead wouldn''t your life get better? You''re only engaged to her because Paradise needs you to get close enough to find out something that might be helpful in taking the family down, plus it will improve your chances with Jessie. So why not." Paul explained.


    "Well first off, I''m not ready to go into an all out war with the Lee''s, besides why should I taint my hands with her blood. It''s quite shocking to hear you say that, didn''t you always prefer Patricia for me?" Jason frowned.


    "Of course not. What kind of friend would I be to what you to be married to such a dragon. I thought about it background wise, Jessie is a scandal waiting to happen and Patricia is just a... bomb."


    "You''re not making any sense, but enough about that, I don''t want to talk about it." He sighed. "Jessie was almost seen, or rather she was. It would have gone out of hand if they actually saw her face."


    " Yet you''re oddly in a good mood." Paul replied.


    "Really how do you know?" Jason asked sacarstically.


    "Well for one, you don''t have that annoying apathy in your tone and your responses seem relaxed and comfortable." Paul stated.


    "Well the whole incident did allow me be in an enclosed space with Jessie so that a win." He said without restraint.


    "Wow... look at my engaged friend in love with another woman. You know if it works out between you and Jessie, how will you tell your children you first met?" Paul asked in a teasing tone.


    "Haha very funny. Whose voice is that? You''re not at work are you?" Jason asked when he heard a female voice in the background.


    "Oh I''m out looking for an engagement ring." He stated bluntly.


    "An engagement ring?"


    "Yeah, oh yeah I''m getting engaged apparently."


    "Since when? You''re mother finally managed to trap you?" Jason said, it was his turn to laugh.


    "Worse she included my father, ugh... that sly woman, she definitely knows how to play her cards." Paul shuddered.


    "Who is the unlucky lady?"


    "Choi Yuri, I don''t think you''d know them." Paul replied.


    "Actually I do, her family though. They are shareholders, will probably be invited to the ball." He said. "But haven''t you learned anything from me? Getting into this things because of your father is just going to frustrate one person, you."


    "Hey, my father is scary." Paul retorted.


    "Scarier than mine?"


    "I''m the last born, you''re the heir. It not like I can steal my father''s company from right under him, I mean I would still have two brothers to battle."


    "I didn''t say steal your father''s company, that''s not going to be possible in this lifetime-"


    "Ouch." Paul interrupted.


    "What? You brought this one yourself. Why would you even study law? Besides you''ve been rebelling from day one, what changed?" Jason asked.


    "He was scarier than usual?" Paul said sacarstically.


    "It''s sad how all of you fear you father so much, I mean he is the nicest guy I know. I was always so jealous of you when we were little." Jason shook his head.


    "And the funny thing is if we could join alliances he wouldn''t be able to order us as he wishes." Paul stated ruefully. "It too bad I have to jackasses as older brothers."


    "You know, if you actually think that way? Why don''t you bring them together then. Come to an agreement, who is going to be the heir, and conditions beneficial to all parties." Jason said.


    "Hmm that makes sense, hey how about your ball?" Paul asked.


    "I guess, I''ll inform Matt about it." Jason said.


    "Jason?" Jessie called out to him, peering into his office.


    "It would b-"


    "Goodbye Paul." Jason interrupted him and as he was trying to stop him, Jason hung up.


    "Jessie? This is a lovely surprise." He said with a small smile. "Have a seat." He gestured to the couch he stood beside.


    "No thank you, I just have a few questions." She entered the room, leaving the door open behind her. Jason eyed her cautious but determined movements with suspicion.


    "Tell me the truth now, why are you still engaged to Patricia?"


    Preview 136: Too arrogant.


    Jessie did not realise this at first, but somehow how? She had no idea but somehow he managed to trap her between him and his desk. She left the door open so she would get her answer and leave quickly, after their meeting this morning she felt... she didn''t know what she felt but it was not good. And that was the reason she purposely stayed away from Jason all this while. She managed to stay away and she felt all that hard work was crumbling with each step he took towards her. Why did he make her feel this way? So jumbled up and nervous.

 Chapter 136 - 136. Too Arrogant.

    "Tell me the truth now, why are you still engaged to Patricia?" She asked.


    Jason tilted his head, he had to admit he was surprised and taken aback by her question. Should he tell her? Could he tell her? If he told her he needed to remain close to the Lee family then he would have to tell her about Paradise. He could and wouldn''t do that. Telling her about Paradise would not only make her a liability but put her in unnecessary danger. So he decided to subtly change the subject while giving her vague answers.


    "Why all of a sudden?" He asked approaching her, very cautiously.


    "You said you were only engaged to her because your father threatened your inheritance. Aren''t you already chairman?" She asked.


    "Is that really the only reason your asking me?" He asked and she gave him a puzzled look in return.


    "That doesn''t seem like the reason, are you perhaps jealous?" He asked in a low tone.


    Jessie did not realise this at first, but somehow how? She had no idea but somehow he managed to trap her between him and his desk. She left the door open so she would get her answer and leave quickly, after their meeting this morning she felt... she didn''t know what she felt but it was not good. And that was the reason she purposely stayed away from Jason all this while. She managed to stay away and she felt all that hard work was crumbling with each step he took towards her. Why did he make her feel this way? So jumbled up and nervous.


    "Why would I be jealous?" She said gasping as she hit the table. She instinctively put her hands behind to stabilize herself and Jason took the opportunity. He walked quickly and trapped her against the table putting his hands beside hers as he leaned down to look into her beautiful brown eyes.


    "I too, have no idea, it''s not like you like me or anything. Or are you afraid of Patricia?" He asked.


    "Why would I be afraid of Patricia?" She scoffed.


    Jason gave her a funny look, "despite the fact that she utterly ruined your life?" He reminded her and she looked away.


    "I was ignorant at first but I''m aware of her far she''s willing to go because of a rivalry. But I''m not scared. Angry and vengeful yes, but not scared." She stated with a fire in her eyes. "And the fact that you''re engaged to the woman that ruined my life it just doesn''t sit well with me."


    Jason sighed and leaned closer to her, "And what I want to know is why? Why does it bother you?" He asked, luring her into his trap.


    Jessie looked at him like he was mentally impaired. "I mean, I''m... I''m..." she paused. And like a sheep to the slaughter she fell into his trap.


    "You''re what? What are you to me, no. What I''m I to you? Why can''t I be engaged to Patricia?"


    Jessie froze, her brain working double time, looking for a suitable answer, how had she never thought about this before? She couldn''t just say benefactor, because it was just wrong. She couldn''t say his girlfriend because they weren''t dating. Ofcourse definitely she had feelings for him but did she love him? She looked up into his eyes, what was the correct answer?


    ''Just say the word and I''ll end it.'' Jason thought desperately. If she would just admit her feelings.


    "You know what nevermind, I guess overstepped." She blurted out, placing her plans flat on his chest to push him away. Jason sighed in disappointment, until when was she going to continue pushing his away like this? He stepped aside to let her go, she walked quietly to the door stopping just right in front of it.


    She turned around. "I know I don''t have the right to tell you break of your engagement with her, for whatever reason it is that you are engaged to her. Bu-"


    "What makes you say that? I''ve told you before you are the person I love." He said.


    "Can you just please stop saying that!" She said forcefully, "I''m already confused enough as it is, just ... stop." She said.


    Jason bit his lip in frustration, did she realise how much she hurt him? Why did she keep saying things like this? "Well it is the truth Jessie weather or not you want to hear it. I love you."


    "If you do why are you still with Patricia then? Why would you bring her here?!" She yelled.


    ''Is that what this was about?'' Jason thought. Was she here because Patricia was in his manor today?


    "Well, if you want answers Jessie is not going to give them to you, she too arrogant for that. You have to drag it out of her."


    "Is that why your so mad? Because I brought Patricia here today?" Jason asked.


    Jessie blinked and looked away again. Jason was starting to understand her mannerisms, she loved the long way around with things. It was not her style to be direct and when she was caught in any situation that would make her seem disadvantage she would react like any wild animal. Fight or flight. Looking away was a balance between the two, she was too disadvantaged to argue and too curious to flee.


    "I already told you she''s hosting my ball." Jason stated, pocketing his hands, he crossed his leg over the other and leaned on his table. The action causing his hair to fall down and cover his eyes slightly. He looked like a total meal.


    Jessie gulped and blinked. Why did he have to look like this? How could she be mad at him when he looked like this?


    "So how does that involve your manor?" She said her forceful tone gone.


    "You don''t know?" He asked sincerely, he assumed by now one of the staff would have informed her.


    "Don''t know what?" She asked.


    "I''m throwing the ball right here, in the manor."


    Jessie eyes widened in utter shock, he couldn''t throw the ball here! "Why is tha ball suddenly here?"


    Jason wanted to pat himself on the back, she looked so surprised she was definitely pleased. But she wasn''t. Infact she was incredibly shocked and angry, but she couldn''t let him see that so she grabbed the door and dashed out of the room.


    Running hers she picked up the landline by her bed and quickly dialed a number.


    "Hello? Jessie?"


    "Abort mission, cancel the plans, whatever it is but the party is at the manor!" She yelled.


    Preview 137: Hellish schedule.


    "Hey, Jessie what are you still doing like this? You have a shoot in thirty minutes." She heard a voice say from behind her.


    "Tony!" She yelled running to her grumpy manager she wrapped her arms around him.


    "What are you doing?" Tony asked stiffened at her sudden attitude.


    "Tony I can''t believe you here right now, is.. is this real? Are you really here? Do I really have a shoot today?" Jessie asked Tony with tears pooling in her eyes.


    "Ofcourse, did you take your sleeping pills again? You''re acting strange." He stated, cupping her face and touching her head to feel if she was hot.


    "I''m fine, absolutely. I''ll be ready quickly." She sniffled, running into the bathroo

 Chapter 137 - 137. Hellish Schedule.

    Five days ago.


    Jessie ran as fast as she could straight to her room, she was so angry. Tears fell from her eyes and she fell to sat on the floor her back to the door.


    "Oh yeah? So I shouldn''t have bought you that day, probably.  Left you at the mercy of some deranged sicko, who you''d probably be sucking off right now like some whore!"


    Jason''s voice, his vulgar statement kept replaying in her head, she slammed her hands against the sides of her head to block out the sound that came from within. It didn''t stop until she couldn''t take it anymore, she got up and pulled off the covers of the bed and threw them on the floor.


    Walking to the vanity she pushed her hands across it forcefully pushing everything down along with her. She grabbed a scissors from the floor and began ripping the wall papers.


    ''That''s right, you were this close to actually becoming a worthless slave. How lucky you are!'' She thought to herself. ''I was the biggest, okay maybe one of the biggest celebrities in this country and now? I''m... I''m so pitiful!'' She cried.


    Why did this have to happen to her? How bitter could a person really be to do this without remorse? Patricia could have killed her, but she didn''t. Meaning she hoped she would actually be someone''s plaything. Their relationship was bad, no doubt but to actually want to torture her? To hate her so much that even death seemed like a kinder option?


    After she was done with the wall she pulled the carpet as hard as she could but the bed was resting on it, so as she yanked hard she lost her grip and fell hitting her head aganist the night stand she tossed so carelessly in the middle of the room. She passed out in an instant.


    Jessie groaned, she felt heavy and painful. Rubbing her head as she looked around. She was in her room, huh? It seemed like her old room, but it could be Jason''s house. She pushed off the covers and ran to the wardrobe, it was hers! Her own room with her own clothes. She even saw the small compartment that she kept clothes that she took as keep sakes from each set.


    "Hey, Jessie what are you still doing like this? You have a shoot in thirty minutes." She heard a voice say from behind her.


    "Tony!" She yelled running to her grumpy manager she wrapped her arms around him.


    "What are you doing?" Tony asked stiffened at her sudden attitude.


    "Tony I can''t believe you here right now, is.. is this real? Are you really here? Do I really have a shoot today?" Jessie asked Tony with tears pooling in her eyes.


    "Ofcourse, did you take your sleeping pills again? You''re acting strange." He stated, cupping her face and touching her head to feel if she was hot.


    "I''m fine, absolutely. I''ll be ready quickly." She sniffled, running into the bathroom. She was out faster than usual, that Tony even had to compliment.


    "Wow Jess, you''re very willing today. You normally make a fuss about waking up so early." Lana said as she saw her come out of her house.


    "Why would I complain, I love this."Jessie gushed.


    Lana gave an awkward look to Jessie then a questioning look to Tony. Tony shook his head and shrugged, he was also confused as to why she was acting this way.


    "You can get a nap if you want, we''re early and the studio is still very far." Lana informed her in the van.


    "There''s no need, I''m fine." Jessie smiled.


    "Okay then." Lana replied leaning back into her seat. "I''ll take it then."


    "Wow! That''s great Jessie, now give me something cute and innocent but a little sensual." The photographer said. "That''s it, that''s it." He praised. They shot for another hour, changing about 12 outfits.


    Tony thought she would definitely be exhausted this time, but Jessie was smiling and bubbly as they drove to the set of her project.


    "Oh my goodness, is that a coffee truck for me?" She smiled. "From my foreign fans, that''s so nice! Wow!"


    "Stand in front let''s take a photo of you in front of it." Tony said.


    "No let''s do something different today, let''s make a video." She said.


    "Really? You''ve been doing that the whole day." Lana frowned. "That''s right you''ve been acting strange through out today. You weren''t grumpy, you never complained once about you hellish schedule." She complained. "Are you sure you okay?"


    "Why would I complain? I love this job, why would I be grumpy? The stress is the least I could do for everything else that comes as a benefit." She pouted.


    "Alright alright, I hope you don''t work too hard and end up alone at the end of the day." Lana retorted.


    "Hey! Leave her alone, she will always have us." Tony said.


    "That''s right! Now shoot the video." Jessie said.


    "That''s a wrap, everyone!" The director yelled. "Good job, good job!"


    "Good job Jessie, see you tomorrow." Her co-star bid her farewell.


    "Good bye Philip." She waved him, yawning as she walked back to her van. "I''m so tired" she groaned.


    "Well go rest, you have a 4am appointment." Tony informed her.


    "4am?" Lana gasped.


    "Yes her fitting for the fashion show." Tony said.


    "Fine, fine. I need sleep anyway." Jessie said, getting into the van. Immediately she leaned backwards she fell asleep.


    Jessie heard distant voices, and an annoying banging. What happened to Tony''s key? Why was he knocking? Disturbing her sleep! She opened her eyes and gasped when she saw the state of her room. What happened here?


    "Did bulls fight in here?" She groaned. "Why did I sleep on the floor? Ugh! Why does my head hurt so much!"


    She stood up slowly and walked to door, pulling it open she met with the concerned and curious eyes of Butler Choi. Wait a minute? How was she?


    ''You''ve got to be fucking kidding me!''


    Preview 138: It''s safe to assume you''re a fan right?


    "Agnes" she called the maid.


    "Yes miss?"


    "You know who I am don''t you." Jessie stated bluntly.


    Agnes looked up at her once again and gave her a tight but reassuring smile. "That isn''t much off a secret."


    "So it safe to assume you''re a fan right?"

 Chapter 138 - 138. Its Safe To Assume Youre A Fan.

    Four days ago.


    Jessie rubbed her head, everything was throbbing she struggled to stand stumbling back a few steps. Where was she? Why did her room look like this? After the initial confusion that came with waking up everything that happened last night came rushing back with such a force that she bent over and clutched her head. No way! It was a dream? Wow... ofcourse she wasn''t that lucky.  She walked to the door slowly and pulled it open.


    "Where is he?" She asked.


    "He''s not in the manor, he has gone to work." The butler answered.


    "You should eat something miss Jessie." The maid that helped her yesterday suggested.


    "I have a horrible headache, do you have anything for that?" She groaned.


    "Of course, I''ve got you covered." The butler nodded. He motioned and just like that a tray of pills and a jug of water appeared from behind the door.


    "Thanks a lot Mr. Choi, you''re a lifesaver." She smiled as wide as her throbbing head would allow.


    "Just doing my job, how about you freshen up and come down for brunch." He insisted.


    She nodded and went to do just that.


    As she shut the door she sat than on the floor, clutching her knees. So it was a dream, all of it was a dream. She was really no longer an actress, she was... here.


    Tears began to fall freely and she made no attempt to clean them up, there was no reason to. Everything she worked hard for, in an instant it was gone, just like that. Soon enough sob began to shake her thin body. She cried quietly afraid one of the servants would her, the last thing she wanted was for the staff to pity her as well.


    She wouldn''t give up, that dream must come through again. She would be an actress again, she would clear her name and make Patricia pay. She had been way to lax about it all, it was time to focus on the important things. Getting back everything that Patricia stole from her.


    She wiped her eyes and walked into the bathroom. After a while, after she was bathed and dressed she walked out of the room.


    "I will clean up your room now miss Jessie." One of the maids bowed as she walked out.


    "You''ll probably need help, Where''s butler Choi? I want everything replaced. Every single thing, leave the wardrobe as it is though." She informed the maid then walked to the elevator.


    "Is there a phone I can use?" Jessie asked one of the maids.


    "Actually, chairman Kang left this for you." Butler Choi placed a box on the table beside her. "It''s already set and ready for use."


    "Jason left this? I don''t want it, drop it off on his desk." She stated curtly.


    "Are you sure?" He asked.


    "Yeah." She said getting up and walking out of the room. She got into the elevator and went to the theater room to get her mind off things for a while. Movies had a way of doing that for her.


    Jessie spent the rest off the day, actively avoiding Jason. Making sure she had dinner earlier. By the next day she was exhausted. Why was she even mad at him? After all he was right. She walked to her wardrobe and looked for a particular pair jeans she pulled out a folded piece of paper from it.


    "Hey," she called out peeping outside her door.


    "You can just use the button in your room miss, it will alert us." The maid waiting outside her room informed her.


    "Really? Then why are you here then?" She pouted. "Anyways do you have a phone?" She asked.


    "M-.. me?" The maid stuttered in surprise.


    "Who else is here? You know what, get Agnes." Jessie said. She bowed and swiftly walked away. In a few moments Agnes knocked on her door and pushed it open.


    "Love what you did with the room, butler Choi would not stop praising you." Jessie complimented her as she walked in.


    "Anything to make you happy miss Jessie." Agnes bowed.


    "Really?" Jessie asked.


    "Ofcourse." She replied.


    "Then I need your help. Can you get me a phone?" She asked.


    "Uh... the phone Chairman kang-"


    "Not that one, yours how about yours?" Jessie asked again.


    "I''m sorry miss but we aren''t allowed to bring our phones into the manor." Agnes bowed.


    "Uh... don''t you live in the manor?"


    "Yes."


    "So staff don''t have phones?"


    "For the duration of the contract no." She replied.


    "That''s pretty extreme."


    "But if you need a phone that the chairman would not be able to track, you can use the pay phone the rest of the staff uses."


    Jessie''s brows rose, "what makes you think I don''t want Jason to know about it?"


    Agnes rose her head and looked her in the eyes and Jessie smiled. "I like you Agnes, I hope it remains that way, lead the way."


    Agnes bowed and walked out of the room. Leading her through a series of hidden passages, Jessie has no idea existed. Who the hell designed this place?


    "Here it is, I''ll keep watch to make sure no one is coming." She said curtly walking to the door.


    Jessie smiled at the maid, she probably just wanted to give her privacy. She pulled out the paper and punched in the numbers.


    "Hello?" A voice answered.


    "Hey... Krystal? It''s Jessie Marin."


    "Oh my goodness! Y-you actually, you''re actually calling me?!" She almost squealed.


    Jessie smiled, "I''m sorry to be so abrupt but I need your help or ac-"


    "Of course I''ll help you!"


    "Thanks a lot, but I''ll need both you and Jonathan''s help. Is there a way I could speak to him? I remember you said you were his secretary?"


    "Yeah, but he is in a meeting right now." Krystal said. "If you want to leave a message?"


    "Oh sure, I''m looking for the detective who was  in charge of my case, I think his name was Anderson? Jamie Anderson." She said.


    And Krystal coughed awkwardly at the other side of the call. "When he is available can you please tell him that? I call again, maybe later." She said.


    "He''ll be free by six." Krystal said.


    "Okay then, thank you so much, by-"


    "Wait! How do we reach you? This number?" She asked.


    "Oh no, I''ll call, never absolutely never call me. I''ll explain later. Goodbye." She stated putting the phone back. "Agnes" she called the maid.


    "Yes miss?"


    "You know who I am don''t you." Jessie stated bluntly.


    Agnes looked up at her once again and gave her a tight but reassuring smile. "That isn''t much off a secret."


    "So it safe to assume you''re a fan right?" Jessie said.


    Agnes looked down briefly before giving Jessie her biggest smile. "Can I please hug you?" She said with tears in her eyes.


    Jessie returned her sincere smile and opened her arms. Agnes ran and wrapped her arm around Jessie''s torso, and cried into her shoulder. "I knew you didn''t do it, I''m glad your alive." She mumbled.


    Preview 139: Secrets.


    Krystal placed her hands on his desk and leaned down to look him in the eyes. "Don''t you think you''re underestimating fans? Just because you were in the news a few times doesn''t qualify as the spotlight. Trends on the internet as part of a celebrity scandal, worse someone as big as Jessie Marin, whatever secret you have down to the very doctor that delivered you will be out to the world. Wanna bet?"

 Chapter 139 - 139. Secrets.

    "Jessie called?"


    "Yeah, she''s looking for the detective that was in charge of her case." Krystal informed him.


    "What''s with that look?" Jonathan asked her when he noticed her expression.


    Krystal bit her lip and sighed. "I know that detective, I''ve met him before." She confessed.


    "Let me guess you didn''t tell Jessie that." He stated with accusing look.


    Krystal pursed her lips. "I''m not sure I should even be telling you." She said.


    "Oh? Why is that so?" He asked.


    "It makes me feel two faced and dirty." She replied. "Don''t you ever wonder how I got all that information about Jessie in the first place?"


    "Huh... I don''t see how that''s a betrayal." Jonathan shrugged after she told him of her relationship with Lenora and Jamie. "I mean it was a give and take. But I have a question, why did you choose to call me that day at the spa? You couldn''t know why I wanted information on Jessie."


    "Well first of all, you''re paying me, they''re not. Plus if push comes to shove, you have more resources to help Jessie if need be." She said honestly.


    "You don''t know that I would help have helped her."


    "Why are you suddenly asking me all this?" She frowned. "Are you by chance testing my loyalty? Look if anyone should be tested it definitely isn''t me. Jessie means a whole lot more than just an icon."


    "Just answer the question ." Jonathan insisted.


    "Fine, if you have more resources to help her, then you have more to lose." Krystal statd frankly.


    "I don''t understand." He shook his head.


    "Jamie is a normal cop, nothing special. Lenora might be rich but I''ve never heard of Hastings, besides her personality alone is enough to make me choose another side. You on the other hand, are COO of the biggest business in the country, a scandal like that could destroy you." Krystal said.


    "You think I care about this company?" Jonathan scoffed. "Or the fact that I''m a part of it."


    Krystal narrowed her eyes at him, again he manages to rattle her into wondering why she is around such a mysterious man. "Well if you don''t care about this, then you must have something more special than what you have here. Do you think it won''t come out in such a situation?" She asked.


    "If I have a secret that hasn''t already come out, don''t you think it''s one that can''t be revealed?" Jonathan replied.


    Krystal placed her hands on his desk and leaned down to look him in the eyes. "Don''t you think you''re underestimating fans? Just because you were in the news a few times doesn''t qualify as the spotlight. Trends on the internet as part of a celebrity scandal, worse someone as big as Jessie Marin, whatever secret you have down to the very doctor that delivered you will be out to the world. Wanna bet?" She stared into his eyes with a frightening intensity and he returned it as such. This went on for a few seconds until he gave in.


    "Hmmm... well you should get to work. Find this detective."


    **************************************************


    "He''s not at the police station?" Jessie questioned.


    "Another cop in the station told me he was suspended. But he is also not at his home." Krystal replied.


    "Didn''t you say you knew his girlfriend?" Jonathan asked her, she waved him to keep quiet. Placing her hand on the speaker she cautioned Jonathan. "What good will telling her that do now? I haven''t met with Leonra yet." She said in an audible whisper.


    "Do you have any other lead? Like where he might be?" She asked.


    "I might have one, but nothing concrete." Krystal replied.


    "Alright then thanks a lot. Is Jonathan there? I think I heard his voice." Jessie asked.


    "Yeah, I''ll put the phone on speaker." She said.


    "Hello Jonathan."


    "Jessie, how are you? Does Jason still believe you''re mad at him?" He asked.


    "Yeah" she dragged out. "I feel pretty guilty lying to him like this." She said.


    "Don''t be, you''re doing this because it necessary. If he thinks you''re mad at him then he will give you space, wasn''t that the plan?" Jonathan replied.


    "It was but... I didn''t expect him to be this affected. I mean.. he told Katherine to come speak to me, ugh... I felt so guilty lying to her." Jessie groaned.


    "Soon enough, what do you want me to do?" Jonathan said trying mask the ire in his voice, why would she feel guilty? She was trying to escape an overly protective man, and for good reason.


    "Oh yeah, I''m afraid Jason isn''t going to stop at Katherine." She said.


    "Do you know who he is going to next?" Krystal asked.


    "I''m not sure, he''s not very predictable." She sighed.


    "Who are the people that know you best?" Krystal asked.


    "Hmm, the only person that really knows me would be... oh my goodness Tony! My manager." Jessie blurted out. ''Would he really go to Tony?''


    "Would that really be a problem? If he goes to Tony?" Jonathan asked.


    "I would never be angry or resentful for so long because of something so trivial. Tony knows that." Jessie said.


    "So we have to contact Tony." Krystal surmised.


    "I have his number, It''s the only phone number I cared to memorize. Well that''s and Jason''s" She said proudly. "Didn''t realize it would ever come in handy." Jonathan rolled his eyes at the mention of his brother''s name.


    "Are you sure he hasn''t changed it?" Krystal asked.


    "No it''s the recent one, I met him recently. Thank a lot Jonathan, Krystal. I call you tomorrow and tell you were to pick me up the day of the ball." She said.


    "You still haven''t told us how your going to get out." Jonathan stated.


    "Well that depends on you guys, I need to know the exact location, where the detective I''d currently staying. Or I wouldn''t even have to come out." She sighed. "Either way, you guys have been such a big help, I have to go now. Bye."


    Preview 140: How to hurt a guy.


    "Matt, I have an assignment for you. Have Paradise look into Jamie Anderson, tell them to find his current location. Oh and give me reports on Jonathan Kang and his secretary... Karen? Kathy?-"


    "Krystal sir, Krystal Oh." Matt corrected.


    "Yeah, I want a detailed report on everything they did the past week, down to the very meal they ate." He said.

 Chapter 140 - 140. How To Hurt A Guy.

    AND NOW...


    "I''m  throwing the ball right here, in the manor." Jason stated.


    "Why is the ball suddenly here?" She asked, Jason gave her a smug smirk and she wanted to smack it off his face. Why? Just why? It''s like the sent him, specifically to ruin all her plans. She spun around and dashed out of his room. Everything was ruined.


    **************************************************


    "I''m really sorry Jessie, I failed you." Krystal said sadly.


    "What are you saying? It''s not your fault, I just feel awkward. Like Patricia is always one step ahead of me." She frowned.


    "Do you think she did this? Make the detective disappear." Krystal asked.


    "Well it''s not impossible, she is more than capable. Ugh... I can''t fight her alone, not like this. I need to do this personally." She stated. "You guys can still come get me right?"


    "I''ll put on speaker phone." Krystal said.


    "Jessie wants to leave the manor." She informed Jonathan.


    "Really? But we couldn''t find the detective." He said.


    "I know about that, but I just feel uneasy sitting here and letting you guys do all the heavy lifting. I want to look by myself, even if it''s just for a few hours." She said.


    "Have you found a way to leave the manor?" He asked.


    "I think so, there''s a maid that''s on my side." Jessie replied.


    "Are you sure you can trust her?" Krystal asked.


    "Yeah, she''s a fan." Jessie said, sounding prouder than she intended. "Besides most of the security would be in sky mansion and Jason would be preoccupied. I have at least a ten minute window before he''s alerted." Jessie said.


    "Ten minutes doesn''t seem like much." Krystal pouted.


    "It a lot from where I''m standing. Anyways you guys understand the plan right? I call you tomorrow for more updates." Jessie said.


    ***************************************************


    She rushed down to the first floor, walking through and by all the doors and hallways Agnes showed her. Looking around to make sure no one was around she walked to the booth.


    "Hello? Jessie?"


    "Abort mission, cancel the plans, whatever it is but the party is at the manor!" She yelled.


    "I see you found out." Krystal said slowly, biting her lip in frustration.


    Jessie pushed back the strands of her hair that were already falling down her forehead. "You knew? How long ago did he change the plans?" Jessie asked.


    "Just yesterday, I''m sorry we couldn''t call, you said not to."


    "It''s okay, it''s good you didn''t call. Can''t risk anyone finding out. I can''t leave the manor if the party is here." Jessie huffed.


    "Isn''t it better of an opportunity? I mean, the manor is going to be packed, if they come here then the must be a way for them to go. You can simply hitch a ride." Krystal said.


    "No, it won''t be that simple. Jason is very determined to keep the location of this manor a secret. If he is throwing a party I''m sure he already figured out the security details. It''s going to be tighter than ever." She shook her head. "Ugh that detective, Jamie Anderson any news?"


    "No, none not yet." Krystal replied.


    "Well I guess I''ll probably see you guys in two days. Say hello to Jonathan, I have to go my lookout isn''t here today so I can''t talk for long." She said.


    "Sure see you." Krystal replied her tone filled with so much disappointment.


    Jessie would have spoken about it on a normal day but not today, she couldn''t afford to get caught by Jason. Who knew what he would do, he literally changed his entire party because of a lie. She looked around and quickly walked out, hoping no one saw her, but someone did.


    Jason walked out of his study with a smile, walking to his room, now that Patricia was here and  had already departed he could go to work. But first... he took a slight detour to Jessie''s room, as he turned and walked into the hallway leading to their bedrooms he saw her dash out of hers. Looking anxious and desperate,  he instinctively followed. What could have happened already.


    She seemed determined with the way she kept turning and winding through his house. Even he, the owner of the manor, did not know the path she took. Where did it lead to?


    She walked into a small green house with a booth. "That must be one of the phones the staff use." He mumbled. "She should have taken the phone I gave her, why would she stress herself like this?"


    He was about to walk away when he heard her yell. Abort what? Plans?


    Jason stopped by the door, opening slightly he leaned forward to hear the conversation better. What did she not want anyone finding out?


    Jason eyes widened when he heard that she wanted to leave the manor. He was just about to storm into the indoor garden but froze when he heard the name of the detective in charge of Jessie''s case. Is that why she wanted to leave the manor? Why wouldn''t she come ask for it?


    Jason bit his lip and shut his eyes, briefly. Jessie definitely knew how to hurt a man. It made him extremely hurt and disappointed when she tried to do this things herself. Was it because she was mad at him? He had to find out.


    He really lost it when she mentioned Jonathan. Which Jonathan? His brother?


    "She went to my brother?!" He said in an in audible whisper. "Is she really that angry?" He wondered out loud.


    He stepped behind the door as she she placed the phone back into the holder and walked out. Making sure he remained unseen he pulled out his phone.


    "Matt, I have an assignment for you. Have Paradise look into Jamie Anderson, tell them to find his current location. Oh and give me reports on Jonathan Kang and his secretary... Karen? Kathy?-"


    "Krystal sir, Krystal Oh." Matt corrected.


    "Yeah, I want a detailed report on everything they did the past week, down to the very meal they ate." He said.


    "Sure thing sir. I''ll have it on your desk by the end of the day."


    "Good."


    Preview 141: Do what makes you happy.


    "You''ve planned this regardless of how difficult it was to do so in this manor, you have a real chance here please don''t waste it." She continued.


    "Wait a minute, you want me to leave the ball? I mean Jason made serious arrangements and took serious risks to throw it here because he thought I was mad at him for the last time. And you just want me to leave?" Jessie asked with a lot of uncertainty.


    "Let''s be honest, from what you told me. Although Chairman Kang let you go and insists you''re not a hostage don''t you feel like one? You can''t leave the manor with a least two bodyguards watching your every move. Plus until when is he going to keep helping you without results?" She said bluntly.

 Chapter 141 - 141. Do What Makes You Happy.

    As the sky darkened and settled into night, the city was as usual, slowly transitioning from day to night. People began to come out to celebrate the weekend. Quickly changing from their work outfits, into something more flashy and casual. The city was a usual but admist all the regular activities, black tinted luxury cars could be spotted at almost every part of the city. Especially the high class environment.


    With each invitation card a black car came along, picking up each attendee.


    "I''m sorry miss but you have to give us your phone and any other smart device you have on you. It will be returned after the party." The bodyguards recited the script prepared for each of them for each high class guest. And the guests rarely made a fuss, as it was already clearly stated in the invitation cards. The location of the manor was not to be disclosed at any point in time.


    As guests began their journey from different parts of the city, they paths clashed incidentally, so you could see if you were paying attention a long convoy of identical cars driving out of the city. Whilst all this took place the manor was in a bustle, making final arrangements for their vip guests. It would be hell for the staff, serving people pampered all their lives.


    Jessie stood in her room as she contemplated, all the preparations, although she was not a part of it got to her. She had a decision to make.


    "Miss Jessie, Chairman Kang has sent this for you." Agnes placed the sliver dress on her bed. Jessie eyes the dress with silent appreciation. The dress was well suited to her body, and she could tell without putting it on that it was a thigh high slit. To show off her incredibly long legs. The dress had no back, just straps across it. While many women could pull such a dress off without stress, Jessie immediately began to wonder of she had the strapless, and backless bra to go with it. Her bust was too generous to gladly walk out without a bra on. And while she would gladly put her long legs on display she didn''t like showing cleavage very much, luckily the neck line although not too modest wasn''t revealing. Just eye catching. After a few seconds of inspection she looked up and saw Agnes still beside her with another clothing bag.


    "Two dresses?" She asked.


    "Not exactly, more like two outfits." Agnes stated, zipping open the bag she pulled out the uniform the staff was to wear for the evening. She eyed the black formal knee length dress and whit apron with curiosity.


    With that same expression she looked up at Agnes. Agnes nodded and began to explain.


    "I spoke with Mr. Jonathan earlier, he called." Jessie brow rose. "He said he managed to get the design to Chairman Kang''s manor, and that there may be a way to sneak you out of the grounds without raising suspicion. I figured it would be easier to wear a staff uniform since you still haven''t confirmed with the Chairman about attending the party." She explained.


    Jessie was shocked but she didn''t show it, with the life she has had, things like this seemed pretty all of a sudden. But she couldn''t help but ask the obvious question. "You spoke to Jonathan?" She nodded. "Why?"


    "I''m sorry but I''ve been listening to your conversations I was to curious. Forgive me, but  I may be direct, are you just going to give up on finding the detective?" Agnes asked.


    Jessie blinked at her, remaining silent. "You''ve planned this regardless of how difficult it was to do so in this manor, you have a real chance here please don''t waste it." She continued.


    "Wait a minute, you want me to leave the ball? I mean Jason made serious arrangements and took serious risks to throw it here because he thought I was mad at him for the last time. And you just want me to leave?" Jessie asked with a lot of uncertainty.


    "Let''s be honest, from what you told me. Although Chairman Kang let you go and insists you''re not a hostage don''t you feel like one? You can''t leave the manor with a least two bodyguards watching your every move. Plus until when is he going to keep helping you without results?" She said bluntly.


    Jessie''s jaw dropped slightly and as she opens her mouth to speak she shut but again, not having any words to defend Jason. But why did she feel the need to defend him? Agnes was right, it was true if you looked at it logically, but Jessie knew she didn''t. As much as she hated to admit, some part of her knew Jason was being honest when he said he loved her, and he really was working on helping her. But how much could he carry alone? He was the owner of this business that had tens of thousands of employees, he had his own responsibilities yet he was determined to help her. Was she the only one that saw it this way? Why did she even see it this way?


    "Is that really what you think about Jason?" Jessie asked.


    "Yes, I understand that be may really have come to care for you, that fact it is obvious to anyone with eyes. But I believe he has become too comfortable with having you around. Besides this is something you must do yourself."


    Jessie bit her lip, "did Jonathan tell you to convince me like that? I know he doesn''t like his brother." She said.


    Agnes replied her question with a small smile. "All I want for you, miss Jessie is too be happy. Do what makes you really happy. It''s your life after all." She bowed and walked out, but not before placing the uniform beside her dress.


    Jessie stared at the two dresses before her, chase after getting her life back on her own or choose to trust Jason? Both options full of uncertainty, she didn''t know the end result of either.


    She hoped it wouldn''t have to  come to this but at the end she had to choose.


    Preview 142: Throw respect out the window.


    "How dare you! How many times have I told you to leave my son alone?! You even had the effontry to yell at me so confidently the other time, what? You''re not involved with Paul? How have you bewitched my son you witch!" She spat.


    Katherine fought the urge to roll her eyes, she sighed inwardly and prayed it would end quickly.


    "He actually yelled at his elder because of you?!" She continued.


    ''I didn''t ask him to do that.''

 Chapter 142 - 143. Gangsters.

    "You!" She pointed at Moon Do-Hui. "You should really stop leaving in denial, before your stupid pride actuall kills your skin. How can you call yourself a mother and not be available for two days while you''re son was in an accident?" She spat and Moon Do-Hui touched her chest in absolute shock, silently accusing Katherine and desperately trying to intimidate her into silence with a deadly stare.


    Katherine couldn''t careless, she should glare as much as she wants she was not going to stop. Just because they were rich did they think they could stomp on any and everybody?


    "And yet instead of thanking the doctor that saved you''re child''s life you start to accuse me for your own incompetence as a parent!" She screamed.


    "Dr. Park! Enough!" Another female voice screamed in return.


    Katherine turned to look, ''who was this now? Where did she come from?'' Wait a minute...


    "His Fiancee." Of course.


    "Don''t you think you going to far?" Choi Yuri asked her spitefully.


    Katherine crossed her hands over her chest and scoffed. Ignoring her, she wasn''t done, not yet.


    She turned to look at Margaret Song, bending down to pick up one of the pictures. "Do you really doubt uncle this much? I wonder why your so threatened by me? If I''m just a weed who will ever choose weeds over actual flowers, does that mean you see yourself as less than a weed?" Katherine spat at the woman standing before her. Screw it, no need to try to cozy up to this woman anymore she couldn''t take one more second of this.


    Margaret Song enraged rose her hand to hit Katherine but before she could make contact with Katherine''s face someone held her arm up in the air.


    "What are you? Who the hell is this?!" She screamed looking at the uniform clad woman grabbing her arm. She was angry enough to spit blood, first this crap pest and now some low life servant had actually guts to stop her?


    "That''s enough, this is a ball not some street fight." The woman said, all the staff wore full face masks that you couldn''t see their face but Katherine knew who was behind that mask. Jessie.


    "What did you say you scum of the earth!" She yelled. Pushing Jessie arm of hers.


    "Scum of the earth? Why would you all gang up aganist one person like this? Are you gangsters?" She asked.


    Katherine wanted to laugh at the mortified looks on the three women''s faces, that''s right they never imagined a day would come where a servant would call them gangsters.


    "Do you have a death wish? Do you have any idea who the hell you''re talking too?" Moon Do-Hui asked the woman.


    "A rude woman, no three rude women. Why?" Jessie replied blankly. Moon Do-Hui blinked at her, where did she get this confidence from?


    Before Jessie could react a tight slap knocked off her mask and unlike Katherine she wasn''t lucky enough to have her mask cushion the blow. She felt it, her head tilted to the side and immediately she covered her face with both her palms.


    Katherine grabbed her and quickly pulled her back, standing in front of her protectively. Margaret Song strikes again, literally.


    "I thought so, a slap was what was necessary. Come and show your face you wrench!" She spat.


    Katherine stared down at the older woman and shook her head expressing the disgust she felt very openly.


    "What are you doing looking at me like that? Do you think you have the right to do so?" She yelled at her.


    "How exactly a kind and caring man like Bishop Song came to be with you surprised me so much!" Katherine shook her head. "Always talking about social class and background yet you are here really acting like a gangster makes me wonder about your background." Katherine said with so much venom.


    She hit a nerve with her statement, staggering back a few steps. "Wow, what this world has become, a bastard like you that doesn''t even have a mother or know the real identity of her father has the guts to ask about my background?" She spat back.


    Katherine''s eyes widened. "Respect the dead!" She screamed with so much emotion. "And what are you talking about? I know who my father is!"


    Margaret Song began to laugh, "how naive, you really think Park Yun do is your fathe?"


    "That enough! Take her away." A deep voice stated, looking at Jessie.


    All the women looked at Paul in shock, including the crowd that had been eagerly watching such an interesting scene.


    "Son! What are you doing?" His mother yelled in a low whisper.


    "It''s enough mother, you''ve done enough already please just stop now." Paul pleaded with forcefully with his mother.


    "Stay the hell out of this Paul." Katherine warned him. "What the hell are you talking about?" She asked Magaret Song.


    "What I''m saying is your a bastard. An illegitimate bastard." The older woman scoffed at her and turned on her heels and walked away.


    Moon Do-Hui following behind her.


    Katherine made a move to follow after them but Paul grabbed her arm and held her back. She glared at him but he shook his head.


    "Let me go!" She screamed, her voice cracking. She stormed off and walked away from all the prying eyes, the last things she should do now is cry in front of everyone.


    Paul sighed and held up a finger to stop Choi Yuri from speaking, shedding off his tuxedo jacket he placed over Jessie head and lead her away from the room.


    Katherine ran away quickly searching for any phone she could find. It was a lie right? It had to be. Coincidentally she ran into Agnes.


    "Hey where can I get a phone? I need to make an urgent call." She asked desperately.


    Normally Agnes was not supposed to allow her request but the desperation on Katherine''s face moved her. Besides she could trust her a little she had been to the manor before as well.


    Katherine grabbed the phone as she punched in the numbers, bitting her nails anxiously as she it rang.


    "Hello?" A female voice responded.


    "Hello? Can I speak to Park Yun do? Tell him it''s his daughter Katherine." She said.


    "Katherine? How many times have I told you not to call this number?" The voice spat.


    "Carol" Katherine spat back. "Give the phone to my father!"


    "Father?" She scoffed. "You don''t have a father, not here at least. I always knew you didn''t belong in this family, all along I was right. You have no blood tied to this family or my husband don''t call again!"


    "What the hell do you mean!" Katherine cried.


    "You were adopted, you father took pity on your innocent mother and accepted her bastard. Does that answer the question? Get lost!" She said cutting the call.


    "Carol? Carol!" Katherine cried. She slid down the booth and clutched her knees to her chest as sobs shook her body.


    Preview 144: Lovey dovey.


    "No way, are you jealous?" Paul huffed, he began to laugh.


    Jessie blushed furiously and looked away. "Why would I be jealous?" She choked out. "I''m just uncomfortable about how close he is with the enemy."

 Chapter 143 - 142. Throw Respect Out The Window.

    Katherine was so sure she wouldn''t be coming for this ball, but when she thought of Jessie she decided to make an appearance at least. Besides it would be nice to attend a ball and get the opportunity to dress fancy on her birthday. She would not lie getting into that car and getting out admist all the other rich people, felt amazing. Like she was part of the one percent. She wore a black dress, it was effortlessly elegant. Her bright red lips and moderate eye make up contrasting with her pale skin made her look stunning.


    Her dress had straps so her creamy shoulders were exposed, she swiftly put on her her mask, and walked in. The mask covered just the vertical half of her face, giving her a mysterious allure. Immediately she navigated through the crowd of people making sure not to bump into any one or step on any toes in her red heels she began to look for Jessie.


    Since she had been in the manor before she didn''t bother going through the front door were Jason and Patricia welcomed the guests. No need for that, she headed to the second floor, hoping she would remember the way to Jessie''s room. She did, but Jessie wasn''t in there. They was a beautiful silver dress on her bed though, so Katherine assumed she would still be in the bathroom. Eventually she got tired of waiting and went to check, no one. Where did she go then?


    She left the room and went downstairs to check, maybe she''s at the party. She walked down, picking up a glass of champagne as she stepped down from the last step. As she ran her fingers across the lip of the glass someone grabbed her forcefully and spun her around. Before she could react her head was sent flying to the side at an awkward angle. Recovering from the initial shock of her attack, she looked up to see who had just hit her. And her gaze focused on one face, Margaret Song.


    Luckily for Katherine she actually slapped the mask of her face rather than her actually cheek. Katherine stared at the woman with hidden surprise, wondering why Jason invited her.


    With the intense glare the older woman sent her way she was sure if she had the chance she would kill her. And with good reason, Katherine knew exactly why she got slapped.


    "Do you really have no shame?" Mrs. Song sneered. Katherine quickly looked around and saw that a small crowd was already beginning to form around them. "How dare you! How many times have I told you to leave my son alone?! You even had the effontry to yell at me so confidently the other time, what? You''re not involved with Paul? How have you bewitched my son you witch!" She spat.


    Katherine fought the urge to roll her eyes, she sighed inwardly and prayed it would end quickly.


    "He actually yelled at his elder because of you?!" She continued.


    ''I didn''t ask him to do that.'' She said in her head, replying would only aggravate her and prolong the situation so it was best she remain quiet.


    "And worse his future mother in law? What do you have to say for yourself huh?" She asked.


    Katherine brows furrowed in confusion, she was asking for her opinion now? She looked around and noticed people whispered amongst themselves. Of course she must have noticed the crowd as well, she didn''t want to be the only one speaking. If she continued to remain quiet and refuse to defend herself then Margaret would make her seem like the villain. Well she was a doctor, graduated top of her class as well. She was smarter than that.


    Katherine bowed her head and apologised. "I''m sorry for the misunderstanding, please forgive me mother."


    Margaret jaw dropped, the guts! If she wasn''t so mad she would be slightly impressed that she was able to lead the crowd so easily and saw through her bait.


    "Don''t you dare call me that!" She yelled. "Why are you bent on ruining my family? And now when you see you can''t take my son you go for his father?" She asked with so much venom.


    Katherine eyes widened, and Margaret Song have her a wicked smirk. She would not be bested by her junior she was more experienced about these things. And she had clear evidence this time, no way Katherine would weasel her way out of this one. Katherine knew that, she pulled out a bunch of pictures and like a wicked Deja vu she tossed them into the air and pictures of her leaving the tea house with Bishop Song scattered all around her on the ground.


    The background chatter got even louder. "A foolish girl with no background or inheritance, how many time must I remove weed like you? Not only are you a cheap gold digging whore, you''re also such an incompetent doctor. How dare you cut of Moon Do-Hui son''s leg out of spite?!"


    She had gone too far this time, it was one thing to criticize and defame her moral and personality. But to come after her bread and butter? All the people watching right now were VIP, her clients. If she lost face as a doctor how would she live?


    "How can you say that? Why would I even do that? He is diabetic and he had a serious wound that would never heal was I supposed to leave him to die?" She said back forcefully.


    "How dare you say my son is diabetic?" Another shrill voice spat from behind her, a familiar one at that. "You vile woman, you really are such weed. Scum like you trying to claw your way up in the world!"


    Katherine wanted to scream in frustration, the two women had her cornered. Should she just throw respect out of the window?


    "Mrs Moon Do-Hui! Margaret Song!" She yelled.


    The two women gasped at her in absolute shock and condemnation.


    Katherine pushed her straight black hair away from her shoulders, did they think they were the only ones that had pride and arrogance? She might not be rich but she was a doctor, a surgeon at that. No one dare defame her!


    Preview 143: Gangsters.


    "What did you say you scum of the earth!" She yelled. Pushing Jessie arm of hers.


    "Scum of the earth? Why would you all gang up aganist one person like this? Are you gangsters?" She asked.


    Katherine wanted to laugh at the mortified looks on the three women''s faces, that''s right they never imagined a day would come where a servant would call them gangsters.


    "Do you have a death wish? Do you have any idea who the hell you''re talking too?" Moon Do-Hui asked the woman.


    "A rude woman, no three rude women. Why?"

 Chapter 144 - 144. Lovey Dovey.

    Jessie exited the room, hoping she was making the right decision. Well she was wearing flats it couldn''t be right, oh well she had already come this far. She kept to the backgrounds trying to avoid any attention, thankfully the staff uniform included a full face mask. It was kind of cute too.


    As she neared the party she stopped above the stairs that lead to the ball room below and scanned the area. Her eyes fell on Jason and Patricia greeting the guests as they came in. She frowned, her plams forming fists. She wanted to lie to herself and say it was because of the hate she currently harboured for Patricia but she would be deceiving herself. Why the hell was she clutching his arm in that way?


    Suddenly she felt so inferior, a few meters from her Patricia stood in a red dress, typical. Flowed elegantly to the ground. The back was so low and she was sure there wasn''t as much in front as well. Her dress sparkled as she moved and her elegant silky hair was curled into an updo today. Jason on the other hair looked breathtaking in a navy blue suit that hugged his slender but powerful frame. His hair slicked back as usual but they was a side partition today. The looked so good together, she swallowed hard at the thought. Immediately regretting her decision of coming out in this tacky uniform.


    "Jessie?" A familiar voice that sounded very close pulled her focus.


    Jessie turned around and met gazes with Jonathan. "Oh my, Mr. Kang? How did you know it was me?" She asked him.


    Jonathan''s lip tilted at the side in a small smirk. "Please call me Jonathan."


    "Ah.. pardon me, I must have gotten into character." She laughed nervously.


    Jonathan smiled at her, this time a genuine smile. He lifted his hands and touched a stray strand of her, "you''re hair is already growing back." He stated.


    "Ah, my hair has always been quick at growing, too bad it''s just fast and not full. Unlike some others..." she trailed off looking at Patricia.


    They were dancing?! Of course they would have the first dance as host and hostess, Jessie eyes widened as she watched their waltz. Everyone in the room had looks of admiration and open jealousy. They looked divine, neither of them missing a step and flowing with the orchestra. It was so smooth, you''d actually think they were really in love. Her lips parted slightly as she scoffed at the sight before her.


    Jonathan noticed her line of sight and I''m stiffened, he frowned as he saw her watch his brother with such longing. While he was standing right before her, it was as if she couldn''t see him, or rather she saw right through him.


    "Jessie, we should discuss the plan now." He said in an attempt to distract her attention he succeeded for a short period.


    She looked up at him with a blank stare.


    "I assume you already made your choice, so what else should we wait for?" He said looking down at her outfit.


    "Ah ofcourse I shou-" she stopped looking down again, there was a small crowd gathered at another corner of the ball room. It wasn''t something you could easily see from below but Jessie saw it clearly. Wasn''t that?


    Her jaw dropped when she saw an older woman slap another woman, Katherine.


    "I''m sorry Jonathan but I have to go, find me later or I''ll find you!" She yelled as she ran down stairs.


    **************************************************


    "Are you okay?" Paul asked her as they walked into her room.


    Jessie nodded, "you should be worried about Katherine right now. Did you see where she went?" Jessie asked.


    Paul shut his eyes and sighed. "I didn''t, I have no idea where anything is in this place. You''re really sure you''re okay? Because your cheek is red."


    "Really? Ah your mother really packs a punch." She said rubbing her cheek. "Thank you for helping me out there."


    "You don''t have to thank me, it''s was necessary. Your the woman by best friend is in love with." He said with a teasing smirk.


    Jessie scoffed. "Yet his acting all lovey dovey with another woman."


    "No way, are you jealous?" Paul huffed, he began to laugh.


    Jessie blushed furiously and looked away. "Why would I be jealous?" She choked out. "I''m just uncomfortable about how close he is with the enemy. Besides things must not be easy for you right now." She said in an attempt to change the topic.


    "Why because my dearest friend and my mother fought? This has basically been my life since I was eight." Paul replied, using his middle finger to push away hair from his forehead.


    "How did you manage it?" Jessie asked.


    "I never chose sides, but this particular one seems to want to force my hand. My mother was too much but she always is, and Katherine said some real hurtful things as well. I just don''t know what to think anymore. She was never like this, no matter how much my mother provoked her she never fought back." Paul explained. "But recently she has been speaking up, it seemed amusing the first time, today they both crossed lines they shouldn''t have."


    "So? Which side are you going to choose?" Jessie asked.


    "Katherine''s." Was his curt and blunt reply.


    Jessie brow rose in question, "really?"


    "Well Katherine has no one right now, my mother has her good friend" he said with a sneer. "Today is Katherine''s birthday and my mother did not receive life changing news either. So regardless, Katherine is still the victim in all this."


    "Gosh I feel so bad for Katherine." Jessie sighed. "This is all your fault you know." She pointed a finger at him.


    "My fault?"


    "Katherine told me all about what you did in the hospital the other day, how exactly would you have expected your mother to react?" She asked him.


    "How is that a fault? I was protecting her for crying out loud, why do you guys keep acting like I did the wrong thing?" He huffed his forehead folding into angry lines.


    "Because you did do the wrong thing! Huh... I don''t understand what you guys think protection is, Jason doesn''t want me to lift a finger or go outside and you keep putting Katherine in uncomfortable situations with your overbearing mother. How is that protection?" She huffed.


    "You know what I''m done with this conversation, get out I want to change. It high time I take things into my own hands, that jerk thinks he going to have a swell time at this party? We''ll see!" She said grabbing the dress from her bed forcefully and walking into the wardrobe.


    Preview 145: So be it.


    "It may seem like betrayal but I''m doing what I think is right sir. It''s obvious that you truly love miss Jessie, if anything this week has been a proof. I don''t know about Mr. Kang, but I know you. If you love her you would do anything you can to keep her safe. After all she''s been with you two months and she is still alive and well." Agnes explained. "I don''t like to gamble sir neither do I like trying new things , I might sound boring but I prefer to remain confident and comfortable with my choices. I am confident your intentions for Miss Jessie aren''t malicious but quite the opposite."

 Chapter 145 - 145. So Be It.

    Jason waited all night for Jessie to show up. He kept looking at the stairs, wondering when he would see does seductive creamy legs of hers, or her perfectly shaped body floating with elegance. But she hadn''t shown up. Did she really leave then? He sighed, when it came down to it she didn''t choose him. He made it very easy for her to leave this night, should he not have? No, he said he would give her a choice and respect her decision. He just really hoped her feelings for him were strong enough to make her choose him.


    "Jason it''s time for the waltz." Patricia whispered in his ear. Without having to look up she looked straight into his eyes, and without having to lean upwards she could whisper easily as well. He didn''t know if it was the heels but even with heels Jessie still had to look up at him. And he wouldn''t say he was a tall man, Jonathan was certainly taller, although Jonathan could be considered a giant if he had more muscles on his body. But what he wondered was if Patricia was taller than Jessie shouldn''t she have longer legs?


    He led her towards the centre of the room and placed his arms politely behind her waist and took the other in his plams. They began, she was a seasoned dancer no surprise there. And he led her as he should, the room was quiet save the small orchestra playing in the background.


    He looked into Patricia eyes as they danced, he himself had to admit anyone would be enticed by their intensity and allure. Her bright brown eyes held such an eccentricity, her sharp features made her look like one of the sculptures of Greek goddesses. Her currently nude lips thin and small, her pointed nose and small eyes. She was stunning, but whilst others would see this. He only saw the wicked truth, she was a Lee. And the only person he wanted to dance with like this was Jessie. He made a mad mistake, he couldn''t let her go.


    Soon enough the dance came to an end and he bowed respectfully after leading her off the dance floor. He left quickly, looking for a waiter in a black dress that fit Jessie''s profile.


    **************************************************


    "Who called?"


    "Jonathan Kang sir." Agnes said bowing respectfully.


    Jason glared at the maid standing before him, a few moments ago she was just recounting everything that had happened the past week, after his fight with Jessie, when she was supposed to be ''mad''.


    "He called again?" Jason asked with a wicked laugh. "What did he say?"


    "He asked me to tell miss Jessie that he has a plan to get her out of the manor." She replied.


    "Of my manor? Now that can''t be right? Did he mention how?"


    "He said he managed to get his hands on the blueprints of the manor and there is a way out, without raising suspicion." She answered.


    Jason scoffed, ''wow what a fool I''ve been! I can''t believe Jessie, so she has been lying to me?''


    "So? What then?" He asked, masking his anger and hurt. That was all she seemed to be doing these days. Did she think he was an inanimate object? Why would she continue to do this?


    "He wants her to keep a low profile and during the party they''ll find a way to sneak her out."


    "They?"


    "Um... another woman, she''s a fan of Jessie''s I don''t know her name." She said politely. "And considering the fact that miss Jessie planned the escape in the first place..." she trailed off.


    "You said Jessie also trusts you? Why are you telling me this? Aren''t you betraying her?" He asked sincerely.


    "It may seem like betrayal but I''m doing what I think is right sir. It''s obvious that you truly love miss Jessie, if anything this week has been a proof. I don''t know about Mr. Kang, but I know you. If you love her you would do anything you can to keep her safe. After all she''s been with you two months and she is still alive and well." Agnes explained. "I don''t like to gamble sir neither do I like trying new things , I might sound boring but I prefer to remain confident and comfortable with my choices. I am confident your intentions for Miss Jessie aren''t malicious but quite the opposite."


    "Aren''t you giving me too much credit? I mean I did invite her mortal enemy to her safe haven." Jason said.


    "Keep your friends close and enemies closer. If you wanted to harm her you would have done it by now." Agnes replied curtly.


    Jason pursed his lips and stared intently at the woman before him, if she saw through him so clearly why couldn''t Jessie?


    "Tell her about Jonathan''s call."


    "What?" Agnes asked with a shocked expression.


    "If she really went to all this trouble to escape this manor and look for revenge then I shouldn''t stop her-"


    "But sir!"


    "It''s okay. I need to do this, I''ve thought about it and I''ve come to the conclusion. I promised myself a while ago to give her freedom, but I mustn''t have done good considering the fact that she would lie to me like this." Jason said. And Agnes looked at her feet, he was really hurt.


    "I won''t stop protecting her, I can''t even stop but I am going to give her space. She isn''t the type to remain sitting for too long, and that''s one of the reasons I fell in love with her so I shouldn''t change her." He continued. "I''ll give her a choice it up to her. Tell her and give her the maids uniform. Also I prepared a dress for her to wear this evening give that to her as well."


    "What if she doesn''t choose to remain?" Agnes asked with uneasiness.


    "So be it."


    ***************************************************


    ''So be it?'' Jason scoffed. Why would he even say something as tacky as that? ''So be it.'' He huffed.


    "Who the hell is that?" Someone asked behind him and he looked back. Many people looked towards the stairs so he did as well and his lips titled upwards into a smile.


    "So be it."


    Preview 146: Self respect.


    "So what? You think you''ve won?" She said in her drunken state.


    "Haven''t I?" Yuri asked raising her left hand up to show her the engagement ring. "He gave it to me just this evening, isn''t it beautiful?"


    "What the hell are you trying to achieve by telling me that? You bitch?" Katherine spat.


    "Back off, I don''t want to see trash like you around Paul. He didn''t love you when you were kids he doesn''t love you now."

 Chapter 146 - 146. Self Respect.

    Katherine walked slowly as she stepped out of the elevator. Her father wasn''t her father? This was by far the worst birthday she ever had. How could they say her father wasn''t her father? It''s true that he never really did anything when her stepmother bullied her at home, but he was nice to her. He included her in the family matters, he would take her on vacations with the rest of the family although Carol protested.


    He gave her a home and he helped her after her mother died.


    **************************************************


    The night was long and dreary, and the weather seemed to perfectly depict the mood the seven year old felt. Sitting in the middle of a funeral home, cald in black she didn''t even know what to feel. She stared blankly at her mother''s smiling face in the picture. It was a lie, her mother didn''t smile. She tried to remember the last time her mother smiled but she couldn''t picture it. Just her, sitting alone in a funeral home. What a sad funeral she thought, no one else is here just her.


    "Mom.... didn''t you have any friends? Mom why did you die without any friends? You told me I needed to make friends so why didn''t you?" The little girl tearfully asked her mother smiling photo.


    After a while she heard a voice behind her.


    "Katherine."


    "Dad!" She said running into her father''s arms. "Dad, why are you late? Mom was lonely." She said.


    "Really? I''m sorry, we shouldn''t let her be lonely right?" She nodded. "Oh... my strong girl, you must be sad your mother is gone."


    Katherine nodded again, "dad, why did she have to leave me?" She cried. "Why did she have do die now?"


    Her father knelt down and pulled her to him as she sobbed. "Katherine, do you want to live with dad now?"


    She nodded. "Don''t worry, you won''t be lonely. You''ll have a new mother that will take care of you and new siblings. Okay?" He said and she nodded.


    "Alright come now, you haven''t eaten anything." He said.


    ***************************************************


    Katherine walked to the liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle. A maid wanted to protest but backed away after she glared at the woman. She sat at the bar and grabbed a glass. Pouring in the liquor she downed it in one gulp. Pouring another in almost immediately, and drinking that as quickly.


    "That''s right, that''s the least you could do." She heard as she filled up her third glass. She turned around to see Paul''s fiancee standing behind her.


    Katherine gave her a sloppy smile and held up the glass. "You want some?"


    "No thank you, I like my alcohol sweet and expensive. Besides I don''t need to drown my sorrow, I didn''t just find out that my entire life has been a lie." She said with a mocking smile.


    Katherine nodded, "that''s right, it''s just me then." She slurred taking another huge gulp.


    Choi Yuri frowned at her, she was trying to rub salt into her wounds, she should stop dismissing her. "It''s hard to love Paul right?"


    Katherine looked at her with a cautious frown. "Why are you asking me that?"


    "No reason... it''s just hard to watch. Women ought to have more self respect don''t you think? He basically sees you as a sister and yet you have feelings for him, isn''t that just too sad?" She asked.


    Katherine eyes darkened. "So what? You think you''ve won?" She said in her drunken state. She was only a little drunk but that dampened her senses, normally she would have denied that but she didn''t care at this point.


    "Haven''t I?" Yuri asked raising her left hand up to show her the engagement ring. "He gave it to me just this evening, isn''t it beautiful?"


    "What the hell are you trying to achieve by telling me that? You bitch?" Katherine spat.


    "Back off, I don''t want to see trash like you around Paul. He didn''t love you when you were kids he doesn''t love you now." Yuri warned walking over to Katherine to make it more intimidating.


    Katherine scoffed. "Are you really that insecure? I mean you won right? Why do you see the need to come threaten me?" Katherine eyes widened as she pouted placing her index finger on her lips as if she just got a bright idea. "By chance do you know that Paul''s only going to fuck you and throw you away? I mean that''s his style you know, and at the end I''m the only woman that remains constant by his side." She sneered.


    Yuri gasped and slapped her, hard.


    Katherine laughed as she held her cheek. "Wow.... this is a really crappy party!" She screamed as she yanked Yuri''s hair down, bringing it lower so her head was at her bust level.


    "You must be mad to think you are a match for me." Katherine spat, slapping her exposed cheek.


    Yuri tried to pry out of her hold but Katherine slapped her again. "What are you trying to do? What the hell makes you think you can lay you hands on me!" She hit her again. "On my birthday?!"


    Yuri embarrassed by the situation tried to grab Katherine''s waist to shove her back. But Katherine was faster than she was. She tugged her hair even lower making her cry out and fall to her knees. Her hands flying to her hair in an attempt to pry Katherine''s frim grip away.


    "I''m trash? Then you must be lower than trash, you and that mother of yours are complete lowlifes." She spat.


    "Let go of me?!" She screamed.


    "What? Does it hurt?" Katherine mocked her. "You really are such a fool do you know that? You can''t even win a fight why get into one?" She asked.


    "You bitch! Let go of me? You''re such a thug!" Yuri yelled.


    "Thug? Thug? I''m a respected doctor, something you wouldn''t understand cause you''re just a rich fool living of your parents. And now you just want to live off a rich husband." She said raising her hand to slap her again.


    "Katherine!" A stern yell from the door stopped her.


    Katherine looked at the person and sighed. Paul walked into the room and Katherine pushed Yuri head away, making her collapse on floor.


    "Come with me." He said to Katherine.


    Katherine stared at him and scoffed, folding her arms and looking away.


    "That wasn''t a request." He said pulling her out of the room.


    Yuri watched them go in shock, she was the one that was hurt. How could he leave her like that? And with that woman?!


    Preview 147: Love is a dangerous emotion.


    "You offered me a dance right? Let''s go." Jessie interrupted Jason. Goerge smiled as he extended his arm for Jessie to take which she did, with one last look she walked away with the mysterious stranger.


    Jason wanted to pull out his hair in frustration. How stubborn can she be?! How did she not know he was the man that had her in an auction house?! Why, just why must she always be so difficult?

 Chapter 147 - 147. Love Is A Dangerous Emotion.

    George Lee was a very cunning and shrewd man. He only attended parties as part of formalities and it quite shocked him when Jason sent him an invite to this ball. It seemed that annoying neice of his was finally doing her part. He rather be in his office or the house breaking in a new girl. Somehow destroying their willpower and self value gave him as much pleasure as taking them afterwards. He also still had that actress to find, who knew where she was roaming. Looses ends always had a way of coming back to bite you and he learned that the hard way.


    He couldn''t wait to leave this place and get back to the newest girl, she had quite a temper, exhilarating! But when he set his eyes on the woman descending the stairs he froze for a second.


    While his neice was often the prettiest woman in a room, and though he had been with too many women to count he hadn''t seen this level of perfection. She had to have gotten surgery right? Her mask covered her face all the way to her nose, but he was still enamored. Her body, in that dress. Suddenly a dirty thought of her long legs wrapped around his torso as he moved inside her entered his mind. He must have her!


    So he pushed his way to the bottom of the stairs, as soon as he reached he clashed with Jason Kang.


    "What are you doing?" Jason asked him sternly as the woman took her last step.


    "What does it look like, I''m asking this beautiful lady to dance." He replied curtly looking at Jessie.


    Jessie eyes narrowed at the handsome man and she frowned. "How do you know I''m beautiful?" She asked.


    Goerge smiled at her retort, she had an attitude too, even better. "Look around the room, who is everyone enamored by?" He asked smoothly and she did.


    "The beautiful lady in red." She pointed at an approaching Patricia.


    "She doesn''t even compare." Goerge stated.


    Jason watched the scene before him with a twitching eye. What the hell is going on?


    He quickly grabbed Jessie arm and made to pull her away but Patricia appeared just in time.


    "Jason? I''ve been looking everywhere for you, you just disappeared after our waltz." She said smoothly, her voice carrying the same enticing tone as the man before Jessie.


    "Why? Did you need something?" He asked curtly.


    "Do I need to need something to be with my fiance?" She pouted "You can''t just keep me hanging with one dance. Let''s go dance." She tugged on his arm.


    Jessie gaze immediately hardened and she glared at Patricia. That''s right, he was her fiance.


    "I don''t really think that''s a good idea we should dance with other people as good hosts." Jason said.


    "Oh please, no one cares about that." She dismissed him.


    "Still we sho-"


    "You offered me a dance right? Let''s go." Jessie interrupted Jason. Goerge smiled as he extended his arm for Jessie to take which she did, with one last look she walked away with the mysterious stranger.


    Jason wanted to pull out his hair in frustration. How stubborn can she be?! How did she not know he was the man that had her in an auction house?! Why, just why must she always be so difficult?


    *************************************************


    Jonathan searched everywhere for Jessie. If they were going to go it had to be soon. Where did she run off too? He saw Krystal as he approached, stuffing her face at the banquet table. His lips tilted in a small smile, she looked around and sighted him.


    Smiling brightly as she waved to him. ''So that''s why she insisted on carrying her purse'' he thought with a smile. She quickly stuffed what she could and walked to him.


    "Hey boss!" She replied cheekily.


    "You never fail to amuse me, have you seen Jessie? We need to leave this obnoxious party, I''d prefer we do it soon." He stated.


    Krystal carefree gaze suddenly became meek. "Ah... you must not have seen her." She said.


    "What do you mean?" He asked.


    Krystal pointed at the ball room below them. Jonathan walked crossed to the railing and looked down. His looked confused at first then his eyes landed the short brown hair he was itching to touch earlier.


    ''What the actual fuck?!'' Why was she in a mind blowing dress that hugged her every curve, dancing with his brother?


    Why the hell did they look at themselves that way? His plams immediately clenched into fists as his expression darkened.


    Krystal didn''t miss a single thing. She looked down at Jessie, dancing with Jason at that very moment then at Jonathan. She was right, he liked her. It was hard not to see, even without taking off her mask she was the belle of the ball. How she pulled off that dress so effortlessly if only she had her phone or a camera, she would be all over the internet.


    She walked closer to Jonathan. "You like Jessie don''t you?"


    "What? What makes you say that?" Jonathan asked his guard up.


    "It''s pretty obvious, I see the way you look at her." Krystal stated.


    Jonathan stood straight and pocketed his hands, looking down at her. "Really? So what?"


    "It must hurt right?" Krystal asked.


    "What?"


    "I saw you two... earlier, when you stared at her and she stared at your brother."


    "I asked you a question, so what?" He repeated, sounding sterner.


    "No it''s just... I hope you don''t let you feelings get in the way of keeping her safe and proving her innocence." Krystal said bluntly.


    Jonathan scoffed looking away then back at her. "Aren''t you supposed to be happy that I have feelings for her? Doesn''t that mean I will do a better job at protecting her?"


    "Not necessarily, love is a dangerous emotion. Especially an unrequited love, plus the person she likes is your brother. You should be careful not to mix your personal feelings with what we have to do." She advised him with a small smile.


    Jonathan laughed lowly. "You''re really so brave aren''t you?"


    "No need to get vicious and aggressive. I''m just stating facts, Jessie is important to me. And as I have said before, I won''t let anything hurt her again if I can stop it. And that also included you." She said, keeping her expressions light but her eyes intense. "Since the plan is truly off I''ll go enjoy the party." She said walking away.


    Jonathan turned to watch her walk away with a sinister look in his eyes, unrequited love? Was that what this was? How nice.


    Preview 148: Perfect in imperfections.


    "May I have this dance?" Jason asked.


    Jessie smiled and nodded and he twirled her around and pulled her to him as they began to dance under the alluring and enchanting light the moon gave off.


    Patricia stared at them with wide eyes, she was Jessie Marin. And she was with her Jason? How did that happen?


    "Have I told how beautiful you look in that dress?" He whispered into her ear.


    "You seem to know what would suit me perfectly." She nodded, against his neck.


    "Take this off."

 Chapter 148 - 148. Perfect In Imperfections.

    Jason eyes were on Jessie the entire time, she watched as she danced with George desperately trying to control his emotions. Why did it look like his hands were trying to wander? He should better not try anything!


    After that dance with ended quickly since they joined the song late another piece started. It was an exchange dance, Jason subtly lead Patricia to the middle of the room and when it was time to exchange partners Jessie took his hands and Patricia went with her uncle.


    "What the hell are you doing?" Jason asked.


    "What do you mean? I''m dancing isn''t that what you wanted me to do?" She asked. "Why give me the dress then?"


    "It seems like you''re doing a wonderful job with Jason." Goerge complimented his neice as he twirled her around.


    Patricia rolled her eyes, "did you not see his eyes on that other woman as soon as she came down. I wonder who she is." Patricia said. "She seems so familiar."


    "Don''t beat yourself up over that, she is on an entirely different level. I don''t know how real it is though." He said with a small shrug, dipping her.


    "What is?" Patricia asked, curious.


    "Her body, it''s unreal. Prefect." Goerge replied.


    Jason opened his mouth to scold Jessie but restrained himself, sighing loudly he pulled her away from the dance floor.


    "Where do you think they are going now?" Goerge asked as he sighted his partner leaving with Patricia''s. "They look like they are acquainted."


    "What did you say? Before this about her body?" Patricia asked again.


    "What are you doing?" Jessie asked pulling back.


    "Can we talk?"


    "Aren''t we already talking? Look they''re about to switch partners back, I need to go." She frowned.


    "It''s perfect? Why?" Goerge asked.


    "There''s only one person whose body described as perfect..." Patricia eyes widened.


    **************************************************


    "There have been a lot of questions but the most common, ladies would like to know what diet and exercise regimen do you do to get your body like that?" The interviewer asked.


    Jessie tilted her head. "Um.. is that a necessary question, I mean I do some dancing and a bit if martial art. But I would say nobody should try to be like anybody. Love your body as it is." Jessie replied.


    "Well not every body''s body is perfect like yours." He insisted.


    "Just because I fit into the standards of beauty today doesn''t mean my body is perfect. Everyone has perfections in their imperfections." She said.


    Patricia rolled her eyes and sighed. "Very true. You should accept yourself for who you are and never conform to what people perceive as beautiful." She said shutting down the conversation.


    The interviewer laughed nervously and moved on.


    ***************************************************


    "No you don''t." He stated firmly "gosh Jessie of all the people you could have danced with you chose him?" Jason pointed to Goerge.


    "Why? Are you jealous or something? Because he''s just as handsome and as successful as you?" She sassed.


    "What is it?" George asked Patricia.


    "I have to go confirm something real quick." She stopped.


    "Should I come with you?"


    "No nevermind." Patricia said walking after Jason and Jessie.


    Jason brows rose in confusion. "Who? Him? Did he tell you that?" Jason scoffed. Jessie gave him a pointed look.


    Jason laughed and looked at George again. "Come on Jessie you''re not that naive, besides he can''t compare."


    Jessie pouted and folded her arms. "Are you sure, I think he can." Looking back at him.


    Jason paused to gauge her reactions. "I know I''ve asked you this but really are you jealous of Patricia?"


    Jessie looked away briefly before she looked into his eyes with as much conviction as she could gather. "Why would I be? What does she have that I would want?" She scoffed.


    Jason narrowed his eyes at her, if he wasn''t absolutely confident of this he might have believed her. But it was what is was acting, and she was so good at it, she was such a good liar.


    "Sure that''s why you jumped on the offer of the first man that would ask you to dance even though he''s Goerge Lee." Jason stated, he wasn''t going to tell her at first so she didn''t panic but he wanted her to feel something at least for lying to him like that.


    Jessie eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She didn''t know him she hadn''t met him and the time she spent in the auction house was very limited and short. But she knew how scared the girls were, even in the short time she was conscious. She was dancing with that man? Flirting even, suddenly she got chills all over her body.


    "Why the hell didn''t you tell me?!" She screeched.


    Jason huffed. "Like you ever listen to me. If you want to dance ask me, I''ll dance with you.


    Goerge Lee or not I don''t want you dancing with anyone else. It''s too dangerous."


    "What about Patricia?"


    Jason smiled. "Who? .... come we can go somewhere private. Away from prying eyes, just you and me." He said extending his hands to her.


    Jessie eyed him suspiciously but still took his hands and they walked to out of the ball room.


    He led her into the gardens, it looked surreal this evening. The water fountain sparkled and the flowers seemed even more colourful in the artificial lights. The music although faint could still be heard.


    "May I have this dance?" Jason asked.


    Jessie smiled and nodded and he twirled her around and pulled her to him as they began to dance under the alluring and enchanting light the moon gave off.


    Patricia stared at them with wide eyes, she was Jessie Marin. And she was with her Jason? How did that happen?


    "Have I told how beautiful you look in that dress?" He whispered into her ear.


    "You seem to know what would suit me perfectly." She nodded, against his neck.


    "Take this off, I want to see your face." He said pulling off her mask, he cupped her chin and rubbed his thumb by the sides of her face.


    "Stop that, you''ll smudge my makeup." She scolded.


    Patricia shook her head in disbelief, does that mean. The person that bought Jessie that day was Jason?


    "I don''t care. I''m glad you chose me today." He said slowly.


    "Hmm..." she said absentmindely till she realised what he said. "Wait what do you mean by chose you? Did you know?!" She pushed him away.


    Jason sighed yet again and pocketed his hands, giving her a pointed look. "What do you think?"


    Preview 149: Poor orphaned bastard.


    "What does your mother always say? I''m not good enough for you? Well if that''s the case I don''t want to be with you!" She yelled. "I''m done with this Paul, I may not have money or even a stable family or a family at all. But I refuse to be humiliated any longer. I''m done with this Paul, for real this time. I''m done." She stated.


    Paul walked to her and reached out to grab her arm but she pulled back. "I''m done Paul!" She repeated. "You know what, I quit. I quit." She said running away.

 Chapter 149 - 149. Poor Orphaned Bastard.

    Paul searched everywhere for Katherine, and he cursed under his breath as the size of the manor. If not for his photographic memory he would definitely be lost. He saw a maid pass by him and he stopped her.


    "Have you by any chance seen a woman in a black dress? It doesn''t have any... what do they call it. It has straps." He said.


    "A strapped dress?" She asked.


    "Yeah that."


    "No but I did see the lady you were dancing with earlier. She went into the dinning room on the first floor." She informed him.


    "Is that so? Thanks." Paul replied, he wanted to keep looking for Katherine but he decided to go see how Yuri was doing as well. She and her mother were also part of the fight.


    As he stepped out of the elevator unto the first floor and began to search for the dinning room he heard voices. They sounded too familiar to and too distressed and emotional. So he began to run to the source, surprise surprise it was the dinning room.


    His eyes widened when he saw Yuri kneeling on the floor looking up at Katherine in pain. And Katherine bending over her with her hair in Katherine''s grip. From the way she clutched her cheek it was safe to assume that Katherine hit her and was going to hit her aga-


    "Katherine!" He yelled.


    Both ladies turned to look at him and Katherine pushed Yuri away from her causing her to stumble and fall.


    She stood up and stepped back as Paul helped her stand up. She at least had to give it to her she was a sobbing mess, at least she had some self respect she didn''t cry.


    Paul looked at Katherine with a glare. "Come with me." He said to Katherine.


    Katherine stared at him and scoffed, folding her arms and looking away.


    "That wasn''t a request." He said pulling her out of the room.


    Yuri watched them go in shock, she was the one that was hurt. How could he leave her like that? And with that woman? Instantly the tears she held back began to fall soon enough she was a sobbing mess. She didn''t cry because of how hard Katherine slapped even though her cheeks were still ringing. The entire situation was so humiliating, how was she so strong?


    "What the hell was that?!" Paul yelled at her and Katherine looked away and folded her arms.


    Paul wanted to punch the wall, instead he grabbed her naked shoulders and shook her. "Katherine! Answer me."


    Katherine pushed his hands away and glared at him. "Katherine! Why did you call only my name?" She asked him. "Why are you scolding only me?" She yelled.


    "So? Should I have scolded Yuri? Did you realise how I saw you guys? Why should I scold the victim?!" Paul yelled as well.


    "Victim?! Victim?!! Wow... don''t delude yourself would I attack someone like that unprovoked?" She asked.


    "The problem Katherine is that you wouldn''t attack anyone at all! Just... who are you? I don''t recognize you anymore." Paul huffed. "I understand that this has been a sucky night, but still, this isn''t like you. To stoop low like this, talking back to my mother, hitting Yuri?"


    Katherine shook her head. "Well Paul as I''ve told you maybe you just don''t know me? Don''t you know that every living thing would fight when backed into a corner? Until when should I put up with the insults? Huh? Do you think I don''t have feelings? Do you think I''m just a cardboard cut out always following you around?!!!!!!!" She screamed. Breathing heavily as she wiped her cheeks.


    "Katherine." Paul said softly.


    "Do I always have to be the one to fold? I shouldn''t stoop to their level yet, they are the people that look down on me? What have I done wrong? It is my fault that I''m a poor? Hell I don''t even know who my real father is anymore, I''m a poor orphaned bastard!!" She cried.


    "Katherine." He said again moving closer to her, she held her hand out and stopped him from coming closer.


    "What does your mother always say? I''m not good enough for you? Well if that''s the case I don''t want to be with you!" She yelled. "I''m done with this Paul, I may not have money or even a stable family or a family at all. But I refuse to be humiliated any longer. I''m done with this Paul, for real this time. I''m done." She stated.


    Paul walked to her and reached out to grab her arm but she pulled back. "I''m done Paul!" She repeated. "You know what, I quit. I quit." She said running away.


    "Katherine! Wait!" He yelled, trying to run after her.


    "Don''t, let her go she needs space." A gentle voice said from beside him and he saw a familiar woman in a blue dress walk to him.


    Paul looked back to path she ran away then back at the woman.


    "AHHHH!!!!" He grabbed the glass bowl sitting on a platform beside him and smashed it against the wall. Running his hands through his hair her clenched his fist to control his emotions. The hell!


    **************************************************


    "Yuri? My child what happened to you?!" Moon Do-Hui screeched as she ran into the dinning room.


    "Mom!" She began to cry again as she saw her mother.


    "My daughter! What happened?"


    "Katherine!" She yelled and her mother flinched. "Why did he only call her name? Why did her only pull her out? I was the one that was hurt, see, see" she showed her mother her red cheek. " I''m sure I''m even going to be bald in the middle. She pulled out my hair! And he only called her name!" She sobbed.


    "It''s that bitch again?! Huh... what kind of pest is this? How dare she touch my precious daughter?" He mother pulled her into a hug.


    "Mom, we have to get rid of that lowlife woman! We just have to. She must never appear beside Paul again." She cried into her mother''s shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, we''ll definitely get rid of her." Her mother promised.


    Preview 150: It''s the little victories.


    "It''s too bad right? It must really suck always losing to me. I mean you''re the Fiancee but I''m still the woman Jason chose. And what did you say? Servicing him? Jason is a perfect gentleman, he hasn''t once touched me why? Because I don''t want him to, recently the only words that come out of his that delicious mouth of his is ''I love you''. I don''t even know what to do with his feelings. Do you know he even told me, ''Patricia may be my fiancee but you''re the one I love'' do you?"

 Chapter 150 - 150. Its The Little Victories.

    "What do you think?" Were Jason''s curt words, his expression piercing deep into Jessie conscience. She stepped back, again he had the upper hand aganist her morally.


    "Since when?" She asked softly, she could be angry at him but what for? After today that would be hard to pull off.


    "Just recently." He said, staring at his watch he looked at her. "We''ll talk about this later, I have to go attend to my guests now."


    "Wait, you can''t just leave like that."


    He turned around his expression blank, she couldn''t tell what he was thinking. "I don''t think you''re in the position to make demands."


    She frowned as she watched him walk away. Turning on her heels as well she made her way back into the manor. Going to the stairs she went up, trying to avoid the man she danced with earlier. After one last look at the ball below she should go to her room.


    "Oof!" She exclaimed as she bumped into someone. She fell backwards and the person snaked an arm round her waist and grabbed her arm with the other saving her away from the inevitable fall.


    "Are you okay?" Jonathan asked.


    Jessie looked up at him and smiled. She tried to stand straight and he finally let her go. "I''m in your debt again."


    "I don''t consider it a debt when it''s you." He said. "You look beautiful."


    Three words, plus the look on his eyes. She knew what he was implying and she was sorry. She changed, she didn''t want to leave with anymore. "Ah..." the only thing she could say.


    "My brother got to you?" He asked.


    She nodded, not understanding his question completely she decided to keep her words short and only when necessary. She had offended one too many people.


    Jonathan noticed her unease, he decided not to question her further. "Since you''re already dressed then would you like to dance?"


    Jessie brow rose in quiet surprise, she stole one more glance at the ballroom, Patricia clung to him like he was water and she was a drowning fish. As much as she wanted to ease the tension in her chest, Jonathan shouldn''t be a jealous rebound. She didn''t want to dance and somehow Jason warning came to mind and for the first time she wanted to adhere.


    ''I don''t want you dancing with anyone else. It''s too dangerous.''


    "I''m sorry Jonathan, really. I don''t want to dance, but I''m sure Krystal is somewhere around." She said quickly walking away before he could stop her.


    Not once did she glance back, she couldn''t or rather she didn''t care as much. The only thing on her mind was Jason, why couldn''t he just talk now? Ugh! She hated suspense.


    "Jessie Marin." A very annoyingly familiar voice stopped her in her tracks. The fact that it wasn''t a statement meant the person already knew it was her so she just pulled of her mask and turned around.


    "Patricia Lee." She said with an eerie smile.


    "I knew it was you." Patricia said.


    Jessie threw her arms in the air dramatically. "Of course it''s me, who else would it be? But wait, what gave me up? My mad dancing skills or was it my prefect figure?" She asked in an unserious tone.


    "Perfect figure? I thought you said you didn''t have a perfect figure but just fit into society definition of perfect?" Patricia narrowed her eyes.


    "Oh please, I''d say anything rubbish on tv, you certainly didn''t believe that did you?" Jessie pouted.


    "Of course not. You aren''t as virtuous or natural as you''d have people believe." Patricia scoffed.


    "Come on, a girl get breasts implants one time and I even removed the implants when my boobs started growing, yet I''m a doll? Come on you know I was insecure as a teenager." She said. "Besides don''t you think you should get some work done...." she pointed her finger in attempt to locate Patricia''s problem area but shook her head. "Everywhere?"


    Patricia rolled her eyes. "Why would I want to do that? I mean you''re gone, the entertainment industry is in palm of my hand." Patricia boasted.


    "How enlightening, you could only take over when I''m no longer there. Don''t you feel embarrassed with the things that come out of that mouth?" Jessie scoffed.


    "Why should I? As far as I won, it doesn''t matter how I won." She stated bluntly.


    "So you think you''ve won?"


    "But ofcourse, you''re dead to the rest of the world. Plus, even if you wanted to comeback you''re wanted for murder, you''ll be arrested. The only thing lacking was the sex slave part, but that can still be arranged." Patricia spat.


    Jessie ran her hand through her hair and laughed. Placing them on her hips. "You are really a bitch aren''t you? I wonder, who is the girl you killed and passed off as me? I mean does she resemble me that much? And I know you paid of the prosecution to quickly conclude the case, because if not the DNA isn''t supposed to match unless I have a lost identical twin I don''t know about."


    "Oh that easy, kill and random chick and have her do plastic surgery. I know a guy that''s pretty skilled. And ofcourse I paid the prosecution and the police and the media. I have all the power Jessie, you may believe you have Jason but I will remind the Lee''s hold all the power in this country." She said with her head high. "No one can save you."


    Jessie fought the urge to scream in frustration but she held it in. She wouldn''t be a loser the second time. This wasn''t much but she was going to have the final word in now.


    "Ahhh... that must be the doctor that helped you." She smiled sheepishly, placing her index finger down vertically across her nose. "I wanted to say he was a fake but if he was able to make someone look exactly like me, then maybe it''s just your surgery that came out looking like that."


    Patricia jaw clenched in anger. "Haha very funny. You seem so confident, perhaps do you think Jason is going to help you? Why, because he called you beautiful?" Patricia laughed.


    Jessie eyes narrowed, ''she was there? When we were dancing?''


    "His only being nice to you because you''re servicing him like the little whore you are. Don''t worry when a real woman comes along you are long gone." She said.


    "Real woman?" Jessie thought aloud before it finally dawned on her. "Are you perhaps talking about yourself?" She asked.


    Patricia glare unwavering.


    Jessie still in her head pieced it together. "Wait a moment." She held her finger up. "Wait a minute!" She laughed. "Wow...wow! Oh my, oh my, oh my! Patricia do you like Jason?" Jessie gasped.


    She sighed and pouted. "It''s too bad right? It must really suck always losing to me. I mean you''re the Fiancee but I''m still the woman Jason chose. And what did you say? Servicing him? Jason is a perfect gentleman, he hasn''t once touched me why? Because I don''t want him to, recently the only words that come out of his that delicious mouth of his is ''I love you''. I don''t even know what to do with his feelings. Do you know he even told me, ''Patricia may be my fiancee but you''re the one I love'' do you?" She squealed, walking closer to Patricia.


    As she stood eye to eye, right in front of Patricia she pushed her hair back and leaned down to whisper in Patricia''s ear.


    "The truth is I think I love him too. Thank you Patricia, I never thought I was able to love someone else. But some how you''re wickedness brought Jason into my life." She stood stood straighter and laughed at the outraged look in Patricia''s eyes.


    If looks could kill.


    "Nothing to say? Cat cut your tongue?" Jessie taunted her.


    "No? If that would be all I''ll give you my warning as well. I will make a comeback Patricia Lee. I hate to sound religious or moral? I don''t know but it''s a fact. Evil can only thrive so long, your the just a measly pitiful lovestruck villain in my story. I''m the beautiful strong main lead that will stomp all over you. I hope orange is a good look on you, because that''s what you''ll be wearing when the truth comes out." With that she spun on her heels and put back her mask walking away with a smile.


    It''s the little victories.


    Preview 151: Dead on the inside.


    "Right? Why does he always come running when I''m in danger? Why does he treat me so well with that sincere look in his eyes? Who the hell does he think he is to play with my emotions like that?" Katherine agreed. "Everything that happened this night was his fault. Infact everything that happened from day one was his fault, why was he so nice to me when we were kids?" She huffed. "I wouldn''t have fallen in love with him then, his mom wouldn''t have it out for me and it wouldn''t hurt so much right now!"

 Chapter 151 - 151. Dead On The Inside.

    "Katherine?" Jessie gasped as she walked into her room and saw Katherine laying curled up in her bed.


    "Pardon my intrusion, I needed to rest my head somewhere, it just seems too heavy right now" she groaned.


    "Of course, are you okay?" Jessie asked as she shed off her heels and went over to sit beside Katherine on the bed.


    Katherine sat up and pulled her hair into a messy bun at the top of her head. The action making Jessie slightly jealous she didn''t have long hair anymore. "How can I be? I got slapped, learned I don''t know who my real father is, and I''m currently unemployed." She groaned.


    Jessie sniffed. "Are you drunk?"


    "Not drunk enough. That Paul''s useless Fiancee ruined my sweet breakdown. The two faced bitch!" She cursed.


    Jessie shook her head, "I don''t understand, Paul is engaged? Since when?"


    "Even I don''t know that all I know is that bitch walked in showing of a big diamond saying I should stay away from her ''fiance''." Katherine frowned.


    "Wow... some people really don''t have any shame. And he was acting so concerned? Why don''t his action and words go in line? If he was already engaged to another woman why would act like that?" Jessie harrumphed.


    "Right? Why does he always come running when I''m in danger? Why does he treat me so well with that sincere look in his eyes? Who the hell does he think he is to play with my emotions like that?" Katherine agreed. "Everything that happened this night was his fault. Infact everything that happened from day one was his fault, why was he so nice to me when we were kids?" She huffed. "I wouldn''t have fallen in love with him then, his mom wouldn''t have it out for me and it wouldn''t hurt so much right now!"


    "Ahhh your definitely drunk." Jessie surmised.


    "I said I''m not!" She yelled.


    Jessie, starled by her sudden attitude rose her hands in surrender. "That jerk sobered me up, what did he think he was doing? Scolding me in front that bitch?" She scoffed.


    "You need to sleep it off" Jessie shook her head. "I don''t understand a single thing you''re saying."


    "No, I''m not going to sleep, I''m not going to sleep until I''m so drunk that I can''t even remember my name!" Katherine said with so much conviction.


    "Really? You''ll regret that in the morning." Jessie warned.


    "Live like there''s no tomorrow! That''s my new motto, I''m not going to care anymore, it''s not as if I have any work to go to tomorrow. So get me a drink!" She yelled smacking the back of Jessie head.


    "Ah!" Jessie exclaimed as she rubbed the back of her head. She quickly got off the bed before she would be forced to fight a drunk woman.


    "Why are you still standing there? Hey! You punk, don''t you know you should respect your elder? I''m..." she slapped her chest. "I''m older than you, especially today! So get me some booze!!" She screamed.


    "Hey! Wow... alright, drink until you pass out. Tomorrow I''ll get my revenge." Jessie shook her head in shock. "Tch... and she acts so elegant." She mumbled as she walked out of the room to Ordering the maids to get some more alcohol for her.


    **************************************************


    "How was it my fault?!" Paul exclaimed. "I go out of my way, always go against my mother to protect her and yet?" He sighed, gulping down the alcohol in his glass in one shot.


    Krystal nodded and sighed, and she thought she was lucky running into him. He just keeps talking about the same woman over and over, who is this Katherine?


    "I mean I get that she''s hurt but wow, did she have to quit? Isn''t that going to far? I mean... I just... it''s... ohhh I don''t even know what to say anymore!"


    "Don''t you think it''s unfair?" He asked her.


    "Ofcourse!" She replied cheekily.


    "But come to think about you seem really familiar, have we met before?" He slurred.


    Krystal eyed the less than half bottle of whiskey and nodded. He snapped his fingers as he just remembered. "You''re the one at Jonathan''s house, his secretary right?" He asked.


    Krystal smiled, "you remember me?" She asked.


    "Of course, I helped you get the first aid box that time. It was so cute, you reminded me of a younger sister." He said bluntly.


    The sweet and romantic scene Krystal had begun to dream up simply shattered like glass and she frowned deeply. "Younger sister?" She huffed. As if to prove his point, he ruffled her hair and smiled at her sweetly.


    Krystal pushed his hand away and glared at him, drunk and disoriented Paul leaned backwards and pouted. "You don''t want me to touch your hair? Alright fine, just keep acting like Katherine!"


    "Katherine, Katherine Katherine! Is that all you think about!" Krystal yelled back, losing her cool. "Do you love her or what?" She asked.


    "Ahhhh! Why does everyone keep asking me that? I don''t love her, she''s my best friend, that''s all we are best friends." He whined.


    "Really? Then who do you love?" Krystal asked, honestly curious.


    "I don''t do that, I don''t fall in love. Love is trouble, you see I have this friend in love... he has become a total psycho." Paul said whispering as if he was telling her valuable secret.


    "You he was normally this indifferent and cold person. Totally cool, he was so mean but still popular with the ladies, well girls tend to like guys that act dead on the inside. Anyways, he met a girl and all of a sudden he was this ball of emotion. He was even more prickly that a girl on her period. Ohhh... it ruined his personality." He said.


    "Now he can''t go through a moment without worrying or fussing." He shook his head. "I can''t do that."


    Krystal frowned "but you already do that, for Katherine."


    "Hey! I told she''s my best friend, it''s different." He cautioned her in his drunkenness.


    "Alright then, if you insist." She shrugged. Leaning closer she pointed her finger at him. "But you must remain this way, do ever fall in love with anyone." She warned.


    "Eyyye I won''t" he laughed softly.


    Preview 152: Ungrateful brat.


    He said struggled to keep the tone of his voice even, how desperately he wanted to yell but he restrained himself.


    "At what cost? Wouldn''t you have shackled at least five guards with me?" Jessie asked.


    Jason laughed. "You ungrateful brat!" He yelled.


    Jessie jaw dropped, "what did you just say?

 Chapter 152 - 152. Ungrateful Brat.

    After Jessie informed the maid about Katherine''s alcohol she walked over to ballroom. She probably shouldn''t have given Katherine more alcohol but she wanted payback for the smack on her head. The guests were already leaving, she sighted Patricia and Jason by the door. Saying the final goodbyes.


    A small smile touched her lips as she remembered her conversation with Patricia. But it was gone as soon as it came, she was scowling the moment Jason leaned down to listen to something Patricia was whispering in his ears. What were they saying?


    Deciding aganist her spying, she concluded it wouldn''t do her any good to get jealous she turned around and walked to Jason''s study. She would talk to him there. But before that, she had to say goodbye to Jonathan and Krystal, ah that was right she hadn''t even met Krystal. Where was she?


    **************************************************


    Jason wore a tight smile as his guests walked out, he swore he couldn''t remember anyone. Their names and faces blended into his subconscious mind, because the only thing that filled his head were Jessie words.


    ''I don''t even know what to do with his feelings?''


    He felt suffocated, he didn''t really know why but he couldn''t breathe. He always thought regardless Jessie liked him, she did right? But then again he also believed she was mad with him for almost a week. Was she that good an actress? Was she just patronising him?


    "Jason?" Patricia called pulling him from his thoughts.


    Jason looked down at her, after overhearing their conversation it shocked him how he still let her touch him. He looked up following her gaze and saw George Lee standing before him.


    "Wonderful party, but did you really have to steal my beautiful dancing partner?" George Lee asked his tone teasing but his eyes holding the sincerity he felt.


    Jason frowned. "She wasn''t your dancing partner. And how did you know she was beautiful, if I recall correctly she was in a mask." He stated looking down at Patricia as he did. Did she already tattle?


    George honestly did not know Jessie real identity as Patricia hadn''t spoken to him yet, but still he realized the clear trap Jason set for him with his meticulous question. Too bad he couldn''t care less, the trap would only work for someone that seeked to please him, or the woman beside him. Lucky for him he didn''t need to please any of them.


    "I wasn''t talking about her face." He replied smoothly. Jason''s brow rose accusingly but he said nothing.


    "Well it''s too bad you couldn''t get to know each other better." Jason stated.


    George nodded and buttoned his jacket grabbing his coat from the butler by the door, "it''s getting late, you should go as well." Jason informed Patricia.


    She wanted to protest but thought aganist it, George was one of the few guests still remaining so she agreed. "I hope this doesn''t mean I don''t get to see you for a while again. It''s about time we start planning our wedding." She said.


    Jason''s eyes narrowed at the word and he decided to remain silent. Walking her to her car, she left.


    He walked past the staff that already out cleaning up, walking to his study. He needed a drink.


    "You''re here." Jessie said as she saw Jason approach.


    ''I don''t even know what to do with his feelings.''


    "Why are you standing here like that?" Jason asked firmly.


    "Well, I didn''t think I should go in without you. It is your work space." She said cautiously, why was he looking at her like that?


    "Hmph, the first thing you''re doing right." He stated walking past her and pushing the door open. He walked straight to his liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle of bourbon and a glass.


    "Can you not drink right now?" Jessie asked with a disapproving glare, Katherine was the maximum number of drunk people she would put up with this evening.


    Jason stared straight into her eyes, his gaze unwavering as he poured the liquor into his glass. Jessie lips parted and she scoffed.


    "Alright then." She said pulling out a sit, she plopped on top of it.


    He pulled out a file from inside his desk and placed threw it across the table to Jessie and he sipped his bourbon from the other side.


    "What is this?" She asked as she picked up the file. Pulling out the papers her eyes widened as she saw the content. This was what she spent the whole week looking for, Jamie Anderson. There were even pictures of him, leaving stores and gas stations. Along with the address of his residence.


    "How?" Was the only word she managed.


    "It''s me." He said curtly. "How many times have I told you to just trust me? If you had come to me instead you wouldn''t have had to attend this party you didn''t even want to attend in the first place instead you''d be in that city looking for the detective." He said struggled to keep the tone of his voice even, how desperately he wanted to yell but he restrained himself.


    "At what cost? Wouldn''t you have shackled at least five guards with me?" Jessie asked.


    Jason laughed. "You ungrateful brat!" He yelled.


    Jessie jaw dropped, "what did you just say? Brat? Why are you yelling?" Jessie asked utterly confused.


    Jason gulped down the rest of the glass and slammed the glass on his desk, making her flinch. "All I do is for your benefit, if I send guards with you then you must know it''s because I need you to be safe. Yet, you go behind my back to my brother for help? You make me believe I committed this grave sin and I had to atone for it all week! I could hardly think of anything else but how to make up for that fight yet you were....!" He yelled angrily.


    Jessie bit her lip and shut her eyes, he had every right to be angry but still...


    "Do you even know how much harder and more expensive it was to move the party here?! Yet you even chose to wear the maids uniform meaning you chose to leave. Leave the party I basically threw for you!"


    "And yet here I am." She said.


    "Yeah, here you are. I''m curious what made you change your mind? Cause I know damm well it wasn''t me." He said as shed of his tuxedo and unbuttoned his sleeves. Folding them up slightly he leaned on the table.


    Jessie was taken aback, "I don''t understand." She muttered. She was so confused with his behaviour right now she was speechless.


    Anger was normal emotion for Jason, but he right now he wasn''t angry. His eyes didn''t look angry, it was a cover what he was really feeling.


    But what was he really feeling?


    Preview 153: Comeback.


    "Alright fine, I''ll get straight to the point. Do you remember the woman in the silver dress, with legs all the way to heaven." He smiled. "I want her number, ask Jason for it. You two seem to be getting along."


    Patricia began to laugh hysterically, Goerge frowned as he stared at her. After a while she finally calmed down, wiping tears from her eyes she looked at him.


    "That woman, was Jessie Marin." She stated bluntly.

 Chapter 153 - 153. Comeback.

    Patricia kicked off her shoes as she walked into her room, slamming the door angrily behind her. She let out an ear splitting scream, freeing her hair from the updo she combed through it violently with her fingers.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me, how lucky could that bitch be? I mean what the hell are the fucking odds?" She huffed.


    To think she was relieved she had gotten rid if that damned actress, she real was a weed. No matter how many times she tried to get rid of her she would just keep coming back. Honestly she should have just killed her then. Why did she think Jessie would actually be living a life of horror somewhere? That woman was excessively lucky.


    And off all the damn people, Jason Kang? This was beyond rivalry and professional hate. Jessie had a bad habit of placing her hands on things that belonged to her.


    "It''s too bad right? It must really suck always losing to me. I mean you''re the Fiancee but I''m still the woman Jason chose.''


    Patricia grabbed both sides of her hair and screamed again. This can''t be happening, right?


    ''And what did you say? Servicing him? Jason is a perfect gentleman, he hasn''t once touched me why? Because I don''t want him to, recently the only words that come out of his that delicious mouth of his is ''I love you''. I don''t even know what to do with his feelings. Do you know he even told me, ''Patricia may be my fiancee but you''re the one I love'' do you?''


    Out of frustration she picked up her hair brush and threw it at her mirror, the entire thing shattered and she stared at her broken reflection. This wouldn''t do, like hell she would just sit back and let Jessie ruin all her hard work.


    The bitch even had the guts to find her and hurt her. Patricia unconsciously touched her skin and hair. Shuddering as she remembered what happened in the spa almost two months ago. She was in the hospital for almost three weeks and for the first time in her life she had to wear hair extensions.


    "What is this? Did something happen after I left?" George asked as he inspected her room and disheveled state.


    "Do you not know how to knock?" She asked him roughly.


    He pursed his lips, "I did, you probably didn''t hear me through all that screaming. Besides if I had waited would you have opened the door?" He asked.


    "Of course not, because I want to be alone. Get out!" She screamed at him.


    "No no no neice. Don''t dismiss me so easily, best not to cross any boundaries." He warned her clearly.


    "Oh fuck you" she cursed.


    George''s brow went up in slight amusement. "What is this? Something terrible must have really happened. Tell me!" He said shutting the door and walking in.


    "What are you even doing here? Don''t you have a house?" She sneered.


    George''s face remained impassive. "I could say the same thing for you." He said.


    She rolled her eyes, "can you not see I want to be alone?" She asked.


    "Alright fine, I''ll get straight to the point. Do you remember the woman in the silver dress, with legs all the way to heaven." He smiled. "I want her number, ask Jason for it. You two seem to be getting along."


    Patricia began to laugh hysterically, Goerge frowned as he stared at her. After a while she finally calmed down, wiping tears from her eyes she looked at him.


    "That woman, was Jessie Marin." She stated bluntly.


    George''s brow furrowed and he stared at her with suspicion. "What do you mean by-"


    "She is the actress Jessie Marin!" Patricia yelled interrupting him. "Did I stutter?"


    Goerge frowned and his forehead creased in thought. The woman he had been searching for was the same one that wouldn''t leave his thoughts all night? So all along she was with Jason Kang? He looked at Patricia scattered demeanor, ''that must be why she is so mad.''


    "But wait a minute, you''re telling me I had that woman in my auction house and I let her go?" He asked.


    "What? All of a sudden you''re asking me that? What happened to all the accusations and taunts about foolishly ruining the integrity of your business?" She sassed at him.


    George''s eyes darkened at her accusations. "Shut it." He said. "What are you going to do know? She''s a liability, a loose end. She has to go."


    "No" she shook her head. "I can''t just let her die, she needs to pay for everything she did. That bitch was the one that attacked me in the spa, and I knew I wasn''t hallucinating in that hospital." She said. "I was too lenient, she has to suffer."


    "Are you a fool?" George said, snapping her out of her wicked thoughts. "Haven''t you learnt anything? If you had just killed her the first time we wouldn''t be discussing this right now."


    "It''s different now, I clearly underestimated her I won''t do so again." She said.


    George sighed, "like talking to a brick wall" he muttered. "So what? What are you going to do know? If I''m not mistaken, she''s under Jason''s protection, that must be why you''re so mad." He stated bluntly.


    And Patricia rolled her eyes, trust him to always be so sharp.


    "I have more than one card under my sleeve, that''s why I left so many loose ends in this case and it''s time to tie them up." She said, with a sinister look in her eyes.


    George looked at her with curiosity, "are you going to share?"


    "Why should I? It would be more fun to watch it play out, besides won''t you rather have her as your plaything than dead?" She asked.


    "It would be a waste for someone with such a body to just die. But I''m wary of your plans" he said, and she glared at him. "Once bitten twice shy, why don''t you tell me."


    "Hmmm the only thing I can say is that it time for Jessie Marin to comeback to life."


    Preview 154: Mister deductive.


    Jessie was beginning to feel cornered and scared and she hated it. She hated feeling trapped, since she could not run there was only one more option.


    She slammed her hands on the desk as well and stood up, looking him right in the eyes. "What are you trying to do? Are you that affected that I went to your brother? I mean are you jealous of Jonathan?" She huffed.

 Chapter 154 - 154. Mister Deductive.

    Jessie stared at Jason with a guarded expression, why did it seem somehow he wasn''t mad about the deception. It was something else but as much as she thought she couldn''t place her finger on it. She wanted more than anything to investigate but this look in his eyes, it terrified her. He had this burning rage and something else she couldn''t quite decipher. So she decided to stay away for the moment, perhaps it was the brandy.


    "You''re drunk, we''ll talk tomorrow." She swallowed reaching out to grab the envelope but he leaned over and slammed a hand over the file stopping her.


    "I assure a glass of bourbon can''t intoxicate me. You haven''t answered my question, why did you stay?" He asked.


    "What does it matter Jason, I''m here aren''t I? I''m supposing this is the price to passing the test?" She pointed at the envelope. "The test you scrupulously planned." She said with a glare.


    Jason scoffed and gave her one of his signature grins, she hadn''t seen that look on his face in a while. That dangerous look in his eyes, the look he always sent her way the first time they met.


    "I don''t think you have the right to point fingers at me for deception. At least I gave you the room for doubt, what did you do?" He said in a dangerously low predatory voice.


    Jessie was beginning to feel cornered and scared and she hated it. She hated feeling trapped, since she could not run there was only one more option.


    She slammed her hands on the desk as well and stood up, looking him right in the eyes. "What are you trying to do? Are you that affected that I went to your brother? I mean are you jealous of Jonathan?" She huffed.


    Jason laughed, how typical. She really was a fight or flight person. She couldn''t escape so she was fighting. He would get the answer today no matter what.


    "Jealous? The only thing that would make me jealous is if you had feelings for my brother, I just feel betrayed. But considering how you left him hanging tonight I''m guessing not." He said. "So I''ll ask the obvious question, how does it feel to play with two brothers like this? You must feel like this sly seductress right?"


    Jessie''s eyes widened. "Are you implying that I''m playing with both of your emotions for my own benefit?" She scoffed.


    He tilted his head in response.


    "You really must be drunk to be spouting such nonsense. I get that your allowed to be angry but can you please not cross the line!" She yelled angrily.


    "What line? It doesn''t seem to me that there is a line, because you destroyed it already, all by yourself." He said with so much venom.


    "Ha! First off mister deductive, your brother and I don''t share a romantic relationship. He doesn''t even like me like that." She spat.


    "And us? What is our relationship? What do you call this." He pointed from himself to her.


    Jessie opened her mouth to speak but shut it. Why was he asking this question again so soon? Wasn''t be satisfied with just loving her? Why was he so desperate to label it? Ugh... and they say women are clingy.


    "See? So what I''m just a nuisance in your life, I''ve become someone you have to hide from and lie to. I''m an obstacle the journey to getting your life back." He said.


    "Why are you saying all this?!" Jessie asked.


    "Why shouldn''t I Jessie?! Why shouldn''t I? I''m the only that keeps pushing and working, I''m the only one that ... I''m the only one that wants this to be more. Do you think it doesn''t hurt when you ask me to stop saying I love you? Do you think it doesn''t hurt to see that you don''t trust me?!" He yelled.


    "I have done nothing but try to help and protect you since the day I found out how terribly your life had crumbled. I am willing to sacrifice anything to just make sure your safe and yet, you... I didn''t ask you to love me back. I understand it doesn''t just happen, but at least... after everything. Everything I do for you why would you go back to my brother!"


    Jessie stepped back and struggled to blink away the tears eating at her eyes the moment she saw one fall down Jason''s cheek. Her chest felt tight and she more than anything wanted to run into his arms and kiss him, but she couldn''t.


    "Did I ask you to do anything!" She yelled back in frustration.


    Jason eyes widened and he began to laugh. "Of course, how stupid I am. Ofcourse you didn''t it''s my fault I decided to help, it''s my fault I fell in love with you!"


    "Why are you getting so angry! Why are you saying all this things?" She asked as tears rolled down her cheeks. She felt so guilty that she couldn''t say truly what she felt, at this moment she knew it wasn''t something she wasn''t sure of. She loved him, she loved this annoying man yelling in front of her, and that scared her more than anything.


    "Tell me just one thing Jessie, one thing. Do you at least like me?" He asked.


    "...."


    "I thought so." He said in resolution. Shutting his eyes tightly he sighed and fixed his ruffled hair. Walking around the table he stopped right before her. "You can leave whenever you want to go find the detective, take any car you want. And a bodyguard is what you don''t want. I won''t tell you I love you anymore, I won''t bother you with my feelings so you wouldn''t feel burdened about what to do with it. Good night Jessie." He said walking out of the office.


    Jessie turned around to look at him as he walked away. Tears streaming down her cheek as she did, she was just about to give in and confess to him. Couldn''t he have waited a second longer? I love you isn''t something that just comes out. She picked up the folder and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her. At that moment his statement dawned on her.


    ''I won''t bother you with my feelings so you wouldn''t feel burdened about what to do with them.''


    He overheard her conversation with Patricia! Shit!


    Preview 154: Bad morning.


    Jessie looked at her eye bags and wanted to scream in frustration, she was an actress for crying out loud she needed sleep, sleep was important for her skin.


    While Patricia decided torturing the staff was the best way to rid herself of her frustration, George Lee swam endlessly.


    Jason stood outside on the balcony of his room sipping a fresh glass of bourbon.

 Chapter 155 - 155. Bad Morning.

    The morning came faster than anyone could have expected, the entire city was bustling with news of the exquisite ball thrown by the most eligible bachelor in the country, or rather the ex most eligible bachelor. Pictures of Jason and Patricia together were the most searched topics on every site. And while the day was beautiful and nice, while the weather was perfect and steady, the flowers even bloomed earlier than necessary the only person that woke up in a great mood and attended that party was Lenora.


    How she managed to sneak a camera into the manor would remain a mystery but she certainly hit the jackpot She would be considered a legend at work for this. She was the only one with a smile on her face this morning.


    Jessie looked at her eye bags and wanted to scream in frustration, she was an actress for crying out loud she needed sleep, sleep was important for her skin. Yet she couldn''t have a proper night rest as her brain decided replaying the incident last night was optimal. She frowned sadly as she touched her not only swollen but also red eyes. Jason was so mean, look what he did to her? And till this moment she still couldn''t fall asleep, guilt and fear and frustrations wouldn''t let her. Not to mention she had been having some awfully scary nightmares these days. Ugh... she hated today.


    Katherine could not be more regretful, her head felt like it was about to explode. She couldn''t even stand up, coupled with the fact that she got slapped not once, but twice yesterday. She considered slicing her entire head off. She should have listened to Jessie, she couldn''t even think about her current unemployment or her fake father at the moment, the only thing that registered was her throbbing head. It was true, pain could numb one''s sense of reasoning.


    A hard and annoying impact with a solid wall, was what woke Paul up, this beautiful morning. He shouldn''t be experiencing this kind of accident with the hangover he was clearly having. His whole body ached, by the time he realized where he was he wanted to scream in frustration. How was he still in Jason''s manor? On a couch no less, his body cried out in pain. So many question marks kept floating around, how did he get here? Why couldn''t he remember anything that happened after Katherine ran away? Why the hell was he on a couch instead of a bed? Was this some form of punishment? He groaned.


    Patricia wanted to kill everyone that appeared before her this morning. She stared at the maids that knelt before her begging for forgiveness. She wouldn''t forgive them, how dare they disturb her sleep? She was already disturbed and annoyed from last night, these fools just had to push over a vase and wake her up. She would exert her frustration from her sudden realization of last night on these fools.


    Jonathan walked into his bathroom with a deep frown, he hadn''t hated his brother as much as he did this faithful morning. After everything she still chose him, and he gets to take a day off and be with her while he still had to get up and go to work. He was so hurt he was enraged, this was exactly why he hated parties, they were just a ball of rubbish.


    While Patricia decided torturing the staff was the best way to rid herself of her frustration, George Lee swam endlessly. Trying to figure out a plan. If Jessie Marin really was with Jason Kang, what was that cunning man planning? Especially now that he was still engaged to Patricia. But that wasn''t what bothered him the most, it was the fact that he had that woman in his grasp and he let her go. He never paid much attention before when he heard in passing about the nation''s first love, the woman with an impressive figure, it wasn''t impressive her body was perfect. Having her in his arms, pressed against his body awakened something carnal and primitive in him. Her slim waist and full hips, she was so slender, her chest neither flat nor too heavy. And those legs that reached all the way to heaven. He wanted her.


    Cry, was the first thing Krystal did as she woke up. Why exactly, well that was kind of embarrassing. She didn''t know why, but after she came home last night, and got drunk, she began to cry and apparently she was still drunk even this morning. All she remembered was how sad and broken Paul looked and how desperate he was for that other woman to forgive him. Why was she bothered so much? Yes she had a crush on him, she had millions of crushed but why did this one make her cry? Her sister wasn''t happy either, after a tiring and extremely long night of listen to her sister go on and on and on about Paul Song and the bitch that broke his heart. It took all of her remaining strength to convince and carry her to bed and put the wailing woman to sleep. And now? Early this morning she was already crying again?


    Jason stood outside on the balcony of his room sipping a fresh glass of bourbon. Numbing both his hangover and his broken heart. Nothing better to cure a hangover than alcohol itself. After yesterday night he didn''t even know what to think, all that he knew was parties where the worst and last night was the perfect indicator.


    Preview 156: Emotions.


    "How is your hangover?" She asked Katherine.


    Katherine was glaring at Paul as she answered. "How can I think about a mere headache right now? I am currently being reminded of a bigger discomfort and pain." She said curtly, her eyes still on Paul.


    Paul looked up at her and shook his head. "Are you talking about me?" He asked with a scoff.


    "Same here" Jason said.


    Jessie looked at him and sighed. "How childish."


    "Childish? Childish is dismissing someone feelings as if they don''t have the right to feel them." Katherine answered her, her eyes still on Paul.


    "Who is stopping form feeling your feelings?" Paul retorted.


    "Exactly, it''s not as if a person can control emotions." Jessie said.


    "Really are you sure? You seem to possess a hell of a talent then." Jason huffed.

 Chapter 156 - 156. Emotions.

    "Ugh!" Katherine groaned. "My head is killing me!"


    Jessie turned around to look at the woman lying dejected on her bed and she smiled. "I did warn you, I think this would be a perfect opportunity for an ''I told you so'' don''t you think?" Jessie asked.


    "Shhhhh not so loud, I can''t take this." Katherine said.


    "Here drink this, water helps. I''ll go tell the staff to prepare something for your hangover." She said pouring some water into a cup and placing it on her bedstead.


    She pulled up her hoody and walked out of her room. As much as she hated to see Jason there was something she had to ask him. Because of the tension yesterday she forgot completely. How ever did he find out about her plans? He even found out about Jonathan''s phone call and his plan. Wait a minute, she stopped in her tracks. There was only one person that knew... the person Jonathan spoke to, Agnes.


    Jessie gasped, she was a spy for Jason?! Of course it''s not too farfetched, she did work for him. But she seemed so sincere when she said she was her fan was that not true?


    "Miss Jessie?"


    Jessie turned around, think of the devil. "Agnes, just the person I was looking for." She said.


    Agnes bowed "breakfast is ready, everyone is waiting for you."


    "Everyone? Who is everyone?"


    "Well Chairman Kang, Director Song and Doctor Park." She replied.


    "Jason, Katherine and Paul? Paul is still here?" She asked.


    **************************************************


    "Might I ask what the hell you''re doing in my manor?" Jason frowned when he sighted Katherine using the wall as her walking support.


    "Shhhhhhhhh!" She placed her index finger on her lips and frowned at him. "Not so loud, please my head is about to explode." She said.


    Jason gave her a pointed look and asked again, this time raising his voice.


    "Hey! Why are you so heartless? Can''t you just sympathise with me? I''m in so much pain right now, both physically and emotionally shouldn''t you understand?" She yelled at him.


    Jason brow rose in question and features softened a little. "What happened yesterday? Wasn''t it a good birthday?" He asked.


    "Birthday? Ahh yesterday was my birthday, some birthday." She said mumbling the last part.


    "You look like crap, you should eat something first though, before washing up." He said as he noticed she was barefeet still in her last nights gown. If he didn''t know more it would look like she was walking the walk of shame.


    "Right." She agreed, "Jessie said she was going to get me food but she didn''t. Let''s go."


    As they exited the elevator Jason sighed, another unwanted guest?


    "I don''t understand when my manor became a cheap hotel,what are you doing here?" Jason asked the dishealved man groaning on his dinning table.


    "How is this manor so exquisite but the furniture so uncomfortable and hard?" Paul asked and he rubbed the back of his neck and shot a accusing glare at Jason.


    "I don''t know maybe because you''re not welcome." Jason spat back.


    "Haha, like I willingly stayed over. I can barely remember what happened after you ran away." He said looking at Katherine who was effectively hiding behind Jason.


    Jason turned and looked at her. "Did you guys fight again?" He asked.


    "No. We just civily ended our relationship." She sneered folding her arms across her chest as she sent Paul a glare.


    "You have to be Kidding, are you still drunk?" Paul asked.


    "On the contrary, I''m all sobered up and I am not regretful of any decision I made yesterday." She huffed.


    "So you''re really going to quit your job? After everything you''ve done to get to where you are right now." He asked.


    "What does it concern you? Isn''t it my hardwork?" She asked him.


    "Fine, quit I''m not going to stop you." He huffed.


    "You couldn''t even if you tried." She huffed as well.


    Jason looked between the two people, what the hell happened last night? Ugh... it seemed that useless ball did a lot more harm than good.


    The staff entered with the food and arranged it delicately since they were serving under the watchful eye of their boss.


    Jason walked to the table and took his seat, with Katherine following behind.


    "What about Jessie?" Paul asked and Jason sent him a glare which he gladly ignored.


    "Right here." She said as she walked into the dinning room. There were many other empty seats but the only one with a plate setting was right beside Jason. She didn''t want to seat beside him but she would be mature about it.


    The maid pulled the chair out and she sat down. She could feel Jason''s eyes on her but she refused to look at him.


    "How is your hangover?" She asked Katherine.


    Katherine was glaring at Paul as she answered. "How can I think about a mere headache right now? I am currently being reminded of a bigger discomfort and pain." She said curtly, her eyes still on Paul.


    Paul looked up at her and shook his head. "Are you talking about me?" He asked with a scoff.


    "Same here" Jason said.


    Jessie looked at him and sighed. "How childish."


    "Childish? Childish is dismissing someone feelings as if they don''t have the right to feel them." Katherine answered her, her eyes still on Paul.


    "Who is stopping form feeling your feelings?" Paul retorted.


    "Exactly, it''s not as if a person can control emotions." Jessie said.


    "Really are you sure? You seem to possess a hell of a talent then." Jason huffed.


    Jessie scoffed.


    "Talent? What Nonsense are you spouting this early morning!" She asked.


    "I know right?" Paul agreed. "All I want is a peaceful meal can''t I even have that? Did I stop you from feeling?"


    "So no one else can express themself?" Jason asked.


    "Of course not, it''s suddenly nonsense." Katherine added.


    "Well it is when you''re blowing up a simple case out if proportion." Jessie said.


    "Tell me about it." Paul agreed.


    "Out of proportion!" Jason and Katherine exclaimed at the same time.


    "Katherine I don''t think I can eat with such heartless and unfeeling people. Do you want to go and at least look at the scenery? It might just be trees but I''m sure they''ll offer more comfort than this statues." Jason said.


    "With pleasure, please lead the way!" Katherine said, as the both grabbed their plates dismissing the maids that reached out to help them.


    "I''ll take this. You don''t deserve any juice." Jason huffed and grabbed the large jug of orange juice and walked away with it.


    Jessie and Paul stared at the two of them with disbelief.


    "Yet you say you''re not being childish!" Jessie yelled at them.


    "I know right?" Paul agreed, loudly as well.


    "I can''t believe this." They said simultaneously.


    Preview 157: I love him.


    "Don''t change the subject this is about you constantly hurting the man that has only opened up his heart to one person all his life. I get that your life is pretty messed up right now but that gives you no justification to hurt someone like that."

 Chapter 157 - 157. I Love Him.

    Paul looked at Jessie with slight confusion as he bit into his eclairs. "You and Jason fought?" He asked.


    She looked at him and sighed, running her hands to through her hair. "I don''t understand all of sudden his change in attitude. I think he overheard me talking with Patricia last night." She said sadly.


    "Patricia saw you? Well that can''t be good, considering how he''s been acting of late it plausible he would be angry." Paul surmised.


    She shook her head. "It''s not because I met with Patricia, he said something yesterday. ''I won''t bother you with my feelings so you wouldn''t feel burdened about what to do with them.'' That''s what he said." She replied.


    Paul brows rose "and that makes sense?"


    "I said something similar to Patricia, that what makes me believe he overheard us. I told her Jason loves me so much I don''t even know what to do with his feelings."


    Paul''s eyes widened. "Is that true? Do you not like Jason like at all?" Paul asked.


    Jessie sighed and looked at him "what do you think?"


    "I don''t know what to think Jessie, I can''t exactly trust you. If anyone would know how to lie so well anyone would believe it''s true, it would be you." Paul replied.


    She let out a bitter laugh. "Do you really think I''m that much of a wicked person? I mean, why would I use someone''s emotions like that?"


    "It''s not the first time you''re lying so easily, remember when you promised Jason you wouldn''t go after Patricia anymore and yet you dragged Katherine into your schemes at the hospital!" He frowned at her.


    Jessie scoffed. "Wow... you really think Katherine is such an angel do you?"


    "She is an angel!"


    "This is exactly why she quit, you refuse to change your mindset towards her. You still her see her as the young, sweet and delicate little girl you first met. But she is a grown woman Paul, she is a strong, independent and confident doctor." Jessie said sternly.


    "Hey" he tapped his fingers on the table. "Don''t change the subject this is about you constantly hurting the man that has only opened up his heart to one person all his life. I get that your life is pretty messed up right now but that gives you no justification to hurt someone like that." He reprimanded her.


    "I told you it''s not like that!"


    "How is it then? If you don''t like him why don''t you just tell him straight? Why act vague? Do you perhaps think he would kick you out the moment you do." Paul asked.


    Jessie laughed, "hey! Why do you hate me so much? I don''t get it." She asked.


    "I don''t hate you, I just don''t trust you." He replied.


    Jessie''s eyes widened and she shook her head at him, imploring him to explain further.


    "The first time Jason bought you why didn''t you tell him who you were? He''s usually so careful and meticulous about everything but when it comes to you it seems he loses himself. He let you go with no conditions or care to weather not you would implicate him in your story, and I''m sure you were. He gets so angry and emotional about every single thing that concerns you and you? Regardless of whatever he does you never seem to appreciate, on the contrary you only ever yell at him and criticize his efforts." He explained.


    Jessie tried to speak but he wouldn''t let her, it appeared he was pouring out his frustrations on her. And it was really getting to the already guilty Jessie.


    "Not only that, even Katherine started changing when you entered our lives. No matter what she never ever spoke back to my mother, and now? She''s even insulting her and attacking patients!"


    "Yet you''re the only person that remains the same!" She yelled.


    "What?"


    "What the hell do you even know? What do any of you even know?!" She screamed angrily wiping away the tears that spilled down her cheek.


    "Wait, you''re crying? Is this for real or are you acting again?" He asked cautiously leaning backwards.


    "Wow!" She stood up abruptly, her chair roughly falling backwards. "You really are such a jerk! I''m over reacting? I''m acting? Are you so dense you can''t tell what''s real from what is fake? Here I am in such a dilemma, I''m so scared and terrified and yet you''re accusing me of such terrible things!" She cried.


    "What are you terrified off?" Paul asked.


    "I''m scared because I love Jason but I don''t know what to do with my feelings!" She yelled before she could stop herself.


    When her statement settled for both of them, Paul''s eyes widened and Jessie covered her mouth and cursed herself internally.


    "Your what? What did you just say Jessie?"


    "It''s nothing forget it." She said wiping her eyes, but Paul knew she would try to run away so before she made any real progress he grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him.


    "What the hell did you just say Jessie?" He asked.


    She sighed since she couldn''t escape she looked him in the eye and said it again. "Fine I love Jason, I''m in love with him. Happy?"


    "Are... are you being sincere? You''re not lying right?" He asked.


    "Hey! Why do you always think I''m lying?" She spat.


    "Don''t blame me you''re a very good actress, how do you I know your being sincere?" Paul asked. "I''m sure you''ve said this line countless times to countless men, what makes this different. If you really are why haven''t you told him? Why are you making him suffer like this?"


    "...."


    "Aren''t you going to answer? You know what I''ll just go tell him. It would be better if you speak to him directly. Jason!"


    "Shhhhh!" Jessie exclaimed as she covered his mouth with her palm. "Fine, fine I''ll tell you." He looked at her suspiciously.


    "But you have to promise not to tell anyone, especially not Jason." She pleaded.


    "Let me hear the reason first." He said stucking his nose in the air.


    "You should come seat hmm?" She smiled.


    He walked past her and sat down, crossing his legs he gestured for her to join him. Slowly and cautiously she walked to him and sat down.


    "Look I can''t tell Jason I love him because I''m scared. I loved him for quite a long time but I didn''t what to accept that I did. It terrifies me that I might actually want to stay here, or wherever as far as he''s there, with him. That I might actually want to be happy." She said slowly.


    "... I''m not sure I understand. Why wouldn''t you want to be hap- wait you''re scared if you become happy with Jason you wouldn''t want to go back, back to your old life?" Paul said as his expression softened.


    Jessie eyes widened in surprise, "I did not expect you to be so spot on."


    He shrugged "is it really worth it? I mean I know that life isn''t what it looks like from the glamorous exterior. Surely it must be close to hell."


    "But I chose that hell, and believe or not I worked my ass off to get to where I am. I mean I''m still only in my twenties, I wasn''t a child actor and I''m already part of the top ten highest paid actors." She explained. "I know the effort that went into my career, plus it''s the only thing I''m good at. I''m a 21st century woman, how I''m I supposed to preach gender equality when I''m leeching off a guy. Besides Jason doesn''t deserve a failed actress." She said looking down at her hands.


    "He never expected anything, all he wants is you Jessie. Fact remains Jason doesn''t love an actress, he loves Jessie Marin." Paul replied trying to convince her.


    She laughed lightly, "but Jessie Marin is an actress. Although he is the only one that knows my real name."


    "Jessie Marin isn''t your real name?"


    "That isn''t important, fact remains. I can''t give up acting not yet. I''m far too young to retire, and I don''t know what to do because I really want to be with Jason as well. But he doesn''t want me to get into any slightly dangerous." Jessie runned the back of her neck in frustration. "How I''m I going to fight the Lee''s if I don''t get into trouble here and there?"


    Paul opened his mouth to speak but she stopped him. "Look I don''t want anything to influence me at this point. This is a decision I''ll have to make on my own, if Jason knows I love him then he''ll do everything he can to make me happy, but I need to make this decision on my own if I''m going to avoid regret or blaming someone else in the future. So please, please promise you won''t tell him anything." Jessie pleaded.


    Preview 158: Spur of the moment.


    "Wait! Please don''t leave." She pleaded.


    Katherine glanced at Paul and got up as well. Standing besides Jason the two of them sent unfriendly glares at the other couple before them.


    "Do you not get that we wanted to eat in peace, was leaving the dinning table too subtle?" Jasom spat.


    Paul peeked over Jessie head at their empty dishes. "Seems like you''re done to me." He said.


    "Well I have nothing to say to you, nor I''m I interested in anything you have to say." Katherine frowned.


    "Same here." Jason agreed.

 Chapter 158 - 158. Spur Of The Moment.

    "Why did you quit as well?" Jason asked incredulously as he stuffed a cherry into his mouth.


    "Spur of the moment? I don''t know" she groaned. "I think I regret it? But then again I''m not so sure."


    "Well I''m sorry you had such a hard time yesterday" he apologised.


    "The only thing I sorry for is the amount of alcohol I consumed Ugh my head!" She groaned but wait...


    Katherine smiled as she looked at the man sitting beside her, Jessie really changed him. He actually apologized to her. "Did the great and mighty Jason Kang just apologise to me?" She teased.


    "Did I?" He asked.


    "Wow, Jessie is a miracle worker, didn''t think you even had that would in your vocabulary, worse your apologising when you didn''t do anything."


    "Tch."


    "Wait speaking of Jessie, why are you so mad at her?" Katherine asked.


    "She lied to me, come to think of it she lied to you too." He said matter of factly.


    Katherine brow rose in question. "Really? No way," she shook her head.


    "That was a lie?!" Katherine exclaimed after Jason explained to her.


    "But she was so emotional, and no way! I can''t believe that, wow she''s such a good liar!" Katherine huffed.


    "It''s called good acting, I''m a very good actress. And I had a good reason." Jessie said from behind them.


    Jason sent a glare and stood up to walk away.


    "Wait! Please don''t leave." She pleaded.


    Katherine glanced at Paul and got up as well. Standing besides Jason the two of them sent unfriendly glares at the other couple before them.


    "Do you not get that we wanted to eat in peace, was leaving the dinning table too subtle?" Jason spat.


    Paul peeked over Jessie head at their empty dishes. "Seems like you''re done to me." He said.


    "Well I have nothing to say to you, nor I''m I interested in anything you have to say." Katherine frowned.


    "Same here." Jason agreed.


    "But you" she pointed at Jessie, "you have a lot of explaining to do miss Marin."


    "Look why don''t we all calm down and just talk things out, please. The weather is nice and look at the beautiful scenery, the pool, the tress um?" Jessie asked with pleading eyes.


    Jason and Katherine looked at each other then at Paul and Jessie, then the walked back to the small table they were sitting on. Seating besides each other Jessie took the seat besides Katherine and Paul the one besides Jason.


    "I can''t believe you lied to me." Katherine said almost as soon as they sat.


    "I''m so sorry, I had too. I needed to find that detective." Jessie said with so much guilt.


    "And yet you couldn''t just ask me" Jason blurted. "As if I wasn''t the one that told you about him in the first place." He muttered.


    Both ladies sent him glares and folded his arms and looked away. "Even though, I wouldn''t have said anything to him." Katherine pouted.


    "What?" Jason huffed.


    "I know, I know but I couldn''t be too careful." Jessie replied.


    "But my goodness you were so convincing, I just can-" she shook her head.


    "Not all of it was a lie, I just put the emotions I felt with the wrong words, but not everything was a lie." She bent her head.


    "It''s scary right? How easy it is for her to play with people''s emotions. " Jason said, silent anger in his tone.


    "I told you last night I did not play with your emotions, why do you think I did that?" Jessie''s asked.


    "Why shouldn''t I? When you''re always so distant but not so much, you tell me not say I love you but don''t actually reject me. That sounds like keeping me on a leash isn''t it? Here I was naively thinking you were still figuring out your feelings for me when you had none" he huffed.


    "Wait you don''t like Jason? But you sa-"


    "Don''t you think you guys are being too unfair to Jessie? You can force someone to confess. Besides she didn''t force you to love her either." Paul said quickly. Noticing Jessie whitening face.


    "Ofcourse you would say that!" Katherine spat bitterly.


    "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" He retorted.


    "It means you would never understand, since you''re incapable of falling in love." Jason answered, looking nonchalantly at his nails.


    "Yeah like that worked out swell for you." Paul spat back.


    Jason scoffed and shook his head at his friend.


    "There''s no need to say anything Jason." Katherine stopped him. "People like him could never understand the pain of an unrequited love."


    Paul harrumphed. "And you do? What the hell have you been up to lately? You''re acting like a stranger."


    "Well maybe I am a stranger!" She yelled.


    "See! How aggressive I mean how could you hit Choi Yuri like that yesterday, you are better than that."


    "Oh so she''s just meant to stand there like a statue when she''s insulted?" Jessie asked in annoyance.


    "I know right? All of a sudden I''m mother Theresa. It''s my fault I''ve been quiet for so long, they think it''s okay to spout rubbish and hit me like I''m not also a human being!" Katherine said.


    "You did the right thing" Jessie rubbed her shoulders and Katherine nodded.


    "How can you call that the right thing?"


    "Choi Yuri and her mother are both bitches. And no offense Paul but your mom ain''t no saint either" Jessie informed him. "Besides this beef with your fiancee mother was even all your fault."


    "His fault? He was protecting her!" Jason said.


    "Protecting me? How is that protection? I got slapped yesterday because of his stupid protection!" Katherine spat.


    "Of course you would think so, do you guys not even know what protection is?" Jessie frowned at both of them.


    "Yeah, butting in when it''s not needed." Katherine glanced at Paul. "And trying to control someone else''s life is not protection!" Jessie said again looking at Jason this time.


    Jason and Paul looked at each other with expressions of shock. "You two are just very ungrateful." Paul huffed.


    "And you two are just very obnoxious and full of yourselves." Jessie replied. "Did we ask for your protection?"


    "Then stop getting in trouble? What did you expect Paul do to when he saw someone grabbing your hair?" Jason asked.


    "And after saving her she began to yell at me, I mean what did I do? Was I the one grabbing your hair?!" Paul asked.


    Before long they all began to argue and so very loudly. Until Jessie slammed her hands on the table. "That''s enough! It appears we''ve gone round and nobody is innocent." She said looking at everyone of them.


    "You more so." Jason muttered but it was still audible.


    "Enough already. Look I didn''t ask to talk for this. I really sincerely wanted to apologise to both of you. Especially you." She said looking at Jason. "I never played with your emotions and I''m sorry for hurting you like that, it was never my intention." She said.


    "So what now?" Jason asked.


    "I''m going to look for the detective in the city, you said I could and you would give me a car. I''m asking for your help." She said slowly looking down.


    "My fami- no... the place in grew up is also in that city, I was hoping to talk to my... well father I guess. Wanna go together?" Katherine asked Jessie.


    "You two should go together." Paul surmised.


    "Paul is right, since you hate our protection so much, it would at least comfort us knowing you have each other. Regardless we still care about your safety." Jason said staring at Jessie.


    "Thank you." Jessie said, his gaze softened, he hadn''t completely forgiven her but she was comforted but by his warm gaze. At the very least even though she knew, it was still very encouraging to see the love in his eyes.


    "Well I guess we are going on a trip then." Katherine sighed.


    "Hey, are you really quitting?" Paul asked.


    "Did I stutter last night? I''m dead serious." She frowned at him.


    "Katherine!" Paul exclaimed. "Please."


    "Paul I-"


    "Just take some time off, as long as you want. Think about it first, please. For your sake don''t leave everything you worked so hard to achieve just because me. Plus aren''t you under moral obligation not to leave the hospital in the hands of doctors like DR. Han." He said preying on her conscience.


    "Fine, I''ll think about it." Katherine agreed.


    "Let''s go, we need to freshen up." Jessie said to Katherine and they both got up and walked into the manor.


    Paul looked at Jason and asked, "are you really going to let her go without any guards?"


    Jason gave him a pointed look. "Of course not."


    Preview 159: Compromised.


    As she turned around to pull the door open he grabbed her arm and spun her around. Pushing her aganist the car, he leaned placed a soft kiss on her lips. After the initial shock past, her eyes fluttered shut and she ran her fingers through his hair, grabbing his upper arm with the other. The kiss was deep but it wasn''t intense. Just enough to convince her regardless he would always love her, enough to convince her to come back, safe.


    Jason pulled away, scared he wouldn''t be able to let her go if he didn''t. Without a word he turned around and walked away, leaving her in the garage.

 Chapter 159 - 159. Compromised.

    "Do you have everything?" Jason asked Jessie breaking the silence as they stood amongst his numerous cars in the garage.


    She nodded. "Good."


    "I know it''s hard for you to send me away without any bodyguards, with my own car. Thank you, you''ve already done more than enough, with fake ID and driver''s license, I''m not even sure I want to know how. I promise to be safe." She said.


    He nodded.


    She bit her lip as she saw the grim look on his face, dressed in a plaid grey suit two days after his ball he was going back to work. And she was going in search of the runaway detective.


    "Can I hug you?" She asked softly.


    "You don''t have to ask me that."


    "I don''t want it to seem like I''m playing with your emotions or anything." She said with a small smile and he narrowed his eyes at her and shook his head.


    She moved forward and snaked her arms round his torso, pushing them in between his pocketed hands as she placed her head on his chest. She wanted to remain there forever but he didn''t wrap his arms around her, so she pulled away.


    Tucking her hair behind her ear she bid him farewell. As she turned around to pull the door open he grabbed her arm and spun her around. Pushing her aganist the car, he leaned placed a soft kiss on her lips. After the initial shock past, her eyes fluttered shut and she ran her fingers through his hair, grabbing his upper arm with the other. The kiss was deep but it wasn''t intense. Just enough to convince her regardless he would always love her, enough to convince her to come back, safe.


    Jason pulled away, scared he wouldn''t be able to let her go if he didn''t. Without a word he turned around and walked away, leaving her in the garage.


    Jessie sighed and got into the car, she started it and drove out. She had to go into the city to pick Katherine up first, the gps guided her as she left the manor. Without looking back she drove out, she didn''t have to look back she was going to return. Or was she?


    Jason picked up his phone immediately he saw her car drive out. "Make sure nothing happens to either of them, and you must not be seen okay?"


    **************************************************


    "Go home, I''m not giving you any of my clothes." Jason informed Paul as he shoved him out of his room.


    "Really? I will walk around naked then!" Paul huffed.


    "Why are you such a pest!" Jason groaned. "Butler Choi, get him some clothes to wear, I''m sure you can figure something out."


    "Of course sir." The butler bowed and left them.


    Paul pulled his bath robe closer around him and sat down on the chair, making sure not to loosen the towel he wrapped on top his head.


    Jason shook his head at his friend and started to walk out of the room when Paul stopped him. "What now?!"


    "Hey, don''t yell at me. You''re all over the news and social media." Paul said, turning his phone around to show Jason the news.


    "What? This isn''t possible how does the media have these pictures?" Paul didn''t answer as he assumed the question was rhetorical.


    "Tch... I should have known Patricia wouldn''t yield her reporter but how did the person pass security with a camera?" He thought aloud.


    "If that''s possible it''s safe to say someone else if not more than one came in here with their phones, or some other device." He stated.


    "So your location is compromised?" Paul asked.


    "It is possible." He sighed in frustration, running his hands through his hair. "The pain I went through because of that wicked woman." His voice full of ire as he spoke.


    "Cut her some slack she didn''t tell you to throw the party here." Paul said.


    "She did. And since when are you defending Jessie?" His eyes full of suspicions assessed Paul.


    "I''m just saying, you could be overreacting."


    Jason features became dead serious. "Do you really believe that?"


    "No." Paul agreed. "You''re definitely compromised and there could be multiple culprits. It''s also safe to say Jessie has also been compromised." He stated firmly.


    Jason squinted his eyes and pursed his lips, Paul noticing his reaction realised why. "That didn''t sound right." They both said.


    "Either it''s theoretically true. If they know the location of my manor then Jessie isn''t entirely safe either." Jason agreed.


    "What now? Are you going to stop them from going on the trip?" With hope filled eyes he asked Jason.


    "Look at how your looking at me" he huffed. "I''m just as powerless as you, I can''t stop them but I am going to increase the number of bodyguards. Maybe add one helicopter, what do you think?" He asked.


    "A chopper will attract too much attention, how about the gps!" Paul asked as a light bulb lit in his head.


    "It''s gone, she found out about it and had it removed." Jason frowned.


    "Then we plant another on the car they use." He suggested.


    "Already did, I tagged all the cars so regardless of the one she chooses."


    Paul nodded, "ugh I just wish they wouldn''t go. Nothing good is going to come out of Katherine going there."


    "What if she actually finds her father?"


    "Does it matter? Fact remains he abandoned her for 27 years now. It''s just going to be a painful journey whatever the outcome." He sighed, dejected.


    "Either way, this is something she needs to do."


    ***************************************************


    "She just left, she should be picking Katherine up in about an hour." Jason informed Paul over the phone.


    "And how many guards are following her?"


    "Seven. All in different and random cars, are you satisfied?" He asked.


    "I''ll only be satisfied when they are back safe." Paul replied.


    "Same here."


    Preview 160: Dead too long.


    "Hmm... a pest has refused to die and it has become so confident. So before I exterminate it, I want to humble it some." Patricia mused, pushing her wet hair away from her shoulder.


    "And this pest is?"


    "Jessie Marin."


    "Jessie Marin? I don''t understand you found her?"


    "Yeah... in the most unexpected of places" She said through clenched teeth and a fisted fist. Shrugging it off, now was not the time to be emotional. She walked over to Mary and sat beside her.


    "What do you want to do?"

 Chapter 160 - 160. Dead Too Long.

    "Hey you." Jessie greeted Katherine as she parked beside her apartment.


    "Oooh look at you, on your own with a car." Katherine said.


    "I know right, I can''t really remember the last time I drove myself. This feels great! I never thought I''d miss driving so much." She sighed, getting out if the car to help Katherine with our luggage. "I would say I was independent again but that''s all a ruse Jason''s still paying for everything."


    "That is true." Katherine nodded "but I refuse to feel indebted I mean he does have all that money." She said.


    "Yeah, sure." Jessie replied.


    As they got into the car Katherine sighed. "This would be a fun road trip if not the seriousness of our visit."


    "Hey we can have fun till we reach, we''re not going to be there till evening." Jessie replied.


    "So whose place are we going to first? Or should we just split up?"


    "Oh no I don''t think I have it in me to face my... Mr. Park and Carol alone. But I''m not eager to get this over with at all, so how about we see the detective first?" She suggested.


    Jessie nodded, "just remember Katherine you can do this I believe in you." Katherine gave her a small smile and Jessie made a metal note to make this trip memorable.


    **************************************************


    Mary drove into the Lee mansion, it was an overly dramatic mansion. It seemed beautiful at first then it just becomes too much. Why Patricia came back to this house she didn''t quite understand.


    She got out of her car and gave the key to the valet outside, allowing the maid lead her to Patricia.


    "You''re here." Patricia said as she stepped out of the pool, doing her own personal shoot as she shook water out of her hair and wrapped a towel around her waist. Ofcourse as usual she looked gorgeous in her red bathing suit but she was wearing a one piece today, that was new.


    "Well you did say it was urgent." She pulled up the sleeves of her blazer even higher and sat down. "What''s up?"


    "Hmm... a pest has refused to die and it has become so confident. So before I exterminate it, I want to humble it some." Patricia mused, pushing her wet hair away from her shoulder.


    "And this pest is?"


    "Jessie Marin."


    "Jessie Marin? I don''t understand you found her?"


    "Yeah... in the most unexpected of places" She said through clenched teeth and a fisted fist. Shrugging it off, now was not the time to be emotional. She walked over to Mary and sat beside her.


    "What do you want to do?"


    "Don''t you think she has been dead too long?" A wicked look flashed through her eyes.


    Mary moved away slightly "what are you planning Patricia?"


    **************************************************


    Jamie sighed for the God knows how many times, he had been thinking and pondering for a while. First when he came here he was resentful and angry, then he was embarrassed and disappointed to be part of such corruption. If the police was corrupt it made him wonder just how many cases had been covered up. A person was dead, should Steve not get justice? Why did he feel this was somehow connected to the Jessie Marin case that was stolen from right under him and closed so abruptly. So he decided to investigate, he couldn''t do anything about the murder weapon and Jessie prints and the van was scrapped so no black box image there.


    All he had at the moment was the voice message Patricia submitted and it was a farce. He ran the it through the recognition system and it wasn''t Jessie Marin, made sense as she was still alive. Both voices belonged to Patricia, no surprise there.


    In the middle of his internal debate the doorbell rang. Interrupting his thoughts, he was the only one mom, seeing as both his brother and mother went to the hospital.


    He went straight to door without checking and pulled it open. Two women stood before him.


    "Can I help you?" He asked.


    "Are you Jamie Anderson?" The lady in a mask asked.


    "Yes that''s me, how can I help you?" He asked again.


    The woman pulled down her mask and removed her glasses. "I assume you already know who I am? Either way, I''ll introduce myself. This is Katherine Park and I''m Jessie Marin, can we come in?"


    Jamie eyes widened and his face was etched in an expression of utter shock. He stepped back slowly, giving way for the two women to in.


    "Why are you here?" He asked finally after regaining himself.


    "Do you really not know that? Fine, I''m here because you investigation was absolutely trash. And I need to know how much Patricia paid you to close my case like that, labelling me a dead murderer." She spat.


    Jamie frowned and nodded. "Please have a seat I''ll answer all your questions." He said, walking out of the room he came back with two cups of tea and placed it before the women before taking his seat as well.


    "First of I just want to say I''m sorry, I really am. On behalf of the entire police department-" Jessie scoffed but let him continue. "The investigation was carried out under intense pressure from the media and press, so it was bound to have some mistakes an-"


    She couldn''t take it anymore. "Really? Ruining someone lives is excused for the police as mistakes?"


    "That was not ou- my intention. I''m not going to try to justify my actions-"


    "You shouldn''t dare" Katherine huffed. "I can''t believe how easy it is to spread a lie so big. I get that money makes the world go round but were you really that desperate?"


    "I did not collect a bribe!" He stated firmly, controlling his emotions. "I can understand your anger and resentment, trust me I really can. But I was not aware of anything at the time, I was coerced by my superiors to shut the case down with that conclusion. And I only recently found out how biased the police are towards the one percent especially the Lee family. When I was investigating a case about a dead computer scientist, Steven Choi."


    "Is that the-?" Jessie asked Katherine and she nodded slightly.


    "When I insisted that Patricia Lee was involved in the case, I was suspended. It was only a speculation that I insisted upon but yet I was banished. I began to realise the police might not be as clean as I thought and your case might''ve been a set up." He said slowly.


    "Might''ve been?" Katherine asked with a sneer. "It was a setup."


    Preview 161: Pure, unadulterated and cultivated hatred.


    The whole world knows Patricia and I aren''t friends. Rivals was what our fans called us, they even normally fought online." She informed him with an assuring nod.


    "So it''s safe to say she saw you as a threat."


    "Threat? Bitch please, maybe a few years back I could be considered a threat, but Patricia and I weren''t even on the same level as actresses.

 Chapter 161 - 161. Pure, Unadulterated And Cultivated Hatred.

    "I can''t be sure about that, there''s no definite prove as to wea-"


    "No definite prove to weather I''m dead a not?" Jessie asked with a scoff, interrupting him yet again. Jamie sighed inwardly and reminded himself he was at fault here, it would be better not to lose his temper. Besides he had faced more provocation than this, he wasn''t a very emotional man.


    "Definite prove to weather or not you murdered your driver, your finger prints are on the murder weapon." He said.


    She laughed. "I didn''t kill him, he was already dead by the time I left my van." She said.


    "Tell me everything that happened that night." He said curtly.


    Katherine and Jessie shared a glance and she sighed.


    "You do remember it right?" He asked again when he noticed her hesitation.


    "I can never forget, it''s recently begun to hunt my dreams." She shuddered.


    "Even the smallest details, down to your outfits." He said and she nodded.


    Shutting her eyes she went back to the worst night of her life.


    "I was in an electric blue strapped dress, my hair was still platinum blonde. We had an-"


    "Who is we?"


    "Patricia and I, we had an interview that day for our sitcom, ''Trained together'' but I was coming from another shoot. During the interview Patricia announced that she was getting engaged and we had a little squabble when we were about to leave the studio. Come to think of it even before we went on set." She said.


    "What did you guys argue about?" Jamie asked.


    "I''m not entirely sure, but it wasn''t anything new. We always fight like that."


    "So people witness you two fighting like that?"


    "The whole world knows Patricia and I aren''t friends. Rivals was what our fans called us, they even normally fought online." She informed him with an assuring nod.


    "So it''s safe to say she saw you as a threat."


    "Threat? Bitch please, maybe a few years back I could be considered a threat, but Patricia and I weren''t even on the same level as actresses. I was walking on almost six projects at the time and she was walking on only one, our sitcom." She scoffed.


    "So she framed you out of jealousy?"


    "I don''t believe was mere jealousy, more like pure unadulterated and cultivated hatred. We already had bad blood. And I admit, I always went out of my way to provoke her, well isn''t that what you do with your enemy?"


    "Enemy? What made you guys so vicious towards one another?" Jamie asked.


    "I have been wondering the same thing." Katherine could not help but add.


    "Hmmm.. at first it was a little misunderstanding but we never cleared it up, I don''t think either of us were even interested in doing that. After that it just grew in years of negative emotions, plus my career advanced so much and hers didn''t. I just did not expect her to hate me so much she''d actually prefer that I suffer rather than die." She said with a rueful smile.


    "Can you explain?"


    "You see, after I left the interview. I got into my van, I was the only one apart from the driver in the van. My manager Tony couldn''t come along because it was late and he had to go home to his daughters. I was tired, ofcourse I had a tiring day. I feel asleep and I woke up suddenly when the van hit a tree. As I tried to call for the driver he wasn''t in the van, I got out since his door was open to look for him and and I saw him... dead." She breathed out. She began to sweat, and the hair on her body stood straight in slight fear, but her reactions weren''t noticeable to either Jamie and Katherine.


    "Please explain the scene." Jamie said.


    "Well... h-he was leaning aganist another tree, not quite far from the one our van crashed into, and..." she gagged.


    "Jessie, are you okay?" Katherine rubbed her back.


    "There was blood trickling down his face and a bullet hole in his head." She blurted out, panting.


    "If you can''t con-"


    "I can! I have to, I..." she shook her head and took deep breaths and opened her eyes as she had shut them all this time. "I saw three men in ski masks all holding guns, before I had the chance to run back in my van they blocked me. I took off running, but before I knew it I was on the ground with this heavy weight pressing me down. A cloth pressed aganist my nose was the last thing I remembered when I woke up in the auction house." She sighed.


    "Auction house?" Jamie interest peaked.


    "Yeah, the Lee''s they run an underground auction house. When I woke up in this dreary room, with other women, terrified women and some girls. About everything ten or so minutes some woman would come take three of four at a time. Eventually it was my turn, we were just three left. I tried to resist but he knocked me out and when I woke up I was blind folded and in a car."


    "Where did you end up?" He asked curiously and both women looked at each other.


    "In a penthouse in the city."


    "With whom?"


    "Jason Kang."


    "Jason Kang? Jason Kang of KE holdings? He was the one that bought you? Hmm.. it seems there are a lot of wealthy families involved in this illegal business." He muttered.


    "Wait Jason isn''t a part of this." She said firmly.


    Jamie frowned. "Didn''t you say he bought you?"


    "No... I said I ended up with him, somehow."


    "So he didn''t hold- let me rephrase that. He never held you aganist your will and violated any human rights?"


    Immediately Jessie mind brought up harsh memories of her earlier days with Jason. Oowshhh! He was not a nice person, how many rights did he violate? Freedom of movement, freedom of speech, freedom of expression. He even violated her right to basic necessities, food, clothes at least there was shelter.


    Yet her answer remained. "Not in the slightest."


    "Really? You just miraculously happened to be with him."


    "Yes detective, miraculously."


    "And you never cared to ask? You seem like the curious type to me, just moments ago you were drilling me so conscientiously."


    "Well, I''m not. Even if he bought me I believe it''s because he recognized me and wanted to save me." She spat.


    "Oh? And he didn''t report the entire organisation instead? Surely you weren''t the only woman sold that night, you said yourself they were other women. Did he buy all of them?" Jamie drilled her.


    "How could he? Even if he wanted to report it, this things are never held in the same location solely to avoid the police. Besides he is engaged to the daughter of the Lee family, one man starting a war of the most powerful Lees isn''t that being too ambitious?" She answered back.


    "So he decided to remain passive until he saw you." Jamie asked in and incredibly annoying tone.


    "Enough!" Katherine yelled, starling the two of them. "Don''t you dare try to raise a finger at Jason, he is not that kind of person. All he has done is help Jessie since he met her. Protecting her from all the people out to get her, including the police. So why don''t you ask obvious questions like who owns the auction house and how you can save the unfortunate women suffering needlessly!" She yelled.


    Jessie brow rose at the sudden outburst, wow.


    "Sure, sure. I have one question." Jamie said with an amused grin. "You said Jason and Patricia are engaged, what makes you so confident he isn''t in on all this?"


    Both women looked at each other, yet again. Then at him. What made them so confident?


    Preview 162: Righteous detective.


    "Keep your friends close and enemies closer." Jessie said. "Just as Patricia is my enemy same way the Lee''s are Jason enemy. You must know off the bad blood between the two families and companies. I don''t know the specifics but that is exactly the same thing he said to me when I asked."

 Chapter 162 - 162. Righteous Detective.

    Both women knew that Jason was not working with Patricia or anything of the sort. Rather it was the opposite, besides what form of enmity would he harbour aganist Jessie? They met for the first time when he bought her. Although it did seem very plausible that others might think if it that way, which made Jessie very scared.


    If she managed to make a comeback, of course the entire story of her demise would be revealed, that meant she could potentially harm Jason. Wait a minute, he let her go before did he not care for his reputation? The last time when she was attacked by her fans, if that didn''t happen she would have told everything, did he have a backup plan?


    "Is the question too difficult?" Jamie asked again as he noticed both women had transferred focus to their brains.


    "Jason isn''t working for Patricia, quite the contrary actually. He hates her." Katherine said with conviction.


    "Then why is he engaged to Patricia? I mean, he isn''t the chairman of KE holdings right now. He has the power to refuse the engagement so if he hates her why is she still his Fiancee?"


    Both women frowned at him. "Look here mister detective, if you are so smart why couldn''t you be this way when you were handling my case?" Jessie scowled.


    Jamie eyes narrowed at her, "I believe I''ve informed you about my helpless circumstances." He said through clenched teeth.


    "Keep your friends close and enemies closer." Jessie said. "Just as Patricia is my enemy same way the Lee''s are Jason enemy. You must know off the bad blood between the two families and companies. I don''t know the specifics but that is exactly the same thing he said to me when I asked."


    "Alright, I''ll choose to accept your explanation. Doesn''t mean I believe it." Was his curt response.


    "I don''t care about your believe, just do your job." She smiled grimly.


    "Oh and Detective Anderson, you''ve questioned her ever so meticulously but you didn''t ask why Jessie is so certain Patricia is the culprit. We don''t have solid evidence, do you?" Katherine asked.


    "I want to show you something." He said, getting up he retrieved his phone. He played the recording Patricia have him.


    Jessie palms formed into fists by her sides as she listened to the recording. "That isn''t me!"


    "I know. It''s Patricia Lee, coincidentally I ran this through a voice recognition system not quite long ago. But voices belong to Patricia Lee." Jamie stated.


    "But she sounds just like Jessie." Katherine gasped.


    "She always had a talent like that." Jessie stated ruefully. "But I only thought she could imitate people''s singing voices, she does know how to sing. Apparently she is a talented con artist."


    "So what are you going to do with that? She will be able to get out of that, you need more concrete evidence." Katherine said.


    "You think I don''t know that?" He huffed. "Either way I''m glad you showed up."


    "I''m not show how much help I am" Jessie sighed. "Not once did I see Patricia during all the time I was kidnapped."


    "Still, you being alive means Patricia''s call is fake."


    "That means the woman who is dead..."


    "Is a fake." Jason finished.


    "That true, she told me that she had the woman do plastic surgery to look like me." Jessie informed both of them.


    "Then she must have already resembled you." Katherine surmised.


    "Then the next step would be to exsume the body to find out the woman''s real identity." Jamie said.


    "Then you agree to work with us?" Jessie asked.


    "No, I''m only looking for the truth. Remember you are still guilty for the driver''s murder." He said curtly.


    She pursed her lips. "I''m I not innocent till proven guilty?"


    "You have been proven guilty, it was decided by a court. You would be in jail now if we were aware you were still alive." He stated.


    Jessie jaw dropped "do you have to be so harsh? Either way, I didn''t kill him. I have no idea how my finger print got on that gun, but seeing as I was unconscious for most part of my kidnapping you would realise how easy it would be to frame me." She said.


    "Still I mu-"


    "Alright, alright I get it. Your a righteous detective, how wonderful. This is my number let''s keep in touch. Please inform me about any development concerning mine and Steven''s case." She placed a business card on the desk.


    "Susan Jung."


    "That''s my alias, got it just yesterday." She said with a smile.


    "This is illegal you know."


    "Oh would you just shut up already."


    "Can you please not?" Both ladies whined. And Jamie coughed and picked the card up.


    "What about you?" He asked Katherine.


    "Why should I give you my number?" She pouted. "I don''t want to." She refused.


    "Whatever. Katherine let''s go." Jessie stated. The all stood up and walked to the door as they ladies stepped outside the bowed and walked to their car. Unaware their pictures were being taken at the moment.


    "Are we going to your family house now? It''s only just past one. We can make it, and head home tomorrow. Somehow this town doesn''t just sit well with me." Jessie said.


    "I agree with you, this place brings me nothing but bad memories. But then again they weren''t all bad, I did grow up here." She sighed. "Can we go tomorrow? I''m still not quite ready, besides there is someone I want to see."


    "Who?" Jessie asked, but Katherine gave her a small smile and walked to the car.


    "Who?!" Jessie asked again but she got no response.


    "You''re not going to tell me?"


    Preview 163: Evil truth.


    The three Song brothers had the most complicated family relationship she had ever seen. They were both born from the same father and mother, showered with so much love but neither of the brothers ever treated themselves with love or affection. They saw each other as competition. Adonis, Jeoffrey and Paul. Paul was the most playful and easy to approach, in Katherine''s opinion the only person apart from Bishop Song that had any sense of humanity. Jeoffery was outrightly wicked and quite scary. He was heartless and ruthless. But she hated Adonis the most, he acted kind and cool but underneath that mask was the most conniving and the most ruthless Song she knew. At least the madam of the Song family was like her second son, she never hid her contempt.

 Chapter 163 - 163. Evil Truth.

    "This was the person you has to see?" Jessie asked with a scoff.


    "Hey, just because you had a bad first impression with Dr. Geum doesn''t mean he is a bad person." Katherine shrugged.


    "Humph... so this is the city he works in, this must be the biggest song hospital in the country."


    "Yeah it''s the first one, Paul''s eldest brother Adonis runs it." She nodded.


    "Let me guess you want to ask him out?" Jessie said bluntly causing Katherine to blush slightly.


    "I guessed right, do you like him? Or are you just acting out because of your fall out with Paul?"


    "Does it matter? Why are you mentioning Paul?" She asked her tone quite guarded.


    "Nothing, nothing. Forget I said anything." Jessie replied raising her hands in surrender. "I''ll wait here, do your thing."


    "I''ll be out soon." Katherine informed her and walked ahead leaving Jessie in the waiting room she ran quickly to catch up with Dr. Geum.


    Just as the elevator door was almost shut she thrust her arm in between in small space, so that it would open again. Meeting gazes with Devon she smiled.


    "Dr. Park?" Devon asked his face breaking into a wide grin.


    "Dr. Geum. I was in the neighborhood thought I''d stop by." She said.


    Devon looked around and realised they were delaying the other people in the elevator, he reached out and grabbed her arm pulling her into the elevator. Katherine was surprised by his action but she did not show it.


    Devon could not believe his eyes, she was actually here beside him. He couldn''t stop thinking about her the past few days, thinking of the excuse he would use to go see her in the capital.


    "I''m glad you decided to come see me, Dr. Park." He stated as they walked out of the elevator.


    "Please call me Katherine, do you have time for a cup of coffee?"


    "Is that Katherine Park? In my hospital, wow it''s as if I''m seeing a ghost!" A voice exclaimed from behind Devon. Katherine did not miss his eye roll or his quiet sigh. Did he not like Adonis?


    "Adonis Song, how long has it been?" She smiled as she walked to hug him.


    "Wow, so long that I still called you little kathy, can''t call you that anymore can I?" He laughed. "I hope that brother of mine is treating you right."


    She shrugged.


    "What? Is he mistreating his best doctor?" Adonis asked, Katherine looked up at him and smiled. She was in a fight with Paul didn''t mean she hated him so much to actually give his brothers information about him.


    The three Song brothers had the most complicated family relationship she had ever seen. They were both born from the same father and mother, showered with so much love but neither of the brothers ever treated themselves with love or affection. They saw each other as competition. Adonis, Jeoffrey and Paul. Paul was the most playful and easy to approach, in Katherine''s opinion the only person apart from Bishop Song that had any sense of humanity. Jeoffery was outrightly wicked and quite scary. He was heartless and ruthless. But she hated Adonis the most, he acted kind and cool but underneath that mask was the most conniving and the most ruthless Song she knew. At least the madam of the Song family was like her second son, she never hid her contempt.


    But Adonis, acting all self righteous and kind. Hardly did people actually know his evil truth. She suddenly had more respect for Devon Geum, for the fact that he reacted the way he did he must know.


    "Of course not, he wouldn''t dare." She said.


    "So what do I owe the pleasure? You''re in my hospital today." He said.


    "Actually she''s here to see me, if you wouldn''t mind but we have a lot of important things to discuss." Devon stated curtly.


    Adonis looked from Katherine to Devon and frowned. "What is so important?"


    "Patient confidentiality." Katherine answered.


    "I thought the case was already done?" Adonis asked, the question mostly directed at Devon. "I only borrowed Paul my doctor, don''t you think it''s time for him to focus solely on his own clients?" He asked again this time looking at Katherine.


    Both of them looked at each other, Katherine couldn''t say she here to ask Devon for help, because since she had seen Adonis without his mask he wouldn''t hesitate to use that as an opportunity to demean Paul and well... her.


    Devon couldn''t say he was asking for her help, well Adonis was still his boss and then there was his pride as a genius doctor.


    It was as if they understood each other, when Katherine reached for Devon''s arm he gave it. And looked down at her lovingly.


    "We didn''t want to announce this as it is still quite young-" he started.


    "But we are dating." Katherine finished. And Devon''s eyes widened, Katherine gave him a confused look.


    ''Isn''t that what he was going to say?'' She thought.


    Adonis eyes widened for a second before he began to laugh. "You''re kidding me right?"


    Devons gripped tightened and he looked up at Adonis. "Not at all, if you don''t mind we''ll be going now." He said curtly pulling Katherine along.


    "I don''t believe you." Adnois called out from behind them. They both sighed inwardly and turned around. "I don''t believe Katherine is dating you, not after the way she followed Paul around."


    Katherine jaw tightened and Devon noticed it. "Do you want proof?" Devon asked, "here''s your proof." He turned Katherine to the side and before either she or Adonis knew what was happening he placed a soft kiss on her lip.


    Katherine''s eyes widened. This was her first kiss, she wasn''t completely aware of it but she also wasn''t clueless. She was a grown woman she knew how a kiss worked, she wrapped her hands around Devon shoulders standing on her tiptoes she pulled him closer and pushed her tongue into his mouth. Soon they followed each others rhythm and reluctantly broke the kiss when Adonis cleared his throat.


    Adonis laughed but it didn''t reach his eyes. "It''s so good to be in love isn''t it? Well enjoy yourselves." He said curtly before walking away.


    Preview 164: Tongueless.


    "I''m sorry I kissed you like that, he just gets on my nerve sometimes." Devon apologised.


    Katherine shook her head. "No don''t. You did the right thing, thank you. I know how Adonis is, but I''ve never been able to chase him away so quickly." She laughed looking away.


    Devon reached out and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ears, causing her to look back at him. "I am sorry, but not regretful. You are aware that I like you right? Because I do." He stated firmly.

 Chapter 164 - 164. Tongue Less.

    "I don''t believe you." Adonis said from behind them, Devon stiffened with silent rage. Pulling Katherine and spinning her around he lifted her chin and placed a feather light kiss on her lips. Leaning slightly upwards he looked into her widened eyes for permission and she didn''t resist. They was a silent plea in her eyes that he couldn''t quite understand but he knew he could continue. He pressed his lips aganist hers and moved his hands down till he held the sides of her slender waist. Pulling her to him, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and stood on her tiptoes deepening the kiss. A groan pushed it was out of the back of his throat when her tongue slipped past his lips. She gripped the back of his hair like she was struggling not to fall.


    He couldn''t quite understand her, she was so full of confidence yet he felt she was still inexperienced. With that in mind he took the lead and encouraged her to follow. It took all the had not to sneak his hand underneath her blouse.


    Adonis no longer able to take it anymore coughed loudly. The two of them broke off the heated kiss, reluctantly and stared at him. Eyes hooded and lips swollen. Devon''s hair was scattered in all directions, Katherine thought it made him hot.


    Adonis laughed slightly and bid them farewell, walking away.


    "I''m sorry I kissed you like that, he just gets on my nerve sometimes." Devon apologised.


    Katherine shook her head. "No don''t. You did the right thing, thank you. I know how Adonis is, but I''ve never been able to chase him away so quickly." She laughed looking away.


    Devon reached out and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ears, causing her to look back at him. "I am sorry, but not regretful. You are aware that I like you right? Because I do." He stated firmly.


    Katherine blinked at him, this was not the first time a man confessed to her. Why was it different? ''Because you''re no longer waiting on Paul'' the voice in her head told her.


    "I''m aware, that''s why I''m here today." She said in a small voice. "Would you-"


    "Yes. Whatever it is yes." Devon said immediately.


    **************************************************


    "What happened? You were up there almost an hour. I almost came up to get you." Jessie stood, arranging her dress as she did.


    Katherine walked towards her with the strangest look on her face. "What? Tell m- wait a minute. Why are your lips swollen? Did you walk into something?" Jessie asked.


    "Really that was your first guess?" Her brow rose mockingly.


    "I can''t think about any other plausible explanation, it''s not as if you kissed someone." She replied with a small laugh. "What? Why are you looking at me like that? Did you kiss someone?" The mocking tone in her voice was unguarded.


    And Katherine folded her arms and gave Jessie a pointed stare. Jessie glanced at her expression and shook her head, "no... no way.... you did not, oh my goodness!" She exclaimed causing curious stares from around them.


    Katherine grabbed Jessie arm and lead her out of the hospital and Jessie obediently followed. She didn''t say any other thing until they were in the car.


    "You kissed that robot doctor?!" She squealed.


    "Robot doctor?" Katherine frowned.


    "You know he''s so smart he acts like a computer, I even understand. I thought they weren''t capable of human interaction." Jessie laughed.


    "Stop teasing Devon, he initiated the kiss." She huffed.


    "Incredible! Really? Wow... man was I wrong about him." She sighed. She sat straighter in the passenger''s seat and looked at Katherine. "So... how was your first kiss?"


    Katherine eyes widened and she coughed awkwardly. "Wh-what makes you think that''s my first kiss?" She blurted.


    "Uh... you loved one man your entire life, I''m sure through out school you were basically a clueless nerd, not to mention you are kind of a prude. No offense." Jessie listed, counting on her fingers.


    "Prude?! In what way? Just so you know it wasn''t my first kiss. I had my first kiss with Paul!" She yelled.


    "Uh huh, I bet it was tongue less, wait come to think off it, did this one have tongue?"


    "Ugh! Why are you asking this kind of questions? Do you have that much experience that this becomes so normal to you?" Katherine groaned.


    Jessie pouted. "Well you are the first female friend I had to discuss this with, sorry if I made you feel awkward." She said with a sad smile, looking down at her dress and busying herself with cleaning invisible dirt.


    Katherine immediately felt bad for her, just what kind of life did she have as an actress. "You can discuss whatever it is you want, yes my first kiss was tongue less we were kids. And yes this one had tongue." Katherine sighed.


    Jessie bright smile resurfaced again and she smiled. "Really? So when is your date?!"


    "This evening." She said. "I wanted a coffee but he insisted."


    "So are you like dating him now?" Jessie asked.


    "Ugh... well I am going on a date doesn''t that count?"


    Jessie sighed, she really was clueless. "Is he your boyfriend?"


    "...." she pursed her lip. "I don''t know, I''ll ask him tonight I guess.


    "Let''s go, we have to get you ready!" Jessie exclaimed pointing to the road. Katherine nodded and drove the car to their hotel.


    **************************************************


    Katherine stepped out of the car in a simple flowery dress that fell down to her knees. She accesorised with heeled boots and a fur jacket since it was chilly out tonight.


    She saw Devon standing in simple pants and a button up shirt, with a leather jacket. Waving to her, his black hair fell down his forehead giving a particular softness to his angular face.


    She pushed a hair Jessie insisted she style in waves and walked over to him. It was a movie then food afterwards. So they both dressed casual.


    "You look beautiful, you always do." Were his first words to her and she smiled.


    "So do you."


    "Em? I look beautiful? I swear I was going for a manly look this evening." He pouted. And Katherine could not help but laugh. Yhup the quirky side had returned.


    "Why are you staring at me like that?" She asked.


    "I can''t help it, your smile is just so enticing." He said honestly.


    And she tried to cover the blush, "whatever let''s go."


    Preview 165: Lover boy.


    At first when the first person died, she reached out grab him but his face was already buried in her shoulder. When the big man with the saw broke through the actual fucking wall to get to his next victim the popcorn was tossed in the air, and on the surrounding people. Icing on the cake, when his face blew up on the massive screen, the both of them, qualified and professional doctors tossed their soda and on the ground causing a big mess.

 Chapter 165 - 165. Stepmother.

    "What do you want to watch?" Devon asked her.


    "Um... that looks fun, I like science fiction what do you like?" She asked.


    "What do you think? I''m a nerd, so scifi works for me as well" he nodded.


    After they both bought the tickets it didn''t occur to either of them to check the theater room so they just walked into the first one they saw. Probably because they were so preoccupied with acting their best or acting like inexperienced teenagers on a first date.


    After they sat down with popcorn and soda, the movie started playing, it was horror. While some guys brought their girlfriends in there to watch the movies so they could use the opportunity to get closer to them, and others were just suckers for blood, gore and death. Both Katherine and Devon where beyond mortified.


    At first when the first person died, she reached out grab him but his face was already buried in her shoulder. When the big man with the saw broke through the actual fucking wall to get to his next victim the popcorn was tossed in the air, and on the surrounding people. Icing on the cake, when his face blew up on the massive screen, the both of them, qualified and professional doctors tossed their soda and on the ground causing a big mess.


    By the time they decided they couldn''t take anymore and were about to leave, one of the cinema staff was already in to send them out.


    "Your movie is in theater three not one!" He yelled as he shoved them out.


    They looked at each other and as Devon was about to apologise again Katherine started laughing. She laughed so hard it was contagious and he joined her.


    "Let''s go eat!" She said pulling him away from the cinema.


    **************************************************


    "This turn?" Jessie asked as she got ready to swerve the car.


    "Yeah, just right up this lane. It''s a big house you can''t miss it."


    "You sure you''re ready? I could still give you one more day with lover boy, so you go see more movies." She said, the statement seemed kind but her tone was not.


    "Are you still bitching about the cinemas? I promised to take you another time." Katherine huffed.


    "Pfft."


    "Gosh I''m so jealous!" Jessie gasped as Katherine walked into her hotel room with a soda soaked dress. "Why are you wet?"


    "Wow, incredible. You just made me even more jealous, I didn''t think I could be but here I am." She huffed.


    "How could you be jealous of that? The date was a mess." Katherine laughed.


    "Yet you come smiling like that. Ugh... I''ve never been on a date in a cinema, I''ve never watched a movie either." She pouted.


    "You never dated any celebrities?" Katherine asked.


    "Not really, even if I went one dates it was always to fancy secluded restaurants away from press and fans." She frowned. "Besides dating celebrities isn''t as glamorous as it seems. I''d rather date a normal person but then again I never met any that asked me out."


    "You poor thing." Katherine said in mock pity.


    "Hey! This is a real dilemma. The one and only time I went to a cinema, I don''t know how these people do it. I wore a mask through out but they somehow found out, ugh..." she shuddered. "I almost died that day."


    "So if you''re so restricted why do you want to go back?" Katherine asked sitting opposite her on a bean bag after she shed off her gown.


    Jessie paused to think, "well I love acting. Just acting, getting to be many different characters. Telling so many stories, there''s just a way I feel when I''m behind a camera, I''ve never felt that way any where else. I feel like I was born to do this. That''s why I can bare anything else, besides the love I get is quite encouraging."


    Katherine smiled a knowing smile. "I totally understand, medicine is that way for me to. The operating room, is like my set."


    "You see, what makes you happy isn''t entirely Paul. You are good at your job and you love it. Don''t let some guy disrupt your fast track career. Don''t quit Katherine."


    "Fine, but promise me something." Katherine said.


    "What?"


    "You wouldn''t ignore the happiness you can get here, with us, with Jason because you want to be back in front of a camera."


    "I don''t understand." Jessie shook her head.


    "Have you ever considered the possibility of finding the same happiness, even more here?"


    Jessie sighed and looked away, "promise me you will at least try." Katherine insisted. "Then I won''t quit."


    Jessie looked at her and tried to refuse. "Shhh, another promise." Katherine held out her pinky.


    "You and I would go see a movie after all this is over." She shook her hand and Jessie finally took it.


    "Promise."


    "Seal."


    "Stamp." They said together.


    "There, that''s the house." Katherine pointed at the estate in front of them.


    "Country home?"


    "Nope, that is the main house, there other vacation houses but this is the main one." She said.


    "You''re sure your father is home?" Jessie asked.


    "He''s not my father." Katherine spat.


    Jessie stared at her from the corner of her eyes, she wanted to say something else but decided not to push it.


    "And Carol?"


    "I''m sure we can deal with her." Katherine gave her a tight smile. Jessie sighed and drove tonthe gate.


    The security guard walked up to the car to ask.


    "Katherine Park, Mr. Park is expecting me." She informed him.


    "And the lady?" He pointed to Jessie who was already in her mask.


    "She''s with me."


    He nodded and opened the gate, allowing them drive in.


    The house wasn''t all that extravagant but it seemed homely and comfortable. While Jessie wanted to take in the fresh breeze of country and the large amount of vegetation, Katherine pace made that impossible. One glance you would know this house didn''t give her happy memories.


    "Miss Katherine!" The maid at the door gasped.


    "Who is there?" A voice called from inside and a middle aged woman walked out from a corner her eyes widening initially before forming slits.


    "What the hell are you doing here?" She spat.


    "What the does it look like? I''m here to find out who the hell my real father is, now get out off my way!" Katherine yelled.


    "Who the hell are you talking to like that?"


    "Who else? It''s you Carol."


    "Carol?"


    "What? Do you want me to still call you step mother? You aren''t my stepmother anymore Carol. So I don''t have to pretend to respect you, move."


    Preview 166: Wanted.


    The actress Jessie Marin has been confirmed to not being dead. Due to the recent sightings from various witnesses, the police and prosecution opened up the case again. After exuming the body belived to be the dead actress and testing the DNA of the corpse. Speculations held were confirmed, the body truly does not belong to the dead actress, instead to a Diana Lim. The police believe that the actress framed her death in order to escape charges on her for the murder of her driver, Philip Morris. An ABP has been placed and she is now on the wanted list. If any one sees the actress they are advised to contact the police immediately.''

 Chapter 166 - 166. Wanted.

    "What?!" Carol yelled.


    "Mom! What''s the ruckus about who is at the do- Katherine?" A young woman in her early twenties stopped when she saw their unwanted guest.


    Katherine ignored the little Carol and faced the actual one. "Are you going to get out of my way or not?"


    "What the hell do you think you''re doing? Talking to mom like that?" She asked.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" Katherine asked, she sighed and shut her eyes. Jessie looked at Katherine, from her tightened fists, to the way she practically shook. She was mad!


    "Look, why are you making things difficult? All she wants to do is see Mr. Park, it''s not as if she''s he''s daughter so she can''t steal anything from you and your children." Jessie said.


    "Not dad''s daughter? Your not dad''s daughter?" She laughed. "Then what the hell are you doing here? Do you not even have shame?"


    Jessie eyes darkened at the comment whereas Katherine just dismissed her with an eye roll.


    "Shame? Don''t you think you and your mother are the shameless ones? I mean what do you think she''s going to do? Steal your inheritance?" Jessie asked with a shake of the head. "Are you that suspicious of your husband? Or perhaps are your children also bastards, that he would give his property to Katherine."


    "Who the hell is this bitch?!" Carol yelled pulling off Jessie mask.


    Katherine eyes widened at her aggressive action but her shock could not compare to the two women before them.


    Katherine younger half-sister who was also name Catherine, fell back to the floor.


    "G-ghost." She breathed out.


    "You''re...."


    "Susan Jung, what is up with the strange reactions?" Jessie asked them.


    Katherine wanted to laugh at the entire situation ofcourse Jessie could handle it so simply. She was a star when it came to acting. She didn''t even flinch or react.


    "But... but you look exactly like-"


    "Jessie Marin? No, she looks exactly like me. Plus what do you think? A dead actress with no connection whatsoever to you would suddenly appear in your house? You both look smarter than that." She stated simply.


    "Katherine." An authoritative voice called from behind them and both sisters turned around.


    "Dad, no Mr. Park." Katherine answered.


    "Let''s talk in my study." With that he turned around and walked away, settling the argument.


    Katherine gave them one last glare and walked away after her father.


    "So where do I wait?" Jessie asked with a smug smirk.


    Carol huffed and walked away while the younger woman lead her to the sitting room.


    "Are you sure you aren''t the actress Jessie Marin?" She asked again.


    Jessie pursed her lip and looked annoyed. "No! My name is Susan, Susan Jung!" She huffed, never before had she been so happy with Jason. He really covered all her bases.


    "Alright fine whatever."


    "Wait," Jessie called out to her as she started to walk away. "Can I ask you something?"


    "What?"


    "When your father called out Katherine''s name why did you turn around as well. The way you did." Jessie asked, it was normal that she would turn around because of the foreign voice. But over the years she had come to learn to discern movements and reaction, because she had to fake them. When Katherine''s younger sibling turned around it was not because of a foreign it was instinctual.


    "Because my name is also Catherine, with a C." She replied cheekily.


    Jessie laughed, "how disrespectful." She mumbled.


    "What was that?" The girl asked.


    "Nothing, you can go." Jessie dismissed her, pulling out her phone. She decided to keep busy while she waited for Katherine. As soon as she turned it on it began to make noise.


    57 missed calls? 7 from Krystal, 5 from Tony, 6 from Jonathan and ofcourse 39 from Jason. What the hell was going on?


    An article popped up from her notification with her name on it so she clicked on it.


    ''The actress Jessie Marin has been confirmed to not being dead. Due to the recent sightings from various witnesses, the police and prosecution opened up the case again. After exuming the body belived to be the dead actress and testing the DNA of the corpse. Speculations held were confirmed, the body truly does not belong to the dead actress, instead to a Diana Lim. The police believe that the actress framed her death in order to escape charges on her for the murder of her driver, Philip Morris. An ABP has been placed and she is now on the wanted list. If any one sees the actress they are advised to contact the police immediately.''


    Tears trickled the side of Jessie eyes and all of a sudden her throat constricted, she couldn''t breathe. She clutched her chest and fell to her knees struggling to breathe. Carol walked into the room and saw Jessie on her knees, running to her she shook her violently.


    "What''s wrong? Susan? Susan!" She hit her again, very firmly on her back and Jessie coughed. She began to breathe again and her face started regain it''s colour.


    "Are you okay?" She asked, her voice sounding slightly panicked. "I''ll go get you water!" She got up and dashed out of the room.


    As she picked up a glass cup her daughter came running into the kitchen. "Mom! Mom you wouldn''t believe it, Jessie Marin is alive!"


    "What rubbish are you saying?" Carol asked.


    Her daughter pushed the phone into her mother''s hand and she gasped as she read the news. "That means..."


    "That woman there isn''t any Susan, she''s Jessie Marin!" Catherine exclaimed quietly.


    Carol began to panic, "what do we do? She''s a murderer! A murderer is in my house!"


    "Should I call the cops?" Catherine asked.


    "Ofcourse! What are you waiting for?!"


    Jessie bit her lip nervously as she stood by the door, the entrance into the kitchen. She immediately began to look for Katherine. They needed to get out of here right now!


    Preview 167: Answers.


    "Please tell me who my father is, how did you really meet my mother?"


    He nodded slowly, if this was really what she wanted. "I met your mother the day she was born." He paused to let the information sink in.


    "Your mother is my younger siste

 Chapter 167 - 167. Answers.

    Katherine walked into his study and he gestured for her to sit.


    "How have you been?" He asked, assessing her appearance, she looked healthy at least.


    "Um, I''m just... so-so."


    Erin Park stood behind his own seat, so he turned it slightly and took a sit. "I have something for you." He stated.


    Katherine''s eye brow lifted in question and she hoped he wouldn''t offer her shares in his company again, he always did every year on her birthday and he answer always remained the same, no. He gently placed a small box on the table before her, it looked old and worn, but regardless beautiful.


    She picked up the box whilst sending him a questioning look, as she opened it she gasped. The sliver chain that was surprisingly light regardless of the intertwine and build up of the design. At the bottom hung the most beautiful purple stone in the midst of what appeared to be melting sliver. She could never understand or forget this necklace. It was her mother''s.


    Looking up at him with so many emotions in her eyes, "how do you have this?"


    With a sad smile he explained. "Your mother gave it to me, said to give it to you when you found out the truth."


    "So you intended on telling me? When?"


    "I never did Katherine, the story surrounding your birth is filled with more mystery that actual facts. Plus it''s not a very nice one, how could I do that to you?"


    Katherine began to feel scared, and wary but she decided regardless she would push. "What story, I deserve to know my heritage don''t I?"


    His face contorted in a mixture of pain and anger and his voice was thick with emotion as he rebuked her. "Isn''t this already enough for you? You''re a Park, you''re my daughter. I''ve never been unkind towards you, and I tried my best to make you a part of this family, why must you regard me so formally?"


    Katherine eyes widened and she clenched her teeth. "Part of this family? Perhaps you should have explained that to that witch you call a life partner. You''ve never been unkind to me but you might as well have been cruel because you always ignored my misery, when Carol would specifically go out her way to make me feel small and miserable. When she would hit me and treat me worse than the staff. Do you never wonder why immediately I became legal I left this placed and never looked back?" She said through gritted teeth.


    Erin had a look of sorrow in his eyes as he listened to her burst of emotion.


    "I want to ask you one question, when I was under such misery at the hands of Carol, were you just ignorant or did you just not care?" She asked as a stray tear fell down her cheek.


    He couldn''t say anything, he was guilty and it broke his heart. Full of regret and shame he whispered an apology to her mother. "Forgive me Rachel, I failed you."


    Katherine regarded his silence as an admittance of guilt, wiping her eyes she continued. "Please tell me who my father is, how did you really meet my mother?"


    He nodded slowly, if this was really what she wanted. "I met your mother the day she was born." He paused to let the information sink in.


    "Your mother is my younger sister. She was an angel, beautiful but rebellious. And having that kind of fiery spirit wasn''t the smartest with a conservative family like ours, so immediately she became legal just like you she left the family. I didn''t see her for years then one day she came back, after our parents were dead and I had inherited the family business and property. She came back with you, you were less than a year then. Just learning to walk." He explained.


    "And my father? Do you know who he is?" Katherine asked.


    "I have no idea, Katherine your mother was in a brothel when she gave birth to you." He said through gritted teeth and Katherine eyes widened. "She assured me she knew who your father was but she never told me no matter how many times I threatened her. Infact she only told me everything that happened when she left us years back when she was about to die." He stated. "She said when she left the house, she became a waiter in a local restaurant in the capital. She met an extremely weathly man and fell in love. He was already married but she didn''t know that at the time. His wife found out and sent her to a brothel, she swore she was already pregnant for you by then. When she managed to escape she came straight here. When your mother came here she was broken. That fiery spirit and rebellious nature was gone, she was an addict at the time and in no shape to be a good mother to you.She begged me to be the father of her child, she said she wouldn''t let you be a bastard. And that any inheritance she might have had should be given to you."


    Katherine looked into his eyes in disbelief, her heartbroken at the thought of her mother going through all that. Tears began to roll freely and soon she began to sob. "Did she tell you if my father knows about me?" She choked out.


    Erin shook his head. "I don''t know, she didn''t say. No child should ever go through this Katherine, this is why I didn''t want to ever tell you."


    "It''s okay, I should know." She sighed.


    "So are you going to look for this man?"


    "I don''t know, some part of me feels I shouldn''t. He was never part of my life, plus the fact that be might not even know who I am. But the because of the small possibility that he might have known of my existence, makes me so angry I want to demand answers." She cried. "I can''t believe my mother went through all that, my pitiful mother." She cried.


    A knock interrupted the heart wrenching moment and Jessie dashed into the room. Freezing for a second as she took in the scene before her, her expression softened slightly but nevertheless.


    "I''m sorry to ruin this life changing moment, but Katherine we have to go now!"


    Preview 168: Frame.


    "That''s not even the worst, she lives with my fiance and apparently he loves her. What I''m I to do? I mean all of a sudden I have began to like him more and more, maybe it''s because I know realize I can''t have him. Have you ever felt that way?" She rambled like a crazy person and the Cheif felt utterly confused.


    "Anyway, I killed that bitch because she too much of a nuisance, but she has even become and even bigger nuisance. Must I let her go free? I was kind the first time,now she will know what it feels like to have burning hatred of the world." She said with an evil look in her eyes.

 Chapter 168 - 168. Frame.

    The day had already retired into night, it wasn''t anything special and millions of similar nights had graced the city. But specifically in front of the lake the moon stood out, illuminating the water so brightly it made the woman standing before it seem so surreal and awfully goddess like.


    "Miss the chief has arrived." Her driver whispered slowly into her ear not to startle her.


    Patricia nodded and walked back, tossing the burning cigarette into the lake she got into her car. There was a knock on the window before cold breeze accompanying the balding man stung her cheek.


    "Hurry up will you." She ordered and the man scrambled in.


    "Miss Lee." He bowed slightly as he sat as far as the car would let him.


    "Chief Jang, Jang Cheol Jong." She said slowly.


    He looked at her and bowed yet again, it made him feel so small and pitiful but he couldn''t escape it it was his fate.


    Patricia expression remained unchanging as she began to regret discarding her smoke. "Don''t you think it''s time to bring the dead actress back to life?"


    "Pardon?"


    "I want you to bring Jessie Marin back to life, dig up that woman you buried and perform a DNA test to prove she isn''t Jessie. Then inform the press." Patricia stated bluntly.


    The Cheif wasn''t sure he was hearing correctly, he went through a lot to cover this up and stage the actresses death and now? Bring her back to life? What utter nonsense!


    "But, miss Lee. We already risked the entire integrity of the police covering this case up, don''t you thi-"


    "Excuses!" She yelled, huffing she pushed her hair out of her face and turned to face him for the first time since he entered the car.


    "Did I ask for you opinion? All you have to do is what I tell you." She laughed wickedly. "Look at this, that bitch cut my hair and now I have to wear which ever dead bitch this was gotten from." She grabbed her hair.


    "What?"


    "That''s not even the worst, she lives with my fiance and apparently he loves her. What I''m I to do? I mean all of a sudden I have began to like him more and more, maybe it''s because I know realize I can''t have him. Have you ever felt that way?" She rambled like a crazy person and the Cheif felt utterly confused.


    "Anyway, I killed that bitch because she too much of a nuisance, but she has even become and even bigger nuisance. Must I let her go free? I was kind the first time,now she will know what it feels like to have burning hatred of the world." She said with an evil look in her eyes.


    ''She must be mad!'' The chief surmised, he couldn''t understand a word she was saying.


    "All you have to do is open a case on Jessie Marin again for the murder of her driver. If she is alive then you can pursue that. If she''s arrested how many years will that get her?" Patricia asked.


    "It can range from about fifteen to life imprisonment." He answered.


    "Hmm that''s too little, how about pin the murder of the dead woman in her place on her as well." Patricia suggested, "that seems splendid!"


    "But Miss Lee, would people really believe the police isn''t guilty in this? We did come up with the conclusions after all."


    Patricia rolled her eyes. "Pin it on that useless detective why don''t you? The fool that was brazen enough to come after me."


    "But how?"


    "Ahh.. you''re so stupid! How do you lack even the slightest creativity? Get a warrant of arrest immediately, arrest him and frame him." She smiled. "Look everything has already been prepared for all you have to do is take action."


    **************************************************


    "That''s your plan? Not bad." Goerge stated interrupting her discussion with Mary.


    Patricia frowned, whoever let him into her room yet again will die after she was done with him. "You seem to have grown so attached to me all of a sudden. Remember I am your neice and I have no interest in incest."


    "Come now, incest? Don''t you even know what that means? And besides of all the women in this world why would I settle for someone as wicked as you?"


    Patricia scoffed and shook her head. Goerge continued to explain why she was unsuitable for any man. "Why would someone in their right mind be interested in you? Perhaps he doesn''t want a long life."


    "I know you didn''t come in here to explain why I am undesirable. What do you want, George?"


    "Don''t get informal with me now, it''s uncle neice." He reprimanded her, before she could retort he continued. "I could not help but overhear-"


    "You mean eavesdrop." She couldn''t help but interrupt.


    "Whatever, so your plan is to prove that Jessie Marin isn''t really dead and open the case on the dead driver." He said.


    "Yes?"


    "Is that it? I mean the only evidence the police has is her finger print on the murder weapon. She hasn''t given a testimony before, if she says she happened to handle it that night the case with be tossed away. Besides there is no motive." He reminded her.


    "And what will you do when she reveals the existence of the auction house? Sure she doesn''t have proof aganist us but don''t you think it''s too risky?" He asked. "Not to mention if you come at her like that with cops and the media what is your assurance that she wouldn''t disappear again?"


    She pursed her lips and sighed. "I intended on framing her for the dead body that is supposed to be her. There is motive for that, she used the woman as a cover up to deceive the police that she was dead. And no jury will dismiss arguments made so easily when there a two murders. Besides my end goal isn''t jail." She smiled. "I intend to ruin her reputation so much that she can never step out in public ever again."


    "Isn''t that her situation at the moment?" Mary said. "She already can''t go out in public."


    "Oh that is only the beginning."


    Preview 169: Coming up Patricia.


    "Then you don''t want the location then." He frowned. "Besides do you think it would be so easy to convince the public without proof? Even if you had Jessie, she''s not a normal person she has influence and support. What stops people from blaming the persecution instead? I''ll tell you what is going to happen, the police will arrest Jessie from Jason''s house and you''ll put all the blame on the detective in charge of her case. Dig up dirt on him, or frame him anyway there must be a connection between and the actress."

 Chapter 169 - 169. Coming Up Patricia.

    "What exactly do you want Patricia?" Mary asked, she felt she needed to do so because at this point she was becoming confused.


    "What I want? I want that bitch as far away from my fi-" she stopped herself just in time. If she revealed she had developed feelings for Jason in front of George it would reveal an Achilles heel. He could not find out, neither could her grandfather. "It doesn''t matter, I killed her the first time to erase her from the world but that has given her too much confidence. I want to make her so terrified that it pushes her to insanity. For whatever reason she got lucky, but she must suffer as I intended even more so."


    George shared a suspicious look with her assistant Mary. "All I need now is her location. I need the police to arrest her for the press."


    George smiled. "Now is when you begin to revere me dear neice. What do you have to offer for Jason''s location?"


    "You have it? How? He was very thorough." She frowned.


    George tilted his head and smiled smugly. "You''re talking about me you know, do you think I can be one upped by Jason Kang?"


    "Fine what do you want?" She asked.


    "The actress, I want Jessie Marin." He stated firmly.


    Patricia eyes narrowed at him and she regarded him cautiously. "Don''t tell me you''ve developed a fancy for her."


    He smiled confidently. "How could I not? Besides what better man to break her than yours truly?"


    "That wasn''t my plan." She shook her head. "I want her to suffer public scrutiny, if she''s with you she''ll never get to feel the hate I want the world to give her."


    "Then you don''t want the location then." He frowned. "Besides do you think it would be so easy to convince the public without proof? Even if you had Jessie, she''s not a normal person she has influence and support. What stops people from blaming the persecution instead? I''ll tell you what is going to happen, the police will arrest Jessie from Jason''s house and you''ll put all the blame on the detective in charge of her case. Dig up dirt on him, or frame him anyway there must be a connection between and the actress."


    "But he''s innocent." Mary mumbled under her breath.


    "What was that?" George asked.


    "Nothing." She said.


    "In exchange for Jessie?"


    "Exactly, I must have that actress. Make the right choice neice." With that he left the room.


    Patricia bit her lip and sighed. "Get someone to tail that detective and find something on him." She ordered Mary. Who knew she would hit the jackpot.


    ***************************************************.


    Patrice placed an envelope on the sit between her and the Chief. He looked at her first then at the envelope, picking it up he pulled out pictures.


    It was Jamie Anderson with two other women.


    "The other woman, in the mask that is Jessie Marin."


    The chief looked at her with slight shock and she nodded. "I know, convenient right? When I asked people to tail him I didn''t expect to get anything this big." She smiled. "I even get to take down that doctor that had the guts to threaten me in the hospital. Oh! Everything is coming up Patricia!" She laughed.


    The chief didn''t want to interrupt her villainous laughter but he had to say it. "A picture wouldn''t be enough, besides she was in a mask."


    Patricia''s maniac laughing halted and she sent him an icy glare. "You know what, don''t speak again. Just obey my instructions Ugh, your so boring Cheol Jong. Do I really have to give you all the answers?"


    "Of course not." He said quickly, he knew how quickly he could be disposed of if he didn''t prove useful enough. "I will take care of it." He nodded.


    "Good, now get out." Patricia stated and he bowed opening the door and leaving the car.


    Patricia picked up her phone, while the police worked one angle she had to work the other. "Lenora, hey are you free?"


    **************************************************


    "You don''t seem surprised, do you perhaps know Jessie Marin was alive?" Patricia asked.


    "What kind of reporter would I be to have believed that she was actually dead? There way too many sightings and coincidences." Lenora shrugged, sipping her ice coffee.


    "Hmm, you''re actually better than I imagined." Patricia smiled.


    "What did you think I was just some spoilt princess in a rebellious phase?" Lenora asked rhetorically. Patricia nodded, she understood.


    "Come to think about it, the first place Jessie Marin was sighted was a spa. But the missus said she couldn''t be sure, you were at a spa almost at the same time." Lenora leaned on the table between them. "Was Jessie the reason you ended up in a hospital?"


    Patricia gaze darkened at Lenora amused expression but either Leonra didn''t notice or chose to ignore she continued.


    "That means she really was there at the hospital, when that video leaked." She rubbed her chin. "Why would a person framed for murder and assumed dead come find you? Attack you even..." when it clicked her gaze shot up and she backed up. "It was you, all along. I should have known."


    Patricia crossed her legs and folded her arms leaning back in her sit she sent Lenora a decisive look. "You''re correct, it was me. Are you going to be a saint about it?" She asked whole giving her a pointed stare.


    "Why should I? It doesn''t affect me in any way" she shrugged. "But I am wary, your actions are pretty excessive."


    "Well I am Patricia Lee after all." She said.


    Lenora leaned back in her chair as well. "If you''re telling me this you must be planning something. What do you want to do?"


    Patricia smiled. "I really like Lenora Han." She said, this woman was surprising. She didn''t even ask why she did that to Jessie instead she was going straight to the point.


    "What can I say, I tend to have that effect." She said proudly.


    "No you don''t."


    "No I don''t, either way tell me."


    "I''m planning on reveling the truth, that Jessie isn''t really dead. And I''m going to need a reporter I can trust."


    Preview 170: Police.


    "Jason! You wouldn''t believe what is going on right now!" Paul exclaimed.


    "Actually I can, I''m watching the news right now." He stated bluntly.


    Paul frowned "so? What are you going to do about Katherine and Jessie? We can''t let the police get to them first."


    Jason shut his eyes tightly and sighed. "Do you think I don''t already know that?" He said through gritted teeth.


    "Look I have to go now, I''ll call as soon as I can."


    "Wait! Let me help, you already have so much on your plate as it is, send me the number of the bodyguard you sent with them. I''ll bring them back safely." He assured Jason.


    Jason paused, could he really trust Jessie with Paul? Paul sensing his hesistance spoke again. "Jason, Jessie will be fine, I promise. You''ll have her by evening."


    "Don''t let anything happen to her Paul." He said sternly but his tone gave away his anxiety.


    "Nothing will." He assured him one last time before ending the call.

 Chapter 170 - 170. Police.

    "What the hell did you just say? Who is in my manor?" Jason asked the butler hoping he misheard what Mr. Choi just told him.


    "S-sir the police are here, with an arrest and search warrant. They insist on searching the premises."


    "Why the hell?"


    "Sir the arrest warrant is for miss Jessie." Butler Choi stated as though he did not believe it himself.


    Jason gritted his teeth and clenched his fists trying to calm his rising temper. How and why in the world? When the hell did the police get so gutsy?


    "They are there looking for Jessie?"


    "Yes sir."


    "Let them in."


    "Pardon?"


    "Let them in, Mr. Choi. They won''t find her either way, but make sure no one mentions a word about her alright?" He said.


    "Of course sir."


    He stood up and walked around his desk to the table farther away admist the couches. Grabbing the remote he turned the television on. If he was right whatever was happening would be on the news, it was the last time around.


    His phone began to ring again. "Jason Kang."


    "Jason! You wouldn''t believe what is going on right now!" Paul exclaimed.


    "Actually I can, I''m watching the news right now." He stated bluntly.


    Paul frowned "so? What are you going to do about Katherine and Jessie? We can''t let the police get to them first."


    Jason shut his eyes tightly and sighed. "Do you think I don''t already know that?" He said through gritted teeth.


    "Look I have to go now, I''ll call as soon as I can."


    "Wait! Let me help, you already have so much on your plate as it is, send me the number of the bodyguard you sent with them. I''ll bring them back safely." He assured Jason.


    Jason paused, could he really trust Jessie with Paul? Paul sensing his hesistance spoke again. "Jason, Jessie will be fine, I promise. You''ll have her by evening."


    "Don''t let anything happen to her Paul." He said sternly but his tone gave away his anxiety.


    "Nothing will." He assured him one last time before ending the call.


    Jason walked back to grab his coat but then of the bodyguards stationed in his office already held it and directed him the door. Jason walked out of his office and as soon as he got of the elevator, reporters were already swarming to him.


    Before they could reach him the security already held them back.


    "Chairman Kang." Matt ran to his boss and bowed down swiftly.


    "What is this Matt? Why the hell are this mosquitoes in my building?" He asked as he pinched the bridge of his nose between his eyes. Struggling to control an outburst.


    "I''m sorry sir, before we''re doing our best to get them out."


    Jason brow rose at his statement. Bold. "Best? You call this the best? Hmph! Get all this people out of my building right now." He ordered. "Send the phone number of the bodyguard I sent with Jessie to Paul, and sue any reporter and news station that published news or articles about me linked to Jessie Marin for defamation. Let''s go." Jason commanded as he began to walk towards the exit.


    "Where are we going sir?"


    "Where else? Paradise."


    **************************************************


    "Jessie? What''s wrong?" Katherine asked Jessie alarmed at her demeanor and the frightened expression in her face. She was literally shaking.


    Jessie swallowed trying to control his breathing. "Katherine, we ne-" Katherine''s phone began to ring.


    "I''m sorry." She apologised before answering not bothering to see who was calling. "Hello?"


    "Katherine?" A familiar voice answered her question with another.


    "Paul? What the he-"


    "Look I understand we are not in the best circumstances but I need to to listen to me and do everything I tell you. Jessie is in danger and so are you by association. Where are you?" Paul asked.


    "Um.. my family home, what''s going on Paul?" Katherine asked her voice staring to falter.


    "Look, I need you to get out of there immediately, don''t go back to your hotel. Get somewhere safe and quiet, keep your phone on and turn on your GPS. We''ll find you, please Katherine stay safe, both of you."


    Katherine stared at the phone for a few seconds before grabbing Jessie shivering hand and making her way towards the door. She paused at the exit and turned to look at her flabbergasted and confused uncle with a small smile.


    "This isn''t goodbye." Were her last words to him as they both dashed out of the house. The tow women ran to the car and got in. Katherine turned on the ignition and drove out if the estate in a hurry, as they drove by the sound of a siren starled both of them so much they almost had an accident.


    Jessie ducked out of the way as the police drove past both of them.


    "Care to explain what the hell is going on?" Katherine asked as she quickly swerved lanes to overtake another car.


    "I''m wanted for murder." Jessie said slowly.


    "What?"


    "The police... they dug out the body of the woman supposed to be me and tested it again. It doesn''t match mine, so they reopened the driver''s case and they are also accusing me for the murder of the dead woman as well." Jessie explained.


    "What? How did that happen?" Katherine asked.


    "I-I don''t... I don''t know, gosh" she sighed. "I''m so scared, what if I actually go to jail? I''m innocent!" She said firmly.


    Katherine looked down at Jessie shivering hand and placed hers on top it. "It''s okay, you''re not alone this time okay, don''t worry." She comforted Jessie.


    Unconsciously she drove to the hotel but luckily for both of them the cops streaming in and out halted their further approach.


    "They are here?" Jessie asked. "How did they even find out I was staying here?" She gasped. "Where do we go now?"


    Katherine bit her nails and began to think as well, where could they go?


    "The detective! He knows the truth shall we go there?" Jessie said immediately.


    "Shall we?" Katherine agreed starting up the engine they drove away from the hotel.


    Getting out of the car immediately they walked to Jamie house. As they walked past the fence Jessie held Katherine back. "Wait, isn''t that a cop car?" She pointed to the front of Jamie house.


    "It is, I wonder what it''s doing here? Ugh, why are they cops everywhere?" Katherine frowned. They both bent low until they heard the cop.


    "Jamie Anderson, your under arrest for fraud. You have the right to remain silent, whatever you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."


    Preview 171: Susan Jung.


    "Care to explain to me, why the hell the news is saying that? I mean isn''t this supposed the most powerful organisation in this country? Infact his continent. Why the hell is the news saying that?" He pointed to the screen. "I mean how did police get to my manor?" He glared at the chief of police, then at the Chief Judge.


    "With warrants for search and arrest." Finally the attorney general "they say the prosecution reopened the case. I really I''m curious, how they hell did that happen?"


    "And you, Mr. Jones that was your news station. That was your employees dragging my name through the mud. I''ll ask again, is this Paradise? Couple of useless old people that can no longer do their jobs?!"

 Chapter 171 - 171. Susan Jung.

    Jason was enraged, completely and utterly angered and it was as though this unnatural heat he felt was toxic and suffocating. It was as though everyone that came close enough to him felt it and immediately ran the opposite direction.


    Matt refrained from saying anything to his boss, he had never seen Jason in this kind of state. Jason was always cool headed and logical. He always handled things with his head and he was mostly cold and distant, emotions had nothing on him.


    But now right now he wasn''t yelling or breaking things. On the contrary he wasn''t even looking angry but his eyes, the look in his brown eyes could kill. Literally, as he walked the way cleared. Currently they walked through the dark and deep hallways of Paradise and everyone stepped out of the way even ran away as he walked, through.


    Soon the doors of the meeting room opened up as he approached and he walked in. Everyone was already waiting in the room, his voice mail was pretty serious.


    Jason shed of his coat and handed it to Matt. He turned to the big screen and motioned for it to be turned on. He walked back and leaned on the table, as they all quietly watched the news. After it was done the screen went off, he turned around to face the people sitting around the table.


    "Care to explain to me, why the hell the news is saying that? I mean isn''t this supposed the most powerful organisation in this country? Infact his continent. Why the hell is the news saying that?" He pointed to the screen. "I mean how did police get to my manor?" He glared at the chief of police, then at the Chief Judge.


    "With warrants for search and arrest." Finally the attorney general "they say the prosecution reopened the case. I really I''m curious, how they hell did that happen?"


    "And you, Mr. Jones that was your news station. That was your employees dragging my name through the mud. I''ll ask again, is this Paradise? Couple of useless old people that can no longer do their jobs?!"


    "Mr. Kang please do not cross the line." The president''s wife cautioned him.


    "What line?" Jason asked her. "I don''t see any line, do you?" He asked the staff beside him.


    The guy just stepped backwards, he couldn''t be in the middle of this. "If there was a line, then my stocks wouldn''t be dropping exponentially. I wouldn''t be in the news and Jessie wouldn''t be in danger right now!" He finally yelled slamming his hands on the tables that stood between all of them.


    "So this childish outburst is because of the actress." The attorney general rebuked him.


    Jason looked up at the attorney general with such a scary glare that the man had to look away. "Childish outburst? You think I''m being childish?" Jason asked.


    Matt already braced himself waiting for the yelling to begin but it never did, and he wasn''t the only person not surprised by this.


    "If this is being childish then don''t you all think you ought to become children? If being childish is expecting outcome from people that claim to have so much influence and potential then yes I am childish. It better that being useless peices of flesh... old flesh." He spat.


    All the people on the tables either gasped or coughed awkwardly. Matt began to wonder why the hell this powerful and respectable people sat down and let Jason talk to them anyhow. What did he have on them? What exactly was Paradise?


    "What would you have us do?" Reginald asked.


    Jason laughed. "Why are you asking me that? You are all adults, you''re all experienced and knowledgeable. Find a solution, and do it before the evening."


    "You seem to think we are magicians. Even with Ultimate power you cannot do everything." Another member spoke.


    Jason looked at her and smiled. "I''m not asking you to do everything I''m asking for the bare minimum. You can do the bare minimum can''t you?" He asked her but not waiting to hear a response he walked out. Pulling out his phone he called Paul.


    **************************************************


    "What the hell do you mean by she is not in the house?" Patricia asked. "Did you search everywhere? That manor is incredibly large, you must have missed it."


    "What the hell do you mean by she''s not there?!!" She shrieked as she tossed her phone away from her. Immediately regretting her decision she walked to it and picked it up. "Whatever you do you better find her or else you''re dead. Just try me." She threatened as she tossed the phone away again.


    How did she disappear? Did she perhaps know ahead? How is she not there?!


    **************************************************


    "Are you certain Miss Park?" The cop asked again notebook in hand.


    "My daughter is telling the truth. I saw her too, Jessie Marin." Carol said


    "But at that time she was still announced dead, so you''re telling me you saw the dead actress and let her into your house?" He asked with a raised brow.


    "I promise you it''s true. She said she wasn''t Jessie Marin, she swore and even showed us another ID." Catherine said.


    "Another ID?"


    "Yes, that''s right!" Carol clapped her hand. "Susan Jung, she said her name was Susan Jung and even had a driver''s licence to prove her identity."


    "An alias?" The cop got up and called his superior.


    "Susan Jung?"


    "Yes sir, it seems she had that to convince others about her identity. Perhaps we should run a search for all the places that have a Susan Jung recorded." He suggested.


    After a while his superior replied him. "You were right, Jack. She checked into a hotel, well a Susan Jung did two days ago."


    "Well sir that''s must be her!"


    Preview 172: Death wish.


    "Look here Lenora don''t dare overstep you boundaries. I''ll let this go since I''m so fond of you, but don''t dare think we''re on the same level, because we''re not."


    Lenora rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Yeah, yeah you''re family is all powerful but I''m not a weak woman either. That detective, that man is-"


    "Let me guess you''re brother? Is that what you''re going to say?" She rolled her eyes as well.


    "Even worse, he''s the man I love. So whatever it is you want to pin on him find some other detective." She said in a commanding tone.


    "Is that an order?"


    "It''s not, it''s a request a desperate request." Lenora replied.

 Chapter 172 - 172. Death Wish.

    ''The detective in charge of the Jessie Marin case has been arrested for fraud and malpractice. There is evidence he took bribe from the actress to close the case and stage her death.'' The news anchor read. ''The arrest happen earlier today in his hometown where he had been while he was on suspension.''


    "Jamie Anderson! Why did you take bribes from the actress Jessie Marin?"


    "Did you really take bribes? It that part of the work you were given as a cop?"


    "Did you also assist in killing the innocent Diana?"


    Lenora watched the news in horror. Jamie didn''t say a word instead kept his gaze down as he was lead away by the police. She began to shake, her entire body shook with anger. So he was Jamie? The detective was her Jamie?!


    **************************************************


    "What makes you think the public will easily accept this?" She asked Patricia.


    "The public believes everything they see on the news is the truth." Patricia stated matter of factly.


    Lenore shook her head. "At first, but there are always those who would question the news, then bring out their arguments. And if this arguments are convincing enough then they direct the public into confusion and distrust." She explained.


    "I mean even I, with the information you just gave me I already blame the police."


    Patricia eye brow rose. "The police?"


    "Why did they carry out the wrong investigation? People would begin criticising them and wondering why they pay taxes if they can make a mistake this big." Lenora informed her.


    "Well that''s why I already prepared a fall guy."


    "A fall guy?"


    Patricia shrugged like it was nothing serious. "Just a detective that has been getting on my nerves so much, I''ll use this opportunity to get rid of him."


    "So you''ll frame him." Lenora stated.


    "What?" Patricia smirked, "why are you looking at me like that? Ugh.. don''t tell me your starting to feel righteous."


    Lenora felt so dirty and annoyed. Was it so easy to ruin someone''s life? But she shoved this feelings away and shook her head. "It''s none of my business anyway."


    ***************************************************


    But it was her business! It was- oh gosh! Jamie! Lenora grabbed her phone and quickly dialed. Biting her lip anxiously as she waited for the call to go through.


    "Lenora?"


    "Where are you?" She asked.


    "Why? What do you want?"


    "Where the hell are you Patricia, we need to meet right now." She repeated more aggressively this time.


    "I''m on set right now, why do you seem so agitated." She asked again.


    "Because I am, I''ll come to you. We need to talk." She said hanging up, quickly picking up her bag and coat she basically ran out of her apartment.


    She showed her reporter''s ID and informed them she was there to visit Patricia and they let her drive into set. An assistant lead her to where Patricia was but she had to wait for the shoot to end.


    During the break Patricia sighted her, waving to get her attention Patricia gestured to her trailer so they walked over to it.


    When they were inside it, Lenora was so mad she forget to completely shut the door.


    "What is this about? You even came to my set." Patricia asked as she sat, she gestured to the seat but Lenora shook her head.


    "I''m fine here."


    "Alright, suit yourself."


    Lenora pulled out her phone and played the video of Jamie being arrested and showed it to her. "This is your doing right? This is the detective you staged to take the fall isn''t it?" She asked.


    Patricia looked up at her and scowled. "What the heck? I thought you said you weren''t going to be all righteous about this."


    "Yeah well I don''t know what got into me, is this how your going to ruin somebody''s life? He''s innocent!" She yelled and Patricia''s brow rose.


    She laughed a little before speaking. "Did you just raise your voice at me?"


    "You didn''t seem to hear me when I didn''t." Lenora replied.


    Patricia laughed some more and stared at her with a warning look. "Look here Lenora don''t dare overstep you boundaries. I''ll let this go since I''m so fond of you, but don''t dare think we''re on the same level, because we''re not."


    Lenora rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Yeah, yeah you''re family is all powerful but I''m not a weak woman either. That detective, that man is-"


    "Let me guess you''re brother? Is that what you''re going to say?" She rolled her eyes as well.


    "Even worse, he''s the man I love. So whatever it is you want to pin on him find some other detective." She said in a commanding tone.


    "Is that an order?"


    "It''s not, it''s a request a desperate request." Lenora replied.


    "And if I say no? Will stop being so catty and just get over it?"


    "Are you stupid?" Patricia''s eyes widened. "Or just deaf?" Lenora ignored the glare Patricia was sending her.


    "Do you have any idea who you''re talking to like that?" Patricia huffed in disbelief.


    "I think I''m starting to get an idea of just how twisted you really are. You are the master mind behind the entire Jessie Marin incident aren''t you?"


    "And yet you still have the guts to speak to me with such a disrespectful tone, do you have a death wish?"


    "That''s right, anyone that opposes you either ends up dead or in Jessie and Jamie''s situation." Lenora spat.


    "And your point is?"


    "Nothing I was just confirming the extent of your madness. So you''re really not going to let Jamie go?" Lenora asked for the finally time.


    Patricia scoffed. "You should be begging for yourself right now, you know what I''m capable of. And all the people that dared speak to me the way you just did didn''t end up well."


    "All the people? So Jessie Marin isn''t the first?"


    Patricia smiled at her and Lenora shook her head. "You are such a witch!"


    "No, I am a Lee. Now get the hell out of my trailer." She said.


    Lenora glared at her one final time before exiting the trailer. So it begins, she couldn''t do anything to help Jamie but she knew Patricia''s Achilles hell as well, and she would abuse it so much that Patricia would writhe in pain.


    Preview 173: Boyfriend.


    Paul frowned "she doesn''t have a boyfriend."


    Adonis shook his finger "no, no she does. I''m sure she does, infact she told me that they were keeping it on the down low... you must not have known as well, well that''s understandable."


    Paul shook his head "no, no she doesn''t. Katherine doesn''t have a boyfriend, if she did I would have known." He insisted.


    "Well why would she kiss Dr. Geum so passionately in front of me? She even said she came here just to visit him." He explained.


    "Huh."

 Chapter 173 - 173. Boyfriend.

    Patricia frowned as she thought of it, why wouldn''t Jessie be in Jason''s manor? Where was she then? Did they perhaps find out about her intentions all along?


    Her eyes scanned her room , her gaze falling on a brown envelope. The envelope she carried with her when she met the chief of police yesterday.


    "The photos!" She gasped, running to the study table she grabbed it and pulled out the pictures. The pictures containing Jessie, Jamie and that annoying doctor, Katherine Park.


    If these pictures where only taken when she asked that Jamie Anderson be tailed that must mean Jessie wasn''t even in the city! Ofcourse, she wasn''t, why didn''t she think of this earlier. She wouldn''t have sent the police to Jason''s manor, clearly and obviously stating enemity with him.


    She picked up her phone and punched in the numbers, these had to be dealt with before she goes on set. "She''s not in the capital, Jessie Marin she is not in the capital. Get every police officer you have in Jamie Anderson''s hometown and have them search every crook and crany of that town for her." She ordered.


    "Already on that, a woman reported a Jessie Marin sighting." He replied.


    "Has it been confirmed?" Patricia asked.


    "Yes Miss Lee, she is using a fake alias. Susan Jung, I already have men everywhere with check points and searching airports and bus stops." He said.


    "Good, make she doesn''t get away either. Also interrogate the detective he might know where she is." Patricia instructed.


    *************************************************


    Katherine and Jessie stood in awe and shock as they took a cuffed Jamie away.


    They looked at each other and immediately grabbed their phones dialing as quickly as they could.


    "Ugh! Jason isn''t answering." She said in frustration.


    "Paul phone is out of reach." Katherine sighed.


    "What do we do now? Where do we go?" Jessie asked.


    Katherine sighed and pursed her lips in thought, then it suddenly clicked. "Devon! Let''s go to the hospital."


    **************************************************


    "Fancy seeing you here brother." Adonis laughed outwardly as he inwardly assessed his brother.


    "It''s been a while, how is Erika? And your kid?" Paul asked.


    Adonis shrugged and answered. "There are fine, little Rekka keeps asking when uncle Paul will come by again."


    It was Paul''s turn to shrug. "I have that effect don''t you think?"


    Adonis avoided his question as though it was rhetorical it probably was. "This is odd timing, and because of that I assume you''re here because of Katherine? I was wondering when you''d come for her."


    "Katherine was here?"


    Adonis'' eyes widened slightly and his face broke out into the most satisfyingly annoying smirk. "You didn''t know?"


    "Well I did know she came to the city to speak to her- well her dad or whatever but why would she come here?"


    Adonis clutched his chest playfully, fenning hurt. "Why wouldn''t she? I mean we did grow up together, don''t make it seem like I''m a stranger."


    "But you are." Paul replied bluntly. "Why was Katherine here?"


    "What? Are you afraid she leaked your secrets to me? The reason your hospital is doing so well when everyone expected failure? Why is the secret that valuable that you can''t share with you dear older brother?" Adonis teased him.


    Paul gave him a pointed look whilst keeping his expression plain. "Why was Katherine here?" He asked again more grimly.


    Adonis poured and shrugged, "well I don''t see a need to keep it secret. The truth might be more hurtful so I''ll tell you."


    "What do you mean by hurtful, is Katherine okay?!" He yelled.


    "Calm down... eish!" He exclaimed. "She''s fine.. I think well the last time I saw her she was fine. More than fine even, she was making out with her boyfriend so..."


    Paul frowned "she doesn''t have a boyfriend."


    Adonis shook his finger "no, no she does. I''m sure she does, infact she told me that they were keeping it on the down low... you must not have known as well, well that''s understandable."


    Paul shook his head "no, no she doesn''t. Katherine doesn''t have a boyfriend, if she did I would have known." He insisted.


    "Well why would she kiss Dr. Geum so passionately in front of me? She even said she came here just to visit him." He explained.


    "Huh." Was all that he managed. Was that why she had been acting strange? But still how could she date someone and not tell him? He told her everything. It was her first boyfriend, he almost thought she was asexual but it appears she had feelings.


    "Anyways, do you know where she is?" Paul asked.


    "How I''m I supposed to know that?" Adonis asked.


    "Oh whatever, I''ll just call her." He said grabbing his phone.


    "You can''t use that in here."


    "What? Why?"


    "So it doesn''t disrupt the radiology system in the hospital there''s no signal here."


    "What the actual fuck bro!" Paul groaned getting up, without looking back he dashed out of the hospital. Dialing quickly her called the bodyguards and asked their whereabouts.


    "What do you mean you lost them?" He growled.


    "Sir they ditched the car, we had a tracker on the car but they aren''t anywhere close to the vehicle so we can''t locate them." The guard informed him.


    "Was the job not to get your eyes of them? Even for a minute? All of you are dead if you don''t find them this minute. Send me your location right now." Paul yelled as he ran to his car.


    Coincidentally as he drove away Katherine and Jessie came running into the hospital but also as soon as Paul left two cop cars drove the hospital. And quickly set up a check point there, trapping them.


    "Again?!" Jessie groaned. "What the hell with all these fucking checkpoints? Why are they acting like I''m carrying a bomb?"


    Preview 174: Pointless nepotism.


    Katherine Park." He said as soon as Katherine saw him reach for his cuffs behind him she turned around and began to run, as fast as she could.


    "Hey! Hey! Get her!" He yelled as they began to chase after her into the hospital.


    Katherine ran towards the elevator having a small head start she pushed the button as quickly as she could. She kept pressing it as the cops headed towards her, just as they were about to reach the police from earlier stretched his arms to stop the doors from shutting.

 Chapter 174 - 174. Pointless Nepotism.

    "Stay here, stay hidden. I''ll go find out if Devon is in the hospital, I''m sure we can lay low I''m his apartment for a bit." Katherine said as she assured Jessie. Jessie nodded and stood near the edges, she didn''t have a choice either way.


    Katherine walked past the police cars surrounding the hospital and went in, a few cops kept looking at her in a strange way. It freaked Jessie out but she convinced herself she was being paranoid. But then she wasn''t.


    **************************************************


    "What do we do about the doctor?"


    "Don''t take her identity to the press, tell every cop to be on the look out though. If she''s alerted she''ll go into hiding as well." Patricia informed the chief. "If you see her, if she is seen she should be arrested immediately. If we find that woman we will find Jessie Marin."


    "Understood ma''am, I will inform the cops."


    "Cheol Jong, remember if we lose her again then you''ll take responsibility. I have more than enough to take you down." She warned.


    "Yes."


    **************************************************


    "Hey! You there stop." A cop called out to Katherine stopping her.


    Katherine turned around and faced him with a confused look on her face. "Can I help you Officer?" She asked.


    "Yes, can I see ID?" He asked.


    Katherine stepped back and looked at the other cops that had begun to turn to their direction. "Why?"


    "Standard procedure, you see we are looking for a dangerous criminal so just to be safe." He insisted.


    "What criminal? What is the name of this criminal?" She asked. "I don''t understand what my ID has to do with this."


    "Ma''am if you continue to resist we will have to use force, please cooperate."


    Katherine looked at the cops them slowly pulled out her ID and handed it to the officer before her.


    "Katherine Park." He said as soon as Katherine saw him reach for his cuffs behind him she turned around and began to run, as fast as she could.


    "Hey! Hey! Get her!" He yelled as they began to chase after her into the hospital.


    Katherine ran towards the elevator having a small head start she pushed the button as quickly as she could. She kept pressing it as the cops headed towards her, just as they were about to reach the police from earlier stretched his arms to stop the doors from shutting.


    She gasped as his fingers came closer but the door closed, breathing out a sigh of relief she pulled out her phone to try Paul again. No signal? She pressed another button, deciding to go to Adonis instead.


    "Katherine?" Adonis asked as he saw her head peeking in his office door.


    "Adonis I need your help." She said as she walked into the office and shut the door.


    "What''s going on?" He asked.


    "Can I borrow your phone? I don''t understand why mine isn''t working, there''s no signal here." She explained.


    "Of course not, I can''t have anything disturbing my radiology department. You know this is the biggest cancer research facility in the world." He stated. "Besides I deserve a reasonable explanation as to why you and Paul have come to disturb my peace today."


    "Paul was here?" Katherine said, hope flooding into her eyes again.


    "Yeah... he was looking for you even. Is something the matter?" He asked.


    "Well..." she trailed off, ''should I tell him?'' She wondered. ''No, if I tell him the cops are after me I''ll have to tell him why. And goodness knows what he would do with information that his brother is connected to Jessie.'' "So how do you talk to other people? I mean there''s no signal."


    "There''s signal in the obs and gynecology department, from that building all the way to pediatrics. I''m closer to radiology so there''s no signal here." He informed her.


    "Great thanks." She said heading to the door. She stopped as she grabbed the handle, "there are cops all over the first floor of your hospital. Harassing you patients. They asked for my ID and when I refused they tried to arrest me, perhaps you should do something about that." She informed him, before exiting the room and heading to the other side of this massive hospital.


    **************************************************


    Francine Kim was beyond enraged, how dare he talk to them like that. All the board members were older and had more power than he did yet he had the guts to speak to them like they were his employees.


    She headed into Reginald Choi office, pushing the door open with so much force the lamp sitting beside shook.


    "Francine, have pity on my poor lamp." Reginald said as she walked into the office not bothering to shut the door.


    "Until when do we have to put up that cheeky child?" She spat. "What right does he think he has to speak to us in that manner?"


    "He is the president, Francine. Calm down, besides nothing he said was wrong." Reginald informed her.


    "Nothing he said was wrong." Francine repeated. "You always do this, and why? Because of the blind love you had for his mother a woman that never even felt the same!" She yelled.


    "Control yourself Francine!" He ordered.


    "Don''t speak to me like that, I am the first Lady of this country for crying out loud."


    "And don''t you forget that it was Paradise that got you into that position, Jason''s mother to be specific. Celeste got you and your husband into that position so show some respect." He reprimanded her.


    Francine scoffed. "Alright I agree Celeste Kang got me into that position, and I respected her as a leader. But now I have to put of with this pointless nepotism? I mean we are under the very same child that killed his mother!"


    "She was in an accident Francine! Don''t say rubbish." He stated firmly.


    "Oh please, save that crap for Jason. We all know how she died, and we all know Jason is responsible." She said. "Why should we listen to a man that doesn''t even have the strength to deal with his mistakes, and rather decides to forget them. Hmm?"


    "Francine!" Reginald slammed his hands on his table.


    "Yell all you want, but this is the popular opinion. How will you deal with it?" She asked before she left the office.


    Jason leaned back turning to face the other way as she left. His face hardening to cover the thousands of emotions he felt. He killed his mother?


    Preview 175: Memories can never lie.


    Devon was startled of course by her reaction but he could feel her trembling so he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and whispered into her ears. "It''s okay, it''s okay. You''re safe."


    He felt warm tears wet his shirt were she leaned her head and he rubbed her back slowly. Giving the passers by hostile looks preventing them from prying. After a while after she calmed down and as he was about to ask what was wrong he was interrupted.


    "What is going on here? Katherine?"

 Chapter 175 - 175. Memories Can Never Lie.

    Jason walked into Reginald office with a grim look on his face.


    "Jason!" Reginald said with slight startle, silently praying that he hadn''t overheard his conversation. But his statement confirmed he infact did.


    "What the did she mean by I killed my mother?" He asked.


    "Jason she was just ranting, don''t you remember it clearly? What happened that day? Your memories can never lie." Reginald assured him.


    Jason stared intently at the man before him and shook his head. Nobody rants like that, the truth mostly comes out when one is either drunk or emotional. "Then why didn''t you correct her when she said my mother didn''t love you back?" He asked. "If I remember correctly, I was mad at my mother that day because she wanted to leave my father for you. Why didn''t you correct her."


    Jason tried to remain calm and collected but he could feel his resolve cracking. He was already dealing with a lot already, now this? He killed his mother? He already blamed him for her death and it took him fourteen years to forgive himself, now to hear he was directly involved it shook him to his core.


    "I simply didn''t feel the need to, there''s no need arguing with people like Francine." Reginald replied. He got up and walked around his desk and placed his hand on Jason''s shoulders. Looking up into his eyes he assured him once more.


    "Jason, your mother died in an accident. You know that, I know that. Don''t let anyone consciously distract you from what is important, what is real and true." He said firmly. "Okay?"


    Jason looked into his eyes to gauge the truth in the words he spoke but he could see nothing. "Okay." He said, if he couldn''t find out the truth from Reginald then he''d gave to ask someone else.


    Reginald nodded and walked back to his desk. "I''m assuming you came here for this. For the moment it would be better to keep Jessie at arms length. The public can not find out she has been with you." He said.


    Jason picked up the file and flipped through. "The safe houses?"


    "Yes. You will remain in your manor while she stays the these houses. Rotating every 48 hours so they don''t pin down her location."


    "Twelve houses? Isn''t that a bit much?" Jason asked.


    "It''s all for precaution, it''s surprising how easily they managed to pinpoint the location of your manor despite your efforts to keep it secret. Our enemy is indeed formidable. Well they are the Lee''s after all." Reginald sighed.


    Jason looked through the houses and he bit his lips as he pondered on the situation. Reginald understanding his dilemma decided to help him out.


    "You can see her, but not as often as you would want."


    Jason looked up at him and nodded. "It should be time for the next meeting." He said looking at his Rolex.


    "After you."


    **************************************************


    "Why is Katherine in my hospital looking for you? What kind of games are you two playing?" Adonis frowned as he looked up at his office''s window.


    "Katherine is in the hospital? Wait, how are you calling me if you''re also there?"


    "I''m standing outside the building, trying to get the police away from my entrance." He stated.


    "I''ll be right there."


    **************************************************


    Katherine walked around the paediatrics ward and she still couldn''t get any bars. So she was currently in an elevator heading back to Adonis. She needed to get out here, Jessie had been alone too long but she was trapped. How could she escape the cops?


    "Katherine?" She heard as she stepped out of the elevator she looked up and she met gazes with Devon. Almost crying out of relief she ran to him and snaked her arms past his labcoat wrapping them around his torso.


    Devon was startled of course by her reaction but he could feel her trembling so he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and whispered into her ears. "It''s okay, it''s okay. You''re safe."


    He felt warm tears wet his shirt were she leaned her head and he rubbed her back slowly. Giving the passers by hostile looks preventing them from prying. After a while after she calmed down and as he was about to ask what was wrong he was interrupted.


    "What is going on here? Katherine?" Katherine head perked up at the familiarity of the voice. She turned around and saw Paul staring daggers at Devon but she couldn''t bother about that right now.


    "Paul!" She cried out.


    Paul who felt like a fuse had been lit when he saw how intimately Devon held Katherine and how she clung to him forced a small smile to reassure her.


    "Where is Jessie? Did you-"


    He grabbed her trembling hands and smiled, for real this time. "She''s fine, I saw her hiding outside the hospital. She in a safe place right now... waiting for you." He added bitterly.


    Katherine sighed, placing her hand on her chest. "And the police?"


    "Adonis took care of them for now. They''ll be back but it''s safe for now." He said.


    Devon scrunched his face in confusion "police? Katherine what''s going on?"


    She turned to face him "it''s a long story... I-"


    Paul pulled her closer to him and sent a hostile glare towards Devon. "We must get going. As she said it''s a long story, we don''t have the time for it."


    Katherine looked helpless between Devon and Paul, why did they look at each other with such hostility? "I''m sorry Devon but Paul is right, I have to go." She stated and Paul face immediately broke into a smug grin.


    "But I promise to explain everything later. I''ll call you." She said as Paul began to pull her away.


    "Katherine!" Devon called out and she stopped and turned to face him. "Please be safe, Jessie too."


    Katherine smiled tearfully at him and nodded. "I..we will, thank you Devon."


    Paul scoffed as the walked into elevator. "Katherine? Devon? Since when did you guys refer to yourselves so casually?" He asked.


    Katherine glanced up at him and huffed. "This is not the time to talk about this. We need to get Jessie out of here."


    "Way ahead of you."


    Preview 176: Beyond repair.


    "What I meant to say was, even if she wanted it would be impossible for her to act in this country again." She continued. "Reputation matters a whole lot and hers has been destroyed beyond repair."

 Chapter 176 - 176. Beyond Repair.

    "This is the man that has been causing so much ruckus. Lim Cheol Jong, the chief of police overseeing the capital''s forces. He is corrupt, obviously involved in cover ups, about seven false cases just like the actress Jessie Marin case."


    "So Jessie Marin isn''t the only woman Patricia Lee has sent to the auction house." Jason said as he leaned on his hands, watching the presentation.


    "No sir." The man presenting confirmed. "We have discovered that five other women have disappeared in such a manner. Another actress like Jessie, Emma Ji. The female author that wrote so many popular books and screenplays, Han Soo Ji. An ice skater, Baek Suk hee. An idol not very known, Peace Parker. And finally the woman once called the future of politics, Felicity Hoffmann." He displayed their pictures as he mentioned their names.


    Heavy silence hung over the entire room. Everyone was thinking the same thing, this had to stop.


    ''So Jessie wasn''t even the first victim'' Jason thought ruefully. "I think it''s obvious what has to be done. Before today I never even once questioned the disappearance or sudden deaths of these women." He said ''I never cared.''


    "This is bigger than me and even Jessie, we can''t let the Lee''s win again. We cannot let Patricia win." Jason stated firmly.


    "But the fact remains the damage has been done." The attorney general said.


    "I completely agree, it has been revealed that the actress is alive and even though commissioner Jang stopped the police. Jessie Marin would still have to come out, or this case, this chaos would never end." Another man added.


    Jason expression darkened. "So you''re saying I should throw her to the wolves? If she goes to prison for these murders how will she ever make a comeback?"


    Francine scoffed, "is that important right now?"


    Jason sent a glare her way and she coughed slightly. "What I meant to say was, even if she wanted it would be impossible for her to act in this country again." She continued. "Reputation matters a whole lot and hers has been destroyed beyond repair."


    "Beyond repair? I remember clearly you were involved in a sex scandal back before you became Mrs. First lady. Wasn''t that repaired?" Reginald spoke.


    Francine cleared her throat and looked away.


    "Nothing is impossible, especially not for Paradise." Jason stated curtly. "Jessie will make a comeback and make sure that man, Cheol Jong pays for everything he''s done. Never again should anything like this happen. To anyone else." He warned.


    "So what''s the plan now? Will you allow Jessie come out?" The attorney general asked.


    "Not now, give me some time and also try to figure out another solution."


    "But we ju-"


    "Until I hear something else she won''t take an inch out into the public. When I hear the plan B then I''ll decide or rather we''ll leave the decision to her." He said. "And yes, the Lee''s auction house, how is it coming?"


    "Weren''t you the inside man on that?" Reginald asked and Jason gave him a blank look.


    "Isn''t that the reason you''re still engaged to Patricia?" He explained and Jason frowned.


    "Fine, meeting adjourned." He said getting up and walking out of the room.


    **************************************************


    "How many times do I have to tell you I have no idea about what your talking about." Jamie sighed.


    "Look at this, you received such a large sum of money one the day the Jessie Marin case was closed is that supposed to be a coincidence?" The prosecutor asked slamming his index and middle fingers on the desk.


    Jamie folded his arms and leaned back on his seat, saying nothing.


    "I mean look at this as well, look at all the texts on your phone, even the pictures. How do you think you''ll get out of this. Do you think you can still keep pleading the fifth?"


    Jamie laughed silently. "Is this funny to you?" The prosecutor huffed in disbelief. "It''s a pity there are corrupt cops like you."


    "Hey, look here Mr. Shin." The prosecutor gave him a pointed look and Jamie gave him an apologetic grin. "Prosecutor Shin, are you truly clueless or are you part of this farce of an arrest? I''m a cop, even if I were to collect a bribe don''t you think I would be smart enough to cover my tracks? I mean texts? How stupid could I be to receive texts with my phone?" He asked.


    "And also, why was my phone ceased for so long before it was presented as evidence? I was arrested almost three hours ago and your just coming to interrogate me. I''ll ask again, are you just so stupid or are you corrupt?" Jamie asked.


    The prosecutor bit his lip and stared intently at Jamie before getting up and leaving the room.


    Jamie sighed and leaned his head back to get some sleep, when the door creaked open. He rose his head and met a familiar face.


    "What the hell are you doing here?"


    **************************************************


    "Jessie! You''re safe." Katherine sighed as she wrapped her arms around Jessie.


    "I know right, I''m so glad Paul found me when he did. But how did you manage to get away from the cops?"


    "What do you think? I ran like my life depended on it." She sighed.


    Jessie frowned "why were the cops after you though?"


    "What do you think? If they get to Katherine they''ll get to you." Paul replied through clenched teeth.


    Jessie frown deepened. "You were definitely happy to see me earlier. What got your pants in a twist?" She looked between both of them. "Did you guys fight again?"


    Paul ignored her question and walked to the car, Jessie gave Katherine a questioning look and Katherine shrugged. She also didn''t understand why he was so angry.


    Jessie couldn''t be happier she was leaving this town, although the capital would be tougher at least she had fond memories there. Plus all she wanted now was her bed, imagine her despair when she was informed she wouldn''t be going to the manor.


    "Why? Since when? Is Jason aware of this? He wouldn''t allow it!" She argued, as the bodyguards drove her into the safe house she was supposed to stay.


    "No! I won''t come down! Take me to the manor, take me to Jason now! I won-"


    "Hey, stop making a fuss and come down already."


    Her ears perked and she turned to face the man she loved, instinctively before she could stop it her face broke into a wide grin. "Jason!"


    Preview 177: Katherine''s love life.


    "Since when are you so chummy with Dr. Geum?" Paul asked.


    "Why are you so interested in that?" She asked.


    "It''s just... I heard something interesting." He replied.


    Katherine folded her arms and tilted her head. "I wonder what that was" She feigned ignorance.


    While both of them continued to squabble Jessie was in her head, ''I can''t believe he still sent bodyguards after us, wait. Actually I can, he just couldn''t let go could he?''


    "Really? You don''t know? When you were announcing it to the entire hospital?!"


    "Are you yelling at me?" She huffed.


    "I yelled?" His eyes widened with feigned confusion. "It must be the car, it''s amplifying my voice." He coughed awkwardly.


    "Better, because I don''t see why me getting a boyfriend should cause you to yell." She stated bluntly.

 Chapter 177 - 177. Katherines Love Life.

    The car ride was quiet for most part, Paul got a message that Katherine peeked into. She couldn''t read it completely but she knew it was from his Fiancee. Before Paul could explain, oddly he felt the need to her phone began to ring.


    It was Devon. "Aren''t you going to answer that?" Paul asked.


    Katherine huffed. "Mind your business."


    "Aren''t you going to answer it?" Jessie asked this time.


    "Ofcourse I am." She said and Paul scoffed. "Devon?


    Yes.


    No, no I''m fine really.


    Yes.


    Really?


    I''d really like that.


    It would be great, this isn''t something that can be explained over the phone.


    Oh you know already? How?


    The news, ahh I see.


    You''re so understanding, thank you.


    Me too, I had a great time.


    Yes, we''ll talk later.


    Bye."


    "Since when are you so chummy with Dr. Geum?" Paul asked.


    "Why are you so interested in that?" She asked.


    "It''s just... I heard something interesting." He replied.


    Katherine folded her arms and tilted her head. "I wonder what that was" She feigned ignorance.


    While both of them continued to squabble Jessie was in her head, ''I can''t believe he still sent bodyguards after us, wait. Actually I can, he just couldn''t let go could he?''


    "Really? You don''t know? When you were announcing it to the entire hospital?!"


    "Are you yelling at me?" She huffed.


    "I yelled?" His eyes widened with feigned confusion. "It must be the car, it''s amplifying my voice." He coughed awkwardly.


    "Better, because I don''t see why me getting a boyfriend should cause you to yell." She stated bluntly.


    Jessie eyes widened and she finally joined the conversation.


    "Boyfriend? You guys have made it official?" Jessie said excitedly.


    Katherine turned to her, her eyes filled with the same anticipation and excitement. "It seems so!"


    Jessie gasped covering her mouth with her palm "really?" Katherine nodded and the both of them began to squeal.


    Paul looked at both of them with disgust clearly written on his face as he scowled. This was going to be a long and extremely annoying car ride.


    "Wait a moment why are we dropping you off? Aren''t you guys coming to the manor?" Jessie pouted.


    "I believe the both of you have spent enough time alone together. It is enough." Paul replied sternly and both women frowned at him.


    "After you." He gestured for Katherine to head towards his car.


    "I don''t see why I can''t go with Jessie."


    "Right?" Jessie agreed.


    Paul held the bridge of his nose and sighed, this women were giving him a headache. "No, you have work."


    "Ah that tru- wait a minute. I quit remember!" She said and Jessie nodded vigorously.


    "Still, do you think Jason would welcome you to his manor?" Paul asked.


    "Why wouldn''t he?" Jessie replied his question with one of her own.


    Paul sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Clothes!" He snapped his fingers. "You don''t have any clothes, there are all in the hotel remember?"


    "Ahh... I''ll see you tomorrow Jessie." Katherine said with conviction.


    "Promise?"


    "Promise!"


    "Ugh! The both of you are acting like teenage best friends, ugh! So annoying!" He huffed as he basically dragged Katherine away.


    The car began to move again but even though it was dark Jessie noticed they weren''t headed in the direction she expected. "Where are we going? This isn''t the way to the manor."


    "We aren''t going to the manor." The bodyguard answered curtly.


    "What do you mea-" she gasped. "Hey! You''re working for Patricia right? Tell me! Where are you taking me!" She yelled grabbing his neck from behind.


    The car began to swerve and the bodyguard struggled to control the car and get out from her grip. He struggled to explain himself but her fingers were wrapped around his neck.


    After he managed to park she jumped when she heard a knock on the window. Before she could stop him he already opened the door and a look of horror graced the man''s face.


    "Miss! What are you doing?!" He asked in shock and alarm.


    Jessie jumped backwards, sitting as far away from them as she could. "More? There are more of you?"


    He looked at the wheezing man for explanation because he too confused about the current situation.


    "She thinks I''m a kidnapper, tell her the chairman ordered us to take her somewhere else." He spat as he left the car to breathe.


    "Jason did?" Jessie asked softly. The man nodded.


    She shook her head, "I don''t want to. Take me to Jason!"


    "Alright miss please calm down." He said trying to pacify her. This time there were two bodyguards in the car when it started to move. Not because of her protection but instead for theirs.


    "What is this?! This isn''t the manor!" She yelled.


    "It''s a safe house. You are going to stay here." She was informed.


    "Why? Since when? Is Jason aware of this? He wouldn''t allow it!" She argued, as the bodyguards drove her into the safe house she was supposed to stay.


    "No! I won''t come down! Take me to the manor, take me to Jason now! I won-"


    "Hey, stop making a fuss and come down already."


    Her ears perked and she turned to face him, instinctively before she could stop it her face broke into a wide grin. "Jason!"


    "Are you okay?" He asked his face full of concern.


    Jessie got out of the car and ran to him, slamming into him, she placed her face aganist his chest and sighed. "Thank you... and I''m sorry." She whispered softly looking up at him.


    "Why?" Jason reply was as soft as hers.


    "It''s all my fault, I should have listened to you." She said, biting her lips and looking down in shame. "I deserve this."


    "Hey!" Jason reprimanded, lifting her chin with is finger. "Nobody deserves this, you most especially. I''m just glad you''re okay." He smiled at her.


    "Me too."


    "You must be tired let''s go inside."


    Jessie held him back, "why are we here instead of the manor?"


    Jason pursed his lips and tilted his head "I would have assumed Paul would''ve told you."


    "No, he was too interested in Katherine''s love life to care." She replied.


    "Katherine''s love life?"


    "She has a boyfriend... or not it''s still fresh." Jason eyes widened but Jessie dismissed it. "Why are we here instead?"


    "The manor isn''t safe anymore, the police came by... to look for you."


    Jessie pulled away from his embrace and stared at him in shock, then confusion before she finally understood and wore a look of guilt. "It''s all my fault I''m sorry."


    Preview 178: All is forgiven.


    "Kevin?" She looked at him in annoyance then at Jason with confusion. "I thought you fired him? Or maybe sent him to another place?"


    "Why should I? He''s your bodyguard, again." Jason shrugged.


    Jessie laughed comically. "You''re joking right? I don''t understand I thought you said all was forgiven?" She frowned her brows forming a crease.


    Jason looked at her with a small grin playing at his lips. "It is."


    Jessie shook her head, "I don''t think it is, this..." she pointed at Kevin. "This is a punishment right?"


    "No in the slightest," he smiled sweetly. "Kevin seemed like he really understood you, I was too hasty in my decision."


    Jessie jaw dropped and she stared at him with shock and a rising anger. "Understood me?"

 Chapter 178 - 178. All Is Forgiven.

    "Why are you sorry?" Jason asked.


    "What do you mean by why I''m I sorry? It''s my fault, it has to be. That party, I shouldn''t have been stubborn. I should never have met Patricia and instigated her."


    "I threw that party on my own volition. Don''t blame yourself." Jason walked to her and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. He was pleased, it was growing out fast, it already fell to her cheeks.


    "You threw it to make me happy, you know what I''m sorry about everything, really. Arguing with you when all you wanted to do was keep me safe, for being stubborn and dragging you into my mess." She apologised again.


    Jason sighed "are you that shaken? Are you really that scared?"


    Jessie looked up at him and tired to blink back tears. "I don''t know, it''s just my heart keeps thumping in my chest and it feels suffocating. When I first saw the news I couldn''t breathe, its pathetic I know but..."


    "It''s not, you''re not. And forget everything that happened till now, just let''s focus on getting you out of this."


    "So you''re not mad at me anymore?"


    He shook his head. "All is forgiven. Now come." He took her hand as they walked into the house. It was in the mountains and surrounding by a lot of vegetation. It was clear that there was a house there but if you didn''t pay attention you could miss it.


    "Miss Marin." A familiar man bowed as she walked in. At first she bowed but stop mid way when she recognized the face.


    "Kevin?" She looked at him in annoyance then at Jason with confusion. "I thought you fired him? Or maybe sent him to another place?"


    "Why should I? He''s your bodyguard, again." Jason shrugged.


    Jessie laughed comically. "You''re joking right? I don''t understand I thought you said all was forgiven?" She frowned her brows forming a crease.


    Jason looked at her with a small grin playing at his lips. "It is."


    Jessie shook her head, "I don''t think it is, this..." she pointed at Kevin. "This is a punishment right?"


    "No in the slightest," he smiled sweetly. "Kevin seemed like he really understood you, I was too hasty in my decision."


    Jessie jaw dropped and she stared at him with shock and a rising anger. "Understood me? He annoyed the hell out of me!"


    Jason nodded "exactly."


    She scoffed. "You are angry aren''t you? This is a punishment isn''t it? Whoa I can''t I thought you''d grown out of that pettiness of yours!"


    Jason stared at her in amusement as he watched her send angry glares towards an unaffected Kevin. And even angrier ones at him. What did she think? "Pettiness? Weren''t you the one tearfully apologising just moments ago of how wrong you had been? And how I right I always am?"


    She huffed. "I never said that, I would never say that."


    Jason motioned for Kevin to excuse them and he bowed again before leaving the room.


    "So you''re saying I was wrong to send bodyguards with you guys on the trip?"


    "Lot of help they were! When we were scared and alone where were they?" She asked.


    Jason noticed as her hands began to shake slightly and when he grabbed her upper arm he could feel her goosebumps. She must have been frightened, and very badly.


    "Want to watch a movie?" He asked.


    "I don''t understand, we''re not done with this discussion." She insisted following behind him as he walked into what appeared to be the kitchen.


    "Look I promised I wouldn''t force you to do what you didn''t so fell free to fire Kevin or not. But know this, the only reason I rehired him was because he was in dire need of a job. His twelve year old sister is sick with a rare disease and he''s actually one of my best bodyguards you Jessie are the difficult one." He said in one breath, snatching up snacks and walking out.


    Jessie opened her mouth and shut it again. "I know what you just did!" She yelled.


    **************************************************


    "What are you doing here Lenora?" Jamie asked her as she took her seat opposite him. "I told you not to look for me."


    Lenora shut her eyes and controlled her emotions. "I didn''t..., look for you. You''re all over the news."


    "So what? You came to confirm if I was really a scumbag cop?" He blurted out. "Why? I''m I no longer good enough for you?"


    Lenora nodded slowly, "that''s okay. I''m sure you''re very angry. Say whatever you want, I''ll be your emotional punching bag."


    Jamie eyes widened slightly at her statement and he realized how insensitive he was being. She was the only person in the whole world that got him to react like this. He was what you would referre tones stoic, boring and ordinary. He never let anyone annoy him, he could let anything go, well most things. He didn''t express emotions and always wore a blank look.


    Buy with Lenora she had pushed him to the wall too many times and forced him to fight back so he got too used to letting himself loose with her.


    "You should go, I really don''t want to see you." He stated bluntly.


    "You can do anything Jamie but please don''t push me away, please."


    Jamie looked down at his hands that sat in his lap. He didn''t want her seeing him like this, at the other side of an interrogation table. "If you really want to help Lenora then please just leave."


    "Why do you always do this?" She cried. "Why do you always hide? Pretend you''re okay?"


    "..."


    Lenora nodded "it doesn''t matter, I''m not going anywhere. I''m not sure I can do anything to help you but I''ll definitely take revenge."


    "Revenge? Then you just know who did this to me, who is it? Who is pulling the strings?" He asked.


    "Patricia, Patricia Lee."


    Jamie laughed "I should have known... and this revenge what are you thinking?"


    "She hurt the most important thing to me, so I should do same."


    Jamie shook his head, "I don''t understand. What do you mean?"


    "Jason Kang, Jason Kang is my target. I can''t hit her directly so I''ll have to do this."


    Preview 179: Nightmares.


    "She is the witch! Patricia is the witch! I''m innocent please! We are all innocent please!"


    "Burn them!" Patricia said sealing their fate. And Jessie watched as they lit Katherine, Jason and Paul. Then finally her. Screaming from the top of her lungs she cried.


    "Nooooo!"

 Chapter 179 - 179. Nightmares.

    The same bed, the same eerie darkness, the same heavy silence. Jessie sat up and looked around and she was back. The same unfeeling as she stepped into the shallow water coating the floor. The quiet cries, she also could not hear her own voice. This time she refused to leave the light, she would not step away from the bed so it left her. All of a sudden with like a blink she was pushed so quickly, like scenes changing right before her eyes she was falling again.


    This time she was in her body and she had no idea where she was. Crying out loudly as she hit the ground with a thud. She looked around her but yet she could see nothing. Only feel the dirt beneath where she sat, she got up to walk and her lack of shoes were made prominent when she stepped on a sharp stone and hurt her leg.


    Where to? Where would she go from here? Why was she shaking? It was as if she knew something was coming. And right at that moment something shattered aganist her head and a gooey liquid rolled down the back of her neck.


    She turned around in haste to see a throng of people, holding pitch forks and torches. All of a sudden her shorts and tank top transformed into a woolen dress and her head felt constricted. When she touched it she wouldn''t feel her hair but instead this tough leathery skin. It was a hat, judging by the pointy end it must be a witches cap. But no matter how she pulled it wouldn''t come off.


    "Get her!" One of the commoners yelled and they began to stone her again. Her woolen dress sticking to the birches she wore beneath, her boots felt heavy on her feet and she began to run. But she wouldn''t waste more time.


    The crowd refused to give her a head start, they ran right behind her assault her with their eggs and wounding her with their words.


    The air felt like needles pricking her lungs and the tears that fell down her cheeks felt like acid burning her cheeks. But she go without neither, she needed air and all the running made her eyes teary. That was her explanation for crying not that it mattered at this point.


    But a mistake she made, she turned around as she ran forward to see how much distance she had put between herself and her pursuers. Stumbling on a tree root she rolled down the hill. Stoned and branches taking their own piece of the plunder, her flesh and cloth.


    By the time she ended up at the end the crowd were upon her and she couldn''t move. Never before had she been in so much pain, was this real? Why did it feel real?


    Soon enough a wooden stand placed in the middle of barn and hay was where she was standing tied to the wooden beam they intended to burn along with her.


    "Burn the witch!" The chanted. "Burn the witch!"


    As the leader stepped out she crowd holding the scroll of all her evildoing. "Krystal!" Jessie cried. "Krystal please get me off this, you known I''m innocent right? Please get me down." She begged.


    The woman in a silk dress, and a fancy updo stepped back and glared at Jessie. Pulling her gloves higher she opened the scroll. "Don''t dare sully my name with that deceitful tongue of yours witch!" She rebuked Jessie.


    "For the deceiving the entire world and murdering to innocent people for their blood. For using and manipulating people for your own benefits you will be burned at the stake! Witch!" Krystal announced.


    Another familiar face, in a simple yellow dress made of lace and softer materials. Agnes stepped out, "and for her accomplices, those who had the guts to hide and enable the witch. They will burn with her."


    Suddenly men came in dragging an equally battered Jason, Katherine and Paul.


    "Wait no! Please they are innocent please!" Jessie cried as they tied them to their individual beams.


    Suddenly the air became cold and the crowd went quiet. A wicked laughter that echoed all around came closer as a woman riding a broom glided down. Immediately her feet hit the ground touched the ground, everyone bowed. It was Patricia, wearing the most seductive red jump suit that left literally nothing to the imagination. Her hat covered one eye and lips so bold.


    "She is the witch! Patricia is the witch! I''m innocent please! We are all innocent please!"


    "Burn them!" Patricia said sealing their fate. And Jessie watched as they lit Katherine, Jason and Paul. Then finally her. Screaming from the top of her lungs she cried.


    "Nooooo!" She jerked up, panting heavily her skin still felt as though it was burning. She looked around her and though it was dark she could make out the silhouettes of the furniture in the room.


    It was just a dream, she placed her hand on her chest to calm her heart, but still she head shouting that were not hers. "Who could it be?" She wondered. Pushing the covers off she still hesitated before stepping unto the floor. But she did anyway, pushing her door open slightly she walked out into the hallway.


    The shouting was coming from Jason''s room, her heart began to race again was he in trouble?


    She ran to his room and pushed the door open and turned on the light but didn''t see anyone apart from Jason. He was writhing and clutching his covers so tightly his knuckles turned red.


    "Jason! Jason!" She yelled as she ran to him, shaking his shoulders. "Jason wake up!"


    He gasped before he opened his eyes. Jessie heart broke when she heard the first word that came out of his mouth. "Mom?"


    She smiled sadly at him and cupped the side of his face and began to caress his cheek with her thumb. She saw for the first time vulnerability and fear in Jason''s eyes. Like it wasn''t the Jason that she knew that was conscious at the moment.


    But the moment he blinked it was gone, and he was back. "Jessie." He breathed out pulling her down into an embrace.


    "It''s okay, I''m here, I''m here it''s just a dream."


    Preview 180: I don''t love you.


    "Why are you being so cold to me?"


    "Because Lenora... I need you to stay away from me just... leave me alone." He pleaded.


    She shook her head. "Not until you tell me why?"


    Jamie huffed in annoyance. "Are you dumb? Tch... a breakup only requires one person to say they are no longer interested. I didn''t expect you to be so clingy. It''s pretty pathetic don''t you think?"


    The crack of her palm meeting his cheek sounded loudly in the room.

 Chapter 180 - 180. I Dont Love You, Leave Me Be.

    The room was silent but very bright as though they expected the light would stop the monsters from getting to them. Jessie and Jason sat opposite each other sipping coffee, neither of them bold enough to go back to sleep.


    "How did you even hear me?" Jason asked as they sat in silence. Jessie looked at him from over her raised mug.


    She sighed "I was awake."


    "Why? It''s pretty late."


    "Well I had a nightmare as well... do you want to talk about it?" She asked.


    Jason paused first before answering, shaking his head he refused. "I don''t want to think about it right now, you tell me yours. What was your nightmare like?"


    Jessie looked down at her coffee, sighing "it was almost theatrical. I was in this ugly drab woolen dress, with britches. I''m don''t even know why I didn''t call it pants, britches just sounded more natural. They was this crowd of angry people with pitch forks and torches throwing eggs at me. And I was wearing this pointy hat, like comical witches. It was a witch hunt and I was the witch. But that wasn''t what sacred me the most, when they bound me up to burn you were there, all of you were. They bound Katherine and Paul and... you." She paused looking up at him. She reached out and placed her hand on his, "Jason... tell me, I''m I dragging you down with me?"


    "Is protecting me putting you in any form of dismerit or danger?"


    "Jessie." He said softly but she kept going.


    "Because you said the cops went to your manor and even earlier with Katherine the cops were after her for no reason. Was Paul right? I''m... am I a bomb?" She asked softly.


    Jason reached over the table and cupped her face. "I don''t care about what happens to me, as far as you''re safe."


    She shook her head. "No, I can''t... I can''t have you guys getting hurt because of me. It was already too scary today, I can''t have you guys or anyone else for that matter go through this."


    "And that makes it okay for you to go through it alone?" He said with slight annoyance in his voice.


    "Still... this is a fight between Patricia and I."


    "Look Patricia isn''t only your enemy, she''s mine as well." He stated but she wasn''t buying it either way. He sighed grabbing both her hands. "Think of it like I''m using you to take her down. Okay?"


    "Jason" she breathed out.


    "Please Jess, let me do this... hmm?"


    She nodded leaning into his caress. "Fine... I can deal with it that way."


    The room fell into silence again as they both stared into each other''s eyes. "It''s pretty late." Jason whispered after a while.


    "Hmm." Jessie replied. "You should go to sleep."


    "I''m not sleepy. You go to sleep."


    "I''m not sleepy either...."


    "Jason? Are you really okay?" She asked again after some silent moments passed.


    "I''m glad you''re hear, it''s okay since you''re here. I''m okay." She reached to him and pushed his hair away from his forehead and eyes.


    "I''m always here, if you want to talk. I''m a pretty good listener" she smiled. "Please don''t suffer on your own." She implored him. "Promise me."


    He hesitated but answered anyway. "... I promise, thank you."


    "Uhm.. hm" she shook her head. "Thank you."


    **************************************************


    "What do you mean? What are you planning to do?" Jamie asked sitting up straight in his seat.


    "What do you think? I''m going to get back at her." She huffed.


    Jamie stared at her intently before sighing, "I heard what you were up to while I was gone, parading the city causing havoc with Patricia Lee. Now you want to against her?"


    "You heard? How?"


    "Does that really matter?" He asked.


    "Yes. Did you really just hear or did you find out yourself because you were concerned about me?" She asked, knowing that Jamie would not lie to her, he never did.


    "I heard. Patricia''s secretary informed, she said she was concerned about you and the decisions you were making."


    Lenora''s brows furrowed as her heart broke all over again. "Yet you did nothing?"


    Jamie gave her a pointed look and said nothing. "I told you not to look for me." He stated after a moment.


    Lenora slammed her palm on the table as tears began to fall down her cheeks. "Is that really all you have to say? After you left me so cold that night, even if you wanted to leave couldn''t you have told me face to face?"


    Jamie shut his eyes and took a deep breath opening them he gave her a blank look. "What''s the point? Regardless the message was clear."


    "Why are you being so cold to me?"


    "Because Lenora... I need you to stay away from me just... leave me alone." He pleaded.


    She shook her head. "Not until you tell me why?"


    Jamie huffed in annoyance. "Are you dumb? Tch... a breakup only requires one person to say they are no longer interested. I didn''t expect you to be so clingy. It''s pretty pathetic don''t you think?"


    The crack of her palm meeting his cheek sounded loudly in the room. She was already sobbing as her palm came in contact with his cheek. "Say whatever you will, I''m not going anywhere. I''m going to punish all the people that did this to you and I don''t care what you say. I know you love me, that''s all I need."


    Jamie rolled his eyes and leaned forward looking at her with an intense glare. "What do you know? Why do you insist on deceiving yourself like this? I love you? Tch" he scoffed. "Don''t kid yourself, you only want to believe that no one can ever not love you, after all you''re the great Lenora Han aren''t you? But comeback to reality Lenora, I don''t love you, maybe I did but not anymore. So please, " he clapped his hands together "leave me be."


    "..."


    "Hey! This visit is over!" Jamie yelled as the cop walked in and lead a dumbfounded Lenora out of the room.

 Chapter 181 - 181. Spoiled Child.

    Jason stood in front of the presidential villa. Waiting for the servant that walked in to announce his arrival.


    "She''s expecting you, you may enter." The servant bowed.


    Jason nodded and followed after him. He looked around at the house and office where the president of the country lived. He had been here once before, he remembered when he was very little and when another sat on the seat. But he didn''t walk these halls alone the last time. Why was it that everything now reminded him of his mother. Ugly memories he wanted to forget.


    "Jason Kang!" The president''s wife huffed angrily.


    He bowed respectfully smiling mischievously as he did. "First lady." Eyeing the servant that was yet to exit the room. Immediately she did he stood up straighter and pursed his lips.


    Jason''s brows rose in slight amusement "isn''t that president to you?"


    "We are not in Paradise right now, this is my turf." She sneered at him. "Besides do you not realise that it''s too dangerous for you to come here like this?! We shouldn''t be seen together or even have any form of contact." She rebuked him.


    "Then you should have answered you calls don''t you think?" Jason said bluntly and she blinked guilty and looked away.


    "What do you want?" She asked. "What was so important that you had to come all the way to my office?"


    "I killed my mother, explain."


    And Francine coughed awkwardly and stepped back to her seat. "Whatever do you mean Jason?" She asked.


    "I heard you that day in Reginald''s office. What did you mean by I killed my mother? What did you mean by I refused to remember it?" He asked her more sternly.


    "I-I don''t know what you mean." She stuttered.


    Jason frowned. "Don''t play with me Mrs. First lady, I hope you realize that Paradise is in charge of everything including this office you believe gives you so much power. I might just be a ''cheeky boy'' but you don''t want to make me mad. Now explain what you meant by that statement." He pressed.


    Francine cursed herself and her big mouth. Why did she have to go and cause herself such trouble?


    Jason snapped his fingers to bring her out of her head. "Hey, explain what you meant!"


    She stared at Jason helplessly.


    **************************************************


    "What are you doing here?" Francine spat, glaring at Reginald as he sat down opposite her.


    "Best not to use that tone with me, Francine." He replied sternly.


    And she rolled her eyes. "Say what you will and please leave."


    Reginald eyes narrowed and he cleared his throat before continuing. He pulled out a brown file and placed it in the desk before her. Eyeing him suspiciously she opened the file and as her eyes scanned through it she gasped. Her hand flying to her mouth she looked up at him in horror.


    "What the hell is this?" She asked, alarmed.


    "This is a warning, don''t you think you''re getting too bold? Just because Jeong gu is the president and also your husband doesn''t mean shit when it come to Paradise." He said.


    "Get to the point." She said out of gritted teeth.


    "Jason is the president, weather or not he deserves the post is not your call to make. You have already made a big mistake and ofcourse it will be punished." He stated.


    "What?"


    "Don''t worry, Paradise is gracious enough to allow your husband finish his tenure in peace. But what you said in my office the other day, about Jason killing his mother you will take it back."


    Francine laughed ruefully, "what?"


    "Jason overheard our conversation" her eyes widened. "I know him, he will come to you for answers and you will apologise to him and tell him you were mistaken and saying rubbish."


    "Do you think he''ll believe that?" She pouted.


    "Probably not, but you are not to say a word to him about his mother''s death. Is that clear? However you wish to get him off your back depends on you but say a word and you''re finished."


    "Aren''t you going too far?"


    Reginald looked at her intently then got up. He left the file with her and exited her office without a word.


    ***************************************************


    True to his word, here Jason was demanding answers to questions she arose herself. Again she cursed her big mouth.


    "Francine!" She jerked as he yelled her name.


    "What?!" She yelled back. "What do you think your going to achieve by coming here? What did you actually think I would suddenly have some sob story for you?" She said coldly.


    Jason stared at her trying to gauge her reaction, she was definitely hiding something but what was it?


    "Don''t be pathetic Jason Kang no.. Mr. President. You''re mother died over ten years ago and ofcourse you would blame yourself as you were a witness to it. But don''t you think it time to grow up and move on?"


    "Don''t you dare tell me what is good for me." He spat.


    Francine scoffed. "What? You''re really going to keep acting like a spoiled child?"


    "Spoiled child?" Jason laughed.


    "I have nothing to say to you, Mr. President." She said scornfully. "Leave me out of your childhood traumas and get out of my office."


    Jason laughed walking closer to her, he sent her an icy glare that sent shivers down her spine but she remained passive on the outside.


    "Fine, I''ll let you have this one. But know this, I''ll definitely find out what the truth is and when I do you better run. Because I won''t spare you." He said slowly with venom dripping down his every word.


    He turned around and swiftly left her office. If she wasn''t going to speak how was he going to find out the truth? He doubted anyone from Paradise would say a word, there was one more person he could go to. Desperate times.


    Preview 182: Responsibility.


    What? Why are you looking at me like that? Why are shutting the book?" He asked.


    "Do you really want to do this? You look like a groom that is being forced? I''m not going to be stuck with an unwilling husband say it now Paul, do you or do you not want to get married to me?" She asked looking at him seriously.


    Paul leaned down on the table and entwined his fingers, looking directly at her. If he was being honest of course not he didn''t want to get married. He loved his bachelor life and he was barely thirty, why should he be tied down so soon? But he couldn''t do that, he had a responsibility to marry and since his parents had chosen her he would have to marry her.


    "What are you saying?" He gave her a most charming smile, unnerving her yet again. "Ofcourse I want to marry you."

 Chapter 182 - 182. Responsibility.

    The image of Katherine hugging Devon Geum would not stop playing over and over in Paul''s head, so much so that he couldn''t think of anything else. When did is happen? Why didn''t she tell him? Why Devon Geum? All these questions popped up. He felt guilty that because of fights and squabbles they had drifted apart so much so that she even thought it necessary to quit. But that wasn''t what bugged him so much, why didn''t he like seeing her with Devon Geum? Why was he so angry? Well maybe because he never really like the man either way.


    "Paul!" He flinched, sitting up straighter he looked into Yuri''s angry eyes.


    "Where you even listening to a word I was saying?" She asked.


    "... no, no say it again." He admitted and she sighed.


    "I said to pick out a cake for the engagement party, and an outfit for tomorrow." She reminded him, wondering what could be causing him to be so absent minded.


    "Tomorrow? What''s happening tomorrow?" He asked.


    "We''re meeting my grandparents you knew that." She said her tone full of accusation.


    "Yes, yes I definitely knew that... why do we have to meet you grandparents?" He asked.


    And she pouted, "because they aren''t going to be at the engaged party so we have to go see them." She informed him.


    Ah the engagement party, his mother and her mother and her included had bullied him using the incident from Jason''s ball to force him to agree to having the engagement party so soon. It was this weekend, but what was the hurry? He already gave her the ring right?


    "Hmm..."


    Choi Yuri shut the book that was open between them and eyed him suspiciously.


    "What? Why are you looking at me like that? Why are shutting the book?" He asked.


    "Do you really want to do this? You look like a groom that is being forced? I''m not going to be stuck with an unwilling husband say it now Paul, do you or do you not want to get married to me?" She asked looking at him seriously.


    Paul leaned down on the table and entwined his fingers, looking directly at her. If he was being honest of course not he didn''t want to get married. He loved his bachelor life and he was barely thirty, why should he be tied down so soon? But he couldn''t do that, he had a responsibility to marry and since his parents had chosen her he would have to marry her.


    "What are you saying?" He gave her a most charming smile, unnerving her yet again. "Ofcourse I want to marry you."


    Choi Yuri stared at him suspiciously but she could feel her all the guards she set aganist him crumbling to the ground, how he always managed to make her lose all her convictions scare and enthralled her.


    "Fine, now keep your head in the game."


    **************************************************


    Katherine stared at the address her uncle sent to her. He said he only remembered that before her mother had come home she stayed there for a bit. When she looked it up on the internet it showed that it was an orphanage. And it was still one. But what was her mother doing at an orphanage? Was she perhaps adopted?


    That would just be too crazy, she shook her head. No way, she was definitely her mother''s daughter.


    Luckily for her the orphanage was in the capital so she could easily go there, but she didn''t want to go alone so she called Jessie.


    "Katherine? Hey." Jessie said as she answered the phone.


    "Hey Jessie, how are you now? Are you feeling better?" Katherine asked.


    "Well, I guess. It''s a bit lonely though, I miss you." Jessie replied with a long sigh.


    "Me too... say, are you up for another adventure?" She asked hoping Jessie would say yes.


    "Adventure?"


    "My fa- uncle, sent me an old address where my mother lived before she came back to her family home. I checked it out and it''s an orphanage. I wanted to go check it out, are you able to tag along?"


    "Ah... I don''t know if I''ll be able to even if I wanted to." Jessie said slowly.


    "What does that mean?"


    "I''m not staying in the manor anymore."


    "What? So where are you now?"


    "Some safe house, apparently the cops showed up at the manor while we were away so I''m staying in a condo in the middle of heaven knows where." Jessie informed her. "But before you blame Jason..." she said as though she already knew Katherine next line of thought. "I also don''t think it would be wise to go out right now."


    Katherine nodded. "I understand." She bit her lip in disappointment.


    "We might not be able to see each other for a while but keep me posted, don''t be scared. Remember you deserve to know the truth. Okay?" Jessie encouraged her.


    Katherine nodded even though Jessie couldn''t see her. "You too, take care of yourself and don''t worry. This too shall pass."


    "Em."


    "Alright then goodbye Jessie."


    "Keep me posted, tell me everything even the littlest details okay?"


    "Yes."


    "Bye." And the call was disconnected.


    Katherine sighed pushing away the anxious thoughts. That filled her mind. She could do this alone, she was not adopted. And even if she was that she hoped it wouldn''t change anything. Her mother was still her mother after all. Nothing would take away those memories.


    Preview 183: Distant.


    "I''m sure she would be pleased to hear that."


    "Butler Choi? How is Jason? Is he doing okay?" She asked biting the nail on her thumb.


    "Ah... I can''t say he is, just know one of the reasons we miss you is because of him."


    "I don''t understand." She shook her head, sitting up.


    "He''s distant and disengaged. When he actually pays attention he is always in such a terrible mood. He barely gets any sleep and he is very scary these days."


    "He barely sleeps?" She sighed, he must still be having nightmares. "Can you do me a favour?"


    "Anything miss."


    "Can you inform Jason that...."

 Chapter 183 - 183. Distant.

    Jessie sighed as she looked outside the window. It''s been two days and she hadn''t seen Jason or heard from him. After waking up next to him the last time he was with her, she couldn''t stand this distance.


    They fell asleep on the kitchen island his hand under her head acting as her pillow. She slept first and woke up first, seeing his face first thing as she opened her eyes made her resolve weaken. Wouldn''t she just be content with seeing his face everytime she opened her eyes, she wouldn''t even remember if she had a nightmare or not.


    She pulled out her phone, her thumb hovering over his contact she decided aganist it. He would be busy right now. She called Butler Choi, her spy in the manor.


    "Butler Choi, hello."


    "Ah... miss Jessie it''s lovely to hear your voice, we''ve been missing you around here. The manor seems really empty now you''re not here." He said.


    "Stop flattering me butler Choi. It still felt empty when I was there. How is everyone?"


    "Missing you, our prayers and good favours are with you miss."


    "Thank you so much."


    "Agnes has specifically been missing you, she feels really depressed and awfully guilty about something. I''m not sure the details but she said she felt sorry towards you."


    Jessie smiled "I was mad at her but I''m not anymore. Tell her this, I don''t know the reasons why she did what she did. But I''m glad she did it, tell her I''m thankful to her."


    "I''m sure she would be pleased to hear that."


    "Butler Choi? How is Jason? Is he doing okay?" She asked biting the nail on her thumb.


    "Ah... I can''t say he is, just know one of the reasons we miss you is because of him."


    "I don''t understand." She shook her head, sitting up.


    "He''s distant and disengaged. When he actually pays attention he is always in such a terrible mood. He barely gets any sleep and he is very scary these days."


    "He barely sleeps?" She sighed, he must still be having nightmares. "Can you do me a favour?"


    "Anything miss."


    "Can you inform Jason that...."


    **************************************************


    "Oh? You''re early." Jessie said as Jason walked into the safe house. "It''s still bright out" she pointed to the twilight.


    "Were you expecting someone else?" He pulled off his shoes and walked into the house.


    Jessie puffed her cheeks "what do you mean? Who else would I be waiting for? I almost thought you had forgotten about me."


    Jason stopped and turned around causing her to stumble back quickly to avoid bumping into him. She fell back and Jason leaned forward and grabbed her, on hand around her waist and the other holding her arm.


    Jessie frowned as she looked into his eyes, she lifted her hand and cupped his face. Rubbing lightly under his eyes, he looked exhausted.


    "Hey, you haven''t been sleeping have you?"


    Jason coughed awkwardly and pulled her up, letting go off her and walking further into the house. She pouted, she didn''t like him ignoring her, which was why she even fabricated that lie in the first- wait, the message!


    As if karma wanted to get her back at that very moment his phone rang in his pocket. He pulled it out to answer and she ran into him. Bumping into him so hard the phone flew out of his grasp and fell on the floor.


    "Oh my!" She exclaimed in feigned innocence, bending down to pick the phone she checked who called and quickly cut it. He was already here and she was fine, the call wasn''t necessary.


    "I''m so sorry, I must have slipped." She laughed awkwardly. Handing his phone back to him, Jason gave her a blank look and as he wanted to inspect who called she yelled.


    "Hey!" Jason flinched and looked at her in alarm. "Food! Food, aren''t you hungry? Come I''ll make you something." She said pulling him into the kitchen.


    "On a second thought why don''t you go freshen up." She pulled him in the opposite direction and literally pushed him into the bathroom. Sighing out of relief she walked out of the room. After a little while she walked back in to drop off some towels for him and his phone beeped.


    This time is was a text from Butler Choi, she walked over and picked it up. When she clicked on the text message his phone asked for a passcode.


    "Passcode? What is his passcode?" She thought. "Aissh how I''m I supposed to know that?" She huffed angrily, "how do I get rid of this now?"


    Jason stepped out of the bathroom and saw Jessie standing by the bed, hunched and mumbling. Curious he walked to her slowly, reaching over her and snatching his phone from her grasp.


    "What the-!" She exclaimed looking up. Jason stared down at her with his brow quirked up.


    "What?" He asked daring her to complain about going through his phone. She bit her lip nervously and stepped back as he clicked on the message. Unlocking his phone he read what butler Choi sent.


    Jason looked up at her with his features etched in confusion. Then it dawned on him, that''s why she had been acting strange.


    "What is this?" He asked.


    Jessie gulped and swallowed. "What is what?" She asked.


    "This text, this is the reason you''ve been acting weird isn''t it? I don''t understand, why is my butler saying you are seriously hurt and in terrible danger?" He asked walking close to her.


    Jessie tired to run away but Jason grabbed her arm rather forcefully. "Did you tell him to send this? Was this the reason he called earlier? Answer me!" He yelled and she flinched.


    Preview 184: You''re hurting me.


    "Horrible news sir, Jessie''s been in an unfortunate accident." He recited the words of the text and Jessie shut her eyes.


    "She was discovered and all her bodyguards killed. She''s been trying to reach you all morning so she called me, she''s currently being kept hostage by-"

 Chapter 184 - 184. Youre Hurting Me.

    "Look it''s... yes" She admitted "you''re right I told him to say all those things to you but-"


    "Do you have any idea what this text would have done to me had I not been here?" He asked his tone low and angry.


    "That''s why I wanted to delete it, I mean you''re al-"


    "That is not the point Jessie! Even reading this with you right here in front of me still scared me, do you think this is funny?"


    Jessie sighed "I don''t know why you''re getting so angry I didn''t mean any thing malicious by it." She defended herself.


    "Horrible news sir, Jessie''s been in an unfortunate accident." He recited the words of the text and Jessie shut her eyes.


    "She was discovered and all her bodyguards killed. She''s been trying to reach you all morning so she called me, she''s currently being kept hostage by-"


    "Alright enough. It appears butler Choi has quite an imagination. Look I just wanted to-"


    "Is it really this easy for you to play with my emotions? Did you even care about how I''d feel? Do you think it would be easy to swallow such a joke?!" He yelled squeezing her arms tightly that she bit her lips and shut her eyes tightly to survive the pain.


    All she was supposed to be thinking of right now was how shirtless he was and how low that towel hung of his waist, but instead he was acting so deranged almost to the point that she was beginning to get scared.


    "Jason" she breathed out but he wasn''t listening to her right this moment, all he saw was his incompetence as a son and now as a man.


    "Why would you make me so scared? Are my feelings that big a joke or do you think this is funny as a prank?" He continued. This past few days have been both stressful and sleepless for him. He finally had and outlet and poor Jessie was the emotional punching bag today.


    "Hey, why are you overreacting? It was a harmless joke." She said, her voice small and shaky.


    Jason looked at her in shock first before he began to laugh scornfully. "What do you think would happen to me if you got hurt?" He shook her. "I''m already treading on thin ice trying to cope with the fact that I killed my mother, the only woman I loved for so long. Can you imagine what would happen to me if I lost you too? If I couldn''t protect you?!" He screamed.


    Jessie stared at him with so much empathy. It was obvious the pain he felt it was in his eyes. He killed his mother? Immediately she remembered two nights ago when she ran into his room, he was mumbling and crying out for his mother. Was this the reason he looked so broken and unguarded? She made a terrible mistake. But still his grip on her arms was getting unbearable, she would probably have bruises there.


    "You''re... y-you''re hurting me." She said in a soft voice, that being the only thing she could think off.


    Jason''s eyes widened slightly and he immediately let go of her arm. Turning around he ran his hands through his hair and Jessie could not help but marvel as his back muscles moved in response to even the slightest movement.


    "Pack your things, just necessary things you''ll need." He said.


    "What? Why? I''m I going somewhere?" She asked.


    "Yes, to another safe house." He stated frankly.


    Jessie stared at him without words for a moment before she finally spoke. "I don''t understand, why I''m I going somewhere else? This place is fine. ... is this because of what just happened? I hate to say this again but you''re overreacting!" She huffed her temper also beginning to rise.


    Jason turned around with the scariest look in his eyes. "It wasn''t a request."


    She pulled her bottom lip into her mouth, wetting it. "I know I said I would trust your decision but I don''t think I can agree with this, you can''t just cart me away to another place just because we had a fight."


    Jason huffed, "look I don''t have the patience for this right now, just do as I say."


    "No!" She huffed angrily.


    "What did you just say?"


    "No, I said no. I''m not going anywhere and this is not me being stubborn I''m dead serious."


    Jason gritted his teeth his temper flaring he stalked towards Jessie so fast that she was already trapped by the wall as he approached her, with such a predatory glare. It made goosebumps erupt all over her skin, especially where he was just holding.


    Jason slammed him fist aganist the wall right beside her head, causing Jessie to flinch.


    "Don''t push me Jessie, don''t."


    Tears began to fall from her cheeks in frustration and helplessness. "I''m not going! I refuse to allow you push me away!" She screamed.


    "What?" Jason looked down at her crying face and tried to understand her statement.


    "You think I wouldn''t notice? You brought me here and after the first day I didn''t see or hear anything from you. You wouldn''t even answer my calls and you''re not... look at the state you''re in." She cried. "You can''t even sleep."


    Jason eyes immediately lost all the anger and was immediately replaced with such softness.


    "Jess." He said softly.


    "You promised me you would, we would help each other get over our nightmares but you just left, without a word." She continued.


    And as she scolded him, he realized that the text was really not anything malicious, she just wanted him to come back.


    "Are you still having nightmares?" He asked softly.


    Jessie rolled her eyes and pushed his chest. "Not me, you! You think I wouldn''t find out? Look at th- hmmph." He slammed his lips aganist her and pulled her closer to himself.


    Jessie tried to push him away, she was not done talking! But he held the fists that pressed aganist his chest and held both hands above her head.


    Preview 185 :Achingly painful need.


    Sure she was a virgin but she was by no means innocent, she had had more heated moments with other men before, maybe because her job required it? But a body she had known her whole life suddenly became foreign to her, it only understood this achingly painful need that could only be quelled by the man that currently had her pinned aganist the wall.

 Chapter 185 - 185. Achingly Painful Need.

    Jessie tried to push him away, she was not done talking! But he held the fists that pressed aganist his chest and held both hands above her head. Pressing himself closer to her, trapping her slim body aganist the wall and himself.


    Jessie tried at much as she could but she was already muddle headed. Jason''s hot naked skin pressed aganist her was maddening. She couldn''t breathe, not that she wanted to. He leaned down to taste her mouth, halting ever slowly just as contact was about to be made. As she tried to push him away, with the last bit of self control she could muster he claimed her lips again. His tongue probing her lips to allow him entrance, when she denied him he pushed her wrists close together and held them with one hand. Using the recently idle hands to tug on her chin.


    By the time he tasted her mouth she lost all sense and reasoning, and whatever bloody hell stood as a reason to stop this fled her mind as a primitive sound found it way out from the back of her throat and she arched her back to feel more of him. Immediately regretting her decision to wear a bra today.


    Jason smiled aganist her lips when he heard her, her let go of her hands and picked her up, forcing her to wrap her legs aganist his torso as he ravished her aganist the wall. Her hands trailed everywhere, like she couldn''t get enough. Why did she feel this way with only him? Sure she was a virgin but she was by no means innocent, she had had more heated moments with other men before, maybe because her job required it? But a body she had known her whole life suddenly became foreign to her, it only understood this achingly painful need that could only be quelled by the man that currently had her pinned aganist the wall.


    Kissing down her cheeks, her jawline he went lower to her neck. Growling as she pushed him away, but a wicked smile graced his lips as she shed off her shirt and pulled him back, connecting their lips again. She fought for dominance but lost brutally when his tongue stroked hers time and time again. His lips found their way to her neck and he began to assault, nipping and kissing. Never before had Jessie assumed her neck was a sensitive spot of her, were her past experiences just so-so because it was work or was Jason just that excellent of a lover.


    She held on to him with on hand as the other moved down, and she unintentionally brushed aganist his nipple. She quickly moved her plans away, assuming he didn''t like it but he grabbed unto her hand and lead her back there. She repeated the action and smiled as his eyes shut and moaned softly.


    He was heady with desire and his skin felt so hot he thought it would burn, as she explored every part of his skin with her sparkly touches.


    Jessie did not realise that she was no longer aganist the wall until her back touched the soft surface of the bed. He broke of the intense kiss as they both panted, he looked down at her flush expression, there was barely any light in the room but the way the shadows danced over her features made her more enchanting. And looking at how swollen her lips and her desire filled eyes, blood suddenly shot down Jason''s body the action making Jessie eyes widen.


    He trailed his hands ever slowly and lightly aganist her soft white skin, till he reached her bra hook. As he tired to unclasp it her hand immediately held his.


    "No?" He said softly.


    She breathed out heavily before she shook her head. "No, I already promised not to stop you again."


    Jason brows rose at her statement but he couldn''t give it much thought right now, as he leaned down to kiss her again there was a knock. And he growled aganist her lips.


    "Who the hell is that?" He asked, the annoyance in his voice dripping.


    "Ah... it''s Kevin sir."


    Jessie rolled her eyes, and shook her head. "Told you to fire him."


    Jason smirked at her annoyed pout. "Sir it''s time to go, we have to move now." He stated.


    "Go where? The other house?" Jessie asked her tone almost whiny, she held Jason as he began to get up. "Haven''t we made up?" She looked up at him with puppy dog eyes. She didn''t want to leave the warmth, the comfortable warmth she felt right there in Jason''s arms.


    He smiled softly "this isn''t about our fight. It was already the plan. It not safe for you to remain in one place, the entire country in on the look out for you."


    She frowned and nodded. "Wait, that''s why you came here today?" She asked. "Not to see me then." She mumbled to herself.


    Jason sighing as he saw her distress, buttoned up his Jean''s quickly and turned to help her off the bed. He held her close to him, before placing a chaste kiss on her pouty lips.


    "Hey, just a little bit longer. This will soon be all over okay?" She looked away and he held her chin and brought her eyes back to his.


    "Don''t look away from me Jess, please?" He pleaded.


    She finally gave in, never before did she think she would like the nickname ''Jess'' but hearing is as a term of endearment from Jason mouth made her heart flutter.


    "Fine I''ll trust you. I''ll go pack." She said letting go and walking to the door.


    "No need to pack clothes, just like here the other safe houses have your clothes." He called out after her.


    "Alright."


    Preview 186: The ability to dream is a skill.


    "And whose foolishness was that? You had her location in your hands the entire time yet you sent the police to the wrong direction!" He yelled. "In the end everyone was still me, I told you to go after the detective yet, still Jessie is no where to be found."


    "Yeah well at least she can never come back out of whatever hole Jason has her in now!" She yelled as well, getting up and glaring right back at him.


    "You forget niece, I want her found."

 Chapter 186 - 186. The Ability To Dream Is A Skill.

    Goerge stared at Patricia with so many negative emotions swirling in his black eyes. He condemned her, was annoyed by her and most of all was enraged at himself for even trusting her in the first place.


    Patricia sighed and looked at him, her gaze full of nonchalance and boredom. "If you want to say something just say it already."


    "What can I say? You''re failure is so obvious anyone can see it." He sneered.


    Patricia rolled her eyes, "is that it?"


    "No, before I take over this entire thing I''m giving you the courtesy of a second chance. Tell me, what is your plan now?" He asked.


    "What do you mean? My plan has been executed, she can never show her face in public again if she doesn''t want to be arrested talk more of making a comeback."


    George''s brow rose in slight amusement. "And me? What do I get in return for giving the manor''s location? I don''t have Jessie."


    "And you won''t, she wasn''t even in the manor. Why should I give anything for that?" She spat.


    "And whose foolishness was that? You had her location in your hands the entire time yet you sent the police to the wrong direction!" He yelled. "In the end everyone was still me, I told you to go after the detective yet, still Jessie is no where to be found."


    "Yeah well at least she can never come back out of whatever hole Jason has her in now!" She yelled as well, getting up and glaring right back at him.


    "You forget niece, I want her found." He said in a commanding tone.


    "Then find her on your own then." She spat.


    "But ofcourse, like I would involve you in my plans again. Once bitten twice shy. This is why a woman can never lead the Lee family businesses. It''s pitiful how content you are with such measly results." He stated looking down at her in disgust.


    Patricia clenched her teeth and clenched her fist in anger. There it was again that obvious sexism. She hated the way they made her feel inferior just because she was a woman.


    "And before I go, just remember this you will regret crossing me, neice." He said walking out if the room.


    Patricia grabbed her phone and called up a number.


    "How long has it been? How long have you kept me waiting for Jessie location?!" She screamed into the phone. "If you don''t find her by tomorrow evening say goodbye to that wife of yours!" She cut the call huffing in anger.


    **************************************************


    Katherine sighed inwardly as she stood at the entrance of the building the address led her to, mentally encouraging and preparing herself for whatever news she was going to be receiving. As she tried to convince herself to go in, someone came out the door and she quickly turned around.


    As she waited for the person to walk past she felt a tap on her shoulder. "I''m assuming you Katherine Park?" The woman asked.


    Katherine scrunched up her face in embarrassment before turning around to face the short, plump middle aged woman.


    "Hi, are you miss Florence?" She asked.


    "Yes, come on in already. This kids have been wondering why you''ve been standing outside for so long." She laughed.


    Katherine joined her laughing nervously "I brought some toys and clothes for them I hope it''s okay?"


    "Why do you think they have been staring outside for so long, come on I''ll help you." She said, helping her carry the bags into the building.


    As she entered she smiled as the children looked up at her with big hopeful puppy eyes. "Awwn there are all so cute." She gushed.


    "Hey kids, we have a visitor today. Say hi to doctor Katherine Park." Florence introduced her to them.


    Katherine smiled and politely told her not refer to her so formally. The house seemed were intimate and homey, it was a bit messy but what could you expect she counted about twelve kids. All probably below the age of thirteen.


    If the house remained clean then she would know that they were being tortured or mistreated. "You''re a doctor? I want to be a doctor when I grow up, but now I see you I think I''ve changed my mind." A little girl informed her, tucking slightly on her overcoat.


    Katherine sent a curious glance at Florence who shrugged and bent down to speak to the girl properly. "Hmm.. what your name?"


    "Christa! I''m four years and three months old!" She chirped.


    "Wow! You''re already such a big girl" Katherine smiled sweetly. "But Christa why have you changed your mind? Being a doctor is pretty cool."


    "I know, I want to be a pretty doctor like you." She said and Katherine placed her hand over her chest and pulled the girl into a small hug.


    "Awwwn you''re so cute. Here take this, I''m very sure it''s in good hands." She gave the girl a small children medical kit.


    "Woah..." one of the other children gasped.


    "Come here." Katherine motioned to him. "Come here all of you, tell me what do you want to become?"


    "An astronaut!" He exclaimed.


    "Astronaut? What do we do? I don''t have that kit, here take a car then, you have to learn how to drive before you fly rockets." She handed the car to the boy and he gave her a toothless smile as his front teeth were missing.


    "How did you know to bring all those things?" Florence asked her after she had given the children all their gifts and indulged in their conversations for a bit.


    "Well, it''s pretty easy. Kids are still innocent and they still have hope in the world, that is the best time of their lives, I''m sure most of them won''t get to be what they want to be right now for various reasons. But the ability to dream and hope is a skill that only exists purely in kids. It''s what makes them so adorable and inspiring. I wanted to encourage that."


    "I''m glad, you''ll make them happy for a long time."


    "That was the plan." She smiled.


    "So? Are you ready to meet her?" Katherine shut her eyes as she let air fill her lungs.


    "Sure."


    Preview 187: Money''s worth.


    After everything Jessie told her, she had the right to question. There two scenarios:


    1. He had an ulterior motive something he could only get by remaining close to her, if that was the case she had to figure it out.


    2. He was doing this for Jessie, and if he was he would bring her up in their conversation her or that the police came to his house. And though there was no concrete evident blame her. Either way, he had an ulterior motive but she needed to make sure it wasn''t to help Jessie.


    And just right there the worst of the two scenarios, Jessie Marin that bitch never just gave up.

 Chapter 187 - 187. Moneys Worth.

    Florence pushed the door open and Katherine met gazes with the head of the orphanage. A woman seasoned by age but full of energy. Her gray hair did make her look older but wiser. She looked stern but kind.


    "Katherine Park." She said her voice full of authority. "You grew up well."


    "Mrs. Esmeralda, it''s nice to meet you." She bowed respectfully.


    "Nonsense." She rebuked her "you should say it''s been a while."


    "Ahh... you knew me when I was a child? I''m sorry I don''t remember." She said.


    "Ofcourse you don''t, you were barely two years old when your mother whisked you away. You wouldn''t remember."


    "Then you do know my mother?"


    "If I didn''t would I ask you to come here? Come. Sit. Miss Florence please can you get Katherine and I something to drink?" She asked.


    "Sure thing." Florence nodded and walked out of the room.


    "How did you know my mother? Did she... adopt me?" Katherine asked slowly, Esmeralda almost didn''t hear.


    "Are you afraid you might have been adopted?" She asked Katherine carefully.


    Katherine shook her head defensively, when Esmeralda gave her a pointed look she sighed and nodded slowly.


    "Why? You think you people with biological parents are better than all those other kids out there?" She asked bluntly.


    "No!" She rose her hands up yet again, defensively this woman made her fearful. "I''m sorry if it sounded that way, I just grew up always feeling inferior and no matter what I did I could never measure just because of my parentage. You must pardon me please." She sighed, feeling incredibly guilty.


    Esmeralda stared at her intently before giving her a small smile. "It was always obvious growing up without a father, your life would be difficult. But it pains me now knowing you feel inferior. You''re a goddamn doctor, what kind of people did you grow up with that you still feel inferior?" She shook her head.


    "The owners of the hospital and other large corporations, that doesn''t matter. I''m here because I recently learnt that the man I always called father isn''t actually my real dad."


    Esmeralda brow quirked in an emotion Katherine placed as amusement cause how else would she explain that smirk?


    "And now you want answers. Alright, I''ll tell everything I knew about your mother." Katherine nodded and Esmeralda continued. "Your mother was twenty two when she appeared suddenly in front of this orphanage Twenty five years ago. She was wet, crying and terrified. She was carrying you when she came here you barely a month old. I was scared you''d died, as you were deathly silent and very pale. But your mother refused to give in, even when the doctor told her you wouldn''t make it through the night. The current head of the orphanage at that time, only planned to let her stay for one night. She said it would be to cruel to let her be alone when her child died. But your at the end of the day your mother was right, you didn''t die."


    "Why did she want my mother to stay only one night?" Katherine asked.


    "The circumstances at with your mother came here were very suspicious. It was very obvious she was running from someone or something. She never left the building for any reason at all until the day she left with you." Esmeralda informed her.


    Katherine frowned. "Did you ever figure out who she was running from?"


    "Not specifically but my boss was very sure she was involved in illegal things before she came here."


    "What kind of illegal thing?"


    Esmeralda paused and sighed, Katherine pursed her lip. "What illegal things?" Katherine asked again. "Please tell me."


    "We always believed she was running from a pimp or something of the sort." Esmeralda said slowly.


    "A pimp? You mean my mother was coming from a brothel?" Katherine asked in shock and paralyzing fear.


    "It was only a rumour going around, it-"


    "Please don''t sugar coat anything Mrs. Esmeralda, tell me my mother a twenty something year old was coming from a brothel with a baby. Was that child me?"


    **************************************************


    Jason stared at Patricia as he continued to remind himself, he needed to be close to her, it wasn''t an option. They needed to find that auction house.


    Patricia smiled sweetly at him from across the table were they sat in a most expensive restaurant. "You''re awful quiet today." She said a though she was making a mere observation.


    "What do you expect me to say to the person that sent cops to my house." He said, his bored expression hiding the displeasure he felt, that is putting it lightly.


    Patricia''s eyes widened slightly but she composed her self quickly. Apart from meeting Jason here because he was her fiance and she actually liked it, she was here to find out why he was still engaged to her. After everything Jessie told her, she had the right to question. There two scenarios:


    1. He had an ulterior motive something he could only get by remaining close to her, if that was the case she had to figure it out.


    2. He was doing this for Jessie, and if he was he would bring her up in their conversation her or that the police came to his house. And though there was no concrete evident blame her. Either way, he had an ulterior motive but she needed to make sure it wasn''t to help Jessie.


    And just right there the worst of the two scenarios, Jessie Marin that bitch never just gave up.


    "Did Jessie tell you I did that?" Patricia asked.


    "Do I need anyone to tell me who is responsible? It''s quite obvious plus I''m not a fool." He scoffed.


    "So she was right? You love her?" Patricia said happy her voice wasn''t as shaky as her heart felt at the moment. Just when the fuck did she fall for Jason?


    Jason faced contorted into a look of annoyance and disgust. "Love her? Why are you talking about foolish things? She is my property, I paid a lot of money for her and the only reason I still keep her is because she''s actually my money''s worth." He stated


    "Is that why you sent the cops to my manor? Because you thought I was in love with her? Hey Patricia Lee, do you like me?"


    Preview 188: Physical affection has nothing to do with feelings.


    His brow quirked and he smiled, all the while unzipping her dress, Patricia hadn''t realised until the skin of his palms came in contact with her back and flinched as if he burned her. He probably did, she moved forward pressing her body closer to his. Jason finished it, pushing her flush against him as he moved underneath her dress.


    Her hands gripped his shoulders as she tried to calm her breathing. ''Get it under control Patricia! He can hear everything your face is right by he''s ear!'' She rebuked herself.

 Chapter 188 - 188. Physical Affection Has Nothing To Do With Feelings.

    Patricia froze what should she say? This was way too much information way too fast. He didn''t love Jessie and she was indeed his slave, unlike Jessie why would he lie to her? But how could she explain what she saw in the garden that day?


    It was safe to say he didn''t love Jessie but he was fond of her, and yes Jessie was head over heels for him. Maybe that''s why she was he''s money''s worth. She was a willing participant in the sex. If that was the case then should she tell him she has feelings for him? It might prevent him from moving further with Jessie, but it might give him undue advantage over her.


    "What are you doing?" She asked in confusion as she saw Jason pulling his sit over to her side.


    "Eliminating the distance." He stated bluntly, he placed the seat right beside hers and plopped onto it, Patricia followed his movements with a guarded expression.


    As soon as Jason sat down he placed the side of his head on his flat plan that was hoisted up by his elbow on the table and stared intently at her.


    ''What is he doing?'' Patricia thought.


    Ever slowly his other hand crept to her face and but Patricia didn''t stop looking into his eyes, anxiously awaiting the contact. He slowly moved her straight black hair over her shoulder exposing her neck line.


    "I always thought this was going to be a political marriage, you know a business negotiation. But if you like me that changes everything." He kept his voice low, deep and soft. Like he was chanting a spell.


    Patricia eyes narrowed in confusion, why did she feel so hot all of a sudden? His hand hadn''t even come in contact with her skin and her stomach was already erupting with butterflies. And the way his voice washed over her it made her heady.


    In a flash he was so close to her the tip of his nose brushed aganist her jawline and her breathing hitched.


    Jason drew in a long noisy breath, exhaling the air through his mouth ever so lightly that Patricia turned around and grabbed his shirt. Pulling him closer to her, their lips were just inches away and her gaze moved from his eyes.


    "Don''t start something you won''t finish Jason." She warned in a low seductive tone and Jason almost rolled his eyes.


    Instead the side of his lips went up slightly. "So you do like me?"


    "Physical affection has nothing to do with feelings." She stated bluntly wondering where the hell she was getting such confidence.


    His brow quirked and he smiled, all the while unzipping her dress, Patricia hadn''t realised until the skin of his palms came in contact with her back and flinched as if he burned her. He probably did, she moved forward pressing her body closer to his. Jason finished it, pushing her flush against him as he moved underneath her dress.


    Her hands gripped his shoulders as she tried to calm her breathing. ''Get it under control Patricia! He can hear everything your face is right by he''s ear!'' She rebuked herself.


    Jason looked at her from with a side gaze and noticed her beetroot red ears, his work here was done.


    Abruptly he pulled his hands away and zipped up her dress. Pulling away from her he pulled his chair back and said down in an elegant manner. Crossing his legs he pulled his jacket and flicked off invisible dirt from his trousers with a cocky smile on his face.


    Patricia struggled to regain composure while Jason just stared at her with that annoying smirk.


    "So what was the reason you called me here?" He asked matter of factly. And she turned to face him her eyes having a guarded expression and something her mouth would never reveal.


    "My grandfather, he''s turning seventy surely you haven''t forgotten the banquet." She stated.


    Jason had to give it to her, she wasn''t an easy target but unlike Jessie he would have to be overly confident and cocky to woo her.


    "That''s it? Alright then I''ll pick you up-" she gave him a weird look. "I''ll meet you at the mansion?"


    "Don''t you dare be late." She said.


    "If that would be all, goodbye Patricia. Let''s do this often." He smiled sweetly, the smile turning into a dangerous scowl as he walked away. How badly he wanted to wrap his hands around her neck and just end it there. He just kept chanting ''auction house'' in his head before he actually lost his mind.


    **************************************************


    Mrs Esmeralda''s silence sent a shock through Katherine''s bones. What exactly did her mother do as a youth? What kind of person destroys their own life in order to rebel aganist her parents? What kind of person brings in a bas-


    "Katherine I know you must think the worst of your mother but you have to calm down. Not everything is as it seems." Esme tried to calm her down when she was about to start hyperventilating.


    Katherine looked up at her with tear glazed eyes. "What do you mean? I... I don''t understand, I really don''t. I do not want to think the worst of my mother because she was the best thing in my life but a brothel? Of all the places?" Katherine asked as a single tear rolled down her cheek.


    "You must understand that I don''t know the facts, I''m only telling you what little of her past I know off."


    "So.... what I''m I supposed to do now?" Katherine asked.


    "There was someone she was close to, it''s a long shot but she might know more than I do." Esmeralda informed.


    "And who is that?"


    "Sasha Choi. I haven''t been in contact with her for quite a while. But here, this is the last address I remember." She handed her a piece of paper with an address on it.


    Katherine could not hold in the groan. "My hometown? Again? Gosh I don''t get a break."


    Preview 189: Results of her wickedness.


    "Why should I? I spent twenty million on a woman that seems to only bring trouble. I thought you personally vetted the women you sold, how did you make such a mistake? How could an uncle let his neice walk all over him?" Jason asked spitting back his

 Chapter 189 - 190. Irreparable.

    Lenora walked out of her office with a silent achievement. In a few hours she might no longer have a job, and would have to be on the run but right now she would enjoy the satisfaction of ruining Patricia and let her know the pain of seeing the person you love in such a sorry state.


    In just few minutes the entire country was in an uproar as a picture of Jessie and Jason dancing under the moonlight graced the screens of millions of people.


    **************************************************


    Krystal phone would not stop buzzing with her fellow fans and faithful followers of her fan page bugged her with questions. She groaned in frustration, she didn''t have the time to even turn the phone off, ever since the news got out Jonathan''s been in a peculiar mood. Although she had to admit it was sure shocking to see them looking like a happily married couple so in love.


    She dropped the box she was currently hauling and quickly pulled out her phone. She clicked on the article to get her facts straight on more time before she calmed raging fans. But the article didn''t open, she frowned. "What is going on?"


    She tried to click on it on another website but it didn''t open again soon enough the articles disappeared. "Incredible, it hasn''t even been up to two hours and it''s already gone?" She mused. "I wonder if it was Jason or Patricia who took it down."


    The article although speaking about Jessie and Jason focused on Patricia, making her seem pitiful and desperate.


    **************************************************


    Patricia stormed into the station''s building ready to kill, with every click of her heel people fled from her line of sight. She walked straight to the executive managers office, even his secretary was too scared to stop her. "Where the hell is that bitch?!" She thundered.


    **************************************************


    "What the were you thinking! Where you even thinking?!" Her superior yelled at her as she bowed her head and stared at her shoes.


    "Not going to answer me? Do you know that the story has been taken down?" Her eyes shot up to his. "It wasn''t even up to two hours but it''s vanished, doesn''t that send chills up your spine?! What now? What are you going to do?"


    "Well it''s not as if you can force me to take it down anymore" she said, clenching her fists. ''She''s taken it down? Already? Tch... how annoying!''


    "You''re not even regretful are you? Come with me, let''s go the executive manager wants you in his office." Her superior informed her walking to the door. Lenora took one last look at the scenery, she loved this roof top, but now it was time to fight the real battle.


    **************************************************


    "It took a while to take off the article, the reporter guarded the site with a top notch fire wall. So the damage has already been done."


    Everyone around the table held grim expressions on their faces.


    "Who is this reporter?" Jason asked.


    The man head of the technological department(Paradise) pushed the window that contained the article and swiped up another containing Lenora picture appeared floating off of the computer in the midst of all the members.


    Jason looked down at the screen that covered the entire table, "who- wait a minute I know this woman." He stated slowly.


    "Ofcourse sir, she a pretty popular reporter. Lenora Han, heiress to Han chemicals. She is rebellious and strong willed, which is why instead of studying chemistry in preparation to inherit her family business. She has a degree in cyber crime security."


    "But she''s a reporter?" The attorney general asked.


    "Yes, we believe she created the firewall even out best hackers could not break through immediately." He stated.


    "So she''s working for Patricia." Jason said.


    "It is true that she has been sighted with Patricia Lee many times, but I fail to understand how this article is beneficial for Patricia." The man said honestly and Jason nodded that was true. Nobody was safe when in that article.


    They made Jessie seems like the murderous killer that was hiding away tucked just right under everyone''s noses. Patricia was the pathetic and hateful woman that revealed her fiance secret because she was jealous of Jessie, a woman that her fiance chose over her regardless of her explosive situation. And him, he got the brunt of it. He was the accomplice that hid a dangerous killer and the lewd man cheating on his Fiancee.


    "Then we found this." He swiped again and photos, blurry photos of Lenora and Jamie in his cop cars and in front of cafes came to view. "These are images we got from security cameras, the man in question is detective Anderson. The person arrested for covering up and aiding Jessie Marin." He informed. "If this confirms speculations, we believe Lenora was romantically involved with this man and is taking revenge on Patricia Lee for framing him."


    "So why didn''t she attack Patricia Lee individually? Why come after Jason as well?" Someone else asked.


    "She''s angry and does not have enough evidence aganist Patricia?" Another suggested.


    "It is still unclear what her specific motive was but this is all we could gather right now."


    Jason looked at her picture with disdain written all of his face. "So because of a squabble between two annoying bitches, my stocks are dropping on an exponential level? Find me this woman I must speak to her." He spat.


    "That''s not what is important right now Jason. Getting you out of this is." Reginald said firmly.


    "It''s time to bring Jessie out, it''s time for her to give herself to the cops."


    Jason slammed his hand on the desk causing a few people to flinch. "I thought I was clear the last time?" He said in a dangerously steady voice.


    The chief justice pursed his lips in frustration. "It''s either she forgets about everything on the outside and remain in hiding for the rest of his life, or she goes under the knife and changes her entire face to live under a different identity. Which will still he hiding. Or she just does the brave thing and come out, that way we can even catch the Lee''s." He said and they were murmured around the table of people agreeing with him.


    "She''s innocent Jason and there is insufficient evidence she won''t go to jail." Reginald assured Jason.


    "But her reputation with be irreparable." He said softly but Reginald still heard it.


    "Her reputation is already irreparable."


    "So what''s it going to be Mr. President?"


    Preview 190: Watch me throw the last.


    Patricia turned around in her rage and she met gazes with Lenora. Lenora looked up at her with a smug look etched on her features adding fuel to Patricia''s already raging fire. Patricia walked towards her and the moment her hand connected with Lenora''s cheeks the entire office went quiet.


    "You dead bitch!" She screamed.

 Chapter 190 - 189. Results Of Her Wickedness.

    "Sir you have a visitor." Matt informed Jason as he peeped into his office.


    Jason looked up in question. "Who is that important that you couldn''t tell me over the phone? I didn''t realise I had an appointment."


    "You don''t sir, it''s Goerge Lee." Matt informed him.


    ''Goerge Lee? What was wrong with the Lee''s that they decided today was the day to torture me?'' He thought ruefully. "Well send him in already, it''s not like I can turn him away."


    Matt nodded bowing before he left the room. Almost immediately the imposing man walked in, in a tailored suit that hugged his frame perfectly. George was a handsome man no mistake, and slightly more built than Jason was. But while he was more muscular Jason was taller, but it didn''t deter his intimidating presence, he was a Lee after all. But while everyone seeked to please the Lee''s the Kangs were immune to that authority. Although the Lee''s held the power, the Kangs weren''t under their authority. Which brings them to the reason why he was engaged to Patricia in the first place, the so called truce.


    "Hello Jason." George said curtly.


    "It''s surprising to see you here George, please take a seat." Jason gestured for him.


    George eyed the bodyguards in Jason office with an amused glint in his eyes before he took Jason''s offer and walked to the seat. Jason noticed his reaction with slight surprise, most people infact everyone else missed the bodyguards but he wasn''t shocked that George noticed them.


    "So what do I owe this... pleasure?" Jason asked dismissing the awkward silence after they were both seated.


    George looked back at the bodyguards once before turning to face Jason. "This." He said pulling out an envelope from inside his jacket. He placed it gently on the desk and pushed it to Jason.


    Jason reached over and tore open the envelope revealing it''s content, a single paper. He already knew what was written in it before he opened it.


    "I already have this, why are you giving it to me again?" He asked with a cocked brow.


    George smirked slightly before speaking "yet you refuse to sign it, I thought I should bring you another since you''ve taken so long."


    "I was hoping the delay would lead you to realise that I''m not signing this papers." Jason stated matter of factly and George frowned.


    "I don''t you think you understand Jason, you don''t have a choice in the matter." George replied. "I''ve been lenient because you are about to be my nephew in law, but don''t push you luck." He warned.


    Jason laughed "Is that how you oppress Patricia? With that title? I don''t think you should refer to your elder in such diminishing ways." Jason cautioned him and it was George''s turn to laugh.


    "Why, aren''t you getting married to my neice? I''m only stating facts? It pointless that such trivial things bother you. And as much as I would love to chit chat I''m here for business, sign the contract and I''ll be on my way."


    "Why should I? I spent twenty million on a woman that seems to only bring trouble. I thought you personally vetted the women you sold, how did you make such a mistake? How could an uncle let his neice walk all over him?" Jason asked spitting back his earlier insults.


    George''s eyes darkened considerably "so you''re saying you are aware of Patricia''s deeds?"


    "I live with the results of her wickedness how can I not?" Jason replied bluntly.


    George crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Jason with curiosity. "If you are aware why are you still engaged to her? I don''t see anymore shackles tying you to her."


    Jason smiled "this is a truce between the families, I''m doing it for the benefit of both families."


    George scoffed at his statement. "You don''t actually expect me to believe that do you?"


    "Why wouldn''t you believe it? Why? Do you not want me to be engaged to Patricia?" He asked.


    George shook his head, "not like this. What exactly are you after Jason Kang? I know you are after something, you wouldn''t be in this situation either way."


    Jason pouted. "And it seems you are after your nieces'' heart break."


    George brow tilted in disbelief. "Ahh she hasn''t informed you? Maybe she hasn''t told the chairman either, your sweet neice is head over heels in love with me." Jason said unable to stop the laughing in his tone.


    "So what? What the hell does love have to with anything? Do you fancy her as well?"


    Jason gave him a mysterious smile but did not answer.


    George sighed out of frustration. "You do realise even if your bodyguards follow you when you take a shit, you wouldn''t be able to escape me right?"


    Jason brow quirked and he smiled. "Oh my, did my dear uncle in law just threaten me?" Jason said in mock shock. "Don''t be so serious." He waved away the bodyguards that already began to approach.


    "Tell me if you were in my situation would you sign? First of all you sold me a woman the whole world knows and is after, secondly I come to know that my fiancee is the person who is responsible for the entire situation. Thirdly, the police have the audacity to come search house and threaten my staff." Jason leaned forward. "Would sign if you were me?"


    "You have no proof that Patricia is behind any of it? Except the testimony of a... whore." George said his voice low and demanding.


    Jason fist tightened at the word, whore. But he quickly willed himself to calm down. Getting angry would only give him leverage.


    "It''s not rocket science George. It''s quite obvious who is at fault, or are you admitting to the horribly poor job you did or rather do with your auction house?" Jason asked trapping him in his own scheme.


    "I thought so, if that would be all leave. I''m not signing the contract you might as well just give up." He stated bluntly.


    "This isn''t over, Jason Kang." George spar out mercilessly.


    "Ofcourse it isn''t, uncle in law" he drawled out in a mocking tone.


    Preview 190: Irreparable.


    "It''s time to bring Jessie out, it''s time for her to give herself to the cops."


    Jason slammed his hand on the desk causing a few people to flinch. "I thought I was clear the last time?" He said in a dangerously steady voice.


    The chief justice pursed his lips in frustration. "It''s either she forgets about everything on the outside and remain in hiding for the rest of his life, or she goes under the knife and changes her entire face to live under a different identity. Which will still he hiding. Or she just does the brave thing and come out, that way we can even catch the Lee''s."

 Chapter 191 - 191. Watch Me Throw The Last.

    Jessie frowned, what was going on? Why won''t this open? She kept tapping her screen before long the article disappeared. "What the hell? Was the article taken down?" She wondered. It was possible, the front picture was her and Jason dancing. "Krystal might know what''s going on."


    "Jessie! Hi! Are you okay?!" Krystal gasped as she answered the phone, she did not expect this call.


    "Should I not be? Did something happen?" Jessie asked.


    Krystal looked to Jonathan and he shook his head. She pursed her lips in displeasure, why did Jessie always just have to call when she was with Jonathan? She covered the speaker and whispered to him.


    "I should tell her " she whisper-yelled.


    Jonathan shook his head vehemently. "She''s already been through enough already. Besides the article has already been taken down. There is no need to bother her." He stated bluntly.


    "Well I don''t think that choice is yours to make." Krystal retorted.


    "Hello? Hello? Krystal I wanted to ask you about an article?" Jessie spoke through the speaker.


    Krystal rose her brow at Jonathan giving him an I told you so look. "Do you know what it''s about? I couldn''t read it I think Jason already took it down."


    Jonathan returned the look. "Hello? Krystal? Why are you being so quiet? Was it that bad?" She asked her voice full of emotion yet Jonathan still shook his head.


    "Krystal please you have to tell me, I wouldn''t be able to sleep or rest otherwise. I know Jason won''t say a word so will you please save me?" Jessie begged and Krystal turned off the speaker button and walked out of Jonathan''s office ignoring his angry arguments.


    Jessie hand was covering her mouth by the time Krystal narrated what it was that she read. "Hello? Jessie? I''m sorry to ask this again but are you okay?"


    "Yeah!" She said immediately. And Krystal knew she was lying. "It''s fine, I''m fine. I''ll talk to you later bye."


    *************************************************


    Patricia turned around in her rage and she met gazes with Lenora. Lenora looked up at her with a smug look etched on her features adding fuel to Patricia''s already raging fire. Patricia walked towards her and the moment her hand connected with Lenora''s cheeks the entire office went quiet.


    "You dead bitch!" She screamed.


    Lenora pushed the hair that fell down her face as her head was tilted an awkward angle by the slap and smiled.


    "Move, I have to go meet my boss. I don''t have time for..." she looked Patricia up and down "the likes of you."


    Patricia eyes widened and she began to laugh manically. "It seems you have a death wish, I must say your very brave." She spat.


    Lenora''s eyes widened and she looked around the room. "Are threatening to kill me? In front of all this people? You must have a lot of confidence and perhaps immunity." Lenora stated bluntly.


    And Patricia looked around at all the eyes, it wouldn''t be wise to do this right now, especially not in a room full to the brim with eager reporters.


    "This isn''t over Lenora Han. You threw the first punch just watch me throw the last."


    Lenore crossed her hands over her chest and sighed. "Ofcourse it isn''t, I''m eager to see what you do next. If that''s all goodbye." She said walking around Patricia and headed straight for the executive manager''s office. Not once turning around.


    **************************************************


    Patricia stared at the text on her phone as she struggled to breathe properly. She was so mad she felt suffocated.


    Jessie Marin is not in the manor.


    She picked up her phone and called a number. "Grab her, now."


    **************************************************


    Katherine drove into the garage in her building, sitting a bit in her car as she stared at the address in hand. Her phone vibrated in her bag and she pulled it out to to read the text.


    How was it? Did you find out about your father?


    She smiled softly and replied.


    No, just another stop plus the fact that I might have been conceived in a brothel.


    No way!


    Yes way, apparently my mother was running away from some sort of pimp in the orphanage. She came with a baby, that baby was me.


    Are you absolutely sure about that?


    No not really. I don''t know.


    Don''t always assume the worst Katherine, I''m sure there is more to the story, okay? I have to go now call you later.


    Sure, bye Jessie.


    She pushed her door open and stepped out of the car. Shrugging of her shoes as she walked into her apartment. Immediately she turned on the light she gasped. Spinning around she tried to run back out but as she opened the door another strange man smiled at her.


    "What do you want?! Money? Haven''t you already found it?" She stumbled backwards as the man kept stalking towards her. "I mean if you''re already inside the apartment shouldn''t you have taken what you wanted and gone? Is someone paying you? My mother is dead if that what you''re after, I promise to stop looking for my father!" She rambled. She always rambled when she was nervous a bad habit she could not get rid off.


    "Here! Take my phone, take my car it''s right down stairs you can even take me- wait that''s not right. You can''t take me, I''m not on the offer please spare me! I don''t want to die, I''ve been very ungrateful please." She begged.


    The man that was walking towards halted and looked behind her at the other guy in confusion. "Did you understand any of that?" He asked.


    "Not a word" the other guy shook his head.


    "Just knock her out and take her I can''t deal with all that rambling."


    "Wait no! Please!" That was all Katherine said before a sharp pain stung the back of her head and everything became black.


    Preview 192: 24 hours.


    "It''s a pity such a pretty face would be ruined."


    Katherine glared at him and spat on his face. The man was first stunned by her action before his expression contorted in that of rage and before she knew it she was thrown to the floor a cry leaving her lips, her broken lips.


    "Hey! Did I tell you to touch her?"

 Chapter 192 - 192. 24 Hours.

    Katherine''s head throbbed painfully as she open her eyes. Closing them thrice before she could finally adjust to the bright room she was in. Judging by how her hand and feet refused to move, and allow her stretch she assumed she was tied up. Her hair fell down her shoulders and she was alone in the room. After a few minutes the door opened up and she saw the men that abducted her.


    Groaning she tired to speak but her voice was croaky and dry so one of them moved quickly and brought a glass of water to her lips. Out of her better judgement she gulped the water down for she was starved.


    The man pushed her hair away from her face and tsked. "It''s a pity such a pretty face would be ruined."


    Katherine glared at him and spat on his face. The man was first stunned by her action before his expression contorted in that of rage and before she knew it she was thrown to the floor a cry leaving her lips, her broken lips.


    "Hey! Did I tell you to touch her?" A feminine voice asked Katherine struggled to keep her eyes open so she could see the person behind those arranged heel clicks.


    "Pick her up." The woman ordered.


    The brute grabbed Katherine''s chair forcefully and placed her upright in an unbecoming manner.


    Katherine looked up at the woman, her vision blurry. ''I must have a concussion'' she thought. Soon her vision cleared and she saw those sharp, prominent features. And that polished straight black hair.


    An amused smirk played at her lips "Patricia Lee, how displeasureable to make your acquaintance. I don''t believe we''ve properly met, if I would call this proper."


    Patricia laughed lightly pointing at Katherine she looked at her men as she laughed. "I don''t know what''s wrong with the world anymore. People are beginning to think they say anything to me." She said in amusement.


    "Don''t flatter yourself, you have just been meeting the wrong people. What the hell do you want from me?" Katherine spat.


    "Ohhh? Look at that venom. Don''t worry this is not personal, ofcourse my goal remains you are just a pawn to get to that bitch Jessie." She stated bluntly. "But first, I have to repay you for the hospital don''t you think?"


    Katherine had never been in a fight before, but she knew the damage a punch could do to a person. She was a doctor after all, she thought she understood her patients pain, oh how wrong she was. When Patricia''s fist connected with her already bruised jaw eyes rolled out to the back of her head and her head fell forward lifelessly.


    "What is this?" Patricia poked Katherine. "Are you already out? After one punch?" She asked in disbelief. "Talk about bluffing, wake her up." She ordered.


    The men dumped a bucket of ice cold water and she jerked up. Flinching at the pain. "Good now where were we?"


    Katherine didn''t pass out again, although she wished she could, just to have some sort of break. She was sure she looked like an ogre at the point but the pain was what made her want to scream in horror. How did anyone survive torture? Why did the movies lie so? This was unbearable.


    Patricia leaned down and pulled back Katherine''s hair, forcing her to look at her. "What, no snarky remark? What did you say last time? If you kill me I would be dead? How bold." She laughed mocking.


    "At first I thought she most be from a powerful family to have such arrogance, I wouldn''t have minded. But you? You the lowest level of dirt, just a foolish bastard that doesn''t even have a father." Patricia sneered "what right do you think you have? People like you are supposed to submit and grovel like the dirt you are!"


    Katherine rolled up all the saliva and blood in her mouth and spit directly at Patricia face.


    Patricia laughed yet again. "What? Is that it? Do you think this is going to make me crazy? Come you''re not the first person to spit on me and you will not be the last." She motioned for one the men watching the show to give her a tissue, and she wiped her face.


    "Now time for the actual fun." She said rising up.


    **************************************************


    Jessie frowned when she picked up her phone and the caller ID was unknown. "Who could it be?" She wondered.


    She swiped right and put the phone to her ears and he tried to balance the chilled glass of soda and a bag of chips. She would have to work it off but still she couldn''t resist the temptation. The bag was just sitting there.


    "Hello?" She answered, there was silence at first and she answered again. "Hello? Who is this?"


    "I would think after so long you would recognize my number Jessie."


    Jessie froze, she pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at the number again. "Patricia?"


    "Of course, I would ask how you are but it''s public knowledge that you are hiding out like a pathetic coward." She sweetly in a tone that made her even her words seem like they came from someone who cared.


    "Screw you Patricia, I can''t believe how petty you actually are." Jessie scoffed. "How the hell did you get me number?"


    "You''ll find out in due time, first get out of whatever hole it is that you are hiding in and turn yourself in." She ordered.


    Jessie laughed comically "and you would love that wouldn''t you? Was that the plan? To actually have me arrested? It''s too bad, but I admire your dedication, you always fail and yet."


    "You have exactly 24 hours to turn yourself in." Patricia warned.


    "Or what?"


    Jessie sneered, almost immediately her phone buzzed and she clicked on the text. Opening the video. Her hands covered her mouth as tears sprung to her eyes.


    "Oh Jessie that not all." Patricia stated in a mocking voice.


    Another text entered again. "And she clicked on it, it was Tony girls the tears began to fall freely as fear gripped her as the three girls looked frightened as hell.


    "24 four hours Jessie, no more no less."

 Chapter 193 - 193. Innocent.

    Jessie stared at her phone trying to calm her frantic breathing. When the hell did this start? This in ability to breathe, it was like she was choking on air. Drowning without water, the phone slipped from her grasp and fell to the ground with a loud thud, she followed soon after. Clutching her throat as she struggled to calm her breathing, she couldn''t die. Even if she was going to die, it would have to be by Patricia''s hands or else neither Katherine or the girls would survive.


    Tears bit and stung her eyes painfully as she tried to breathe. ''Breathe Jessie just breathe.''


    Everything was already getting woozy and wobbly. She could hear someone screaming for her but she only concentrated on breathing.


    "Miss Jessie, miss Jessie! Jessie!" Kevin screamed shaking her violently suddenly snapped out of it. She could breathe again.


    She grabbed the collar of his suit as tears poured down from her eyes. "Are you okay?"


    She shook her head violently. "No. Please Kevin you have to let me go please " she begged in between sobs.


    "You that''s impossible miss." Kevin shook his head and Jessie cried out.


    "Please they are innocent, they are all innocent !" She screamed "please this once I promise I''m not being difficult or stubborn but if I stay here kids are going to die please!" She let out a heart wrenching sob.


    And Kevin looked down at her shivering body and shaky grip on his collar. Her face was stained with tears and her eyes held a mighty amount of despair and fear!


    But then it could all be fake, she was a stress after all and he couldn''t lose her again. He had a lot riding on this job.


    "I''m sorry miss, but you are more important right now. I can''t let you go." No sooner the words left is eyes the desperation and helplessness in her eyes fled, replaced by raging anger.


    "AHHHHHHH!!!!!" She screamed, shoving him off her and getting up. She reached for the flower vase sitting beside them and chugged it him with all her might. "You son of a bitch I swear I will kill you! Today sir is the day you die, by my hands!!!"


    How he managed to evade the throw surprised him more than he cared to admit but he was sure grateful that his head had not been the one to shatter the ceramic vase.


    She began to toss the decoration, center peices, head dresses every thing she tossed them to the ground in an angry rage. Kevin began to fear for her safety. There was shattered glass all over the floor and she was bare foot.


    He motioned for two other bodyguards to walk into the room. "Take her into her room." He ordered.


    "No, no! NO!!!" She screamed kicking violently in the air as they dragged her into her room. "I will kill you, you you hear?! Kevin you''re dead!!" She screamed, as the tossed her on her bed, shutting the door before she had liberty to run back out.


    What should she do know? She couldn''t tell Jason, who could she call? Her eyes widened as she wiped her face and sniffled. Calming her roughed up hair.


    She tapped on the door quietly. "Can I at least have my phone?'' She said in a quiet voice.


    The men looked at each other then Kevin nodded. "I promise all I want is my phone. I won''t fuss." She said when she didn''t get a response.


    "How do we know you''re not lying?" One of the other guys asked from behind the door.


    "I''m not." She huffed angrily. "What I meant to say" she started calmly. "If I misbehave you have my permission to tie me up." She said.


    "Really?"


    "Really." She agreed and she heard a soft click, the door didn''t open all the way but a suit clad hand came in through the open space and she took her phone from the man.


    Quickly turning around she dialed as fast as she could.


    **************************************************


    Choi Yuri looked like a breath of fresh air, in her wedged sandals and stunning flare dress that danced sweetly just above her knees. Her hair was up in a pony tail and she kept her makeup light. Snaking her arm into Paul''s bended own, they began to walk into the small mansion that houses her grandparents.


    "I''m so exited to see my grandparents, especially with you." She gushed.


    Paul looked down at her and gave her a small smile as he pulled her in for a chaste kiss. Pulling away he took her hand again as they walked into the mansion.


    Choi Yuri stared at him as they walked into the house, admiring his nice features. Paul wasn''t necessarily so handsome, unlike some other men like Jason Kang or George Lee, men like that could be described as beautiful. But he had a charm you couldn''t ignore. He had the ability to make anyone comfortable and he was attentive.


    ''I could love this man'' she thought to herself a smile gracing her lips. As they were about to step past the door frame into the house his phone rang.


    They both paused as she waited for Paul to answer. "Hello?"


    "What? I can''t understand you.


    Calm down, speak slowly is anything the mat... wait did you say Katherine?"


    Yuri eyes widened at the mention of that name and she immediately frowned, what now?


    Paul pulled the phone away from his ears as he clicked on a the video Jessie sent. His eyes widened and he felt as though his entire world stopped.


    "Paul! Please you have to get me out of here!" Jessie cried.


    "I''m on my way, I''ll get you out no matter what." He said turning on his heel and running back.


    Yuri eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "Paul!" She yelled. "Where the hell are you going?"


    "I''m sorry, I can''t do this right now. " With that she watched him run back to his car and drive off with such urgency. Leaving her alone on front of her grandparents house, during the day that bitch Katherine was born.

 Chapter 194 - 194. Mystery.

    How Jessie managed to flee the safe house, how she managed to get to Paul. How he even managed to get so close to her and the fact that they both sat outside a police station in his car right now would always remain a mystery. But begee underestimate desperate people with something to lose.


    Paul noticed the way she looked at the police station and how she fiddled with her hands. And he wished that he could muster up the courage to stop her from sacrificing herself like this but he couldn''t. Not when Katherine was in danger.


    Jessie looked away from the station, looking first at her hands in her lap then at up at Paul, when he placed his over hers to calm their shaking.


    "You can do this." He encouraged and comforted her.


    She nodded slowly, she would never forget this day and would always be grateful that she was here with Paul. She was grateful that he didn''t stop her and even more grateful he encouraged her. She didn''t know if she would have been able to go through with it otherwise.


    Bracing herself she open the door and stepped down. Glancing at him one more time, she walked into the precinct.


    "Can I help you miss?" The cop behind the counter asked.


    She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Taking off her mask. "I''m here to turn myself in."


    **************************************************


    Jason was in a bad mood all day and all he wanted to do was bury himself in another bottle of bourbon. He couldn''t be riddled with nightmares again today, the entire day was already one big nightmare. He tossed his jacket away to butler Choi who expertly grabbed it.


    "I don''t want to be disturbed." He mumbled. "If I don''t wake up before dinner then forget about it."


    "Sir " butler called to him but Jason ignored him.


    "Sir!" He said more forcefully and Jason halted and sent a dangerous glare his way.


    "Th-there''s something you must see." He said, without confidence.


    "What?" Jason asked eyeing his butler suspiciously.


    Butler Choi led him into the drawing room and picked up the remote. Jason looked at him then at the screen he just recently turned on.


    The entirety of his being froze when he saw the headlines.


    Refugee actress Jessie Marin turns herself in.


    "What is this?" He barked at Butler Choi.


    "Sir, it appears miss Jessie ha-"


    "I know what she has done!" He yelled, grabbing his coat and snatching his keys from the driver that stood close to the exit. He ran to his car.


    **************************************************


    Katherine groaned her entire body thronged as she tried to move. Her eyes opened slowly, trying to get adjusted to the brightness of the room she was in she blinked rapidly.


    When her vision became closer she met gazes with Paul. Paul? She struggled to sit wincing as she did but Paul held her down.


    "Don''t push yourself." He said soothingly his lips tilted in a comforting smile.


    "How" she choked out, unable to recognize her own voice.


    Paul quickly grabbed the bottle of water beside her bed and brought it to her bruised lips after he opened it.


    "How I''m I here?" She asked softly her voice sounding less coarse than before. "How is Jessie?" She asked.


    Paul looked down and she urged him further, imploring him to tell her what happened. "Tell me Paul, where is Jessie? I hope she didn''t-" she paused when he saw the grim expression on Paul face.


    "What happened? Tell me what happened Paul." She demanded.


    Katherine wanted to strangle Paul were he sat as he narrated everything to her. "And you let her go?!" She yelled.


    "What was I supposed to do? It was either you or her." Paul huffed.


    "How could you be so heartless? Jessie been through a lot, you must be happy right? You always hated her!" She smacked his arm, but due to fatigue and pain it was just like a tap.


    "How can you say that? I don''t hate Jessie, look it was hard for me as well but I couldn''t lose you. I would always choose you Katherine regarding of the person." He stated bluntly and she rolled her eyes.


    "Can you please stop with this? Do you like me?" She asked incredulously and Paul frowned. She already knew the answer, and though it pained bee she had to draw lines.


    "Why are you talking about that all of a sudden? You''re my best friend, I would do anything for you."


    Katherine shook her head. "Then keep the boundaries, it''s either you love me or you don''t. We don''t have that kind of relationship, never have never will. So please stop doing this!" She cried. "How could you even abandon her like this?"


    Paul was beyond frustrated and confused. Where was the Katherine he knew? And who the hell was this right now?


    "I don''t care about your complaints or anything you say. If I were to do this all over again I would make the same choice. You should rest." He said curtly getting up and leaving the room.


    She was in his apartment, she could tell. Gathering up herself she cried. Cried for her pitiful friend that did nothing to deserve what was happening to her. She cried because over and over again Paul kept breaking her heart, he would go to the moon and back for her, as a friend.


    **************************************************


    Patricia sat in front of the television, her phone and laptop sitting right beside her any moment now. It would be on the news, she couldn''t wait for it! No way in hell would she ever make a comeback, soon enough she would be tucked away in jail and she would enough time to seduce Jason well enough.


    With the way he teased her she could only imagine what would happen were they to go all the way. She has never wanted anyone else as much as she wanted Jason, her whole body was alight with him. Even when she was alone, in the middle of the dark quiet night and she found her hands wandering down beneath her lingerie. She only thought of him, Jason. And today she would have him.

 Chapter 195 - 195. Trust Me.

    "Look here miss Marin, do you take the police and law for a joke?" The prosecutor asked glaring at her in annoyance. "Why turn yourself in if you''re not even going to say anything?" He huffed.


    Jessie stared at him blankly as she had for over the last half an hour, what could she say? Patricia only said to turn herself in, she didn''t say what to do when she did. Was she to co feed to murders she did not commit? Like hell she would such a thing if she didn''t have to. She also considered telling the prosecutor the truth but what could she do? How does she confess the truth without hurting Jason?


    "It doesn''t matter anyway, we have enough evidence aganist you to charge you for the murder of your driver." He said.


    "And what would my motive be?" She said, first words coming out of her mouth. "What? My finger prints on the murder weapon? That could easily be fabricated. Look I didn''t study law or anything but I have acted movies that had to do with it. The only thing you people are achieving here is tarnishing my reputation. You don''t actually have any evidence to put me away." She said bluntly. "So do me a favour and stop spreading rubbish."


    The prosecutor scoffed. "It would be advisable for you to come clean and cooperate with the persecution. You might get a lesser sentence."


    "Go to hell." She spat.


    "I''ll bury you with that." He stated dangerously and Jessie rolled her eyes as he walked out angrily.


    She placed her hand on her chest, shutting her eyes to stop the tears. She did not feel a quarter inch how she just acted. She knew for a fact that they sent much more innocent people to prison just like that. But she would never give anyone satisfaction of seeing her cry or broken.


    "I hope you''re hear with a more convincing case." She sassed as the door opened, not bothering to look at the person at the door.


    "Is that really what you want?" A familiar voice said and she spun around real quick. Meeting gases with Jason.


    "How...?" She said softly, getting up she went straight into his arms. Holding onto him so tightly, suddenly even though she knew everything was falling apart, right there in his arms she felt safe.


    Both of them said nothing for a while, they just stood enjoying the warm embrace.


    "Jessie are you okay?" He asked, pulling away but still keeping her in his arms as he searched her for bruises.


    She nodded quietly. "You don''t have to explain anything, I know about the threat, Katherine as well as Tony''s girls."


    "How? Paul?" Shw whispered slightly, struggling to keep her tears at bay and her voice steady. Admittedly it was increasingly difficult, with him so close it took everything she had not to break down and cry, but she wouldn''t, no she couldn''t.


    "Paul knows about this?" Jason frowned. And so did Jessie.


    "If not Paul how do you know?" She asked, suspicion starting to grow in her dark irises.


    Paradise.


    But he couldn''t tell her that, she couldn''t know about Paradise, how does he get out of this?


    "What did you think would happen when a panicked bodyguard would call?" He blurted.


    "What?"


    "How the hell did you knock out and escape thirteen bodyguard?" Jason asked in attempt to change the topic although he was also curious.


    Jessie looked up at him in alarm as well. If he didn''t know about Paul then she shouldn''t dig him deeper into the hole that was Jason''s wrath.


    "A woman has the rights to her own secrets." She smiled anxiously.


    "You don''t have to worry, you''ll be out of here before you know it." Jason said changing the topic.


    "How?" Jessie asked happily complying.


    "Don''t worry just leave it to me, okay? Trust me?" He said softly brushing her cheeks with his thumb as he cupped her face with both arms.


    She nodded.


    **************************************************


    "What the hell is going on?" Jason breathed, his eyes wide with trepidation and his heart full of rage.


    Paul sighed, how was he going to calm him down right now? Even he, was finding g it difficult from running into the crowd and beating up the cops that dared put handcuffs on Jessie and the crowd that dared ridicule her.


    "Jason" he said softly but Jason wasn''t having any of it.


    Jessie faced was full of utter shock and she was visibly shaking. The crowd so violent yelled, ridiculed and battered. The reporter as vicious as ever.Giving her not one moment of peace, she didn''t even make an effort to answer. Even though she was in shocker brain could make at least that good a decision.


    How? How did she get from sharing a moment with Jason to being cuffed. Dragged out of the police station with a jail bound bus, vicious reporter and a raging crowd waiting right outside for her.


    Jessie shut her eyes as a single stray tear fell down her cheek. Biting her lip in an attempt to hold her tongue before she lashed out at the reporters that took absolute delight in this.


    "Jessie Marin do you admit to killing your driver and the innocent Dianna Flores?"


    ''No, I''m innocent.''


    "Why did you kill your driver?"


    ''I didn''t kill him.''


    "Are you satisfied with disappointing your millions of fans?"


    ''How can I be satisfied with- that''s a stupid question.''


    "What were you thinking when you shot your driver?"


    ''Nothing, because I didn''t.''


    "Owww!" She yelled as a large egg broke over her forehead, and the gooey inside rolled down her eye, nose and lips. The tears had the perfect excuse now the fell freely, she couldn''t stop it. But she still refused to cry, or was she just to weak to do so?


    "Stop Jason." A firm grim held onto his upper arm as he began to advance towards Jessie.

 Chapter 196 - 196. Blatant Corruption And Evil.

    Owww!" She yelled as a large egg broke over her forehead, and the gooey inside rolled down her eye, nose and lips. The tears had the perfect excuse now the fell freely, she couldn''t stop it. But she still refused to cry, or was she just to weak to do so?


    "Stop Jason." A firm grim held onto his upper arm as he began to advance towards Jessie.


    Jason rage filled eyes glared at the old man he had come to respect.


    "Let go of me Reginald." He spat, tugging g his arm out of his grasp. But just as immediately his arm was held captive.


    "I can''t do that Jason." Reginald stated firmly.


    If looks could kill, Reginald would be dead.


    "It''s not going to be beneficial for anyone if you go there right now, so please." Reginald said.


    "What do you mean?" He sneered. "It''s not going to be good for Paradise you mean."


    "If you already know that then why do you want to put everything in jeopardy?" Reginald asked.


    "Are you daft?" Jason asked the older man. "Jessie is the reason I even went to Paradise in the first place! She''s the reason I ever had the balls to steal my father''s company from right under him and you expect me to just leave her be?" He said, his anger slowly dissipating to sadness and total desperation. "I never thought a day would come that I would go against my father, he isn''t the nicest person but regardless he is a good father. And even though I loved my mother more than anything in the whole world I was never brave enough to take Paradise as i should. But then i met Jessie and you want me to leave her be!" He yelled.


    "Even when she''s like that? Do you know what it does to me? Do you know how heavy.." he tapped his chest as a single tear fell down his eyes. "My heart, it''s..." he shut his eyes and tried around to go to Jessie but Reginald kept his hold.


    Jason shot him an icy glare from his tear glazed eyes.


    "I understand how you feel, because I''ve felt it before and so have you. The day your mother died." Reginald said.


    "But please Jason, help her. Don''t make things worse. That''s all you''ll do if you approach her now, like this." He continued. "Let''s go, let Paradise handle thi-"


    "Like they ever handle anything right!!" He yelled shoving Reginald off of him and moving with intent to punch. And he would have if Paul did not placed himself between the man and Jason, holding Jason back.


    "No, Jason don''t. It''s not worth it!" Paul said forcefully.


    "Fine." He spat from gritted teeth. "Let me go." He pushed Paul away and walked to side. Grabbing his hair and groaning in frustration.


    What then was the essence at the end of the day? Why the hell was the entire reason?! Why did he deceive himself so? He was entirely helpless and useless, he couldn''t even do anything and couldn''t at the very least offer her comfort.


    She was the woman he loved goddamit.


    Jessie stared down, she shed have kept her head up, she shouldn''t have broken into sobs as she did at the moment. She shouldn''t have succumbed to the weepy weak and guilty woman she appeared like. But she was human and hell it was difficult to remain standing as it was with all the eggs and flour and tomatoes hurled her way. Apparently when one started the rest followed. She would have felt sorry for the cop that were in the hit zone had they not been the very ones leading her to her doom.


    With a wobbily supported step she climbed onto the bus, sobs racking her shoulders as she soon realized the gravity of her situation. With a nudge to her back she found a seat, sitting her shivering and shaking hands on her lap, she struggled to stop the following water fall that were her eyes.


    But a warm, firm and strong hand held hers. When she met the gaze of this kind person offering her comfort she could only go back to her sobbing.


    "I... I''m so sorry, I did this." She cried.


    "You didn''t do anything, I realize that now and I''m sorry I accused you for your driver in the first place." He stated softly. "I try to consider myself a good cop but I can''t even see that."


    "Detective Anderson." Jessie breathed.


    "Call me Jamie, I am and can no longer be a cop." He said.


    She shook her head. "But you haven''t been sentenced, things can still change."


    Jamie let out a short but rueful laugh. "If you truly believe that then you must really expect much from this world. I don''t, I can''t anymore, it was always right in front of me but I couldn''t see it."


    "What?"


    "This blatant corruption and evil. The fact that both of us are here in this bus right now." He said though gritted teeth, his fist clenching in his own lap.


    This time it was Jessie that placed hers over his to offer him some semblance of comfort. As soon as the bus started moving, she took in a deep breath, how bad could prison life really be?


    **************************************************


    Jonathan was livid. He marched up to the police station trying to demand an explanation as to why the hell Jessie felt it necessary to turn herself in. Of all the foolish things to do, but as if that wasn''t disturbing enough he had to witness how the bruised and battered an innocent woman. Worse, they brought her out in cuffs headed into a prison bound bus, while his insufferable brother stood there and watched.


    It was all ready a bitter pill to swallow, that Jessie might love his brother but to think that she loved a man that did such a poor job of protecting her, it made things much more unbearable.


    "Jason!!!" He yelled, his fist connecting with his brothers the moment he turned around.

 Chapter 197 - 197. Whoop Your Ass

    Jason hand rubbed the spot that Jonathan just assaulted with a look of shook etched on his face.


    "What the actual hell Jonathan " he cussed.


    "What the hell? I should be asking you that!" Jonathan huffed. "I knew, I just knew you ate your father son, the only thing you know to do is use and leave people, discard them when you have no more use of them!" He yelled shoving Jason''s chest.


    Jason scoffed at his childish outburst. "Do tell me dear brother" he said emphasising the last word more bitterly than others. "What or rather who did I use? You perhaps?"


    Jonathan rolled his eyes and titled his head to push his long hair away from his forehead. "Don''t be so full of yourself Jason. Although it pretty eye opening to see you looking all well and fine while an innocent woman is being dragged to prison! What? Was she causing too much damage to your reputation?!" He yelled angrily.


    "Jonathan don''t cros-" Paul began to say but Jason held up and arm to stop him from speaking.


    "No, let him speak. I should say brother you seem oddly emotional for a woman you''ve only met a handful of times." Jason said casually, although he felt nothing close to that. He was aware that Jonathan fancied Jessie but he didn''t realise it was to this extent. That thought alone made him more than anything to claim her as his and fend of all the unwanted attention.


    Jonathan laughed mockingly at Jason''s statement. "I have no idea what she sees in you really. You are nothi g but a horrible and heartless prick that deserves nothing close to a woman like her."


    "And you do?" Jason sneered.


    "I never said that, no one deserves Jessie. We ate lucky to even be in her presence, but you brother are the least of the ton. Hut how do you treat her? The actual man she decides to set her heart and trust on, how disappointing! But I must say I''m not surprised you are a Kang after all!" Jonathan spat, making sure to keep his tone as venomous as he possibly could.


    "You talk as though you aren''t a Kang yourself." Reginald pointed out.


    "I refuse to be associated with such an atrocious family, I never even grew up with them. I may answer the name but I refuse to be a Kang." Jonathan stated bluntly. "If this is how you treat people I am glad I was kept away for as long as I was."


    Jason stared pointedly at him. "Is that really it? You''re going to do nothing?" Jonathan asked in disbelief. When Jason refused to answer yet again, continuing to give him that annoying and demeaning look, he grabbed his shirt and pulling him upwards.


    "You are a peice of shit. You really don''t deserve Jessie. " He spat.


    Jason looked up at Jonathan. "Do you think I don''t know that? Please brother if you have another option I would like to hear it. Hell we all would."


    Jonathan let him go as if he burned him, sending him a fiery glare that Jason merely brushed off.


    "I have no time for your theatrics and petty tantrums." Jason rebuked him like a child and Jonathan huffed in disbelief. "But you are right about one thing, Jessie did entrust her heart and trust in me" he lied. "And I will assure you of this. I will never let her down, I could not even if I tried. So Jonathan stay the hell out of my way. If you have nothing important to saving her don''t disturb me." Jason warned, arranging his jacket and smoothing out his shirt as far it could go.


    He walked past him, stopping right beside him. "And this is the first and will be the last time you ever touch me. Try it again, I promise you, I won''t be as forgiving."


    "So why forgive me now?" Jonathan asked stopping him in his tracks.


    "Because I needed the wake up call, I need to stop relying on others for things I can well do myself." He said curtly walking away.


    **************************************************


    Jessie never felt shame as much as she did when she walked down the aisle to her cell, all the whistles and cat calls. Worse, the new stamp ''fresh meat'' that was basically tradition sent an unnatural shiver down her spine. She hated it.


    She clutched her bed spreads and pillows even tighter when one woman reache outside her cell and smacked her backside.


    ''Don''t you dare cry! You won''t become someone bitch because you''re so weak!" She yelled in her head.


    The warden opened her cell and she walked in. Looking at the other woman who was to be her roommate, oddly this arrangement reminded her of her days as a trainee.


    Jessie wasn''t one to judge but this woman looked utterly terrifying, tattooed from up to down. Even her bald scalp wasn''t free of the ink, and she had the build of a hard working and gymming man.


    "H..hello." She said softly.


    But she didn''t even budge, so Jessie sighed and quickly made her bed. Climbing up onto it, she laid down, she struggled tossing and turning, trying to find a comfortable position.


    "Hey, celebrity criminal! Before I whoop that tiny ass of your you better stop that shaking." The woman from below threatened and Jessie immediately froze.


    Letting out an anxious chuckle "I''m sorry the bed is just really uncomfortable you know."


    "Ofcourse I get stuck in a room with a spoiled princess" she huffed.


    And Jessie frowned. "Hey, just because I may not be made of stiffer stuff doesn''t mean I don''t have my fair share of pro-"


    "Would you just shut the hell up." The woman spat. And Jessie''s mouth hung open, how could she just interrupt her like that.


    She began to descend the bed to give this woman a peice of her mind.


    "I hope you are coming down to take a piss if not, best remain in that uncomfortable bed of yours.Or I''ll remain true to my promise, I assure you you will not enjoy my ass whooping." The woman said stopping Jessie before she made any progress.


    Jessie decided to fight another time, she would resign to her cruel fate but only because she was new. At least that''s what she told herself. But how she managed to actually fall asleep she couldn''t tell but she welcomed the sleep.

 Chapter 198 - 198. Too Pitiful.

    "A witness?"


    "Yes, at two o''clock a woman in her twenties walked into the police station to say she witnessed the murder of Diana Flores. That was enough to keep her behind bars for the trial."


    "But the trial can take months, so you''re saying she''ll be in there that long?"


    "Of course not." Jason curt voice said as he pushed open the door of the familiar and luxurious board room he began to really dislike. "You all have two days to get Jessie out of prison and free of this outrageous claims." He ordered as he took his place at the head of the table.


    Florence rolled eyes and opened her mouth to speak but Jason held his hand up to stop her.


    "I realised something today. While I was wondering very deeply, why the hell you guys don''t do work properly. This is paradise for crying out loud, from what I remember you solved threats of war and even more in mere seconds yet you can''t seem to get an innocent person away from corruption." He stated.


    "Jason we are do-"


    "Please Reginald, don''t interrupt me." He rose, and began to walk around the table. "Maybe it''s because they are all old? Or perhaps they feel accomplished and untouchable now." He shot Florence a glare.


    "Jason." Reginald said.


    "Shut up." He stated bluntly, dismiss the older man so causally. And there were whispers and murmurs, till he slammed his plams on the table to get their attention.


    "It appears I will not get to finish my brilliant speech, but okay when you struggle to keep the attention of a toddler you always bring something more interesting. In order words pass the information across by expression." He said and they all sent him confused looks.


    "Matt." He called out and his secretary walked in, pushing a trolley of files and papers. He nodded and Matt began to pass them around.


    Dropping the brown clad bundle with each name engraved on the top.


    "What the hell is this!" Ond outraged man spat.


    "It''s called respect. To be fair I guess I didn''t do anything to ensure your respect." He sighed. "But this should be enough don''t you think?"


    "Jason!" Reginald yelled more sternly than he ever regarded Jason.


    "Boy! You better-"


    "That''s president to you sir." He smiled smugly at the grey haired man currently shaking out of rage. "I wonder how the hell such corrupt people are the foundation of what is supposed to be the redemption of this country. Before I begin to dig further I urge that you get Jessie released in 48 hours. I have no idea how the hell my mother found you people and I could care less about you devices. But I''m here and I''m president. So you will obey my orders okay?"


    He scanned all the mortified faces of all the members and smiled satisfactorily. His job here was done.


    "Matt." He called firmly and his secretary quickly stepped in line and followed right behind him ad they left the board room.


    **************************************************


    Jessie jerked up with a fright as the alarm began blaring. "What!"


    "Get yo ass of the bed bitch!" Her ever delightful roommate yelled.


    Jessie struggled with stepping down the ladder. "What now?"


    "I ain''t yo mama don''t ask me questions." She huffed and walked out of the now open cell.


    Jessie sighed and looked at what she was missing, bed! She quickly went back up and made her bed, grabbing her shower things she walked out of the cell and made sure to keep a low profile as she walked to bathroom.


    Her hair had already fallen down to her shoulder and the back of her nape.


    She heard whispering as she walked past not alone before she was on the floor with her soap and bathing stuff scattered all over the floor.


    "Ooowww!" She shot a glare at the woman put her feet in the way.


    "What? What you gonna do? Get a camera an smile pretty?" She laughed. "Look at you, you know I used to love yo movies why you kill all those people?"


    "I could ask you the same thing" she spat standing and rubbing her injured knee.


    Suddenly the woman''s eyes widened in rage, and she moved forward to smack Jessie when someone else stopped them.


    "Leave her alone." It was her roommate!


    Jessie smiled at the woman but she just dismissed her again and walked away. Jessie pouted, ''what is her problem?''


    Quickly picking up her things she ran to the shower room, quietly skirting through all the naked bodies and looking for a secluded area she could bath.


    "I''ll just come back later." She mumbled to her self.


    "Hey not gonna shower?" Another woman asked, if Jessie was not absolutely sure this was a female only prison she would have thought it was a man.


    "No thank you." Jessie said smiling wobbily.


    "What? Are you shy?" She asked.


    Jessie scoffed and walked out of the bathroom. After she ate she went back to bathroom, still full so she decided to take a shower at night.


    "You, 2346 head over to the laundry room." The officer yelled.


    "Hey! 2346!" She yelled again.


    Someone tapped Jessie and she looked at the girl in confusion. She pointed to the Officer and Jessie looked up.


    "2436, go to the laundry room." She yelled.


    "What?"


    "Are you daft? Did you lose your hearing with all that murdering?"


    Jessie rolled her eyes, even if she killed people two people can hardly described as ''murdering''.


    She turned around and began to walk to the laundry room. As she walked in she met gazes with the manly woman from the bathroom.


    "Hello." Jessie greeted and walked over to the other side and began folding clothes. Suddenly she felt hands snaking around her waist and in her panic she rammed her elbow into the person''s side.


    "Ughh!" The attacker groaned, spinning around she pushed the person away.


    "Why I''m I not surprised, you''re a guy aren''t you." She spat.


    "What? Did you just call me a man?" The woman asked her brows furrowing in rising rage.


    "A-arent you? It doesn''t matter, I''m not into whatever it is you think you''re doing. So get the hell out of my way!" She spat.


    The burly and large woman began to laugh. "Look at how tiny you are do you really think you''re in any position to refuse." She said walking closer.


    Jessie reached behind her as she began to panic, surely a woman wouldn''t rape her right? That would just be too pitiful. As the woman lunged at her to attack she swung the pressing iron as hard as she could and it made a horrible impact with her face.


    Not waiting too see if she was okay she dashed out of the room. Luckily for her as she did an officer was just waiting for her.


    "You have a visitor."


    Jessie sighed in relief, looking back as he walked out with the officer the woman was already outside with blood oozing from the side of her head. A venomous expression on her face Jessie was absolutely glad she wasn''t there to take the brunt of her anger right now.


    "Jonathan?" She remarked as she walked into the room, they directed her to the seat opposite him with a glass screen in between both of them.


    "Jessie. " He breathe out his face holding so many emotions, all of them sad. He shook his head, "how are you doing?"


    She smiled softly "why are you looking at me like that? I''m okay really I am."


    He shook his head. "You should never have come in here in the first place. How could Jason let this happen to you?"


    "Don''t blame Jason, it wasn''t his fault." She shook her hands violently.


    "You don''t have to keep defending him Jessie, he broke his promise, he couldn''t even keep you from prison." Jonathan insisted.


    Jessie sighed, she knew why she had come to prison, the mysterious witness that suddenly popped out. Jason had nothing to do with that, and everything happened so quickly it couldn''t be his fault.


    "He''ll get me out, I''m sure he wi-" Jonathan slammed his fist on the flat surface before him, causing Jessie to flinch.


    "Why do you trust him so much? All he had ever done is make promises he couldn''t keep. You''re locked in here and he is enjoying dates with his fiancee yet your so confident?" Jonathan asked, struggling to keep his tone low.


    Jessie frowned, "he''s with Patricia?"


    "Look Jessie, i-"


    "Jason is with Patricia? Right now?" She asked again.


    Jonathan sighed looking down briefly before looking back up at her. "Jessie that shouldn''t be wha-"


    "Please tell me, just tell me!" She insisted.


    Jonathan paused, feigning reluctance as he hesitated for a bit. "Yes Jessie, he''s at a restaurant with Patricia this very moment." He said.


    Jessie leaned back on her chair, struggling to blink back tears. Trying to convince herself that he still loved her, he did love her.


    "Jess-"


    "Thank you Jonathan, for visiting. Um.. I have to go." She said dashing out of her seat.

 Chapter 199 - 199. The Great Seducer.

    Patricia smiled at Jason as she took a sip out of her glass, for the first time in a while things were actually working out. She couldn''t even believe it to an extent, Jessie was gone. George had to bite back his words and her hand was currently in Jason''s as he rubbed loving strokes back and forth with his thumb. It was a fairytale, a dream come through.


    "You seem happy" Jason said.


    "Of course I am, you''re here with me that''s enough." She smiled.


    "Are you sure it''s not because Jessie Marin is now behind bars?" He asked, at first the question startled her but when she looked she couldn''t find any malice or negative thoughts towards her. Either way she didn''t want that name out of his lips again.


    "Don''t mention her name again." She blurted out, snatching her hand out of his.


    Jason brow rose in amusement, it was almost too easy. "Why?"


    "You shouldn''t be thinking of her when you''re with me. She''s gone now so forget about it." She chastised him.


    "I thought I made it abundantly clear that she was only my plaything? Why are you getting so defensive all of a sudden? I mean your plan worked, I guess congratulations are in order." Jason said with a pointed look, his tone his mannerisms his eyes nothing gave anything away but he just sent a bullet into her.


    Patricia stilled at the accusation, she knew that of course Jason would know that she was behind Jessie''s demise. If not for anything but the fact that she stayed with him so long. And from what she could tell they had a good relationship. But she always thought, that was her assurance. If he didn''t accuse her or bring it up directly then he didn''t care, he didn''t see her as evil and wretched. But then what was this? He didn''t say it maliciously but regardless he still said it.


    "What is wrong? Are you having a stroke?" He laughed and she slapped his shoulder.


    "Don''t make such jokes." She pouted. "Besides..." she said slowly, lifting her legs and dragging them along the length of his, confident her actions wouldn''t be seen by any one and only felt by him. "I should pay back what you must have lost, having your whore away."


    Jason stiffened when he felt her legs move from his ankles up his calf and slowly inching towards his thighs. He didn''t know what to do with all this rage, gosh he could reach over the table and throttle her but he continued to remind himself. At this point he was more than desperate, and the hotter he became because of the seering anger he felt he convinced himself to convert it to cold rage. That was always more deadly anyway.


    Before she could reach what she wanted, directly between his legs, cause goodness knows he would kill her if she dared. He grabbed her legs, ''too quick'' he cautioned himself when he saw her confused expression. He made his touched slow and feather light, making sure to tickle her. And at that pace her took of red heels, keeping constant eye contact between them as he gently set it down on the table.


    Then with a simple jerk he pulled her towards him, causing her chair to drag with a loudly and her middle to ram into the table.


    "Oof!" She exclaimed, his lips tilted ever so slightly when he drew his index and middle fingers across the bottom of her feet.


    Smiling even more widely when he saw her knuckle turn white from how hard she was clutching the table.


    ''Touchdown'' he thought to himself.


    **************************************************


    After Katherine''s date.


    Hotel room.


    "Fine, I''m sorry I''ll stop teasing you." Jessie apologised after Katherine threatened to resign to her room, her red face and all.


    "I don''t know why people always make fun of virgins, I mean it not such a big deal, we have self control what?" Katherine huffed.


    "I''m not making fun of your innocence, if that was the case I wouldn''t be better off myself." Jessie shrugged and Katherine''s eyes widened.


    "You''re a virgin?" She asked.


    "Uh... yeah, why? Does it seem strange? Because I''m an actress? Do you think all actresses a sluts?" She pursed her lips.


    "But you live alone, with Jason." She said.


    "And that matters why?" Jessie asked.


    "You and Jason haven''t slept together?" Katherine asked with a look of utter confusion.


    "Why do you look so confused? I don''t understand is it some taboo or something?" Jessie asked.


    "Wow, he must really love you. Although it doesn''t make sense, if he loves you is that more motivation?" Katherine asked but the question was directed more to her than Jessie.


    Jessie frowned "I don''t understand."


    "He''s nickname before was the great seducer." Katherine said. "There wasn''t a soul in this world he couldn''t seduce, I remember when we were still younger and they, Paul and Jason were still experimenting and according to them. Gathering experience, that was the excuse they gave for their whoring. They wasn''t a single woman that ever rejected Jason."


    "That doesn''t mean anything." Jessie replied. "His extremely good looking, not to mention he is rich."


    "You don''t understand, Jason never went after woman that wanted him, it was like a game to him. To seduce women that didn''t like him prior. And he always succeeded." Katherine insisted.


    Jessie shook her head refusing to be swayed. "They could have been pretending."


    Katherine shrugged "I guess you wouldn''t understand unless you see it. But from what I heard and saw, he could sexualise even the most mundane of things. Parts of your body that aren''t even meant to be sensitive suddenly start lighting up." She explained.


    "Oh please." Jessie dismissed her.


    "Fine you can believe me or not, but just know. When he sets his sights on you there no going back, you will sleep with him."


    "I never realised he was such a rake." Jessie said.


    "Paul paled in comparison."

 Chapter 200 - 200. Mirae Yoo

    Patricia never in her life would believe if someone had told her she would almost have a release with a foot massage. She would tell the person he was high on cheap booze.


    And it wasn''t even a foot massage, but he only lightly touched and tickled her? But it wasn''t ticklish not in the slightest every move, every touch, the intensity of his gaze only dampened her further.


    Now the only thing on her mind was just how it would feel when they finally did the actual deed. And the most unnerving thing is that he never took his eyes off of her.


    When he finally did she felt incredibly lonely all of a sudden.


    "What''s wrong?" She had to ask.


    "Nothing, I thought I saw someone." He stated bluntly.


    *************************************************


    Jessie felt like the world was reeling, like she was falling and there was no end in sight. There was this crushing sensation that felt so unbearable it was almost impossible to breath. Tears pricked at her eyes and as much as she convinced herself that it was probably nothing the evidence was clear. She was here, in jail and he was with someone else.


    At this point she didn''t even care that it was Patricia, he just wasn''t here. And he wasn''t doing all he could to get her out he was on a date.


    There was only one time she had felt heartbroken, and that was when her father never came to say goodbye ten years ago, and didn''t allow anyone else to either. And it felt just as bad as that time, she felt abandoned. Betrayed by the people she loved the most, every time she acted heartbroken she thought back to that moment but from this moment this was what she was going to think about.


    "Ahhhh!!!" She cried, the tears falling down her cheeks and wetting the fabric around her knees where she buried her head. It was too painful, it was way too painful. But she didn''t feel any anger, just hurt and regret.


    Why would she be angry? He didn''t owe her anything, he might have said he loved her but she never really believed him in the first place. ''But you still fell for him.'' Her conscience informed her.


    "Sure I still fell for him, but it wasn''t because her loved me." She said to herself. "It''s because he''s that amazing of a man, or rather I thought he was" she whispered.


    "Gosh why does it hurt so much?" She cried. ''I must have become too much for him, of course he would abandon me. Why would he want to dragged into my mess? I would leave me also.''


    "Hey, celebrity you have a visitor." Another officer informed her.


    She shook her head. "I don''t want to see anyone, please tell them to go away."


    "Are you sure? Such a fine specimen of a man. I would have jumped him if I wasn''t in front of so many cops" she laughed. "Besides it wouldn''t be a hassle for them to just toss me into one of dem cells."


    Jessie looked up, "I don''t want to see any visitors." She insisted.


    "Alright, alright." The woman held her hand up. "You''re loss."


    After a little while the officer came back. "Hey, he insisted on seeing you. Damn the man is faaainee."


    "I don''t want any guests!" She yelled.


    The officer shook her head. "No no you must go see this one."


    "Why? I can''t even reduce visitors here?!"


    "No, you can but I can''t let you miss up on such a wonderful opportunity. You know we ladies have to look out for each other" she winked at her.


    Under any other circumstances, Jessie would absolutely adore this woman but this was the one circumstance that she wanted to actually murder someone.


    "He says it''s important." She continued.


    "I don''t care if he is a god or something tell him to get lost." She spat.


    Jessie groaned when she saw the officer again, "what now?" She sneered.


    "Jason Kang. I knew he looked familiar" she said holding her chin. "He is Jason Kang, oh my. I''m so luck I get to meet two influential people in my life."


    "I''m no longer influential." She spat.


    "I wasn''t talking about you." The officer stated bluntly and it took everything literal thing in Jessie not to leap off the bed and throttle the woman.


    "Well go tell you''re influential man, that he must of all I don''t want to see. He should get lost." She spat.


    **************************************************


    "Get lost? She said I should get lost? Me?" The office kept nodding. "Did you tell her Jason Kang was here?" He asked.


    "In flesh and blood. Even explained how important the situation was." The officer smiled at him.


    Jason nodded slightly at her wink, and sighed. "How is she? Is she hurt?" He asked.


    "You already asked that" she shoved him slightly and Jason stumbled a few steps backwards. Surprised by the force of her ''slight'' shove.


    "Oh my I''m so sorry, didn''t expect you to be so dally." She laughed nervously.


    Jason opened his mouth to speak but closed it again, nothing nice was going to come out anyway. He knew it wasn''t her fault but he felt that the woman must have made a mistake to get Jessie angry. He decided didn''t like her.


    "So she''s refusing to visit anyone?" He asked.


    "No, just you." She stated matter of factly.


    Jason eyes widened and he frowned at her directness. "Who?! Who did she see?" He huffed.


    The officer turned the signing book around. "A Jonathan Kang. Kang? Do you know him?" She asked.


    "Jonathan? He was here?" He wondered out aloud, suddenly it all made sense. The strange person in the restaurant, he thought she looked familiar. Krystal.


    "Go in and tell Jessie a Mrs Yoo is here. Mirae Yoo." He said.


    The officer looked at him skeptically and Jason nodded at her. "It''ll work, do this for me?" He winked and she clutched her chest.


    "Ofcourse! I will make sure to bring her out." Jason smiled as she walked back into the prison quarters.


    "Jonathan, what the hell did you tell her?"

 Chapter 201 - 201. Someone Else.

    "Mirae Yoo? A woman named Mirae Yoo is here? Really?" Jessie perked up.


    The officer coughed awkwardly and cleared her throat again. "Yeah..."


    Jessie felt such happiness, almost immediately she was down her bed and walking out of her jail cell.


    "You bitch!!" An annoying shriek accompanying the burly woman slapped both Jessie and the officer, assaulting their ears as the woman from earlier burst into her cell. "You''re gonna die, bitch!"


    The woman paused when she saw the cop in the cell.


    "You gonna kill who? Tell me Cathy you''re gonna kill who?" The officer asked.


    The woman frowned, her huffing reminding Jessie of the little pigs and the big bad wolf.


    "You''re lucky you brat."


    Jessie gave her a sweet smile, she was never one to cower to bullies anyway. "Ofcourse, now get out of my way. I have business to attend to." She said cheerily, her mom was right at the other side of the glass.


    "For now, but the officer''s not gonna be here all the time." The woman, Cathy spat.


    "Oh whatever move." She waved dismissively.


    "Get out of the way Cathy." The officer ordered and she stepped aside reluctantly. Sending Jessie a glare which she ignored as the walked by.


    Jessie could not contain her joy, she even forgot that she was in a prison. She forgot she was heartbroken, she forgot she was anything but an honest child in need of her mother''s hug.


    She practically ran to the visitor''s room, breathing nervously as she paused by the door.


    "How do I look?" She asked the officer passing by.


    "Really? I tell you a drop dead gorgeous man was looking for ya and you dismiss me, no you asking how you look?" She wondered.


    Jessie rolled her eyes. ''Oh him?'' "He''s not important, my mother is."


    The officer brow furrowed and she bit her lip and shook her head, thinking about the disappointment waiting for her behind the door. "Girl, go if it''s really yo mama. She wouldn''t care."


    "Right?" She nodded nervously, pulling on her jumpsuit she walked in.


    But as expected her mother wasn''t the person she saw. Her bright eyes dulled, and her smile disappeared. She looked back at the officer then at Jason pleading expression.


    "Would someone tell me what the hell is going on!" She yelled.


    "Jessie, I''m sorry." Jason said quickly. And Jessie sent him an icy glare.


    "What do you mean by... where''s my mom?" She asked. "Was that a lie?" She asked when she saw his expression. She scoffed and turned around to walk away and the officer blocked her way.


    "No missy, that man''s been here more than an hour you will see him." She insisted.


    Jessie wiped her eyes and looked back at Jason. "Get out of my way."


    She let out a sob when the woman didn''t let her pass. Jumping in fright when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She spun around and smacked Jason''s hand away when she realized it was him.


    "Jessie, please there been a misunderstanding." He said.


    "Yes Jason there has, you deceiving me and stupid me believing that you actually want to help a stranger that you don''t owe a single thing!" She yelled.


    "Jessie." He said firmly.


    "How could you lie? About my mom!! That is low, even for you." She spat.


    Jason sighed. "What was I supposed to do? You wouldn''t see me."


    "Then maybe you should have gotten the memo and left!"


    "How can I leave you here?!"


    "How can you not? It''s not like you owe me anything."


    "I made a promise, I intend to keep." He insisted.


    She shook her head. "Well I''m freeing you from it, go away I don''t want to see you."


    "So what? You''re just going to rot in jail for something you didn''t do?" He huffed.


    "What is it to you? Shouldn''t you actually be relieved? Now you must have time to concentrate on that bitch fiancee of yours!"


    "What is wrong with you!" He yelled.


    "Nothing Jason, nothing at all. Actually I''m better than ever, I actually now realise my situation and I accept it."


    He scoffed. "And what would that be?"


    "That I''ve been a utter naive and blatant fool believing and relying on someone else to fix my problems for me."


    "Someone else? I''m suddenly someone else?!" He laughed incredulously.


    "And what else would you be? You''re not my husband, nor my boyfriend. Hell we don''t have any relationship so what else?" She spat.


    Jason laughed bitterly. "You really are a bitch aren''t you?" Jessie brows rose at his accusation. "Are my feelings just a joke to you?"


    She looked away and sighed. "..... stop fooling around Jason, you''re engaged to another woman." She said slowly.


    And Jaosn wanted to rip out his hair in frustration. "So what?"


    "So what?! You don''t proclaim your love to someone else when you engaged to another Jason." She said.


    "How many times do I have to tell you, you''re the one I love!" He exclaimed.


    "Yeah, yeah. I would have believed this if you had been in this situation aganist your wishes. But now you don''t have to be yet you still are."


    "So what now? I''m engaged yeah, but I love you. And that''s a problem why? Is not like you love me, or did you suddenly develop a heart?" He sassed.


    And Jessie mouth open in surprise. "Are you saying I''m a heartless and unfeeling woman?"


    "Actions speak louder than words Jess." He stated matter of factly.


    "Correct they do... yet you still fail to see what is right in front of you!" She screamed. "I can''t, I can''t do this. Go away, just go." She said sounding exasperated and tired.


    "No, I''m not leaving here till I tell you what I came here to. You might not believe me but I''m rather determined to get you out of here." He said.


    She gave him a lasting glare before she finally spoke. "Fine say what you must."


    Jason opened his mouth to speak but shut again. "Are you really this mad because I went to see Patricia earlier today?" He sighed.


    "What? Did you think I don''t know Jonathan told you?" He asked when he noticed her surprised expression.


    "How?"


    "Are you really going to believe what Jonathan tells you? Over me?" He asked again.


    "Fine, tell me. Why were you with Patricia? Why are you still engaged to her if you love me?"


    "Come, sit. I''ll explain everything just please let me explain?" He nudged her lightly.


    Biting her lip she reluctantly agreed, seating down. He pulled another chair from another booth and sat in front of her. Neither of them even caring as to how many rules they were both breaking by being at the same side of the glass. But it was apparent to Jessie that he had ties in that prison as well.


    "I need you to tell the prosecution everything, from you''re kidnap, to the auction house and how you ended up with me. Everything." He said


    "What? Why the hell would I do that? Are you crazy, who would believe me?" She bombarded him with questions.


    "Just do it, that''s the only way to het you out of this unscathed for the long run." He said.


    "That''s not going to happen, no one would believe me." She shook her head.


    "It doesn''t matter, they can''t put you away with the evidence they have anyway." He said.


    "That''s not true, there an eye witness." She insisted.


    "So? You didn''t kill Diana Flores, and you''re an actress, a busy actress. Tony assured me you have a rock solid alibi for the past two years." He said. "So unless.... there''s no way the witness would hold much anyway."


    "Really? Well if I''m already going to get out why must I spill on everything?"


    "Why are you so against this?" Jasona asked.


    "It sounds unbelievable." She insisted.


    "Oh please, that not the reason. You scared aren''t you?" He smiled softly. "You might not love me but you certainly care about me. Don''t worry about me and say everything."


    Jessie wanted to act non chalant and dismiss him but her curiosity won. "What do you mean? This is going to be disastrous for you, if I do this then I''m not different from the bomb Paul always said I was."


    "Please just trust me, hmm. And you asked why I''m still with Patricia, I need her to get to that auction house again. Goerge will definitely not invite me back since I refused to sign whatever entrapment he gave me." He stated, reaching to grab her arm he looked into her eyes. "If we can prove the auction house then we can move your story."


    When Jason saw she still hesitated he sighed."I''ll be fine, I promise. Just do as I tell you okay. I don''t want you here more than you should okay."


    She nodded slowly, "I still can''t believe I''m in prison."

 Chapter 202 - 202. Spoiled Child.

    "Where are you going?" Paul asked the limping woman struggling to come out of his apartment.


    "Where do you think? My apartment, move." She said struggling to balance herself against the door.


    Paul shook his head as he watched her struggle, she was far from healed and here she was being stubborn. "How are you going to survive on you own? Since it''s not obvious to you Patricia really messed you up."


    "Oh geez I haven''t noticed." She rose her hands sacarstically, wincing as she did. Her right ankle, head, and right wrist were under wraps. She had sitches in her nose and lip and her eyes where still blue or purple well not the normal colour. And with every step she took it was obvious she was struggling. Now here she was hugging his door, unable to even support herself but insisting on leaving.


    "Katherine go back in, you can''t be alone right now." He ordered.


    "Who said I was going to be alone?" She asked him.


    Paul sighed folding his arms across his chest "pray tell who are you going to stay with apart from me?"


    Katherine fought the urge to jump him and pull out his hair, not that she even could. "Do you really think your the only person in my life?"


    He smiled smugly. "Yes Katherine, yes. Everyone else is pretty occupied, Jason is too busy and your dearest friend is behind bars. Who else is going to drop everything and take care of you?"


    "Me." A deep voice said from behind them, and both people turned around.


    "Devon!" Katherine exclaimed happily.


    "You? Again? What the hell are you doing here?" Paul frowned. "Did my brother let his dog go?"


    "Paul!" Katherine yelled, shooting him a warning glare.


    "What I''m not wrong." He scoffed.


    "Don''t mind him Devon, I''m glad you''re here. Sorry to disturb though." She said.


    Devon smiled sweetly. "Ofcourse you should disturb. I mean what else do you have a boyfriend for?"


    Paul coughed awkwardly at the word ''boyfriend.''


    "Boyfriend?" He scoffed "since when? Katherine doesn''t date."


    **************************************************


    "I''m really sorry about that Devon." Katherine apologised as he helped her put of her car.


    "It''s okay, but I''ve got to ask, is he always so protective?" Devon asked as he placed her crutches under her arms.


    "I have no idea what is going through his mind, he was way out of line and I''m sorry for that. He shouldn''t have behaved like that." Katherine sighed.


    "Well he really was out of line." Devon agreed.


    **************************************************


    "Since when was it your business who I date?" Katherine huffed in annoyance.


    "Since when wasn''t it? You can''t just go around frolicking with guys like him!" Paul huffed.


    Katherine jaw dropped. "I beg your pardon."


    "Mr. Song-"


    "Don''t interrupt." Paul held his hand up stopping Devon. "This is why you want to leave my apartment? Because of him? Don''t be foolish Katherine."


    "Foo-foolish! Paul are you losing your mind?"


    He was losing his mind, and as much as he wanted to stop talking his tongue wouldn''t stop. "I forbid you from going with that man."


    "Ohh... you forbid me? Well I''m sorry dad, but you can''t stop me." She spat.


    "Oh yeah? Let''s see how you go anywhere without these." He said snatching he crutches away.


    "Paul! Why the hell are you acting like a spoiled child!" Katherine screamed.


    **************************************************


    Paul stood in front of his mirror with a look of pure horror on his face. What the hell was that? He was absolutely mortified. He wanted to stop talking he really wanted to, next thing he knew he was snatching her crutches.


    And the worst part of all....


    **************************************************


    "You''re not going anywhere!" He exclaimed.


    Absolutely done with his tantrum Katherine flew at him and Paul stepped aside dodging her airborne attack.


    "Ooowww!" Katherine cried as she landed on the floor in an undignified hump.


    "Katherine!"


    "Katherine!"


    Both men yelled her name, Devon racing to her and Paul chucking away the crutches and running to her as well.


    Devon slid down on his knees picking her up.


    "Katherine are you okay?"


    "Ahhh, my ahhh...." she cried.


    "You sitch, it opened again." He gasped when her lips started to bleed again.


    "Kath-"


    "I think you''ve done enough Mr. Song" Devon spat.


    Paul looked down in absolute despair, it wasn''t even Devon admonishing that had him hurt and disappointed in himself. But the fact that Katherine flinched away from his touch, he couldn''t believe he just did that.


    "We need to get that checked." Devon said, picking her up. Paul reached for the crutches but Devon stopped him from touching them. Some how he managed on his own, carrying both Katherine and her crutches.


    ***************************************************


    Paul picked up his phone to call Katherine, he needed to apologise. As he began to dial the number he paused, she wouldn''t pick up the phone now. Perhaps he should go see her, she would be in her own apartment right?


    **************************************************


    "Are you sure you want to be travelling so soon? You should rest for at least a day or two." Devon informed Katherine as she leaped around her apartment.


    "I have to do this. I''m already to embarrassed it face Jessie and I can''t be a collateral for Patricia again. This is the only way I know to help her and myself." She said.


    Devon sighed. "I can understand how you feel really I can, but it was not your fault that Jessie is now arrested."


    "It doesn''t matter, the fact is that she''s arrested and it was because she was trying to save me." Katherine insisted. "I don''t know how horrible it must be for her, you didn''t she the way she was shaking the last time the police were after us."


    "So why are you going back to that town?" Devon asked.


    "That''s were the next stop to finding my father is, after I see who I need to I''ll leave." She said.


    "Leave to where?"


    "Anywhere, somewhere, I don''t know just far away from here."


    "And when Jessie gets released? Won''t you be here for her?"


    "How can I even face her? Please Devon I understand you are a logical guy but please just go along with this, hmm?"


    **************************************************


    "Where are you going?"


    Katherine turned around whist Devon loaded her suitcase into the back of her car.


    "Paul? If you''re here to cause any more tro-"


    "I''m here to apologise, but where are you going?"


    "Away, I''m going away."

 Chapter 203 - 203. Violated.

    For the first time Jessie understood the pointlessly stupid pain and frustration you mind could bring you. Look how quickly she assumed he was playing her, now looking back as her sobbing self from hours ago she felt like a complete idiot. This was why she always hated misunderstanding between couples especially novels, ''just talk to each other already!'' She would say yet she was just as dumb in reality. Was it love that made someone so insecure? When it was supposed to assure you? It was all too confusing.


    By the time she was back, away from all the visitors room. It was already night fall and she felt icky. Hoping the bathroom would be less crowded tonight she got her bathing things and headed in. Her luck! It was absolutely empty, this must be the time of night that was required for her hygienic activities.


    After she finished brushing her teeth she went under the shower, with every intention of making the bath long, well as long as there is hot water. After a while she began to hear movements but when she looked back she wouldn''t see anyone.


    "Hello? Who''s there?" She asked.


    "Who do you think bitch." The burly woman, Cathy from earlier said. Jessie gasped as she began to see her figure come out from the midst of the fog.


    "What do you want? Why are you-? Stop! Don''t come any closer!" She screamed as the woman slowly closed the distance between them.


    "Not so brave anymore are you?" She laughed, How could she be brave? With the way she was feasting on Jessie''s body with her gaze it made her nauseous and terrified. She quickly grabbed her towel and wrapped it around her body.


    She never so much as experienced anyone in her entire life touching her without her consent. And anyone who ever looked at her like this, with wicked lust her bodyguards took care off. She survived and auction house, she survived being sold and then kidnapped again! Nothing like this happened so what the fuck happened to that luck?!


    "Get... get a-away from me!" She screamed.


    Cathy scoffed grabbing Jessie''s arm and shoving her aganist the wall, the shower drenching both of them. Jessie rose her knee and rammed it where it would normally hurt as hell if this were normal situations. But still it let her have a small window to push the woman away and run to the door.


    Before she could even make real progress she felt an unbearable tug on her hair, causing her to cry out as she was pulled backwards and shoved on the floor.


    "AHHHHH!!!! HELP!!!" She screamed with all her might.


    "Shut it you bitch!" Cathy yelled slamming the door shut, "no one will hear you anyway."


    That didn''t deter her, she continued to screech like a banshee, getting up she tossed everything she could at Cathy. But it was pointless, the woman was still too close and too strong.


    As Cathy pinned her to the wall her hands held above her head with one arms she realised the urgency of her situation, she could pin her down with only half the effort!


    Cathy used the other hand to snatch away the towel and tossed it in a wet plop away from her. Jessie cried out as she bit her lips to push down the bile that rose when the woman groped her ass, and very tightly too.


    "Please! Please don''t this please." Jessie cried. Feeling even more rage as she felt Cathy''s laughing against her.


    "You always had such an amazing body!" Cathy exclaimed lowering her head and claiming her exposed chest with her mouth.


    "Ahhhnnnn!!!" Jessie screamed wriggling and struggling to get free as she began to choke from her own sobs.


    When Cathy hand ventured further to the side, slipping into her butthole Jessie threw up, every single thing she had eaten all over her assaulted. Never before had she ever been violated like that.


    Cathy pulled away in shook, "you whore!" She yelled slapping Jessie so hard her it felt like her head was going to fly off. Jessie slid down holding her knees to her chest as she shook with absolute terror.


    "You are dead." She spat, shedding of her vomit stained shirt. Jessie let out and ear piercing scream as Cathy jumped at her.


    It was absolutely horrible, every lick, bite, nibble, pinch. She was brutally violent and Jessie felt like a rag at that moment. She felt absolute worthless and unfortunate. When she was finally done assaulting her body and she cupped her ready to go in, her hands coarse and unnaturally large, the door was pushed open.


    Both women turning to look at the intruder, "what the hell are you doing?!" Came the angry voice.


    "Get the hell out if here In na!" Cathy growled.


    "Get the hell off her!" In na yelled shoving Cathy off and helping Jessie up.


    As Cathy was about to retaliate she heard the sirens and just as quickly officers where on her, taking her away.


    "Are you okay?" Jessie looked up at her saviour, it was her mean roommate.


    Jessie gave her weak smile before her eyes rolled to the back of her head and her body became limp.


    "Jessie! Jessie!" In na yelled shaking her violently.


    The officer from earlier also rushed to the unconscious woman, blanket in hand wrapping her up. "Let''s take her to the clinic." She said.


    And In na nodded picking her up bridal style they quickly ran to the clinic.


    "I cannot believe a woman did this to another." The doctor shook her head when she inspected Jessie bruises. Her skin was a mixture of purple and red, littered all over her skin.


    "The poor thing must have fainted out of shock." The officer said.


    In na looked her and sighed. "She gave up, when I went in there she wasn''t even struggling anymore. When she looked at me it was like there was nothing, she looked haunted."

 Chapter 204 - 204. Traumatic Experience.

    "Jason! Please you have to understand Hmm? I didn''t mean-"


    "You didn''t mean what mom? To cheat on dad?" The annoyed teenager yelled throwing his arms into the air. "I never believed you would be so despicable and disgusting!"


    "Jason! I''m your mother."


    "And I wish you weren''t." He spat viciously. Running out of the building, despite his mother''s calls for him not too.


    Running out into the streets too blinded by rage and a sense of betrayal to care about the passing traffic he ran through the first lane of speeding cars.


    His mother a beautiful brunette screaming for him at the top of her lungs as she struggled to stop her son from killing himself.


    How she managed to run past all the cars was a wonder but never underestimate a mother terrified for her child''s safety. But as she grabbed Jason''s arm and pulled him onto the walk way in the middle of flying cars, the still blind child shoved his mother''s hand away.


    "Get off me!!!" He screamed.


    Unconsciously or maybe he meant to? His mother fell off the walkway she intended for herself and that was it.


    Jason''s eyes flew opened, his breathing coming out in short quick puffs. Cold breeze stinging his wet skin that currently held his clothes closer to his body than normal. He sat up, running his hands through his hair, and calming his breathing.


    "What was that dream? Is that what happened?" He murmured, pushing of the covers he stepped down from his bed. This was the routine these days, he would dread going to sleep and put it off as long as he could but eventually fall asleep. Then, he would be plagued by different scenarios with which he would have killed his mother. After that he would head into the kitchen for a drink, he switched between coffee and water or sometimes even a juice. The last time he took a soda he had way too much gas. Lesson learnt.


    Picking up his phone he dialed the prison, the only time he was able to fall asleep after his nightmares when Jessie held him. Slowly without realising he had, he was reliant on her. Her soft gazes and comforting caresses he needed her. But she did not love him, a wicked voice reminded him.


    "It does not matter right now" he murmured. "No matter what, by hook or by crook. I''m never going to let her go, ever."


    **************************************************


    "You have to leave with the girls Kara." Tony said abruptly as he walked into the living room, after he tucked the girls in.


    "What? What the hell are you saying?" His wife frowned.


    "It''s no longer safe for you here, don''t you know? It''s not safe for the girls, look at what just happened we didn''t even have an idea at the time." He stated. "And it''s not the first time our girls are being targeted."


    "I thought you said Jason threat was harmless." Kara said rising to her feet.


    "It was, it is but that''s not the point. The point is that we are easy targets. I don''t want the girls in any danger ever again." He insisted.


    Kara sighed walking over to him. "I completely understand what you mean Tony and I want to agree with you but..."


    "But?"


    "Our lives are here, we can''t just leave. Your job is here, are just going to abandon Jessie?" She asked.


    "Of course not, how could I ever. I''m not leaving with you Kara, I''m involved in this fight does not mean I''m going to drag my family into it as well." Kara sighed and he continued. "You are innocent, our girls are innocent. I won''t, I can''t let you get hurt."


    "And what about you? I''m I supposed to be okay with you getting hurt? Tony this people are dangerous and powerful, it''s not worth risking you life over." She said desperately cupping his face.


    Tony brow rose "weren''t you the one just saying I shouldn''t abandon Jessie?"


    "Yes... but-"


    "But what Kara?"


    "I love Jessie, we all do but... I can''t have you getting hurt because you think you must fight for her."


    "But I must."


    "Why? Because Harish asked you to?"


    "No because Jessie deserves my loyalty. You and I both know she''s done more than enough to warrant it." He looked pointedly at his wife.


    "Still... Tony promise me you won''t do anything reckless. I know your hurt and angry that she''s in prison now but for the sake of our little girls for my sake. Please don''t let your emotions cloud you judgement. Okay?"


    "Fine."


    "Promise?"


    "On one condition, you take the girls and go to your parents."


    "Tony they don''t even live in the country."


    "Exactly."


    **************************************************


    Slowly very slowly noises and sounds began to lull Jessie out of her slumber. Her eyes fluttered open ever slightly and a whole wave of light flooded her eyes, forcing her to shut them again.


    "Hello?... Jessie, can you hear me?"


    She tried to speak but so could not recognize her own voice. When she was finally able to open her eyes her head was already being held up and a glass pressed unto her lips. Grateful for the cool liquid she gulped it up hungrily. Gaining enough strength to sit up she looked around the room.


    There was an uncomfortable feeling in her left arm, owning to the needle there. She was connected to an IV. There were three women there with her two of which she recognised. Her cold roommate and the chatty officer.


    "Jessie? How do you feel?" The only woman she didn''t know currently asked.


    "Weak." She said as her memories came back, even the one she wished she couldn''t forget but knew she never would.


    The doctor nodded, removing a small flashlight from her labcoat. Opening her eyes she shone the light in her eyes, took her blood pressure and listened to her pulse.


    "You generally fine, but you would be weak. That was a traumatic experience, but don''t worry nothing too serious happened. In na came in time."


    "What do you mean by nothing happened!" Jessie said abruptly. "Look at me."


    The three women shared sympathetic looks with each other. "What I meant was... she didn''t succeed in raping you."


    "And you think I don''t know that why? Why do you feel the need to repeat it? I was there I know what happened to me." She stated firmly.


    The three women looked at each other again but no one said anything, her reaction was perfectly normal.


    "Sure you do, I''m sure you would''ve preferred to see someone you are close with right now. Yo boyfriend is one his way." The officer said, patting her shoulder.


    Jessie eyes widened. "Why the fuck would you call him?!" She screamed startling the women.


    "I didn''t he called to speak to you an-"


    "And you told him I was almost raped." She huffed.


    "No... that''s not something you say over the phone." In na said, helping out the confused officer.


    "So what did you tell him?" She asked violently.


    "Well he asked to speak to ya, you weren''t available so I told him you was hurt and in the clinic." She said with a slight crease on her forehead and a frown on her lips.


    After hearing that she calmed down a bit. "I can''t see him, I can''t see him right now."


    "But Jessie you have to tell him." In na said.


    "Why do I have to tell him?"


    "He''s yo boyfriend!" The officer said.


    "No he''s not."


    "Then why the hell is driving goodness knows how many miles in a frenzy because your hurt?" In na asked. "I don''t understand what the problem is?"


    "I''m just don''t want to! Stop butting in, it none you''re business!" She screamed.


    "Jessie talk to us, so we can help you. He is already on his way." The doctor said soothingly.


    "I don''t want to see him please. I can''t right now, I''ve not even wrapped my mind around what happened I can''t begin to receive pitiful looks or angry outbursts of retribution." She pleaded.


    All of them sighed nodding slightly, they understood that what she was going through couldn''t have been easy.


    **************************************************


    "What do you mean by I can''t see her?" Jason asked through gritted teeth.


    The doctor sighed, seeing his disheveled state and tried eyes that only portrayed fear. Her heart broke for him, but she promised Jessie so he had to be heartbroken.


    "She not conscious at the moment."


    "Still, why does that stop me from seeing her? I need to know she''s fine." Jason insisted.


    ''Should I just tell him she doesn''t want to see him?'' The doctor wondered.


    "What the hell happened that she''s even unconscious? She hasn''t woken up since they called me a while ago?" He huffed.


    "She was in a fight with another inmate, it''s nothing too serious."


    "Stop playing this type of games with me, doctor. If it isn''t serious why can''t I see her? Look I''m barely holding myself together right now for Jessie''s sake. I advise you to respectfully get the hell out of my way!"


    "I''m sorry but you ca- oof!" The doctor gasped as he shoved her out of his way. Stomping into the clinic he pushed the door open, his eyes widening as he saw her.


    "Jessie!"

 Chapter 205 - 205. Before The Sun Comes Up.

    "Jessie!" Jason gasped running into the room to the unconscious woman laying on the bed. He was so impatient to get to her but when he wanted to touch her he treated her like a diety. A single tear slipping down his cheek as he took in her bruises. "What the fuck happened to her?" He asked, the threat evident in his dark eyes as he glared the women down.


    "I told you she got into a fight." The doctor said through gritted teeth picking out grass strands from her hair.


    "I''m not stupid, I know what a hickey looks like. I''m going to ask one more time, doctor, what the hell happened to Jessie?" He asked with cold rage. A simmering, seething anger that they saw evidently boiling. But only his eyes could tell, the rest of him seemed tense but who wouldn''t be under the normal circumstance.


    The three women stepped back, even the doctor whose annoyance fueled her fear of the man before her. She looked at the ''unconscious'' Jessie, surely she could hear them right? She wasn''t really unconscious right?


    "Some bitch tried to take advantage of her right?" Jason asked again, more calmly than he thought was even capable of him entirely.


    Instead of a verbal answer the women took another step back and he took his to match theirs. "Answer me, don''t make me ask again. It''s in none of your benefits that I''d ask this question again. Trust me."


    Jessie eyes opened and she saw the look of trepidation on the faces of the women. Throughly impressed by the look of determination that was also there, she knew they wouldn''t give her up. But she couldn''t understand Jason''s reaction. It was obvious he was angry but how wasn''t he throwing things around right now? She felt angry enough to do so, why did even she feel scared but his composure? It was never good when someone meant to be a rampaging beast was acting calm everyone knew it was like a coiled snake positioned to attack but waiting for the most lethal moment.


    "Jason" she said softly. Deciding it was best he directed his anger at the person responsible not the women that were risking their lives to protect her.


    Jason spun around and pulled her into a hug. Burying his face in to her hair. The action so surprising that she didn''t even know what to do, so her arms just sat limp by her sides.


    Jason urged her slightly. "Hold me please." He whispered gently in her ears. That was the moment the fled the room pulling the nosy officer along with them.


    Jessie slipped her arms inside his jacket and leaned aganist his head. Tears slipping free as she began to shake with sobs. As uncomfortable as it was to stand crotched like that, Jason stayed there and held her and she cried her heart out.


    "I''m so sorry, I''m so sorry Jessie. It''s all my fault, it''s all my fault." He continued to recite as he held her.


    Clutching fistfuls of his head she buried herself deeper in his embrace, holding on to him for dear life.


    "You''re okay, you''re okay. I''m getting you out of here, I promise. And whoever did this to you is going to pay." He stated firmly but gently.


    When she was finally ready to pull away he sat by the edge of the bed and waited for her to collect herself.


    "You don''t have to tell me anything Jessie, I don''t have to know anything. If you''re not ready then neither am I." He held her shoulder when he saw her struggle to form the words.


    Jessie looked up at him, "are you sure?" He nodded.


    "It doesn''t matter, I''m just glad I get to hold you like this." He stated.


    "Me too. Thank you." She whispered.


    "You should get some sleep, you look tired." He said and she shook her head. "I... I can''t. It just, it''s just I go back there whenever I close my eyes." She said tearfully.


    And he nodded, if they was anything he completely understood, it was that.


    "Just hold me, I want that. Please." She said and he nodded. Laying beside her as he held her in his arms. Just like that, both of them found comfort in each other''s arms.


    "Yet she says he isn''t her boyfriend." The officer shook her head at the sight before them.


    "Ugh... it''s so unfair what kind of pairing is this? I can only imagine the beautiful babies they would make. This looks surreal." The doctor commented.


    In na sighed. "I know I''m the inmate here but isn''t it aganist the rules to sleep here with her?"


    "Don''t be such a sour puss In na, look at how peaceful they both look." The officer said. "We''ll just keep this a secret and wake him up before the sun comes up."


    **************************************************


    Jessie frowned in her sleep as she felt around her empty bed for Jason. Opening her eyes to confirm as though her skin lied to her about the position of the man that consumed her heart with such fiery passion.


    He wasn''t there, was it a dream? She was pretty sure he was here last night, wasn''t he?


    "Goodmorning sunshine." A familiar voice greeted her from the door.


    "Oh hello, Goodmorning. " Jessie smiled at the officer.


    "Wow... your in a such a good mood today. Did it have anything to do with a certain prince charming?" The doctor teased her as she walked in after the officer.


    "So he was here, where is he?"


    "For someone that was so vehement that he wasn''t your boyfriend you''re pretty clingy." In na said bluntly.


    Jessie pursed her lips and shot her a weak glare. "He really isn''t my boyfriend, we aren''t together."


    "Why the hell not?" The officer frowned.


    "It''s complicated." Jessie dismissed the topic, as grateful as she was to these three women she wasn''t so free as to share her love life complications with them. Besides there were other things to talk about.


    "I wanted to apologise for yesterday, I was a brat. You guys are amazing, especially you In na. I don''t know what I would''ve have done if you hadn''t walked in at that time." She said.


    "You don''t have to do that." In na said.


    Jessie shook her head. "I do, thank you so much. I truly mean it. Thank you all so much."

 Chapter 206 - 206. Men Are Scum.

    Lenora ran out of her apartment in a frenzy, tears streaming down her cheeks. What she feared the most just happened. Jamie was hurt, how the hell would they even send an ex cop to prison and not provide security? She got into the car and begged the driver to drive as fast as she could.


    "Are you okay miss?" The designated driver asked.


    "What do you think do I look fine? Just please shut it and drive faster!" She yelled.


    And the driver apologised quickly and increased the speed. When she got out of the car and ran into the prison they wouldn''t let her see him, and she immediately thought the worst.


    "He''s dead isn''t he? Isn''t that why you wont let me see him?" Lenora cried.


    "That not the reason miss, he was transferred to the Song memorial hospital." The cop behind the counter informed her.


    Lenora hand flew to her mouth. She wanted to ask what led to such a serious injury but she didn''t care much for staying here anymore. She needed to be by Jamie''s side. Running out of the police station she told the driver where the were heading next.


    "Please take me to Song memorial hospital. Immediately."


    **************************************************


    The entire building that houses tens of thousands of employees was a buzz with chatter. Their boss Jason Kang as aloof and cold as his predecessor. Actually walked into the office with an expression that was almost friendly. The relationship between boss and employee differed based on how high your position was. Basically only his secretary had the ability to meet him everyday and they could never get any good gossip from him, he was too enamored by his boss to say a single bad thing. Executives on the other hand met with him often enough for the lower ranking employees to form personal opinions about their boss.


    He was usually nonchalant about anything that didn''t bring in money and very direct. Like his father before him he never saw the need to develop anything less than a professional relationship with his employees, if you could call that a relationship.


    He always wore a mask of indifference that tilted more to the don''t mess with me and your out. Not to mention the rumours of the secretary he fired for speaking back to him. And while his mask of indifference was still on, it was friendly.


    Even Matt noticed the difference in his boss, as subtle as it was. Compared to the string of short circuits and insults he had to suffer the past two days it was a welcome change.


    Matt walked past him quickly and pushed the door open, holding it open for him to walk in. Jason almost smile fell of his face the moment he entered his office.


    "What the hell are you doing here?" He scowled at the man sitting in front of his desk with crossed legs.


    Paul turned around and gave him a small smile. "Nice to see you too."


    Jason shed of his jacket and tossed it to Matt, sitting behind his desk he turned on his computer. "I''m too busy to talk, go away." He stated bluntly.


    Paul eyes narrowed at the bitter man. "And here I was concerned for my friend going through a tough time."


    Jason looked up at Paul, "you look worse than I do. Are you sure you''re not here to vent?"


    Paul sighed. "Are you ready to listen? I need real feedback, I think I''m losing my mind."


    Jason leaned back in his chair. "I''m not a psychiatrist."


    "Why do you have to he so mean everytime?" Paul huffed. "How is Jessie doing?"


    Jason face instantly darkened when he was reminded of what happened to her.


    "Okay wrong question." Paul laughed nervously when he saw Jason''s reaction. "Did she agree to come clean?"


    "Wouldn''t you be glad if she didn''t." Jason scoffed.


    "Actually I want her to leave that place as soon as possible, so if that''s what it takes then by all means." He stated bluntly.


    "Are you serious?" Jason had to ask. "When did you get so close with Jessie?"


    "When she confided in me about the biggest secret of her life." Paul teased.


    And Jason frowned "what''s that?"


    "Wouldn''t be a secret if I tell you now would it? Besides I need her to talk to Katherine, she''s been... different." Paul replied his voice thick with frustration.


    Jason laughed "there it is, the actual reason."


    Paul rolled his eyes. "Are you mad that I saved Katherine''s life at Jessie''s expense?"


    "That''s true I haven''t even gotten around to getting mad at you for that." Jason spat.


    "I''m not sorry, I never will be. If I hadn''t done what I did Katherine would be dead."


    Jason sighed. At the end of the day Paul was right. "How is she anyway?"


    "Gone."


    "What?"


    "She left, with apparently her ''boyfriend'' she''s still hurt but she preferred to be with that jerk she hasn''t known for more than two seconds." Paul replied his blood boiling as he said it.


    Jason tilted his head at his obliviously stupid friend. "Is that why you''re here?"


    "I wish, that''s not all." Paul laughed ruefully.


    "So what do you think I''m losing my mind right?" He asked after he narrated the events of last night to Jason.


    "You are definitely losing your mind." Jason agreed. "Why the hell did you take her crutches?"


    "I don''t know! That the points nothing I did was me. I didn''t even understand what I was saying but I kept talking." He huffed.


    "Why? Does it annoy you that she''s dating someone? Why? Isn''t she meant to date, she well in the age to date." Jason stated bluntly.


    "Still, why did it have to be that jerk?" Paul huffed.


    "So if it was any other guy would you be okay with it?" He asked.


    "Of course not!" Paul blurted out before he could stop himself.


    Jason brow rose in amusement but he dare not laugh. "Why? Are you her dad? Even if you were her dad you can''t stop her from dating."


    "I don''t know why, but I just feel uncomfortable with the idea. I know how I treat girls, I don''t want Katherine to go through any of that. Men are scum." He insisted.


    Jason couldn''t help himself anymore, he had to laugh.


    "This isn''t funny Jason."


    "I know, I know. I''m sorry." He laughed. "So you don''t want Katherine to ever date and meet someone she''ll spend the rest of her life in love with?"


    "Marriage is overrated." Paul said bluntly.


    And Jason laughed. "So she shouldn''t get married but you should? Or do just not want her to marry anyone else but you?"


    "What?"


    "Paul do you like Katherine?"

 Chapter 207 - 207. Seven Fold.

    Lenora ran out of the car in a frenzy, running into the hospital with all her might. She ran to the receptionist and asked for Jamie''s room.


    "And who might you be miss?"


    "His-"


    "Beacuse of his special circumstance only family can visit." The nurse informed her.


    "Huh? Then I''m his wife." She said quickly.


    "Okay then, room 203." The nurse informed her and she quickly thanked her and ran to the elevator.


    "Who was that? She looked like she was in a hurry." Another nurse stepped out from behind the desks.


    "Jamie Anderson''s wife. You know the guy they rushed here from the prison." The first nurse said.


    "His wife? Hmm that''s pretty strange" the other one frowned. "His wife already checked in a bit earlier."


    "His wife?"


    **************************************************


    "What do you mean by that? Katherine and I are just friends nothing more." Paul huffed.


    "Really? That''s why you been acting out like this?" Jason said in disbelief and accusation.


    "Hey, I''m not the only one that has been acting out, Katherine has as well. Infact I''m only acting strangely around her because she''s been doing  same what?"


    Jason threw his hands in the air. "If you say so."


    "I do." Paul.said almost immediately.


    "Good now leave my office I have work to do."


    **************************************************


    Lenora paused slightly before sliding the door open. Expecting to see an unconscious man, lying alone in his bed the sight she was met with with was absolutely confusing.


    "Susan?" Both the injured ex cop and the woman sitting beside his head feeding him pudding! Turned to look at her. "What the hell are you doing here?!" She spat.


    Jamie''s brows furrowed at her tone and he turned to look at Susan with an expectant gaze. "Who is she?"


    Those three words shook Lenora to her core, unlike anything she had ever felt in her life it was like someone dug a hand into her chest and held on tight to her heart. Pulling it out ever slowly in a wrenching and incredibly painful manner.


    "What do you mean by that Jamie." She said her voice uneven with the fear that gripped her.


    "I have know Idea who you are, it appears we are acquainted how do you know me?" Jamie asked his face and mannerisms showing his honest sincerity and confusion. He didn''t know who she was.


    Her eyes went to the bandage on his head and it all made sense. "Jamie I''m, we''re... I''m your girlfriend."


    His expression hardened and he shook his head vehemently. "No, Susan is my girlfriend. Right?"


    "Of course honey." Susan replied sweetly placing a comforting hand on his and she smiled reassuringly at him.


    Lenora jaw dropped and her eyes formed slits, that bitch!


    "Then who is she? Who are you?"


    "I''m your girlfriend!" Lenora yelled. "Me, not her. You''ve never even had feelings for her, you didn''t like her like that." Lenora spat in fear and rage.


    "Stop spitting rubbish Lenora." Susan said, dismissing her.


    "Lenora?" Jamie asked with a raised brow.


    Her face brightened at the sound of her name on his lips. "You remember me now right?"


    He looked back at Susan. "Is she the woman you were talking about?"


    Her expression darkened. "You were talking about me? Why the hell?"


    Jamie looked between the two women with total confusion, what the hell was going on?


    "Jamie? Honey I''ll explain things to her I''ll be right back." Susan informed his completely ignoring Lenora. She got up and walked to Lenora.


    "Come with me."


    "Like hell I''m going anywhere with you. What the hell did you tell him? You''re his girlfriend? What rubbish Susan?" Lenora sneered.


    "It wasn''t a suggestion." Susan spat, grabbing her arm and forcing her out of the room.


    "Let me go!" Lenora yelled snatching her arm out of Susan''s the moment the were outside. The hallway echoing with the sound of Lenora''s palm aganist Susan''s cheek.


    Susan shot her glare as she nursed her assaulted cheek. "Slap me all you want, it''s still not going to change the fact that you are no longer in Jamie''s life." She spat.


    "What the hell did you tell him?" Lenora asked.


    "Only what was always supposed to happen, had you not butted in and ruined everything." Susan spat.


    Leonard laughed wickedly. "Are you really that pitiful? You couldn''t get him to love you while he was sane so you rush over like the vulture you are to prey on his ignorance?"


    "Oh please save the talk for someone who actually cares Lenora. I stopped playing fair the moment I realised you never even did." Susan scoffed.


    Lenora rolled her eyes and closed her arms across her chest. "Well I hope you enjoyed your 20 seconds of attention because I''m going to go in there and tell him the entire truth." She said.


    "Like he would believe you? The psycho bitch that keeps stalking him." Susan laughed.


    "What? What the hell did you tell him?" Lenora asked.


    "Only the truth, you are a sick, mean, aggressive and selfish brat that doesn''t know how to take no for an answer." Lenora hand flew to her cheek for the second time but Susan was wiser this time catching her hand before it struck her.


    Lenora nostrils flared with rage as she tried to grab her hand out of her grasp. Susan held on tightly pulling her closer and looking her straight in the eye. "Stay away from Jamie, you''ve done enough damage already. If you have anything humanity left in that damaged desert that is your heart you''ll leave him alone."


    "What the hell are you talking about?" Lenora spat.


    Susan brow rose in amusement. "You don''t know? That brave article you posted aganist Patricia, almost cost Jamie his life. Because of you he''s in that state." She said.


    Lenora expression fell and she felt extremely guilty in that moment, how she always managed to make his life even more difficult always eluded her.


    "But maybe I should thank you, at least it gives me the chance to put things back where they are supposed to be." She continued.


    "And where is that? You as his girlfriend?"


    "No, you out of his life." She said with so much venom.


    "Susan?" Jamie''s called out from behind the closed door.


    "Yes? I''m coming." Susan said sweetly her voice the exact opposite of what it was just now.


    "Like hell you are." Lenora spat bitterly.


    "You really are shameless aren''t you? After almost kill-"


    "Save it." Lenora cut in. "There''s no way I''m letting you guilt me into walking away. You''re right, I am shameless, I''m also very selfish. Over my dead body I''m going to let you get your filthy hands on my boyfriend. I''m going in there to tell him the entire truth right now!"


    "That might not be such a good idea." A voice behind them spoke. And Lenora turned around for see the person that dared try to stop her.


    "Doctor Shin." Susan greeted.


    "Why can''t I tell Jamie that this sly snake is lying to him?" Lenora asked immediately.


    "Well he lost his memory, it''s going to be too tasking for him if he keeps hearing different stories about his life." The doctor said.  "The stress on him to try remember which is right would be detrimental for his health."


    "So he should believe a lie?" She huffed in annoyance.


    "Well, just temporarily until he is more stable. It was already such a difficult job explaining why he was cuffed to his bed." The doctor informed her.


    "But I can-"


    "Can''t you just get over satisfying your self for a moment?!" Susan sighed frustration. "For crying out loud Lenora you mustn''t always get your way."


    Lenora scoffed. "You must be enjoying this."


    Susan rolled her eyes and slid the door away walking in the doctor following behind her.


    "Shouldn''t the cops stop that woman from coming in?" She heard Jamie ask.


    "There are taking a break right now, but she understands that she can''t be here." Susan said.


    "She really relentless isn''t she?" He said and Lenora fists tightened so much that her finger nails drew blood from how tightly they pressed into her skin.


    Tears biting at her eyes as she tried to blink them away. Almost immediately the doctor was out of the hospital room.


    "How long is he going to be like this?" She asked.


    "I can''t tell you that, when it comes to memory loss and things like this it completely depends on the patient." He said. "Excuse me."


    Lenora leaned aganist the wall, sliding down in a less than elegant manner she placed her head in her folded knees. And wondered how despicable her life seemed. She was definitely paying for all the sins she had committed.


    She no longer had a job, not that she cared. The moment she posted that article she knew the consequences of that action. And now the only person that kept her going thought she was a horrible villainess that woman that kept interfering on his love life. It would have been better not to have remembered her at all.


    She had to admit, that was a nice move from Susan, something she would have done herself. But she wasn''t about to back down anytime. She was going to repay each and every person. This gnawing hurt and seering  anger she felt she would make them feel seven fold.


    Patricia Lee that dared hurt the life of the man she loved and Susan that stole affection that belonged to her. She would pay back seven fold.

 Chapter 208 - 208. Perfect Moment.

    "Are you ready to talk now? You didn''t seem very willing the last time." The prosecutor asked Jessie, placing his entwined arms on the table.


    Disgust. That was all Jessie felt as he ire began to rise, she honestly stood the test of time talking to this guy, she hated more than anything hypocrites. And this was one of the biggest asshole she has met in her life.


    "I was the one that asked for you, so don''t ask me stupid questions. I''ll tell you everything, the entire truth." Jessie stated bluntly.


    **************************************************


    It was always a ceremony, a touching moment when someone left prison. The moment your walking out with the cops and cheers behind you. Handing you belonging just as you left them, walking past gates that opened up for you so freely. It was blissful to say the least. She had only been in prison three days but she felt every emotion, with everything she had done through it seemed as though she managed to have the full experience under just this little time.


    But nothing beat seeing the person you love most, more than anything in the entire world standing right there. Leaning on his Lamborghini, with legs crossed and his gaze serious with anticipation. Smile, the one she hadn''t done in what seemed to be while, a genuine smile broke out on her face and before she knew what she was doing she was running to him.


    Alerted by her heavy footsteps Jason looked up just in time to grab Jessie and spin her around. It was all so sudden but he felt so much lighter now that she was in his arms.


    Burying her face in the crook of his neck she only wanted to be there right at that moment. She treasured it, because when this moment passes everything will come apart, the whole world would be in chaos. So she cherished this moment, etched it deep in her mind, she wouldn''t forget it. It was happy, peaceful and sweet.


    "Hey." Jason said softly as he tried to pry her off but she wouldn''t budge.


    "Please, just stay still for a bit more." She said. "I don''t want this moment to pass, not yet."


    "Everyone is waiting at home Jessie, eagerly too if I might add." He laughed.


    "You might not, besides the only person I want to see right now is in my arms." She murmured aganist his chest, looking up "just you, right now, in this moment."


    Jason felt incredibly wary and overwhelmed, was she just admitting she loved him? Was that what this was? He didn''t want to assume too much but he also couldn''t help himself. He couldn''t get hurt again like he did before, he didn''t want to make assumptions with being sure. But as his mind worked all that detail out Jessie pulled him lower and placed a soft kiss on his lips.


    Looking into his eyes afterwards, her lashes fluttering with so much innocent seduction it drove him crazy. He spun her around and wedged her between himself and the car taking her lips with his own. In another more heated kiss. Slanting his lips over his, he lulled her surrender. Prying her lips open and stroking her tongue with his, he made her as mad as she made him. Tasting each other the kiss left every traces of sweet and delicate, edging into passionate and delirious. Cupping her face he deepened the kiss, causing Jessie to moan and grab unto him as she feared her legs would buckle.


    As he began to kiss lower she had to stop him. "Jason, Jason." She breathed. "I need to take a shower."


    "What?"


    "Like right now?" He asked. His lips still making her tremble from their ministrations.


    "Well, I haven''t showered in two days so..."


    He stood up straighter and looked at her skeptically. "What? You didn''t think I''d have another shower the place I was almost raped did you?" She said looking away from him


    Almost raped?


    "Let''s go" she sighed. "The moment is gone." She said pushing him off her and walking around to the other side. "Open the door, what are you thinking?"


    **************************************************


    Overwhelming.


    Everyone was there, at Jason''s manor. For crying out loud she was in prison for three days and as much as she loved to make a big deal out of it wasn''t this deep. There was a welcome home Jessie, but somehow it didn''t just feel right. Not in the slightest.


    "You guys didn''t have to this, I wasn''t even gone a week." She said tucking her wayward hair behind her ear.


    "We certainly did" Jonathan smiled.


    "You should go wash up and come back down." Krystal suggested, as she pulled away from the hug she almost tackled Jessie with.


    Jessie nodded "I do really need a bath right?"


    "Rubbish, I''m just sure you want to get every last feel of the prison from your system. You should burn those clothes as well." She said.


    "Why? The clothes didn''t do anything wrong." She said, walking into the manor.


    Jason advised that they start the party before she came back down, he made the right call because she took her sweet time.


    As Jessie showered she couldn''t help but feel guilty, guilty that she wanted to hide out upstairs. All those people came all the way to the manor to see her yet she couldn''t match their happiness, too many things happened to her in these three days and if it wasn''t for Jason she probably would have given up and just taken her life.


    First she was molested and almost raped, no actually first she was arrested, then raped. And then that interrogation, she never felt so heavy and overwhelmed. All she wanted was to curl under her blanket and cry out her frustration a bit, was that too much to ask?


    Now although it was quiet she knew it wouldn''t remain that way for much longer. She shut her eyes and sighed, she would never forget that moment. The quiet, the caress of the sun, the fresh breeze brushing aganist her warm skin. And the man she loved waiting in a distance. The anticipation she felt, the building excitement and the pure joy. She couldn''t stop time but at least she had the memory of her perfect moment.

 Chapter 209 - 209. I Dont Need To Hide Anymore.

    Jessie got dressed in a big hoodie and a simple pair of black jeans and sneakers. She couldn''t get her self to even feel the slightest bit of comfort or happiness as she walked down the stairs, choosing that over the elevator to stall the party. She couldn''t feel all this things but like hell she would let any one know, she never shyed away from a crowd before and she wasn''t going to start now.


    So taking in a deep breath and putting on a beautiful smile she walked into the room. If anyone could pretend it was her, she did this for a living.


    "There she is!" Paul cheered raising his glass to her as she walked out from around the corner.


    "Tony?"


    "Hey kid." He smiled at her as he pulled her into a tight hug. "How are you doing?"


    "I''m surviving just fine. How are the girls? And Kara? I''m sorry for all the trouble I caused." She said honestly. "I''m ashamed to even face you."


    "Rubbish!" He admonished her. "How can you ever be ashamed before me when I kidnapped you?"


    She shrugged, "well that was really suckish. But I can never compare to your beautiful girls. I''m sorry I put them in danger like that." She sighed.


    "Jessie you are worthy of everything you get and more. All this people here that have known you for what? Not more than three months? They are already willing to sacrifice so much for you."


    "I wish they wouldn''t, I wish you wouldn''t." She said pulling her bottom lip into her mouth. "I could never live with myself if anything happened to anyone because of me."


    As Tony opened his mouth to speak someone interrupted them. "Hey! Stop hogging the star of the evening." Paul yelled.


    "Are you drunk?" Jessie asked with a slight smile on her face.


    "Yes!" He replied immediately causing a small start of laughter. He walked up to her with shocking precision, she was both surprised and impressed. Pulling her away from Tony and to the small gathering of people.


    While she was being tortured by questions and statements of encouragement she noticed someone was missing.


    "Where is Katherine? She is okay right?" She gasped.


    "She''s fine." Jason replied before she began to panic again.


    "So where is she?"


    "She a traitor and she has gone away! Don''t waste your time speaking of her!" Paul huffed angrily his speech starting to slur.


    "Gone away? Where has she gone?" Jessie asked, looking to Jason for her answer she didn''t feel Paul was a reliable source at the moment.


    "Away! What part of that don''t you understand!" He yelled.


    "Bu-"


    "Shhhh!" He put his finger aganist her lip. "Don''t mention her name again!"


    "Okay! That''s enough, time out for you." Jason said pulling him away from Jessie.


    "No! I don''t want to" he whined. "I''ll stay here with Jessie, you wouldn''t leave me like Katherine right?"


    Krystal scoffed as she watched the man she admired most in the world make a fool of himself again! Because of the same woman! Just who the hell was this Katherine?!


    "Hey! Get a grip." Jason said snacking the back of his head.


    "Let go!" He yanked his arm out of Jason grip, accidentally smacking Jessie as he did.


    "Ah!" Shw cried out, her hand nursing the pain on her forehead.


    "Okay... time to go to sleep buddy." Jonathan said stepping in, both men dragged his struggling form away.


    Krystal frowned, sitting down with less elegance that a raging bull.


    "You look angry? What wrong?" Jessie asked.


    Krystal frowned immediately disappeared. "Me? Not at all, what about you!" She blurted nervously.


    "Me? Why would I be angry?" Jessie laughed.


    "Ah ofcourse, but how are you doing?"


    "Less better with every time I''m asked that" she said. "I''m fine, really."


    Krystal nodded. "I believe you, you''re starting to look like yourself again."


    "Your hair." She specified when Jessie gave her a questioning look.


    "It''s all grown now right?" She said touching the hair that fell just past her shoulders.


    "It''s pretty, I''m glad you won''t have to cut it anymore. You looked great with a buzz cut but I like you better with long hair." Krystal said.


    "Really?" She nodded. "I guess you''re right, I don''t need to hide anymore."


    "That''s got to be rough for you, I completely under-"


    "I don''t need to hide anymore!" She said getting up abruptly. Krystal gave her a confused look, wondering why she looked happy? How could she be happy? Every single person would be on her case now.


    "What''s going on?" Jason asked as he walked down.


    "I don''t need to hide anymore." Jessie said.


    Jason brows furrowed in confusion, what was she saying all of a sudden?


    "Don''t you get it? The whole world knows I''m alive, I''ve been cleared of the charges aganist me so it''s not as if I''m hiding from anything anymore." She explained. "I hadn''t even thought about that, but if that''s the case it means I can go back to my house and I can take charge of my own bank accounts again."


    Jason face fell and he walked to Jessie with a cautious expression on his face, the words coming out if his mouth feeling so bitter he could almost taste it.


    "So what are you saying Jessie? You want to move out?" He asked.


    Jessie gave him a pointed look. "Ofcourse, there''s no reason why I should leave here anymore. I can finally go home."


    "But this is your home." Jason said.


    Jessie shook her head unaware of the damage she was doing. "It isn''t, I can go back to my own house Jason. And my money, I have about 12 million in my account, and if I remember correctly I should still have almost a 100 million in assets." She laughed.


    "I will not lie, i wasn''t feeling this party, but I guess I can have something to be happy about this evening. I''m rich!" She yelled happily. "I can finally stop freeloading off you and even pay you back for everything!" She squealed. Each word ripping out a piece of Jason''s heart.


    "I can''t believe I didn''t realise this sooner!" She said. "Thank you Krystal."


    Jason shot Krystal a venomous glare that even shook the girl. "Yeah, thank you Krystal." He spat bitterly.

 Chapter 210 - 210. When You Love.

    "Why are we thanking Krystal?" Jonathan asked as he walked into the room.


    "Jessie I think that''s bad idea, you''re the target of ... well the whole world actually." Krystal suggested.


    "What''s a bad idea?" Jonathan asked again.


    "Jessie wants to move back into her house, in the city." Krystal replied.


    "So you still expect to keep hiding? I can''t keep staying in Jason''s house." She said.


    "Why? Did I say you should leave?" Jason huffed.


    "Still it''s not right, I stayed here because I had no other choice but I don''t feel it''s right to continue to inconvenience you like this." She sighed.


    As Jason opened his mouth to speak Jonathan cut in. "I agree with this. She can''t keep staying here, it''s just not right."


    Jason shot his brother a glare. "So she should be thrown to the wolves?"


    "I have to come out some time, besides it''s not my fault if they feel that way. I can''t keep hiding." She insisted.


    "No one is asking you to, but being with Jason is safer than being on your own." Krystal added. "Besides you more than anyone knows how determined and aggressive fans are."


    "Still doesn''t make staying here right." Jonathan stated bluntly.


    "Since when is a moral obligation, it''s not even an obligation it''s basically just courtesy, more important that her safety?" Krystal huffed.


    Jonathan scoffed, and very loudly at that. "So she needs a man to keep her safe? Is that what your saying? Because I know Jessie is more than capable of taking care of herself like the strong independent woman she is."


    "Let''s be realistic here, I have better security, and how many people know the location of my manor?" Jason said, trying to cover up the hurt he felt with logical reasons.


    "Still... you''ve been too kind Jason, I can''t keep using you like this."


    "So is that what this was? Don''t think to highly of yourself Jessie, I did all of this of my free will." He spat.


    "And all she''s saying is you should stop, because it''s making her uncomfortable." Jonathan replied him.


    "What?!"


    "She has another choice so she''s taking it. That''s how I see it." Jonathan shrugged.


    Krystal shook her head. "It''s a bad choice, a horrible one."


    Jason nodded. "I can''t believe for the first time something reasonable is coming put of your mouth." He said.


    "Hey!" She whined.


    "Look I''m not saying that I need you to stop helping me" Jessie said " all I''m saying is-"


    "I agree with Jason, you shouldn''t be alone." Tony said, from behind them.


    "So I should keep staying here?" Jessie asked.


    "No... I also agree with you, you shouldn''t keep staying here. I''ll stay with you, in your house. That settles the entire arguments right?" Tony said finally, and Jason fisted his palms and walked away before he would blow up.


    As she was about to go after him Tony stopped her, "a word, Jessie."


    She nodded and left the room with him.


    "What is wrong?" He asked when they were away alone.


    "I don''t understand? What do you mean exactly? There a lot of things wrong with my life." She stated bluntly.


    "I know but you''ve never seemed as defeated as you did when you came in." Tony said. "Did something happen in the prison?"


    Jessie expression fell and her eyes became serious.


    "Jessie? Jessie, tell me what happened you know I can see right through you." He said when she wouldn''t meet his gaze.


    "I don''t want to talk about it Tony." She said.


    "Is it that bad?" He asked slowly.


    "What do you think? You said I was defeated."


    "Seemed, seemed defeated, not that you actually are, look Jessie you are stronger than all of it. Everything, you''re stronger than it all. And I know your going to get over this and come out even stronger." He said.


    She just gave him a weak nod. "Shouldn''t you be getting back to Kara and the girls?"


    "Hey, Jessie."


    "Oh that''s right your all alone at home. Still you should get going it''s pretty late. I have to go, thanks for coming Tony." She said walking away quickly.


    **************************************************


    Patricia squeezed the glass cup she held so tightly it shattered in her grasp. Broken glass, whiskey and blood fell to the floor and she shot George a glare.


    "You should at the very least bleed, you wench!" He spat.


    "How was I to know she was going to spill everything? They don''t even have a way of proving if the auction house exists." Patricia spat back.


    "But it''s out isn''t it? And so is she."


    "Well you should use this as an opportunity to take her." Patricia replied.


    "Are you daft? How the hell do you expect me to take her right under Jason''s nose?"


    "If I know Jessie, she''s not going to want to stay with him any longer, she prides herself in being independent and strong."


    "Why should I trust anything you say?" George asked. "The only thing you''ve done up till now is mess up. And pull me into your mess, generations of Lee''s have run auction houses without a single hitch. But the moment a pompous woman way out of her league decides to poke her nose where it does not belong look what happens. Yet you say we discriminate aganist you because you''re a woman? This is exactly why a woman should not be given responsibilities." He spat, slamming his drink so hard that it spilled onto the table, slamming the door as well as he walked out.


    Patricia shut her eyes and screamed as he left. What the hell was happening? How could she spill everything like that? The Jessie she knew would never so such a thing, not only does it hurt her image to be victimized like that but she knew it would implicate Jason and from what she saw Jason wasn''t an enemy. Or was he? There were only two reasonable reasons she would have done that, she was not as in love with Jason as she thought, or perhaps he was cruel to her. And it wasn''t her idea.


    But to think that Jessie was actually free was enraging. But since she wanted to be free she would give her the consequences that came with being free!


    **************************************************


    "Jason?" Jessie knocked lightly as she pushed open his study door. After everyone left, well everyone except Paul.


    Jason looked up from the fireplace he watched so intently and the glass of bourbon he nursed, running fingers around the lip the cup.


    "Thought you already left?" He stated sacarstically.


    She sighed and walked into the room, shutting the door behind herself. "I don''t know what to say Jason. I don''t get why you''re mad. You are mad right?"


    Jason eyes narrowed as her and he dropped his glass and got up. Walking around the table and leaning aganist it, his attention and gaze solely focused on her.


    "You are a horrible woman do you know that?" He finally said after the short moment of silence.


    "What?"


    He stood straighter and walked to her. "Does my heart really mean nothing to you? Or I''m I just a joke to you?" He asked.


    Jessie frowned. "I never said that Jason."


    "You don''t need to Jessie!" He yelled. "Everything you do, every decision you make do you ever consider me? Do you even try to consider how I''d feel? Or do you just not care?"


    "Y-you should be... happy Jason. Isn''t this what you wanted? For me to be free?" She asked


    "I never wanted you to leave!"


    "Well I don''t know what you think freedom is but it''s exactly that Jason."


    He scoffed. "Putting yourself in danger?"


    "Going back home."


    "This is your home. Here, right here."


    She shook her head. "I can''t keep staying here Jason, it''s... its..."


    "Not right?" He huffed.


    "I can finally be independent again, I can finally take revenge on that bitch that ruined my life why can''t you see? This isn''t about you Jason, this is my life my future."


    "A future I have no part of right?"


    Jessie shut her eyes in frustration. Why did it have to be so hard? Why did he always make it so hard? Force her to choose between him and her life.


    "Jason you know, more than anybody how much I need to do this." She said.


    "No I don''t Jessie, no I don''t."


    "So what you want me to just give up my life, the life I built with sweat, blood and tears. I can''t do that." She shook her head. "Patricia needs to pay! And I need to be the one that makes her pay!"


    "Do you know how dangerous that is? All I''m asking is that you let me help you. Haven''t I proven myself enough?" He asked.


    "You done more than enough Jason. It''s already so scary and suffocating knowing that you''ll have to go through so much trouble and problem because of my testimony." She said. "That is not fair, you shouldn''t have to sacrifice yourself like that."


    "But I want too."


    "Why?"


    "Because that''s what you do when you love someone Jessie, sacrifice yourself to keep them safe. But you wouldn''t know because your thirst and desire for revenge is obviously greater than your love for me. That is if you even love me at all." He said, turning around.


    Jessie started to speak but Jason cut in, turning back. "What do you love me? Don''t deceive yourself, you don''t. If you want to leave then you are welcome to do so. Get out of my study." He stated firmly, walking back to him desk.

 Chapter 211 - 211. You Dont Get To Kiss Me.

    "So just like that I''m free to go?" Jaime asked as they uncuffed him.


    "Well the reason you were arrested in the first place was realised yesterday so you''re free to go." The cop that uncuffed him informed.


    "So what now? Do I still get my job?" Jamie asked.


    "I''m afraid that would no longer be possible." A voice came from the door. Jamie brows furrowed as he stared at everyone in confusion. Hating how he was so confused and clueless about what was happening around and to him.


    "Why can''t I go to work, you guys said this was all a misunderstanding." Jamie frowned.


    "You are getting released doesn''t mean you''re actually innocent." The man informed him.


    "That is the exact definition of that." Jamie scoffed.


    "Do you know who I am?" The guy asked folding his arms.


    "No, who are you?"


    "I heard when you came out of surgery you didn''t even remember your name, so I''ll do you a favour Jamie. Don''t push buttons when you don''t have any power, take the win as long as it lasts and disappear." The man stated.


    "So you frame him and when proof that you framed him comes out he should shut up and take the injustice?" Lenora said from the door.


    The man turned around and rolled his eyes. "Miss Hastings, how nice of you to be here."


    "Why shouldn''t I be? Are you afraid I''ll ruin your plans of taking advantage of Jamie''s memory loss?" She huffed walking into the room.


    "This does not involve you." He spat.


    "Oh but it does, and this is a nice scoop don''t you think? Injustice in the police department, what do think nice headlines I''m I right?" She said, creating the mental picture for all in the room.


    "You are messing with things that are deeper and more dangerous than you could ever believe, miss Hastings."


    "Like what? Patricia Lee?" His eyes widened at her admission, her blunt admission. "Don''t look so scared, she''s not a psychic she won''t know I said her name." Lenora whispered mockingly at the man.


    "You must think you''re so invincible miss Hastings, playing with fire."


    "It''s really pitiful you know, you are really pitiful. The chief of the police is directly involved in corruption. But I want you to tell that bitch something for some reason she won''t pick my call." Lenora said, walking closer to the chief and leaning down to whisper into his ear.


    "Tell her that the next time she touches a hair on Jamie''s head the whole world would know the kind of criminal she and that family of hers is. And if she thinks I''m bluffing she can go ahead and try me." She said, as she moved away the chief grabbed her and held her in place.


    "You must really have a death wish, but I don''t. Want to tell her something do it yourself."


    "Oh don''t be a bummer, it concerns you too. It''s about Jessie Marin." His eyes widened and he stepped back shakily.


    "Get out." She spat and the man glared at Jamie, then at her before leaving the room.


    "What did you say to him? Why did he look so pale?" Jamie asked after the chief and the other cop left the room.


    "No reason, just telling him never to hurt you again." She smiled.


    He gave her a suspicious look and shook your his head. "Why are you here?"


    "What do you mean? I''m your girlfriend well... it''s complicated." She said slowly.


    "You''re not my girlfriend." He stated bluntly.


    "Lemme guess Susan is?"


    "Now that is between Susan and I don''t you think? You should stay out of other people''s business." He said.


    "Gosh that tone, you''re really are still very mean do you know that?" She sighed.


    "It''s called being honest." He said.


    Lenora laughed "you seem honest only when I''m around."


    "Doesn''t that mean you should get the point?" He asked still very blunt.


    "What point?"


    "To leave me the hell alone? Look you are a beautiful woman, and from I just saw your fierce and smart. Why continue to demean yourself by going after a man that doesn''t want you?" Jamie asked.


    Lenora''s jaw dropped and she placed her hand over her chest. "And who is the man that doesn''t want me?"


    He gave her a knowing look and she would have laughed if it wasn''t her in the desperate situation at the moment. "Is this because of Susan? What makes you think you can trust her story and not mine?"


    "Because even though I don''t remember much, from what I can tell I hate impulsive, bad tempered, disrespectful and bratty people." He said.


    Lenora huffed in disbelief. "You woke up yesterday how the hell do you know you hate anything?! Or is your memory loss a scam?" She asked.


    "I met you Lenora, I had the displeasure of knowing I hate all those things because it''s everything you represent!" He yelled back.


    "Wow! Wow! I just can''t. You hate me because I''m impulsive, bratty, and angry or you hate all those things because of me?" She asked. "You know what, don''t even answer that I don''t want to know." She continued.


    "So tell me, you hate me because of all these reasons but you like Susan why? Because you suddenly love lies, desperation and you enjoy the cunning and lying snake she is?" She spat.


    "Susan is nice and polite. It makes sense that someone like me is with someone like her, besides she knew me since I was a kid." He informed her.


    "Oh? And that has suddenly become a criteria for a healthy relationship Yeah?"


    He rolled his eyes and sighed.


    "Is that why looked at me like you wanted to eat me up when I was standing up for you?" She asked finally.


    "What?"


    "Oh don''t deny it Jamie, I saw you I know what you did and how you stared at me. I know even know you feel it, this tension and primal chemistry between us right here, right now in this room." She said and she began to walk closer to him.


    "Don''t deceive yourself Lenora."


    "Oh no, the only person denying the obvious truth is you" she sat by his leg on the bed. Placing on hand on the other side of his body as she leaned closer to him. "How hot your body is getting, how passionate your beginning to feel, with each inch I close." She said her voice seductively low. Their faces where inches from each other but she refused to touch him, just as much as she affected him she feared she wouldn''t be able to take it if she was to get that excited and have him reject her.


    Jamie felt everything she just said and maybe even more. The way he came to life as she spat fiery remarks at the chief, even when she was being mean to Susan yesterday. He couldn''t describe the feeling inside but his body definitely craved her. And now having her so close, filling his airways and senses with her scent it made him mad. But she wouldn''t touch him, why? She was barely centimetres away but she wouldn''t kiss him, more than anything he wanted to know if her plush little lips were as good at kissing as they were at spouting insults and threats.


    "How badly you want to hold me right now, I know it all Jamie. I can feel it as well." She said, each breath she exhaled for each word she pronounced he felt on his lips. Her eyes lowered to his lips "how badly you want to kiss me."


    That broke him, he moved forward to close the distance and finally take her mouth with his but as he moved closer she moved away.


    He looked up at her disappointment clearly evident in his gaze, he looked like a combination starved animal and a hurt puppy.


    It took all of Lenora''s willpower to pull away, her body was literally trembling. "You don''t get to kiss me, not when you can''t remember who I am." She said. "Besides I''m mad you called me bratty."


    "Is that why your voice is trembling?" He asked, his voice deep low and hoarse with desire. Deciding to play her game of twenty questions.


    "What the hell is going on here?" Susan asked as she entered the room.


    Lenora and Jamie jerked away from each other and spun around to see the interruption fuming at them... well her from the door.


    "Oh hey Susan." Lenoar gave her a mocking smile. Getting up and smoothing over her skirt.


    "What the hell are you doing here?" She spat.


    Lenora tilted her head and smiled. "Isn''t it obvious? Don''t worry I''m leaving before you explode." She laughed.


    Turning to look at Jamie. "When you figure out what the real truth is come find me and then we''ll figure out this whole deal about why you were arrested in the first place and how to move from here."


    "You know the details to my arrest?" He asked


    "What do you think?" She gave him a mysterious smile, grabbing her purse she walked out, pausing as she reached the door.


    "You should really stop flaring up your nostrils like that. Angry is not a look that suits you." She whispered into Susan ears, smiling as she strutted out of the hospital. That went better than she expected, wow!

 Chapter 212 - 212. Heart-breaker.

    As the sun rose Paul''s phone rose along with it, baring loudly as it did. Abruptly shocking the owner to rise, and very quickly as well. And action he deeply regretted as a heavy wave of nausea and a strike of pain attacked him.


    Stumbling off the bed he was on, he dragged himself into the bathroom to wash his face. When his vision was finally clearer he saw the notes, on a toothbrush, and bathing things. ''Ah that''s right I''m in Jason''s manor''. He thought to himself as he recalled the last night.


    "I must have lost my mind." He groaned as he rubbed his eyes. After a long internal deliberation he decided to take a shower, deciding he''d just wear his clothes again. Not that he had a choice, Jason would rather die than give out anything that touched his body.


    After he was done, he walked to the door eager to find Jessie now he was in his right mind and beg her to talk to Katherine. His pride was crushed enough he was willing to ask for help, from anyone that would give it.


    As he reached to push it open the handle got farther and farther from him till he was standing face to face with Jason''s butler.


    "Mr. Song, I see you''re awake" he sniffed "and groomed. Will you care to join the breakfast?"


    Paul brow rose at the man, but well all butler''s were snobby and pretentious.


    He stepped out of the room following the butler lead, Jason''s manor was not a place you learn after just three visits.


    "Where is Jessie?"


    "I should stop inviting you to my manor."


    Paul frowned "I should stop coming to your manor. I happen to turn into an alcoholic when ever I do. Where is Jessie?" He asked again.


    Jason shot him a glare and returned to his food.


    Paul head tilted in confusion. "What does that mean?" He asked referring to his reaction.


    "Miss Jessie has left the manor." Butler Choi informed Paul to hash the beef that was definitely incoming. Which two reasonable adults meet each other first thing in the morning and not even a good morning?


    "Jessie left the manor? Ohhh that''s why do you look like that?" Paul said.


    "What''s that supposed to mean? I''m perfectly normal." Jason frowned.


    "Sure you are." Paul said sitting down at the table.


    "Do you not have work?" Jason asked with a raised brow.


    "I don''t know do you?"


    "I''m in my house, in new clothes. Many call this preparing for work." Jason said as he eyed Paul yesterday''s clothes.


    "Well I''m providing comfort to heartbroken friend but hey not all of us can be heroes." Paul replied.


    Jason gaze slitted into a glare once more. "I''m not heartbroken. Not in the slightest."


    **************************************************


    Jason watched from the window of his study as Jessie wheeled out a small suitcase, her brown hair flowing in the direction the wind lead it. Looking so small and fragile from where he stood. She was just going to leave without saying goodbye.


    He wasn''t sure how but at that moment he felt as though he hated her. Turning away from the window he deposited the third cup of bourbon that night on his desk and walked out of the study.


    Jessie halted in her tracks, looking back upwards she wasn''t sure what she was looking at but she didn''t feel right at all. It wasn''t okay to leave like this, right now in the darkness. Regardless of what he said, she turned back around and pulled her suitcase back into the manor.


    Leaving it on the first floor she went up to the second where their rooms were. With the intention of surprising him the next  day she headed in to finally get some much deserved rest when she heard mumbling from Jason''s room.


    "Jason?" She called out from behind the door. No response. Then he began to yell and she shook the door handle, why wasn''t it opening?!


    "Jason?! Jason!" She yelled pushing it hard with her body, and dashing in the moment she had the chance. He was still sleeping, she jumped on the bed, shaking him violently.


    "Jason!" She screamed. Then it all went silent for just a split second when he opened his eyes and tears fell down the sides of his head.


    "Jessie?" He asked in confusion, pulling her down on him and wrapping his arms around her, as he cried into her shoulders.


    Honestly shaken, Jessie felt tears begin to fall down her own eyes as she felt him break against her. He kept chanting the same things over and over. ''I killed her, I''m a cursed child.''


    "Jason." Jessie called out as she struggled to rub his back, well pat it. He held on to her so tightly that her hands were folded against her chest acting as a barrier between both of them. "Jason, who did you kill?" She asked.


    "My mother, she was cursed by giving birth to me? What kind of child kills his mother? I don''t deserve to live for this." He stated his voice broken and his tone sad.


    Jessie was lost for words, what does she tell a person to comfort them for killing their parent? Did he really kill his mother?


    "You didn''t kill you mother Jason." She said softly.


    "How do you know that?" He asked. "You weren''t there, no one was."


    "Because I don''t believe for moment that you could ever do such a thing. That''s not the man you are." She said.


    Jason pulled away and looked her in the eye. And there it was that same vulnerable look. "Do you really believe that?"


    "Jason you took in a stray that you had no obligations to, and took care of her ,fought for her, protected and provided for her. Loved her. I don''t care what ever happened but I know that you could never do such a thing." She smiled softly.


    "Just to be clear you are the stray I took in right?" He asked, his mask coming back.


    Jessie pouted and began to pull away. "I see you''re fine now."


    "Of course not." He held her back. "I literally just bared my heart to you how can you just leave like that?"


    "Bared your heart to me? I have no idea why you think you killed your mother or what happened, want to bare you heart now about start with that." She stated bluntly. Looking at him wide eyed in expectation.


    "Why are you here? I was pretty clear, no you were pretty clear aren''t you leaving?" He asked.


    Jessie scoffed, running her hands through her hair. "Way to change the subject Jason, pretty smooth."


    He let go of her and climbed out of the bed, "I wasn''t trying too. Why should I share secrets with you?"


    "How else can I help you if you don''t?" She asked.


    "I don''t remember asking for your help, leave." He jutted his chin towards the door.


    Jessie stared at him blankly. "You''re kidding right? You are being childish right now."


    "Childish? Childish? That''s ripe coming from you." He scoffed.


    "Me?" She asked "how I''m I being childish, you''re the one holding a grudge like a baby."


    Jason''s eyes widened and he began to laugh. "How easy is it for you really? I have to ask, did you get so good at this through practice or were you just a naturally born heart-breaker?"


    "Heart-breaker?" Jessie huffed. "Because I decided to leave I''m a heartbreaker? You must have a pretty fragile heart then."


    "Yes Jessie, yes! I do have a fragile heart and you stomped on it without the slightest care in the world. And now I don''t want to keep seeing you, you should leave. I''m done getting hurt like this." He said.


    Jessie blinked at him and shut her eyes in frustration. "Why does it hurt you that I want to leave? I thought you''d be happy for me, I''m finally getting back to a semblance of my normal life."


    "Why the hell would I be happy that you are putting yourself in danger like this?"


    "Well I''m tried of hiding Jason. This isn''t your fight it''s mine, and I''m tired of letting people fight on my behalf." She said. "Patricia is my enemy, mine."


    "She''s mine as well, you don''t have to this alone." He said.


    "I know and I''m not planning to but Jason I can''t continue to depend on you like this. I can''t take your money, eat your food or sleep under your roof." She said.


    "You never had a problem with it before." Jason stated firmly.


    "Yeah because I didn''t have a choice."


    "And yet you''re not choosing me."


    Jessie grabbed the sides of her head and held down a groan. "Why do you always do this? Why do you always want to make me choose between you and my career?" She cried. "I''m not the type of woman to wait and sit around for a man to do all the heavy lifting. I didn''t depend on anyone to get where I am and I''m not about to start. Please understand all I want is just to feel like my life is mine again. Like I''m in control again, hmm?"


    Jason looked at her intently, he always knew Jessie wasn''t someone to sit on the back and let someone else take lead of her life. But it was like he was just realising it. He didn''t like it, not one bit. But...


    "I''ll respect your decision."

 Chapter 213 - 213. See Each Other Naked."

    "Um... Devon?" Katherine called out from her bathroom. This was embarrassing beyond levels, how could she let him see her like this? But she couldn''t move and she was in so much pain, laying horizontally in the bath tub with her legs sticking out oddly. Worse she was naked.


    "Devon?!" She called out loudly her voice shaking. "Devon!" She screamed and he burst into the bathroom only to turn around immediately.


    "I didn''t see anything!" He said quickly.


    "Well I don''t think that can be helped, ugh this is so embarrassing." She cried.


    "What will you have me do Katherine?" He asked, his back to her.


    "Well for one do you have a bathrobe?" She asked.


    "Bathrobe? Bathrobe! Yes I''ll go get it now." He dashed out of the room.


    She tried to get up to no avail only to have her wer soapy hair fell across her face, in her panic she began to blink rapidly allowing the sud go into her eyes.


    "Ahhh!"


    "Katherine? Are you okay?" Devon asked from behind the door.


    "No, are you in the bathroom? Why does your voice sound distant?" She asked.


    "How can I come in? I''ll be invading your privacy, I believe it''s still too early yet to see each other naked." He stated bluntly.


    "Is that really what you''re worried about right now? You''re a doctor!" She yelled, adrenaline giving her a bout of anger.


    "Well are you sick?" He asked, his own adneraline pushing him in the flight direction. He was never really a person that understood human nature right away in the first place and he hated yelling. Now when Katherine was doing it all he wanted was too walk away and let her cool off.


    "I''m stuck Devon, my leg is broken and my body hurts. I''m lying head down and legs up in a tub and there is soap in my eyes! I swear if you don''t enter this bathroom right now!" She yelled.


    "Katherine, that still does not exempt the fact that you are naked." He insisted.


    "Devon you have seen thousands of naked women what makes me different?" She yelled.


    "Well they were patients, you''re not. Besides if that''s the case I can''t treat you I''m emotionally attached." He said. "I like you too much."


    Katherine palms formed fists and she bit back the string of insults that was ready to come out of her mouth in insults. Spooking him would not be a good idea, she had to keep reminding herself that he was a peculiar man. Besides what genius was ever normal?


    That''s right, he is a genius. "Surely you are smart enough to think of a solution aren''t you Devon? But I understand if it''s too tasking, mentally-"


    "Fine, I''m coming in." He finally said abruptly and even through the pain a gentle smile graced her lips. Nothing like a simple manipulations. Insult his mental capacity and you get swift results.


    **************************************************


    "What''s all this?" Katherine asked as she wobbled out of the bathroom and saw Devon placing food out on the table. And by all indications he cooked the food himself.


    "You been through a lot, you need energy after that disastrous bath." He stated simply.


    Suddenly the image that she worked so hard to forget suddenly came back to mind.


    **************************************************


    "Devon that not my arm."


    "Are you sure?" He asked to be sure as his eyes were closed.


    "I''m pretty sure my arm isn''t so fleshy, and you should probably stop squeezing if you want to keep that hand."


    He immediately pulled away, meeting her gaze he gave her a small smile and pulled the bathrobe over her shoulder.


    "Well it wasn''t even all that flashy either." He murmured as he pushed her wet hair away.


    Katherine''s face scrunched up in confusion at first then it dawned on her what he said, what he implied. "Hey!"


    ***************************************************


    "I didn''t know you could cook" She said quickly a desperate to change the topic and distract her mind from reddening her cheeks and ears any further.


    "There''s nothing I can''t do." He said curtly.


    "Yeah, except tell what is what on a female''s body."


    "What was that?"


    "Nothing, nothing. I didn''t say anything." She shook her head. Sitting on the table.


    "I hope you like it, but you probably will." He smiled.


    Katherine shot him a quiet glare as she picked up a fork. As soon as she tasted it if felt Deja vu.


    **************************************************


    "What are you doing?" Paul asked.


    "What does it look like I''m cooking." She snapped at him.


    "You? Cooking?"


    "Don''t say it like that, I''m sure I can figure it out I was the valedictorian of my graduating class in medicine. I''m sure I can conquer something as trivial as cooking." She shrugged, scooping up a spoon full of her sauce into her mouth. She had made many bad decisions in her life this was by far the worst of the them.


    "Ohhh.... right from your expression I can tell it bad." Paul stated hs voice sounding pretty light.


    "Are you laughing right now?" She spat at him.


    "Me? Ofcourse not" He lied "come let me see if I can fix it." He said, walking over to the pot.


    "No! It''s too bad." She refused, looking him straight in the eyes. Immediately they began to scuffle and struggle for the pot, eventually he won and he put the spoon into his mouth.


    "How is it?" She asked.


    He picked up the pot and walked to the sink, turning it upside down and pouring out the contents. "Sit down I''ll make the sauce."


    ***************************************************


    She shook her vigorously, she shouldn''t be thinking about him right now.


    "Do you like it?" Devon asked.


    "Yes, yes I do. Thank you Devon."


    "By the way I tracked down that address, it''s not very far from here." He said. "It''s a Saturday tomorrow and I''m free do you want me to take you?"


    "Ofcourse Devon, thank you." She smiled.


    "By the way may I ask why you need to go there?"


    "Is it not a safe place?"


    "More of Ill reputation, but what is these days." He said.


    "There''s a woman I must find, apparently she was the only close enough to know my mother well enough t give me actual needs to find my father." Katherine informed him.


    "Well, tomorrow it is. I''m late for work, don''t take any baths while I''m out." He smiled.


    Katherine face caught fire again and she shot him another glare as he walked out oblivious to the fuming woman.

 Chapter 214 - 214. Black And White.

    "After that you have a meeting scheduled with Paradise." Matt stated as he finished reading Jason''s schedule to him.


    "Paradise? Ugh... why?" He frowned.


    "Damage control. Mr. Choi was adamant about it, he also said that you should come with miss Marin if you can." Matt replied.


    Jason eyes shot up to Matt. "Jessie? Why the hell would I do that?" He spat.


    Matt paused in thought, was he supposed to answer that?


    "Leave I want no interrup-".


    "Hello fiance." Patricia smiled seductively at him as she stood by the door, in a black skin tight free with a slit so high it revealed too much.


    Jason almost groaned out loud, this was getting too hard. She sashyed towards him "I was going to knock but I didn''t find your secretary it''s appears that he''s right here." She said as she sat.


    "Nice to see you too Patricia." Jason said, dismissing Matt. "What do I owe the pleasure?"


    "I heard Jessie left prison." She said going straight to the point.


    It was supposed to be under wraps but he wasn''t surprised that she knew about it. What he was worried now was what she planned on doing with the information.


    "And?"


    "A very handsome man in a very expensive car picked her up. Care to explain?" She asked her tone never leaving that sing song tone it carried when she first greeted him but the threat was very visible as well.


    "Ask me what you want to Patricia, I don''t have time for word games." He said curtly.


    She pursed her lips "do you love Jessie?" She asked.


    "That a very strong emotion Patricia, are we lucky enough to feel it?" He asked. "Isn''t that the hidden price we pay for being so rich and influential?"


    "I don''t know what more absurd, the fact that you believe in love or the fact that your think that rich people have a price to pay." She said.


    "Why ask me if I loved Jessie if you don''t think I believe in love?"


    "Do you?"


    "I do, but I have no reason to care for it. And I am yet to understand why my relationship with Jessie would affect you at all?" He said.


    "I am your fiancee Jason, do you not think it''s not normal to even mention things like a relationship with someone else?"


    Jason brow rose, "I know I''ve asked this before but do you like me? Patricia?"


    "It shouldn''t matter, I hate that the man I''m marrying is having a relationship, whatever it is with my worst enemy." She said.


    Jason gave her an eerie smile "your relationship with Jessie does not concern me, neither does mine with her concern you. It''s not as though we are marrying for love so don''t get it mixed up."


    Patricia scoffed. "If only it was that black and white."


    "It is."


    "Well we''ll have to reconsider this entire engagement if that is how you feel." Patricia blurted out.


    Jason reaction, his only reaction was a brow raise. "Really? You want to break off the engagement?"


    "Did I stutter?" She sneered.


    Jason looked intently at her before he began to laugh. "What the hell is so funny?"


    "No, it''s just... you think you have a choice. I''m the free one here, I''m the one choosing to marry you don''t get it wrong Patricia." He said matter of factly.


    Patricia face contorted into one of rage and anger.


    "You''re not going to throw a fit are you?" Jason asked.


    And Patricia slammed her fist on his desk. "Does this seem funny to you? Really? Does my life seem like a joke to you?"


    "It doesn''t, not in the slightest. But you are the person making demands I''m just laying out the facts since you seem to have forgotten them for a bit." Jason said. "So I''d advice you calm down and stop getting emotional. It''s going to do you know good."


    "This isn''t over Jason, it is not." She said getting up and storming out of his office.


    Leaving Jason groaning into his palms, what did he just do? He was supposed to be pacifying the beastess instead he lit the fire to her rage.


    He just hoped her rage would be directed at him, not Jessie as impossible as it may seem


    **************************************************


    It was a race aganist time trying to beat traffic and still making it to work in time. Paul felt like anything was possible when he reached the hospital after he left his home from Jason''s manor. After changing clothes, strolling in like the boss he is he smiled at everyone as usual with an added extra, a wave.


    As he approached his office he didn''t see his secretary behind her desk to give him his schedule, so he assumed she was probably just somewhere else at the moment. When in all truths she bent to pick a pen as she sat up he was already pushing his office door open.


    "Wait si-" the sound of the slap echoing through out the small space of her office or cubicle what ever it was.


    "I thought I raised you better that this!" Mrs. Song roared.


    Paul turned around and gave her a blank look. She smiled weakly at him "your fiancee, mother and future mother in law are in your office." She said meekly.


    "Oh they are?" He asked sacarstically.


    She just shyed away and took cover behind her desk as he walked into his office shutting the door firmly behind him.


    "Mother."


    "What did you think you did? Was firing that witch not enough?" She huffed.


    "Firing who? Don''t be absurd, like I''d ever fire Katherine." He stated bluntly.


    Choi Yuri laughed ruefully. "Paul don''t push me, don''t push your mother into doing something that we would both regret." His mother threatened.


    Paul brow rose "what''s that supposed to mean?"


    "Exactly what you think." She replied.


    "You want to hurt Katherine?" He asked honestly, gauging how far his mother was willing to go.


    "Try me." His mother said. "Let''s go" she said to the ladies behind her. "Your engagement party is this evening don''t be late." His mother spat.


    Paul sighed and looked behind his mother. "Is this really what you want? Your groom to be dragged to the alter like this?" He asked Yuri.


    "No, but if it''s what must happen then I guess we have no choice." She said matter of factly. "Don''t be late."

 Chapter 215 - 215. Accquited Of The Charges.

    "Why are you all so bothered by Katherine?" He asked them as they walked past him. "I thought we already cleared this up Choi Yuri."


    "Well so did I." She stated bluntly. "But don''t forget you left me stranded in front of my grandparents'' house, struggling to explain where the man I was supposed to be marrying dashed away to."


    "It pointless to speak to him" his mother spat. "Come dear." She gestured for Choi Yuri. Paul sighed as he watched them walk out of the office, unable to just let it go as the mothers left he grabbed her back and shut the door.


    "What do you think you are doing?" She huffed glaring at him.


    Paul pushed her aganist the door and trapped her there. "I realise I was wrong, I should have called-"


    "No you shouldn''t have left Paul." She said.


    Paul shut his eyes and sighed for the second time. "Katherine was hurt, she was very hurt. I had to go, and I won''t apologise for that." He said curtly and she scoffed.


    "Then why I''m I still here, let go!" She exclaimed trying to pull her arm away, but his grip only tightened.


    "Wait.. wait, look I am sorry, I was wrong for not calling you after, that''s on me and I''m sorry." He said.


    Choi Yuri stared at him intently before speaking. "Tell me this Paul, was the reason you didn''t call related to Katherine?" She nodded after acknowledging his reaction. "I can already tell, answer this question as well. Do you have feelings for Katherine?"


    Paul sighed again, "how many times do I have to say it. We are just friends, close friends."


    Yuri shook her head. "No matter how deep a friendship is it''s not possible to behave the way you do. I don''t know if you''re lying to me or yourself, but it''s too late now."


    "Late for what?" He asked in confusion.


    "Too late to back out, I already like you. So just keep denying it to the very end." She said. "I need to go, let me go."


    He stepped back and she spun around pulling the door. Glancing back one last time, "Don''t be late, 6pm tomorrow night."


    "I thought it was tonight." He said.


    "We can move it. But it not going farther than tomorrow so act accordingly." With that she shut the door and left.


    **************************************************


    Lights, camera, action!


    "Good evening everyone!" Amanda gave the camera her biggest smile. "It''s been a strange couple of months haven''t it, but you asked and I listened so today we have the goddess of showbiz herself. Gracing us with her presence yet again. Welcome Patricia Lee!"


    The onstage audience gave the cheers and claps as she walked on stage in a very casual outfit. She wore a lose fitting tuxedo with sneakers and put her hair into a pony tail. Waving at the audience with her camera ready smile as she did.


    "Hello everyone, Amanda..." she smiled. "Thank you for having me on your show."


    "Are you Kidding? Thank you for showing up. It''s been what? Two, three months? I can''t believe just then we had Jessie on this stage with you." Amada sighed and the air in the studio suddenly became tense. "Goodness! Should I not have said that?" Her hand flew to her mouth.


    "Ofcourse you should Amanda, it''s a massive issue that has shaken the core of the entertainment issue in this country" Patricia informed her.


    "Right? That''s true, the entire world have be watching from the side tracks but you, you''re the closest person to the situation and you''ve been refusing interviews because you wanted to protect the honor of your dear friend. But proof has come that Jessie Marin is alive, what do you have to say about that?" Amanda asked.


    Patricia sighed feigning innocence. "That''s a difficult question" she said tucking her hair behind her ear.


    "Yes... but it''s about time you clear up the confusion don''t you think?"


    Biting her lips in hesitation, "this is really difficult for me to talk about as Jessie is one of my dearest friends. But I hope she can understand that her actions are unforgivable and I cannot stand by her in this difficult times." She started.


    **************************************************


    "Can you believe it Tony? I''m finally home!" Jessie sighed as she walked into her house.


    "You should count yourself lucky, it was about to be auctioned off." He said.


    "I know right, the only thing that seemed to work in my favour this past months." She smiled. "Ugh it''s so dusty, you would think I haven''t been in here for years."


    "I called the cleaning lady she should be here soon." He informed.


    "Thank you." She nodded. Walking into her living room, as she finished wiping a spot to sit her phone began to ring in her pocket.


    "Krystal? What''s up?"


    "Have you seen the interview?" Krystal asked hurriedly.


    "What interview?"


    "I''ll send the link immediately." She said, and Jessie phone buzzed, she put the phone on loud speaker and grabbed her laptop bag. Typing it in she opened the video.


    "It''s a live video?"


    "Yes, Jessie this is bad!"


    **************************************************


    "But she is going to be persecuted isn''t she?" Amanda asked, "unless the law of this country does not apply to the one percent?"


    "Oh don''t do that Amanda, you''ll make me feel even more guilty. But as it stands the law cannot punish her, or rather refuses to." Patricia stated.


    "What does that mean?"


    "It means regardless of the fact that she murdered two people in cold blood and faked her death. Jessie Marin has been accquited of her charges."


    Jessie''s eyes widened in horror, no one was supposed to know about that yet. Not until they had proof of the auction house!


    "Jessie? You have to go back." Tony said behind her.


    "That bitch!" Jessie screamed in rage.


    "Are you listening to me at all? You have to go back, you really are not safe here, this is the first place they will look for you." Tony shook her to get her attention.


    "I don''t care, I''m not running away."


    "This is not the time for bravado Jessie. You have to go back now!"

 Chapter 216 - 216. Psychotic Bitch!

    The entire studio burst into murmurs and chatters, the people were shocked, confused and lost. The studio producers were both elated but still very disturbed by the news. This would boost their veiwership ratings. Amanda was so shocked by the news that for a few seconds she was speechless.


    "A-are you sure?"


    "I couldn''t believe it myself at first actually but then the police called me with the most absurd story. It was almost unbelievable that she tried pin everything on me." Patricia stated slowly.


    "What do mean by that?" Amanda asked her expression drawn and serious.


    "Apparently our friendship was one sided, I couldn''t believe it when I heard it at first but..." she placed her bent index finger under her eyes wiping tears. "I shouldn''t." She sighed.


    "Come on Patricia, you can''t leave us hanging. That''s not right." Amanda stated.


    "I''m sorry but I cannot disclose this information as it is classified with the cops. When they are ready to come to the press with it perhaps you''ll invite me back." She said.


    "That''s bullshit, you just don''t want to expose Jessie. Why are you still protecting her? From what you said it sounds as though she threw you under the bus." Amanda replied.


    "It doesn''t mean I should do same, she is my friend whether or not she considers the same for me." She said, her voice breaking. "I''m sorry, I''m sorry I shouldn''t cry like this..."


    "Oh you poor thing..." Amanda gushed, getting of her seat and walking over to Patricia. Pulling her into a hug.


    **************************************************


    "She didn''t speak about what I told the cops." Jessie said as she watched the laughable scene before her.


    "Do you think she also knows it would do her harm?" Krystal asked from the phone.


    "No, if she didn''t say it now them we must assume she''s saving it for something even worse." Tony said as he placed back and forth Jessie living room.


    "But it also incriminates her." Krystal suggested.


    "It doesn''t, there''s no proof she was involved actually. The only thing that ties the Lee''s to what happened me is that auction house." She said ruefully.


    "What about that cop? You know the detective, he might have something." Krystal suggested.


    "She is right, even if it''s little as far as it even suggests Patricia was involved you can leave it to your fans to finish the rest." Tony said.


    Jessie laughed. "I don''t have any fans Tony, not anymore."


    "Hey! I''m still here, and though we might not be many we are still here." Krystal said. "You should go see Jamie."


    "You really think so?"


    "Yea- oh my goodness!" Krystal shrieked.


    "What? What?" Jessie asked.


    "She posted it, she posted it!"


    "What?"


    "Your statement, it''s all over the internet."


    "I don''t think it''s Patricia." Tony shook his head, this just went online she''s still crying on stage.


    "It''s as simple as telling someone to post it." Krystal replied.


    "No, there''s a video attached. It a press conference, it''s the prosecutor''s office." Tony stated.


    "Where''s that? I can''t see it?" Krystal frowned.


    "Have you tried watching the news?" Tony said.


    With shaky hands Jessie reached out and grabbed the remote, fumbling as she pushed the button.


    And just like that, the awful interrogation came back.


    **************************************************


    "What nothing to say today? You were pretty confident the last time." The prosecutor scoffed. "Prison tends to have that effect on people, so are you ready to confess?"


    "..."


    "Why did you kill you driver? We already know you killed that woman, Diana Flores to cover up for your driver. How long did you think you could deceive the cops?" He asked.


    "...." She looked down at her hands, trying to calm the trembling, how could she rat out Jason? How could she say this that it does not incriminate Jason?


    "Answer me dammit!" He slammed his hands on the desk.


    Flinching Jessie looked up at him then looked away.


    "What the hell is wrong with you?! I never realised how twisted you really are, you really are a terrific actress. You sick, deranged and psychotic bitch!!" He yelled. "Are you going to confess or not?!"


    "..."


    "Is that it? No comment then? Alright then..." he said walking out of the room. Jessie didn''t even get the chance to sigh in relief when he walked back in with his sleeves folded and tie gone, walking towards her with wicked purpose.


    He slammed the door as he did and locked it. "Let me explain the situation to you. Look over there" he pointed to the cameras. "It''s off." Reaching below the table he turned of the microphone as well. "It just me and you here kitty, you know what happens to bad girls left alone with desperate men?"


    "You won''t dare touch me." She spat.


    "Try me." He walked to her and grabbed her hair, yanking it backwards.


    "Aahh!" She cried out.


    "Ready it confess you psycho?" He taunted her.


    "Let me go you son of a bitch!" She screamed and his grip on tightened. And she could feel the strands of her hair forcefully being ripped out of her scalp. "You can''t do this!" She yelled.


    "Oh yeah? Go ahead and stop me you sicko! Why did you kill you driver?!" He yelled.


    "Ah! Let me go! Please!" She cried as bitter tears streaked down her face. The door began to rattle and before long it was forced open and cops were in to carry him out.


    "This isn''t over, not in your wildest dreams. You''re going to spend the rest of your life in those uniforms if I don''t just get you killed. Scum like you shouldn''t remain in our society." He spat.


    Jessie clutched her head and sobbed quietly for a while, by the time she looked up she saw another prosecutor.


    "Here." He handed her a handkerchief.


    She eyed him suspiciously before reaching out to collect. "What is this? Good cop bad cop?"


    He laughed lightly "nothing of the sort, it''s just Dave is pretty competitive and ambitious. We are all eager for this to end."


    "Why? It''s not as if the press is pressuring you." She sneered.


    "Yeah, but we have pressure from someone else, although I have to be grateful the press hasn''t gotten a whiff of this." He smiled. "So are you ready to talk?"


    "And if I say no?"


    "Please Miss Marin, make this easy for us all. And yourself included just tell me the truth." He said.


    "The truth?" She asked.


    "Yes Miss Marin the truth."


    This was the only reason she finally broke and spoke. He was the first person in the entire police station that didn''t tell her to confess to her ''murder''. And as much as she knew that her story would be unbelievable they wouldn''t let her go without a story.


    "Fine I''ll tell you everything, I can''t provide proof but neither can you guys. So I''ll tell you the truth."

 Chapter 217 - 217. Cease Fire.

    Jason never wanted anything else to ever end sooner, this meeting had gone on too long. His eyes scanned the room of old people paying rapt attention to the problems with the ''economy''. Sure Paradise was fun when he was yelling at all of them, but the economy? Isn''t that the work of the government? Or was it because he was born with a sliver spoon?


    Perhaps he should replace them? As he scanned the room his eyes met with Matt''s panicked ones. His brow rose in question and Matt immediately went to whisper into the man presenting on the economy''s case. Linking his phone with the computer, he pulled up the articles.


    "You do realise Anna could do that to right?" One of the members informed Matt.


    "But Anna is under voice command. I can''t tell her to do anything." He replied.


    "What is this, what''s wrong Matt?" Jason asked before they made a big deal out of nothing.


    "This." He stated bluntly. And all of them looked up at the window that opened up admist them.


    "How did this already reach the press?" The first lady asked.


    "Isn''t it obvious? It must be the Lee''s." Reginald said.


    "That''s the peculiar thing, Patricia did not post this statement, the police did." Matt responded.


    "What?" Reginald asked sending a glare towards the chief of police.


    "I never ordered it." He defended himself.


    "Then who did?"


    "What makes you so sure it wasn''t Patricia?"


    "She was at an interview just moments before, unless she had someone do it there was no way for her to have leaked the information." Matt said. Playing her video.


    "I personally don''t think it''s Patricia, she had the opportunity to speak about the statement but she didn''t." The Chief judge said.


    "I agree, she has more to lose than gain exposing that statement." Another person agreed.


    "So if wasn''t Patricia who was it?" Francine asked.


    "Is there someone else? This will definitely affect both Jason and Patricia. Won''t it?"


    "How is she?" Jason asked, finally speaking up.


    Everyone turned to look at him, with curious eyes. "How is who?" Francine asked.


    "The actual victim." He said bluntly. "The person that is actually affected by all this. Jessie."


    An awkward silence settled over the room, as they began to realise their error.


    "I haven''t received any news about any other inconveniences at the moment." Matt replied.


    "That''s good, let''s continue with the meeting. I''m assuming you would need more time to come up with solutions?" He said calmly.


    They stared at each other, with the same question on their minds. This was clearly more urgent, this news was harming to him if was ever proven true.


    "But Jason this could potentially destroy you, aren''t you more concerned about your company?" The chief judge asked voicing the opinions of others.


    Jason gave him a pointed look and sighed. "Just do as I say, unless someone has a suggestion right this moment. If not then continue." He said looking at his watch. 2:03 am, all he wanted was for this to be out of here and besides Jessie as soon as he could.


    But the economy truly wasn''t the most urgent case that night, because a few moments later another article of concern popped up and even in the wee hours of the morn. Innocent Jessie hadn''t been able to sleep a wink. No one had.


    **************************************************


    "Why do you look like that?" Patricia asked sitting besides her grumpy uncle.


    "Like how?"


    "Like you suddenly regret your decision." Patricia stated.


    "Ofcourse I regret my decision, do you know how many clients have called to yell or even threaten me in the past hour?" He sighed tiredly.


    "It was your suggestion to post her statement. You shouldn''t have regrets." She informed him.


    "You do realise that was the only option right? When a rumour is going to inevitably come out about you, you should remove the fire underneath and heat it yourself. That way you control how much it burns. Just because we are controlling the fire doesn''t mean we won''t still get burnt." He said.


    "I don''t care if I get burnt, as far as I get to burn that bitch even worse it''s all worth it." She said.


    He looked up from his laptop and at her, "do you think the public will believe you? Over Jessie?"


    Patricia laughed "you mean the murderer that deceived and lied to them? That gets to walk free? It was a peice of cake, what I''m worried about is Jason. I wonder if he would believe I didn''t post that, should I go visit?" She asked.


    "Why would you? You were affected as well as he, do you think he would believe you were hit and yet you thought of him?" Goerge asked.


    "I did think of him." She said.


    He did a double take then looked at her again with a small smile playing at his lips. "Do you like Jason? I mean do you have feelings for him?"


    Patricia pursed her lips and smiled "why should that concern you at this moment?"


    After one long stare he looked away, and continued typing away on his laptop. "Just make sure you don''t fall in love with the enemy, I can''t have you making mistakes. Your engagement wasn''t just because, you remember you have a mission." He said.


    "Is that you caring for me?" She asked him in sarcasm and disbelief.


    "That my dear neice is me caring for myself. We have decided to work together, since apparently if you go down I will too. Father is already going to give us hell for this, we mustn''t go down along with that." He said honestly.


    "Well at least there are no more competitors for the throne apart from the both of us. How about a truce for now?" She suggested. "No fighting for the family business until we get the Jessie Marin problem out of the way."


    "And Jason Kang as well, don''t forget that." He reminded her.


    "Fine, deal?"


    "Deal."

 Chapter 218 - 218. Doorbell.

    They were all pacing, it seemed like the right to do so right? Jessie''s bad habit that she had managed to conquer came back and her nails started to look so mouth watering all of a sudden. Tony was on the phone the whole time and Krystal continued to send posts out defending Jessie. But that even caused her fanpage to lose about 45% of the follower with the rest sending her hateful and horrible comments.


    "If Patricia didn''t post the statement..." Krystal started but was unable to continue.


    "She did it, she definitely did it." Jessie said.


    "But Jason was so sure that the police wouldn''t expose this as it also puts them in jeopardy." Krystal said.


    "Exactly they wouldn''t just do this on their own." Jessie huffed. "And look at how fast she responded to the statement."


    "I don''t think Patricia did it, it would be too disadvantageous for her." Tony said.


    "Really? Are we really doubting that that crazy bitch is capable of anything if she believes it would hurt me, even hurting herself. She''s mad!"


    "Still... it does seem pretty..." Krystal trailed off.


    "Who is the person that got hurt the most from this entire fiasco? Patricia or me?" She asked.


    "..."


    "..."


    "I thought so." She huffed.


    There was a moment of silence when the door bell rang.


    "What is that?" Krystal asked.


    "Oh the door bell" she answered nonchalantly.


    "It hasn''t rung since Jessie bought this house." Tony answered too in the same way.


    "But it''s ringing now." Krystal replied.


    "I guess it- oh my goodness! Tony my doorbell is ringing!" Jessie gasped, just realising the oddity of the situation.


    "What does that mean?" He asked in alarm.


    "How I''m I supposed to know that?" She replied.


    Krystal listened to the both of them in confusion. "Guys it''s a doorbell you answer it."


    "What if it''s an angry fan?" She asked.


    "Have you no security?"


    "Of course I do." She replied.


    "Then..." she trailed off waiting for Jessie to put two and two together. But when the silence only got longer and Jessie''s situation even more pitiful she had to answer herself. "Answer it you dummies."


    They looked at each other and Tony got up, "I''ll answer it."


    Jessie nodded giving him such a smile as if he was going to war. "Just go get the door already!" Krystal yelled from the phone as though she knew they were making touching expressions at each other.


    Tony walked slowly but eventually he reached the door, turning around before he opened it hoping to see Jessie behind him, encouraging him, how wrong he was. That heartless girl didn''t even leave the sitting room.


    Taking in a deep breath he decided to man up and pull the door open. His eyes widening as he came face to face with the person at the other side. "What? How did you even get in here?"


    **************************************************


    Lenora cracked her knuckles, as she just finished up her revenge. Patricia shot the first bullet with the police statement and hers, she would have to shoot the next. Although she was also shocked herself that she would actually shoot herself in the leg like that. But it would hurt Jessie even worse. Now instead of the commotion she caused, people would begin to believe Jessie was the real other woman not Patricia. And not only was she a bitter mistress she also was a murderer blaming it on her enemy. The ultimate villianess, the poor thing.


    Then her door bell rang, turning to the door she got up placing her laptop on the table before her. She pulled open the door without looking at who it was, genuinely surprised but extremely pleased as well. "If I knew you were coming I would have dressed up." She winked at him.


    Jamie serious look didn''t even budge and he pushed passed her into the apartment. "You said you know what happened to me? Care to explain why they are enraged people egging and painting in my car and house?"


    Lenora''s eyes widened, of course. That bitch never learns! From what she could see he was fine, no bruises or scratches that would likely come from breaking eggs aganist skin.


    "Why do they accuse me of investigating wrongly and accepting bribes?" He asked.


    "Susan didn''t tell you?" She asked.


    And Jamie gave her a pointed look, "if she did would I be here?"


    "So you believe I''m your girlfriend not her?" She asked again.


    "Is that really what''s necessary at this point? I have no home to go to unless I want to be bruised and battered for something I cannot even remember doing." He said.


    "You can stay here if you want." She said.


    "I don''t want to, all I want are answers."


    "But still I sh-"


    "Can you just please answer the question?!" He yelled. And Lenora flinched, brow furrowing, "why are you yelling? All I''m trying to do is-"


    "I honestly couldn''t care less, so if you could get your head out of you own massive ego and answer my question already!" He yelled again.


    Lenora eyes widened and she scoffed. "Look just because you forgot your name and everything doesn''t mean you can talk to me like that!" She yelled back.


    "Why because you''re my girlfriend? I don''t need a girlfriend right now what I want are answers" he huffed. "So you should stop trying to be my girlfriend and just answer my questions."


    "Do you think this easy for me too?" She asked.


    "I don''t need it to be easy for you, I honestly don''t have the leisure to care for someone else right now. So please just stop being so selfish and for once think about my wellbeing before yours. That is if you even truly love me." He spat.


    Lenora swallowed and quickly blinked away the tears that began to pool, and nodded. "You''re right, you''re right." She laughed pitifully. "I''m sorry, you''re the victim here so where do we start?"

 Chapter 219 - 219. Shut Up And Sit Still.

    "Jonathan? What are you doing here?" Jessie asked from behind Tony.


    Turning around he glared at her. "Where did you pop out from? I thought you abandoned me to face the beast all alone?" He raised his brows at her.


    "Hey, I was here all along." She pouted "plus I can''t understand why you were so scared. It is just Jonathan" she laughed.


    "What?"


    "I''m just saying" she shrugged. "For someone so confident in ''protecting'' me you didn''t do a very good job." She said with a light smile and a mocking wink.


    Tony scoffed. "Like you weren''t scared." He eyed her.


    "How are you guys joking right now?" Jonathan asked from the door, bringing the attention back to him.


    "I heard the news, are you okay?" He asked.


    "Well... what do you see?" She sighed. "Sometimes humour is the only thing that keeps us sane."


    "Are you sure you really want to stay here?" He said walking in after Tony gestured for him to do so.


    "I can''t get into a fight with Jason and just leave like that. Besides Jason''s manor is too far to go to this late." She frowned.


    As though it was on cue something broke through the window she stood next to and before they could understand what was happening, Jessie was on the ground with a shriek clutching the side of her forehead.


    Both men were immediately by her side, "are you okay?" Tony asked in a panicked tone.


    "Where the hell did that come from?" Jonathan asked, his tone laced with anger.


    "Is that?" Tony started.


    "A stone?" Jonathan finished, as Tony stretched to pick up the sharp edged rock that broke into the window.


    "Jessie lift up your hands." Jonathan ordered after seeing the red that lightly coated the the rock. "You''re bleeding."


    "I''m fine" she said through clenched teeth as she pushed them away to stand up.


    "No you''re not! You''re bleeding" He said his voice full of concern.


    Shaking her head she insisted. "I''m fine, really. It must have been some careless kids. I really am fine." She said, wincing as she did.


    "I don''t like this at all, this isn''t safe. Where could a stone even have been chucked come from? Your fence is really high." He argued.


    "There is much blood I''ll go get the first aid box." Tony said, leaving both of them in the hallway.


    "It''s probably noth-"


    "Justice for Diana Flores!" A loud voice cried and another stone flew into the house, created another crooked hole in her beautiful and expensive stained glass.


    "I demand justice for Diana Flores!" The voice cried out again.


    And Jonathan immediately used his body as a shield to cover Jessie as they ran further into the house. When he saw that she was safe he was already running out of the room to get the perpetrator.


    "Jonathan wait!" She screamed after him. As she began to run after him, Tony held her back.


    "Don''t. It not safe." He said.


    "But.. it''s not safe for him either, he can''t just go out like that fans can be brutal and dangerous. We don''t even know how many got into the house, and at this time..." she groaned. "I don''t know wether to be flattered at their determination or scared."


    "He''ll be okay." Tony insisted.


    Jessie would have none of it. "Please, at least you go."


    Before he could even leave the room Jonathan returned with eggs all over him. But the noise and breaking ceased.


    Immediately Jessie saw him she pushed Tony''s hand that was currently disinfecting her wound away. Gasping she walked over to Jonathan who already shed of his coat. "Hey! You shouldn''t have gone out like that!" She cried.


    "It''s okay Jessie" he began to say but she pulled him to the chair, grabbing the cloth and water Tony brought for her. Wringing the cloth she reached over to his face to clean off the eggs.


    Jonathan grabbed her hand stopping her midway, she looked down at him in confusion and he realised she had no idea what she was doing to him at that moment. Standing inbetween his open thighs, her hand softly cupping the side of his face. It made him think about things he wanted to do to her that be wasn''t proud off.


    "Jonathan you have to let me, please." She said slowly.


    He shook his head lightly. "I''m okay, you''re the one with a bleeding bruise."


    She shook her head stubbornly. "I couldn''t care about that right now. Please just sit still and let me do this." She pleaded quietly again.


    But still he wouldn''t let her. "You have to take care of that-"


    "Will you just shut up and sit still?!" She yelled, causing him to widen his eyes in shock.


    "Jessie" he said in surprise.


    "Don''t you dare ''Jessie'' me! What the hell were you thinking going out like that?! Do you not care about your life? At least even if you didn''t don''t you even the slightest care as to what I must be going through seeing you like this?!" She yelled, as she wiped the tears that dared fall before they even touched her cheeks. Tears of annoyance, and pain, stemming deeper than the wound of the side of her head.


    Jonathan face immediately softened when he saw her tears. Tony''s eyes shut as he clenched his fist struggling to control the rage he clearly felt. She didn''t deserve this, she really didn''t.


    She was supposed to be the most successful and famous actress in this country because she deserved that after all the effort she put in. She was everything that a celebrity should be and even more. Kind, charismatic, funny, hardworking and humble. She was nice but not a pushover and she always kept her life as transparent as she could, sacrificing for her fans every ways she could. But this was what she had to face now, it enraged Tony. To think that someone would be so petty. At that moment he decided he would not let anyone mess with her life like this and get away with it. Never.

 Chapter 220 - 220. Times Had Changed.

    Jonathan reached for the hand holding the damp towel and slowly brought it to his face.


    She sighed as he did, pulling her hand away. "It''s cold already." She said explaining why she abruptly pulled her arm away. She dipped the cloth into the basin again and brought it too his face and began to wipe it.


    Jonathan eyes were fixed on her face the entire she worked, forcing himself to concentrate on the woman rather than her body. He shouldn''t disrespect her like that, he wouldn''t.


    Like soft caresses she pulled the cloth across his face with gentle strokes, making this extremely unbearable for Jonathan. But he managed to keep himself from pulling her down and planting a kiss on those small plush lips. Or so he thought, unintentionally she dragged the cloth across his lips and like reflex he gripped her arms pulling her closer to him. So they was no gap between both their bodies anymore. When she felt he stiffened aganist her when her chest softly brushed aganist his Jessie had to place her hand on his shoulders to steady herself and place some distance between them as she looked into his eyes with confusion.


    That''s when her suspicion was confirmed. He did like her, she always suspected it, or perhaps she knew but rather choose to ignore it. But with the way he held her flush aganist him, she knew if she didn''t do anything he might make a move. And while she didn''t have anything aganist the guy, and on normal circumstances she would allow a kiss. To at least show her gratitude, times had changed.


    He wasn''t any regular guy, she actually cared for him and leading him on like that would be cruel. Plus she didn''t want anyone apart from Jason kissing her. The thought shocking her also.


    But before she could pull away herself, Tony cleared his throat from behind and they split up immediately. Both of them clearing their throats awkwardly as they avoided eye contact. At least she did, walking back to Tony she grabbed the box and him and pulled them to the couch. Sitting obediently she presented her head to him.


    "You not staying here this night." Jonathan said finally breaking the silence.


    She looked to him with eyes that read ''I''m really okay'' but she said nothing.


    He looked to Tony ignoring her expression. "You agree right?"


    "But where would I go?" She asked.


    "My place, it''s not far from here and it''s probably safer" he said.


    She bit her lip and nodded. "How did you get rid of the fans outside?" Tony asked.


    "I told them Jessie Marin no longer lives here and that I bought the house. If they didn''t want me to press charges for destruction of property they''d leave." He shrugged. "Oh I also told them to spread the news. But it would be safer to not be here when the sun rises. It''s already the weekend, it would be better to get out of here now." He explained.


    "All done." Tony said as he place the bandage on Jessie forehead. "Go get your things, we have to get moving before anyone finds out you''re here."


    Jessie sighed looking down at her feet she felt dejected. Tony noticed her disappointment and hurt. Anyone would feel the same way, she didn''t even have the leisure to spend one night, even one night in her own home.


    "I''m sorry Jessie, there''ll be another time to spend time here, in your home." He said.


    She shook her head. "Jason was right, this isn''t my home." She blinked back tears. "I don''t have one." She said walking out of the room.


    *************************************************


    "Is this the place?" Katherine asked when the car came to a stop.


    "Yeah, street 12 house 17. There is it is." Devon pointed to the side. "Why do you look so disbelieving?"


    "It''s just you said this place was scary and unsafe." She replied.


    "Yes, they do not have a fence and their windows have no bars. Not to mention, why would they let little kids just play outside and on the road?" He stated matter of factly.


    Katherine brows furrowed and she placed her hands over her mouth to laugh. Devon pouted when she did. "Did I say something funny?"


    She shook her head but kept laughing. "You''re so cute." She pulled his cheek.


    "Cute? I''d like to think my features are more of attractive and sexy." He leaned closer to her making Katherine lean further into her seat. His gaze bore into hers, and began to peel away her resistance.


    He actually was right, with dimples and a lean face his smiles and mannerisms instead of looking cute as dimples normally should make a person look. Looked hella hot on him.


    "How did the atmosphere in this car change so suddenly?" She asked.


    "It did? I don''t think that possible, atmospheres don''t chan-" she placed a finger on his lips to stop him from talking. If he was peeling away her resistance then she wouldn''t try fight it. She walked away from Paul for a shot at happiness she wouldn''t hesitate when it was this close.


    "Don''t ruin it." She whispered before he began one of his academic lectures. Moving her finger away she cupped his face and placed her lips against his. Ever so softly, Devon''s eyes widened in surprise and when he didn''t respond she pulled away. Smacking her lips together she looked down in embarrassment tucking her fallen strands of ebony hair behind her ears.


    "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have don- mmn" he pulled her back and returned the kiss with a lot more passion. Cupping her nape he pulled her closer, his hands moving down her shoulder past her arm and finding it''s place at the crook of her slim waist. Katherine gave herself to his kiss and the his feather light touches. Slowly becoming heady and her body feeling light with foreign sensations. Her fingers gripping his jacket at he deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue into her mouth she moaned.


    Unable to get rid of the space between their bodies and feeling the immense need to feel her flush aganist him he was about to lift her. But her knock on the glass ended any progress that was to be made.


    Both people with swollen lips, hooded eyes and cheeked tinted red of slight embarrassment turned to the woman staring into the car. Devon slowly wined the glass down and they looked at the woman in confusion.


    "Are you Katherine Park?"


    "Uh.. yes."


    "Well come in already." She said walking back into the house. Both of them looked at each other then at her before they eventually out of the car and followed the woman.

 Chapter 221 - 221. Women Used For Their Bodies.

    When the were both seated and comfortable, with plates of mouthwatering cookies and tea Katherine finally spoke. "Mama Esmeralda said you knew my mother best?" She asked.


    The woman smiled softly, nodding as she did. "I did, I held you first when you came into the world Katherine. You''re mother would be proud of the woman you''ve become." She said.


    Katherine looked at Devon then back at the lady. "What do you mean? Mama Esmeralda said my mother came to the orphanage with me."


    "She did didn''t she? She came to that orphanage because I told her to."


    Katherine shook her head, "I don''t understand. Did you know my mother before the orphanage?"


    She nodded slowly.


    "Why does Mama Esmeralda not know? Were you also a..." she trailed off.


    "A whore?" She finished "I wasn''t" she shook her head. "But that was a time of my life I wasn''t proud of." She replied.


    Looking to her without words they both waited for her to continue. "I was a midwife. I helped the girls put to bed when they were pregnant and it was too late to abort the baby. I was under orders to kill the children immediately there were born, because which man wants a child from a whore?" She explained.


    Suddenly Katherine demeanor changed, noticing it she immediately calmed Katherine. "I didn''t kill any child, I couldn''t. But all the mothers thought I did, so I was always resented and hated by all the girls. Until your mother was brought in, she didn''t know who I was or why I was treated like the villain. She was kind, pure and innocent. And she was the first person in a while that treated me like a human being."


    "What do you mean brought in?" Katherine asked.


    "Which girl of your mother''s background would ever want to be a whore? Katherine I understand the women of the orphanage had a different idea of your mother but she didn''t choose this life. No girl in that place did."


    "So she was... kidnapped?" She whispered silently. The lady nodded.


    "She was scared and she had every right to be, and she was so innocent. I had to help her, the first time she was to be with a person she fainted out of panic and fear. It caused a lot of commotion, she was beaten half to death." The woman said. "As much as we all tried to encourage her to either just go through it or kill herself she was insistent on getting out of there alive and with minimal damage. For such a kind soul she was very determined. So I advised her to catch the eye of one of our VIP customers. He was known for excluding the women he saw for that period of time, till he got tired of them. At least for that time she wouldn''t have to be with multiple men."


    Katherine swallowed as she tried to bite back the tears that welled, she didn''t even know what to feel. For the first time she began to feel regretful, why did she even dig into this in the first place?


    "She succeeded, but he never got tired of her. Infact he got so obsessive and possesive that she disappeared from the brothel for weeks. Then she would be back bruised and looking lifeless and empty."


    Katherine couldn''t hold back the sob that choked her. "But she loved him." The woman said.


    "Sh-she what?"


    She nodded. "Your mother loved him, she was given the opportunity to leave and be with someone else but she didn''t."


    "But how could she? He must have threatened her or maybe because she was scared?" Katherine cried. "Why would she go back? You said he hurt her."


    "We were all hurt Katherine, women used for their bodies are always mistreated like that. And don''t get me wrong, she was treated better than most but she was still a whore, well to him." Shd explained.


    "How? How could you know that my mother loved such a man?" She asked.


    "Because she told me, that was her therapy. It kept her sane to say them out loud. And I''m absolutely sure that man is your father. She wasn''t with anyone else the entire time she was in that brothel." Katherine''s eyes widened.


    Swallowing she asked the obvious question. "Who is he?"


    "I have no idea. I never saw his face, only heard stories of him from the women he kept." She replied. "I know he was dangerously good looking, and much older. He had a dual personality as they said. He could be incredibly charming and sweet but also the most wicked and heartless heart lived within him. And he was incredibly good in bed. He derived pleasure by drawing pleasure from the women he bedded. He wasn''t like the others, sex with him was like a ride to heaven."


    "Is that really important right now?" Katherine spat.


    "I just thought you should know why your mother would fall for a guy like that. Regardless of anything he would or could have done to her." She answered. "And he never sleeps with a girl if she''s unwilling, he never rapes anyone. Not that he''d have to, he makes women putty in his hands."


    "So what happened next? How did mother escape from that man?" She sniffled. "You said she was enamored with him. Why then would she run away with his child?"


    "It is true, your mother was enamored with him. It was more she was addicted. She knew he was bad for her but she couldn''t help herself. But then she was pregnant with you." She said.


    "She was so scared when she found out, but she mustered courage to tell him. He had her abort it, but she didn''t. And she didn''t tell him about it, till she couldn''t hide it anymore. That''s when I came into play."


    "You were supposed to deliver me and kill me." She whispered.


    The woman nodded. "But I never killed the kids and though your mom knew that she was determined to know her child. So we came up with a plan to escape, because after your mother was to deliver she was going back to him. He wasn''t letting her go. It was dangerous and hard but she managed to do it, and with a baby as well. For a while we lived in different houses and cities to throw her pursuers of track, before she eventually appeared in the orphanage. But for her safety no one could know that we knew each other prior." She stated. "I know this must be difficult for you to here, and I''m sorry I don''t have more information on you father. I know you''re searching for him."


    "Not anymore, I want nothing to do with the man that didn''t want me. The man that saw my mother as a hole he could stick it in." She spat bitterly. "Devon get up, let''s go."

 Chapter 222 - 222. I Know That You Know I Like You

    "I''m fine Jason really." Jessie sighed after assuring him for the thousandth time. "Look I know it''s really busy for you in the company. It is my fault that your under fire like this. So please don''t worry I''m fine."


    "I''m still coming to get you."


    "Why? I''m safer in Jonathan''s place, I can''t be seen with you right now. Besides Jonathan is taking perfect care of me." She said.


    "Jonathan is what?! You are where?! Get your things ready Matt will be there in ten minutes." He growled.


    "I have no idea why you are overreacting, can you please just be reasonable for once?" She stated "Perhaps I should have let you remain angry at me." She mumbled.


    "Hey!" He yelled.


    "Jason I''m fine really..."


    "This wasn''t the arrangement Jessie, you weren''t supposed to end up with Jonathan!"


    "I don''t understand why there should be a problem? It''s Jonathan, not some stranger. I don''t see why you should overreact, it''s not as if he confessed his love for me or something. He doesn''t even like me like that so you have no right to be jealous. Or do you think he does?" She asked, intentionally pressing his button. She knew that he wouldn''t admit it as she herself hadn''t admitted her feelings for him. He can''t lay claim on her, but she knew Jonathan had feelings for her and she knew that Jason knew he had feelings for her.


    But if she played dumb, Jason wouldn''t announce it to her that Jonathan had feelings for her. It wouldn''t only be foolish but risky. He still has no idea she already chose him, it was like giving her another option apart from him.


    "He doesn''t." Jason replied sounding angrier. Jessie smiled, like taking candy from a baby. Hook, line and sinker.


    "Just please let me stay here, for now at least." She said.


    "I''ll be there by seven to take you back to the manor, and inform Jonathan that if he doesn''t want to be fired he should be in the office in twenty minutes and not a second later." He huffed.


    "What?! You want him to go out? He''s hurt." She whined.


    "No he isn''t." He refuted "a few eggs cannot warrant a day off. Especially in the middle of a crisis like this."


    "That''s not fair, if he leaves then I''ll be lonely." She pouted.


    "So he''s your company? All the more reason he should leave." He stated.


    She sighed "do you not think you are overreacting?"


    "I couldn''t care less, you are aware about my feelings for you so you shouldn''t be surprised that I feel and act this way." He said.


    "Fine, I''ll let you take Jonathan. Tony will be here soon anyway." She agreed reluctantly.


    At first it didn''t quite dawn on Jason that she just agreed to his demands, and just because he didn''t feel comfortable. Emphasis on ''feel''.


    "Did you just agree with me?" He asked.


    "Why does it surprise you so much?" She asked.


    "Yes." He stated bluntly.


    "Wow... do you really think so lowly of me?" She asked rhetorically not expecting the honest "yes" she got from him.


    Her jaw dropped and she huffed in disbelief. "Hey!"


    "Don''t ''hey'' me. The only thing you''ve done is ignore my feelings for you. And you can''t blame me for feeling like it''s intentional, you neither accept or reject them." He said honestly.


    "But here I am acknowledging them. Even if I was going to reject them would you honour that decision?" She asked.


    "Of course not, but I would like to know to try harder. You are not someone I can bare lose, I''ve never felt this way about anyone else and I''m sorry but rejecting my feelings for you is not an option you have." He said bluntly.


    And Jessie almost laughed, talk about self absorbed. "So I have no choice? Is that wise? Telling a woman she has no choice?"


    "You''re not any woman, you''re the woman I love. I won''t stop feeling it so I won''t stop saying until the wonderful day when you begin to feel the same way for me."


    I already do.


    "Goodbye Jason." She said quickly cutting of the call. She rubbed the side of her head, sighing deeply. Dammit he was making things even harder!


    "Is your call finally done?" A voice startled her from behind. She jumped around with her hand on her chest as she came face to face with Jonathan.


    "Jonathan!" She squealed. "Didn''t see you there."


    "Are you done?" He asked again gesturing to her phone.


    "Oh... yeah, um.. Jason said to go to th-"


    "The office?" He finished. "I heard."


    Her brows furrowed "you heard?" She asked first confusion etched on her beautiful features before her eyes widened in realisation of what he might have heard.


    "You didn''t disconnect from the bluetooth so I wasn''t eavesdropping or anything. It was a situation I couldn''t help." He shrugged.


    She shut her eyes and prayed the ground would just swallow her, talk about karma. This must be swift punishment for playing around with Jason''s emotions. "Jonathan..." she started, unsure of how to continue.


    "Judging from your expression it obvious that you know that I know that you know I like you." He said.


    She opened her mouth to speak but he didn''t let her. "And I know you love my brother."


    Jessie stepped back slightly as her breath hitched in her throat. As if reading her mind and fears he reassured her. "Don''t worry, I won''t tell him. Just as stupid an idea it would be for Jason to tell you I like you, I can''t tell him about your feelings for him." He said.


    "Jonathan I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean for you to-"


    "To hear that? I''ll admit I''m a bit pissed that you''d use my feelings for you to play with my brother''s. So what exactly are you sorry for?" He asked.


    She swallowed, something about being under Jonathan''s scrutiny made her feel incredibly dirty. Who would have thought a harmless lie would cause this much damage.


    "I didn''t mean for you to- I''m sorry really I am. I would never want to hurt you like that, I promise. Especially because you have feelings for me, that on it''s own is already so flattering. But..."


    "No, I won''t accept you apology and I won''t let you reject me." He said curtly walking closer. And with each step forward she took one backwards to match it.


    This was a different kind of feeling, there was this new tingling at her spine as everything in her screamed that she run away. His gaze had a paralyzing effect on her that made her weak and scared. Scared that she might actually like it? Something about him just made her feel strangely aware. And when she had no where to run he cornered her.


    Trapping her between the wall and himself. Placing one hand beside her head he leaned down so close that for a second she thought he might actually kiss her and she might actually allow it? How did he make her so... wanton.


    "I like you Jessie." He said.


    She gulped speaking at first, but when her voice sounded too weak and cleared it. Placing her hand on his chest she pushed him back slightly so she could think. "You just said you know I''m in love with your brother. How is this fair?" She asked.


    He scoffed "all is fair in love and war. I''ve already lost too much to Jason and I won''t lose more. You haven''t told my brother you love him, for what ever reason but I''ll take it as a good sign."


    "Jonathan." She breathed.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t do things like this anymore, I promise. And even though I know you know I like you, I''ll say it. I like you Jessie Marin. So be aware." He said. "See you later." He finished and walked out after he grabbed his suitcase.


    Jessie always hated love triangles, as much as she could she tired to avoid scripts like that. And now she knew for a fact why.

 Chapter 223 - 223. My Feelings Arent A Secret.

    Devon immediately bowed to the confused and somewhat hurt older woman before he ran out after Katherine.


    "Katherine! Katherine!" He yelled running after her. He grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him.


    "What?!" She screamed.


    His features softened immediately he saw the tear stained face. But his resolve didn''t. "I can''t tell you what to do bu-"


    "Then don''t." She spat, snatching her hand to walk away, but he reached out and grabbed her again.


    "Hey, I get that it''s crappy to find out the truth but what exactly did you expect? After you heard your mother had you in a brothel?" He asked his face as blunt as it could be.


    Out of confusion itself Katherine stopped crying and stared at him in shock. "Why the hell would you say that!" She huffed in disbelief.


    "Because it''s the truth." He replied.


    She scoffed "this..." she shook her head. "This was a mistake, I shouldn''t be with someone who thinks the ''truth'' is the right thing to say at this moment." She sneered.


    His grip tightened, "no."


    "What?" She asked.


    "I said no, I may not understand human emotions and how to deal with them but right now I could care less. I''m not trying to comfort you." He said seriously. "You started this pointless search because you felt inferior and insecure, because of foolish words spat in the middle of a fight. But no it''s bigger than fulfilling stupid ambition."


    His neck angled in an awkward way as her plan came in contact with his cheek.


    "So I''m in wrong? I''m I at fault for wanting a father?! After all the shit I had to put up with all my life, I''m I supposed to be selfless in this moment as well?!" She screamed as the tears both hurt and angry streamed down her face.


    "That''s the point Katherine, this is no longer about you!" He said his voice rising.


    "Then who? Who the fuck else it this about?!"


    "Your mother!" He yelled. "I understand how overwhelmed and angry you must feel but nothing you went through in your life could be as bad as what your mother had to go through. Yet she still had you." He sighed walking closer to her he cupped her face.


    "You owe it to your mother to find the bastard that hurt her like that and make him pay." Devon said.


    "Ahhh!" She cried, clutching her chest. Devon catching her as she fell holding her up aganist him as she cried into his shoulder. "How could she even fall in love with a man like that? How could he not want me? Why then did she?" She cried.


    "Because Katherine you are a wonderful and brilliant woman. And it''s your father loss not knowing you. And you duty to make him regret not doing so." He whispered.


    After a while after she calmed down she held his abused cheek, caressing it with her thumb. "I''m sorry and thank you for helping me realise what is truly important."


    "That''s fine, but it was just my opinion. I could barely stomach hearing a that in there. And I can understand if it''s all too much right now, we can come back." He said.


    She nodded. "I would like to go now. But I won''t stop. For too long I''ve victimized myself because the world did so. But you''ve helped me realize I''m not the victim. Thank you."


    "It okay, I heard that''s what a boyfriend is supposed to do." He smiled softly. "And apparently getting slapped is also part of it, didn''t realise it would hurt this much." He stated bluntly.


    Katherine smiled, reaching up on her tiptoes she placed a gentle kiss on his cheeks. "Is it better now?" She asked.


    "No." He shook his head, "still hurts."


    And she laughed. "You''re not supposed to say that you dummy."


    "I''m not?" He pouted. "Then what should I say?"


    She couldn''t hold in the ''awwn'', "gosh you too cute." She gushed as he walked her to the car.


    His expression falling into a serious one. "I believe I''ve addressed this issue, I''m not cute, I''m sexy."


    *************************************************


    "Aren''t you going to take your personal elevator today sir?" The security man standing in front of the elevator asked as Jason waited for the the lift.


    Matt shook his head at the man from the mind and he quickly apologised and bowed.


    "I''m just going to inspect my company, nothing strange about it." Jason replied with a light smile. A light smile that disappeared immediately the elevator door dinged open and he came face to face with the person inside it.


    Looking at the watch on his wrist he smirked wickedly. "Shall I fire you now? You''re late." He said.


    "I''m I?" Jonathan asked in reply. "Time must have passed by so quickly, I couldn''t notice. But you should understand being with Jessie tends to have that effect on people." He said purposely to instigate his brother.


    "What?"


    "Don''t you know? You should, how else did you know to give Jessie the message for me? I''m sorry I was too busy taking care of her to come in exactly Twenty minutes. Not to mention how reluctant she was letting me leave." He said not even batting an eye.


    This infuriated Jason but he wouldn''t lose.


    He smiled smugly "then I should thank you instead. For taking care of her so well."


    "Why are you thanking me? It something I wanted to do myself, she is important to me as well. Besides it not as if you''re responsible for her and I wasn''t doing you favour." He stated firmly.


    Jason almost lost it but Matt was quicker. "Sir your meeting starts in a few minutes we should get going." He said.


    Jonathan walked out of the elevator as Jason went it. "Still I should thank you, Jessie is the woman I love and you took care of her. It''s only natural I feel gratitude."


    Jonathan laughed lowly. "Do you really go around saying that? Especially here in the company you almost ruined because of a scandal with her?"


    "My feelings for her aren''t a secret. Besides I didn''t tell the company I told you. And don''t worry brother the company is far from ruination, one beautiful actress can''t destroy this company. At least not while it still belongs to me." He said.


    "Everyone else thinks otherwise." He said.


    "Well I''ll just have to prove them wrong, again. See you later this evening brother." He said, the last word heavily laced with sacarsm.


    "Why would we meet?" Jonathan spat.


    "Because I''m coming to take Jessie. Didn''t she tell you?" Jason asked. "I thought you knew everything."


    "I don''t know why she didn''t, perhaps she didn''t want to hurt my feelings, you see my feelings also aren''t a secret but I say them to those whom their directed." He smiled.


    Jason eyes narrowed and his lips upturned into a frown "What?"


    "It''s nothing that should concern you brother." He returned the sacarsm. "See you later." He nodded and let go of the button allowing the elevator door close before Jason could utter another word.


    Jason almost punched the inside of the elevator and he probably would if he was alone. "What do you think he meant?" He asked Matt.


    "He probably confessed his feelings and intentions to miss Marin." Matt replied.


    Jason laughed, "that ignorant son of a bitch."

 Chapter 224 - 224. Trapped In The Middle Of Alpha Males.

    "Jamie I don''t think is a very good idea to just sit here waiting." Lenora informed, looking around for reporters or angry fans. The house was already in a pretty sorry state and any moment now the next batch of hurt and angry people seeking justice would be coming by. Weather he like it or not he stayed with her in her apartment. He couldn''t access his account meaning he couldn''t get a hotel or literally anything. So he didn''t really have a choice.


    But it was anything but pleasant, who knew Jamie could be this unpleasant to be with? He was moody and annoyed most of the time. Always brooding and dull, worse of all he somehow managed to blame her for everything. How he managed to conclude it form her story she did not understand.


    "You can go if you want to." He said curtly.


    "I can''t just leave you here, you don''t know the way back." She replied.


    He glared at her, sending chills down her spine. "I was pretty attentive on the way here I don''t need your help." He stated bluntly. "So it would even be better if you just walk away already." He said in a less than friendly tone.


    Lenora shut her eyes, fisted her plans and let out a heavy sigh. If she lashed out she might just push him back to Susan. Even though it was hard right now at least he was with her.


    He already walked forward and sat in front of her gate, looking all manners of attractive.


    You can do this Lenora. She encouraged herself and went to sit down behind him. " He said.


    Before he spoke and she felt the weight of his gaze on her she explained. "I''m not here because of you, I thought about it and I''m still a reporter. If I was looking for the actress I would start here. Besides I have a curiosity to feed."


    He scoffed and scooted away from her, "suit yourself."


    **************************************************


    "He said what?" Tony asked.


    "It was so strange" Jessie replied. "He some how felt different, I always knew that there was more to Jonathan but that was pretty intense."


    Tony nodded for her to go on, and she did. "He said he knows his brother likes me, and he knows I know that he likes me." She started. "And I already told I was caught in my deceit, so that already was him having an upper hand. I just really didn''t have words." She said.


    "Why would you even lie like that?" Tony asked.


    "I didn''t think he would hear, besides I''ve had to start using such underhanded techniques to get my way with Jason. Ugh... both brothers are making my already difficult life even more difficult!" She huffed.


    Tony sighed. "I''m at least happy to see you worrying about problems you should be worrying about."


    "How is being trapped in the middle of two very opinionated and dominant Alpha males a problem I should be worrying about? I''m sure you know more than anything I hate love triangles." She frowned.


    "So what? Are you torn between them?" He asked, it seemed that''s all he did.


    "No." She blurted immediately, realising her mistake when Tony cocked a brow. She covered her mouth and shook her head. "I don''t have time to think about such things right now. My life is in too much of a mess."


    Tony laughed mockingly. "Yeah right."


    **************************************************


    ''I told you so'' was in order but she couldn''t dare say it. So she just allowed the sulking man sulk into her apartment. She pulled off her heeled sandals and shimied her small feet into comfortable flip flops. Pulling the door close when she felt a resistance, her hair whipped around and her gaze fell on a brown haired petite woman.


    "Susan?" She asked, confusion etched all over her features.


    "Where is he?" She spat, ignoring Lenora and looking inside.


    Lenora followed her line of sight and shut the door behind her coming to stand in front of the woman, looking straight into her eyes. When she realised the height difference unconsciously her eyes went to her heels then back to her face.


    "What do you mean?" Lenora asked.


    "Don''t lie, I saw him come in here. I saw both of you come in here." She said.


    "I wasn''t trying to lie, yes Jamie is in my apartment right now. He uses my towels, sleeps in my bed and eats my food. Why is that you business?" Lenora said with a look of disgust on her face.


    Susan nostrils flared and before Lenora could react her face was already burning and possibly bruised. Again before she could react her head yanked back in an uncommon angle, as she felt strands of her hair leave her head.


    "Are you mad?!!" Lenora shrieked.


    "Yes! Yes I''m mad! I can''t believe he still went back to you!" Susan screamed.


    Lenora grabbed her hair as well and use her long nails to scrape across her scalp before yanked a fist full.


    "Ahh!" Susan screamed. "Let go!"


    "You let go!" She retorted.


    Tears bit her eyes but she refused to cry them, unlike Susan that was already a blubeering mess. "How could he come back to such a toxic person like you? How could he ...? I didn''t even ask him to stay with me but you are just poison to him." She spat.


    Each word cutting in to Lenora as she already had the thoughts in her subconscious mind. Ofcourse she did, she was stil human. She kept pushing them away. But now Susan said it, it made her feel extremely pathetic and selfish. And she was, she was all those things she already knew. And it already hurt her so much, that was why she refused to give up on Jamie. Even though she hurt him so much he was the only one that saw her pain and understood her struggle.


    "Fine, fine I agree I''m toxic for Jamie, let go!" She yelled.


    "You let go!" Susan screamed.


    "Fine on three, we''ll both let go." Lenora suggested. "Deal?"


    "Fine deal." Susan agreed.


    "One." Lenora started.


    "Two." Susan continued.


    "Three!" They both said together but at the end of the day one person was still yelping in pain.


    "You bitch! Let go of my hair!" Susan yelled.


    "No." Lenora said with a straight face. "You think you can come to my house and spout any manner of rubbish and I''ll take it? Who are you to say what Jamie needs or wants? Who the hell do you think you are to poke your nose in other people''s business?!" She yelled yanking on her hair.


    "Ahh! You physco, I''ll kill you!" Susan screamed.


    "What the hell is going on here?" A calm voice came from behind them. Both women turned around to see a shirtless, towel clad and still dripping ex cop glaring at them with boredom etched all over his features.

 Chapter 225 - 225. Selfish Bitch!

    It has happened again! Everything I wrote! I don''t even have time for this shit! I am literally struggling to balance school and a lot of things I do not have time to rewrite chapters! The whole chapter literally disappeared everything! Sorry I''m ranting again but I really do not have the time or leisure for this. I am a college student studying Pharmacy. I do not have the time for this shit! Well as much as I rewrite because my dear readers are the only encouragement to keep going and the fact that I do have a story to tell. I will struggle to recreate the emotional release of a chapter that has now disappeared. Just know, this is not the first draft.


    **************************************************


    Both women stared awestruck at the muscled, halfnaked and wet man before them. Both of them too smitten to say anything.


    "I believe I asked a question, what are you two doing here?" He asked again.


    Susan tried to stand up straight whilst trying to pry her hair from Lenora''s grip.


    "Ow!" She squealed "let go!"


    Lenora glared down at the woman and tightened her fist even more causing her to shriek.


    "Let her go!" Jamie ordered but she ignored him and kept holding Susan down.


    "This does not involve you so mind your own business." She spat at him, glaring down at Susan to avoid the initial shock of seeing him so damn hot.


    Jamie cocked an eye brow and folded his strong arms, muscles flexing as he did. "Is that so? That did seem to be the case, at least not from what I heard." He stated bluntly.


    Lenora scoffed "is that it? Do you really have nothing else to do but eavesdrop?" She asked.


    "Eavesdrop? Let her go!" He ordered.


    "No." She replied.


    He sighed walking over to them he pried Lenora''s hand away from Susan dark locks and pulled her away from the wincing woman.


    "Hey! I told you not to get involved!" She yelled.


    Without a backward glance he pulled her into the apartment and slammed the door behind him. "What the hell was that?" He asked as they walked into the room, rather he pulled her into the leaving room.


    "I could ask you the same thing. Why the hell are you getting involved? Let her go? You have no idea what the hell that bit-"


    "How could she not say whatever she said, when you kept spouting out crap. What? I sleep in your bed?" He spat with so much venom.


    Lenora laughed ruefully. "I''m I wrong? Do you not sleep in my bed?" She sassed.


    "You and I both know that was not what you meant." He retorted.


    "That is exactly what I meant." She replied. "You know what, I can''t do this right now. I am not going to stand here and listen to this crap right now." She said pushing past him.


    "That''s all you do isn''t it? Refuse to listen to the truth?" He said.


    "What truth?" She asked,turning around.


    "That you are an incredibly selfish and heartless bitch." He said slowly and Lenora palms formed fists by her side. "Isn''t that the reason you hit her?"


    "Hit who?" She asked in pure and innocent confusion.


    "Who else, Susan." He said curtly. "Beause she was telling you the truth?"


    Lenora lips parted slightly from the shook the accusation brought. She had to step back and pace her breathing.


    "I hit Susan?" She asked not sure if the question was directed at her or Jamie.


    "Don''t even add lying to your list of shortcomings, I heard you guys remember? I know you hit her." He said.


    She bit her bottom lip and asked the question "what if I was the one that got hit, what if I didn''t hit her?" She asked.


    He laughed mockingly, "I''m I a fool? Like a sweet person like Susan would ever lay her hand on someone else."


    Lenora bit her lip in frustration and looked up at him, in anger.


    "So what makes me different?" She asked again, hoping for something to hold on to, anything.


    "You?" He shook his head as he drove the nail deeper. "You are pure human trash. I don''t doubt it for a second." He spat wickedly.


    Lenora nodded her head slowly as she staggered away. That wasn''t her Jamie, she didn''t know who that man wearing his face was. As she was about to step out of the living room she froze.


    Why I''m I acting so weak? For the first time I am the victim, not Susan, not Jamie, me! I can''t let them use me to make themselves feel better. I got hit, and I got shattered. Like hell I''m going to walk away, no more acting the selfless girlfriend, I''m neither patient nor selfless. That''s right I''m a selfish bitch! That''s who I am, no need to start changing now.


    She turned around after the personal monologue. "You know what, fuck you! Fuck you and Fuck that bitch Susan!" She cursed.


    Jamie turned around and scoffed as she walked back to him. She walked to him and began to shove him backwards "do you think life has been easy for me as well? Do you think it''s been easy having you look at me in disgust and such hate that I can''t even understand. Yes I understand that you lost your memories and you''ve had the worst couple of days. But do you know what kept you sane? Dishing on me, but I said nothing while you ridiculed and tore into me." She said as tears streamed down her face as like the angry words that left her mouth.


    "Hey. " he said as he tried to hold her steady. But she wouldn''t have any of it.


    "I took it all without saying anything, and now you accused me of hitting some other woman while my bruised cheek stares you in the face! You know what I''m done, I agree I''m a selfish bitch so I''m going to act like one now." She spat, walking away.


    A few seconds later she walked back out with his clothes and threw them at him. "Get out, I can''t keep doing this with you. Get out." She said, too weak to even cry anymore.


    Jamie sighed as he stared at her with such an intense glare she felt as though she would melt.


    "W-what are you doing?" She stuttered, stumbling backwards as he stalked forwards. Her feet caught amongst the clothes she littered across the floor but he was quicker. His strong arms wrapping around her slender waist, he held her to his body, using her lack of stamina to his advantage.


    After she came back from the gawking and the theatrical situation she tried to pry his hands away but he wouldn''t budge.


    "I''ll kiss you now." Was all the warning he gave as he placed his lips on hers and immediately deepened the kiss.


    Against her better judgement or was it just instinct she snaked her fingers into his damp hair and moaned into his lips.


    Very quickly it became heated as they got at each other like animals starved of each other. He lifted her up and pushed her aganist the wall as he stroked her tongue. Kissing down her jawline and down to her neck she couldn''t hold it anymore. She began to unbeaten her shirt but Jamie soon became impatient with her fumbling fingers and ripped open the shirt, buttons falling all over the floor.


    He ripped the shirt away and went straight for her bra hook as Lenora busied herself with kissing his face and lower. When she playfully nibbled his earlobe he realized a low growl moving her away from the wall to the kitchen island. He used his hand to sweep away all the things that sat upon it and sat her down on it.


    Pushing her backwards he pulled off her jeans and drew kissed all the way to her inner thighs. The action incredibly jolting for Lenora. Giving her both strong doses of pleasure and common sense.


    Before things would progress further she sat up and pushed him away.


    His confused expression asked the question before he did, and she had to shut her eyes not to cave in and just sleep with him.


    "You''re not going to use me as a release. I already said that." She said pushing him away and sliding of the island. "I meant it when I said you should leave."


    "Is that what you really want?" He asked.


    "Since when did you begin to care about what I want?" She asked.


    "I remembered something." He stated slowly.


    "What?" Her eyes widened and she sat up.


    "This, doing this with you, and leaving early while you were sleeping." He said, his eyes never leaving hers.


    "..." She stared at him unblinking.


    "Doesn''t mean I completely trust you, but I''m sure I always wanted to apologise for that. I''ll get out of your hair." He said. Walking away from her, but before he left her completely she grabbed his arm.


    "Let''s take care of that first." She said, awkwardly clearing her throat as she looked down, his eyes followed her line of sight and he smiled softly.


    Cocking a brow at her "don''t think too much on it, it doesn''t mean any thing. Just... thank you for the apology, I really needed that."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure you''re awake when I leave this time." He said as he cupped her nape, suddenly bringing her closer to him and claiming her lips.

 Chapter 226 - 226. You Would Never Forget.

    Jason kept staring at his wristwatch the entire day, when would 7pm reach? He was feeling uneasy the entire time. Seemed Jonathan had successfully managed to crawl under his skin and make him anxious.


    ''you see my feelings also aren''t a secret but I say them to those whom their directed.''


    Did he really confess to Jessie? And if he did what did he say? Ugh! It drove him mad! How was he supposed to remain calm and level headed? Even if Jessie was his to claim this would still make him anxious but that heartless actress hadn''t even said anything, she alone kept him on his toes and now this?


    Did someone write ''Mess with this man, his feelings and peace of mind don''t matter?'' On his forehead. If they did he would really love to know. It wasn''t normal anymore.


    He looked at his wrist. 6:08... he scoffed, it was as if time was also playing a game on him. And he couldn''t call Jessie, she always did the opposite of what he said. How can he tell her not to fall in love with Jonathan? She would go and do just that.


    "You know what? Screw this." He stated bluntly picking up his office phone he phoned Matt. "Do I have anything else on my schedule?" He asked.


    "Not that I know of sir, are you already finished reviewing the minutes of the meetings?" He asked. Jason was a strange and talented man, but even a robot couldn''t finish that in fifteen minutes.


    "No, I''ll take it home." He said, pouting through the speaker.


    Matt lips curved into a small smile, of course he would want to leave. "I''m certain I can arrange that sir."


    "Good, I''m leaving now."


    **************************************************


    "Yes?"


    "Is he leaving now?"


    "I''m not sure... probably."


    "Yes or no, I need a decisive answer."


    "It not as though I can see him across from my office. Besides as soon as he joined Paradise he disappeared. It''s like he is here but he then he isn''t."


    "I don''t condone excuses, I didn''t send you to KE holdings to not be sure."


    He scoffed. "It''s good that your beginning to come clean about why you really had me." He spat. "And why you were so insistent I come here."


    The eye roll was obvious even through the other side of the speaker. "How then do you expect me to help you then?"


    "He leaving right now, I just got a text. Do it now." He replied.


    "Never say I''m a terrible mother, I''m helping you get the girl you want." She finished, cutting the call as she did.


    **************************************************


    Jason walked out of the building with purpose, surprised at himself and how eager he was to leave work this days. Well when Jessie was the end goal, of course he would be happy to leave. As he was about to step out the door Matt stopped him.


    "What?" He asked.


    "There is an emergency with Paradise." He said quickly.


    "Paradise?"


    Matt handed the phone over to him, and he watched the news where the first lady was being battered and chased by reporters.


    "Malpractice?" Jason scoffed. "Can she be arrested?"


    "Yes, one of her husband''s propaganda for getting into office was no immunity for his position." Matt replied.


    Jason shut his eyes and sighed. "I didn''t even like her, can she just get arrested?"


    "She''s threatening Paradise." Matt replied.


    "Threatening Paradise?" He asked in disbelief and shock. "Can she even do that?"


    "I''m not sure sir, but I do know we have to go... now." Matt stated.


    **************************************************


    "You''re late!" Jessie chastised as soon as the door opened, Jessie sprang up and spun around. Her expression distorting when she saw who was standing across from her.


    "You''re not Jason." She blurted out before she could stop herself.


    Jonathan cocked a brow. "Sorry to disappoint?"


    "No, oh no I''m sorry I said it like that." She replied. "It''s just that..."


    "You were expecting my brother instead." He finished.


    She bit her lower lip and looked at anywhere but at him. "Do you have any idea where Jason is? Do you know if he is still at work?" She asked.


    "Why? Are you that eager to see him? Or are just running away because of what happened earlier?" He asked bluntly.


    Jessie breathing hitched for a second, totally shocked at his bluntness, but it was probably a family thing. Jason was pretty blunt as well.


    She nodded slowly, "well since you brought it up and since it''s never smart to drag this things out I''ll just have to address this first." She started.


    "Why do I feel like I''m about to get rejected?" Je asked his eyes and tone not at all mirroring each other. His tone sounded casual but his gaze bore holes into her.


    She sighed heavily. "I''m sorry Jonathan but I can''t accept your feelings for me. You know this as well, I''m in love with your brother." She said.


    "But he doesn''t know that, I wonder why?" He asked, dropping his suitcase, he walked into the room.


    "That- that is not your concern." She replied stepping backwards quickly before he trapped her again.


    "But I''m oh so very curious. He loves you and you that. But you love him and he doesn''t know that. I want to know why?" He insisted.


    "When did you become so... persistent?" She frowned.


    "The moment I realised you were in love with Jason. I refuse to be the male friend who is watching the woman he loves fall for another form the side lines. I''m sorry that I''m selfish and I refuse to consider how hard and uncomfortable for you this might be. But instead of suffering in silence I thought you should know." He shrugged. "Besides, what if you actually fall for me?"


    "Look Jonathan, I understand that you can''t exactly choose who you like and falling in love is not a crime but you have to understand. I already love someone else, and that is not going to change-"


    "What makes you say so? You have heard the saying if you love two people go for the second. You wouldn''t have fallen for him if you truly loved the first." He said.


    "So what? You want to seduce me?" She asked.


    He laughed lightly "don''t make it sound so scandalous. You are not in a relationship of any sort. And why shouldn''t I be allowed to try?"


    "Because it makes me incredibly uncomfortable. Aren''t you worried about the friendship between us? I don''t want to lose what we already have, you are important to me and I owe you a lot. Does all that not matter?" She asked.


    "I don''t think I can be just friends Jessie, I like you too much." He replied.


    She stared at him for some seconds before replying. "So does that mean we are parting here?"


    Jonathan huffed angrily "is he really that important that you''d choose so easily between us? Not even a thought?" He asked the hurt and anger evident in his voice.


    At that moment she began to realize her error. How did he fall so deeply for her without her noticing? "Jonathan." She started "you have been a wonderful friend and support system to me and I honestly cannot thank you enough for everything you''ve done for me. I''m sorry that instead of paying you back for all the things you''ve done I''m hurting you like this. But I love Jason and it''s even beginning to scare me how much." She explained.


    "I haven''t told Jason I love him because I don''t deserve to be happy right now. Not with the way my life is going, I have too much to settle and fix individually." She said. "What I need is a friend, I know this is selfish to ask but to be honest these days I''m beginning to feel so comfortable and admist it all, content? I never had the friends I have now when I was still popular and loved. I don''t want to lose that. You are important to me and I don''t want to lose you. So please... don''t make me choose."


    Jonathan stopped approaching and stared at her intently, "do you really mean that?"


    She nodded "I do."


    "Fine, I''m not giving up but I wouldn''t want you choose. Especially when I wouldn''t be that choice." He said. "I won''t mention this again, but in return I want you to promise me something."


    "What is it?" She asked softly.


    "You would never forget" he replied.


    "Never forget what?" She asked.


    "Never forget that I have feelings for you, I won''t say it again and I will act accordingly from now one. But you have to promise that whatever I do for you, whenever I smile at you, and with every moment that passes by between us. I like you and very deeply as well. Deal?"


    "Jonathan." She breathed out.


    "Promise." He stated firmly.


    She nodded. "Fine, I promise."

 Chapter 227 - 227. Fighting Your Emotions.

    As soon as she said the words he phone lit up and began to ring. Starled by the sudden buzzing she fumbled at little trying to get it out of her pocket.


    Jason.


    The caller ID read. Looking up at Jonathan she gave him a weak smile and walked out of the room to take the call.


    "Hey, where are you?" She answered with a questioning.


    "I''m sorry, I got caught up with work today. Will you be fine going home with Matt? I sent him to get you." He stated.


    "Matt? What about you? Are you home?" She asked.


    "No, I don''t think I''ll be able to go home tonight." He replied.


    "Then I''ll just stay here." She finished.


    "Really? Won''t you be most comfortable in your bed?" He asked.


    She smiled sadly, "I would but I can''t even enjoy that. My own bed..." she said sadly.


    Jason brows furrowed in confusion. "You can, Matt is coming to get you." He repeated.


    "No, not that bed." She laughed dismissively. "Don''t worry about me Jason, I''m fine here really. You should go back to work." She said.


    "I don''t like that you''re still there Jessie." He stated firmly.


    "Yeah well I like it, and don''t you dare force me to leave." She warned.


    "I wasn''t going to." He pouted through the phone.


    "Of course you weren''t." She replied with sacarsm.


    "I really wasn''t, I''ve learned telling you what to do is never the right approach."


    Her brow cocked "really? Since when?"


    "It doesn''t matter, go to bed I''ll be by in the morning." He said.


    "Bye."


    "Was that Jason?" Jonathan asked from behind her.


    She looked behind and nodded. "When is he coming to get you?" He asked and she began to laugh.


    "What?" He frowned. "Why are you laughing?"


    "I just realized I''ve never really been independent my entire life, the way you said he was coming to ''get'' me. Made it sound like he was responsible for me or something." She said.


    Jonathan expression immediately softened when he realized her laughter wasn''t coming from amusement but rather sadness. "Do you want to be independent?" He asked.


    She stopped laughing and stared intently at him. "I don''t think I can." She said honestly.


    "Why not? I don''t see why not."


    "Being independent means being responsible for your actions. As much as I''d love to believe I have what it takes I''m not brave enough to go out there and take responsibility." She sighed. "Today, on the news there are still people in front of my house. And it''s hard on my neighbours, it''s hard on my fans and it incredibly hard on just... everyone and everything around me."


    "I know I should say something at least to get them to back off my agency, well... ex-agency, my house, neighbourhood, just everyone I''m hurting indirectly. But I am scared, I never cared much about people''s opinions when I was an actress. But now it''s easy to see that it was easy not to because everyone loved me, now that it''s the opposite I just want to disappear." She looked up and her eyes met his.


    "Then why don''t you just disappear? You are innocent, whatever you choose to do will be right either way." He stated.


    "I can''t!" She blurted out.


    "Why?"


    "Because I''m confused, on one hand I just want it all to stop. But then I loved what I did, I didn''t have friends or close relationships. I didn''t know what it meant to love someone so much it hurts, but I loved being an actress. It was like my nature, but I also love this. Being around people that don''t owe me, or want anything from me but care deeply for me." She sighed. "What do I do?"


    "Is this why you won''t tell Jason you love him?" Jonathan asked.


    She eyed him and shook her head with a pout. "Did you hear nothing I just said."


    "I did, and it all makes sense now. You''re scared your are going to want to stay, you''re scared Jason is going to make you want to stay." He stated. He scoffed "do you really like him that much?"


    She looked away for a moment then back at him. "You promised to back off, I need a friend right now. Can you really not be that?"


    "Is that why you chose to stay here? Because you need advise about your love life with Jason?" Jonathan asked.


    She bit her lip in annoyance "this isn''t about Jason. It''s about me, my life and my future."


    Jonathan laughed, his laughter full of sacarsm. "You want a friend? Then I''ll be honest with you. This isn''t about you or your career. This is you fighting your emotions for Jason."


    "Why would I do that?" She huffed.


    "Don''t ask me, you''re the one fighting it. You know what please go on, fight it. It only makes me more determined, but don''t worry I made a promise. This is as far as I can advise you as a friend. I won''t go any further, if you really love Jason as you say then you''ll eventually figure it out." He said.


    "Why are you being so mean!" She spat.


    "This is the only way I know to get you to realise your turmoil." He spat back.


    "Then would you just say what you want to already, stop speaking in ciphers!" She ordered.


    "I can''t do that, just like you I''m not brave enough to do that. How can I give you the answer you need to be happy with my brother?" He asked. "I need to fight for you first before I can give up."


    Her mouth opened in both disbelief and annoyance. But she couldn''t say anything to him because he was right. She would do the same thing if she was in his shoes, but it didn''t make any less annoyed. She huffed angrily before she spun around and walked away, making sure she slammed the door as she did.


    Jonathan stared at her with longing as she stormed off. How was it that he only found her more enchanting now she was on her guard around him, only encouraged him to work harder to break down these new walls. He had lost so much to his brother, and he never even cared. But not this time, for whatever reason she fought her emotions for Jason he would find and exploit. Whatever it took, he would make Jessie his.

 Chapter 228 - 228. That Time Of The Year.

    "You getting engaged tonight? You didn''t even tell me." Jason said into his phone as he got out of the car his bodyguard held open.


    "How did you even find out?" Paul sighed at the other end of the phone.


    "Matt told me, what''s going on?" Jason asked.


    "What do you think? I was ambushed, it''s even better this way. Let''s keep it all quiet." He sighed.


    "Have you spoken to Katherine recently?" Jason asked.


    "No, she''s not picking any of my calls. I honestly don''t know what is going on in her head these days. I get that she''s going through a tough time looking for her biological father and all. But I don''t get why she''s pushing me away." He said, his voice full of concern and worry.


    "Tell me that is not what you thinking about while you getting engaged to someone else?" Jason chuckled.


    Paul laughed "it''s not like I love Choi Yuri or anything. I respect her, or rather used to so I believe I''m allowed to think about things and people that do actually matter in my life." He shrugged.


    "Used to respect her?"


    "She convinced my mother about the party, and to do it while Katherine was out of town. I have no idea what she has aganist Kat or why they all see her as a threat but it just made me very angry." He stated. "But she doesn''t know that I know, I overheard them talking earlier and I am so pissed right now. How I''m even managing to dress for the engagement party is surprising me."


    "Why? Do you want Katherine to be there?"


    "Of course I do. She''s my best friend and especially now when I feel alone I need her by my side" he agreed.


    Jason almost palmed his face in frustration, why wouldn''t he see it? Everyone else could, why was he making things more complicated when he already loved someone else, worse she loved him back. That was not a convenience everyone had.


    "But wait, why are you calling me? You''re even listening to me rant about my feelings and problems, what is going on?" Paul asked, his voice full of skepticism.


    "Why? Can''t I ask my friend about his problems?" Jason replied.


    "I didn''t think that you could. It didn''t seem like something you were capable of- wait what date is it?" Paul asked.


    "It''s not what you''re thinking." Jason stated firmly.


    "No... I think I''m right, it''s that time again isn''t it. Have you spoken to Jessie?" Paul asked.


    "I called her but it''s pretty late, she''s probably asleep. Besides it''s for the best I don''t want her to see me like this. Especially now, since I''ve started having the nightmares again." He sighed.


    "You still at work aren''t you?" Paul asked.


    "Not intentionally, infact I didn''t realise it a few hours ago. The only thing I wanted was to see her, but something came up with Paradise and it suddenly just happened." He said slowly.


    "The thing with the first lady right? You managed to wrap it up perfectly." Paul said.


    "I guess but they want to assassinate her" he said bluntly.


    Paul brows furrowed and he pulled the phone away to look at it, making sure he heard properly.


    "What did you say?" He asked again just to he sure.


    "The wanted, still do. They want her dead, all of them keep saying it a price she has to pay for threatening Paradise." He repeated. "And the scariest thing is that they all said it like it was a normal punishment for traitors or something of the sort."


    "I-I don''t know what to say Jason."


    "I''m beginning to doubt the integrity of this organisation." He groaned.


    "Did you at least stop it?"


    "Yeah, I used my right as president to stop it. The right to Sovereign rule." He replied.


    "So? How many of those do you have?" Paul asked.


    "Just the one."


    "What if something like this happens again?" Paul asked.


    "I have no idea. This is not the Paradise my mother told me about, this is not the safe haven my mother poured her life into." Jason said getting agitated all over again for the hundredth time that night.


    "Do you think because of the large gap in succesorship the organisation fell from grace?" Paul asked.


    "That could be it but somehow it doesn''t feel right either. Everything about Paradise just feels... I don''t know, wicked?" Jason frowned "it does sound too good to be true though, a secret society of a country''s most powerful and influential people coming together to do good? Somehow them acting this way seems more natural."


    "What are you going to do now?"


    "I don''t know, but I trust my mother. She was the kindest and most empathetic person I have ever met. She wouldn''t have given herself to something wicked." He said. "If this is the case then I''ll have to make it what it used to be."


    "You know I''m always here if you need me." Paul assured him.


    "Thank you friend. Same here." Jason replied.


    "Bullshit, if you were always here for me you would be here right now." Paul said sacarstically.


    Jason laughed "turn around and look out the window."


    Paul eyes widened and he walked to his window and saw Jason standing outside his window, besides his black jeep with about four bodyguards around him.


    Paul laughed in disbelief and gratitude.


    "You really are here, I''m touched. Jason Kang left his busy schedule and the woman he loved to come to a party he wasn''t invited to." Paul said with so much sacarsm dripping from his voice.


    "Well I''ll be honest, Katherine called and asked me to come to you. She couldn''t be here, and she thought you would feel lonely without any of us. So she asked me to come." Jason informed him.


    "Katherine did?" Paul asked in a small voice.


    "Yeah well... plus you said it. It is that time of the year."

 Chapter 229 - 229. All Of A Sudden.

    Jonathan walked into the living room only to meet a haggard looking Jessie in her natural habitat, with empty wrappers and have eaten snacks littered all around her.


    She lifted her head slightly to look at him, after pausing the movie she was watching. "You''re finally awake?" She asked.


    Jonathan lips parted slightly at the sight in front of him. "I guess..."


    "Oh.. sorry about the mess I tend to get carried away when watching an interesting movie." She said with a sheepish smile.


    "But you''re in it" he replied.


    "Of course I said interesting I only pick scripts that are sure to break records. Besides I haven''t actually seen this one, never really got around to it. Always wanted to though, I guess being hated has perks right? " She shrugged, pushing her self up to a sit and she pushed her hair away from her face. "Oooh you look good, going somewhere?" She asked again without allowing his reply to her first question.


    "Yeah" he said slowly. "Brunch, was going to ask if you wanted to come along bu-"


    "Ofcourse!" She blurted excitedly. "I''ll go get ready!"


    "But you said you really wanted to see this movie." He retorted.


    "No no, it wasn''t that good anyway. Wait for me!" She said running into her room to change.


    Jonathan looked back at the site before him and began to shake his head. She is so unpredictable.


    "I''m surprised how quickly you got ready." Jonathan said as he pulled away from his drive way.


    "Oh well, already showered so I just needed to dress. I can''t do makeup anyway so that didn''t require time." She shrugged as she tugged on her overcoat.


    Jonathan looked at her and smiled. "You don''t need makeup either. Even without it I''m sure you''ll overshadow every other woman." He said honestly and she scoffed at it.


    "Oh please don''t lie to me. I look just okay." She said pushing her shoulder length hair behind her ears. "Oh by the way, who are you going to meet?"


    "What makes you think I''m going to meet someone?" He asked.


    "You''re dresses like that, on a Sunday- afternoon? Woah it got so late." She pouted. "Either way, no way you got ready to have brunch alone."


    "Why don''t you think it''s you?"


    "If it was me you would''ve asked, not offered to take me to brunch. Besides why would you ask me when you were already dressed?" She asked.


    He nodded "alright I admit, I am meeting someone." He replied.


    Her gaze narrowed down at him and she have him a suspicious look.


    "Hey, what''s with that look?" He asked. "Does it make you jealous? The thought of me meeting someone else?"


    "Jealous?" She laughed softly. "What rubbish, why would I be jealous? I''m just curious." She pouted.


    "About what?" He asked.


    "Why you would lie the way you did." She said seriously. Shooting him a confused look when the car abruptly came to a screeching halt.


    "You think I was lying?" He asked.


    "Hey! You almost gave me a heart attack!" She gasped.


    He grabbed her arm and turned her to face him, "answer me." He ordered.


    She pulled her arm away from his and frowned "I don''t know what you want me to say."


    "How about what you really think, did you think I was lying?"


    "Well what I''m I supposed to think? Why would you get so dressed up on a Sunday the only day you have away from work to go see someone that doesn''t mean something to you? And if that person is really so important why would you say all those things to me?" She huffed in annoyance of having to explain herself.


    "What makes you think the person is important to me?" Jonathan asked.


    "Beacuse you regardless of how indifferent you to want to believe you are, blood is thicker than water. Jason is still your brother and he would never make time to see someone that didn''t mean anything to him like this. And neither would you." She huffed.


    "And so? Why does that make my confession a lie?" He asked. "Just because I have people that are important to me how does that make the way I feel for you a lie?


    "Because it so sudden!" She huffed.


    "Sudden? You knew I liked you before I even said it." He stated.


    "No I didn''t, true I suspected it but do you know I wouldn''t believe it?" She asked.


    "Why?" He asked.


    "Because it''s really so sudden. I can count the number of time we actually met one on one how is it possible for you to like me so soon? You barely know me." She said.


    "Like that stops a person, haven''t you heard of love at first sight?"


    "Is that what happened?"


    "No, but it''s possible. And I do like you. Look, i''m having brunch with my mother. I haven''t seen her in a while so I got dressed up." He explained.


    And her brow rose as her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. "Ahh.." was all she said.


    Jonathan sighed unable to figure out what could possibly be going on in her mind he started the car again and began to drive.


    "Wait a minute." She started as it finally dawned on her. "I''m going to meet you mother?!"


    "Yes?" Jonathan answered non chalantly.


    "Ahh... isn''t this too sudden?" She asked.


    "Is that perhaps you favourite word?" He tsked at her.


    **************************************************


    She would not lie to herself she was nervous, why? She had no idea but meeting parents has never been a strong suit of hers. As she walked with her pointed silver six inch heels. As plaid pant suit and a dark coloured turtle neck. Her accessories complementing the simplicity of her outfit and adding a touch of elegance and superiority especially with the over coat hanging on her shoulders, a picture of simplicity in sophistication.


    Her outfit did nothing to hide the nervousness she felt as she shifted her designer bag from one hand to the other.


    "Stop fiddling." Jonathan said as he placed his arm at the small of her back as they about to walk into the restaurant. They had a private room to go into so she didn''t have to worry about the crowd.


    She looked at him with pleading eyes, what exactly she was begging for also unknown to her. "Stop worrying, my mother is a kind woman. Besides, she asked to see you anyway." He said with a mischievous smile.


    "What?"


    "She wants to see the girl that is in the centre of her son''s heart, come on." He said pulling her in.


    "What?!" She yelled as he did. "Why would you tell her about me?"


    "Uh.. because she''s my mom?"


    "Still I can''t believe you would just do something so un- ooof!" She exclaimed as she stumbled into the private room.


    "You must be Jessie, how are you?" A soft and melodious voice danced around her ears.


    Jessie looked up slowly at the source of the voice. Her eyes widening as she took in the woman features, Big beautiful brown eyes, high cheek bones. Soft features and the whitest skin she had ever seen. How could a person look so... breathtaking?


    "I-I it''s nice to meet you." Jessie managed to say stretching out her hand to shake the woman.


    The woman smiled as she took it, abruptly pulling her into a hug. Jessie eyes widened and her hands hung idly at her side as the woman, Jonathan''s beautiful mother gave her a warm embrace.


    "This doesn''t seem fair, I am your child and here you are hugging someone else." Jonathan pouted from behind.


    She smiled as she pulled away from Jessie and hugged her son as well.


    "How have you been son?" She held on to his shoulders, unable to easily reach his face as he towered over both women.


    "Better now your here" he smiled.


    "And you young lady, I guess I shouldn''t ask you how you''ve been. I can at least tell something from all the TV I watch." She gave her a soft smile.


    "Ah, I''m sorry about that. My life is such a mess right now" Jessie said looking down at her feet, but Jonathan''s mother wouldn''t let her. With a finger at her chin she lifted her head and silently ordered her to look into her eyes.


    "Don''t apologise, you didn''t do anything wrong. Or did you kill those people?"


    "Mother!" Jonathan warned.


    Jessie shook her head. "Of course you didn''t. Don''t apologise or ever lower your head for something you didn''t do. Okay?"


    She nodded. "Thank you so much... uh what do I call you?"


    "Ah, Celeste Shim, but I don''t mind you calling me mother." She gave her a warm smile.


    "Oh? How can I call such a young looking woman mother?" She said playfully.


    "Don''t dare tease me." She laughed.


    "Whatever, whatever, I''m hungry let''s go eat." Jonathan stated pushing the two women towards the table.

 Chapter 230 - 230. Living Happily.

    Jason looked up from his computer it was already almost noon, why did he feel like he was somehow always away from Jessie? For some reason they couldn''t be together for long. Now he promised to get her before morning but even if he did, could he just abandon her to come work?


    Even though he hated it so much, at least with Jonathan she wouldn''t be lonely right? His gaze settled on his phone at arm reach before him, should he call her?


    Immediately the phone started ringing it stopped, his lips upturned in a frown and he called again.


    **************************************************


    Jessie laughed nervously as she reached out for her phone from Celeste, "it seems urgent can I answer it?" She asked.


    The older woman confiscated it claiming it was rude to take calls at a dinner table. She insisted she wanted Jessie''s undivided attention.


    "No, you can''t." She refused.


    "Can you at least tell me who it is? I didn''t get a chance to see the caller ID." She asked.


    Celeste pressed the side button and turned the phone off. "It only makes you tempted. Besides, I l would like to think you need the distraction, even if it''s temporarily." She said.


    Jessie gave up the argument, she didn''t even want to keep on arguing. She was surprised how well she was hitting it off with Celeste, it made her badly miss her own mother. She was so attentive to Jonathan and still she didn''t allow her feel left out. It was nice.


    **************************************************


    Patricia almost laughed at the absurdity of the situation. As she looked at the pictures spread out before her, Jessie Marin. She scoffed, from one Kang brother to the other. Not that she was complaining though as far as she stayed far away from Jason they wouldn''t be a problem but then there was.


    No one was really talking about her scandal anymore, and it pissed her the heck off. She used months and months of planning to get her into such hot water, how dare they forget so soon? Jessie still had it easy, nothing really had happened to her yet. This wasn''t the end, and she would make sure she suffers so much death would begin to seem like the only option.


    She reached towards her table and picked up her phone, "what are you thinking?" Mary asked.


    "What do you think? I''m going to make good use of this pictures. Now shush, I have a call to make."


    "Hello?"


    "Hello Amanda, I have exciting news for you. But you have to keep it secret and under wraps, as to how you got the information." Patricia informed her.


    "Oooh you''re making me excited what is this news!" Amanda asked almost squealing.


    "I just sent you some pictures check you mail box." She said.


    "Wait... isn''t this-"


    "Yeah, Jessie Marin. Having the time of her life after ending the lives of others. Doesn''t seem fair now does it?" Patricia asked.


    "Who is that she''s beside?" Amanda asked. "He looks vaguely familiar."


    "Of course he does, that''s Jonathan Kang." She replied.


    "Kang? Asin, of KE holdings?" Amanda gasped. "What''s he doing with Jessie Marin?"


    Patricia lips curved into a wicked and sinister smile. "What does it look like? They are on a date." She smiled.


    "Wow this is rich, but if I may ask why are you giving this to me?" Amanda asked.


    "What do you mean? You''re my dear friend, aren''t you?" Patricia asked in a sweet voice.


    "Of course you are but that''s what I''m asking, you insist that Jessie is a good friend of yours and not only that. This story is going to wreck KE holdings, aren''t you engaged to that family?" Amanda asked obviously.


    "How can I cover this up? Yes Jessie is my friend but she killed people and is living happily because somehow she was acquited of her charges how does that seem fair?" Patricia asked. "And yes this is going to shake KE holdings but I''m sure Jason would have done the exact same thing in my shoes." She continued. "He is a good man."


    "Wow, are you Buddha? How are you real?" Amanda asked. "Don''t worry about it, no one will knows about your involvement."


    "Perfect."


    **************************************************


    "Your mom is the nicest person on earth." Jessie said as they pulled out of the restaurant drive way.


    "Right? You certainly had a nice time." He laughed.


    "You know I always wondered why you saved me back then, when we first met. But you''re like her, kind." She said, looking at him with a serious gaze.


    "Don''t look at me like that." Jonathan stated curtly.


    "Like how?"


    "Just, like that. It makes me want to pull up and kiss the hell out of you." He stated bluntly.


    The statement initially produced shock as her cheeks reddened until she was able to blink away her surprise and shy away from him. Pulling out her phone from her purse she finally turned it on.


    "I''m sure Jason is already burning your house down looking for me." She teased.


    "Don''t make such serious joke, it actually sends shivers down my spine because he is capable." Jonathan replied lightly as well and they both laughed. As soon as the phone turned on a call came in.


    "Wow, it''s Jason." She laughed, clearing her throat she answered the call.


    "WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!" He yelled into the phone.


    Jessie had to pull the phone away from her ears, "with Jonathan why are you overreacting all of a sudden?"


    "Jessie it''s not safe, you''re not safe and neither is Jonathan!" He said quickly his voice frantic.


    "What? Why aren''t we safe? What happened?" She asked her heart beat quickening.


    Suddenly the car jerked and started moving faster. "Jonathan?! Why are you driving so fast?" Jessie gasped.


    "It''s, it''s not me!" He exclaimed, pessing down the brakes. Next thing the doors unlocked and locked. And the speed increased even faster.


    "It''s hacked! The car is hacked!" Jonathan yelled in shock.


    "What?! Doesn''t that like happen only in movies? Can it really happen?" Jessie asked, her voice mirroring her trembling heart.


    "Ofcourse it can! Look the bike after us." Jonathan said.


    Jessie turned around and there was indeed a bike after them, "Jessie? What''s going on? Where are you guys now?!" Jason yelled through the speaker.


    "I don''t... I don''t know! Who are those people? Why are they doing this?" She asked her voice breaking into small sobs.


    "That doesn''t matter, calm down and tell me where you are!" He asked again.


    "I don''t know!" She screamed, unable to think coherent thoughts.


    "Where just getting off the highway, heading toward the subway intersection. I''m going to try to lose them, if we get far away enough we might be able to break the connection. " Jonathan explained to Jason.


    "You''re going to go faster?!" Jessie screamed.


    "That''s the only way! That''s the only thing working!" He yelled back.


    Jonathan turned to look at her for a millisecond not seeing the road blocks and stones thrown into the road.


    "AHHHH!!!"


    With the speed they where driving with the car was tossed into the air, sommersaulting down the road.


    "Jessie! Jessie!" Jason shouts where heard from the speaker, the only thing head from the silence that came after the car finally stopped.


    Still slightly conscious, she struggled to reach her phone, her hand throbbing wickedly with the shards of glass embedded in it.


    Her consciousness like Jonathan''s began to fade and the last things she saw were boots, walking towards the car.


    The car door was ripped open and someone unclasped her seat belt and pulled her out of the passenger''s seat.


    She tried to speak, willing anything to come out of her mouth but she couldn''t make the air leave her lungs. She felt the stiff ground underneath her head as she was laid backwards on the tar. Before she could see the face of the black cald rescuer everything became black.


    **************************************************


    "Jessie!" Jason screamed into the phone, literally about to loose his mind.


    "Wha happened? What happened to her?!" Krystal asked behind him.


    "Jason?" Paul called him from behind as he stood in moving his back to both of them. Next thing he did was grab a glass vase and toss it as hard as he could.


    "Find her, find her!" He yelled at the guards in his office. "I swear if anyone so much as lays a finger on Jessie I will kill them!!"


    "We found the car!" Matt stated quickly as he busted into the office.


    They all looked up and at Matt. "An ambulance is already there, there was an accident. Jonathan is currently headed to the hospital."


    "And Jessie?" Krystal asked.


    "She''s missing, she wasn''t in the car when the ambulance got there." He said slowly.


    And just as slowly they turned around to face Jason just in time to see him turning over his massively heavy desk. And just in time to flee out of the way. He looked absolutely livid and enraged.


    "WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?!!"

 Chapter 231 - 231. I Told You So.

    As Jessie eyes fluttered open her head throbbed with such force she felt at though she might swoon.


    "Ar-gh!" She coughed out water that was abruptly splashed all over her. The purpose of the water met, as her eyes flew open.


    She took in her surroundings, suddenly realising her shivering body was due to the fact that she was stripped to only her underwear. Her body itched all over and when her vision cleared and she realised she was on a bed of grass it all made sense. She always had sensitive skin.


    Suddenly a bright light came on with an abrupt sound so she made the conclusions she was in a sports field of some sort. The question now stood as to what she was doing in a field and worse half naked.


    "You must be wondering why you are here?" A distorted, robotic voice asked from besides her as a masked figure stepped out from admist the darkness.


    Jessie stared down at the figure even from her position on the ground and she tried to move away but the strength had left her body. "Who are you? Show yourself you coward!" She spat viciously.


    The figure began to laugh, suddenly his laughter began to echo next the spotlight on her widened and she saw about ... well not less than fifteen people all in masks surrounding her and laughing manically.


    Nothing told her to get up when she pushed her body to do so. Touching her aching head as she staggered, she looked down at her hand, blood. She was still bleeding.


    "Who are you? What do you want from me?!" She screamed.


    "What do we want from you?! We want you to pay!" The first? They were all in the same mask, so she couldn''t be sure who spoke and the voices where all those distorted mechanical voices.


    "Pay?"


    "Don''t you dare act innocent! How dare you live well when you killed two innocent people?!" Someone from behind her asked.


    Jessie turned around quickly her wet hair whipping around her as she did. "I didn''t kill anyone, it wasn''t me please." She pleaded, refusing to believe this was real. It was dark and scary. She felt like she was in a nightmare and the thought of not being able to wake up from this terrified the hell out of her.


    "Stop lying!" Another scream came, this one sounding more emotional that the rest.


    "Fiona did nothing but love you all her life and what did you go and do? Kill her! Why?! Why?!" She screamed, grabbing Jessie hands and shaking her violently.


    Fiona?


    "Stop! You''ll give yourself away!" Another voice warned. The person shaking Jessie pushed her to the floor again.


    "I don''t care!" She screamed, pulling off her mask she tossed it to the ground. Pulling of the voice box around her neck.


    "I want her to see me, do you think this is unfair? Look at this" she pulled up her sleeve.


    Jessie looked at the tattoo and immediately she saw it tears fell down her cheeks and she shut her eyes in pain and regret. Unable to say another word.


    Diana Fiona Flores


    "Do you see this?!" She screamed at Jessie, it was the an iconic line from the first movie she ever acted. That line was what got her first lead role. "This is how much I loved you, this is how much Fiona loved you and you killed her!"


    Jessie put her hands together in front of her as she sobbed. "Please, please I''m sorry I''m so sorry. Please..." she cried.


    "Sorry is not going to bring back my sister!" She cried.


    "I''m sorry, please, I didn''t do it. Please." She cried harder.


    "Do you think you can still deny it? Even if you didn''t, how dare you ever smile? How dare you think of being happy. How dare you date?!!!" She screamed.


    Heavy tears full of hurt, and disappointment. Full of anger and resentment fell down from Jessie eyes. She was sad, heartbroken and angry at herself. She was right she had not right to live well.


    Even though she didn''t kill these people, she was the reason they died. Her driver, Diana Flores, Steve...


    Jessie went on all fours, putting her hands together before her she placed her head down on them and cried. Begging for forgiveness.


    "Isn''t it too late?" The lady asked.


    Jessie raised her head to look at the look of disgust on the woman''s face, she looked at her like she wanted to kill her so bad but she was worth even less than her efforts.


    "I didn''t do it, please believe me. I promise I didn''t.." she sobbed.


    "Do you know why I took of my mask? Because I didn''t want you to think you''re a victim. You don''t have the right to call yourself that, after all you are still alive and breathing. My dear Diana isn''t." She spat.


    She looked up at the rest of the people and nodded. Putting back her mask she walked into the crowd.


    At first Jessie was confused until the first egg shattered painfully against her skin and she cried out in despair as they began to rain down on her.


    After a few seconds she was covered head to toe in egg yolk, her eyes unable to even open as her hair stuck, glued to her body.


    Her tears fell heavily struggling to flow down her cheeks with all the resistance and stinging.


    "Ahhh!!!" She screamed and kept screaming, sobbing begging anything she could do but it just wouldn''t stop. They just wouldn''t stop.


    Next water whipped her from the back as it stung her skin painfully. A high pressure hose slapped her from every angle. When she began to smell it she realized it wasn''t water, was that? Blood? Why was it red?


    "PLEASE!!! PLEASE!! STOP!!!!!! AHHHH!!!" She cried. Eggs, water, taunts and mocking. She felt overwhelmed, it was too much! She couldn''t breathe, she couldn''t fathom the only thing that came to her mind was Jason.


    Why I''m I thinking about him? That''s right he''s always just here when I''m in trouble, like the last time.


    Suddenly everything stopped when the sirens blared in the distance and they all scattered in various directions as they ran away from the pending punishment.


    Whist every figure was running away one wasn''t. With a figure and a dark silhouette that blocked the light, causing a illusion of a bright radiant aura. His steps remained gallant and purposeful. His approaching figure telling tales of hope.


    Even through the trauma and the tremble of her body, she felt it. The butterflies in her stomach, the weak knees. He was really here. Jason.


    Before he reached her, he elegantly removed the coat that flew like a cape behind him as he ran to her. Catching her before she hit the ground for a second time.


    "Jessie!" He cried.


    Even his voice was like Peace in this chaos. Damn she loved him.


    She looked up into his eyes, wiping the stray tear that fell as he took in her condition. As soon as her thumb pushed the liquid away her hands fell limp, lifelessly hanging as he held her as she fell into the darkness once more.


    "Hey! Hey!! Jessie!"


    **************************************************


    "Hey, do you want a cup of coffee?" Paul asked as he peeped into the room for like the hundredth time that night.


    "No." Was Jason curt reply.


    He hadn''t moved from her side for the past six hours, he remained in moving staring intently at her sleeping form.


    Paul gaze moved from Jason to Jessie, she looked so much better than when they first found her. Much cleaner, her skin had less red blotches the more he came into the room. But she was covered in bruises, small cuts and purple stains littered her body.


    It took everything he had and Krystal as well to stop him from killing the few assailants caught by the police.


    Even now he was still shaking with rage, but a certain calm rested on his features as he stared at her.


    With a sigh Paul left the room again, it would soon be day break but neither of them seemed to budge. He couldn''t blame Jessie though but did Jason have to be so stubborn? Oh well somehow whenever he tried to understand Jason he imagined Katherine in the situation. And then it all made sense.


    Jason took her hand in his and placed a soft kiss on her bruised skin. He felt so angry, so enraged, so hurt that this happened to her and he let it.


    "Hey, why aren''t you waking up? I''m about to lose my mind here, I need you Jessie. I promise to never let you go away again, never. Not even if you cry blood, I can''t take this seeing you like this. It shatters me. Is it too hard to just trust me? To let me protect you? Do you always have to be so damn stubborn?" He asked.


    "I would have said this is a perfect ''I told you so'' moment. But this hurts even me, I can''t breathe without you so why do you keep doing this? Why can''t you just be happy with me? Why can''t you love me as much as I love you?"


    But I do, I love you Jason.

 Chapter 232 - 232. Until When?

    Jonathan eyes slowly fluttered open, as he gazed around his surroundings, his initial confusion disappeared as he remembered the events of the night before.


    "Mr. Kang? How are yo- wait you can''t do that!" The nurse previously checking his IV drip yelled as he ripped the syringe from his arm and jumped off the bed.


    "Mr. Kang!" She screamed after him as he ran out of the room.


    "Mr Kang!" She breathed heavily as she managed to catch up to him when he stopped abruptly. How could a sick person be so energetic?


    "Where is she?" He asked.


    "What?" The nurse asked in confusion.


    "Jessie! Jessie Marin is she okay?" Jonathan asked.


    "The actress? I don''t think you should be worrying about anything else but getting better at this moment." The nurse scolded him.


    "Answer me, do you know where she is? Is she here?" He asked.


    "Please Mr.Kang you must go back to your roo-"


    "Answer me!" He yelled, startling the innocent woman.


    "Fine!" The nurse yelled back, reaching the end of her patience. "But I won''t say a word until you go back and get discharged the right way! If you''re getting discharged that is."


    "What is the assurance that you aren''t just lying to me to get me back to my room." He asked.


    "She is in this hospital, she was brought in yesterday. But goodluck finding a fugitive VIP without my help." She spat back.


    "She''s here? She''s hurt?" He asked.


    "No more words." She said.


    "Fine." He reluctantly agreed. Walking back with her.


    After a few more hours he was in new clothes ready to leave the hospital. His secretary behind him, for some reason Krystal was unavailable that morning. A monday morning.


    He walked as fast as his recovering body could move to Jessie''s room, as he turned around the corner into the hallway where she was, he met with the one person he should not have met right now.


    Jason''s eyes widened as he took in his brother''s appearance. "What a coincidence I was just going to see you." He said.


    "Too bad, I''m here for someone else." Jonathan replied.


    Jason scoffed, "I was coming to kill you, quietly but I don''t mind doing it here in the open as well." He said walking towards Jonathan with murderous intent.


    Before he could reach Paul held him back. "What are you doing? They are too many eyes here." He cautioned Jason.


    "Like I give a shit!" He spat. "I''m going to kill that son of a bitch!" He exclaimed.


    Jonathan huffed in disbelief, "look I couldn''t care less about your childish desires but I need you to step aside. More important things call my attention right now."


    Jason laughed bitterly. "I kill you!" He yelled struggling to reach Jonathan, struggling aganist Paul.


    "Calm the hell down!" He yelled.


    "How can I? When that Insolent brat can''t even do one thing right?! How dare you leave this hospital already when Jessie is still unconscious?!" He yelled.


    Jonathan clenched his teeth as Jason nit picked on his already heavy guilt.


    "If you have any shame at all you would stand there and let me batter you to the ground for being so incompetent!" He yelled. "Do you even know what she had to go through because you just couldn''t do that right? Now she''s lying unconscious because of your stupid insolence!"


    "Fine, hit me all you want, I deserve it. If that''s what you want to do to ease your own bruised ego go ahead!" Jonathan spat at him.


    Jason paused at first letting his statement sink before he laughed wickedly. "You asshole!" He exclaimed shoving Paul away his swinging fist accelerated towards Jonathan.


    "Stop!" A soft shout came from behind them.


    Jason froze in his tracks, they both did as they immediately looked for the source of the voice they both ached for.


    When they couldn''t see her ,Jason assumed he just imagined it and shoved Jonathan. Throwing another punch at him but this time the call was louder.


    "Stop!" Jessie screamed as she tried to get to them as quickly as she could. Her feet still unstable and unenergetic she fell to the floor.


    "Jessie!" Both men exclaimed running to her, Jason was faster. He was already on his knees supporting her.


    But she looked up at Jonathan, making sure Jason hadn''t inflicted any unnecessary damage. An action that madly infuriated Jason.


    "Jessie? Are you okay?" Jonathan asked his eyes full of worry and self condemnation.


    Jessie looked back at Jason, unanswering. What did he think? Did she look okay?


    "Jonathan isn''t at fault, he couldn''t have known." She pleaded with Jason.


    Jason gritted his teeth in anger, "is that really the first you want to say to me? Defending him? Really?" He said, struggling to keep the ire out of his voice.


    She shook her head, "just, please promise me you wouldn''t take out your anger on him. He didn''t do this." She insisted.


    And Jason stepped back, after making sure she was stable.


    Turning around in a circle he struggled to keep it in but he failed. Turning back to face her "is he all you care about?" He asked.


    "I''m over here about to lose my mind, about to blow up and murder someone!" He yelled, grasping at the air. "Yet he is all you care about?"


    Jessie sighed deeply as she thought about how to explain the situation.


    "Until when are you going to do this to me? Until when are you going constantly to hurt me like this?" He asked, his words heavy with emotions. "Surely you can see how frustrated and scared you make me. You can see how often you rip into me with each and every action you so carelessly take."


    Tears pooled in Jessie eyes, why couldn''t she say it? How does she say it? She didn''t want him to think she didn''t love him because she did, but she was too confused and to pressurized to form words at the moment.


    So she suddenly walked up to him and embraced him, wrapping her arm around his torso.


    Jason wasn''t falling for that trick again, he pulled her hands away and put distance between them.


    "No, I''m not going to take breadcrumbs from you. Not anymore, I refuse to be in- mnph" he muttered as she pressed her lips aganist his. Grabbing onto his lapels as though it was life.


    Pulling away and leaning back down, "it''s you Jason. I choose you." She said.


    He stared at her  unmoving and she knew she had to say more. But how much more?


    "I only said that because I didn''t want you taking out your anger out of the wrong person." She said softly.


    "So what? I should go yell in the police station?"


    "No, you should yell at me." She said, and his brow went up in confusion. "I''m sorry I left your mansion, and not because of my safety or the fact that you were right. But because of how terribly I missed you. I thought of you yesterday." She continued.


    "When they..." she sighed unable to continue or narrate the scaring incident of last night. "I thought of you, I shouldn''t have but I did. When the kept throwing all those eggs, when the remined me of a the lives lost just to bring me down. I thought of you Jason. You have no idea how happy I was to see you, you saved me from my nightmare." She confessed honestly.


    "Are you serious?"


    She nodded.


    "I''m going to kiss you." He stated in a soft but blunt voice.


    She nodded again, he walked closer to her cupping her cheek he slowly placed his lips on hers. Her eyes fluttering shut as he made contact.


    From that moment it was like the world had disappeared from around them and the only thing Jessie could think about was his lips aganist hers. She didn''t realise how much she wanted this until she actually felt it.


    Deepening the kiss, he nudged her lips open and she obediently gave in, as soon as his tongue stroked hers she grabbed his sleeves tighter to hold in the moan.


    Too long, he had waited for too long to do this. And now he finally had her in his arms, he finally got to kiss her as madly as he always wanted he realised that he could not get enough. As he pulled away to let her breath he couldn''t let go completely, biting her lower lip as he tudged on it she let out a soft whimper and immediately his hand when around her waist to stop her knees from buckling.


    Soon her hands were gripping his hair and cupping his cheeks as well as he kissed her mercilessly. She''d never felt this way before, like both her heart and body where about to explode. The way he touched her, the way he held her ...goodness the way he kissed her, it was too much!


    But it stopped, it took all of Jason''s willpower to look down on those swollen lips and hooded eyes. Worse that small dissatisfied pout, that she wore as he pulled away, to not pick her up and have her in an empty room.


    But for too many reasons he had to pull away, nothing had ever been more difficult. Especially hearing that she had feelings for him too, he was basically high on Jessie at the moment.


    Now all he could think of was how impossible it would be to have her without letting himself go, she was a queen he couldn''t be rough. At least not at first.


    "Jason?" Her soft voice pulled him away from his scandalous thoughts.


    Looking down at her, he stole one more quick kiss. "Let''s go."

 Chapter 233 - 233. The Art Of Seduction.

    Jonathan quaked with rage as he watched Jason ravish Jessie. He quaked with rage because his half brother, someone he always admired all his life kissed the woman he loved. All this while he could never lose respect for his brother, he admired him way to much and for far too much. To think a woman would come between them? But it wasn''t just any woman, it was Jessie. Worse it hurt him because he wanted to he the one that made her moan like that. At the end of the day she''d choose.


    And how dare she? Just kiss him like that right before him, like his feelings were a joke? Fine she was clear about Jason but how the he could she disrespect him like this? Too angry to form a reasonable argument as to why he shouldn''t just move forward and break up the kiss and make a scene. Like hell he was going to let them have the time of their lives as he stepped forward someone grabbed him from behind.


    Whipping around with angry eyes to pour out his frustrations on the person that dared stop him.


    "Mother?" His eyes widening as he realized she was the one.


    "Don''t." She warned him.


    "How can''t I? Let go!" He pulled his arm away. But she held on tighter. Pulling him away into the corner.


    "What the hell? Don''t stop me!" He yelled angrily.


    But she reached out and grabbed him. "What do you think is going to happen? You''re only going to push Jessie away."


    "Like she''s mine?" He huffed.


    "Exactly, you don''t have the luxury of acting out." She informed him.


    "How is that fair? Why does Jason get to act out and get her? Why can''t I do the same?" He asked the pain evident in his voice.


    "Because it''s clear who she''s in love with." Celeste tried to convince her stubborn child. Realising the statement didn''t arise any expressions of surprise she sighed. "But you already knew that didn''t you?" She held her son''s shoulders tightly


    "Mom, all my life you thought me to love my elder brother, saying we were the only ones that could understand each other and the burdens that come with our birth. Burdens with having a father like that, I even sided with him when he was planning to take over the company!" He started. "That''s all I did, love him. Even when I first came here, I didn''t want to but you made me. He was never kind to me, but I still loved him. I thought that was his defense mechanism. But now-"


    "What? You suddenly hate him? Because of a woman? You going to let someone come in the way of your relationship?" Celeste asked interrupting him.


    "WHAT RELATIONSHIP?!!" He yelled pushing her away.


    Celeste huffed at her son''s aggressiveness.


    "Are you listening to me at all? Why do you always do this? I''m your son not Jason, why does he have to get everything and yet I still try to understand why? Why did he have to grow up with a dad and I didn''t? Why does he have to get everything and I don''t? All I do is want to know my family and everyone looks at me with hateful eyes, like some thief?" He spat. "And now? He has Jessie and I should understand? Does my feelings not even matter to you? My mother?" He asked bitterly.


    Celeste eyes shut as tears fell down her cheeks as she watched her son go through so much pain, he didn''t deserve. "Correct, you right." She cried. "It all my fault, you did nothing wrong. It was mom that had an affair with a married man, you didn''t so anything wrong. You don''t deserve to live like this."


    "But I''m only trying to protect you, Jason is the heir, fighting with him won''t be advantageous for you. If you ever going to get an inheritan-"


    "I don''t want a stupid inheritance!" He screamed, starling even his mother. "I don''t want anything of the sort. All I wanted was for my family to love me, what can I do when my own brother sees me as a thief? When my father only sees me as a tool to threaten his eldest son?" He asked with so much rue. "That''s fine, I don''t care anymore, I''m done letting go. I want Jessie, and I don''t care about anything else I''m going to get her." He stated firmly.


    "Hey! Do you like her so much? There are millions of girls that would want to be with you!" She yelled.


    "I don''t give a fuck about a million girls, I''m not going to let Jason have his way this time. I refuse to understand someone that wouldn''t give me the time of day." He said.


    "And so? How do you intend on getting her? She''s in love with your brother." Celeste pointed out.


    "I doubt she would love him if I have everything he does." Jonathan spat.


    "What does that mean?"


    "It means I want Jason''s position now, mother. I want everything that he has." He spat angrily. "I want it all."


    **************************************************


    "Why do you look like you''ve seen a ghost?" Krystal asked Paul as he walked back to her.


    "Hm?" He responded absentmindedly.


    "Why do you look like you''ve seen a ghost?" She asked again,


    "... because I probably have..." he mumbled in the same stoic manner causing Krystal to peep out of the curve he just came from. Her eyes widened when she saw Jessie and Jason getting down in the middle of a hospital hallway.


    "Oh my!" She gasped covering her hand with her mouth. "No wonder you look so surprised." She nodded with a shudder. Just watching them gave her goosebumps.


    "What? Them? Lol, that''s about time." He replied dismissively. "What? Do you not sense the sizzling attraction between those two?"


    "I... I knew that Jaaon has feelings for Jessie but... he has the characters and personality of a rotten egg, why would she subject her self to that?" She ranted without thinking.


    "You do realise Jason is my best friend right?" Paul said in a low and dangerous tone, causing Krystal to begin to regret her decision to be so free. She had a problem controlling her tongue around people that made her nervous and with the way her stalked towards her right now, her heart was frantically fast.


    "I-I don''t... I didn''t mean..." she stuttered and stammered, unable to form sentences.


    "What? You don''t what? You didn''t mean what?" He asked "why isn''t is surprising for Jason to like Jessie and for her to like him back?"


    That lit a different kind of fuse in her, suddenly she stopped fueled with ''fan-aderanaline'' "of course he would fall in love with her, she is goddamn freaking Jessie Marin. I doubt there''s a man on the earth that would live with her long enough not to develop feelings."


    Paul brow tilted in amusement at her statement. Jessie was beautiful no doubt but wasn''t that exaggerating? And also, Jason was easily that much of a spec.


    As though hearing his thoughts she continued "I''ll admit Jason is one of the attractive men I''ve ever seen but his sour temperament cancels all that out." She stated.


    Even Paul had to acknowledge that but that didn''t mean he gave up , he wanted to get her flustered again. Somehow it just made him amused seeing her fumble for words, something he was sure didn''t happen very often. "But you must have known Jessie liked him back? You even saw them in Jonathan''s house."


    "What? The hug? Oh please, that was nothing it was simply Jessie being Jessie. ''The art of seduction'', use your opponents feelings aganist him. It was easy to pull out a favourable reaction from him, he already liked her. It''s a three step move from one of her dramas." She said matter of factly.


    Paul laughed in amusement, should he admire Jessie for being so brazen or be sad for his clueless friend?


    "Still... seems her ''seduction'' backfired. Besides she''s not the only one capable of seduction." He resumed his stalk "Jason might be unbearable to others but he is unbelievably attentive and sweet when he is in love."


    Krystal back hit the wall, all her newly found adrenaline gone, she felt like her heart would explode. How dare he stare at her like that???


    "Attributes that make him.." he leaned down to whisper in her ear, making her squirm aganist him. "Such a wonderful lover."


    "What the hell are you doing to that innocent girl?" A familiar voice asked from besides them.


    Paul entire dangerous facade disappeared immediately as he stood up straight and looked at the source with a knowing smile. "It''s been forever, are you okay?" She asked.


    "Hey! You missed my engagement." He frowned.


    "I''m sorry. I know I should''ve have been there to support you."


    "Damn straight." He agreed, "how dare you let my mother hang up on me with no one on my side?"


    "Are you mad?"


    He smiled, "how can I be? I''m not petty like you." Eyeing the stethoscope around her neck and the labcoat. "I missed you Dr. Park. Welcome back."


    "Thank you, it''s good to be back."

 Chapter 234 - 234. Girlfriend.

    "Wait." Jessie held Jason back. "Jonathan, where is Jonathan?" She asked looking around.


    Jason''s frown came back and he couldn''t help but scoff. "What do you think? He''s gone."


    "Gone?" She frowned as well. "How could he just leave?"


    "After what just happened do you think he would stay?" He asked.


    She looked back at him with a look of pure oblivion on her face. Jason eyes narrowed slightly when he realized she had no clue why he left. Or did she not know he liked her? Was Jonathan only bluffing at the elevator?


    "The kiss!" She exclaimed, finally realising. Covering her face with her palm she sighed deeply. Shit!


    Wow Jessie great going, pacify one brother and annoy the other. How could I be so heartless? She scolded herself.


    Jason watched her with annoyance written over his features, what was she thinking now? Before he knew to stop her she shoved him.


    "Huh?" He responded in shock.


    "Don''t you dare huh... you knew what you were doing kissing me didn''t you!" She huffed.


    "Huh?" He replied again still confused.


    "Why would you kiss me like that? In front of all those people?" She asked her cheeks reddening.


    His brow went up in amusement. "Are you shy? Embarrassed? Really? You kissed countless number of men in front of the entire world what makes this different?" He asked holding back laughter.


    "That''s different!" She huffed. "That was work, besides no one has ever kissed me like that." She huffed.


    "Oh yeah? Like how?" Jason asked with a small smile, madly enjoying her torment.


    "So sensually, it was like my heart was about to explode and you made me body so..."she breathed out.


    "So what?" He pressed her.


    "So ho- wait a minute. What I''m I doing? What are you doing?!" She shoved him again when she realized.


    He began to laugh, and for a split second she froze, she didn''t think she had ever seen him laugh like that before. It made her warm inside, knowing she was the one that caused that.


    "I made you what? You''re not going to finish?" He asked.


    "Ugh!" And he ruined it. "I need to find Jonathan." She said.


    "Why are you looking for him?"


    "Because what just happened should not have happened." She blurted out.


    And Jason smile as beautiful as it was, lasted it''s course and his signature scowl replaced it on his lips. "Should not have happened?"


    "Exactly! Especially not in front of Jonathan. What exactly is wrong with me?" She scolded herself still scanning the area for Jonathan.


    "Especially not in front of Jonathan?" He said to himself, grabbing her arm he spun her to face him. "That jerk told you he liked you didn''t he? That''s why instead of feeling butterflies after our first kiss like a normal person would you''re over here feeling guilty." He stated bluntly.


    Her eyes widened at first but she quickly regained composure and tried to feign ignorance.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about." She lied.


    But Jason caught it. "Don''t do that, I can tell now. When you''re lying, I didn''t realise it before but your not a very good liar." He said. "You''re eyes always widen before you compose yourself. I can tell."


    She bit her lips her adrenaline pushing her to flee as she normally does when caught in an uncomfortable situation. She pushed him off her and tried to walk away but he wouldn''t even let her do that.


    "I''m also not going to let you run away either. This isn''t the way I imagined our first kiss I''m sorry ." He stated.


    "What first kiss? Why do you keep saying first kiss? This is hardly our first kiss." She spat. He wouldn''t let her flee so she fought. "And if you would excuse me but I have some where else I need to be!"


    "No, there''s no where you need to be. And yes this is our first kiss as a couple." He replied.


    "What?"


    "You just admitted to liking me, I like you too. Doesn''t that mean we are dating? You''re my girlfriend and I''m your boyfriend. You belong to me, and I you." He said with such a straight face as it it was something that was ''supposed'' to just happen.


    Unable to form words she huffed. "What? When did I agree to that?"


    "You don''t need to, I have all the confirmation I need." He said with a sinister grin playing at his lips.


    She huffed again. Why did this just seem like a bad idea all of a sudden? With the way Jason looked at her she didn''t feel entirely comfortable, somehow she felt he was going to prey on her feelings the way she did his. She didn''t like it.


    "Miss Marin?" A familiar voice called from behind her.


    Jason looked up and nodded. "It''s time for your shot." He gestured to the nurse.


    "Ah, yes." She nodded.


    "You took out you IV" the nurse scolded her. "You shouldn''t have done that."


    "I''m so sorry, the situation wa-"


    "It doesn''t matter, you shouldn''t have taken it off like that, what if you ripped a vein?" She frowned.


    Jessie frowned as well looking down at her feet, "it was my fault. Don''t scold her." Jason said quickly, taking her hands in his as he stepped protectively before her.


    The nurse sighed as she stared at both of them, an older more experienced nurse, with a smaller statue and a bit of extra flesh.


    "Hey, do you think this is a movie? Or a romance novel?" She asked both of them.


    "Huh?" The both responded in unison.


    "Look, I understand your young and in love but this is a hospital, a hospital! If you go around removing and discarding the treatment how are you supposed to get better?!" She yelled at them.


    "I already told you it was my fault, don''t yell at her." Jason replied, more forcefully than before.


    "Ah!" He exclaimed in shock as she flicked him on his forehead.


    "That''s even worse, what kind of boyfriend creates a situation where is girlfriend has to remove or stop treatment to help her feel better?" She asked.


    "Did you just hit me?" He asked the small aged nurse with a huff.


    "Yes I did so what?" She sassed.


    Jessie could not help but giggle at the entire situation and that earned her own flick. "Ah!" She cried.


    "Do you think this is funny?" The nurse asked.


    "But I''m sick." She pouted.


    "No your not, I was supposed to discharge you after that IV but you didn''t finish it. So carry you butts back into that room and wait until every single drop is in that scrawny body of yours then you''re free to go after signing this." She said.


    The both reached out for the document but she pulled away.


    "This ain''t my first rodeo, finish the IV first then come sign this." She said.


    "But how do we find you?" Jessie called out after the woman.


    "You come looking." She said walking off.


    Jessie began to walk to her room but Jason''s lack of movement jerked her back. "What are you doing? Didn''t you hear?"


    "Is there something on my face?" He asked.


    She pursed her lips. "No."


    "So there''s no way she didn''t know who I was right? How could she speak to me like that? Even flick my forehead?" He asked.


    Jessie lips parted slightly and she shook her head at him. Of course he would feel this way, no one ''dared'' get on the bad side of the chairman of KE holdings. She would have loved the nurse for that if she hadn''t also been flicked.


    "Why does it surprise you?" She asked.


    "Em. Why aren''t you reacting the same way? You''re also a big deal." He replied as she pulled him towards her room.


    "This is nothing compared to what I have to face with strict directors." She shrugged.


    "They yell at you?" He asked. "How dare they?" He mumbled to himself but she heard him. "Give me their names how can they yell at an actress as talented as you?" He huffed.


    Jessie couldn''t help but laugh,


    Jason is silly, has he always been this silly?


    As she walked into the room he pulled her to him again, so she ended up flush against his body.


    "I love seeing you laugh." He said softly, cupping her face and rubbing circles with his thumb on her cheek.


    "Me too." She replied, leaning into his touch.


    "I love you." He said again, and as she was about to give in and say ''me too'' he silenced her with a soft kiss.


    Nothing like the one before, but besides it gentlilty it made her toes curl and her belly erupt with butterflies.


    Placing his forehead against hers as he pulled away, they stood there awestruck staring into each other''s eyes.


    "IV drip!" A sharp voice startled them out of their zone, as they jerked away and quickly separated from each other.


    The nurse looked at them with such an intense look they felt like school children, a feeling Jason utterly detested. But he dared not say anything to the woman pushing a needle into his girlfriend''s hand. She looked as if she was petty like that.

 Chapter 235 - 235. The Things That Drive Men.

    "You came back and didn''t even tell me." Paul said with a small smile. "Are you still mad at me?"


    Katherine sighed inwardly as she looked at that familiar yet awkward smile, she still loved him. She couldn''t even deny it, but it was over between them, if they was anything to be over at all. She wouldn''t continue to deceive herself and say that they could still be friends. She finally felt what it felt like to be on the receiving end of someone''s attention. She loved Paul but thay had been nothing but a series of endless pain and torture.


    Being with Devon liberated her from that, she wasn''t willing to be hurt anymore. "Wanna talk here?" She asked giving Krystal a side eye.


    "I''ll leave." Krystal laughed awkwardly, "I know when I''m unwelcome." She said walking away.


    "Seems like a nice girl, how long do you think she''ll last?" Katherine asked playfully.


    "Are you serious? Are you that mad at me? Why would I get involved in a minor." He laughed.


    "A minor? She should be least twenty." Katherine replied.


    "Really? She looks so young, oh well, I hope that clears any doubt. I am not trying to get in her pants." He stated bluntly, with a pout on his lips.


    Katherine nodded "lucky her I guess." She said walking off to her office.


    "Hey!" He called out following behind her. "I''m a spec!"


    "Yeah, yeah sure you are." She laughed naturally.


    **************************************************


    "Is this necessary?" Jessie asked Jason as they walked into the black tinted car with bodyguards everywhere. It was too much, two cars in front and one behind. Worse they were being so secretive, making sure no one was in the garage as they got in, apparently so attackers wouldn''t know which car exactly they were in.


    "Ofcourse it is. I almost lost my mind, or rather I did. This is the second time this is happening to you, do you realise how scary that it for me?" Jason asked.


    "I''m fine Jason, really." She responded.


    "Not your not." He insisted, pushing away her hair to expose the bruises that stuck out if the turtle neck she was wearing. "And look at how skinny you''ve become, I hate it."


    Pushing his hands away with a sigh, she put her hair back in place, covering up the purple and red. "Which guy has ever complained about a woman being skinny." She frowned.


    "Me, this one. You look malnourished, and you and I both know that it''s not healthy for you to be like this." He replied.


    "Ugh, I''m done with this argument." She huffed rolling her eyes and walking into the car, "I wonder how I never win aganist him." She mumbled to herself as she went in. The first things she noticed was that they was a screen between the driver''s compartment and the back seat.


    Her brows furrowed in questions she looked to Jason. "I didn''t know this model of cars came with screens?"


    "It doesn''t, I had it customized." He replied.


    "Why?" She asked sincerely.


    Abruptly he was pinning her to the door with his body, so close she felt his hot breath on her face. "Because my dear, the last time we were in a car like this, we couldn''t seem to get any privacy." He whispered into her ear.


    If not for the fact that she was incredibly hot and bothered right now she would have scoffed. The things that drive men... she thought about how much it would have cost to get all this and how useless the reason, but immediately he nibbled on her ear she became a squishy mess.


    He moved back to look at her face, "what was that for?" She asked, her words coming out as a breath. When he his brow went up in question or amusement? She could swear she felt goosebumps. Jason was classically handsome, he had a perfect face that was no lie. But now looking at him, looking at her with such intensity in his eyes she felt euphoric. She was so elated he looked at her, not anyone else with that gaze. Her finger itching to feel his shiny, swept up black hair. She had felt them before and she knew they were as soft as they looked, even more fluffy and soft than hers were.


    "What do you mean?" He asked innocently as his gaze dropped to her plump lips. Then went back up to her brown eyes.


    "Nevermind." She said, trying although knowing it was impossible to create some distance so she could be in control of her brain again.


    He grabbed her chin and brought her wandering face back to his, stroking her jaw as he did. Her eyes fluttering shut as he neared her for another kiss. But instead he kissed her forehead, then down her nose. Each contact he made, delaying the main kiss made her squirm in anticipation as she bit down on her lips.


    Was this what it was like being in love? She seemed to have no control what so ever on her body, it was hallucinating and addicting at the same time. At this point she felt like he could get away with basically anything if he just touched her. The realization frightening the hell of her.


    Kissing softly along her cheek he neared her lips ever so lightly finally taking her lips, kissing her with a much fervour as he did the first time. Her idle hands found their way to his jacket as she grabbed his lapel yet again, crumpling it in her fist. Soon he pulled away to let her breathe, slanting his lips aganist hers he licked, nibbled, teased and sucked.


    A surprising groan made it''s way from the back of her throat, but she stopped it before she could freely let it out. Unwilling to be seem so wanton. This feelings were honestly too real and too raw for her unknowing body to fathom. Jason noticed it and it made him annoyed that she tried to stifle her moan, with a wicked thought in his head he began to kiss down to her neck. As he nibbled on the spot that connected her neck to her shoulder, she threw her head back and her fingers finally found their way to his hair, tossling the smoothed out combed back arrangement he had. Her other hand grabbing on to his shoulders she still held back the moan. Panting after, gosh! He hadn''t even done anything yet, why was she squirming like this was her first make out?


    Not enough. He thought as his hands made their way around her shirt, his fingers going underneath the fabric he grabbed onto her trim waist and pulled her beneath him, so that she laid down her hair splayed in all directions on the black leather.


    Her eyes widened at his abrupt action, but before she had the time to react her claimed her lips again, intent on pulling that moan out of her mouth. He could feel it anytime she was excited because her grip on his shoulders and her fingers in his hair tightened but for some reason she refused to let the sound out her lips.


    He almost cursed out loud at the turtle neck she had one, he couldn''t kiss lower than her neck so he put his hands on her waist to work, unclasping her bra. His hands left burning trails down around chest as he cupped her, slipping his hands underneath the lace cloth she couldn''t hold in anymore. As her head went back and her eyes rolled back in pleasure. Never before has she ever felt that before. She knew that part of a person''s body was incredibly sensitive but it was so underestimated as too how much.


    A pleasurable cry left her lips, causing Jason to smile victoriously. The victory only fuelling his wicked thoughs, that wasn''t enough. He was curious as to whether he could get her to scream his name.


    Still high by the sensation shot down her belly she didn''t realise when he unbuttoned her jeans and unzipped it. As his hands crept beneath the fabric she pushed him off her as abruptly as he caged her, with strength she didn''t know she had. Letting out a displeased growl she held out her arm to stop him from coming closer.


    "How the hell do you seem impervious to this?" She huffed, trying to catch her breath.


    His brow went up as he stared at her in confusion. "I... I couldn''t breath." She panted, her hands around her neck as she put as much distance as she could between them.


    "Perhaps if you had let out the air more you would have been able to draw more in." He stated bluntly.


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" She asked.


    "What I mean is that I don''t understand why you''re suppressing yourself, if you feel excited you moan. I love it when I hear the women I bed scream in pleasure." He said again and with such a blank face that a disbelieving huff left her lips.


    "Do you not realise it''s never a good idea to speak about exes with your current girlfriend?" She shot him a glare. "How could you be so bold" she murmured to herself as she tried to reclasp her bra.


    Jason watched her fumbling hands with curiosity. "It funny how flustered you are after a make out. I didn''t even get a chance to do anything with that damned shirt you''re wearing." He said, amusement lacing his tone. To hide how desperate he wanted to rip that shirt off her and finish what they started right there in the car. She was even more tempting than he imagined. It was physically straining having to keep himself away from her, especially when she looked like that, Temptation. Her hair ruffled, her lips swollen and moist, and her flustered demeanor. It was physically straining...


    Her head whipped to his and she frowned. This is exactly why she didn''t want to let go. How won''t she be flustered? This was the first time anyone had touched her like this, it was new and incredibly and dangerously pleasurable.


    "You didn''t get to do anything?" She huffed. "After all that you didn''t do anything? I almost screamed out for you and you didn''t do anything?!" She yelled, with pent up emotions from the confusion sprung by how badly she wanted him to continue his ministrations on her. The only thing she could do know was lash out at him for being so angry at her treacherous body.


    Jason looked at her in confusion, why was she acting up? Her fingers seemed to stop working, seeing as she was still fumbling with her bra hook. He understood why she felt flustered, he did but why did it seem more than necessary?


    "Hey, why are you acting so innocent for some reason?" He asked leaning closer to her.


    She leaned backwards and brought her hands around herself as a shield. Jason looked down at her crossed hands then as her legs that were pressed together, one long slender leg sitting on top the other, still such a tempting sight as she had not gotten to zipping her jeans yet.


    Before he suddenly realized, the way she pushed him off her seemed like a reflex. And with the way she was acting could only be as a result of two things, she had either been forced or she acted as though it was her first time.


    He banished the thought that she might have been forced, she never shyed away from any of his kisses before, even now she looked more surprised and cautious than terrified. And that haunted look was missing from her eyes.


    He sat back and looked at her with such an intense glare, but also a soft sinister grin playing at his lips. "Are you a virgin?

 Chapter 236 - 236. Unrequited Love Makes People Ugly.

    Katherine was barely in her office when Paul reached over her shoulder and pushed the door open. With a raised brow she she silently questioned his action.


    "Just felt like it, go with the flow." He shrugged.


    "Hmmm." She nodded walking in.


    When they were both seated, the air stiff and slightly heavy with the uncomfortable silence that settled over them.


    "So-"


    "You-"


    They started at the same time. "You should go first." Katherine''s said.


    "... did you find him? I don''t think you did, what happened?" He asked.


    "I don''t want to talk about that right now." She frowned instantly at the mention of the despicable man that was her dad.


    "Fine." He agreed, understanding immediately. "Thank you... for sending Jason the other day." He replied. Adding the last statement when her eyes widened as to what he was talking about.


    "It''s not something you wouldn''t have done for me." She responded. "Congratulations on your engagement." She said, the words sounding bitter in her mouth as she did.


    Paul laughed ruefully, as she congratulated him. He wasn''t someone who didn''t believe in love, he did but he never actually really considered himself as someone who would one day be in love. It wasn''t so important. But he never once thought he would be marrying someone he disliked. Never once had there been a woman he didn''t want to bed, regardless. But Choi Yuri was the first woman he wanted nothing to so with, yet she was the woman he was to spend the rest of his life with.


    "Why do you look like that? That''s not the face of a happy man." Katherine said.


    Paul looked up at her faster than she would have thought, his gaze boring into hers. "And what exactly is a happy man?" He asked, his tone low and serious, all hints of the playfulness gone.


    "Do you really not want to marry Choi Yuri? What changed?" Katherine asked.


    "What do you think? She was not who I thought she was... or rather she''s worse than I thought she was." He replied.


    Katherine shook her head in confusion. "I don''t understand? What exactly happened?"


    He opened his mouth to start speaking but shook his head and stopped. "It doesn''t matter nevermind."


    "Tell me." She whined. "I''m truly concerned about you, if you don''t want to be with her, if she has done something then why won''t you stop it? Surely your mother would not let a woman that made you so angry become her daughter in law." She said.


    Paul laughed. "Really? And what do you propose I tell my mom?"


    Katherine frowned "uh the truth? You can''t marry Choi Yuri because..." she trailed off waiting for him to finish.


    "You want me to tell my mother I can marry Choi Yuri for something she planned with her?" He asked, finishing the statement with a cryptic question.


    "This is confusing..." she sighed. "Just tell me what did she do?"


    "It''s not necessary for you to kn-"


    "Tell me damn it!" She almost yelled.


    Paul looked her straight in the eyes when he spoke. "I heard she was the one that told my mother your dad isn''t really your dad." He said and Katherine''s eyes widened.


    "How...?" she asked


    "How what? How did she tell her? How did she know? She dug into your life, and for her to have stumbled on that peice of information you should know how deep she dug." He said, the words sounding bitter as he said them.


    "She what?"


    "Look I understand your frustration and anger right now, I know how you feel but you can''t do anything impulsive. Promise me." He stated firmly, staring at her frozen face.


    Katherine looked after him after she came back, grabbing his arm she stared intently into his eyes. She wondered if she should just kiss him, how would that turn out? He didn''t want to get married to Choi Yuri because of her!


    Of course the thought had crossed her mind, maybe Yuri found her real sire, and she should be mad that she dug into her personal life like that. But the only thing that kept popping up was the possibility if Paul loving her as well. She had to know, she had wanted nothing else for so long.


    If she kissed him would he kiss her back ot would it end the friendship? That was a 50/50 chance she wasn''t willing or even brave enough to take.


    But weren''t you the one planning on ending the relationship with him?


    Her conscience reminded her, that was before they spoke, she forgot for a minute how nice it was to just be with him like this. Listening to his problems... him listening to hers.


    So she decided to put herself out there and just ask. "Do you like me?" She asked.


    Paul brow furrowed, was that it? Why was he expecting her to ask something else? "Of course I do, you''re my bestfriend." He replied bluntly and she shook her head.


    "Not like... do you have feelings, romantic feelings for me?" She asked and he coughed awkwardly.


    "Why the hell are you asking me that?" He asked his ears turning red. If not for the butterflies erupting in her stomach she would have laughed at his embarrassment. It wasn''t new to see Paul flush before her, many people didn''t know it but he was a pretty sensitive guy. Well... in some aspects.


    "Then why the hell did you do that because of me? Why do you not want to get married to Choi Yuri? I''m only your friend and you can''t get pissed at her for trying to make sure you stay hers." She huffed, pulling her hand away in disappointment as she felt a familiar pang in her chest at his constant denial.


    Paul frowned. "It''s because she messed with someone important to me, you wouldn''t have left or be in so much pain if she hadn''t said anything or pryed at all." He replied.


    "What makes you think I''m in pain?"


    "Are you Kidding me? You do realise I know you like the back of my hand right? I can see it in your eyes, your mannerisms, it''s obvious. I can always tell when you''re sad." He said matter of factly.


    Then why do you refuse to see the love I have for you?


    "Besided who would be happy to find out their parents aren''t really their parents at 27? I can''t believe anyone would abandon such a wonderful person, it''s his loss not knowing you Katherine. I hope you that. Whoever he is, wherever he is. The fact that he doesn''t know the beautiful and amazing person you are, he should be pitied." He said seriously.


    Katherine froze for the second time, tears pooling to her eyes as he ranted angrily about the man that abandoned her.


    "I hate it when people mess with you, whoever it is I promise to make them pay, even if it''s your dad." He said to her.


    A stray tear fell down her cheek. "Even your mom?" She tried to joke it off. But his eyes never lost their intensity as he answered.


    "Not even my mom." He replied.


    "Pfft. Stop lying" she said admist the tears, why why why did he have to mess with her feelings again, like this.


    "I''m serious, I''m going to tell her to stay away from you if she wants me to go through with the wedding " he frowned.


    "Why would you still get married to her? You hate her." Katherine said, wiping the sides of her face.


    "Why are you getting all weepy? As if you don''t known I''ll take a bullet for you." Another blunt statement that made Katherine want to swoon. This is exactly how he strung her on for so long, he was too sweet and sincere in his actions. Especially when it came to her. "And besides, what better way to punish her than marriage? She''ll never be able to get away. Since it''s marriage she wants I''ll give her that and more."


    "Hey! Even I would have done same in her situation. Don''t do that, you can''t play with someone''s life like that." She warned him.


    "She played with your life first." He defended himself.


    "Still... it''s not right." She insisted.


    "You''re defending her?" He asked in disbelief.


    "No, I just know what it feels like to love someone and not have them love you back. Worse having them love someone else, it''s the worst temptation to become an ugly person. Unrequited Love makes people do very ugly things." She said.


    Paul face scrunched up as he wondered what she meant. "Wait a minute... did that jerk Dr. Geum hurt you?!" He asked with a look of both disgust and irritation.


    Katherine shut her eyes in frustration, why the hell was he so freaking slow?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    "Nevermind, I meant I can understand what it means, feels like" she added, dismissing him "I''m tried and I have a surgery later this evening. You should go." She gave him a small smile.


    "Fine, take it easy. And call me when your done let''s grab a coffee." Without giving her time to refuse he walked out of the office, leaving her alone to grab her hair and bang her head on the table.

 Chapter 237 - 237. Goddess

    Are you a virgin?"


    Jessie eyes widened suddenly at his very blunt, very direct question, before they immediately narrowed into slits. "Why the hell would you ask me that?" She huffed.


    As he opened his mouth to speak the car came to a stop. Before he could ask for privacy the two doors where pulled open. Shooting him a quick glare Jessie got out, flipping her hair she began to walk into the manor. Jason stared intently as she walked in, a small smile gracing his lips. Was she really so innocent? He hadn''t noticed it before, well things hadn''t progressed to this point before now. He chuckled to himself, could he dare hope? He knew it was primitive and possesive but to consider the fact that he could be the first person she would get to know so intimately made him incredibly pleased for some reason.


    He walked in after her, after giving orders to the drivers, heading straight for Jessie, his question needed confirmation. He would get it.


    Jessie walked into the manor, and headed straight for the bar, grabbing a glass of water she chugged it down. Why? She felt hot. Why? She had no idea. Being a virgin was somehow something she was always shy or embarrassed? By, she never thought she would be asked outright like that by the guy she was dating about it. Was it a problem? Was he disappointed?


    "There you are" his deep voice startled her from behind she almost dropped the glass as she turned around to face him.


    With a mischievous grin he stalked towards her slowly, like predator and prey. She wanted to move backwards to avoid him but she surmised that he would follow her either way so instead she put the glass down and turned around, hoping to stop her pounding chest only not seeing him approach did even worse for her anxiety.


    "What do you want?" She asked her voice sounding smaller than she intended.


    "Why do you suddenly sound so meek?" He asked. And she turned around to huff at him again, and if not for his quick reflexes she would have hit him as she did.


    Gasping at his proximity she tried to step back but stumbled and tripped over her own foot, giving Jason the upper hand as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him, so her chest was up aganist his.


    Her hair falling down in waves at the contact, avoiding his eyes she looked down to calm her rapid breathing. Putting a finger underneath her chin he lifted her head up to look up at him.


    "How is it that I want to kiss you every time I see you?" He whispered gently.


    "D-don''t you have work?" She stammered.


    "I can ditch, I''m the chairman." He stated bluntly. "Besides would you want me to leave?" He asked with a small smirk and she couldn''t help the eye roll.


    Placing her plans flat on his chest she pushed him or tired to, putting some distance between them so she could think coherently. "Don''t get ahead of yourself Chairman Kang, I''m not some needy princess. Go to work." She said.


    His brow rose in amusement. "Needy princess?" He abruptly spun her around holding her close to him again, as he wrapped his hand around hers and placed them on her flat tummy. "Oh honey you''re much more than a princess, you''re a goddess. My beautiful, pure goddess." He whispered into her ears, nibbling it as he pulled away.


    Jessie could not help the moan that escaped her lips as she tilted her head back, letting it fall aganist his shoulders. Taking that as an encouragement he licked down her neck, cursing the turtleneck that kept him away from ravishing her as he wanted.


    "Chairman Kang!" Butler Choi''s voice snapped them from the haze as the starled butler exclaimed. "Oh!"


    Jessie tried to pull away, to keep up modesty but Jason refused to let her go. "Hey!" She whisper forcefully. "Let me go."


    "Is there anything you want?" Jason asked the smiling older man.


    "No, no. It can wait, I shouldn''t disturb you." He said almost chuckling.


    "You''re not doing anything!" Jessie called out after him as he left. Pulling away from Jason as he did, and shoving him in the chest. "Why did you do that?" She huffed angrily.


    "What? Hug you? That could hardly be seen as in appropriate." He shook his head.


    "You know what, you''ve been too confident. This has to stop, you''re not allowed to touch me without my consent." She huffed.


    He pursed his lips and angled his head at her. "That doesn''t seem fair, you''re my girlfriend doesn''t that give me some leeway?" He asked.


    "You''ve already used all your leeway." She blurted out.


    He laughed "I don''t think it works that way, have you never dated?" He asked.


    At first she looked at him a cornered rabbit before looking away and coughing awkwardly. "I have, of course I have." She lied.


    Jason eyes widened yet again, she continued to shock him. How had she never dated? He could understand any other woman her age but an actress of her standing? Surely she would have had scandals right?


    "Liar." He stated, moving again.


    She glared at him, her frustration only feuling his desire to make her even more flustered. It wasn''t something he saw normally, or ever infact. Who knew she was so innocent? How was she so innocent?


    "I''m... I''m not lying." She shook her head.


    "Really? Is that why you''re so flustered? Why your so shy? Why you''re so overwhelmed?" He said trapping her for the third time that morning.


    Jessie.


    "Why are you doing this?" She asked helplessly, unable to keep up with all this emotions he effortlessly pulled from her, coming close and pulling away her body felt like erupting.


    It wasn''t easy for Jason either, he wanted to pull his hair out everytime she pushed him away. So badly he wanted her screaming his name as he took his fill of her body, not that he expected to ever have enough. Until when was she going to stop giving him bits like this?


    "I want you to be honest with me, tell me do you really hate it when I touch you?" He asked, his body dangerously close yet not touching. They could literally feel the static electricity left by the space their bodies didn''t occupy. He leaned down so close Jessie could almost feel his lips on hers but he didn''t place them on her.


    Fisting her plams by her side she struggled not to touch him, why was she feeling so shy all of a sudden? She had kissed many people before, she had kissed him before! Her eyes fluttered close as he brushed ever so gently aganist her lips.


    Her eyes opened again as she almost died from anticipation, only to see him staring intently at her. Before she could stop it her lips formed a pout, "you don''t seem to dislike it, why do you want to push me away?" He asked and she realized he was waiting for her answer.


    By all means he would rather have her crumbling in his hands but she already warned him, and though she might think he didn''t listen he wasn''t going to touch her if she didn''t ask no, beg for it.


    His body inched even closer but he refused to make contact, making her squirm and wriggle her toes in her snickers as she stared up at him with so much pent up emotion. "Does it really bother you that much?" She asked his brow rising in question. "Fine I''m sorry I''m inexperienced! It was out of my hands okay, I didn''t really date because I didn''t want a scandal and I can''t exactly have random sex with a stranger. Besides I''ve never liked anyone like this." She ranted.


    His lips tilted into a small grin as she poured out her heart, "so what?"


    She blinked at his question, biting her lips an action that did not go unnoticed by Jason, nervously she looked away. "I''m sorry to disappoint." She whispered softly, only for his ears to hear.


    "Disappoint? You think I''m disappointed?" He asked with genuine shock.


    "Aren''t you? Isn''t that why your so intent on making me uncomfortable?"


    "Uncomfortable?" He asked again.


    She bit her lips again looking away, her cheeks reddening as she opened her mouth to speak. "Why you were so intent on making me moan." She said so softly that if he hadn''t watched her lips move he wouldn''t have heard.


    His heart flipped in his chest as he watched her act so timid, a word he never thought he could use in the same sentence as Jessie.


    "Gosh you so innocent." He stated.


    "See..." she frowned trying to push him away again but he held unto her arms.


    "I love it, it''s definitely different and strange coming from you but why would anyone, any guy be disappointed that he gets to be the first a woman has? Do you know how honoured that makes me? I''m first in your heart and more impressively your body." He said sniffing across the expanse of her sparsely exposed neck, smiling as she shuddered aganist his touch.


    "Really?" She asked.


    "How it would make my blood boil thinking of all the other people that would have touched you like this, how much I would curse myself for not knowing you sooner." He whispered, his breath hot and tickling her skin.


    "I love you Jessie, nothing is ever going to change that."

 Chapter 238 - 238. The Things A Man Wants To Do To A Woman.

    WARNING: SLIGHT MATURE CONTENT.


    Jessie couldn''t take it anymore she gripped his powerful arms to steady herself, causing Jason to look into her big brown eyes. Eyes that could seduce even a saint, she was expecting. Licking her lips as she silently pleaded for him to kiss them.


    Jason hand moved up her arm, cupping the back of her nape he drew his thumb across the expanse of her plump wet lips. Damn! She could ruin a man, and when he wasn''t forthcoming she pouted.


    "What wrong? Do you want me to kiss you?" He asked slow and seductively. She nodded slightly inching closer to him.


    But in order to ensure his future, he pulled back slightly. He wasn''t a patient man, but he would never have a woman without her consent. If he was going to kiss her now she needed to ask for it, her earlier words rang in his ears the gentle man in him restraining the beast that just wanted to watch her come undone as she screamed helplessly beneath him.


    "No love, if you want me to kiss you then you must ask for it. Remember? I can''t touch you without your consent." He said as if teasing her.


    Jessie wanted to cry out in frustration, was it so hard to just kiss her already? Why did he have to make things so difficult. She fought her to keep her whimpering quiet now he wanted her to speak?


    With a raised brow he waited... how the hell was she the only one affected like this?


    She bit her lips the question making her feel so embarrassed, she did not only want him to kiss her. With the way she felt she wanted a lot more. He hadn''t even done anything and she already began to feel woozy with desire, how was she supposed to confess the wanton thoughts and wants? He was supposed to take the lead, she had no problem following. At least that''s how it happened in the movies she acted.


    "Nothing? Fine then..." he said letting go of her to walk away. She grabbed him before she could even make the distance between them noticeable, that drafted distance.


    "Please..." where the soft words that left her lips and she looked up at him with that face!


    Jason wanted to scream... but he needed her to give him permission, since she took it back. He needed to know that with every touch, every kiss, every nibble she was aware and in acceptance. He intended to woo and seduce her but she needed to know it was him that touched her and that she allowed him to touch her.


    "Please what?"


    "Do whatever you want, I won''t stop you. I''ll never stop you." She blurted out quickly, her eyes still on his.


    He froze at first, before caging her between his arms and the bar behind them. "Do you know how incredibly dangerous that request is? You have no idea the things I want to do you. The things a man wants to do to a woman."


    "You won''t hurt me, I know you wouldn''t." She replied, her voice sounding much more confident than she felt.


    "Oh yeah?"


    She nodded, sure about this. "You have the opportunity to take anything you wanted from me but instead you let me go. You''re not a wicked man, plus you love me. I know you won''t hurt me." She said.


    "Don''t give too much praise love, you have no idea how hard it was for me to hold back, how hard it is for me to hold back." He stated firmly, coaxing her final confirmation from her.


    Wavering at his questions, "are you really going to hurt me?" She asked.


    He shook his head, "I promise everything will be pleasurable for you as well." He said and with that her pressed his lips aganist hers, deepening the kiss, his held her aganist his body.


    Before he asked she opened her mouth much to his delight, giving his entrance as he tasted her sweetness. She was like honey and he a starved bear. Every part of her was sweet.


    Jessie tried to stifle the moan that came from the back of her throat, but when he ran a finger down her spine she whimpered helplessly.


    "That''s it" he murmured against her lips. "I want to hear you." He said. Pulling away from the bar he walked her backwards, leading the dance of their tongues, and Jessie followed with no problems in the slightest. Unable to even form coherent thoughts all she could think of was how foolish she was to stay away from Jason because of her career. It may be the hormones, how he skillful he was he knew where and how to pull this heavenly and nerve racking feelings from her. But she couldn''t think of being anywhere else but his arms.


    Spinning her again he fell to the arm chair in the corner of the room, causing her to fall down on him in an undignified heap. Her thighs at either sides of his as she sat awkwardly on his lap.


    His hand crept underneath her skin, before she had time to form an argument as to why she couldn''t be like this with him, he pushed her downwards claiming her lips again.


    Jessie mind was so muddled and concentrated on the kiss that she hadn''t noticed when the back of her turtleneck shirt was ripped. Not until a gust of air stung her naked back she pulled away and looked at Jason''s mischievous grin.


    "Time to get this useless shirt out of the way." He stated bluntly pulling it forward and out of her arms, his both hands held unto her naked waist and belly. Creeping up her arms and he leaned forward to put a very hot and very wet kiss on her pulse point. He began to nibble and lick, kiss and suck causing Jessie to throw back her head in pleasure as she moaned quietly. It felt like he assaulted her neck but it was too sweet to feel pain.


    Soon he began to move lower, down her collar bone and even lower, unclasping her bra for the second time that morning. He moved down the valley of her chest.


    Her breath hitching as she drew in air and coming out on a loud moan, a sound she never thought capable off and she arched her back to him. Gripping his shoulders.


    Annoyed by her lack of clothes and his clothes frame, she pushed his clothes off, tossing his jacket away as she pulled it off.


    Jason almost laughed as her fumbling fingers tried to undo his buttons, if only he wasn''t as impatient. As she finally managed to shed it off, with his help of course. Her fingers trailed the expanse of his smooth chest.


    Smiling in pleasure, she didn''t really have a problem with chest hair, but it made her incredibly happy to know he shaved. Moving lower and feeling dominant in their currently position she placed a kiss on his shrap jawline and down his neck. Causing blood to flow down his body as he held her tighter to him. Soon she returned back to his face kissing his cheeks, nose brows. Teasing him with feather light kisses until his patience ran out and he grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her lips deeply.


    Suddenly and simultaneously their phones rang.


    He realsed a low groan, intending to ignore but Jessie was already reaching for her phone.


    "Don''t." He grabbed her arm.


    "It''s Tony, I have to take it. He must be worried." She said slowly, still looking thoroughly ravished. Jason refused to let go of her hand, his other hand leaving burning trails on her naked torso.


    "How do you manage to be worried about other people''s emotions except mine?" He asked.


    "How do you know I don''t worry about yours?" She asked.


    "If you did, you wouldn''t have let me suffer for so long." He stated.


    "Six months is hardly a long time plus I didn''t make you suffer and ple-" she squealed as he hand rubbed across, her face burning up as she flushed red. "Hey!" She pushed against his chest, reaching over her to her back to clasp her bra. Unlike this morning she was more successful, reaching over to the table besides them she grabbed her phone.


    Picking it before it got disconnected. "Tony." She answered.


    "No, no I''m okay really. Yeah I''m with- oh gosh!" She moaned as Jason busied himself with her chest.


    She pushed him off, frowning as he gave her a cheeky grin. "What is wrong with you!" She whisper yelled, covering the speaker with her hand. When did he even undo her work.


    "Your phone is ringing as well, you should answer it." Shw scolded him.


    "Oh yes, I''m sorry for that. I''m fine I promise." She continued, holding Jason back aganist the chair as she did. "Yes, yes I''m with him. His manor, where? You want to see me?"


    She looked down at Jason, as if silently asking for permission. He shook his head, he never formed an opinion on the man but after he encouraged Jessie to leave his manor he decided he didn''t like him.


    "Jason!" She whisper yelled at him again.


    "No, I won''t let him come back in here after he took you away the last time." He stated bluntly.


    Jessie jaw dropped at his pettiness. "Would you rather I leave to go see him?" She threatened.


    Huffing angrily he had to agree, "I''ll send a car to him."


    "Great, thanks." She smiled getting off him.


    When he voiced out his displeasure she grabbed his phone answered it and dropped it in his lap. Walking to grab his jacket since he felt it was important to rip her shirt. Gasping loudly as she saw the multiple bruises that covered her neck.


    She looked like a painting, with her healing and fading bruises and now the fresh red ones he left there.


    Shooting him a quick glare she fled the room.

 Chapter 239 - 239. Werewolf.

    Tony got of the phone feeling much better than when he called Jessie, not that he still didn''t feel a rage that he could not quite explain. It was relieving to see that she was happy, that admist everything she found someone that made her happy. Not to mention, Eloise and the girls were not with him at the moment. He sent them away after the incident with Patricia, although the earlier incident with Jason should have been enough warning to take precaution.


    He was already so mad at the entire situation, especially when the stone hit Jessie that evening, it was uncalled for and unfair. To think all these people once called themselves her fans, he was not new to the dark side of showbusiness but even this was too much. How easily could they just believe that she would murder someone? Jessie.


    And now they still wouldn''t let her be, he looked at the documents before him, bunch of thieves they all were. But this was the way the world worked, he couldn''t really blame them. But there was someone he could blame, Patricia Lee. Evil had never existed in the world until that woman, he wouldn''t let her go free. Like hell, he wouldn''t let her get away with this.


    *************************************************


    Jessie went through her closet for the third time. How did she not have another turtle neck? How the hell was she supposed to go around with her neck looking like this. Turning around to look at the mirror, even from the other side of the room she could clearly make out the bright red blotches on her skin. No way it could be mistaken for the already fading brown and purplish bruises she acquired from the fiasco last night. This, this was too fresh and too red to not be realised for what it is, his marks.


    She decided that she would be mad at him for this, opting for a black collared shirt. She looked to formal for the house, but she had to do what she could. She wasn''t brave or even confident enough to wear his marks on her skin, especially when they were maids around.


    A small knock came from the door and Agnes her favourite maid, peeped in with a smile. "I cannot believe it." She started.


    Jessie eyes widened in anticipation as she waited for her to continue. "It''s Tony! Your manager, I can''t believe it. It''s like your really still you, like you know a celebrity. I remember there no were you go that Tony isn''t."


    Jessie laughed at her excitement. Yes yes she knew he was famous with ladies as well, perks of being handsome. And connected to a celebrity.


    "Tell him I''ll be down in a minute. Oh yeah!" She remembered causing Agnes'' head to pop back into the open door. "Is Jason is here?"


    "I couldn''t say for a certain miss, but I don''t think I saw any cars leaving the grounds." She replied.


    "What did I tell you about calling me miss, I have a name on I quite like." She scolded Agnes playfully.


    Agnes gave her a witty smile and left, popping back in again. "Aren''t you going to do anything about those?" She asked, her cheeks tinting pink as she pointed to her neck and jawline.


    Jessie cheeks instantly coloured the same. She awkwardly scratched the back of her neck, "I don''t have anything else. I look weird right? I was going to wear this one top."


    Agnes smiled knowingly. "The chairman has a lot of hoodies, but I''m sure you already know that."


    "That right! Your a life saver!" She almost squealed. "Tossing the collared shirt she was just about to wear, she pulled on sweat pants, tying her hair into a messy bun she walked to the next room.


    Pushing the door open she walked in slowly, seeing that it didn''t currently house the owner she headed straight for his walk in closet. Sensing Deja vu as she ran fingers softly along the rack of sweaters, hoods and well comfortable clothes that she could swear she had never seen Jason in.


    Picking one out of the rack, it was grey and the hood was massive, even if she didn''t wear it, it covered her bruises perfectly and more wonderful the mark that idiot man put on her skin. She would have to have a talk with him about marking her, what was he? A werewolf?


    Tossing the hood on a bended arm she walked out the closet, discreetly closing the door. As she turned around to walk out of the room her gaze came in contact with the- her breathing hitched. Was this really the first time she saw Jason shirtless? She lived with him for so long!


    Why was she so hot?


    It was like she was in a movie, only this time she was truly a hopeless heroine. In her mind time slowed down and everything seemed unreal. Water still dripping down his ripped and flat belly, his powerful arms shaking water out if his soft, oh gosh wet hair. His eyes were casted to the floor and his lips looked pink and soft her stomach actually did a sommersault. She never liked a man that was ripped or muscular, she didn''t like a man that was too lean and too tall either. In fact she never really considered the kind of man she liked, 25 was an age to have all that figured out but not for her. After the initial pubescent stage of waking up to the fact that she could desire men, she felt she grew up and immersed her self so much in her work. With the excuse that she didn''t have time to consider such trivalities.


    Besides who got married at 25 anymore? Sure she had the occasional smite that would come from a hot and attractive man, but that was just it occasional and fleeting.


    But here, now, she felt such desire grip her senseless. A familiar heat flooded down her belly with an unfamiliar intensity that she feared her knees would buckle.


    Her eyes crept lower and lower, past his neck that was neither to thick or too thin. To his qide and smooty chest. She didn''t really have a problem with chest hair, she would think but she appreciated a man that decidedly went through the trouble of shaving. Down his flat and ripped belly and so dangerously low to the towel that basically hung of his slim waist.


    "Jessie?" His voice brought her eyes back to his. She shut her parted lips, desperately hoping she wasn''t drooling. "What are you doing with that?" He jutted his chin at the hoodie in her hand.


    She followed his line of sight and looked down at her hand at his gray hoodie. Quickly spinning around she stared at the door of his closet, clearing her throat first before speaking. "I-I..." blushing deeply at the reason she shook her head and decided to lie. Gosh when did she become so tongue tied? She was never at a loss of words, although she reminded herself she never won aganist him.


    "Yes?" Came his short prompting. Did he sound amused? Or was she just imagining the tone in his voice?


    Jason did all he could not to burst out laughing, wow if he had known being have naked would make Jessie so flushed she couldn''t speak he would have never worn clothes around her.


    As someone alarmingly aware of his strengths his looks being somewhere at the top of that list, he was still quite surprised she reacted the way she did. Surely she had been around more attractive men. It was hard to compare to actors who were required to be nothing short of perfect. The thought of affecting her so much made his heart jump, he could hold in the laughter but his face broke out into a silly grin. But what he wanted to know was why she had that drafted hoodie? It wasn''t only too big it was a god forsaken hoodie. It covered her up, he hated not being able to worship her glorious body everytime he set his eyes on her. While he was sure he was attractive and sure there must be more attractive people as well. It was public knowledge Jessie''s body was the standard. She was recently a bit skinnier than she usually is but it couldn''t do a thing to that figure.


    "It''s a bit too late to try to be decent don''t you think?" He said slowly approaching her.


    "What?" She huffed. "I didn''t see a thing!"


    "Ahh? Is that why your trembling so much?" He asked, and she cursed her treacherous body. "Are you scared?" He asked, his tone dipping slightly into that of concern.


    She was scared but that wasn''t why she was trembling. She never felt such need before it shook her to her core. And now not knowing where he was, but having the gnawing feeling that he was slowly approaching she regretted turning around. Whoever said ignorance was bliss? The knowledge of his approach or rather lack off was killing her.


    "I-I..." she stammered again, hating herself for feeling so desperate. "I was cold." She finished.


    "Then you should have asked them to adjust the temperature." He stated his voice sounding awfully close. She almost moaned in response when his fingers slightly grazed her exposed forearms, the heat of his body burning deliriously into her back. "Is that why you''re shaking so much?"


    No. But being so close and so under dressed isn''t helping.


    It was a mistake, he should have kept his distance. He scolded himself for being such a fool. She was clearly afraid and here he was struggling to control the raging in his blood, all sending electrifying signals in one specific direction, down. All he wanted to do was toss her unto the bed and make her scream so loud she wouldn''t be able to look the staff in the eyes.


    Realising that if he kept touching her naked skin he might just give and take her, he placed his hands on the closet door. Caging her inbetween him and the door, her back to his front. Another mistake as her scent wafted so strongly into his nostrils and he suddenly became a raging beast. Tossing every single piece of argument out he placed a very aggressive, very wet and wicked kiss a the back of her bended neck. Smiling as she gasped.


    Pushing her against the door he tilted his head to kiss the side of her neck when a knock interrupted them. Startling Jessie so much she literally jumped.


    "What do you want?" He growled.


    "Oh? C-chairman?" The terrified stuttering answered.


    "Agnes?" Jessie asked.


    "Miss Jessie " she sounded as if she was almost crying in relief. "I''m sorry to interrupt, I really am. But Tony is still waiting."


    Jessie eyes widened and Jason almost groaned. Before he could stop her she was already dashing out of the room.

 Chapter 240 - 240. Agree To Disagree.

    "Tony?" Jessie said softly from behind him, he stood immediately and turned to face her with a sad smile on his face.


    "Hey princess." He replied.


    Her face fell and she pouted out of habit. "Princess? Did I do something wrong?" She asked, Tony only called her princess if he was going to scold her or give her bad news. The latter which she was very unlikely was going to happen, how much worse could her life get. And she was almost sure Karma wouldn''t be too cruel, she only just found a moment and few as there were of happiness. Surely she couldn''t have only a few hours of happiness right?


    "What do you think? How could you leave the hospital and not call? Do you know how worried I was?" He asked his lips in a tight line.


    She almost breathed in relief, part of her was expecting bad news, goodness knows she was privy to it this days. "I''ve only been out of the hospital a few hours, it only barely-" she looked up. "Noon."


    "Although..." she continued interrupting his rant. "I''m sorry I should have called, I was preoccupied." She said her voice losing tone at the end.


    Tony eyed the small parts of her exposed neck. "I can tell." He most positively winked at her.


    Jessie cheeks burned red for the hundredth time that day. She pulled the hood over her head and looked away.


    "I never thought I''d see the day you be flustered quiet. Too bad it took all of this for you to finally fall for someone." He laughed, causing her to shrink further into the hood.


    "Oh please, you''re pretty pleased I couldn''t cause a scandal, I never got into trouble." She shrugged.


    "Except that one time." Tony reminded her.


    "That was not my fault!" She huffed. "And you know that, gosh the day I met that insufferable reporter, someone better be there to stop the murder I would most likely commit." She gritted her teeth, shivering with pent up rage.


    "What were you even thinking? Touching a guy like that?" Tony laughed at the memory.


    "That wasn''t anything! His hands were occupied and it would be mean of me to leave him to his own devices when his zipper was down. Besides there no way I could feel like that for someone who was basically like my younger brother." She pursed her lips and crossed her arms across her chest.


    "He is neither you brother nor younger than you but I will leave you to think what you must." He stated sitting back down.


    Jessie followed his lead and sat besides him on the sofa. Still pouting.


    It killed Tony to have to ruin this innocent fun. She really seemed happy, a little starled but happy. He always knew how she behaved when she was happy and this was... beyond his wildest dreams. He began to curse himself for having to tell her this. But it would be better she heard it from him first.


    "Jessie" he started his tone suddenly falling serious. Her eyes flew to his, she was smiling! Not for long though, the smile fell of her face when she saw the serious look on his face and instantly her heart began to hammer in her chest.


    "You didn''t come here to scold me for not the hospital did you?" She asked slowly.


    "I really wish I did, but I''m sorry Jess." He stated with so much emotion Jessie feared for her consciousness.


    Wasn''t there supposed to be a limit of bad news a heart could take? If there was she was sure she was at the limit. What else could possibly happen again?


    "Just say, don''t beat around the bush, you know I hate that." She choked out.


    "I never intended to. Very soon you''ll receive a message from the court, several actually." He started and she sat perfectly still allowing him to explain. "I''m truly sorry to be the one telling g you this but it''s better your prepared. All the projects you''ve done, all the advertisements and the ones you were to do, that were publicly advertised." She swallowed already dreading what came next. "Including the agency, they are suing you for damages and defamation."


    She nodded slowly, shutting her eyes for a bit. "How much?" She asked.


    "What?"


    "How much Tony? How much are they using for?" She asked.


    "Twenty million." He replied and she let out a strangled sob.


    "I don''t have twenty million." She shook her head. "At most, last I remember I have about 5 million in my account."


    "I know," he paused. "But you worth twenty million."


    "What?" It what her own turn to ask.


    "All your properties, jewellery, designer item combined to the money you have in your accounts all amount to Twenty million." He said.


    She shook her head. "They can''t take my house Tony. They can''t take my house." She said her voice barely more than an audible whisper. A stray tear fell down her cheek.


    "I know you won''t want to, ever. But I''m sure if you ask Jason-"


    "No! I''m not going to ask him, I couldn''t." She shook her head, leaning down on her knees she placed her hands on the gap between her eyes. Stopping the tear that fell from touching her cheek. Instead they rolled down her hands.


    "Why do you guys seem so serious?" An overly familiar voice called out from behind them and she looked at Tony in alarm, turning away to quickly compose herself she was on her feet almost immediately. Not giving a chance to Tony she smiled at him.


    "Jason!" She squeaked. "Didn''t see you there."


    "Well if you weren''t so engrossed in your talk I can only imagine what is so serious?" He looked at her expectantly.


    It took some moments to realise he was waiting for an answer. "It''s nothing really, just reminiscing about the old days." She said awkwardly clearing her throat.


    Tony could only watch in despair, she should be in front of a camera acting. How quickly she was able to transition from a blubbering mess into pure definition of joy. And Jason was eating it up.


    "Mr. Kang." Tony also rose, greeting him.


    "That''s chairman to you." He frowned.


    "Ah... I see."


    "Jason." Jessie frowned.


    "Don''t worry, he''s just mad I encouraged you leave his manor the last time." Tony smiled at him, making Jason feel petty about holding a grudge.


    "She would never have been hurt if she hadn''t left." He said.


    "And she never would''ve confessed her feelings to you otherwise." Tony replied.


    "I beg your pardon?"


    "She needed to be away from you to realise just how badly she needed you." He said expertly.


    "So you''re saying this was your plan?" Jason asked but before the older man could reply Jessie put a stop to the annoying back and forth.


    "You do realise ''she'' is right here." She said bringing the attention back to her. "Let''s just agree to disagree." She stated.


    "Going to work?" She asked eyeing his navy blue suit, his comb back hair.


    "Please tell me not to go. I''ll stay if you want." He gave her a mischievous grin that made her belly jump for some reason.


    "You should go to work." She said bluntly. "Don''t worry about me, Tony is here."


    Jason looked back at Tony with a frown. "I''d rather be the one here."


    "But then we don''t always get what we want do we?" She bit out, her voice sounding sharper than intended. "I''m sorry" she apologised when he raised a questioning brow. "Just... I don''t want to cause you any trouble with your work, you should go."


    "Fine, since you insist." He agreed. "But first-" he walked up to her, his hands going around her waist her pressed his lips to hers with such frevensy she couldn''t help the whimper.


    Tony had to cough awkwardly when he wouldn''t let go. Bringing Jessie back to her surroundings she tired to push him away, finally letting her go. He almost groaned outwardly when she but her swollen lip awkwardly and looked down with pink cheeks.


    He decided that he liked her flustered. It was too sweet.


    "I''ll be back before six." He whispered in her ear, her shiver not unnoticed. With a quick nod to Tony he walked out of the room.


    "Jessie y-"


    "Don''t, I''m not telling him. I just can''t, it''s too embarrassing. I will not have him paying for this. He has already done enough." She stated firmly.


    "What is wrong with you? Since when did you get shame? You''ve never had a problem with it before." He said.


    "Yeah because I could afford every luxury I wanted. What ever I bought or was given I would always think, another time, another situation I could but this for myself. I wasn''t helpless I was just in an unfortunate situation." She cried. "I could accept it all because I felt I deserved it, I worked just as hard and I had my own money as well. But now it''s feels like such a burden to stand in such a grand house, when I don''t even have a roof to my name."


    "Hey, Jessie..." Tony sighed as she broke down before him.


    "I couldn''t bare it if Jason found out, it would be too uncomfortable. Please." She sobbed.


    He pulled her into a warm embrace as he let her wet his shirt with what he hoped was only tears.


    She didn''t deserve this, no one did. All she ever did was work hard, harder than most people wanted to believe. And now she only could watch as everything crumbled, fell right through her fingers. He felt immense rage it was almost unbearable.


    He vowed to himself then that he wouldn''t make sure that the people, the person that did this wouldn''t get to be happy. As long as he was alive.

 Chapter 241 - 241. Itll Break Her Heart.

    "They are suing Jessie Marin a total of twenty million dollars?" Patricia asked eyes wide as she stared at her manager and publicist, Mary.


    "How did you find out?" Mary frowned looking up from the magazine that had Patricia''s face on the cover.


    "I just heard some minor characters gossiping about, did you know why didn''t you tell me? You should have Ugh! I was having such a hard time crying on the last scene this certainly going to make it harder. It''s too hard to feel sad right now." She said positively beaming.


    "Minor characters, hard to feel sad right now, you fo realise you''re making it a habit if saying the wrong things. You''re are a nasty person, you did a better job of hiding it. Imagine someone heard you?" Mary scolded her, honestly wondering what the hell she was doing in Patricia''s trailer.


    Patricia eyes widened and narrowed into slits as she glared at Mary. "Don''t dare-"


    "Don''t dare what? I''m only doing my job, don''t let this become a habit, you are more likely to slip up if you act this freely. Wouldn''t it be nice to not have yet another scandal this month?" Mary asked getting up from the couch she sat on. Patricia sucked in a breath and bit her lip, Mary knew she was desperately trying to lash out at her.


    She was too angry to even appreciate the effort, although that was the bargain when she agreed to work for the devil. Just as it was getting harder for Patricia to continue to pretend she was a nice person it was getting incredibly hard to for Mary to continue to tolerate her. She could only imagine what Jessie was going through at the moment if Tony could call her to spit out such angry threats the morning before.


    Few hours earlier.


    Mary woke to the sound of incessant ringing, she looked up at her alarm clock, 3:17. She had ignored the call twice already, who was the arrogant fool that chose to call her the only time she had to herself?


    "Hello?" She said in a less than friendly manner.


    "How dare you sleep? And comfortably at that do you realise this is the third time I''m calling?!" An angry voice brought her out if her sleepy haze and she finally had the common sense to check the caller ID at the angry man yelling at her.


    Tony?


    "Tony what''s wrong?"


    "Did you know?" Was his only response.


    ...


    Did she know what?


    "You''re going to have to be more explicit." She almost groaned.


    "That night, you told me we should go for a drink, I should take a break from babysitting Jessie. Did you know?" He asked again sounding strangely.


    Mary blinked trying to remember what night he spoke of, she and Tony had many drinks together. Even though their actresses were always at each other''s throats they went way back. And it was fun making fun of them together.


    "Tony," she started venturing slowly fearing to anger the already angry man. "Are you okay?"


    "How the hell can I be okay? I should have been with her that night! Were you also part of that plan? Lure me away and leave her in a vulnerable position?" He almost cried.


    "Tony if you had interfered that night you would have died." Mary spoke up finally understanding which night he spoke of.


    "Then so be it!" He yelled.


    "You don''t understand, you don''t. Patricia never intended to kill Jessie but she would gotten rid of anyone that stood in her way, look at what happened to her driver. I couldn''t stop her but I couldn''t let you die either." She said softly, her heart clenching in guilt as stray tears rolled down her cheeks. "I''m so sorry, I know nothing can ever make up for the damage done but I''m sorry."


    "Don''t apologise for that she-devil. Jessie is losing all her money, everything including her house." He finally said his voice sounding defeated. "I don''t know how I''m going to tell her."


    "It''ll break her heart." Were the only words she could say. "How much?"


    "Twenty million." Mary gasped, that wasn''t fair, that wasn''t fair at all.


    "I''m sorry"


    "I''m going to kill her Mary. I''m going to kill Patricia." He stated bluntly.


    "You have kids, don''t be foolish." She scolded him.


    "Well, I can''t be a good father of I let trash like her live in the same world my daughters live in." He said.


    "Don''t do anything stupid, remember the last time." Mary warned.


    "She can''t get to my girls now I assure you, or even my wife. But I won''t sit around and do nothing, even if I can''t do much I''ll make her miserable. She will never be happy causing Jessie so much pain. I swear it, on my girls."


    **************************************************


    Jonathan sat in his home office staring into space unmoving. No matter how much he tried he couldn''t get the image of Jessie and Jason kissing out of his head. It was almost too much, he had been gritting his teeth, clenching his fist pulling on his hair anything to try contain his anger.


    "Son?" A gentle voice accompanied by his mother head poking into his door called out to him.


    "I thought you left." He said.


    Taking that somehow as leave to come in she entered ever elegantly. "How can I leave you in such a state?" She asked.


    Jonathan laughed bitterly. "A state? I thought you said it was a passing phase?" He said with sacarsm in his tone.


    Celeste stared intently at him but he didn''t even pay her warning glare any heed. "That was hours ago, you haven''t come out of this room. I was wrong." She said.


    "It''s good you admit that, I was avoiding any form of contact, you see I''m in a very terrible mood." He stated firmly.


    "Clearly " she added and he scoffed.


    "Mother, please leave, I''m no mood for conversation." He said.


    "Jessie is a very wonderful woman, but she not worth it if you feel so terribly-"


    "She''s worth it." He spat. "She has more worth than all the women in the world combined!"


    His mother''s eyes widened. "Jonathan, she''s with your brother!" She scolded him.


    "And so what? Does that mean I just give up?" He asked.


    "It means exactly that!"


    "Well I don''t want to, I believe we already had this conversation."


    "I believed you were only just angry, you can''t possibly mean to convert your brother''s woman." She huffed.


    "Don''t. Call. Her . That." He sneered. "And I will do as I please, as I told you before I have never wanted anything Jason has, and I never will. But Jessie?" He laughed manically. "I didn''t even know how badly I fell for her till now, mother I''m in love with that woman. So you should rather stop telling me to stay away and for once support your son."


    "You''re making me dislike her, what kind of woman comes in between two brothers?" She asked her eyes holding an expressionless annoyance.


    Jonathan ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "Please leave, I''m done talking about this with you. If you can''t understand the pain I feel, or the anger coursing violently through my veins then there no need for you to be here."


    "Jonathan Anthony Kang!" She yelled.


    "Fine, stay I''m out of here." He said, grabbing his coat and walking out of the room.


    **************************************************


    It was obvious, definitely no other plausible explanation the world was coming to an end. All the employees in Kang Empire, right from the highest floor all the way to the lowest thought it.


    Jason Kang, their grumpy no nonsense boss walked into the building... smiling. They''d always known Jason was an incredibly attractive man but it took them all by shock that he actually looked better, if he smiled.


    It made a lot of hearts flutter, so much to cause an accident which it did. An unfortunate or rather as the event transpired a fortunate woman. Caught up in her trance bumped into the almighty chairman.


    It wouldn''t have taken much to have the woman kneeling on the floor begging to both kill and spare her life as if he was some ancient emperor of sorts. Instead the strangest thing happened, he bent down and picked up the file that plopped with the contact and handed it to her.


    Although he didn''t smile right then, the entire floor stood still. No one quite knew what to do with themselves. What the hell was going on? Unable to find a reasonable explanation the decided the world as they knew it was coming to an end.


    Even Matt his trusted secretary was shocked by the gesture, Jason Kang never bowed to anyone. For him pick up the file he must have really not been paying attention. Eventually both boss and secretary got into his elevator with foolish grins on their face.


    Matt always hoped the day Jason would meet the woman that would bring out the true him, not the hardened exterior he made even believe, even himself he was. Not that he''d ever shown it to Matt himself but be with someone for as long as he''d been with Jason you tend to see the signs.


    If not that he was absolutely positive Jason would have his head on a pike he would have bought Jessie flowers. It took real talent to get such a reaction from a man like Jason. Real talent indeed, or was she just perhaps his missing rib?

 Chapter 242 - 242. Not Tomorrow.

    Tony sat across for Jessie as she sit perfectly still, totally silent. Her hands supporting her head from where they anchored on her knees.


    Her ringing phone cutting through the silence, she looked down with a tear stained face.


    "Who''s that?" Tony asked.


    "Celeste, Jonathan''s mother." Jessie said looking at Tony with a puzzled expression.


    "Why is she calling you?"


    Jessie shrugged, she answered the phone sniffling before she spoke. "Celeste?"


    There was an awkward pause at first, but then she spoke. "Jessie? How are you? I heard of the awful incident that happened last night with Jonathan."


    Jessie pushed her hair behind her ears and thought about how she should answer. That was right she was in an accident last night. Yet she was out of the hospital in less than a day, but at what cost? She did not even know weather to be thankful or annoyed.


    "I should have let you answer your calls, it''s my fault I''m sure you would have gotten a warning if I hadn''t done that." She continued when Jessie remained silent.


    "Oh no! It''s most definitely not your fault, I should even be apologising to you for putting Jonathan in such a situation. He got hurt because he was in that car with me. I''m sorry." She said quickly ignoring the pangs of guilt. Not once after she left the hospital had she thought about Jonathan. It had only been a few hours quite alright but still...


    "Nonsense. It''s not your fault." Celeste said seriously.


    "Well if it''s not my fault then it isn''t yours either." She insisted. "But I am fine, i was discharged earlier this morning. So you should know that i am indeed fine."


    "I''m glad to hear that, have you spoken to Jonathan after you left the hospital?" She asked.


    "Why? Is something wrong?"


    "... that''s what I was hoping you could tell me." She said. "He was in the most terrible mood when I was with him this morning and now he has disappeared."


    Another wave of heart clenching guilt. "Disappeared? Where?" She asked, trying to keep her voice even. It was one thing to mess with a person another thing for the person''s mother to find out. She had too much on her plate to worry about an interfering mama hen.


    "I wouldn''t have used the word disappeared if I knew where he was now would I?" She stated bluntly.


    "..." she bit her lips in response. "I don''t know where he is, honestly I don''t even know his favourite places in the city, or where- there''s a spa he likes to go to." She said suddenly remembering the place she first met Jonathan.


    "I do." His mother stated curtly. "I''ll send you some addresses, help me look? He really was in a terrible state when he left his house. I just hope he''s okay." She said her voice slightly cracking at the end.


    Forgetting to ask why Celeste asked for help, or the fact that she was still convalescent and sad she agreed. She needed to talk to Jonathan either way, and somehow she just knew she was behind his sudden disappearance.


    **************************************************


    To her surprise Tony gladly escorted her around the city looking for Jonathan. Shw expected him to make a fuss and refuse, she expected to do a whole lot of begging perhaps even bring out the pity card cause goodness knows she had enough of a pitiful life but he agreed on first request.


    Now she stood at the top of the Kang empire, looking at the beautiful sunset. This was a surprisingly beautiful scenery. The sky was a mixture of purple and orange and you could see the dark silhouettes of building, she felt as though she was in a painting. One of those silhouettes belonged to Jonathan she finally found him.


    Jessie approached him with so much caution, it was almost ludicrous. What does one say in this situation? How does she make him feel better, when her happiness made him sad?


    "Jonathan?" Her voice was soft, so light it could disappear in the breeze but he heard it. Infact he sensed it the moment she walked through that door.


    At first he didn''t react because he didn''t know how to, he felt embarrassed and foolish but still he was hurt, so very hurt. He didn''t have the right to be, he knew where he stood in her heart but it didn''t make anything better. He still loved her, he couldn''t help it.


    When and how he feel so deeply for her creeped up on even he himself, but the fact was that he loved her.


    "Jonathan?" She called out again.


    He turned around and met gazes with her. It was twilight, and she looked... so very, very... sad?


    Suddenly his phone buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it out.


    Don''t be too hard on her, she''s losing everything.


    It was from Krystal, he wondered what was everything that she was losing?


    "You''ve been crying." He said softly, surprising her. She looked down consciously touching her cheeks in case she didn''t feel a stray tear drop.


    She looked back at him, "how can you tell?" She asked.


    "I just did." His voice was steady but she felt so heavy inside.


    "Jonathan." She said again.


    "If you want to cry, I suppose I''m good company. I''m also sad, heartbroken if I may. I sure there will be now reservations if we do it together." He said.


    She sighed heavily, smiling softly. She had spent the entire day looking for him, pretending to be strong in front Tony. He couldn''t know how sad she was about everything. But somehow standing about six feet away from Jonathan she felt like she could be herself. She could express her feelings, be as sad as she wanted. Because even though it was her fault he just got her.


    "You''re supposed to be yelling at me, it would have been easier if you had just been yelling at me." She choked out, her eyes watering mercilessly.


    "Why? We''re just friends aren''t we?" He asked so plainly she coughed out a sob, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.


    She shook her head as the tears flowed freely, "I can''t help but feel this is Karma for what I did to you earlier this morning."


    "Jessie " he said softly.


    "No" she shook her head, stopping him from interrupting her. "I wasn''t thinking, it wasn''t fair."


    "It''s not as if you hadn''t made it clear to me, I know what you feel for my brother. I should understand, I should-"


    "You don''t have to understand anything" she shook her head. "I was wrong, you''re not just anyone. I might not love you but I care deeply for you, I know this is selfish but I can''t loose you Jonathan. You''ve always been someone I could rely on, you saved me when I couldn''t save myself. You''ve become important to me."


    "But you can''t love me." He whispered but she heard.


    "Jonathan."


    "I''ll rescue you again today, but not tomorrow. Maybe in the future but not tomorrow" he shook his head. His words cryptic but she understood it. He was going to need time away from her, and she understood. Didn''t mean it didn''t hurt.


    "At the beginning of the day, infact until a few moments before now. I was determined to rob my brother of everything he has. Including you..." he started. "But you... make me want to be a better person, somehow I want to always be the hero you came to care for."


    She sniffled as she let him speak, "but I cannot watch you be happy with Jason, I need more time to learn to pretend."


    "Pretend?"


    "That I don''t love you, because I don''t think I could ever stop loving you." He replied.


    At this point Jessie could not help the powerful sobs that racked her skinny frame, bending over she put her hand in her plams and just cried.


    Cried for the guilt, for the hurt, for the anger that coursed hotly through her veins. She cried for the loss and the fact that as messed up as her life was she could have affection of such amazing men. Such an amazing man.


    Jonathan didn''t walk over to her, he didn''t need to being there was enough comfort. Besides he didn''t trust himself to actually touch her. And still walk away.


    She hadn''t cried, not really so right there as the sky darkened she did. Before Jonathan, she cried and cried. He just stood there and let her scream until her lungs where raspy, cry with such tremorous sobs, and weep until her eyes were raw and red. And when she was done, weak and spent.


    He walked over to her picked her up and walked away from the rooftop. Too weak to fight she just rested against his strong shoulders and fell asleep.


    Tony didn''t know what to make of the situation, why was Jessie being carried? By Jonathan? Worse in Jason building. At first he was alarmed but Jonathan cryptic explanation was enough convince the man of her wellbeing without really giving any real detail as to what happened.


    He didn''t think she wanted anyone to see her like that. So he didn''t talk, after dropping her soundly in the car bound back to Jason. He couldn''t help but out a soft kiss on her forehead and walk away. At least for the time being.

 Chapter 243 - 243. Im Ready...

    "What happened to her?" Jason asked as Tony stepped out of the car.


    "What do you think?" He asked lightly, not willingly to give him any cause for alarm, goodness knows Jessie would have his neck on a pike if he dared tell Jason about her financial problems. "She fell asleep." He finished, as Jason brows rose in question. "When did you get home?" He asked quickly to prevent Jason from asking anymore questions.


    But he wasn''t easily deterred. "Earlier than you both. She didn''t tell me she was leaving." He said. "Where did you go, and what did she do to tire herself out like this?" He asked.


    A question that would leave most stuttering for answer, not Tony. He also wasn''t easily deterred, and if he was being totally honest he didn''t have a slightest clue that she would cry like that. But then again, she always pretended she was strong in front of him.


    "She missed the girls, you''ve met them haven''t you?" Tony said, referring to his girls and the fact that Jason kidnapped his children and held them at ransom.


    Jason brows went up. "Of course lovely girls." He replied as tight lipped at Tony did. It was clear the two men weren''t going at each other mainly because of the shared affection for the oblivious, spent and slumbering women. Lying splayed out in the back sits of one of his many luxury cars. But there was no love between them.


    "Great, you should also know they were very eager to meet their dear auntie Jessie." Tony said.


    "Really? Three little girls brought down Jessie?" He asked incredulously. Tony didn''t give him an answer but his silence was enough to give Jason a fitting comeback.


    Before they could begin to address the elephant that stood unnoticed for so long between them, Jessie sighed softly.


    "Jason?"


    His eyes lowered and he gave her small smile, which she returned in earnest. "Ugh... I''m so tired and uncomfortable here." She groaned, yawning.


    Jason could help the smile that grazed his lips as he watched her, he still couldn''t believe it all day. But it was true she was here and she was his. He wouldn''t be forgetting that ever.


    Leaning into the car he picked her up so little effort, scooping her up bridal style. Too tired to make a fuss she just leaned aganist his shoulder and snuggled into his warmth. Only with Jonathan she could fall asleep easily, it was comfortable. But everywhere Jason held her she felt sparks, his hands weren''t even anywhere indecent. Yet it made her oddly alive? She was living already wasn''t she? Why then was she so aware, so many feeling she couldn''t place plagued her.


    "Goodnight Tony." He said finally, without waiting for the older man to respond not that he even cared for such he walked away.


    Jessie tried to fall asleep again, really she did. But she couldn''t get her brain to stop sending impulsive signals lighting up her entire skin. If this was love then she was hopelessly in it. Her heart swelled with pride and joy, having him close to her just made her happy. Somehow, it was certainly different. He didn''t even know or intentionally comfort her but wasn''t even thinking aniyt the fact that she cried herself to sleep. Literally, and her body? The treacherous house of flesh and sin. She didn''t quite understand what she wanted but she wanted him aganist her, without the useless clothes.


    Starled but the graphic image that popped into her head her eyes popped open, just as he laid her down on the bed. So in that moment she could only gaze into the dark depths of his dark emotionless eyes.


    The intensity of his gaze sent shivers down her spine and heat to her belly, unable to react any other way she licked her lips.


    Jason eyes darkened instantly it was almost scary and almost primitive but she felt heady with anticipation and .... something she couldn''t quite place.


    Leaning down towards her, her eyes fluttered shut but the contact never came to her wet lips, instead she felt the heat of his body over her, and how the bed dipped under his weight.


    His breath blowing against the naked flesh on her ear, the surprise making her squirm. "Best don''t look at me like that, there''s only so much self control." He whispered his warning in her ears. Looking into her eyes he made her feel scared or at least with the intimidating look he so wonderfully mastered he intended to.


    "Stop tempting me like this, stop tormenting me like this. I can see your not ready and I won''t force you do anything you don''t want to." He whispered, his hot breath kissing her lips.


    Wherever the courage came from she was not entirely sure, but she knew for one she didn''t want to be alone tonight, she couldn''t help herself. This way she felt when she was with him, this comfort and happy she wanted more she wanted to be addicted. Plus, she wasn''t sure of anything more than the fact that she was ready to give herself to him, completely.


    As he got up to leave her grip on his arm stopped him.


    He gave her a warning look about to complain but she placed her finger on his lips and look directly into his eyes. Not willing him to look away, "I''m ready." She said, her voice steady and clear. "I want you."


    Jason broke, he had been holding back when he found out about her innocence, plus she looked so overwhelmed earlier this morning he didn''t want to startle her. Bother her, yes, but startle her he couldn''t let her be scared. Besides he promised himself he would let her take the lead at least for now. Until she was comfortable with him. But now she said this words, Jason wasn''t sure was from her sleep induced state or if she really meant it. At this point he didn''t think he had the sanity to find out.


    He leaned down slowly, so he could kiss her softly, but mostly not trusting himself. As he hesitated she closed the distance and kissed him. Not giving her time to even think or pull back, he pushed her aganist the bed nudging her lips open his tongue was rough, insistent, and skilled. Pulling out moans and whispers as he tasted her sweetness. His hands around her slim waist, as caressed her slim torso, moving his hands up and down her ribs and belly. Soon his hands crept underneath her top, as he down her jaw, her chin, down her neck. Nibbling and licking away the skin, when his hands cupped her she leaned back and pushed herself further into his arms.


    "Jason!" She whimpered, as he bit down on her earlobe.


    "That''s right." He whispered aganist her skin. "Gosh you''re so beautiful."


    He almost groaned as he pushed her shirt upwards lifting her arms as he pulled it off her and tossed it across the room. Pulling of his own shirt to her tossed his away, leaning back down to capture her lips.


    Her hands wrapped his neck and she arched her back to make contact with him. Suddenly he spun them around putting her securely on top him, gripping her hips to keep him in place.


    She gasped as she landed on top him, her eyes widened at his lopsided grin. Supporting herself with her hands on her shoulder. Just like her, he leaned upwards and placed a very hot, very wet kiss in the middle of her chest. Her hands on their own volition found the back of his head and held him to her, as his hands trailed hotly along her spine making her shiver.


    His phone rang on the nightstand. He groaned into her chest, "turn it off." He almost growled.


    Leaning forward she reached for the phone, turning it around to cut the call.


    Her desire hooded eyes widened when she say the caller, ''Patricia (Fiancee)''.


    She didn''t not why but she felt a sudden burst of anger, frozen staring at the phone ringing as she quaked with rage.


    "What''s going on?" Jason asked as she remained static. "Turn it off already." He groaned leaning back to kiss her shoulder again. But she pushed him away.


    His lips upturned into a frown, but he suddenly understood as she showed him the phone, the call just cutting off.


    "Jessie..." he began but she already made to get off him. Gripping her thighs even more firmly around him her cupped the side of her face and pulled to him.


    Placing her forehead on his as he tried to silently convince her to stay. But as usual there was nothing to be said when the phone began to ring again, he didn''t even have time to stop her when she crawled of him and rolled to the other side of the bed. Lying away from him.


    "Hey..." he started.


    "Don''t." She whispered "pick it up, you''re Fiancee is calling. You should answer."


    "Hey, Jessie."


    "I''m tired, you should go." She said, as if she knew he was going to make another argument she added quickly. "Please... just go."

 Chapter 244 - 244. Heart Break.

    Jason sighed as he shut the door quietly as he exited Jessie''s room. Why were people just born to be pests? That''s all Patricia seemed to do, every freaking time.


    He answered the phone and placed it on his ear not saying a word. He couldn''t trust himself not to lash out.


    "Jason? Hello?" She called from the speaker.


    "Are you going to tell me the purpose of this call?" He said with a snappy annoyed tone.


    Patricia brows furrowed and she pursed her lips in ire. "That isn''t any way to talk to your future wife." She huffed.


    His eyes darkened and he tone lowered, like a predator. "Future wife? Who?"


    "Who else? You do realise we are engaged to be married right?" She huffed.


    Jason fought the urge to roll his eyes, an action beneath him. Instead he took the phone and placed it on his other ear. "What do you want." He asked.


    "Well I was hoping we could match outfits for tomorrow...?" She started, and his brows furrowed at her statement. Match outfits? Why would they match outfits,?


    "You do know what I''m talking about right? You''re eerily quiet, what are you thinking do you not want to?" She asked her voice sounding small at the end. "You don''t have to if you don''t want to, I was just hoping we could appear as a couple for grand father''s 80th party." She mumbled quietly, hating how she always second guessed herself with him. She used to be so confident and sure of her self but now she was just an insecure mess.


    She wasn''t supposed to fall in love with Jason, she wasn''t supposed to like the fact that she was in love with Jason. For so many reason it was wrong for her to be pinning after him, but all those reason walked out the door when she heard him speak. Saw him, had him touch her. It has been forever since she felt so turned on by the sound of someone''s voice of just the essence of their presence entirely.


    It was disarming and wrong but the funny thing was she liked it. Jason was the most eligible bachelor in the entire city and as naive as the thought was she was glad he was her fiance, it made her insides funny and her head buzz with excitement. There was the initial shock of Jessie but she knew regardless Jason would never be attracted to a sold woman, he was picky and superior like that. Besides she had nothing, at least not anymore.


    She hadn''t destroyed Jessie because of this but it was an added benefit. He was attracted to women of his station, rich, beautiful, made and most especially not Jessie Marin. He could like her for the occasional tangle beneath he sheets but that would be it. When the married it would end, for a fact she was sure she was better at Jessie at specifically that. She never heard anything about her sexual performance, and in this case yes no news was bad news. She was beautiful but any sensible person could see associating with her was like tying a time bomb to yourself.


    "And when is that?" He asked, after a long pause of berating himself for forgetting.


    "Tomorrow, you didn''t forget did you?" She asked.


    "Doesn''t matter, I am aware of the situation now." He said dismissively.


    "So what about the outfit? I got you a tuxedo."


    "So you want to come give it to me?" He asked, worrying she would want to come to the manor.


    Already preparing to turn her down.


    "I can''t silly, I have to get ready for grandfather party. I''ll have it sent. That''s okay right? You''ll wear it right?" Patricia asked.


    Not seeing a valuable reason not to, as all guys usually ignore the feelings of their girlfriends, not taking it as a valuable reason he agreed and swiftly ended the call.


    His mind on Jessie''s reoccurring words, ''I want you.''


    Rushing back into her room to find out if he could get her to... well. Pushing the door open slowly so as not to startle her, he walked in slowly. His heart dropping when he heard her soft snoring. But as he watched her fall asleep he couldn''t help the smile that graced his lips. She wasn''t one of those women that fell asleep gracefully and while her snoring was hardly a nuisance she looked chaotically cute.


    He loved this woman and just how much scared him. Placing a soft kiss on her soft supple lips, and resisting the urge to take it further he turned off her lamp and pulled her cover cloth higher and walked out as quietly as he entered.


    *************************************************


    "Someone is here for you, Miss Hastings." A new intern informed Lenora as she typed away on her laptop. Looking up from the pile of work she had she pouted.


    "Who could it be?" She wondered to herself, she made it clear to all her contacts not to contact her for at least two weeks. After her ''firing'' turned suspension, she was suffering not only a pay cut but three month worth of work load with a two week deadline. How she was going to do it she had no idea. But she also didn''t realize how badly she missed work and how terrible her decision to leave was so instead of speaking up and throwing their offer in their face she shut up and got to work.


    "He says his name is a mister Anderson." She added.


    She perked up, a sudden burst of happiness filling her lungs. Not liking the reaction but not hating the way it made her feel she managed a small smile. Getting up immediately she walked out of the office, unable to stop the smile.


    Until she saw Susan, standing besides Jasom then it all came rushing back. The heartbreak she felt she was reminded of that pain, and the smile wore off. But that didn''t slow her approach, she still walked forward but she did it with a reasonable amount of caution.


    With Jamie backing her Susan''s deadly glare was the first thing that welcomed her as she came into an impressionable distance.


    Jamie turned around as well when he noticed the change of demeanor. But he wasn''t glaring, he didn''t even have a frown on his face. Was he...smiling? Was that a smile?


    No, she shook her head, his lips were slanted not so much they''d be in a smile. She decided to think it was a smirk, at the very least she comforted herself with the fact that he wasn''t frowing or glaring at her.


    "Hey, it''s been a while." He said comfortably as she reached him.


    Eyeing Susan behind him she looked back at him, urging herself to ignore her beating heart. "I guess it has. How are you feeling now?"


    "I just heard you sent a sick person out on the streets..." Susan started behind him. "You really are something aren''t you Lenora."


    "I don''t see how that''s any business of yours." She spat back.


    "Oh don''t take it the wrong way, it was beneficial for me. I was meaning to thank you." Susan said with a sly smile.


    Lenora eyes widened in realization, then the flew ro Jamie''s for confirmation. "It''s not what you think Lenora." He started when she looked at him like a cheat. With anger and disgust, but the emotion that bothered him so much it almost hurt was the actual hurt he saw.


    "So you aren''t staying with her?" Lenora asked, hating how desperate she sounded.


    "No." He affirmed shooting a warning look at Susan.


    "Then what does she mean?" She asked.


    Jamie sighed and turned to Susan, "I''ve said all I have to, please leave us."


    Her jaw dropped, saying something about his bleak future full of regrets she walked away. But Lenora didn''t feel anger or disappointment from her but rather sadness. But she didn''t think much, she wouldn''t spend her time on that.


    "What did she mean?" She asked again.


    "Why do you let her get under your skin like that?" Jamie asked when as she stared up at him with hostility.


    "So she was lying?" Lenora asked.


    "Is that really what you want to know? I thought you would be burning with anticipation as to why I was here?" He as with a small grin.


    Ignoring it, she huffed angrily. "I am curious! But I''m also curious about that." She added.


    He sighed. "I''m not living with Susan, even though I lost my memories I have better sense than moving in with another woman. I have a small apartment downtown." He explained.


    "How did you get it?" She pouted.


    "Why did you expect me to come crawling back?" He asked.


    "No" she said. "But I didn''t expect you to land so easily in your feet. I wanted to hurt you for hurting me. It too unfortunate you such a resourceful man."


    He laughed lightly. "There she is, the brutally honest Lenora I remember."


    Her face scrunched up at his statement. "Remember?" She asked.


    "Yeah, I got my memories back." He agreed.


    "So Susan?"


    "I was thanking her for taking care of me when I while I was I''ll, and that we were friends then and that''s all we''ll be now." He explained.


    It was heartbreak. Lenora thought to herself. Hesitant, she looked up at him. "And now?"


    "I love you, I do Lenora. But I have other priorities right now." He said.


    She shook her head. "I don''t understand."


    "That''s why I''m here, I need to find the actress. I was hoping you''d know where to start." He stated.


    "Jessie Marin? Why?"


    "I have something that can help clear her name."

 Chapter 245 - 245. Men Are Scum.

    ''Men are scum'' it was a statement that Jessie Marin was very well familiar with. And so many she had experienced it first hand, when someone groped her or said useless sexist remarks. She was an actress of course she had come across very useless men I''m her life time. But as she stared at the package that sat before the hee on the bar, she decided then and there that Jason was worse than them all.


    After the entire fiasco last night, after baring herself to him last night. Patricia just had to go and ruin it, now this? Gosh she was so embarrassed what did she mean by ''I''m ready?'' ''I want you???''


    "Stupid, stupid, stupid!" She berated herself. Picking up the note, (handwritten if she may add) to make sure she read it correctly.


    So eager for tonight, glad you agreed to match outfits, although it is expected we are engaged after all. More eager to for you to see me in my dress, sure you would be so impressed more so to take it off.


    Your Fiancee, Patricia.


    "And here I was trying to apologise!" She huffed angrily. After last night she hadn''t been able to sleep worried she''d upset him, only to find out he even made plans that included matching outfits! The entire thing reminding her of the ball she had to sit and watch Patricia act like Jason belonged to her. It was annoying and exhausting and it bothered her then of course it would bother her now. Even then they wore matching outfits, what was the magic? And it made her skin crawl knowing they''d be together the entire night.


    "Miss Jessie, I don''t think you were supposed to see that." Agnes said, positively terrified. She was the one tasked with delivering the package, her luck to run into Jessie. Who literally snatched the package from her grasp.


    "Well I''m glad I did, now I don''t have to waste my time making breakfast for that jerk." She mumbled angrily, unsure what to do with the sharp pang of Jealousy that assualted her chest and belly.


    "But you can''t cook." Agnes reminded her.


    Jessie shot her a terrifying glare, "it''s the thought that counts!" She snapped, the already quaking maid bobbed her head up and down in agreement.


    "Or maybe I should, how nice would it be to see him try to swallow my food. It would definitely serve him right!" She said with a smile that made Agnes shudder, nothing good ever happened after a smile like that. And she was seeing first hand how wickedly her idol''s mind worked.


    "H-his breakfast is already prepared. Butler Choi made sure of it. I''m sure he''ll be down anytime now, you should probably put down the note." She softly pleaded. But it was too late, an all too familiar voice called from behind both women.


    Jessie turned around abruptly, shooting him and icy glare. Jason''s brows furrowed in confusion, his state of oblivion even worsening as she walked towards him with long determined strides..


    Her long legs moving fluidly, but she never stopped, as if he was one with the furniture she paid him no heed and walked past him with her chin on the air and her gaze straight.


    Unwilling to remain in the dark he grabbed her arm and held her back, spinning her around to look at him. "Good morning?"


    She let out a low huff, "It must be a good morning for you indeed. You have a package you should go see to that, instead of wasting time here holding onto me." She stated bluntly, tugging on her arm. He wouldn''t let go.


    "I don''t care about any package, why are you acting so strangely. Are you mad at me?" He asked.


    Again there was the saying ''Men are oblivious when it comes to women''. She as usual had experienced a lot of this in her life but she would have to once again hand the crown to the oblivious idiot standing before her with a creak in his brow.


    "It doesn''t, you should check your package." She insisted and he fought back a groan.


    "I already said I don''t care about any package." He replied stubbornly.


    "Oh... but I do!" She said yanking her arm from his grasp, before he could grab hold of her again she ran away.


    Too curious to chase after her, he turned around and headed for the big black box sitting on the bar. Pulling of the top he was met with a very dashing gray suit, with purple attachments. He was even more confused, scratching the side of his head in confusion.


    What exactly was she snippy about? She couldn''t still be mad about last night right?


    "I believe this would provide more insight sir." Butler Choi, who had happened on the entire scene, provided the note for him.


    After Jason read he fought the urge to curse out loud. Maintaining civility for the older more polished man standing besides him.


    "How did she get to this first?" He asked, with a groan.


    Agnes who had been standing beside the butler almost fainted in fear. But the butler was kinder. "It was an unfortunate accident sir. But I must say she was very determined."


    "When is she never." He mumbled under his breath, turning fast on his heels to find her.


    "Jessie? Jessie?" He called out to her, knocking softly on her door. "Hey, Jessie this is all a misunderstanding please open the door for me." He pleaded.


    Unable to bear the guilt of seeing the mighty and fearsome Jason Kang, cower and beg beside a woman room, Agnes decided to help. Although it made her slightly envious, that he could lower himself for a woman. And also grateful and glad that woman was Jessie.


    "Perhaps she''s in the shower." She said softly from behind him.


    Jason stood up straighter and turned to look at her with those terrifyingly dark eyes. "How are you sure?"


    Gulping she decides to butter up his ego. "No way she heard you and wouldn''t open the door." She replied.


    "You think?" All of a sudden for a sliver of a moment his whole dark, brooding and arrogant persona dropped and he looked like a helpless but dashing boy with the hopeful glint in his eyes.


    "Absolutely sir!" She chirped.


    He looked down at his watch, he was already late. He had an early meeting with Paradise, it was important he attends in case they planned to murder someone else. So he didn''t have the luxury of waiting outside for her.


    "Do something for me." He ordered, beckoning for her to come closer, which she did but with great caution.


    "If she comes out, would you give me a call?" He asked.


    "Sure sir, but we don''t have individual handphones." She stated honestly.


    "You don''t? Why?" He asked, and she frowned. Did he not know? Was he not the one that made the rule?


    "No staff member uses phones on the grounds." She informed him.


    "How does butler Choi communicate with me then? I''m sure he has a phone." Jason stated with a small pout on his lips and Agnes felt like she was seeing things she wasn''t supposed to.


    Surely it wasn''t Jason Kang, the Chairman of KE holdings that was engaged in a back and forth with her. Worse he was pouting, her poor heart.


    "There''s a general phone we all use, like a phone booth in the servants quarters." She said. "But it really inconvenient, perhaps we could use our phones?" She added hopefully, perhaps she would be the saviour of the staff. Surely she would get a lot of brownie point for this.


    "You said there was a phone booth, just use that. I''m sure the rule was made for good reasons. Besides if that''s the phone butler Choi uses then I''ll recognize the number." He said.


    Well a girl can hope right?


    "Do you have paper?" He asked pulling out a pen. When it was obvious she didn''t he grabbed her palm, causing her to squeak in surprise.


    He was touching her, he was touching her!


    Unaware of the reactions and confusion he was causing her swiftly wrote his number on her palm. "That''s my personal number. Call me when Jessie comes out."


    "Of...of-of course s-sir" she stammered hopelessly.


    "Good." And with that he was off, walking away as he always did. Agnes stared at her trembling hand wondering what the actual hell just happened?


    Who was that? And what did he do to her employer, because no way that was the same Jason Kang she knew.


    Oblivious to his actions or even the change in character he walked down the stairs, ignoring the elevator. He needed to blow of some steam. And true to his thoughts he met Matt sitting in a couch waiting for him.


    "Good morning sir."


    "Don''t assume my morning is good." He stated grimly as he reache the last step.


    Matt brow went up but as usual he kept his thoughts to himself. "Well, bad morning?"


    "You have no idea."


    "

 Chapter 246 - 246. Im Done Apologising.

    Jessie indeed was in the shower although it wasn''t certain as to weather she would have opened the door if she did hear his pleas. And to top it off she got up to a red toilet when she got up. Literal tears fell out of her eyes in frustration.


    But a little relief as well, at least if she was overreacting then she could just blame it on her hormones.


    As she stepped out of her bathroom she frowned at her wardrobe as she wondered what to use? A pad or tampon?


    "Tampon." She mumbled grabbing it immediately, too angry, irritated and overwhelmed to take her time with her normal skincare routine she wore some shorts and a big hoodie. Jason''s big hoodie, sue her, she still drew comfort from the idiot''s scent.


    Still wrapped up in his comforting smell her phone buzzed in her pocket, just as she was walking to the elevator to go down. If she could frown deeper than what she already did she would have as she pulled out the phone and read the caller ID.


    Swiping left she put the phone back in her pocket. Almost immediately it buzzed again, and without looking she declined it and turned off her phone. All probably wrong decisions but at this point she couldn''t care less. Like a cancer patient smoking, she was headed to the kitchen to get a fat tub of ice cream. A definite bad decision, but she always craved the sweetness of the dessert. She felt nothing but bitter in her period, so she tried to fill that space up with sweets. It wasn''t always but she was an emotional wreck. And it was either this or crying... so.


    After a while, half a movie and the second tub of icecream Agnes walked into the theater room.


    "Miss Marin?" She said quietly.


    Jessie groaned, sitting up slightly with the spoon hanging upside down in her mouth. "What?" She asked in a muffled voice.


    "There are guests here for you." She said.


    Her eyes narrowed in question. "Guests?"


    "It''s actually Tony, but he''s with two other people. Were you expecting them? You didn''t inform us." She explained.


    Jessie shook her head, "I wasn''t- tell him I''ll be down shortly." She stated. Closing the tub of ice cream and placing the spoon down. As she exited the theater she headed to the sitting room, well one of them anyway. As she walked down she stopped at one of the water faucets decorating the sides of the wall to wash down her face.


    Tony''s was the first face she saw as she walked into the room, "Tony? You didn''t call." She accused.


    "But I did, your phone is off and for some reason you cut off my first call?" He retorted.


    And she shut her eyes in realization, it must have been Tony''s call she rejected the second time around. Stupid Jason! She cursed inwardly, blaming him for even this.


    "Did you forget to charge your phone again?" He asked.


    "No... it''s my fault, I''m sorry. Agnes said you came with other people?" She asked.


    "Yes, yes. You have met... detective Anderson and Reporter Hastings." He introduced.


    For the first time since she walked into the room she noticed the guests. But as her gaze fell on Lenora she noticed more than a face. ''Reporter Hastings, Lenora Hastings?'' She thought to herself.


    Suddenly it all came back, the first time she experienced eggs.


    Actress Jessie Marin involved in a scandal with Actor Hyun Jin, a happily married man with two kids.


    Was Actress Jessie Marin involved in the divorce between Actor Hyun Jin and his wife?


    Before she could stop herself, not that she wanted to she walked over to Jamie and Lenora and to everyone surprise she landed a perfectly tight slap on the reporter''s cheek. The sound slicing through the room with a thunderous effect due to the pin drop silence that hung so thickly in the air.


    Lenora hair whipped to the side of her face, covering what she was sure was a brusing cheek. But she apart from Jessie she was the only one not in shock at the actress'' actions. She knew why she was getting slapped, infact she was sure she would get similar reactions if she met other celebrities. But the reactions she repeated would be similar, she didn''t expect to be slapped, at all.


    After the initial shock, Jamie pulled Lenora behind him proactively, sending a warning glare down at Jessie. Jessie who ignored his gaze and focused her attentions behind him.


    "Jessie!" Tony exclaimed in shock.


    "You have some nerve showing up in front of me." She spat at the woman nursing her cheek behind the very fit and towering man.


    Lenora head snapped up and she sent back Jessie deadly glare in good measure. "Don''t you think you''re overreacting!" She huffed in annoyance. "What a bitch!" She mumbled under her breath.


    "Overreacting?! How dare you! People like you don''t deserve normal reactions, you should be in jail for what you did." She spat.


    "Why don''t you sue me then?" Lenora asked. "Oh I forgot you have no money for the legal bills." She shot back, hurting her deliberately because of her smarting cheek. She really did not expect it to hurt this much.


    How Jessie managed to do it with a six foot man standing in between them remained a mystery but once again the room was shaken with another thunderous sound.


    "Are you mad?!" Lenora screamed as she grabbed her other cheek.


    "Yes! Yes I''m mad! Because of people like you look at what my life has become!" She screamed. "Do you know how close I came to losing everything with that careless article you published?!"


    "But the again you didn''t. Look it''s nothing personal but you more than anyone should know how this industry works." Lenora huffed.


    "Nothing personal?!" She scoffed, shaking her head. "I guess talking to you is pointless. But then again not everyone has a conscience." Looking up at Jamie. "I wonder how such a kind hearted man ended up with trash like her."


    A blow to Lenora this time. She stepped back behind Jamie, and clutched his shirt to steady her trembling hand. In honest truth she had dreaded coming here, but she assumed with what the actress was going through the last scandal would be ancient history. She was sorry for what she did but she didn''t quite have a choice. She never meant to publish that article, she made a thoughtless suggestion and she was forced to twist and manipulate lies. The actress was caught in the cross fire of one of the most high profile divorce cases in the country at the time.


    She felt bad, she felt apologetic but just because she felt that way didn''t mean she was suddenly angel enough to apologise to the person that just slapped her, twice!


    "Jessie!" Tony called out again. "Stop!" He yelled going to hold her back. "Why are you acting like this?"


    "Like what?! What I''m I supposed to apologise? I always apologise, apologise to the people that spread lies about me. Apologise to the assholes that throw eggs at me, apologise to people like her tha write deliberate lies just to get views at the expense of my own life!" She yelled. "Well guess what I don''t have to that anymore, the only pro to becoming a nobody is that I can finally fight for the justice I deserve. Just because I''m a celebrity doesn''t make me a target, this is my life for goodness sake!"


    "Fine! I''m sorry, I''m sorry. I was wrong, I shouldn''t have written that article about you. It was irresponsible, wicked and wrong. You have ever right to lash out like this." Lenora said. "I''m sorry, that was a time in my life I was not proud about. I''m sorry." She apologised again.


    Jessie calmed as she glared at her.


    "Miss Marin?" Jamie started but she nodded.


    "That felt nice." She said, fixing her hoodie. "I''ll tell them to bring in refreshments." She stated walking out of the room.


    Leaving them with the most confused expressions on their faces. "I don''t understand what just happened?" Lenora stated. "This feels like she''s going through something and I was the punching bag."


    "No... she''s never been apologised to, celebrities they always have to do the apologising. She doesn''t even realise she can remain mad, or angry at you. Just those words... I''m sorry, must mean so much to her." Jamie stated honestly.


    Tony looked in the direction she left through and sighed heavily.


    "Wow, I never realized." Lenora said softly.


    Jamie brows furrowed. "Then why did you apologise?"


    Lenora looked him straight in the eye, keeping a perfectly straight face as she said the words as if she was reciting it. "She was hysterical, I thought if I said sorry she would stop yelling so much."


    Both men looked at her with expressions of pure shock on their faces.


    "You definitely deserved to get slapped."

 Chapter 247 - 247. You Fell For Him Didnt You?

    Jason stared at his phone for the hundredth time during that meeting. How could she turn her phone off?! She was literally torturing him, he couldn''t concentrate, or think about anything else.


    "Jason!" Reginald''s loud voice pulled him out of his head and back to the meeting.


    "Yes?" He asked, dropping his phone softly on the table before him. Everyone looked at him wit wise accusing eyes. ''They must have been talking about something important.'' He thought.


    "Did you not hear anything we just said?" The ambassadors wife asked, she was replacing Francine these days, another annoying thorn in his side.


    Jason sighed, at this point he was caught they would be no need denying it. "No, no I did not. Repeat everything again."


    She gasped in a mocking tone but Jason knew who had the power. Which his signature grin and a quirked brow he looked deliciously dangerous.


    "So?"


    **************************************************


    Glares were not spared, even after the touching revelation it was no secret the two women still harboured ill intent for each other but at least while they did nothing visible to hide it the words were not in use. Instead the floor was left open for the actual reason of the visit.


    "I have something that can you build a case aganist Patricia Lee and help you prove you''re the victim in all of this." Jamie started.


    Jessie nodded. "You mentioned something earlier when we met" she said. "Back in your house?" She added when he blinked unknowingly at her.


    "We''ve met before?" He blinked curiously at her.


    And she blinked back in confusion, at first before a foreign emotion spread through her chest. One that she had only felt once before. The time Devon Geum suggested that Katherine was prettier, and hadn''t an idea who she was.


    Should she identify it as ire? Certainly she wasn''t being arrogant, but at least in this country she was certain everyone knew her name. It never bothered her before to meet someone who didn''t know her, infact she made it note worthy to introduce herself to everyone she met.


    But now that all that attention was gone she felt insecure, yes that was it insecure. As much as she was hurt and tormented. She didn''t want people forgetting about so quickly. She worked too hard to build up her social standing, even if they hated her. Nothing would hurt more than being forgotten.


    "Pardon me if I can''t remember" he said curtly.


    "You forgot?" She asked in a small voice.


    "I probably did, " her heart dropped but he added. "I lost my memories, some have returned most actually. I didn''t realise there were still gaps. Forgive me." He stated.


    And she calmed visibly. "How?"


    "Patricia ordered an attack on him in Jail." Lenora spat before he could stop her.


    Tony''s brows furrowed "Patricia Lee?"


    "The one and only." She replied.


    "Why would Patricia come after you?" Jessie asked. "Does she know you have evidence aganist her?"


    "No she doesn''t... I-"


    "It was my fault. She did it because I provoked her." Lenora said with a pained expression, looking apologetic at Jamie.


    "See.... I told you she was toxic." Jessie stated matter of factly. Hitting another soft spot for Lenora. Jamie tensed visibly when he saw the hurt flash in her eyes and saw her retreat into herself.


    "She''s not!" Jamie said loudly surprising everyone. "You''re not." He told her. "I would appreciate if you would stop making biting remarks at her, sure she has made a lot of mistakes in her life, but who hasn''t?" He asked his eyes dangerously low and warning. Daring Jessie to say something else. "She''s trying more than anything to be better to change, but I love her the way she is-"


    "Jamie..." Lenora called out breathlessly as her heart clenched with emotion and she struggled to blink back the tears that stung her eyes.


    "Don''t say anything to her if you aren''t perfect yourself. Everyone is selfish just because she''s not sparing about hers doesn''t make her worse than all of us." He scolded Jessie who wore a frown but kept quiet all the same.


    "It''s not your fault I lost my memories. Patricia is just a bitch." He spat, the normally meek and logically sensible Jamie who only spoke when was required and didn''t provoke anyone needlessly, actually had claws.


    "That I can agree on." Jessie said.


    "Jamie." Lenora called out as a stay tear slipped out her eyes. Never before had he ever defended her. She was always wrong, even now. She didn''t know how to react.


    He looked down as her, cupping her cheek and wiping the tear that fell. The delicate action causing Lenora to lean into his touch, savouring the way he felt against her.


    The moment interrupted by Jessie''s cough. "I would tell you two to get a room but I don''t want Lenora contaminating another room in my house." She said.


    Lenora''s gaze narrowed at her intensely. "It''s not your house, last I heard you didn''t even have a house." She spat back.


    "Okay, okay ladies, while a fight would be entertaining to watch I have to interrupt." Tony said standing up.


    "But-" Jessie whined.


    "But nothing, you and I both know that you cannot fight." He said honestly.


    "Hey!" She exclaimed.


    Chuckling under his breath Jamie added. "Well neither can Lenora." Drawing her own high pitched ''hey''.


    **************************************************


    Jason frowned the entire way to the Lee Mansions. He wanted to be anywhere but here, but he had to keep reminding himself that he needed to be here. The Lee''s needed to pay for everything they had done but most especially he needed to get into that auction house again, wherever it was. Jessie''s future and present depended on this. That auction house would prove her story, and finally she would be able to take charge of her life again. Not that he was in a rush, it gave him such delight to have her rely on him.


    He always hated women that depended on men to live. He was so pro equality and all for feminism. If women were so intent on gaining equality and respect why then did they depend on someone else for their own life? He knew his thoughts were arrogant and elitist, but he depised the poor? He hated to see people wallow and suffer because of lack of money. Get up and do something he would think. Yeah sure enough he was born with a silver spoon but he worked his ass off to get to were he was. He had money but that wasn''t everything, it wasn''t that hard to make money. He was attracted to women like that, but being with Jessie taught him something else.


    Sometimes people who struggle may not all be lazy, but hopeless. He never thought he would be glad having someone spend his money, and he loved it even more since she never hesitated and complained. Anyone else would''ve, even if they didn''t quite feel contrary, they would think it was right to refuse first, but not Jessie.


    He had become those men that wanted to hide their women away and just protect them, he finally understood. Nothing was more precious than Jessie and he wanted to do everything in his power to protect her.


    "We''ve arrived sir." The driver announced as the car drove as though it floated into the Lee Mansions.


    Soon the car came to a halt and another bodyguard opened his car door for him. Stepping out looking dashing in the gray suit Patricia prepared for him her was surrounded by protection.


    She was supposed to complain, she wasn''t supposed to be watching, she was the woman he ought to be swooning over her. But she couldn''t stop it, when the maid announced that Jason was here she couldn''t help it. She was done getting ready but she was supposed to make an entrance and she hated that she only wanted to be by his side, and loved it all the same.


    "What the hell are you doing here?" An annoyingly familiar voice asked from behind her.


    Looking behind her with practiced grace. "What do you mean?" Patricia asked. "What difference does it make that I''m here?"


    George laughed under his voice as he looked forward in the direction her gaze was glued to. "You went and fell for him didn''t you?" He laughed again. "I don''t know why I keep expecting more from you." He said in a light but extremely scary tone.


    "Don''t act like you''re above me, how is this wrong? It''s not like I could control it!" She hissed.


    "You should have!" He almost yelled, getting angrier than he should. "You are a Lee for goodness sake! What if father finds out? Have you thought about that? Do you remember what happened the last time?" He asked looking down at her with a domineering expression.


    Her eyes widened at the mention of her sire''s father. "You wouldn''t..." was all she managed to say.


    "Of course I wouldn''t but keep acting like this and your basically announcing it to the man. And you and I both know that he never misses a thing." He informed her. "Go! I''ll greet him, goodness help me you come back down before you''re supposed to, by father side!" He bit at her, as she turned around to walk he grabbed her to add "he better feel the same way." She looked up at him with surprised eyes. And his unwavering gaze confirmed his statement.


    Sending him a soft glare she turned around and walked away, just before Jason appeared at the entrance.


    "If it isn''t my nephew to be." George smiled dashingly opening his arms as Jason walked in.


    Jason returned the greeting with a low glare.


    "You didn''t need to bring all this protection, we had that covered already." He said.


    "Don''t take it personally but it to everyone''s interest that I leave this place unscathed." He stated, with a wicked glint to his dark eyes and a sinister grin. "Do you think?"

 Chapter 248 - 248. Happiest Moment

    "Reporter Hastings-"


    "Please call me Lenora." Lenora corrected Tony as he approached her.


    "Very well." He nodded at her.


    Lenora eyed the precision and determination with which he walked with caution and rising suspicion. Was this a part two to the slaps? She didn''t know why but this man had a way of making people feel terribly uncomfortable when you have done something wrong. Was it the clear innocence in his eyes, or the fact that kindness literally just radiated from his strong frame.


    He was smaller than most men but his stature didn''t allow anyone think if him as such. He was built and fit, and she never saw him in anything that didn''t hug his frame.


    That moment existed for only the short minutes the dance carried.


    "I am truly sorry for the article, I''m serious." She blurted out before she could stop herself.


    Tony eyed her with amusement glittering in his friend but also serious eyes. "Why are you suddenly apologising?" He asked.


    "Thought I should, I don''t know it just came out." She laughed, awkwardly pushing her hair behind her ears.


    Tony smiled kindly, "I''m not the one you offended and although it was a crappy thing you did, Jessie forgave you so I do to." He said and she nodded curtly, hoping not to embarrass herself any more than she already had.


    "Thank you."


    "But your apology isn''t what I came for." He said his voice suddenly becoming serious. And she regarded him with the same intensity.


    "What''s the matter?" She asked.


    "Patricia, it seems we have a common enemy." Tony said in a low voice.


    Lenora lips curved into a sinister smile. "I''m listening."


    "You have the means to make a fire and I have the fuel, how about we work together?" Tony asked.


    "I''m not sure what you mean, but I will tell you she is no easy enemy I''ll admit. The last article I posted about Patricia didn''t even last an hour online before it was taken down." Lenora said.


    But Tony only shook his head. "That because you''ve been aming at the wrong targets, the person whose reputation Patricia''s needs to be revealed to isn''t her fans but her grandfather." He informed.


    "Her grandfather? Xavier Lee?" Lenora asked.


    And he nodded. "She''s more afraid of that man than she is of death and with good reason. Any mistake she makes is met with great retribution."


    "But it''s impossible to get to him." Lenora said.


    "Never say never I know a way." He stated.


    "I''m in, and I don''t know about Jessie but Jamie can never find out about this?" Lenora informed.


    "I never intended to tell anyway."


    **************************************************


    Jason walked into the Lee mansion with two guards close behind him, he left the rest outside but they had their eyes on him, he knew.


    He could never be comfortable anywhere there were Lee''s. It was currently a truce but he could never be too careful with them. And apparently as ''part of the family'' he has to greet the guests among side George or something of the sort.


    So by the time Patricia was making her grand entrance he was by the door. It was almost impossible not to look, the whole room quieted into murmurs as she descended the stairs with her grandfather on her side.


    The patriarch of the Lee family, although it was obvious that his aged had finally caught to him after all the years he spent looking thirty years younger still looked strong and vibrant regardless of the fact that he was celebrating eighty years. But even though he was the star of the party he couldn''t helped but be outshined by his granddaughter the actual star.


    Patricia looked almost ethereal in a purple sleeveless ball gown, it hugged her body seductively and exposed the creamy white of her pale back. Her dark long hair sat over one shoulder and the other was laid bare, she wore her lips dark, seductive and red. Her eyes were not too dark but it looked like if you stared for too long you''d be hypnotized. She looked like the literal definition of sin.


    Jason admitted himself that she looked good, but he unconsciously made comparisons, she was seductive in a deceptive manner. It was obvious she drew you in, but Jessie allure was light and simple, just by being herself people began to fall unknowingly and to Jason that was more dangerous. While she was wickedly beautiful, Jessie was plain perfect. She didn''t need to try, her beauty was effortless. Patricia was beautiful and she had a banging body, if Jessie wasn''t in the picture she would have been the standard, but there was Jessie and even with the stark undeniable beauty Patricia was she couldn''t hold candle to Jessie. Plus it was Jessie he loved.


    It didn''t take long for Patricia to shed off her grandfather, it was too suffocating for her to be beside the man any longer than she needed to. Soon her eyes began searching for Jason, seeing him where he stood by the door she almost went over to him. But George warning eyes where just besides him, silently telling her he must go over to her not the other way around. He could notice her displeasure from where he stood, as her lips upturned in a small frown.


    "I must say my neice looks incredibly stunning this evening, you should ask her to dance." Goerge said to Jason when it was obvious he wasn''t moving from his spot by the door.


    "Ah..." Jason nodded absentmindely. "She does look ravishing doesn''t she?" He asked.


    "Yes, such a beautiful woman should never be left alone in a party." He said.


    "Of course." Was Jason''s only reply, as he began to make his way towards her.


    Patricia was surrounded by people... ofcourse gushing about how beautiful she looked, how unreal her appearance was and how amazing she was. She wasn''t interested, she never was... they were all kiss asses, she was never nice to any of them but they never failed to to make her feel like she was the sun and they were dirt. Not because of anything but because no one dared cross Xavier Lee, and by extension any other Lee.


    And she hated the fact that it was because of her grandfather people were being nice to her. But today she didn''t think any of those thoughts, she was nervous and anxious. Would he come to her? Too curious to not source him out herself she turned away from the door. But her naked back itched with anticipation, and when she felt a warm palm settle on her lower back and that deep voice it took all of her not to crumble to the floor and sing for joy!


    "Excuse me ladies but I would like to steal my fiancee for dance if you don''t mind." Jason''s timbre voice said right beside her, so close she felt it.


    My Fiancee... my Fiancee...


    The words rang in her ear and she couldn''t assimilate anything else, not the awwns or the gushes. Not the praise and the regular angry or jealous eyes. All she knew was that she was floating on a cloud as Jason lead her to the dance floor.


    It was customary to dance with her grandfather, for the first dance but with the glittering of encouragement she saw in his eyes she was on cloud nine. He never looked at her as more than a useless responsibility. He never even made it hidden that the only reason he tolerated her was because she was the only part of his favourite child that was left. His first son... but today because Jason was dancing with her he didn''t look at her with contempt. Standing their with his cane and his bending frame, no one would still dare underestimate him. He was old but he commanded so much fear it was alarming.


    But right now in Jason''s arm, under the spotlight. In the midst of the one percent of one percent, under her grandfather''s almost pleased eyes. She''s never felt better. This was heaven!


    "Did you hear a thing I said?" Jason voice pulled her out of her euphoric bliss.


    Blinking at him she pouted slightly and shook her head. "I''m sorry, what?"


    Jason brow went up slightly. "I said you look beautiful this night." He said.


    It seemed as if he was lying but she couldn''t care less, and normally she would have replied with something bitchy or sassy like ''of course I look beautiful'' or ''I know.''


    But the small words ''thank you'' left her lips and she smiled as he pulled her closer and they continued to glide over the dance floor with trained elegance.


    That would would be the happiest moment of her life, she would always remember it as the happiest moment of her life. Dancing with Jason Kang the man she loved, under the approval of her grandfather. Under a spotlight, in the midst of all the powerful people in this country looking at her like the luckiest woman in the world. She for the first time she reveled in all the attention with no inhibitions.


    Those few minutes while the music played was all she had, because a few moments after that it would all come crashing down. And she would learn the hard way how much more of a bitch Karma was than she could ever hope to be.

 Chapter 249 - 249. You Are Responsible For His Death.

    Patricia chest rose and fell in both fatigue and anticipation as the music slowly stopped. Staring into Jason eyes as she waited... she didn''t know what she was waiting for but she was waiting.


    Suddenly some from the crowd yelled "kiss!" And soon enough the entire crowd chanted it. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"


    Blinking at him she didn''t dare make a move, his arms was still around her waist and her body still aganist his. Leaning down so close he whispered in her ear. "Why don''t we give them a good show?" He said his breath hot aganist her sensitive skin she bit her lips to hold in the moan that shook her body.


    The moment Jason arms crawled up to her neck his other hand moving to his her naked thigh, raising her leg up so it was bended against his thigh, suddenly he tilted her moving her off balance as he held her horizontally.


    The crowd erupted in cheers and howls but she knew, Jason knew as he lifted her back to standing position and his tantalising touch that searing burns on her skin left her feeling hot, bothered and lonely. Jason knew, she knew his lips never touch hers, infact his lips never touched her skin at all. She didn''t know how to feel or how to react, the only thing she could do was smile awkwardly at the crowd.


    Before she could say anymore the crowd surrounded her with their usual words and Jason suddenly disappeared. Unable to form thoughts that made her sad she concluded that he probably didn''t like to be forced to do anything, after all he was Jason Kang. Denying the fact that he just didn''t want to kiss her she allowed her self smile.


    As the party progressed it got harder and harder to see Jason, not even because it seemed like he was avoiding her but because everyone wanted to have a word with either of them. And currently at the moment where he stood was a no go zone for her. Beside her grandfather.


    "Ladies and gentlemen." George''s voice pulled her attention and gaze from Jason and over to him. "As a special treat the Patriach of the Lee family has allowed his distinguished guests the honor of his slideshow."


    The entire crowd was cheering, it was no secret no one not even Patricia or George had seen Xavier Lee''s baby pictures, he never allowed anyone think of him as anything but the powerful, ruthless tycoon that elicited fear and respect wherever his name was called.


    Patricia gasped as she heard the news, looking at her grandfather''s smile she gave a little of her own. At least he was still smiling she had that to be happy about.


    The crowd began to count down along with the count down on the screen. That''s when everything went south. It wasn''t pictures or child videos, infact it was a very adult video.


    First the sounds of moaning filled the entire room causing the crowd to begin to murmur with curiosity and confusion.


    But before even the video came on the screen Patricia eyes widened in horror and her hand flew up to her mouth to stifle the cry of shock that pressed violenty at the back of her throat. The moment she heard that laugh, that voice, even in her sleep she would recognize that voice. Immediately she began to push forward yelling for them to turn it off, but it was too late.


    Tears streamed down her face as she tried to push forward, it was painful and not because she was bared to the world but because this memory was her painful past. One she never let anyone know. One she kept only to herself.


    A very graphic video of a man and a woman in a very very graphic position with precise and choreographed movements. Eyes at the back of their head and lulled back with moans of pleasure.


    "Uh! Uhnnn! Oh gosh you are so oooh!" The man moaned, grabbing her chest violently as he pulled her up to kiss her neck.


    "So what?" She asked seductively "you can tell me." She laughed, but it didn''t last long as she screamed in pleasure when he decided she was making too many coherent words for his liking.


    "Don''t...speak, I only want to hear you scream." He said panting.


    "As you wis- oooh!" She yelled.


    "Dammit I love you Patricia!" He yelled. "Marry me."


    "Oh stop it, you''re married!" She gasped.


    "I''ll leave her, I''ll leave her for you." He said.


    "You always say that." She replied.


    "I mean it. I mean it this time. Marry me, come on babe don''t leave me hanging." He begged.


    "Hanging? That''s the last thing I''m doing don''t you think?" She giggled.


    The entire room was silent to a drop, everyone eyes were wide and their jaws hung open, not only was that a regular sex video but the two people in the video were known faces. And to add fuel to the fire only one of those people still existed on planet earth, with the other leaving behind a widow and kids.


    "Stop the video!" A loud authoritative voice came from admist the crowd and Patricia stilled. The video immediately stopped. But the air was rigid, stiff and electric. The hairs on her body stood as she shivered with terror.


    To say Xavier Lee was livid was an understatement. His silent anger was felt by everyone in the room, the sound of his light footsteps and heavy cane the only thing in room. As people even stood still afraid to breathe.


    The crowd parted like the red sea as he walked in a straight line to where Patricia stood. When he reached her, she shut her eyes and bowed her head, her trembling fingers fumbling with the material on her dress as she struggled to keep herself from crumbling at his feet.


    The last thing he would appreciate would be her cowering at his feet like some spineless wrench. But he kept walking, not even sparing her a glance, she knew what she ought to do before he even told her.


    George watched the entire scence with annoyance and fear as well. If the oldman was pissed no one would be free from his anger. Sure Patricia would get the brunt of the rage bit he wasn''t going to be spared either. Worse he was the one that introduced the video, what the hell?


    As they walked out of the living room he wore a similar expression as his father and gave a warning. "This should not leave this room, don''t be unfortunate. Party''s over." With those sure words men wearing black suite and mics around their ears suddenly appeared from the shadows and began to usher people out.


    "Oh, one more thing." The entire ball room halted. "Every single person would be searched, we have to find the source of this joke don''t you think?"


    And the guests erupted in murmurs of displeasure but no one really had the balls to speak up.


    Jason leaned against the wall, as watched the guests go through a throughly embarrassing and awkward situation. Here he was thinking this was going to be an unbearable night. This was the most entertaining and satisfying thing he had seen in a very long while.


    If they ever caught that person he would do whatever he could to save them, whoever planned this deserved more gratitude and as much money as they asked. That person was a genius!


    **************************************************


    Immediately Xavier and Patricia were alone in his study she fell to her knees, placing her plams flat on he floor as she begged. "Grandfather pl-"


    "Dear goodness get up I can''t see you like that and not remember the spectacle you made of yourself, of this family." His voice was cold and emotionless.


    "Grandfather i-" she started sitting back but never moving from her position on the floor.


    "I always knew you were a useless whore. But what actually made me angry wasn''t the fact that you were on fours as a man, married might I add rammed into your backside as your breast jiggled like some street prostitute." He said in a chilling and cool voice. His cane sounding like hammers on the ground as he walked. "I always knew, women aren''t better or good at anything but satisfying men." He continued and Patricia shut her eyes as angry tears slipped out of her eyes.


    "Do you want to know why I''m mad?" He laughed. "Now that useless Kang boy will use this as an excuse to get an upper hand in this arrangement if not calling of the engagement because of this." He said.


    "Gran-"


    "Shut that filthy mouth!" He yelled. "I cannot believe I have to deal with shit like this at my age! What? A sex video? With a married man?!" He stomped his cane of the floor as his voice thundered. "And you dared talk about marriage? Do you think you belong to yourself? Do you think you can make you own choices?" He asked.


    "Like I would ever let you marry scum like that?" He scoffed, and that was Patricia''s last straw.


    "Don''t call him that!" She screamed in frustration.


    Xavier Lee was never surprised, even if he was he never showed it. But right at this moment his eyes widened, without his notice.


    "What did you say?" He asked again to make sure he heard right.


    "He is not scum, and what do you even care? I''m nothing but a worthless whore, what do you care if I marry anyone?!" She cried.


    "Ahhh!" Her shrill scream pierced the air around as he used the handle of his cane to whack her head, breaking her skin and freeing the dark red liquid that coursed her veins.


    Walking to her, he grabbed her hair with strength she did not know he possessed and pulled her up to his face, causing her to crouch awkwardly.


    "You are a whore, but you still have my blood in those veins, as tainted as it may be. You don''t get to choose your life. I do." He said his voice dripping with venom as his intense gaze made her nauseous.


    "I loved him." She whimpered helplessly and he couldn''t help the chuckle that escaped his lips.


    "Oh the fragile mind of women, love? What the hell is that? You are a Lee, you don''t love. The moment you fall in love you die, I''m I clear?" He loosened his grip and left her fall to the ground in a undignified heap.


    "And I will leave you with one more parting gift, I knew you loved him that man. Actor Hyun Jin." He began and her eyes widened in horror as his name spilled from her grandfather lips.


    "You are responsible for his death." As soon as the words left his mouth she let out the most heart shattering scream.

 Chapter 250 - 250. The Real Fight Only Begins Now.

    Jason started to head out but George stopped him. "Not you." Were his curt words.


    Jason stopped and turned around, with a blank expression on his face.


    "It''s not what it looks like." He started to explain but Jason hand in the air stopped his further explanations and George regarded him with caution.


    "I don''t care about what happened here, everyone has a past. If you were going to try to explain that is." He said curtly, unwilling to have this conversation with George, he never cared for Patricia so nothing said could change his mind about the woman. Infact, he was pleased at the turn of events here today.


    Granted he hadn''t been able to slip away to go through George''s office but he managed to send a guard he trusted. But with this evening''s entertainment he felt he wouldn''t be too disappointed whatever the outcome.


    **************************************************


    A few hours ago.


    "Wow I never realized you hacked." Tony marvelled as he watched her fingers move.


    "You do realise my real name is Lenora Han right? I''m the only child to Han chemicals and K-"


    "Kiagon phones and gadgets." Tony finished.


    "I see you''re aware, it was my breakfast to programme." She said as she clicked the enter button. "I''m in..."


    "Wow!" Tony exclaimed looking closer at the laptop.


    "No I should be telling you Wow, how did you get this video?" She asked. "I never even suspected Patricia was actually the other woman. Gosh I feel so sorry towards Jessie."


    "I hope this opens your eyes as to the situation of things in the world, not everything is as it seems, I needed something to use to protect Jessie incase the scandal ruined her career. She was innocent, she is innocent. She always is..." Tony explained with a pale expression, his heartbreaking all over again for her.


    Lenora brows furrowed together as she watched Tony. "You said you met her when she came to the company? You too must have become so close."


    "Not actually, that''s what I had Jessie believed. Her dad actually saved my life, I was a troubled teenager and he was in a way my salvation. He told me to take care of Jessie when she left home." He explained. "In a way I was just standing in for her dad, I expected to hate her." Lenora eyes widened at his statement.


    "The last time I met her, she was an annoying, entitled brat. But she grew up, in just seven years at fifteen she was humble and ready to learn. Yet she was so strong she never let anything bring her down or make her sad for too long. I fell in love with her, non-romantic ofcourse. She in a way both my daughter and younger sister." He said, smiling at the memories he would never give up for the world.


    "Well, let''s try to get her life back why don''t we?" Lenora said with a smile.


    "Go ahead."


    "Here goes..." Lenora said clicking the button.


    The screen went blank and Tony looked at her with curious eyes, reminding her of three wide eyed toddlers she once met.


    "Is is done?" Tony asked.


    "Yes but... the real fight only begins now. Too many times I''ve fought this battle, I''m not going to win but I can hold out for long this time." She grinned wickedly.


    The side of Tony''s upper lip slanted upwards confusion and he felt the need to ask as she began to pound into her keyboard violently. "What battle?"


    "The Lee tower, they don''t allow hackers.." she sent him an intense glare. "Ever, they will try to delete the video as soon as it is uploaded, they will succeed as well. But what I am doing is making sure it is seen for as long as I can." She explained.


    "Ahhh..."


    "Wait a minute the flash drive!" She gasped. "Remove it from th- damn! I hope that wasn''t the only copy?" She asked.


    "Why?"


    "We can''t get it back, they deleted the video from my laptop and by extension every thing connected meaning the video is gone." She said sighing in defeat.


    "Well let''s just hope this is enough to ruin her. They will be other guests in the ball right?" Lenora asked. "Surely someone will record it, they''re humans it second nature."


    "I really doubt that, they wouldn''t let their guests go in with phones." Tony groaned.


    "Oh well...."


    **************************************************


    But someone did record it. Not intentionally anyway but as Jason left the office, a tie came from Paradise. The exact same one Patricia got for him, only with a camera. It was for his safety, so the guards to keep an eye on what went on in the ball room incase things went south. Which they did but to their benefit.


    This information he wasn''t even aware of at the time. "So you don''t care about what happened and you still want to marry my neice?" George asked.


    "Isn''t that what you want?" Jason asked.


    "Not so easily, what exactly are you really up to Jason Kang? I know you don''t love my neice, so what exactly is the reason your intent on this wedding you have no reason to?" He asked.


    Jason grinned at George. "Do I need a reason to get married into the Lee family? The most powerful family in the country, come now you''re not asking me such a baseless question." He stated bluntly.


    "I''m no fool Jason. If anything, the Kang''s are too arrogant to agree that we are the most powerful family in the country. And I hardly doubt that you care." He said. "So instead of trying to avoid the topic, why the hell are you still engaged to Patricia when you made a public display of how displeased you were at becoming in laws with us." George reminded him.


    "Well I grew up, or perhaps I got greedy. Either way I don''t have to stand her and answer to you. Patricia is the reason I''m here, I should go to her. It seems like she''ll need all the support she can get. Besides you need me to be engaged to Patricia, but you don''t hear me asking about the reason do you?" Jason scowled. "We both have our reasons, so we should both pretend that this is a filial engagement. And race to see who gets what they want from this farce first."


    George released a low growl but Jason ignored, walking over to the man. "For your sake and that of you neice" he almost spat the word. "Let''s hope I get mine first." He said walking away.


    **************************************************


    Patricia sat in the middle of a secluded hallway with her head in her folded knees which she held to her body as sobs wracked her body.


    Her grandfather''s words ringing in her head.


    You''re responsible for his death,


    You''re responsible for his death,


    YOU''RE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS DEATH!


    Screaming she clutched her head tightly and struggled to keep the words out of her head. Then she heard different words, a different voice and all of a sudden all she wanted was for that voice to be so close it would caress her skin the way it did earlier.


    Pulling her self up she staggered towards the voice, walking out into a small garden in the mansion, and there he was in the moonlight. His dark hair tussled but swept back, he definitely ran his fingers through them.


    His fair skin almost glowing under the moon and the way his grey suit hugged his fit but slightly lean frame. It did something to her insides to know he actually wore the outfit she chose. His muscles distinct, his shoulders squared but his waist lean and small. From where he stood she could only make out his side frame and even that made her breathing hitch. The way his lips moved as he spoke made her incredibly hot imagining them on her body. Then he sighed and they was his eyes narrowed, his lashes, long and thick moving up and down he seemed... bothered?


    Suddenly the words coming out of his lips became audible to her.


    "...would you please just call back so I know your okay? I can''t believe I''m leaving a voice mail but this is how desperate you''ve made me. Please just call back, or at the very least pick up the phone Hmm? I hate how we left things this morning, please don''t misunderstand okay? I''ll explain everything... don''t be stubborn just wait for me. I love you, Jessie." He said finally, cutting the call with a heavy sigh.


    Jessie?


    I love you, Jessie.


    Patricia stilled at first as the words registered to her, she couldn''t believe it. Here she was heartbroken and embarrassed. She was literally shattered and dying and he loved Jessie? He loved Jessie, Jessie Jessie Jessie Jessie!!!! Why was it always her?! Why was is always that despicable bitch?!!!!


    After everything she did that bitch still took everything she wanted, everything that was supposed to be hers!


    "You have got to be fucking kidding me." She breathed out angrily.


    Walking out from the corner where she quietly observed Jason she headed straight for him, looking quite mad, the side of her head stained with dried blood, her dress crumpled and her once pristine hair frazzled and frayed.


    "You have got to be fucking kidding me?!" She yelled again.


    "Patricia?" Jason gasped in confusion as she matched towards him with killer intent.


    "Jessie? Jessie?! Why the hell does it have to be that useless whore?!" She cried.

 Chapter 251 - 251. Im Nothing Like You.

    After the initial shock, Jason expression fell into a blank one. He hadn''t intended for her to hear that, where on earth did she even come from and how did she manage to sneak up on him like that?


    His eyes moved past her bodied face, drizzled hair and crumpled dress. But what ever pity he would have felt for her went away as soon as those vicious words left her mouth.


    "Don''t look at me like that, like I''m nothing. You don''t even regard me as a pest, you don''t regard me at all. Tell me what does Jessie have that I don''t?" She spat, her eyes narrowed into angry slits as glared viciously at him.


    A small grin played at Jason''s lips as he felt extremely amused at her blind question. "Do you really want me to answer that?" He asked.


    And she huffed, "you''re not even going to try to deny it?" She asked in disbelief.


    Jason looked anywhere else but at her, intentionally vexing her even further. "If I did would you believe me?"


    She paused, "no, but at least it would be comforting to see you try."


    He sighed and tsked shaking his head. "Yeah... but your comfort isn''t a desire of mine."


    Patricia bit her lips as she tried to calm her voice, "why are you being so cruel. Why can''t you just pretend for one night! It has been so hard for me today can''t you at least try to be human?!" She cried, falling hopelessly at her attempt to keep her voice in check.


    "Human? Human??" Jason asked incredulously with laughter that made her bones tremble. "What did you think was going to happen?" He asked walking towards her with slow determined steps...


    His eyes blazing, the first emotion she noticed in his eyes was raged and it was directed at her. Stumbling back a few steps she tried to stop his progress.


    "Jason..." she breathed out slow and shaky.


    "Did you think you were going to ruin someone else''s life and get away with it? Even if Jessie isn''t the person retaliating the world doesn''t always let evil go, one way or another you''re going to have to pay." He said his voice low and dangerous, she was unsuccessful, he got to her grabbing her forearm he slammed her aganist the wall and held her ruthlessly.


    "Jason you''re hurting me!" She cried as she tried to pry his hands away from her upper arm.


    "Good." He said with his evil grin. "Don''t dare act like a villain, don''t blame anyone else for how you turned out. Your grandfather didn''t make you kill those people and blame it on someone else. You made all those decisions on your own so don''t even cry. You don''t deserve to cry." He spat.


    "That''s a lie!" She cried. "This was all I''ve been raised to know! This is how I got everything I have now, I never knew my parents, I was never loved like normal people this is all I''ve known. How dare you tell me otherwise!" She yelled at him. "You think the same, you are also ruthless and unrelenting when you want something. It now you were raised, so are you going to get your punishment as well?" She yelled.


    "Even Jessie is twisted like me. She will do anything to be and get where she needs to be. Why do I have to be the one to be persecuted for fighting for love?!"


    Jason looked at her with unbelieving eyes, shaking his head as he slowly backed away and let go of her arm. Causing her to instinctively wrapped her fingers around it.


    "I''m nothing like you, I''m nothing like you and neither is Jessie." He said trying to convince himself that she was wrong. He was ruthless and mean, but which boss wasn''t? Besides try being a heir to such a massive company, shouldering the responsibilities of hundreds of thousands of employees. He didn''t have the liberty to not be ruthless, and it was alarming the amount of people that planned and derived pleasure awaiting his downfall he had to be relentless. But he would never be a killer, or so meticulously about taking down his competition just to be on top. He was no saint but there was a line he could and would not cross. And Jessie was just the same as him. The very same.


    "I''ve never killed a person and I never will. I can''t cause other people''s demise just to get what I want. That''s wrong and sick." He said. "Jessie may be determined and unrelenting but everything she''s got is because she''s talented and hardworking. She has a conscience and a line she would not cross. Do you have a conscience Patricia? Do you?" He scoffed. "I''ll never be anything like you." He spat wickedly, pulling out his handkerchief and tossing it on the ground at her feet.


    He turned around and began to walk away but her grasp on his arm stopped him. "How can you choose her over me? She''s a time bomb, being with her will only destroy you and everything you''ve worked for!" She cried.


    Jason snatched his arm out of hers. "And you? Can you really say that after tonight?"


    "No one is going to know, George will make sure of it." She said bluntly. "Besides didn''t you say you hated women that depended on women for their living? How hypocritical." She sneered.


    Jason brow furrowed in anger and confusion. "Jessie doesn''t have a choice, doesn''t mean she doesn''t have her own life. You and I know that under normal circumstances Jessie doesn''t need anyone for anything."


    "Not anymore!" She spat. "She''s losing everything... I guess she didn''t tell you." She laughed manically at Jason surprised expression.


    "What the hell are you talking about?" He said through gritted teeth.


    "She''s getting sued, for twenty million." She said. "Jessie''s net worth is Twenty million. She literally has nothing to her name anymore." She said, the words sounding like shattering glass as Jason heard it. "How do y-"


    Not waiting to hear her remaining rubbish Jason turned on his heel and began to run out, well quite literally. Ignoring Patricia''s screaming.


    Patricia sank back to the ground as she cried out her heart, how did she go from being the happiest in her life to being so miserable she didn''t want to be alive anymore? Should she just end it? No! That''s what that bitch would want. She wouldn''t give Jessie the satisfaction she wanted, seeing her dead.


    She would make her feel pain, even if it was a sliver of what she felt this night she would feel the exact thing and even more!.

 Chapter 252 - 252. Stomping All Over People.

    To say he was angry was an understatement, to assume he was hurt was also an understatement. He didn''t want to make assumptions but he also could help the gut wrenching pain that hit him when he heard. Did everyone else know? Why wouldn''t she tell him? Did she not trust him or what? He thought he had done at the very least enough to gain her trust. Perhaps he hadn''t done enough??


    Walking out of the car, he started his advance towards the manor, dreading the impending fight but it was bound to happen anyway. He wanted answers and he wanted them now!


    **************************************************


    Jessie was in pain! She was literally wrenching on the floor, basking in the results of all her bad decisions. But when Jason walked into the living room, wearing that suit... she found strength she didn''t know she had. Pushing the pain to the back of her mind she glared at him, not knowing if it was her hormones that pushed her to violent thoughts or the fact that she was newly in love and she didn''t know what to do with all these emotions she was mad!


    "Why the hell are you wearing that?" She asked eyeing his outfit with unmasked ire.


    Ignoring her question he stared her in the eyes as he slowly pulled off the fitted jacket, and tossing it on the floor between them, reaching behind him he locked the door behind him. He knew Jessie''s tendencies to flee when being cornered, he was insisting that she stay and fight. He was madly curious as to what her reasons would be.


    "Why? Did you expect me to walk around naked?" He said bluntly his eyes never leaving hers as the non chalant words left his lips.


    Jessie eyes widened and her jaw dropped, at first she was speechless, then she got madder because she was speechless. "Patricia picked that out for you!" Was all the argument she could come up with.


    Wanting to see her livid, needing her to hurt just as much as he did he continued to instigate her. "And? It''s a dashing suit isn''t it?"


    Jessie was truly lost for words, this was not going how she intended, how she needed it to go. All she wanted was to lay on a bed, with his warmth besides her as he held her through the pain, but her hormones drunk mind would never bring out the words like that. She was a woman for crying out loud, on her period! Of course she would be complicated and cryptic. He was supposed to figure it out and solve it!


    Not knowing what else to say tears began to fall from her eyes and soon enough she was sniffling


    "What the hell are you doing?" Jason asked honestly and completely shocked.


    "What do you think?!" She yelled. "How can you say that? How can you ... wear what she picked out for you? You''ve been with her haven''t you? Did you lie to me? Do you not love me? Do I look like a joke to you? Was Tony right? Are you and Patricia just playing with me? What kind of sick joke is this?!!" She yelled.


    "Are you serious? How could you even ask me that?" He laughed out the anger that coursed through his veins. "After everything, you can still question me like that? Why do you always do this Jessie? Stomp all over my feelings with no care in the world? I''m I only just a joke to you?" He spat back.


    "So you''re saying that you weren''t with Patricia." She stated, her tears gone replaced by hot but quiet unadulterated rage. Completely ignoring his statement.


    "I never said tha-"


    "So what are you saying? Who is stomping all over the other person!" She yelled failing to make sense at this point.


    "It isn''t like that and you know it isn''t like that! Stop insinuating rubbish." He said in an authoritative manner.


    And she almost rolled her eyes, when her phone buzzed. Jason immediately had a bad feeling at the odd timing off the text.


    "Don''t look at that." He stated.


    She didn''t plan to but then he told her not to so that exactly what she went and did. Pulling the phone out of his hoodie she tapped on the attached text. And the photo of Jason dancing with Patricia, when he was ''supposedly'' kissing her was what welcomed her. Jessie hands trembled, her lips trembled, infact her entire being trembled.


    "Wh-what is this?" She stuttered as she asked, turning the phone screen around so he could see.


    Clearly he was in a tight spot and he knew it, there was no way he could wriggle his way out of this one. "Jessie..." his voice was soft and light, stepping towards her but her outstretched arm stopped him as she took one step backwards as well.


    "Now you''re lying?" She asked in a small voice and it broke his heart to hear her sound so... broken.


    "Jessie, it''s no-"


    "What I think?" She finished. "You know what, go ahead I want to see how you lie your way out of this one."


    "Why do you assume I''m going to lie?" He asked struggling to keep his voice from rising, he shouldn''t be angry right now, or at least not express the searing emotion.


    "What else do you expect me to assume?" She asked, sounding almost defeated.


    "I expect you to trust me, you can do that can''t you? Or do I need to get proof that I am not doing what you think I am in that picture." He said unable to keep the malice and anger out of his tone this time.


    Jessie doubled back, "don''t you dare turn this back on me, don''t make it seem like I always question you or I don''t trust you." She spat back.


    "Do you?" He asked and she blinked at him. "Is that you didn''t tell me that you were being sued for every single penny you have? That you''re even losing your property?"


    Not expecting that at all Jessie eyes flew to the door, looking for a chance to escape but he was still standing in front of the door so that was a no go zone.


    There was only one more exit, into the green house that sat in the middle of the first floor. But Jason already predicted that, so as she ran to the door he didn''t make and swift movements for that, he was beginning to realise her mannerisms. As she tried to push the door and it wouldn''t budge she turned around in horror, releasing a small welp as Jason was already directly in front of her slamming his hand in the screen behind her.


    "You''re not going anywhere, answer me Jessie. When were you planning to tell me? Or where you not even planning to say anything?" He asked in such a dangerous tone that even her herself, she began to fear.

 Chapter 253 - 253.I Dont Have That Right Anymore.

    Katherine was so relieved as she scribbled her name, time and signature on the sign out document in the lobby. With they way they put her to work after her break, she thought she would never leave the hospital.


    The interns and residents under crying tears of joy after she came back. The other general surgery professor an old, divorced and bitter man that felt it necessary to make lives miserable. She knew how the professor was, so she understood their pain and agreed to take on more surgeries due to everyone''s begging.


    But it left her utterly and helplessly tired. But not tried enough to not wear a wide smile as she walked out of the hospital. Her joy was cut short when Paul screeched to an alarming halt in front of her.


    "Paul? What the hell do you think you''re doing?" She asked in shock.


    "No time, get in it''s an emergency." Paul said.


    "Why? What?" She asked getting scared.


    "It''s Jessie, she fainted." He said.


    "Again?" Katherine asked in shock.


    Paul desperate eyes and lack of answer prompted her to walk into the car immediately.


    **************************************************


    An hour earlier.


    "You''re not going anywhere, answer me Jessie. When were you planning to tell me? Or where you not even planning to say anything?" He asked in such a dangerous tone she began to fear.


    "Let go" she said in a small voice, and it made her feel even more inferior that it quaked.


    "Like hell... you''re not going anywhere until you answer me, so I''m listening..." he said looking down at her with such angry eyes she hated that they where directed at her.


    "I don''t know what you want me to say." She said almost pleading.


    "How about the reason why you didn''t tell me you were losing all your money, the fact that Patricia had to tell me that vital information about my girlfriend. As though your inferior to me or something of the sort, as if you don''t deserve me? What the hell gives anyone the right to decide who is deserving of my attention?" He said angrily, his grip on her upper arm tightening. "Why? Do you really not trust me enough to tell me this? Something this big was bothering you and I didn''t even know! I don''t know if I should be mad at myself for not realising it, or mad at you for not telling me? Because I don''t want to believe I''m sucha terrible boyfriend you wouldn''t even confide in me."


    "Jason..." she breathed out, shutting her eyes tightly as a stray tear rolled down her cheek.


    "Don''t..." he said as he shut his eyes as well and leaned down so his head was touching her forehead. "This is probably the most selfish thing you could have done to me.." he said quietly and then she had enough.


    Shoving him off her she screamed. "Don''t dare make this about you! This is my life, I was the one hurt, I an the one losing everything!"


    "But you don''t have to!" He yelled back. "You do realise you don''t have to right? This isn''t anything, I can-"


    "Don''t, don''t say it, please. There''s only so much I can take..." she pleaded. "The last thing I want is your money."


    Jason wanted to pull his hair out in frustration, where was all this coming from? "You''ve never had a problem taking my money before, what has changed?" He asked quietly, suppressing the urge to scream.


    "I only spent what I knew I could afford on my own. Now I can''t afford a thing it''s even difficult staying here like this... it''s uncomfortable. I feel like I''m leaching off your money or something." She explained.


    Jason brows furrowed as his jaw hardened in rage, it burned within him so intensely Jessie could feel it. But his words were clean, sound and steady. "You do realise how twisted that sounds right? And when did I ever complain about you spending my money?" He laughed ruefully. "Do you know one of the reasons I fell for you? You never hesitated to spend my money, like it was natural for you, as if it was your right."


    "I don''t have that right anymore." She said.


    Jason shut his eyes sighing heavily, she could see him tremble and shake. Snapping them back open he glared at her. "Why do you have to be stubborn? It''s not even as if you lost your money because you were incompetent, for crying out loud it''s not you fault!" He yelled.


    "But I don''t feel that way!" She yelled back. "This isn''t about you Jason I promise, I don''t know why I feel like this but I do and I''m sorry that i do but i can''t help it... it''s so fucking embarrassing to be in this situation. And I know it''s not my fault but it''s still my life. And I have to take responsibility for it at some point." She cried, wincing as the pain refused to be ignored anymore.


    "Let me help you Jessie, you don''t have to do this alone. Please just let me help you." He literally begged.


    "I-" she groaned, placing her hand on her lower belly, goodness it felt so bad! "I can..." was all that left her mouth as her eyes rolled to the back of her head and her body became weightless as she fell.


    Jason was shocked initially but he still managed to grab her before she hit the ground. This was becoming too fucking consistent and it wasn''t making it any easier.


    "Butler Choi!" He yelled as he cradled her close to himself, rocking her hot body, sweaty, pale and clammy skin.


    "Call an ambulance, right now!" He yelled.


    "No" a soft whisper came from below and his head snapped down.


    "Jessie?" Jason called out in shock.


    "No ambulance, I c-can... I can''t be on the news... I''ll be... ughnnn" she groaned.


    "You are clearly not fine, you need an ambulance." He insisted.


    "No... I can''t, you''ll be hurt as well, no one can find out I''m wi- Hu!" She huffed, huffing and puffing to try and find a comfortable spot to ease her pain. "With you..."


    "Like I care about that!" He snapped.


    "I do... please, please I''m okay." She said trying to smile but failing hopelessly as another jolt of pain seized her.


    "I called Mr. Song, he is rushing over with Dr. Park." Butler Choi informed them quickly. Anything to stop the fighting, for the first time in his life he wasn''t rooting for the couple he served to separate. This people were good for each other and no one in the manor wished for them to be apart.


    The house has been dead silent as they fought, everyone holding their breath as the heard the shouting. He was almost as scared as Jason was when he walked in and saw Jessie unconscious in his arms. Even if it was for a little while.


    "I can manage until she gets here." She said finally managing the smile.


    "Perhaps we should get her to her room?" Butler Choi suggested when Jason remained unmoving.


    When two other guys walked in to take her, the glares he shot them halted their advance. Getting up effortlessly with Jessie cradled in his arms, her arms around his neck as she nuzzled her head into the crook of his neck.


    He walked away with her, struggling to remain calm as she fazed in and out of consciousness. Even with such pain she didn''t want to go to the hospital so he wouldn''t be hurt, his heart felt heavier. He shouldn''t have doubted her, he shouldn''t have pushed her, he should have noticed.


    Without anything but the time to blame himself for both his mistakes and hers he waited for Katherine to come. Must have been the longest and most heart wrenching twenty something minutes of his life. But he endured it because he loved her more than anything and he just wanted to be happy with her. He needed to tell her that regardless of whatever situation she was in, he loved her.


    Not because of anything but the fact that it was her, not any one else. It was Jessie Marin.


    And when he thought it couldn''t get any more emotional he heard her soft voice in his ears as he lowered her. Words that changed his life forever... "I love you, Jason. I promise I do."


    ****************


    Finally! She says the words! Also this is my last day of mgs. So many words to say...


    Firstly I want to acknowledge the people that have encouraged me till this far...


    Nyu for always commenting and correcting my errors, also giving me much encouragement when I thought no one was reading.


    Also my first privileged reader that bought all the coins to all six chapters, Elyse_Mello. Thank you! Totally means so much.


    OMG! I feel like I''m writing a note for the end of the book, but fear not! There''s still a lot of story left. Also as a special end of mgs gift, my privileged chapters would be extended from


    2nd tier: 4-6 chapters, same price.


    3rd tier: 6-10 chapters, same price.


    Thank you all for reading Sold? Oh please till now. Hope to see more comments, reviews, privileges and gifts oh! Oh! Votes as well.


    Oblivious student.

 Chapter 254 - 254. Dead Serious.

    "Don''t you dare walk out on me!" Krystal yelled at the rebelling teenager storming out of the apartment. "Hey, Karen! I swear if you go out don''t come back!"


    "I won''t! I don''t want to be here either, I cannot take this nagging!" She huffed angrily.


    "Oh yeah? Let''s see how well you survive out on the streets, perhaps I should just quit looking after you sorry ass and send you to some foster home!" She spat at her.


    "Oh boo hoo, do you think I''d shiver at the word foster home again? I''m no longer a scared little kid Krystal. I''m sure I can handle a foster home." She rolled her eyes. "Besides it''s nothing I haven''t done before." She said.


    Krystal wanted to pull out her hair in frustration what kind of life was this? "Fine then go ahead!" She screamed.


    "I will! At least I don''t have to listen or be with some psycho that worships a murderer!"


    Krystal gasped, "take that back!" She snapped. "Take it back! You and I know that I worship no murderer, Jessie is innocent and you know that."


    "Well I''m sick of you always taking her side, you don''t even know the entire truth yet you blindly believe she''s innocent. Yet you are a quick to believe that I''m guilty?" Karen huffed incredulously.


    Krystal jaw opened in shock. "Did the weed fry your brain or do you think I''m stupid? You are guilty, for crying out loud what was weed looking for in you bag?!"


    "I told you it wasn''t mine!"


    "Oh yeah? What about the video of you smoking weed, are you going to say that wasn''t you?" She asked, laughing mockingly "those green highlights were actually for the best I guess, they wouldn''t have been able to identify you otherwise." She sneered.


    "Are you Kidding me? I was suspended!" Karen whined.


    "Oh? You actually care? I thought you were all grown up and ready to take care of yourself, you don''t care about school anymore." Krystal said sacarstically.


    "This is all Macy''s fault, yet her mother insisted that she was right, I have to be suspended because my idiot sister won''t even defend me!" She cried.


    Krystal looked taken aback when she saw tears roll down Karen''s eyes, but she shook her head. This had to be done and now, "well I will never ever defend you when you''re in the wrong Karen."


    "Ofcourse you won''t, it because I''m not your child, all this is happening because I don''t have a mother!" Karen yelled. "Because you killed her!" She screamed again and before Krystal could stop herself she marched up to her younger sister and planted a firm slap aganist her cheek.


    Karen eyes widened as she stared at Krystal in shock, "Ka- Karen I''m so sorry." She said slowly but Karen was not about to be forgiving her.


    "I hate you!" She screamed turning around and running away.


    "Hey! Karen, it''s late! You''re only seventeen!" She yelled. "You''re not supposed to be out this late..." she sighed heavily as she soon realized she wasn''t talking to anyone in specific. Turning back to the stairs that lead to her rooftop apartment she sat down with her hands propped up aganist her knees.


    "Rough night?" A familiar oddly comforting voice said from the darkness.


    Krystal looked up to see Jonathan''s tall and lean figure, leaning aganist the railing. Looking too casual, in a polo shirt and jeans that hugged his strong yet thin legs.


    "Don''t patronize me." She almost groaned.


    "Did you really not defend her in front of her teachers?" He asked.


    She looked up at him and sighed, "was I wrong? Was that decision so bad?"


    "It depends on what you''re reasoning was." Jonathan replied.


    "I don''t want her to grow up twisted, grow up wrong. That girl... Macy? She''s going to be messed up but even then it''s not so bad, her family is rich. Karen doesn''t have the leeway to be a bad and poor person. I can''t defend her when she''s wrong, that isn''t love... I''m her older sister but I practically raised her." She said looking down at her feet as she spoke. "It may not seem like it, because the people these days think siding with their kids even when they are wrong is love. But it''s not, it just creates more twisted people in an already twisted world. I won''t create another twisted person. My mom never sided with me when I was wrong, I can''t remember much but I know she didn''t. So I wouldn''t do the same for her."


    Jonathan nodded. "Then it''s fine. You''re right, but you have to tell her that."


    "You think I didn''t try? How I manage to say all the wrong words when I''m with that girl is so surprising to me." She groaned. "I shouldn''t have hit her, it was too far."


    "Maybe... but I''m sure she feels just as bad." He tried to comfort her.


    "I doubt that, she''s in a phase. Ugh..."


    "Don''t act all grown up, you''re only twenty one surely your phase wasn''t that far away." He laughed as he walked to sit on a stair beneath her.


    "No" she shook her head. "I never had the privilege to go through a phase. I had to be grown up the moment I got Karen out of her foster home." She said.


    "I didn''t realise..." he started but before her could continue she stopped him.


    "Don''t... I don''t want your pity, it is what it is. People die, it''s unfortunate it happened to me but that is the way the world is. I can''t really blame anyone, it''s just my story. It''s hard, it''s sad it''s difficult but it''s mine. No need to be sorry about that." She finished looking up into his eyes.


    Jonathan felt shocked to say the least, how was this twenty one year old already so grown? Even more so than he was. He never really realized what Krystal had to go through what she went through. Because she always wore a smile and gushed about a celebrity she was obsessed with.


    "Krystal..."


    "I won''t mind a raise though, it''s a lot of money to transfer schools. I don''t want Karen going back to that school, It wasn''t long ago I was a teenager. It too embarrassing." She shook her head with a small smile. Getting up she dusted her back side and began to climb up.


    "Aren''t you going to look for her?" Jonathan asked shocked at her total change of mood.


    "Nope." She said nonchalantly. "I try not to bother about things I can''t control, she''ll find her way back when she''s calm. Again it wasn''t long ago I was a teenager, I''ll let her wallow in her guilt and sadness. Seems like a fitting punishment don''t you think?" A wicked grin gracing her cute features.


    "..." honestly Jonathan did not even know how to express the shock and slight fear he felt when he saw her grin like that.


    "Why are you staring at me like that? Didn''t you come here to say something?" She asked curtly.


    Jonathan looked down as though he was in deep thought. "I did didn''t I?" He said with a small laugh. "I''ve developed a sudden habit of comforting the people I go to for comfort."


    Krystal face softened as she smiled. "I proud and grateful." She said.


    "Why?"


    "You didn''t yell at Jessie that day, when she ki-"


    "Yeah you don''t have to give me details I was there." He said, scrunching up his face.


    "Sure you were." She nodded. "Still, you''re better than I thought Jonathan Kang. You are thoughtful and kind."


    Jonathan cheeks suddenly felt hot and he knew that he was starting to blush. "Why the hell do you feel different this night?" He huffed in annoyance. "What are you saying?"


    "Ah!" She exclaimed. Laughing "sorry I''m still in mom mode." Shutting her eyes she opened them back. "Don''t worry I''m back now" she laughed. Turning back to walk up.


    "Doesn''t mean I didn''t mean what I said." She added as she pushed the door open. "I was dead serious."

 Chapter 255 - 255. Poisoned?

    Jessie felt like someone stabbed her, put the knife on a string and pulled it in haggard motions around the insides of her stomach. Her cramps were always bad but they were never this bad. Perhaps she was careless and too emotional this time, making one mistake to another.


    Refusing to take her pain killers cause she didn''t like the after taste, over indulging in sugar and not to mention the lack of actual food. From one mistake to the next today and it all erupted. This pain she felt right now was a lesson, she would never be this foolish again!


    She knew Jason was saying something but she couldn''t hear what it was, she also knew that sound left her lips but it felt like they had a mind of their own. She didn''t control the groans.


    Jason was almost going mad, watching her writhe and groan in pain, where they hell were they?


    "We here!" Paul said as he pushed the door open. Right on time? Or at the oddest timing.


    "What took you so long?" He growled.


    "Uh... how about the fact that your manor is in the middle of nowhere? You should have an on ground doctor." He said.


    "Not interested in sass Paul." Jason ground out and Paul threw his hands up in the air in surrender.


    There was no need to argue his case, he was in too bad a mood. Katherine was already at Jessie''s side, trying to get her to react.


    "Jessie." She called out. "Can you hear me?" She asked.


    And Jessie replied with a groan. Opening her eyes she shone light into her pupils. Pushing the small torch back into her pocket she tried to pry Jessie''s arm away from the tight grip on her stomach.


    "Okay Jessie I''m to touch down your stomach very slowly, I need to know where exactly hurts, okay?" Katherine said.


    "C-cramps..." she breathed out heavily.


    "Cramps? Hurt this bad?" Katherine asked as she tried to understand. "Has she not eaten anything all day?" Katherine turned around to ask Jason. "Do you know what she ate?"


    Blinking he shook his head. "I have no idea."


    "Is there someone who can say?" She asked.


    Jason walked out of the room quietly and Katherine looked to Paul. "He seems unbelievably calm."


    "I know right he isn''t yelling or-" a loud shout was heard faintly. And Paul nodded. "Well we spoke too soon."


    "I can hear his shouts faintly but I can''t make out what he''s saying?" She said as she placed her hand on Jessie damp forehead.


    "Neither can I? He must really be yelling for us to even hear it." Paul replied.


    After a moment her returned with butler Choi and trembling Agnes.


    Katherine sent Jason a cautious glance before she turned to the two new comers.


    "Do you two know what she ate today?" Katherine asked.


    "Uh..." Agnes started, alarmed by all the attention she wasn''t supposed to be getting! Plus if she ever felt that Jasom was changing she was an idiot. All of a sudden he was under some misconception that Jessie was poisoned and with the way he roared everyone was more than happy to throw her under the bus. She couldn''t blame them, had she been in the same position she would have done the same thing.


    He was livid to say the least, angry and terrifying, once the center of envy for being so close to Jessie everyone breathed sighs of relief when they pointed to her. Being the only person Jessie came to when she needed anything she was the subject of scrutiny.


    But butler Choi had been gracious enough to escort her back to Jessie''s room when she froze in fear and worry that she might actually wet her pants being at the receiving end of Jason rage.


    He had never been so angry before, scary? Yes, overbearing? Yes. But outraged this had been a first, he wasn''t someone that easily exposed how he felt but right here it was as if he was ready burn down the world.


    "Would you spit it out already?" Paul asked annoyed by the suspense.


    She was trembling, butler Choi held her shoulder and whispered into her ear.


    "I promise the only thing she asked for was icecream, she ate a whole tub and started on another one when she had visitors." Agnes said.


    "And after that?"


    "She had visitors?" Both Katherine and Jason said together.


    "Can you please let me finish?" She shot at Jason.


    "This is equally important." He huffed. "One of them could have been the ones that poisoned her. Did she eat anything with them?" He asked Agnes.


    "Poison? Did I say she was poisoned?" Katherine asked him with a small frown.


    "Why then did you ask for what she ate? Isn''t that what is upsetting her stomach and causing her so much pain?" He asked.


    Jessie would have rolled her eyes, she would have scolded him, had she not been in so much pain. All in good time she told herself she would have to address this issue. No wonder Agnes'' voice shook with so much intensity.


    "Lack of food rather..." Katherine huffed. "If what I think is right then she didn''t eat at all after that right?" Agnes nodded.


    "This has happened before don''t you remember?" She asked Jason.


    He shook his head. "I have no idea what you''re talking about." He almost spat.


    "Ofcourse you don''t." Katherine sighed mumbling under her breath. "She needs a hospital." She said.


    "Well why didn''t you say so earlier, let''s go." He stated firmly.


    "Uhm-uhm..." Jessie groaned.


    "I agree..." Paul nodded. "Can''t you treat her with a first aid box?"


    Both Jason and Katherine shot him icy glares and he took a step back but still held his ground, ironically. "If she''s going to a hospital you can''t come." He tried to compromise.


    "Like hell." Jason spat.


    "Look she needs a shot of painkiller a very powerful one at that, no first aid box has that." Katherine informed. "Beside she needs an IV drip as well, why the hell she refused to eat is still baffling me." She said.


    "We have an IV drip in the first aid box." Agnes said quietly.


    "What?"


    "Yeah, the first aid box is not the ordinary kind, actually it more of a first aid room." Butler Choi added.


    "Even still I doubt you would have the pain killer I need." Katherine sighed.


    "Let''s just take her to a hospital." Jason insisted.


    But before they made any real progress to move her Agnes was already to and fro and holding a box of medications, a very big box.


    "Maybe you should check this." She panted. Desperate to do anything that would stop Jason from glaring at her with murderous intent. "Some others are on their way with the drips."


    "I''m sure it not going to be-" Katherine started walking to the box. "Oh?" She exclaimed, seeing the medication she intended to give Jessie sitting right at the top. "How do you have this?"

 Chapter 256 - 256. Let Me Protect You.

    "Is that important right now? Give her the injection." Paul called from where he sat beside Jessie.


    "I don''t know if I should be alarmed or concerned." She said as she pulled the syringe out. "Care to explain?" She asked looking to Jason.


    He only shrugged. "I literally just sleep here." He said. "Is that much of a big deal?" He asked.


    "Butler Choi has some medical knowledge, nothing serious but he takes care of our minor injuries or ailments when he can." Agnes said much to the butler''s displeasure.


    "It''s nothing too serious, just minor headaches and all that. An actual doctor visits regularly." He replied.


    Jason sighed. "You''re not in trouble, how could you? You just saved Jessie."


    Both employees grew wide eyes at his tone and words of gratitude. "Was this the man that was just yelling?" They thought.


    Katherine looked up at him with a small smile as she walked to Jessie. "Hey, are you still here?" She asked. When Jessie didn''t respond she concluded that she had passed out again.


    She quickly administered the injection as two other people walked in with the equipments for a drip. "Wow, you really have everything." She sighed. "Where did you get all this?"


    "The doctor that visits... he provides them, old friend of mine." The butler replied.


    "You might not believe but butler used to attend medical school in his glory days." One of the other maids blurted out before she realized and all three of them turned to him with shocked eyes.


    "Wow I should really pay attention to my staff." Jason stated. "Why didn''t you say anything? Do anything to help Jessie. I''m sure you knew what to do, you have the medication."


    "I..." the older man stuttered as he shot the maid a quick glare forcing her to lower her eyes.


    "I don''t have a license, of course. I don''t have the right to treat her, besides I couldn''t have guessed it was cramps..."


    "Cramps?" Both men said simultaneously.


    "Did you two not hear when she said it?" Katherine asked as she pushed the needle into Jessie''s wrist. Hanging the drip, up she turned to them.


    "That bad?" Paul asked and Katherine nodded.


    "I should probably inform you since she stays with you now. All of you... the first time I met Jessie, when you brought her to the hospital after she passed out?" She asked looking to Jason to see if he remembered, when he gave her a tight nod she continued.


    "It was because of her cramps, because she hadn''t eaten the entire day. That was your fault " she shot a glare at Jason. "And now again, she didn''t eat. She should have painkillers but if she didn''t eat then I doubt she took them." She said sparing the unconscious Jessie a glance. "Worse the sugar, it was like she was begging to die... I honestly don''t know how she managed to hold out so long, the pain is no joke."


    "Is yours that bad?" Paul asked.


    "Not at all, it''s different for everyone. But then again I never forget my painkillers. " She stated. "But she knows how bad it can get, that''s why she treats it. I''m not sure why she neglected it this time but you all mark this date for next time. Close to this date or a few days after I want you to pump her with as much food as you can. It''s not healthy for her to keep fainting like this." Katherine frowned at her sleeping friend.


    "Will she be okay now?" Jason asked from where he leaned aganist her walk in closet.


    "Yeah, she wouldn''t wake up now though so make sure she eats something when she wakes up. I''m sure you know what pills she should take when she wakes up." She winked at the already blushing butler.


    "Me?" He gasped.


    "Yes. Don''t you?" Katherine asked.


    "Yes... but are you allowed... I''m I allowed?" He asked his head refusing to wrap around what the hell was going on. Sure he attended medical school, but he dropped out when his father died. Already a struggling family he went straight to work to provide for his family. Eventually, after a few decades and a few households he realized that time had passed and had long given up on becoming a doctor. But this manor didn''t have a doctor, it at least comforted him that he could still help in that way. And now?


    "Is there anything stopping him?" Katherine asked Jason.


    "Not at all, infact I think it would be the best idea if you finished medical school what do you think Katherine?"


    "Absolutely splendid." She smiled.


    And the butler paled. "You can''t be serious sir." He said for the first time with a shaky voice.


    "Oh I am..."


    **************************************************


    After everyone left, Jason sat beside Jessie''s bed as he watched her sleep. Going over the events of that night he wondered to himself why she had let her situation get so bad. For the first time he respected women for this one situation.


    Without pills she had to go through this every month, he couldn''t even to imagine how it felt.


    Taking her hand in his he placed a small kiss on her knuckles. Whispering words of sweet nothingness into her ears he suddenly remembered her confession.


    ''I love you Jason, I promise I do.''


    "I can''t help but doubt it Jessie." He whispered to her. "If you did why wouldn''t you just let me help you? For crying out Twenty million is literally nothing to me. Not that it''s not a lot of money but still... please just let me help you..." He pleaded to her unresponsive self. "If you love me then let me protect you, let me protect you."


    Her phone began to ring beside her head and he reached forward to turn it off but the caller ID caught his eye.


    Jonathan''s mother.


    Too curious for his own good he swiped right and answered the call.


    "Hello? Jessie?" An oddly familiar voice answered.


    And Jason froze.

 Chapter 257 - 257. Beautiful Woman In Silver.

    "Mom! Mom!!! Please, wake up! Wake up!!" An adolescent cried out as he held his mother''s unconscious body and desperately shook her shoulder with one arm as the other cradled her head to his chest.


    Scarlett liquid staining his navy blue school uniform, his white shirt reddening under the intensity of the flow. "Mom! Please!!" His familiar dark eyes leaked relentlessly. His dark damp hair framing his face he cried.


    "Please call an ambulance!" He screamed as people gathered around him. "Please!!! Please I beg you! Call an ambulance, do something! Just help me!!!" He yelled. His thin frame ridden with guilt, "please wake up." He pleaded.


    "I promise I won''t be a brat anymore, I won''t even complain if you want to divorce dad. I won''t be mean to your new husband if you remarry. So please, mom, please wake up!" He cried.


    As her her hand hit the pavement livelessly he broke inside, he swore he felt something snap inside of him. Letting out and ear splitting scream as her hand hit the pavement lifelessly.


    The paramedics had their work cut out for them as they tried to pry the livid child away from his mother. Eventually two men had to hold him off as they wheeled his mother away.


    *****


    Suddenly he was no longer that little child, wearing a dashing recent grey suit even his subconscious mind could recognize, he stood with a small smile gracing his lips as a familiar scream, a purple dress and black haired beauty screamed in a crowd. Not entirely remembering why he drew satisfaction from the woman''s misery all he knew was he felt content.


    But familiar eyes, not recent no, they were from a different time in his life. A time were he looked up into those eyes, now from the distance were he stood he looked straight into them. Although he was sure were he to be close to those alluring and kind eyes they would look up at him. He stared for heaven knows how long but almost as soon he saw them they disappear.


    And like a time skip he was walking away from a frantic woman, the same black haired beauty from earlier, along the familiar planes of an antique yet exquisite architecture. He didn''t know why but he felt angry, too angry for words and he was headed in a straight direction, towards the exit to get answers. From who? He didn''t know, but the thought of meeting the person even for a questioning made his insides churn in excitement.


    But those familiar eyes, that familiar frame that reminded him of bittersweet memories he did everything to bury burned at the side of his peripheral vision. As he turned to check she was gone. But he knew, he couldn''t deny it any longer. He could hear her voice whispering over and over in his ear, words he could not recognize. Not because they weren''t in a language he understood, but because apart from this woman nothing else had detail.


    His progress halted he turned after her and began to chase down obvious track she left for him, winding and turning till he stood on a balcony that was not his own with a woman looking ethereal, wearing a silver dress in the moonlight. She was breathtaking.


    She turned around looking at him with those familiar eyes but something was quite different, she seemed older, like in her fifties. But no less beautiful and it took Jason back to the memory fourteen and a half years ago.


    This woman was "mom?"


    *****


    "Please she can''t be dead! Try it again one more time. Please!!" The teenager screamed.


    Urging the paramedics and hoping they wouldn''t look at him with such pity.


    "I''m sorry kid." The man holding unto him said.


    "No! No! She''s not dead! She''s not dead! Please! Mom!!!" He yelled as they put her in a body bag. Taking one last glimpse of her expressionless face as the zipped the bag close.


    He felt a pain he never thought possible, but he felt it and it broke him, and accompanied it with an ear splitting scream.


    ***************************************************


    "Jason!" Jessie firm voice pulled him out of his sleep, as he, full of confusion stared at her beautiful features drawn into an expression of worry.


    "Jason? Are you okay?" She asked her voice soft and full of concern.


    His brows drew together in confusion. As he tried to understand the situation. "Wha? What happened?" He asked, "are you okay?"


    She smiled softly at him, her soft palm cupping his face as she used her thumb to wipe the side of his eyes. He didn''t even realise he was crying until she did that.


    Sitting up he leaned back against the hedge board as Jessie sat, her legs tucked underneath her bottom, opposite him.


    "Do you want to talk about it?" She asked softly as he blinked at her.


    At first he shook his head then looked into her eyes. "I''m sorry I woke you up." He stated bluntly.


    "It''s okay, it''s already morning anyway." She shrugged.


    "What time?" He asked.


    "Does it matter?" She asked.


    "Ofcourse, I have to go to work." He stated.


    "Uhn-uhnm" she shook her head. "Not today, you''re not going anywhere until you tell me what is going on with you. This is the third time you having nightmares like this, and that''s just counting the time I was here to see you. What''s wrong?" She insisted.


    "It''s nothing Jessie, go back to sleep you have to rest, or no, what''s time you should eat before you sleep." He said.


    "This isn''t about me Jason, it''s about you! So tell me what''s going on?" She frowned.


    "What do you mean? You collapsed, do you know how scared that made me feel? Perhaps that''s why I had a nightmare." He huffed throwing his hands up in the air.


    "Oh please..." she crawled out. "You and I both know that you weren''t dreaming about me, or that was a very sick dream were I was suddenly your mother!" She replied. Halting all his arguments, the situation filling her with so much joy, one of the very few times she made him speechless.


    "Very well then I''ll tell you, but one one condition." He said and she nodded for him to go on.


    "Let me pay off the Twenty million."


    She blinked at him and sighed heavily.


    "Jason..." she started.


    "I think I saw my mother at the Xavier Lee''s party yesterday." He stated bluntly.


    "What? You said your mother was dead." Jessie replied with a creak to her brows.


    "Yeah... me too."

 Chapter 258 - 258. Period.

    "What do you mean? How can your mother still be alive?" Jessie asked.


    "I have no idea, I didn''t really notice her, or rather I didn''t notice her at all at the party. No, she wasn''t there. It just my mind playing games on me." He shook his head. He picked up his phone and looked at the time. "You should eat something."


    "I''m not hungry, but I am curious about your story." She said stubbornly.


    Jason eyes narrowed at her thin frame and he rung for food anyway, ignoring her pleas otherwise.


    "What do you want?" He asked.


    "Nothing!" She huffed in anger.


    "Sausages it is, you like sausages." He said, picking up a note pad to write.


    "What are you doing?" She asked.


    "Waffles or pancakes?" He looked at her.


    "Neither!"


    "Toast then." He concluded, writing it down.


    "Pancakes! Pancakes!" She exclaimed, no way she could eat bread.


    "Hmm? Good choice" he gave her a mocking smile. "You don''t have any fruit allergies, nothing I know off so... berries, apples and watermelon. Katherine did say to keep you hydrated." He looked at her with a knowing smile.


    "How I''m I supposed to eat all that?" She asked.


    "Souffle would be nice right?" He asked.


    "Bu-but ..." she stuttered helplessly.


    "But what?" He asked ignoring her frown.


    "But pancakes..." she almost cried out.


    "So? Oh no maple syrup or whipped cream or any sweet condiment. The sugar in the souffle will help with that. Better still, make the pancake a savoury dish, roll it up with meat." He said into the phone.


    "Jason!" She leaped to grabbed the phone out his hands but he expertly dodged her attack and rolled over so he was trapping her under his body, holding her two hands to, crossed over her chest. Hoisting himself up he sat on her thighs and caged her between his powerful legs. Somehow still holding the phone.


    "Yes yes, no soda, juice." He answered. "Ofcourse." He said nonchalantly as Jessie wriggled and cursed under him.


    Removing the phone from his ear he leaned down to whisper into hers, making sure his breath was hot and wet aganist her neck. "I promise I won''t touch until your no longer bleeding like a wounded soldier, but I can still do very satisfyingly wicked things to you if you don''t stop wriggling like that." He threatened with a straight face. As though to make his point even clearer he pressed himself into her and her yes widened at the revelation so she laid there very quietly as he sat back up chuckling much to her annoyance.


    "I hate you!" She spat wickedly as he ended the call.


    His brow rose in amusement as he grinned mischievously. "Oh? Really, I suddenly remember you saying the opposite words earlier." He stated.


    Jessie face scrunched up in confusion, Ofcourse she did not remember, saying anything of the sort.


    "Me? When? I never said such a thing." She pouted looking away.


    "Oh yeah?"


    "Oh yeah." She answered firmly.


    "We''ll see about that!" He grinned, swooping down and claiming her lips in a firm kiss. Shocking her so much she didn''t know how to react or how to behave as his lips lit a fire under her skin, searing pleasurable right down her lips and down her limbs, chest, and pooling at the bottom of her belly. She didn''t know what else to do but release such a primitive moan she didn''t think she was capable off.


    "My Jessie, you seemed to love that kiss." He teased her as he came up to allow her breathe.


    Jessie shoved his shoulder as her entire face became red. "Don''t you know never to mess with a woman on her period?" She asked.


    "Oh, I know " he huffed. "After last night? I definitely know. But I''m not messing with you infact I think I''m helping don''t you think?" He winked at her.


    "Helping ho- oh my gosh!" She moan when his thumb and index finger found home on her chest.


    Jason very pleased at the uninhibited reactions he pulled from her decided that he found a new hobby, teasing Jessie was so rewarding!


    It was like she couldn''t help but react like this, as much as she wanted to hold it in, if his skin came in contact with hers she was a mess.


    "So Jessie what were you saying? You what?" He asked again, as he nibbled on her ear lobe, his fingers still on their mission.


    Her fingers dug into his skin as her eyes rolled to the back of her head with pleasure. "Please.." she panted.


    "You please?" That doesn''t sound right, he teased.


    "Stop!" She whined.


    "Hm hmm" he shook his head. "Still wrong, it doesn''t even make sense, you stop?"


    "I''m going to stain my sheets if I keep laying down like this, and making me squirm isn''t doing anything to help matters." She said.


    Jason looked at her with his brow raised in question. "What does that even mean?" He asked.


    "It means there will soon be a red splotch on this bed if you don''t let me up to change my pad." She said.


    "Ahh" he nodded loosening his hold on her, as she got up from the bed, and walked into the bathroom.


    After a while she walked out to a large, massive tray of food. And Jason sitting as though he never left waiting for her to come out.


    "You''re still here?" She asked as she pulled th towel away from her damp shoulder length hair, falling on the bath robe she wore.


    "You think I would let you gave the opportunity to escape eating? Do you have an eating disorder I should know about? Cause I don''t know why you''re so scared of food." He nagged.


    "I''m not scared of food, and for someone who seems so logical you sure jump to a lot of conclusions." She said.


    "Which conclusions?" He huffed in defence.


    "First of all, because I don''t want to eat I suddenly have an eating disorder. And don''t think I wasn''t aware you were yelling at an innocent woman for poisoning me!" She almost yelled but the glare she shot him sent the message across.


    Looking away he pouted, and she couldn''t help the tug at her lips seeing him look like a scolded child. "Well Katherine could have been clearer." He frowned.


    "Well I hope this makes you learn a lesson, never judge without hearing all sides of the story. As a celebrity this is something you learn when it happens to you. And no, I don''t have an eating disorder I just don''t usually have an appetite on my period." She sighed.


    Jason shook his head. "I know I understand the biology of this period thing but damn they are so many complications." He said honestly.


    "Oh honey you have no idea." She smiled. "And oh, don''t think you distracted me. We are still going to talk about why the heck you think your mom is alive and why you have nightmares that terrify even me."


    "Oh shoot! And here I was thinking I got away." He sighed sacarstically.


    "Not a chance."

 Chapter 259 - 259. Jessie Made Him Better.

    "Why do you think your mom is alive?" Jessie asked as she sat opposite him and nibbled on a peice of fruit.


    "I don''t."


    "But you sai-"


    "Forget about what I said I was just being emotional and irrational, how can she be alive. I watched her-" he began but stopped his gaze suddenly becoming blank.


    "You watched her what Jason?" Jessie asked after he didn''t say anything anymore.


    He looked up at her with confused eyes. "I have no idea... I swear I know what happened. I was-" he grabbed her sides of his head.


    "Hey, Jason!" She called out, getting scared.


    "I can''t remember, I can''t remember!" He said, his gaze was tinted with a bit of fear but he generally looked confused.


    "Hey! Hey!" She pushed away the tray and went to sit beside him, cupping his face. "Hey, look at me." She ordered and he obeyed.


    "I don''t know why I can''t remember. Does that mean Francine was right? Did I really kill my mother?" He asked her, the tone of his voice making her worry.


    "Hey," she frowned.


    "That''s right, you said to trust my memories but for some reason I can''t remember anything?" He shook his head.


    "Okay, okay don''t panic. I''m sure there''s a reasonable explanation for all this." She nodded at him.


    "How can I not remember what happened to my mother Jessie! Has it been that long? That doesn''t seem like something someone would forget!" He exclaimed almost yelling.


    Jessie saw that he was about to become hysterical and she didn''t know what to do, suddenly regretting pressing this matter further she pressed her lips unto his to quiet his complaints.


    "What are you doing?" He asked holding her away, panting from the sudden lack of oxygen.


    She looked up from his lips and into his eyes. "Kissing my boyfriend, why? Is something wrong?" She asked, feeling winded as well.


    "This is important Jessie." He stated firmly.


    "I know, but this is as well." She said throwing one leg over his crossed ones, she sat on his laps straddling him.


    "Don''t tempt me, Jessie. I''m too emotional, I''ll only be using you to make myself better." He said his tone serious his gaze dangerous.


    She nodded at him. "Knock yourself out."


    "You don''t understand." He still held her back as she leaned further to kiss him. "I... my mother is a soft spot for me, I was... I was different when I was with my mother." He said, looking into her eyes with a gaze that made her insides churn with anxiety and worry.


    "Different how?" She asked.


    "I was not... I was kind, I believed in different things." He said softly.


    "Things like what?" She asked, her fingers slowly massaging the sides of his head where she cupped him.


    He shut his eyes and leaned into her touch. "I wanted to save the world, I wanted to help poor people. I was certain I would use all my money for helping the world. I believed in love..." his eyes opened as he looked into her eyes with such intensity.


    Jessie gave him a small smile. "But you love me." She stated.


    And he nodded. "That I do, but I never expected to. I didn''t even realise when it happened. I''ve done things Jessie that I never would have done had my mother been alive to raise me." He said.


    "Hmmm?" She sighed. "Things like what?"


    "Things I shouldn''t be telling the woman whose love I''m desperate for." He replied.


    And she smacked him lightly as the side of his arm. "Tell me!" She insisted with a pout.


    "I''ve hurt people Jessie, I don''t care about anyone''s feelings, I don''t care about how many people I stomp on to get to where I want to go. And most importantly instead of my pity towards poor people, I detest them. For being so weak." He explained. "With how successful I''ve become, I started to realise that money wasn''t too hard to make, I know it''s different but I don''t care anymore."


    "Why do they have to be to powerless and hopeless, why do they make it so easy for me to stomp on them? It makes me want to even more." He laughed lowly, his dark emotionless eyes taking over the intensity she once saw, they started to become lifeless and empty.


    "I lost respect for women, and I generally detest women that live their lives depending on other men. I can even stomach gold diggers, at least they know what they are there for. What kind of love leeches off the other? I couldn''t date a woman that wasn''t accomplished, or successful at least." He continued, suddenly realising his error when Jessie began to pull away.


    "Where are you going?" He asked.


    She blinked at him, shaking her head she opened her mouth to speak but words wouldn''t come out. "I-I don''t... I don''t know." She said.


    "I wasn''t talking about you." He stated curtly.


    But she wasn''t about to be convinced, she tried to pry his hands of her waist to get off his laps but suddenly stopped struggling, glaring at him. "I''m confused, if you felt this way why stop me when I tried to leave? You literally begged me to use your foolish money!" She huffed angrily.


    And in her teary anger he realised something. He didn''t want her to leave, he didn''t want her anywhere else but by his side. He didn''t want her sad, he didn''t want her tired. He didn''t want her to do anything other than love him, goodness! He wanted her by his side forever, loving no one else but him. He wanted to marry this woman that made him... it always made him happy when she smiled buying something with his money. Or when she was wearing any of his clothes, he never let past girlfriend close enough to even get to his clothes.


    Jessie made him better, she made him, him. The kind person he once was she was bringing him back and he didn''t even realise.


    "-you should just be clear if you don''t want me! Don''t go through the corners, talk to me, I''m more than happy to leave at an- mph!" She huffed as he pressed his lips against hers.


    Shoving him away with all the strength she had her glare shot daggers at him but he dodged them all by ignoring the angry glare.


    Flipping over, he held her down on the bed, as he settled between her legs.


    "What the hell are you doing?" She spat angrily.


    "Kissing my girlfriend, why? Is something wrong?"


    *****


    I will be taking a break, about one week. I''m writing mid-terms, so I have to read. Promise to make it up to you guys.


    Pray for me!

 Chapter 260 - 260. Too Comfortable.

    Jessie didn''t understand what was going on, at one moment she was so angry and upset and the next she didn''t understand anything. All she knew was that if they was a way to have Jason even closer than he already was she wanted it, and the thought shook her to her core. The realisation that even though she wanted nothing more than to get her life back, she didn''t mind just sitting still if he was there.


    Plus she never hated spending his money, even now. She felt bad but still she liked it, she could live like this. She would always want her life back but she could live like this as well. As long as he was here.


    This was exactly what she was afraid of, she wouldn''t want to be an actress anymore, she would get too lazy and too comfortable. Her independence was everything, how could she just give it away so willingly. She froze...


    Jason sensing her tense up underneath him, he stopped his heavenly ministrations and looked into her eyes with curiosity. "What''s wrong?" He asked.


    She shook her head, "you should go, you have work."


    He tilted his head at her, as a small frown alighted his features. "Are you seriously still mad?"


    "No, it''s just... you should go." She said trying to pry him off. Her gaze anywhere but his eyes. She trembled slightly, she looked quietly frantic but what made him let her go in that moment was the fear he saw in her eyes.


    Sitting back he allowed her sit up and almost immediately she slipped off the bed, grabbed her phone and without a backward glance she was out of the room.


    He couldn''t help the sigh that escaped his lips and he kneaded his fingers through his hair. Pushing backwards he got off her bed as well. How did they manage to fight every single day?


    "Matt what''s on my schedule?" He asked placing his phone on the dresser as he got up to walk into his wardrobe after leaving Jessie''s room.


    "You have a meeting with the board of directors, a few documents. And an appointment." He stated, his last remark sounding oddly strange.


    "An appointment?"


    "With the chair-" he started but bit his tongue and cleared his throat. "With Mr. Kang, your father."


    Jason shut his eyes in frustration, sighing heavily, now what did that old man want?


    **************************************************


    "Jamie?!" Lenora gasped as she walked out to see Jamie leaning aganist her car.


    His usual gaze directed at the floor lifted and turned to her. "Hi." He said softly.


    She blinked and almost pinched herself to see if it was real. "Hi." She replied.


    "I forgot to say something last night." He started and she felt air leave her lungs, last night... last night had been one of the happiest memories she would ever have and she didn''t understand what good she did off late but whatever kept bringing Jamie to her she would thank over and over.


    "Me first" she blurted out unable to take it as her heart hammered aganist her chest. "Why did you do that? Defend me before Jessie, I didn''t deserve that." She said.


    Jamie who had honestly not been expecting that question frowned slightly at first. He tilted his head at her and sighed. "Is that really what you want to know?"


    She nodded, "it''s important that I know."


    He nodded and began to answer but froze when words wouldn''t come out if his mouth.


    "What''s wrong?" She asked.


    "I''m not sure, I don''t know." He replied.


    She frowned "you don''t know what?"


    "I don''t know why I defended you, but what I already said. You made a mistake you''re already attoning for it." He said. "You''re not a bad person, you''re just confused."


    "Confused?"


    "Yeah, you''re trying to find the right place and right way to do things, you just need a little help." He stated bluntly.


    And Lenora''s throat closed up, choking her. Why was she surprised? He hadn''t gotten his memories back completely, so how could he... love her? But this was who Jamie was, flawlessly good.


    Blinking back the tears, she sniffled and faced him. "So are you here to help me?"


    "Well, I''m short of work right now, and I need something to do. And while the end goal is exposing Patricia Lee to the public and revealing what she did to the Actress Jessie Marin. I guess I could help." He smiled.


    "Only you would make such a determined statement with a smile." She shook her head. "And what makes you think I want to change?"


    He shrugged. "Because you''re a good person."


    She fought the urge to roll her eyes, he honestly felt naive and innocent. It was cute but also tiring, until when she going to get her reserved and shy Jamie? Not that this free, cheeky and cute version of himself wasn''t as though she didn''t like this version but she fell in love with a different man. But still she wouldn''t walk away until he rejected her finally by himself for the last time. The Jamie she fell in love with... so now she would hold unto the faith, that she could still be loved by him.


    *************************************************


    Patricia sat very still as she stared herself in the mirror. She had remained in that spot for almost eight hours, unmoving. She wasn''t well, she wasn''t fine, she wasn''t okay.


    Her head still head an open but healing wound she refused to treat at the side of her head. She was still in the once flawless dress that was now crumpled and torn, her hair was in such a frenzy it would have frightened anyone that saw it.


    After Jason left so suddenly last night she walked into her bathroom to wash her face but the moment she sat at her dressing table for her skincare routine she could not stand, she could not move or even think. Her mind kept replaying scenes from her past, scenes that where embedded deep in her heart. Scenes that were now the only reason she kept moving forward even when she felt like dying.


    So she refused to shut her eyes, because the moment she did she would go back, back to the time her heart was full. And she couldn''t wish for anything more, but even then...


    ****

 Chapter 261 - 261. Forgive Me.

    "What? What is this?" She asked trying to suppress a smile as she eyes the fancy box that was placed before her. "I thought we agreed no gifts?"


    "How can I be with such a woman and not give her gifts?" The man sitting at the other end of the table in a private room smiled. While rubbing loving circles on her arm.


    "Mr. Hyun jin.." she almost whined.


    "I thought I told you to stop referring to me so formally?" He asked.


    She sighed. "People would actually think you''re such a vixen, but you''re really so innocent and naive." He laughed lightly.


    She pouted. "Why are you making fun of me?" She frowned. "Besides" she leaned forward "after what just happened, how can you call me naive?" She asked, blinking at him seductively.


    Hyun Jin body clenched stiffly as he looked at her seductive eyes, and those lips that could make a man feel like sin. He just went to heaven and back yet he felt so starved of her, he could never get enough. But it was more than that now.


    "Sex is very different." He stated.


    Her brow rose in question. "Different from what? Did I do something wrong?" She asked slowly and his heart clenched again.


    She was always like this, so insecure. And yet she was the best sex he ever had in his life, apart from everything she knew how to make a man putty under those skilled hands and that mouth...


    Perhaps, he should show her what he truly felt? Beyond the bed, she was surprisingly sweet and naive, always looking to him for confirmation.


    And aganist popular believe she was not a wicked woman, he hated that her family always pressured her so much, and caused her so much pain. He wanted to protect her, but she never let him.


    "How could you? Come here?" He motioned for her.


    Her eyes smiling she eyed him suspiciously, as she got up from the floor she was sitting on and walked around the table to him.


    As she bent to meet in, in a flash his hands swiped away all the dishes that had been spread out on the table away, his other hands snaking around her slim waist he held the back of her head with his free hand and brought her down, her back aganist the table.


    He lowered himself slowly down on top her, stroking her head softly as he kissed on top her nose.


    Patricia was flustered to say the least, she hadn''t expected that but she was also excited. She loved being with him, he made her react in ways she didn''t know existed. Her body reacted to his touches as though it was made for him. Their toussles never left her feeling unsatisfied. He knew when and how to pull out specific reactions and cries from her.


    But contrary to how it began, he was being very gentle, she didn''t know what to think. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her lips, her neck, down her collar bones. Whispering words of admiration, words of delight, words of worship with every kiss. Somehow undoing her zip, he pulled down her dress and kissed down her body.


    Drawing out a delighted gasp from her lips as she bit back the cry that threatened to spill from her lips.


    Moving back to look into her eyes. "How are you so beautiful?"


    "What do you mean?" She blushed shyly. "You''re being strange." She said softly.


    "How can I remain the same after being with you?" He asked. "I wished I met you before I married Calle, I wouldn''t have to be with someone else. You are everything." He said to her.


    Patricia heart began to beat erratically. "You don''t mean that." She whispered breathlessly.


    "Oh I do.. I really do, I love you Patricia." He stated bluntly that she had to push him of her and sit up, startled.


    No one, no one in the world had said those words to her before. "Now I know you don''t mean that." She frowned.


    He frowned as well, "why does that sound so unbelievable?"


    "How can you love me? This... you... it''s..." she stuttered.


    "What Patricia? Spit it out." He insisted, as she fumbled over her words.


    "You''re married, besides this is purely physical, that was the deal!" She blurted out shutting her eyes.


    "So? How does that change anything? Yes we agreed it would only be physical, but I''ve never felt so good with anyone the way if feel with you. And that isn''t just the sex, it''s everything." He said, sitting up and holding her down, with his hands on his waist.


    "Mr. Hyun Jin." She breathed out, and he shut his eyes, his face scrunching up like he was in pain.


    "Don''t call me that, don''t put that distance between us. I love you Patricia, I want more than your body, I want all of you, your heart involved because goodness help me you already have mine." He said. "I love you Patricia, I love you."


    "Mr-... Hyun Jin." She whispered, as he traced his nose along the expanse of her long neck.


    "Shhh... don''t say anything, don''t think. Just feel." He whispered aganist her skin, his hot breaths making her moan, as her body shivered with pleasure.


    "Oh!" She gasped as he leaned over her again, kissing, flicking, biting, nibbling, sucking, over and over. He had never been this gentle, but she knew she would never forget this day.


    The day she fell in love, she had never been loved like this, he never stopped reassuring her of how special she was to him, the way her held her, she knew. He treated her like a goddess, he made her feel for the first time, warm and worthy.


    ******


    Patricia shook terribly as the tears fell down in never ending torrents, she gripped the edges of her sofa, biting her lips so tightly until she drew blood. Stifling the heart wrenching scream, she screamed until her throat was dry and she cried until her body felt paper light.


    She was weak, she was heartbroken but she couldn''t forget the words ''You''re responsible for his death.''


    She gripped at her chest, as she fell to the ground, too weak to scream, too lightheaded and drained to cry, how could she kill the one person that loved her, the one person that really saw her, the real her.


    For the first time she resented herself. She always prided in the fact that she was the victim, what ever she did, she only gave as she got. How was she supposed to know kindness when she only ever got hate?


    And now realising the only person, the only person who ever loved her was dead.


    Was she really doomed to be unhappy for the rest of her life?


    "I''m sorry Hyun Jin, that you feel in love with the person that ended up taking your life." She said weakly as she lay spent on the floor.


    "Forgive me." With those light words, her eyes fluttered shut and she gladly welcomed the darkness.

 Chapter 262 - 262. Predator.

    Jessie was almost panting as she left the room, she gripped her phone so hard it began hurt. She placed her back on the wall and shut her eyes. Shutting them she struggled to calm her breathing as she gripped the phone and held it close to her chest.


    What was she going to do now? What was she feeling? Why was this such a hard decision for her?


    She honestly wanted to love Jason with no reserve at all, she wanted to give him all of her and lose herself in those dark, depthless eyes of his but she was scared. Love was never an assurance, what if his heart changed? What then? She wouldn''t have her acting, she wouldn''t have Jason. What would she do-


    "Oh my goodness!" She jumped when her phone began to ring. Fumbling with her phone she struggled to answer.


    "He-hello?" She stuttered.


    "Jessie?" A familiar voice spoke into the speaker.


    "Celeste?" She asked.


    "Yes.. how are you doing?" She asked sounding like such a mother, her voice smooth and oddly comforting.


    She visibly relaxed, sighing heavily. "I don''t know why but it''s so good to hear your voice." She said.


    "I''m glad, but I''m afraid this is more than just a casual meeting, although I am worried. I heard you collapsed last night?" She asked.


    "Hmm?" Jessie eyes widened in curiosity, what could be the matter? She thought. Ignoring the obvious question as to how she knew about last nights events.


    "How are you now?" She asked again.


    "I''m fine, it was nothing. Tell me what do you want to discuss?" She asked.


    "... I''m sorry to have to burden you with this, but you did have the most recent encounter with him between you and I. Have you heard from Jonathan?" Her soft voice asked. "I can''t reach him, he won''t see me."


    Jessie gasped soundlessly when she realized that she may partly be at fault. She hadn''t spoken to her about Jonathan at all! But in her defence she passed out after venting to him... again, her fault. How could the person she was supposed to comfort and up comforting her?


    "Can we meet?" Celeste asked when Jessie remained silent.


    "... uh..." she crawled out. "Sure, why not?" She said.


    "Fine, I''ll send you the address. See you soon, and Jessie?"


    "Yes?"


    "Thanks for agreeing to meet me."


    **************************************************


    After getting dressed, she grabbed her purse and walked down stairs, looking at her phone 11:12. Jason would have left right now wouldn''t he?


    So she confidently walked to the elevator in her black heeled boots, Jeans and a white wrap top. Having on light makeup and letting her hair fall freely she smiled softly when she realized she was still early.


    As soon as the elevator dinged open she walked out precisely, with practiced movements she walked to the exit.


    "Going somewhere?"


    She froze in her tracks, dropping the coat she leaned over to grab from the rack. She turned around abruptly, her hair whipping around with her as well.


    "Jason?" She asked, her voice going up a pitch.


    "That''s my name, you still haven''t answered my question." He stated bluntly, looking hot as hell, lounging on a sofa, his jacket open and his shirt two buttons too low.


    ''No tie?'' She eyed irritably, what was he thinking going to work like that? Was he trying to cause an accident. Even she wasn''t unaffected.


    ''That amount of skin is reasonable right?'' Jason asked in his own thoughts as well as he eyed her exposed waist, her white skin looking even more seductive wrapped around in ropes like that. And the way her soft creamy skin exposed her sizable mounds, but not too much to be inappropriate but enough to make him heady and annoyed.


    "What are you still doing here?" She asked, her initial rabbit expression fading.


    Pushing himself upwards he stood to his full height causing her gaze to rise along with him. Until he almost towered over her, but it wasn''t like normal, she was wearing six inch boots. She had some height to her.


    But Jason only thought it made her long legs even longer. "It is my house, I like to think I have the right to come and go and I please." He said, walking towards her, with slow calculated steps.


    She didn''t know what? But she suddenly couldn''t breathe, was it the way he was looking at her? Or the way he walked towards her with those eyes that held somewhat malicious intent. Or worse he was wearing that mischievously evil grin, looking at her like a predator.


    "Ahem..." she cleared her throat and tried to look away but he wouldn''t let her. "I-I have an appointment." She said, hating how flustered and weak she sounded.


    She wasn''t doing anything wrong, she was allowed to go out it''s not as if she was a prisoner, nor was she still a fugitive.


    "An appointment?" He asked like it wasn''t a question, his eyes moving across her silhouette and shamelessly resting on her cleavage. "With whom?" He asked again, loving how tongue tied she was. He was concerned of course, but it''s not as if he could stop her from going out. She was too stubborn for that. But he loved oh he loved seeing her flustered.


    "It''s.. um a friend of mine." She said, tucking her hair behind her, why was he looking at her like that? Why was she so affected? "Is that a problem?" She asked as he got within arms length of her.


    "No, yes? I don''t know, I don''t want you to get hurt. But you know all that already, so I''ll trust you." He said his statement completely shocking her.


    She almost huffed in disbelief but her thoughts flew out the window when he snaked his hands around her naked waist and pulled her to him. Her soft upper body slamming in his hard one.


    "But I should take you, it''s on my way, only chilvorous don''t you think?" He smiled.


    "Huh?"

 Chapter 263 - 263. Earths End.

    "Hey wanna go grab a coffee?" Paul asked, pushing himself up from the wall he was leaning on. Yes, he was waiting for her, what could he do? She had been in his hospital for how long? And the only time he got to spend with her was when they had to go to Jessie, it was either she was too busy. Worse she left him to go spend time with that doctor once! He didn''t know why he felt so angry the entire day, unable to come up with a plausible explanation why, he surmounted it as him not trusting Katherine with Devon Geum.


    Katherine was shocked, her face suddenly reddened and she took certain steps backwards, placing a hand over her chest to calm her heart.


    "What are you doing lounging at my door like a cat? Aren''t you supposed to be busy?" She asked shaking her head.


    He pursed his lips as he shrugged cutely, causing Katherine to curse internally. "It''s my break." He said.


    "Yes... but the hospital is undergoing a merger, shouldn''t you give up one things like breaks?" She asked matter of factly.


    "Ah, you speak like you don''t know me, how could I let go of an opportunity to drink coffee with a pretty lady?" He asked with a seductive wink, almost sending Katherine to heaven.


    A wink? He never did such things with her! Yes he was a playboy by the finest definition, it was something that was like second nature, he always held an air of propriety with her. Almost sure he didn''t notice it but she did. How wouldn''t she? How long had she been waiting for him to look at her with interest? Like he did a woman he wanted to... well.


    But he never did, and now? ''Please don''t play with my fragile heart'' she pleaded in her heart. She was only beginning to see a future with someone else she couldn''t, shouldn''t and most definitely did not want to go back to that heartbreak again.


    So instead of faltering hopelessly as other women would she retorted. "Well then go find a pretty lady then, don''t disturb me."


    Paul brows knitted in displeasure "but you''re the prettiest of all..." he pouted, blinking at her. His intention was puppy dog eyes, instead it appeared incredibly unnerving to the other party.


    "What the hell is wrong with you?!" She couldn''t help but yell.


    Sensing her rising irritation Paul stood up straight and frowned. "Are you also on your period?" He asked so bluntly, causing her ears to redden.


    But as she made move to whack him silly with the files in her grasp she paused, sighing in relief. Now that sounded more like him, annoying her to earth''s end.


    "Not everything has to do with a period." She scowled at him.


    Raising his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. But you are coming with me. That is no longer an offer." He said grabbing the files from her hands he marched to her office.


    Watching in a daze as he casually pushed her door open and dropped them, exiting he grabbed her arm and lead her to elevator. All the while wearing a foolish grin on his lips, the same kind he got when he made a score.


    Again she was in a tumultuous position.


    Why was he smiling like that? Especially with her?


    **************************************************


    "How do you know it''s on your way?" Jessie asked. "You don''t even know where I''m going?"


    Jason nodded his head and rubbed his chin as he appeared to weigh her words. "I don''t need to, everywhere that''s not this manor is on my way."


    Jessie wanted to pull her hair in frustration, did he have to have a word for every situation? "What does that even mean? Hey, aren''t you supposed to be a very busy man?" She asked, widening the distance between both of them. It was such a battle to pry her self off of him, when he held her so close earlier.


    No way she would just give in and let him cover up all her hard work with a few short strides.


    "I am, but I learnt that you tend to give more of your time to things you love. You''re much greater than a thing, don''t you think?" He asked so casually she felt breathless.


    Oh yeah that was a sudden occurrence these days, she had begun to fell increasingly breathless and lightheaded, as he skin felt alive and her heart strings tugged, when he said he loved her. And goodness how often he said it.


    Quickly composing her self she spoke up. "Well I don''t need you breathing down my neck at every time."


    Jason could only smile at the opening she so carelessly delivered to him. Tilting his head his eyes glistened with mischief "really? You didn''t seem to mind me doing that earlier."


    Too embarrassed by the wanton and uninhibited sounds he managed to pull from her lips she was unable to maintain eye contact with him. She looked away but did not blush, how embarrassing would that be? He did her one dirty so she only felt it was fair to give hers back. "Well you mustn''t have been paying attention, I never liked anyone breathing down my neck. And yes.. I know, I''ve been in that position too many times to not know how annoying it is." She said casually but her eyes held intensity, and mild satisfaction when she saw his expression darken slightly.


    Men really did not like to hear about exes, ''strange creatures'' she thought. And yet women were the jealous ones, how easy was it to pull a reaction from him with that.


    "I didn''t realise you made such sounds when you were displeased?" He retorted and quite fiercely but not so much that she hadn''t realised his brilliant defence.


    She couldn''t help the eye roll. "You don''t believe me?" He asked.


    She have him a blank look, "how so?"


    "I guess a demonstration is required." He eyed her dangerously and even a blind person would be able to see the intent in eyes.


    But as much as she felt excitement she stepped back and held her hand out to stop him. She couldn''t be late.


    "Don''t even dare."

 Chapter 264 - 264. Quite Immune To The Pain.

    "How long has it been?" Paul asked, as he stirred around his coffee, always decaf, always no sugar.


    "How long has what been?" Katherine asked admist sips, she was more of a sweet tooth, ordering her usually, double cream, double sugar.


    "This, us, just hanging out." He clarified and she sighed inwardly.


    ''Whose fault is that?'' She inwardly accused him as well, not brave enough to convey her feelings.


    Paul thought about it, but she hadn''t expected him to be so blunt. "Yours actually, not only did you leave for a while you actually got a boyfriend." He said in disdain.


    Should she hope? Was that jealousy in his voice right now? "Why? I''m I not of age to date?"


    "... well yeah, bu-"


    "But what?" She asked.


    He sighed, "never mind." He said dismissing the issue but Katherine was determined.


    "No, Paul, but what?" She insisted.


    "Why did it have to be someone I dislike?" He almost whined.


    "What?" She couldn''t help but exclaim.


    "You could have any guy in the world, why Devon? He''s so..." he groaned.


    Feeling like her words had become autonomous she sighed. Pushing on nonetheless. "He''s so what?" The desperation was evident.


    "How I''m supposed to root for you if I don''t even like the guy?" He stated.


    ''Well i never liked any of your ex-girlfriends but you didn''t hear me complaining.'' She almost said but held her tongue and allowed him continue.


    "Really doesn''t he bore you out? He''s so stiff and annoying always acting smarter than everyone else." He scoffed.


    Katherine frowned, "he is smarter than everyone else." She said. "And everything you just said sounds like a very shallow reason to not want to give him a try? Don''t you think you are being too unfair?" She asked.


    "Unfair? Pfft! I''m not being unfair." He huffed.


    Katherine fought the urge to roll her eyes, just realising that he probably didn''t have any valid reason to dislike Devon. They had only met a handful of times. "Well better get used to it, he is my boyfriend weather you like it or not." She said, feeling some kind of happy when his expression fell.


    "Hmmm..." was all he replied with. "But I''m curious, Devon is your first boyfriend right?"


    Eyeing him suspiciously she nodded.


    "And you seem like you''ve been too busy all this years to go on dates." He continued.


    "Where are you taking this?"


    "Katherine are you an innocent?" He blurted out so casually it actually caused an innocent like her to spit out her coffee and begin to cough.


    ''What the hell happened to Paul?!'' She thought in alarm. ''Since when did he ask such questions?''


    She actually coughed till her eyes wear watery and quite red. But the jerk just sat there with a mocking grin on his face watching her, suffer.


    "What the hell is wrong with you?!" She whisper-yelled.


    Wearing an amused grin he sipped his coffee while looking at her from the side of his eyes. "Awwn I can''t believe you''re still a virgin?" He said in annoyingly sing song voice.


    She did know what else to do, other than reach across the table and smack the hell of of him.


    Holding the side of his head he pouted. "What was that for?"


    "Are you seriously asking me that?" She huffed in annoyance.


    He looked at her in playful disgust as he shook his head. "Ouch! You''ve gotten so violent, what the hell is that Dr. Geum even teaching you?" He whined so shamelessly.


    Katherine couldn''t help the smile that broke out on her initially stupified face. Was this how he did it? Warmed his way into those women''s hearts? Acting coy and cute at the same time? No wonder it was so easy for him? He knew how to make people lower their guards around him, which is why instead of blushing, shy women on his arm. They were usually laughing or gasping at his abrupt ness.


    "Why are you staring at me like that?" He had to ask, it was almost becoming uncomfortable but in an oddly good way. It was unusual but he liked it, and that shocked him. He didn''t think he should like it, it was odd right? She was his friend. Best friend to be precise.


    "You too, why are you staring at me like that?" She replied.


    After an awkward but comforting moment of silence the two off them, short of what to do, burst out laughing.


    It was strange but not strange at the same time, like there was an inside joke neither off them were aware off yet it seemed very funny.


    Soon the moment passed and they were walking back to the elevator. "I had a nice time this afternoon, I realised how much I missed this." She said.


    "Me too." He replied, glancing down at her.


    "Thank you for not asking about my dad. I know you''re very curious." She said again after they entered the elevator.


    "I am. But I won''t ask until you want to tell." He said and she nodded slightly until he added. "Doesn''t mean I don''t think that it''s a stupid idea to look for the man."


    Her gaze quickly meeting his she frowned. "Before you bite off my head, I just think... it''s only going to open wounds you never knew you had. Besides what do you want to do with the foolish man that didn''t want anything to do with you?"


    "You don''t know that''s the case!" She huffed angrily.


    "Oh? Then from what you''ve found out I''m I wrong?" As she opened her mouth to speak he continued. "Look I''m not trying to fight with you, that''s the last thing I would want to do. But Katherine you gone through a lot and I hate to see you hurt. I can just rub off the feeling that this is only going to break your heart."


    "Well this is my stop." She said as the elevator door opened. "And don''t you think you''re the wrong person to give me that advice?" She asked, with venom in her voice.


    "Kat-"


    "You and your mother have hurt me the most. But you don''t need to worry about me, as you can see, I''m quite immune to the pain now." She said walking out of the elevator before he could say more.

 Chapter 265 - 265. Look Alike.

    "I cannot believe you actually followed me all the way here." Jessie huffed as the car pulled to a stop in front of the restaurant where she was meeting Celeste.


    "Why is that so hard to believe? I have to do this, the last time I let you out of my sight I literally had to save you from a crowd of angry people, throwing things at you." He stated firmly. "I''m totally going with you, I can''t trust anyone with you."


    Jessie fought the urge to roll her eyes. "I''m made of stronger stuff you know." She jutted her chin at him.


    "Well I''m not, so-" he gestured towards the already open door.


    Frowning she exited the car, looking through her purse for her phone. How had she forgotten to inform Celeste about the unwanted and unexpected guest?


    But she was too late when she saw Celeste waving her from the entrance, appeared like she was also just arriving. Giving her a weak smile she turned to Jason, who was just alighting the vehicle, looking like the definition of a hot, domineering and handsome. He even did the thing were he flipped his jacket and buttoned it while looking away slightly, exposing that sharp defined jawline.


    Her breathing hitched, how had she never noticed how superior he was in contrast to other men? And she wasn''t only talking about looks.


    "So where is this woman? Why is she calling you out?" He asked as he finally reached her.


    Jessie had to blink once, then one more time before she answered.


    "She right behin- hmm? Where did she go?" She asked when she turned around and didn''t see Celeste anymore.


    Turning back to Jason, he also disappeared.


    "What the he- oh?" She said when she saw him on the phone by his car. Turning back she began to wonder where Celeste had suddenly disappeared to. Unlike Jason she wasn''t reappearing.


    "I have to go." Jason deep voice disrupted her thoughts and she turned around to face him, a look of relief all over her face.


    "You can at least try to not look to happy." He grumbled.


    She shrugged still smiling at him. "As much as I enjoy your company, it such a drag to have you breathing down my neck whenever I go out. Besides I have no assurance that you would behave yourself, after all I''m meeting the woman your father cheated on your mother with." She said, laying such hard facts with a playful smile on her face.


    Jason looked at her and shook her head. "I cannot believe you just said that and I''m oddly not bothered."


    "You''re not?"


    "Of course I am!" He said suddenly, catching her off-guard. "Now that you pointed out the affair I''m even more reluctant to see you meet her, someone that seduces a married man is not a good person." He huffed.


    And she smacked his chest, "don''t push all the blame on her, you''re dad was the married one." She pouted.


    "Don''t even get me started on him." Jason shook his head.


    "I''m curious..." she said, stepping closer and folding her arms across her chest.


    His brow lifted up in question "about what?"


    "What kind of man your dad is?" She finished. "You don''t seem to like him."


    "I don''t, and he''s not a very good person so forget about him. It''s already a bad sign on his part that he is the reason I have to leave." He almost sighed in ire.


    "Oh? Then I should personally send my thanks don''t you think?" She teased. "I''m not getting a bad impression of him."


    The glare her sent her was enough to convey his message, so before those full pink lips could open up and tempt him any further he wrapped his hand around her slender waist and placed a soft kiss on her soft lips.


    Immediately regretting the decision, because he wanted more, so he took more. Deepening the kiss he combed through her hair with his fingers. Nibbling on her lower lips, when she finally allowed him entrance he could not help the overwhelming desire as he plunged his tongue into her mouth to taste her.


    Jessie''s legs felt like jelly, so she grabbed unto his jacket to steady herself. Unable to stop the soft moan that escaped her throat. She finally wrapped her hands around his neck.


    Reluctantly he pulled away, her disappointed gaze even making it harder for him to stay away.


    "You should go." She said breathlessly.


    "I should." He agreed. "I''ll be back to take you."


    She shook her head "uhm- uhm... just send a car." She said.


    "Well Sebastian will stay with you then." He insisted.


    She pouted "but he''s your bodyguard."


    "Exactly, he''s currently the only person I can trust with you." He said.


    "You know what, I don''t even want to argue, fine. But don''t come back for me, I''ll take car. Okay?"


    "Fine." He bit out, planting a soft kiss on her forehead her walked into the car, His bodyguard and two others escorting her back to restaurant.


    **************************************************


    Jason wore a tight frown as he was driven away, removing his phone to check if the bug he planted in her hair was working. It had both a tracking device and a listening device. He was paranoid yes, he wouldn''t deny it. What was he supposed to do? She basically attracted trouble not to mention he was probably running mad. For some reason he was sure his mother was standing I''m front of that restaurant, even if it was just a glance he saw her. But how could his mother who was dead for almost fifteen years be standing in front of a restaurant?


    It was actually quite alarming, he hadn''t even been thinking of her. Was it because of the dream earlier? And he knew it was not real because the moment he blinked and looked again there was no one there. So it couldn''t even be a look alike.


    Sighing heavily he put in his ear pods, to distract himself. He would listen in on Jessie at least, that would give him slight comfort, if he could actually be sure of her safety.

 Chapter 266 - 266. Different Breed.

    To Jessie''s relief as soon as she walked into the restaurant she spotted the woman she came to meet. She already sat at a table and was lightly sipping coffee.


    ''Did I take that long?'' She wondered to herself as she made her way to Celeste.


    "Hello Celeste." She greeted as she sat at the opposite end of the table.


    Celeste nodded in response, "that was some goodbye." She replied causing Jessie''s cheeks to tint pink.


    "I''m sorry you had to see that." Shs said softly as she sat down, placing her purse of the table she tucked her rebellious strands back behind her ear.


    "Why? Because Jonathan has feelings for you and he''s my son?" She asked.


    Jessie couldn''t help but look away.


    "Don''t feel bad." Celeste ordered "of course I wish Jonathan could be happy with the woman of his dreams but I wouldn''t want you to be unhappy." She said.


    Jessie looked up at her, still inwardly berating herself. "You seemed happy." Celeste added when she saw she was still looking guilty.


    "I am." Jessie said, almost too quickly. Biting her lips again as she blurted that out again.


    Celeste couldn''t help but laugh, she didn''t want to like this woman. After all she had the worst reputation anyone could possibly have. She broke her son''s heart and turned him against his brother, destroying all her efforts to make the two brother filial with each other. And yet she still got to be happy without her son. But she couldn''t help it.


    She didn''t like her but she also didn''t hate her, she was too lovable. Maybe that''s why she had such fame and adoration when she acted. There was confidence and strength in her gaze but she never once acted arrogant.


    She would duck her head in humility even when she didn''t need to. She would apologise even when she didn''t need to but Celeste knew that that strong gaze wouldn''t cower or be taken advantage off. She was too strong for that.


    "I''m glad, you''ve been through too much you deserve to be happy." Celeste replied.


    Jessie heart squeezed fondly at those words. Was she a goddess? How could she be this good? The only person she met, Celeste didn''t even ask what had happened. She just believed she was innocent regardless. Even her own family had sent an email to make sure she really was innocent of all the accusations but Celeste, a stranger believed her with no inhibitions. Not aware when her eyes became watery or when a single grateful tear rolled down her cheek.


    "Why are you crying?" The older woman couldn''t help but ask.


    Jessie snapped out of her trance and quickly wiped her eyes, "I''m sorry I didn''t realise."


    Celeste beautiful features changed into that of pity, causing Jessie''s heart to spasm even further how could someone be so kind? How could she look so angelic? She had yet to meet someone who looked so beautiful and so kind. Jessie looks where top par, she looked beautiful and that was it. Anyone that saw her would always look twice, she was beautiful but that was just it. But Celeste looks were the type that made people feel a certain kind of way. She looked pure, and then with her elegant mannerisms and kind eyes and actions you wouldn''t be able to refrain from being drawn to her.


    Placing a warm palm on top of hers she gave her a small smile. "You poor thing, you''ve really been through a lot haven''t you?"


    Jessie shook her head. "Still I should apologise, I hurt Jonathan you can''t be happy about that." She said.


    Celeste didn''t really react to her apology basically just blinking at her, "speaking about Jonathan. Your talk mustn''t have gone well, he''s been MIA for the past three days."


    Doing the math, that was the last time she spoke to him.


    "Is he not answering his calls?" Jessie asked, and Celeste shook her head.


    "Hmm... I wonder if he went to work today" she said rubbing her chin. "But there is someone I can call to ask." She said pulling out her phone from her bag.


    "Who is that?"


    "He''s secretary," she replied, dialing Krystal''s number.


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    **************************************************


    "What is this I hear about you leaving home?" Krystal said as she walked into Jonathan''s office.


    Jonathan looked up at her from his desk, his brows furrowed in question. "What do you mean?" He asked.


    "I should be asking you that. How can you run away from home? Are you a child?" She retorted.


    Jonathan''s gaze narrowed at her, "now is that any was to speak to your boss?" He said his voice dropping seriously low.


    Arms up in surrender she gave him a cheeky smile. "Not my words, not my words I would never insult you boss." She said her words laced with sacarsm. "Jessie called."


    "Jessie? How did she find out?"


    "She said to tell you your mom is worried and you should grow up and stop acting like you''re just going through puberty." She spat out with a smile.


    Jonathan''s brow quirked up in disbelief. "Now I know that Jessie didn''t use those words." He said with a sly smirk.


    Krystal blinked at first, her boss was really good looking especially when he looked so confident like that. ''It''s too bad he''s so fixated on Jessie, not that I blame him but even though he wasn''t as handsome as Jason or as charismatic as Paul he was still a real spec.'' She thought with a shake of her head. Although it was a good thing for her that he didn''t whore around.


    One less problem to worry about. "Well no she didn''t use those exact words but she meant the same thing. Go home to your mother, boss." She said spitting out the last word.


    "And what is it to you?" He jutted his chin out.


    "Well not only did my favourite person in the world ask so very nicely to convince you, you''re also being very unfair to me." She said.


    "Unfair to you?"


    "Yes, stop bragging that you have a mother and because you have a mother stop treating her badly. It''s not fair to me." She said with a straight face but her words affected Jonathan more that he thought it would.


    Krystal really was a different breed.

 Chapter 267 - 267. Not Completely Yours.

    "What do you mean wedding date?" Jason asked his father with narrowed eyes.


    "Exactly that, you''ve been engaged to the Lee girl for more than half a year, is it not high time you set a date?" Victor Kang asked his son, crossing his leg and leaning backwards into his seat.


    Jason almost laughed but it was honestly not funny. Staring at his father was like physically staring at a mirror, and he hated how much he looked like his dad, it was uncanny.


    The older Kang man still very vigorous and full of live recently just taking a new mistress. Was a shrewd and heartless man when it came to business. And he liked to think Jason was a replica of him, in as much as he liked to disagree.


    "What are you threatening me with this time?" Jason asked.


    "What makes you think I came here with a threat?" He replied with a question.


    Jason grinned "it''s a force of nature father, you couldn''t make a suggestion without a threat. So tell me, what do I lose if I don''t adhere to your wishes?"


    Victor Kang chuckled "ah... look at you. You''re my son all right."


    "Tch... I''m nothing like you, stop stalling and get to the freaking point."


    Victor pointed his finger at Jason, shaking it. "I spoke to my father like that as well."


    Jason almost rolled his eyes, what was this man''s problem? "Are you done? Is that all you have to say? If so, then no father I will not be setting a wedding date so please leave."


    Victor eyes darkened but he still wore a familiar grin on his face as he stared at Jason. "Already telling me to leave my company."


    "Doesn''t belong to you anymore." He spat back.


    "And you say you aren''t my son, you''re even worse than I am. Didn''t have the guts to steal my father''s company from right under him." His father spat as well.


    Jason eyes widened as he suddenly realised something, then he began to laugh, because this... was funny.


    "Awwn father" he smiled cheekily. "You must be bored, why? Is you new whore not occupying your time?"


    His father responded with a glare.


    "If one is not enough then please find another, don''t entertain yourself with my matters." He stated firmly.


    "Oh please, don''t act like you don''t want to marry her as well. You got the company, there was no other collateral so why did you stay engaged to her? Certainly you fancy her..."


    "Oh my goodness, when did you become so creative father?" He asked and his father dark glare wasn''t the only icy thing on his face.


    "Well, I hope you know what you''re doing." The darkness suddenly faded away as Victor throw his hands up in surrender. Getting up he straightened his sleeves and turned around to walk away.


    As the door opened for his he turned around to look at his son. "Oh, send my regards to Jessie now will you?"


    Jason face suddenly took over from his father''s as he frowned. "How?"


    "Did you think I wouldn''t know? Set a date Jason, she beautiful all right. But a reputation like that? What the hell are you thinking?!" He scolded his son.


    "And you think Patricia is any better?" Jason asked.


    "Maybe not, but unlike the bomb your screwing, Patricia is not accused of murder." He stated bluntly. "This company may be under your control right now but remember as long as I''m alive it will never be completely yours. Mess up and you''ll be surprised how easy it''ll be for me to take it." With those words he walked out.


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    Don''t be a ghost reader.


    **************************************************


    "This meeting has been long over due now, don''t you think?" The minister''s wife spoke.


    "Yes. I guess so, what are the minutes for today''s meeting?" Reginald asked.


    "The state of cryptocurrency, the bill to be passed. The new transportation system and finally the Lee party." The meeting holder read out.


    "Okay..." that was the last thing Jason heard, for a meeting that went on for more than an hour thirty minutes, he was zoned out.


    Kept replaying his father''s words.


    ''What does he mean by not completely mine? Is there something I don''t know about? There probably something I don''t know about. But wait a minute, does that old man have shares I''m not aware of?!'' He sat up in his sit, blinking.


    Only then did he notice the entire table staring at him. "This is becoming a habit." He heard someone saying under their breath.


    Jason cleared his throat and sighed. "Just repeat the question already, it obvious I didn''t hear it."


    "Did you hear anything at all?" The minister''s wife spoke again.


    "Sabrina!" Reginald warned. "He is still your superior!"


    "Let it be, Reginald." Jason said softly. "I assume you all turned to me because of the Lee party? What I''m supposed to give record of the events? Half the people here were in attendance."


    "Well we aware of that, but due to the circumstances, we need the camera." Another person said.


    Jason eyes narrowed. "Camera?"


    "Yes, the tie clip." The meeting coordinator spoke up. "The tie clip you wore to the party has a hidden camera within it, we need the video."


    "You bugged me?" Jason laughed wickedly. His gaze so intense, his eyes full of killer intent.


    The MC began to stammer until the pressure of his glare forced him to look to the other members for help.


    "We had to, you were the only person we were sure wasn''t going to be searched. And we were right." Reginald stated.


    "And you felt telling me wasn''t necessary?" He asked, that killer intent so heavy in his eyes that even Reginald felt uncomfortable.


    "It happened too quickly, most of us also weren''t aware. But it a good thing though, at least this way we have a way of bringing down Patricia Lee." An attendee of the party said.


    "Doesn''t matter, the video will be sent to all if you. But you''ll all be punished accordingly, how much fine is that?" Jason asked Matt, who was standing by the door iddly.


    "Twenty million dollars sir." He replied.


    "Double that, and I want it all in cash by the evening." He said pushing his seat backwards and standing up.


    The room broke into protests and complaints but his eyes shut them up. "Complain all you want. But don''t have my money by the end of the day, I am excited to really show you what I''m about." He stated bluntly, walking out of the room.

 Chapter 268 - 268. Reveal.

    "Hey, wait" Jessie called out to the maid carrying Jason suit out. She didn''t know where it was headed but she was relived that something that belonged was gifted by Patricia was leaving the house. Perhaps she needed a sage to cleanse the area?


    But now she was curious what the hell was this? It looked like pretty normal tie clip but she knew there was a small camera on it. She recognized it from one of her past projects, she was a spy in the movie.


    Inspecting it she couldn''t help herself. "I''m sure I still remember how to work this out right?" She said to herself, actors really did get a wide range of knowledge.


    Walking downstairs to get her laptop, she just decided to watch the video downstairs. Clicking on it she frowned, this house looked oddly familiar. First she was met with Sebastian''s face, Jason''s bodyguard. Some few familiar faces none she knew personally. Then someone she knew of.


    "Isn''t that Goerge Lee?" She wondered aloud. "Is that Jason''s voice? Humph! Why do they keep saying calling her his Fiancee?" She spat in rising ire.


    "Why did he wear a video recorder to the Lee party?" She asked. "I really thought I had stumbled on something." She sighed. She didn''t want to watch them kiss! So she began to fast forward through the video until passing flashes of Patricia looking frantic halted her movements.


    "What is going on?" She asked, moving back a few minutes. Next thing she was welcomed with a very graphic, very large video of too people in the throes of passion. Jessie''s eyes widened in mixture of shock and horror, as her palm flee to her open mouth. No way!!!!


    ''So actor Hyun Jin was actually having an affair? Worse, with Patricia?! No way!'' She yelled inwardly watching the scene before her.


    Suddenly burping she was already feeling so irritated, she felt nauseous and sick. How did so many people stand to watch this without throwing up?


    "How low can you actually stoop Patricia? A married man? Worse that infernal flirt."


    "Dammit I love you Patricia!" He yelled. "Marry me."


    "Oh stop it, you''re married!" She gasped.


    "I''ll leave her, I''ll leave her for you." He said.


    "You always say that." She replied.


    "I mean it. I mean it this time. Marry me, come on babe don''t leave me hanging." He begged.


    Jessie coughed horribly in shock, and she kept banging on her chest. "Marriage?! You sicko! You''re already married with kids!" She huffed. She began to laugh bitterly, unable to believe it anymore.


    "So it was you? You bitch! I suffered so much because you asshole! And it was Patricia all this time?" She laughed bitterly. Somehow it seemed Patricia was always at the centre of all her misfortunes. She couldn''t believe how much she had to endure especially when he died. The public was outraged, his wife and widow almost even hit her!


    If not for the fact that she was out of the country on a modelling gig, at the time of the speculated ''affair'' goodness knows what would have happened to her. Perhaps her career would''ve ended then. And it was all Patricia!


    "Well I sure hope you enjoyed your time with him. You really look happy." She spat into the computer.


    "Who wouldn''t be happy when they are in such a passionate situation?" Jason spoke from behind her, causing Jessie jerk off her seat.


    Shocked for the second time night she couldn''t help but place her hand on her chest to steady her breathing.


    "Wh- when did you come?" She stuttered.


    "How did you find that? From what I heard it didn''t seem like you knew the video even existed?" He asked.


    "I didn''t." She stated firmly. "And why didn''t you tell me it did?" She asked. "I got this from your suit, the tie clip you used had a video camera on it. Did you know?" She asked.


    "I did." He stated, even though he himself had only found out that Paradise planted a bug on him.


    "What are you planning to do with this? Why did you wear it to the party?" She asked.


    He almost scoffed. "Don''t you know to never go to the Lee mansion unprepared? And what do you think I''m going to do? We have to reveal this to the world, show them who Patricia truly is." He said curtly.


    "Reveal this? You want to put this out there?" She asked in horror, shaking her head vigorously "you can''t do that."


    "What? Why not?" He asked.


    "Because... it''s not fair, it''s not right." She said seriously.


    "It''s not right? What the hell does that have to do with anything? How can you care about that right now?" He asked in utter disbelief.


    "There is a line I will not cross." She insisted.


    "For crying out Jessie! Patricia planted another evidence in your house, it''s only a matter of time before your carted to jail again. How can you think of lines." He yelled wanting to pull his hair out in frustration.


    Pause!!!


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    Okay carry on.


    "Still! This... it''s too much!" She yelled. "You can''t post this."


    He actually scoffed, walking over to her he clicked on another button. Fast forwarding the video, he clicked play.


    "That''s a lie!" She cried. "This was all I''ve been raised to know! This is how I got everything I have now, I never knew my parents, I was never loved like normal people this is all I''ve known. How dare you tell me otherwise!" She yelled at him. "You think the same, you are also ruthless and unrelenting when you want something. It now you were raised, so are you going to get your punishment as well?" She yelled.


    "Even Jessie is twisted like me. She will do anything to be and get where she needs to be. Why do I have to be the one to be persecuted for fighting for love?!"


    "Do you see that? She didn''t even care about anything, so willing to lump you in with scum like herself why the hell are you protecting her?!" He yelled.

 Chapter 269 - 269. Marry Patricia.

    Jessie stepped back as she watched the video, a stray tear slipping down her cheek.


    ''I loved him! I''ve never loved or been loved until Hyun Jin, go ahead persecute me! Falling in love is not a crime!''


    "What the hell are you doing?" He asked.


    Jessie shook her head. "I didn''t realise." She said softly.


    "You didn''t realise what?" He asked.


    "I didn''t want you to post it because of Hyun Jin''s family. What are his kids going to feel like when they watch this?" She started. "But now you definitely can''t post this, this is someone else''s private business!"


    Jason looked at her in shock, utter disbelief. Was she piting Patricia right now?


    "Private business?"


    "This isn''t something I can do, it''s not fair. This most be very painful for her, you can''t post this. I will absolutely not allow you!" She insisted.


    "Are you mad? Do you think this is the time to get a conscience?" He grabbed her shoulders, maybe shaking her would give her some sense. "Do you think if Patricia had something like this she wouldn''t use it?"


    "I don''t care, I''m not Patricia!" She screamed. "I''m not so heartless, I wouldn''t have understood this a few months ago but I do now, do you know how hard it is for me to see you suffering? Blaming yourself for something that you couldn''t have controlled. Do you know how badly it hurt?" She asked.


    Jason gritted his teeth as he looked away briefly. "What does that have to do with anything!" He asked again looking back at her.


    "You''re not dead Jason. I can only imagine how hard it must have been for her, you might not believe but I never hated Patricia. Sure she was annoying to a fault and I wanted to rip out her throat most times I couldn''t hate her. Do you know why? Because she''s so pitiful, she''s suffered so much, it must be karma for her to lose the only person she''s managed to get love from. And that is enough pain on it own." She said, wiping her wet cheek.


    "And I can understand that." She asked him. "How would I even live? But she did, she couldn''t even grieve because she wasn''t supposed to love him. But her only wrong was loving the wrong man, and she''s been punished already."


    "Jessie..." Jason breathed out, reaching out to her.


    "No, don''t. I know how stupid I sound right now, and I don''t know why I feel so strongly about this. But the fact remains, I''m not Patricia." She said shaking her head. "I can''t be as heartless, if I was then were is the justice? I can''t do things like this, and this video doesn''t only affect her, he had a widow and he had kids. They at least deserve to not feel disgusted by an already dead man." She stated.


    Jason didn''t know what to do, he could only stand and watch her. She really was something else, he just didn''t expect hopelessly stupid to be part of it.


    How could she still be so considerate and kind even after everything? Patricia deserved to burn in hell for all she had done.


    And Jessie needed to be the one to send her to hell how the hell?! Was she still considerate?


    "Jessie may be determined and unrelenting but everything she''s got is because she''s talented and hardworking. She has a conscience and a line she would not cross. Do you have a conscience Patricia? Do you?" He scoffed.


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    This was the difference between the two women. This was the clear difference between the two women. The other day he had just been speaking out of anger, but it seemed this woman standing before him really was a different breed.


    He didn''t think it was possible but he loved her even more. Even after everything, after everything.


    "Why are you so stupid?" He asked.


    "I don''t care if I''m stupid, I will not get my revenge like this. That''s not who I am. I will get my life back and I will make that despicable bitch pay. I might be petty, I may be too much, I probably will do stupid things in my anger. But I will never be unfair. I won''t hurt people that aren''t involved, I also won''t use a wicked wound and weakness to win this. I never cut corners, Patricia will pay for what she has done to me but not like this." She insisted.


    "How are you real?" Jason could not help but ask.


    Giving him a small smile, blinking sheepishly at those teary eyes that glittered. He knew why she was so famous. That aura, that blinding goodness pulled you in, and that reminded of him of a time of his life he had pushed so far back in his mind, a time when he was a different person. When he was loved so deeply, just like this.


    "I love you, I hope you know that." He said softly as he walked towards her.


    "Does that mean you will not post the video?" She asked.


    "How can I? You presented such a strong case." He said.


    With a lifted brow she asked out of curiosity. "Really?"


    "Nope, but you pure intentions convinced me." He said walking over to her. "How I haven''t completely noticed and acknowledged this side of you is shocking to me."


    "What side? There is no side, don''t say rubbish? And who is kind? I''m not kind!" She huffed, flushing pink.


    "Look at that she''s also humble." He teased, cupping her cheek in his, using his thumb to wipe the little remaining moisture on her cheek.


    "Don''t tease me." She pouted.


    "Gosh I love you, I love so much it''s almost overwhelming." He said with so much intensity she felt like her heart would burst.


    "Come here." He said pulling her into his arms and holding her so close to him, he placed a kiss on her forehead as she snuggled into his arms.


    "But you should know, it''s either posting that video or marrying Patricia." He said casually, causing Jessie to shove him away her eyes filled with shock.


    "What?" She asked.


    Still wearing a simple smile on his face he repeated himself. "It is either I post that video, or I marry Patricia. No pressure but I need an answer before morning." Placing a soft kiss on her forehead he walked away.


    "What the f**k?"

 Chapter 270 - 270. No Father Wants His Son To Fail.

    Jason walked into his office with a smile on his face. No way she wouldn''t post that video now. She was making a mistake hiding back although he couldn''t say he expected her decision. Since when didn''t she make an impulsive decision? What was worse was the fact that she was actually involved in the scandal with the actor Hyun Jin.


    Since when? What possibly could have influenced her to say no? What? Private business? Patricia literally created a fake private life for her and revealed it.


    Well that by the way, as he sat behind his desk he noticed the blinking icon on his desktop and he suddenly remembered. That annoying Matt had bugged him with work all the way to the office he hadn''t been able to listen to the conversation between Jessie and Jonathan''s mother.


    Clicking on the icon he plugged in his ear pods, but after a few minutes he froze, what is this?!


    "WHAT THE HELL!!" He yelled, swiping the airpods from his ear, he pushed himself away from the table and glared at his computer. Panting heavily!


    **************************************************


    Jessie walked into the shower after a painful hour of wracking her brain trying to understand what she should do. She didn''t quite understand what Jason meant by ''marry Patricia''.


    She turned it on and began to sladder soap on her body, but she let out a piercing scream the moment hair got wet.


    "What the hell?" She screamed, dashing out of the bathroom. Something just shocked her, like actual electricity! She trembled as she combed her through her body, trying to find what could be the rea-


    "What the hell is this?" She asked, pulling a round device from the back of her hair.


    Jumping back she dropped it into the sink as it sparked again. "Oh my goodness!" She gasped, walking out of the bathroom she pulled on a hoodie, not even bothering to dry herself, she grabbed a hand towel and wrapped the device and left her room.


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    This will probably be the last or it will be scarce but still do adhere.


    **************************************************


    "Hello son." A man in his late fifties smiled, as he stuck his head into his son''s office.


    "Dad!" Paul head rose in surprise. "What are you doing in the city? Why didn''t you tell me you were coming over?" He said getting up.


    "Hmm... I thought it would be better if I surprised you." He stated bluntly, walking into the office.


    "Are you satisfied with what you saw? Is the hospital running to your liking?" He asked, his face holding an air of accusation.


    "Ahh... you knew."


    "It is my hospital, won''t you be disappointed if I didn''t?" He asked.


    Bishop Song had already taken rounds around the hospital, before coming up. They both knew it wasn''t a casual visit. It was never a casual visit between this father and son.


    "Well how much can I expect from a lawyer running a hospital?" His father said.


    Paul tilted his head at the man. "Accept it will you, both you and Adonis aren''t going to get what you want."


    "And what is it that we want." His father asked.


    "For me to fail... I might not want to run a hospital but I love mother too much to let you win. I know about the wager." He said.


    "I can''t believe she told you." His father pouted.


    "Well I am her favourite, besides when my father is anxiously awaiting my downfall. She has to step up." Paul gave him a fake smile.


    Bishop sighed. "Why did you insist on studying Law then?"


    "Because you told me I wouldn''t succeed if it wasn''t medicine." Paul replied.


    Bishop began to laugh, "probably the reason you''re your mother''s favourite, you have her determination to prove others wrong."


    He shrugged.


    "But you should know son, no father wants his son to fail. I love you, I might not be accepting of your career choices but I will always love you."


    The atmosphere was quiet at first, then Paul broke the silence with a snarky remark. "Now look at what you did, fix this awkward atmosphere!"


    Bishop Song laughed. "You foolish boy."


    "Oh yeah dad." Paul said.


    "Hmm?"


    "How much do you know about Jason''s mother?" He asked.


    "Veronica Park?"


    Paul nodded.


    "Well not much really, I do know she was a pretty mysterious woman." Bishop Song replied. "Why do you ask?"


    "Uh... no reason, I was just wondering. Are you staying at a hotel?"


    "Why you want to invite me to your home?"


    "Absolutely not. I was just trying to make conversation, but I give up. I''m a busy man, you should go." Paul gestured to the door.


    "Hmph! Cheeky brat. Walk you father out!" He ordered.


    Paul almost rolled his eyes, but got up anyway. Walking to the door he held it open as his father walked out.


    "Oh yeah, I almost forgot." His father said as they walked through the hallway. "How is your Fiancee?"


    Paul froze as he thought about the question. Really? How was his fiancee? Goodness knows that since the engagement party he''d barely seen her. Although he was preoccupied, still that was no excuse.


    But he sucked it up and gave his father an answer. "She''s fine."


    "That''s all?" His father asked when he didn''t say anymore.


    "Yes father, that''s all."


    **************************************************


    She practically sprinted to Jason study, somehow she just knew he would be there.


    Pushing the door open she called for him. "Jason?" No answer, but-


    "Oh my gosh!!" She screamed "Jason!" She ran to the figure crouching on the ground.


    "I-I ca-can''t..." he heaved.


    "Stop talking!" She ordered. "Breathe, please Jason breathe!" She yelled as she held his shoulders.


    He panted heavily, clutching his chest for support, his eyes watery and his face red.


    Jessie didn''t know what to do, he wasn''t responding, so she ran to the door and screamed for help. Rushing back to his she grabbed his shoulders.


    "Jason! Jason! Please!" She cried.


    He looked up at her, clutching at her side and that when she looked into his eyes. She didn''t need to be told, she knew what was wrong.


    But how could she get him out of this time? Could she kiss someone that already couldn''t breathe?


    Butler Choi and a few bodyguards had already run into the room.


    "Jason! Get an oxygen mask!" She ordered.

 Chapter 271 - 271. Dominance.

    Wrapping her arms around him, she began to kiss his neck, up his jaw, all the while whispering into his ears. "Please Jason breathe, please breathe."


    Eventually his heaving began to calm down, and she finally relaxed once he held her waist, and pulled her closer to himself. Tucking his face in the crook of her neck, he comforted himself with her scent. Her damp skin and wet hair, smelling so fresh and comforting.


    "Jessie..." he whispered aganist her skin.


    "What the hell Jason. Why do you keep having episodes like this? I can''t... I can''t see you like this, you should see a therapist." She said, her brows furrowed in worry, as she cupped his face.


    "I don''t need-"


    "Please don''t argue with me on this!" She scolded him. "I can''t bare see you like this, you have to get rid of that stupid notion that you killed your mother." She stated firmly.


    Jason tilted his head, "how do you know that''s why I was hyperventilating?"


    Jessie eyes held intensity but they were soft and full of concern as well, she would not be deterred. "Of course I know, there that look in your eyes. You always have that look when you are thinking about your mother." She said.


    "A look of innocence and ambition, you look almost kind. And it should warm my heart but I hate it. Because any time you look at me that way I know you''re suffering." She explained.


    Jason looked away from her gaze for a second before returning it. "I''m not going to a th-"


    "For crying out loud!" She screamed, pushing away from him, but his grip on her waist only tightened. "If not for you then at least for me, please. I''m begging you Jason, if you don''t care then that''s fine. I care, I care about my wellbeing, I can''t survive like this. I don''t know why but it''s... gosh seeing you like that terrified the hell out me, hmmm?" She looked at his desperately.


    Jason sighed, his heart filling up with warmth with how affected she was by this incident. He knew he really shouldn''t be but this was so... nice to know. He knew she loved him, but since she never admitted to it, it hit different getting assurance of her love. How long had he waited for her to love him back, how long has she distanced herself, it was honestly it was disarming. This was the best moment of his live, he didn''t even consider that he had been so close to death mere moments ago.


    She fussed over him, Jessie worried about him, was that a tear?


    "Why are you crying?" He asked his eyes wide in surprise.


    She frowned and looked away, wiping her face and smacking his arm. "I''m not." She lied. "Don''t ever do that again." She pouted and it was so cute!


    How many people in the world could have their first love requited? He really was blessed, what''s more she was the one that loved him. Only him could have her love. His hand moved up her back, until they rested on her nape, pulling her to him.


    "What are you trying to do?" She asked, as she neared him, his gaze on her lips answered her question.


    "Don''t you-" before she could speak he pressed his lips aganist hers, eating up her words. He could feel her stiffen aganist him.


    She still struggled to get away, pushing aganist his chest, too stubborn to give up her cause. But he was way ahead of her, she trembled as his other hands crept beneath the hoodie she wore, tracing along her naked skin.


    Her eyes flew open when he gripped her backside, but it was soon shut as she shuddered in pleasure. Her resistance waning, she moaned into the kiss. Wrapping her arms around his head, she arched her back so their chests brushed, igniting sparks even through the thick fabrics of both their attires.


    Jason fingers combed into her hair as he deepened the kiss, nibbling on her lips he forced her to open for him. His other hand doing dangerous things to her body, it even stood between both their bodies, separating both of their bodies and he made her heady with desire.


    So as soon as his tongue made contact with hers she began to fight for dominance. She was suddenly a beast biting and licking, plunging and nibbling. But he wasn''t about to let her lead, her fire fueled his and they both fought for dominance. Pushing and pulling, hands everywhere, tugging, squeezing, flicking, everywhere, until..


    "Oh! Pardon us!" Butler Choi exclaimed quickly walking out and shooing everyone with them away.


    "Wait! Don''t go!" Jessie yelled for them, ignoring Jason''s ire filled eyes.


    She was in no state to meet people, her wet hair even more frazzled, her lips swollen and red. Looking throughly ravished. But she didn''t care, all she wanted was for Jason to be fine. Her brain not yet registering that a man capable of kissing her so fervently was fine.


    "You came with the oxygen mask right?" She asked.


    And the butler nodded.


    "Butler Choi stay, the rest of you get out." Jason ordered when he noticed the way the rest of the guards looked at Jessie.


    Jessie turned to look at him but she didn''t ask anything, moving away for butler Choi to walk in.


    Using his hand to halt the older man progress he looked at her. "I don''t need that anymore."


    "Yes you do." Shs affirmed.


    "I''m fine." He insisted but he was aganist Jessie, if there was any talent she had other than acting it was her stubbornness.


    "I don''t care what you say, sit down and let Butler Choi check you."


    The innocent bystanders could not help but sigh. What did they take him for? He could literally go to jail for this, weren''t rich people supposed to be picky? He didn''t even graduate medical school and that was some thirty years ago, yet they suddenly took him to be a doctor.


    "Jessie I''m... you know what it''s pointless talking to you. Give her your professional opinion, I''m fine aren''t I?" Jason looked to Butler Choi.


    The man coughed awkwardly. ''Professional?!''


    "Tell him he still needs the oxygen!" Jessie ordered.


    Sensing no other way out he cleared his throat and spoke. "Actually, since he can breathe properly there''s no need for the oxygen mask." He said. "But in order to be safe he should wear it for about fiv- ten minutes." He added to save his life. Who knew the kind goddess could glare with such killer intent?


    Jessie finally smiled, turning to Jason. "Now we would want to be safe wouldn''t we?"

 Chapter 272 - 272. Thorn In Both Your Sides.

    "Who''s that?"


    "The actress Patricia Lee, she was found unconscious in her room!"


    "What? Why? What happened?"


    "Just between you and I, I think she tried to commit suicide, I heard the paramedics had to pump her stomach, she overdosed."


    "Oh my goodness! What the hell is going on? I actually like the actress."


    "Like her?! Hey Carol, she said she likes the actress."


    "You really like her? Well I guess you would, she''s a good actress."


    "Why are you guys acting like this, what happened?"


    "She has the worst attitude, very wicked. The last nurse that worked for her got abused and left."


    "That can be right?"


    "Oh baby girl it is, anyway. I hope you for your sake you don''t get assigned to her. It''s hard to find out that the person you like is bad."


    "You look like your speaking from experience."


    "I am, I loved Jessie Marin. But turns out she''s the spawn of the devil."


    "Oh yeah, I heard about that. What annoys me the most is that she dared to bring Patricia into it. Did you hear her ''story?''"


    "Yeah... even the hot CEO. I didn''t believe that, it hard to believe."


    "But it''s also true the police doesn''t have evidence."


    "What? Why are the two of you glaring at me like that? If they did she would be in prison right now."


    "I told you to stop trying to believe around this, she is a horrible person! No one can get caught in such a big lie, it has to be true."


    "She must have paid off the government or something."


    "What ever it doesn''t matter, Sarah your are being paged."


    "Oh, it''s Patricia Lee''s room. Goodluck!"


    "Don''t tell me that! Ugh, could my mood get any worse!"


    **************************************************


    Patricia wanted to groan as her eyes fluttered open, and lights flooded into her brown eyes. She wanted to place her wrist against her forehead, but she couldn''t make a sound or even move. She felt so weak, so she did the only thing she could, moan.


    "Ah... you''re finally awake." An oddly familiar voice called out to her and she could not help but force out the groan. Suddenly she felt herself move upwards, it was dizzying, it was strange but she finally understood when she saw his hand with a remote. Coming face to face with the last person she wanted to see she leaned back into her bed.


    Her joints and limbs finally coming to, "what the hell is going on?" She asked, her voice hoarse and raspy.


    George motioned for the nurse by the side to go to her. The moved to feed the water to her but Patricia reached out and grabbed it, putting it to her lips by herself she drank.


    Sending a confused glance to George, the nurse stepped back. George motioned for her to leave the room and promptly she did.


    "Don''t you remember? You overdosed, you tried to commit suicide." He said placing a pill bottle beside her.


    Patricia glanced at the bottle she had never seen in her life and laughed. "Suicide? That''s what your going with?"


    George sent her a confused look. "What do you mean? It is what happened, do really not remember?"


    "Are you mad? Drop the act already we''re alone no need to act." She spat.


    George shook his head dramatically. "What makes you think I''m lying? Come now niece, did you really forget? Shall I call the doctor?"


    She huffed softly, turning to the bottle she picked it up and looked at it. "Sleeping pills? How creative."


    "Come now, don''t act like you haven''t been on sleeping pills for years." George said.


    Patricia glared at him. "If this is my punishment, don''t you think you''re being too harsh?" She spat. "Let me guess the media already knows about this."


    "You''ve been depressed for years, it is a common thing amongst celebrities, you decided to end it." George said. "Between me and you, isn''t that going to do better for you? Gaining sympathy from fans."


    "Fuck you! Fuck both of you!" She screamed. "I will never admit to it."


    George face fell into a most serious expression as his demeanour darkened, causing the room to chill considerably. But Patricia was not intimidated, not in the slightest. This wasn''t one of the times she would give in, even beg for her life. No! No more, they had taken way too much from her she had to fight back.


    "I hoped you wouldn''t, you''ll only make things harder on yourself." George said slowly.


    "What have I done to deserve this!" She cried.


    "What have you done?" George asked in disbelief, was this bitch serious? "Do you have the slightest idea what you display caused? The people I had to bow down to to keep this quiet. The amount of money and favours we gave out. You''re lucky suicide is the only punishment you''re getting, if I were the old man I would make your life such hell you would actually want to commit murder. How dare you try to act like the victim? How dare you make a sex tape with a dead married man?! How low will you actually go? What? Marriage? What a joke!" He exclaimed.


    Patricia screamed. "So what, I can''t fall in love? Is it wrong to want to be happy!"


    Before she knew what was happening George hands were around her neck and he applied an ample amount of pressure, looking her straight in the eyes. His murderous look frightening the already choking woman, clawing at his hands.


    "It is, you cannot be happy. You''re a Lee, happiness isn''t part of your blood. But sure you can go ahead and end it, take you life it sure as hell will easier for me then." He snarled at her.


    Patricia eyes were teary, her hair frazzled and her face red. She gasped and panted heavy when he let go of her. Not expecting her reaction, he was honestly surprised when she started laughing.


    "And let you two be happy? I know that old man wants me dead, when hasn''t he? My only true rebellion to him will be staying alive. What are you shocked?" She laughed manically. "I would never give you or him the satisfaction of seeing me die. I will remain alive and a thorn in both your sides, even if I have to continue living this hell I will. Just to spite you." She spat with so much conviction.


    George eyes narrowed into slits as he clenched his fists in anger besides him.


    "If you want to end it now, go ahead. You already started. But I will never take my own life." She smiled wickedly, watching his ire.


    "I wish you luck Patricia, you just made the worst decision of your life." He stated bluntly.


    Patricia leaned back on her bed with a grin and a raised brow. "Well that''s my problem to worry about now isn''t it?"

 Chapter 273 - 273. More...

    After Butler Choi walked out of the room, Jason leaned into his chair his hands around his head. "Pleased?" He asked.


    Jessie frowned as she blinked at him. "Anyone ever told you you''re an ass?" She asked.


    "Only everyone, but I have a feeling that won''t be a problem?" He almost laughed.


    She narrowed her gaze at him and turned to walk out of the room but his outstretched held her in place hindering every movement. With a snap she turned to give him an angry glare but she couldn''t muster up the anger when she meet with his own gaze.


    He looked at her the way he always did, with such desire... what changed? She wondered. The atmosphere of the room wasn''t like this, it was earlier that static electricity that cackled silently and invisibly. How easily it was to just change like flipping a switch, she felt hot. He eyes held intensity, they held lust, they held... passion. But it was more, right now it was more, there was a depth she had never seen before.


    It made her lightheaded and breathless, this was deeper than mere physical attraction, their relationship certainly progressed past physical attraction. But this... right here, was suffocating and freeing at the same time. It was a promise with so much conditions, it was difficult and it was easy.


    He loved her, she knew but this was even more. There was a substance to him that wasn''t there before. It was almost like he looked at her with those pure, naive and innocent eyes he had glazed over when he had one of his episodes. But this was her Jason, but the regular emotionless darkness was gone and here was only longing and want.


    And it was not only the desire, he looked at her as if he needed her. Like he needed oxygen, with acceptance of his hopeless faith the moment she was lost.


    Something changed, she didn''t quite realise it but Jason changed. It happened over time but she knew this was the defining moment. He was not that obnoxious sociopath she met, that was so hard to like. This was... she felt this was Jason. This was who he really was, he wasn''t cold and ire filled. He was passionate and selfless when he cared.


    And God help her he cared.


    Unconsciously he pulled her in. She drew closer to him, the only sound in the room the crackling of wood in the fireplace. The room was dark, except for the crude highlighting the fire offered.


    Even that looked flattering on Jessie, the way the fire left highlights and shadows on her skin. Even though the water had dried up her skin still glistened. Her hair hung in wet tendrils framing her slender face, her lips parted and wet. The tip of her nose and cheeks rich with colour. And those eyes, that peered so curiously making him wonder what she was thinking. She was always thinking something.


    The atmosphere was too heavy, they both felt the weight and it was honestly more. As she finally reached him, she pulled one never ending, slender leg over his lap, and crossed the other one over it. Leaning into him she cupped his cheeks and rubbed her thumb left, right, across the small of his cheek. Smoothing who knows what.


    As both the breaths intermingled, and she placed her forehead aganist, he thought his chest and body would explode from the build up. He felt like a flooding dam, flooding with emotions that should be foreign to him but they felt oddly familiar.


    She didn''t move to kiss him, even though the distance was almost nonexistent. He didn''t either, this moment was intimate beyond physicality.


    "You came here for something, what is it?" He said in an effort to distract her. She was getting to hot, and he worried for both of them.


    "..." her mind went blank. She came here for something. Pushing herself up but not to far, she did it so she could look into his eyes. "A bug." She said softly, digging her hand into her pocket.


    "I was almost electrocuted to death, this was in my hair." She stated. Noticing the brief, almost as if the look didn''t happened but she saw it anyway. The look of recognition. And her suspicion was confirmed.


    You know that switch? It flipped. The air was thick with emotion, that didn''t change but even while they loved each other to death she hated him in that moment.


    Pushing of him she tried to distance herself in order to clear her mind, and organize her anger. Like that helped, is was as though he cast a spell in the air. As she breathed it was only him.


    But she was too stubborn to succumb. "You bugged me didn''t you?" She asked.


    His silence answered her question, he didn''t say a thing, didn''t make a move but she knew.


    "Not going to say anything?" She asked.


    "I did it for your protection." He stated curtly.


    "You already sent that giant man to follow me, which normal human being would take a look at Sebastian and still imagine hurting me?" She huffed in anger.


    Jason sighed inwardly. "You''re not aganist normal human beings Jessie."


    "Who are you referring to? The Lees? They wouldn''t hurt me or attack so randomly. I only needed protection aganist random people that feel wronged by everything. You had no right to listen in on my conversation!" She yelled.


    "All I wanted was for you to be safe! You said it your self, that woman is a cheater, she shouldn''t be trusted."


    Jessie bit her lips and clenched her fists in frustration and anger. "That is not what I meant! You know that."


    "I don''t... I never trusted anyone, I''m not about to start most especially where it concerns you!" He said firmly, sitting almost unaffected while she stood a few steps quaking with anger.


    "I''m not an egg Jason! You don''t have to baby me, I''m a grown woman and I am stronger than that for goodness sake!" She almost pleaded.


    "Well I don''t care if you indestructible!" He yelled getting up as well. "I love you Jessie, that means I will go to the end of the world to keep you safe. To keep you with me."


    "Still..." she shook her head. "This is too much."


    "It isn''t anything comparable to what I am willing to give up for you." He stated firmly as he walked to her.


    "Jason..." she breathed out, her anger cracking.


    "It wasn''t too much to force me to put on an oxygen mask even after you confirmed I was fine." He said. "I hoped you would understand, you''ve felt it before. That terror that grips you when I''m not fine. When I''m in trouble. Understand where I''m coming from. This isn''t out of context because you have actually been in trouble before Jessie. Too many times for me to remain normal, for me to know that there is a thing called boundaries. You know what I mean." He explained as he moved closer to her.


    Jessie blinked at him, she couldn''t say anything because for the first time she understood where he was coming from. If nothing, this night was enough to spook her the hell out.


    So she didn''t fight him when he lead her to the couch by the fire. She didn''t complain when he sat and pulled her down with him. Even liked it when he snuggled and buried his head into the crook of her neck.


    But something came to her admist all this. There were no boundaries with protecting what you love. That was good to know, she should call Katherine tomorrow... ask her if she knows any good therapists.

 Chapter 274 - 274. Dont Tease Me.

    The smile on Katherine''s face when she walked into the hospital was an evidence of her good mood. Yesterday was hectic and she left here feeling the complete opposite. Too tired to think she only wanted sleep. But as she got to her apartment, a rose bouquet arrived for her, and what was more exciting, there was food!


    She wasn''t in the least expecting any of it, the flowers... maybe. Devon always sent her flowers, and as much as she tired to keep them alive, it appeared she was only talented in that aspect when it came to human beings. She did everything. Put them in water, leave them by her window. But nothing, it was actually getting tiring but she could never bring herself to toss them out immediately they came so she repeated the cycle each time.


    But yesterday had been different, she got something that she actually needed. And she knew it must have been a guess but he managed to get what she was craving for her. She would have slept hungry had it not been for her sweet boyfriend! Devon was getting better at this, and she could finally say her boyfriend sent her food! All the way from another town he thought of her and sent her food!


    ''Eeeeeeeeek!!!'' She squealed internally. Paul who? She was in love with someone else know!


    Humming she pushed the elevator button and it didn''t even delay. Dinging open, the strangest but best thing ever happened. It was empty, the possibility of entering an empty elevator in the morning like this was like a one in a hundred chance. It seemed her positive energy affected this things as well.


    Walking out of the elevator with an extra gait in her step, she brushed through the greeting from her staff.


    "Wait. Dr. Park." Her assistant called.


    Turning around she faced the woman. "You have a guest in your office."


    "My office?" Katherine asked. And the woman nodded. "But I''m not in there, infact I am just arriving for the day. Why did you let the person in my office?" She frowned slightly.


    "She insisted, she said it would be better for both of you of people didn''t see her here."


    ''Jessie?'' Katherine thought. ''It is probably Jessie.'' She nodded at her secretary and began to walk to her office.


    Pushing the open, her smile returning she was eager to meet Jessie. After all she hadn''t met that friend of hers for weeks now.


    "Je-" her eyes widened when she saw who was waiting for her. And even openly disrespecting her by sitting in her chair.


    "What the hell are you doing in my office?" Katherine spat, everything evidence of positivity vanishing into thin air, as though it was never there.


    "What do you think? You''ve been a bad girl, but don''t worry I don''t strike without warning you can rest easy... for now. I only came to talk."


    *************************************************


    Immediately Jason left the house Jessie was in the next car and leaving the manor. She already called Paul earlier and set up a meeting. Now all she needed was to get to him without Jason knowing. Although she doubted that terribly, especially when that mountain of a man was in the car right in front of her.


    She still couldn''t believe he left his bodyguard in the house. He was the one in danger, he was the one leaving the manor. Quite alright she left as well but he didn''t know that. It took all her acting and manipulation skills to get that guy to let her leave but at the end of the day victory was hers.


    Even now as she stood in the elevator heading to Paul''s office, she had to endure this crammed space. It was only her and Sebastian in the elevator but it felt as if she was standing there with ten people. What was worse, he barely spoke, never smiled, and didn''t carry a gun.


    If that didn''t scare you, it definitely scared her, how strong and confident was he to not carry a gun? In her opinion that was just being stupid but it also made her curious. How capable was this man exactly? She knew he would never hurt her but didn''t mean she wasn''t scared of him. Hell she was terrified of the man.


    Paul was expecting Jessie, Ofcourse she had called. What he was not expecting as he pulled open his door was a familiar yet surprising frame, standing even taller that the door frame.


    Ducking his head inside the room and stepping to the side, he finally saw Jessie who stood like a midget behind him, even in her seven inch pumps.


    "Hello Paul." She smiled, hugging him lightly, he gestured for her to come in and she did.


    Before he could even pull the door shut, Sebastian already did.


    "Why is he here?" Paul asked her. "I thought you said you would come after Jason left, how is his bodyguard with you?"


    "I''m as confused as you are." Jessie sighed. "The manor is literally a fortress, yet he left his mountain man at home with me. He''s getting really paranoid these days." She huffed, pouting in annoyance.


    "Can he listen to this?" Paul asked.


    "Well, I don''t care if he tells Jason. I already told him I wanted him to see a therapist or a psychologist or something." She stated.


    "And did he agree?" Paul asked with a knowing look.


    "Not my concern, if I''m forced to log around this giant man, then he can see a therapist don''t you think?" She smiled sheepishly. "I would make such a trade anyday."


    Paul couldn''t help the smile that tugged on his lip. "You''re really settling into the role of a girlfriend now aren''t you?"


    She tried to hold in the smile, but it only made her cheeks redder, forcing her to look away.


    Paul, Ofcourse never understood that people embarrassed shouldn''t be prodded, so he teased her. "Awwwn look at you, you''re blushing!" He gushed, causing her ears to follow suit and heat up.


    Before he could speak up, he learnt the hard way when she punched his belly. "Oof!"


    "Don''t tease me." She said still looking red.


    "Okay, okay, sorry. That hurt." He raised his hands in surrender.


    "It was supposed to." She said. "But you will make it up to me."


    "How?"


    "How was Jason like before his mother died?" She asked. "What was his mother like?"

 Chapter 275 - 275. Its Not The Same.

    "You really want to know about his mom?" Paul asked, walking around his desk to sit. Jessie moved forward and sat across the desk from him.


    "Yeah, I do. Shouldn''t I? He''s been having very bad episodes and his mother is the reason for all of it." She sighed. "Did he really..." she hesitated "...kill her?"


    "Do you think he did?" Paul asked, trying to figure out her thoughts.


    "No, I don''t. But I''ve come to realize that when you love someone you tend to be blind about some things, I don''t want to be blind about this." She stated curtly.


    "He didn''t kill his mother." He said.


    "Are you sure?"


    "Pretty, I''m not sure where all this is coming from but it wasn''t an issue back then." Paul confirmed.


    "But you weren''t there, were you?" She asked.


    "No one was, it was just Jason and his mom." Paul replied.


    "So you can''t be sure." She said.


    "I am, damn it. He didn''t kill his mother, he... might have even died with her back then." Paul said softly, looking away but she caught it. She saw the look of sadness in his eyes, she noticed the way he clenched his fists.


    "What do you mean by he died as well?" She asked.


    "Nothing, it was... you weren''t supposed to hear that." He stated bluntly.


    "But I did." She replied firmly, her brows furrowed she stared intently at him. Her gaze a mixture of desperation and pure curiosity. "Paul I know you have your reservations about me-" his eyes flew to hers but she kept going. "And I know you think I can hurt Jason."


    "But you can hurt Jason." He stated, his gaze making her feel strange things in her belly.


    His eyes hid nothing, she knew it. She''d be blind to not notice how he looked at her with that cautious approach whenever he was around.


    How he was always quick to point out possible mistakes that could be made regarding her at critical times, she knew. And now it was out in the open, he didn''t hide the emotion anymore. More than ever it burned through her, through her conscience.


    She swallowed, "I''m aware, and trust me that''s the last thing I want. For him to suffer because of me, and before you say anything I know he is already suffering because of me, because of that statement I made. But I love Jason, everything has changed. I''m no longer concerned about anything else but him, I have a lot I need to get through, my life is a mess right now, but Jason is hurting and I can''t bare to watch him suffer." Her intense gaze turned soft, her features drawn and her forehead creased. She looked honest.


    "Please, I need to know. I need to know to help him."


    "So you don''t care about acting anymore? Remember, you told me you couldn''t be with Jason because you were afraid to lose your acting." Paul said sternly, waiting for her answer. If she gave the wrong answer, then he didn''t care about anything else he would do everything he could to get her away from Jason.


    But she didn''t say anything for a while... "I still want to act, Ofcourse I do. But I tried so hard to stay away from Jason, I remained selfish and continued to choose myself, I do care about acting but... it''s not the same." She said.


    His eyes narrowed at her, but she continued. "It''s not the same. This... Jason, what we have it''s... different. It''s like I can''t breathe when he''s not okay, and I feel so happy when I see him. I can''t help myself when I see him, he is everything that occupies my mind, especially now... when-" she shook her head. "Have you ever been love? I don''t know how to describe it because I don''t even understand it but I promise I won''t ever do anything to intentionally hurt Jason."


    Paul fisted his hands and got up, walking to the window he stood, backing her and looking out. "Do you know how much he has lost since you came into his life?" He asked, turning partially to face her.


    "Paul... I-"


    "No Jessie, don''t say a thing. I''ll admit I have had my reservations about you, and while it wasn''t as bad a I predicted Jason has made considerable sacrifices for you." He said, almost gritting his teeth as he thought about Paradise. "That statement you submitted to the police, do you know how much money that cost him?"


    "..." she looked down, unable to maintain his gaze. Surprising even herself, why was she silent? She could counter his arguments, Jason wasn''t exactly a passive member of everything that happened. It was his idea to submit the statement in the first place. But instead she kept silent, because for some odd reason she felt she understood Paul. And she needed to understand Jason so she needed to know...


    "200 million dollars." He stated curtly, causing her to sigh. "He has to remain attached to that Lee family, even though all he''s wanted since the engagement was to get out from under his father and end it. Because of you. He''s no longer the Jason everyone knows. He''s grown soft." Paul said, his tone calm and steady, his gaze still on whatever caught his attention outside the window.


    "Paul, it''s-"


    "But that''s the Jason I knew, the Jason I thought died back there, fourteen years ago." He said, turning to look at her. "I have my reservations, but you answered correctly. If you had said something as tacky as I only care about Jason now, that would have been a lie and I could never trust you." Paul said, walking back to sit.


    Jessie blinked at him in confusion. "What?"


    "You aren''t a quitter, nobody who went through what you did would just let go. If not for anything but the fact that you suffered so much, you can''t help but fight for you life back, and there''s nothing wrong with that. Wanting to do something you love."


    "Paul." She said softly.


    He gave her a small smile and began to speak. "Jason was perfect, he had godlike looks, he had the most mesmerising and the kindest smile on his face most of the time. And he was so nice it was annoying to even me sometimes. That''s who he was, that who his mother raised him to be, a man that treated people right." Paul said.


    Jessie leaned back into her seat, trying to add up Paul explanation of Jason with the obnoxious jerk she met.


    "He changed, after his mother died, his father sent him away for almost two years. He was the opposite of everything I knew him to be. I was always jealous of Jason. He was better at everything, he was the only child so there weren''t annoying older brothers to deal with. He effortlessly drew people to him, and but I could never hate him. Because he was just too... good?" Paul smiled sadly as he reminisced "but that changed when he came back. He became this, angry, violent and incredibly mean person. Always getting into trouble, always exploding. Not withstanding his looks and his status he managed to push everyone away."


    "But not you." Jessie said.


    And he smiled, "not me."

 Chapter 276 - 276. Dont Motivate Me.

    "What the hell are you doing in my office?" Katherine spat.


    "No need to be so venomous, like I said, I''m here to talk."


    "I have nothing to say to you, so get out."


    Slamming her hands down on Katherine''s desk, the unwanted visitor looked up at Katherine and smiled when Katherine jumped. "But I didn''t ask you to speak did I? All you have to do is shut up and listen."


    Katherine rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Well let me rephrase myself then. I don''t want to listen to anything that comes out of that mouth of yours Choi Yuri."


    "How shameless are you really? Paul is an engaged man, and yet you''re still seeing him?" Choi Yuri spat.


    Katherine looked shocked at first, then she began to laugh. It got so bad she clutched her stomach and bent over.


    "WHAT THE HELL IS SO FUNNY!!" Choi Yuri yelled.


    "Oh gosh!" Katherine hiccuped wiping her eyes, "it''s just, you''re so laughable."


    "What?!"


    "How insecure can you be?" She laughed. "You mustn''t have a relationship with Paul, if me meeting him for coffee in the hospital cafe causes you to come make such a ruckus in my office." Katherine sighed.


    "What did you say you harlot?!" Choi Yuri screamed. "What do you know about my relationship with Paul?"


    Katherine pursed her lips "honestly before this nothing, but seeing you now, it makes me confident."


    "Confident?"


    "Let me give you a peice of advice Choi Yuri, since it seems you lack a brain in that big head of yours." Katherine started and Choi Yuri sent her a glare that would have killed had it been potent.


    "Don''t provoke me, I''m in a happy place, in my career, I even have a new boyfriend. I''m moving on with my life, trying to leave my painful past behind and get on with my future. But if you continue to shove Paul in my face like this, don''t blame me for what happens next." She said. "I''ve love him for more than twenty years, I''m sure I can do twenty more, I''ve decided to move on. Don''t motivate me further." She said glaring an already red Choi Yuri.


    "Hmph, what makes you so confident that he''ll love you? He''ll never love you, twenty years should be enough prove for that." Choi Yuri spat back.


    Now that hurt, but as usual she was used to the pain.


    "Well, at least he meets with me. He speaks to me, he convinces me to go get coffee with him. I''m making a wild guess here but I''m sure I''m right, when was the last time you spoke to Paul? You''re even here in his building yet you came here." Katherine asked, causing the unbearable woman standing across a desk from her to look away and begin to fiddle.


    "How does it feel to know that you have a playboy as your fiance yet he doesn''t even speak to you? That must really hurt your ego as a woman." Katherine said.


    "Shut up! Shut up damn it!" Choi Yuri screamed.


    "Alright then, get out of my office. It honestly hurts my feelings and ego that two beautiful and very capable women are wasting working hours fighting over a man." Katherine added, stepping aside and pushing the door open.


    "I''m sure you have other things to do with your day." She added a small smile this time.


    Choi Yuri glared the entire way, grabbing her purse violently she walked out of the office. Stopping when she reached Katherine to give one last glare before stomping out of the office.


    "Oh and Choi Yuri?" Katherine called out to her.


    Turning around partially she stopped. "I''ll let it go this time because we are both women and I believe women should stick together. But the next time you try this again, I will tell Paul. And trust me there is nothing he hates more than obsessed stalker women. This is my last act of comradie for a fellow woman. Good day, and I hope we never meet again." She said, shutting her door.


    Choi Yuri turned around and walked to the elevator, looking confident and flawless. But as soon as those elevator doors slammed shut, she lost it. Screaming on the top of her lungs and slammed her purse into the ground.


    "I swear I won''t forget this Katherine Park. And you damned man, making me stoop so low, I won''t forgive you either." She spat viciously.


    *************************************************


    "It''s just as you suspected sir, your father is still a major shareholder in the company. He bought shares under an alias." Matt said as he placed the file before Jason.


    Jason pulled the file to himself. "Thirteen percent huh. That still twelve percent below mine. Have you found out the shareholders still loyal to my father?"


    Matt cleared his throat and pushed his tie higher. "That''s pretty difficult sir."


    "I know that, but I need to know. I can''t have traitors around me. I need to clip that old man''s wings before he begins to get any funny ideas. Set up a share holders meeting." He said.


    "Sure thing, If I may, what is your strategy sir?" Matt asked.


    Jason leaned on his desk his elbows propped and his chin on his entwined fingers. "It''s simple, I''ll scare them into submission and anyone refusing to bend will have to break." He stated. "A simple game of the boy who cried wolf."


    "You''re not going to-"


    "Yes, yes I am. Transfer all the shares under your name to me." He stated.


    "But that''s illegal sir, you cannot have that amount shares in such a small amount of time." Matt coughed.


    "Yes, I know that. But I''m not going to be the one having it. Make the transfer under the name Jessie Marin."


    "Jessie Marin?"


    "Actually, it''s going to be Jessie Marin Kang."


    Matt''s eyes widened, "that''s, you''re going to marry her?"


    "No one has to know, not even Jessie. It''s going to be a fake wedding certificate, but a real one. It just our signatures on the document and nothing more." Jason stated, rubbing his chin as he thought. "All I need is for the shares to be mine, I can''t just transfer them directly to myself, but whatever a husband has, his wife does. And whatever a wife has belong to the husband as well. No one has to know." He said again.


    Matt nodded. "I understand sir. I''ll make arrangements."

 Chapter 277 - 277. I Dont Trust You With His Heart.

    "There was a time he just got suspended, again. After sending a guy to the hospital, and his dad came to the school." Paul said. "At that time, he even managed to push me away as well. We didn''t talk, his father took him outside and I followed behind, because I was curious, he was smiling. He never smiled, and when he did in that moment his father looked at him with such murderous eyes. I knew he just wanted attention, his fathers attention. That moment, in that moment I made up my mind to protect him. Try to fix him, he was broken."


    *****


    "Father, I..."


    "Shut up. Do you know how busy I am?" Victor spat viciously turning around to his fifteen year old son. "You!"


    Jason stepped back his eyes watery and full of fear. Yes, that''s what he felt at this moment, but he would not deny his heart, he was happy. His plan had worked, his dad finally spoke to him!


    But that feeling was short lived, exactly the next moment his face stung as his neck tilted abruptly to the side. Saliva flying out of his lips, in shock. The side of his face burned, clasping his plam to his cheek he looked wide eyes at his father. Never in his life had he been hit, never! Even after all the things he did in school, he knew his teachers were too scared of his father to do anything.


    And before that he never did anything that warranted that bad a punishment. He always followed the rules, he was kind and generous. Just the way he saw his mother. But even she hadn''t followed the rules. She cheated on her husband, but that didn''t mean she deserved to die.


    He was angry, he was bitter, for the first time in his life he threw a tantrum and his mother ended up dead. His father always ignored him and his mother never did. He was happy, even without his dad, he was happy. Now his mother was gone he wanted his dad.


    He didn''t even glance at him once until the day he accidentally broke an expensive bottle of bourbon. He got yelled at, yes but at least his father looked at him, spoke to him. For that moment he focused on only him.


    He was always angry, he felt it was unfair for his mother to die like that. He never acted on it, he would walk away, he would speak less. But after he learnt the secret to his father''s attention, he didn''t hold back. He let out his emotions, he did everything that wasn''t him. Until it slowly became him. But his father never came, so he did even more and more and more.


    Until a mad man had the guts to try and bully him. Had the guts to bring his pitiful mother into the conversation. Jason had beat him within an inch of his life, he was livid, he wasn''t thinking. He might have gone too far, but at the end it was worth it. He had his father.


    But then again... he had never been hit in his life.


    "I don''t have the time for this. I swear if you weren''t my only heir I would kill you right now!" His father spat, glaring at the trouble some teen before him.


    And Jason felt something snap within him in that moment. It was a searing pain that came with a mad realisation. He was an orphan, yes he had no mother, but looking at the dark unfeeling eyes that were focused on him, he realized... he was an orphan.


    "Mess up again, make me come here again and I swear you will regret it." His father said, turning around and walking off.


    Jason fell too his knees, as heavy heartbreaking tears rolled down his cheeks. At first, he was motionless, but soon he began to scream. He was truly alone. All alon-


    "Don''t make so much noise. If anyone finds out it will ruin your reputation." A familiar voice called out to him from the corner.


    Jason fisted his hands getting up, he glared at the unwanted guest. "What the hell do you want?" He asked.


    "Can you stop looking at me like you want to pop off my head?" Paul scowled, leaning by the wall. His blazer hanging off his scrawny frame.


    "I thought I told you to stay away from me!" He spat.


    "Hey, this is public property. I am allowed to come here." He frowned.


    "Whatever, I''m out of here." Jason growled walking towards him, as he walked past him Paul spoke.


    "You should come over to my place tonight." He said.


    Jason turned to glare at him. "Why the hell would I do that?"


    "You might think you''re father was joking, although I don''t think you do. But even if your his only heir, those are not words a father says so lightly to his son." Paul stated.


    Jason lips curved up into a wicked grin. "Oh? I didn''t realise you had become a father." He spat.


    "Whatever you want to do, mock me if you want. But I''ve known you long enough to know how you really feel."


    "Tch... and how is that?" Jason sassed. "What the hell do you know about me!" He grabbed Paul''s collar and slammed him into the wall.


    "I won''t hurt your ego by pointing it out any further. You know how you feel. Think of this as a favour for old times. At least for tonight." Paul said. Pushing off him. Pushing a card into his breast pocket and walking off.


    *******


    "When he turned eighteen his father suddenly started paying attention to him. And as much as he hated Victor, I saw him become more and more like his father." Paul narrated and Jessie sat quiet, listening.


    "I know other people have lived harder lives than losing a parent. But Jason''s life wasn''t easy, and because of how kind he was. Even after everything he still wanted to please his father so he became who his father wanted him to be." Paul said. "But for you, for the first time he openly rebelled. When he bought you, taking the company from his father, refusing to marry Patricia. All that happened because of you. And you may not notice it but you''re changing him. His starting to look like that radiating goodness he once was."


    Jessie frowned. "If that''s the case why are you so wary of me?"


    "Because the last person to bring out that side of him was his-"


    "Mother" she said softly and Paul nodded.


    "And look what he became when he lost her. You have become someone indispensable to Jason. But I can''t trust you with his heart. I don''t know why but I just can''t."

 Chapter 278 - 278. Stupid And Dangerous.

    "You went out?" Jason chilly voice called out to Jessie as she walked into the drawing room.


    "Jason!" She squeaked, honestly surprised to see him. "You... you''re back early." She said, pushing her hair behind her ear violently.


    "And you''re late, infact I''m surprised you''re back at all. Where did you go?" He asked.


    She shrugged. "Out." Was all she said, Jason frowned hating the way she dismissed him.


    At that moment Sebastian walked in and Jason narrowed gaze laid on him. "You didn''t inform me that she was going out." He said in a dangerously low tone.


    "You didn''t?" Jessie asked surprised.


    "The orders were to keep Jessie safe, not inform you of her movement." He said his face and tone emotionless, but Jessie noticed his hand twitch.


    He was afraid?


    "Oh?" Jason smiled, a smile that sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn''t a kind smile, his smile was never kind. It wasn''t the regular wicked or sly grin he normally gave her. This smile had bad intentions, it stemed from a dark place.


    Was this... Jason?


    "I didn''t realise I hired an imbecile." His eyes bore into the man.


    And there it was, again. Sebastian twitched again.


    "Stop it." She ordered him.


    His eyes darkened at her order. "Stay out of this Jessie." He said getting up.


    "No." She refused, stepping in front of Sebastian in order to shield him from Jason. It was a futile attempt though, not only was she a midget compared to Sebastian but he stepped out from behind her and kept his head bowed.


    Jason continued to approach him, with a wickedness in his eyes, it scared her.


    "Jason stop." She ordered again but by the time he got to her he shoved her out of the way, kicking down the giant leg, the man fell to the ground with a heavy thump, balancing himself on one knee.


    Jessie was mortified, her eyes widen in shock as she watched the scene playing out before her. What the hell was this? What the hell was going on?!


    "Jason stop!!" She screamed, running to grab his fisted and raised hands. But he shoved her again harder this time. She fell on the floor and turned around just in time to see him punch Sebastian.


    "Jason!!" She yelled, "what the hell are you doing? Stop!!!" She screamed.


    He turned to look at her, with the most revolting expression and emotion behind those souless eyes. "Why do you look so surprised?" He laughed. "This is who I am, don''t you know?"


    Turning to her he walked over to her,kneeling so he was in close contact with her.


    She leaned backwards to avoid him, her whole body trembling in fear. She moved backwards as his both hands sat on each side of her body. With each movement backwards he took one to counter it.


    "Jason, Jason! What the hell? Stay away from me!" She yelled trying to push him off her.


    Her futile attempt only making him grin harder. "What? Why do you look so scared? Why are you trembling. I didn''t do anything to you did I?" He asked, his eyes looking crazed and deranged.


    "This isn''t you! Jason!" She cried.


    "Hey! Stop shouting already, what did you expect from a man that killed his mother?" He began to laugh.


    "Miss?"


    "Miss?"


    "Miss!"


    Jessie''s eyes fluttered open, she sighed as she looked up at the open car door, and the giant man standing outside peering to the car.


    "I''m sorry to wake you, but we have arrived at the manor." Sebastian said, holding out his hand to help her out.


    Jessie was disoriented, well of course. That dream was too realistic and scary she was shaken. But she took his hand nevertheless and stepped out of the car.


    Walking into the house she ignored everyone at the door, waving them away dismissively she headed straight for her room. She wasn''t about to go into the drawing room and test out her dream.


    "You went out?" Jason asked from behind her and she stopped, her hand freezing as she was about to push her door open.


    Turning around she sighed. It was just a dream she reminded her herself. "You already knew that didn''t you?"


    Jason folded his arms and pouted. "Not until I came back and didn''t meet you home. Where did you go? Why didn''t you say anything?"


    "I''m not a child Jason, I don''t need your permission." She said defensively.


    "Never said you did, I''m just worried about you." He frowned when he noticed her displeasure.


    "Chairman." Sebastian walked to him, bowing slightly as he reached Jason.


    ''He''s here?! Again?"


    "You didn''t tell me she was going out." Jason said his face was blank so she couldn''t tell what he was thinking.


    Sebastian glanced briefly at her, then back at Jason. "I felt she wished to keep it a secret. Plus you ordered me to keep her safe, she is safe."


    Jessie looked to Jason, and then a Sebastian. Gauging the situation. ''He really didn''t tell Jason where I went?''


    Jason looked to her. "What exactly did you do to Sebastian to make him keep things from me?"


    "Uh..." she looked at Sebastian, clutching her hand tightly. "It''s not that big a deal Jason. Really it isn''t."


    "I would''ve have thought the same thing, but why did you have to take such great precautions before leaving the manor?" Steppong closer to her, he stared down at her. "I really hope your not doing anything stupid and dangerous."


    Jessie eyes narrowed at him. "Why would I?" She retorted.


    "And why wouldn''t you? It is you after all, I can never trust what you''re thinking." He stated bluntly.


    And she scoffed, "hey! I''ve changed!"


    "Have you? Really? Or are you just at a dead end now? I''m sure the moment you get something again you''ll be chasing it down like your life depended on it." He said. "Ignoring all the warning signs, am I right?"


    "Screw you." She spat, moving to walk away but he blocked her path. Turning to Sebastian he waved him away.


    "You''re dismissed." With those words the giant man turned around and took his leave.


    "That''s it? You''re just going to let him go?" She asked in shock.


    Jason turned back to her with a confused expression. "Did you still need him for something?"


    "Uh... "


    "Should I call him back?"


    "No, no... I mean he didn''t tell you I was going out, I just expected you to..." she trailed off.


    "To what? Punish him? Sebastian doesn''t say a lot of words but he is very discerning." Jason said. "And he not informing of you little outing only makes me more curious." He continued, stepping closer and closer until her back was aganist the wall and he arm was at the side of her head.


    Crossing on leg across the other and the other hand remaining the pocket of his trousers. He leaned down to look her in the eye.


    "Besides, I''d rather hear it from you."

 Chapter 279 - 279. Stubborn One.

    Dangerous and low, his voice was barely audible but she felt the chill down her spine. He looked at her with ire, and unreserved displeasure but she knew it was all too intimidate her. Too bad she wasn''t easily shaken.


    "You need to see someone Jason." She said after the long pause of allowing his dangerous words roll and crackle through the room.


    This room. His study, was always hot and the air was always stiff and cumbersome. This was normally where he dealt with annoying work he couldn''t figure out in his head alone. And problems that became nuisances. These days Jessie was in here more often than he would have preferred, not that it wasn''t something he was surprised by. Still, if she would just be more agreeable.


    "I will not argue about this with you." He stated firmly.


    "Then don''t. Nobody is asking you to argue, just see someone." She replied folding her arm and looking down at him.


    Sometime in the midst of their arguments, she had gotten up and still hadn''t returned to her seat. And even though she stood he somehow still towered, perhaps it was that aura of his.


    Jason wasn''t the kind of men that had a silent danger, he wasn''t dark and mysterious when you looked at him. He was unfairly handsome, and he glowed when he smiled. But his danger was loud and it burned where ever he stepped. Although he mostly did go round yelling and breaking things, he would punish any that dared to cross him and he would do it openly and ruthlessly. With a grin playing on his lips.


    He was hopelessly over bearing and too entitled. And even though these days she saw the better side of him, it felt like right now she had travelled back in time.


    "You seem to worry about the strangest things Jessie. Useless things, you haven''t given your answer on the Patricia situation. Considering your lack of interest I''m I safe to assume you are okay with me marrying her?" He asked "I assumed it would be a problem, but don''t worry you are still the woman I love regardless."


    Jessie stare started to become hotter and darker. She hadn''t felt this way in a long while, and while he just sat there with that stupid grin on his face she wanted to hit him. How dare he threaten her like that? But she didn''t, wouldn''t take his bait. She had a goal she would fulfill it.


    "Don''t try to change the subject." She spat.


    Jason grin widened at her agitated tone. "And don''t avoid my question. Time is running out, I need to turn in that video."


    "Turn in the video? Turn in the video to whom?" She asked.


    Jason sighed, realising his mistake, and cursing her for being too detailed. Must she pick out every single word? "It doesn''t matter, the end of it all is that the public sees the video."


    She scoffed. "Jerk, how dare you play me like that?"


    "What?"


    "Why did you say you would listen to me, then give me such an impossible ultimatum?" She asked ruefully.


    "I didn''t think revenge would be an option for you. It''s like you don''t want to get your life back Jessie."


    "Well how I''m I supposed to do that?! I made a ludicrous statement, with no proof to back up my claim, and now I''m unable to find out where that damned auction house is. I''m at a dead end" she said. "And you" she pointed at him, "you... promised to get me the location that was the reason you still remained engaged to that witch and what have you been doing?" She asked, with accusing eyes.


    "Granted it was... it is not the auction house, but that video it enough to destroy Patricia." He said, his eyes narrowing on her.


    "And what would I gain? How would it improve my own image? I would just be tarnishing the industry further, and par adventure I get evidence to proof my innocence. The public''s faith in the entertainment industry would be too weak. No one will ever take me back." She said.


    "Hmm... how nice." He spat sacarstically.


    "What the hell do you mean?" She asked.


    "You always manage to come up with excuses."


    "They are all valid reasons. And don''t act like you suddenly want me to fight for my life back. If it were up to you, I would remain dead, so you can hide me in your massive manor like some rapunzel, and keep me all to yourself!" She yelled. "This is all just because, you want to distract me from the topic of your mental health."


    He scoffed.


    But she continued. "Which like my other ''excuses'' are valid."


    "Do what you want, don''t blame or hate me if I actually get married to Patricia. I''m done talking about this." He said getting up.


    But she stepped in front of him blocking his path. "And I''m the stubborn one." She said.


    He didn''t reply her, instead he side stepped and walked out of the office, leaving her feeling neither annoyed nor happy.


    Annoyed at his snotty behaviour, how dare he threaten her like that? And why was he so intent in posting that ludicrous video? Was he aware of how many innocent people would get hurt because of it? Or did he just not care.


    For the first time he had been the speechless one, Ofcourse if he had more arguments to make he never would have left like that. That made her happy, if he was speechless then she was right.


    Then it dawned on her... she was always the speechless one. Did that mean she was always wrong?


    *****


    "Patricia is here?" Paul nodded.


    "So if you want to strangle her or something of the sort you can feel free." He said with a smile.


    "Tempting offer for sure, but this seems... I didn''t expect her to come back here after the last time." Jessie said, as she and Paul with the mountain man tagging behind them, walked to the elevator.


    "Please don''t drive away my VIP customer do you know how much I make from her?" Paul looked at her with narrowed eyes.


    Jessie gave him an innocent smile. "If you wanted me to stay away you wouldn''t have told me she was here. So what room is she?"


    "I''ll pretend I did not just here you ask me two, tell you what room one of the three most important VIPs today is staying, Four I can certainly not tell you that." He said winking.


    She winked back to assure him she understood. "2134 eh?"

 Chapter 280 - 280. Slippery Slope.

    Jessie pushed the door into Patricia room slowly and walked in, she didn''t know how to describe how she felt, all she knew was that she really wanted to see her.


    Patricia was asleep as she walked in, but even in her sleep she looked so disturbed, srunching up her nose as if she smelled something bad, and her lips were pulled up into a thin line, with beads of sweat on her forehead. She even clutched her cover with tight fists.


    Jessie walked over to the seat by her bed and sat down on it watching her. "I could pull out the pillow from underneath your head and smother you, you know." She said quietly, looking forward, at nothing in particular. "And I would get away with it. My friend owns the hospital, he''ll definitely help me cover it up."


    "So then why don''t you? You certainly have more than enough reason to do so." She said.


    "I do don''t I? I''m just not as inhumane as-" her eyes widened and she turned to Patricia who was already pulling herself up into a sitting position. "You''re awake."


    "I was aware the moment you walked into the room. Just didn''t know it was you, what an unfortunate day. I''m seeing your face." She turned to grab a glass from beside her and drank from it.


    "Well I live to make your life unfortunate these days so..." She replied after getting over her initial shock.


    "How did you find out I was here?" She asked with a scowl.


    Jessie gave her a small smile, "aren''t you aware? Your attempted suicide is all over the news."


    Patricia shut her eyes for the briefest moment and was that hurt Jessie saw?


    "It''s sick you know, you''re sick. Using Actor Hyun Jin for your sick benefits." Jessie spat.


    And Patricia eyes widened, out of shock, out of anger out of hurt. Shock, because she wondered how Jessie knew she was in the hospital because of him. Anger because she had no idea what she was going through and yet she dared judge and hurt, because in a way she was right. At the end of the day all the heartfelt messages of compassion she received was because of him. Even from the grave he still helped her.


    "What the hell do you know about me?!" Patricia yelled. "What the hell do you know about us? How did you even find out?!" She screamed.


    Jessie watched her pain, she knew and understood her suffering, seven months ago she might have pitied her. But now? After everything she would have to be an angel to have any thing other than hatred for the hurting woman before her.


    "I know everything, I know it all. You were the one he was having an affair with before he died, and yet you let them pin it all on me." Jessie said with dark eyes. "You used him then and you''re using him now. If that''s how you treat the people you claim to love it''s still a wonder how I''m still alive." Jessie said, intentionally driving daggers into her.


    One reason, the most important of all why she didn''t want Jason to release those videos, was not because of his wife or children. Especially not because of the devil incarnate before her but because of the man himself.


    Even after everything, Hyun Jin was still her friend. It surprised her to find out about his affair and she had doubts about the relationship they shared but still. She chose to believe it was real, he was a good person, must have been utterly confused to date someone like Patricia but he was kind. The type of person that saw the good in everyone and brought it out.


    She couldn''t tell Jason that, he wouldn''t understand.


    "I didn''t! I had no control over it back then, and I have no control over it right now. Do you know how much, how badly I wished for people to call our names in the same sentence? I was willing to give up everything to be with him..." she suddenly stopped, her face fell and her eyes were filled with hurt. Looking Jessie in the eye she spoke. "Why I''m I explaining all this to you? You wouldn''t understand."


    "You''re wrong, I do understand." Patricia eyes widened. "But I don''t care, I refuse to care. After everything... you don''t deserve my sympathy."


    "And I''m not asking for it!" She spat viciously.


    "Good." Jessie nodded. "Just know, that this feeling? This utter helplessness and heartbreak you''re feeling is well deserved."


    Patricia gave her a rueful laugh, filled with mirth and ire. "Is that why you''re here? To gloat?"


    "I have better things to do with my time." Jessie''s reply was snappy.


    "So? Why are you here then?"


    "Getting a bit ahead of yourself aren''t you? I would have hoped you would have figured it out on your own" Jessie said with a knowing wink.


    At first Patricia face was etched with both annoyance and confusion. Then she began to wonder, Jessie only spoke of Hyun Jin, and she somehow knew that her hospitalization has been because of him. Something only George and that old man knew about. She couldn''t have known about it unless she was somehow miraculously able to read minds which was very unlikely so the other reasonable option was...


    Her eyes flew to Jessie''s and she gasped. "There is no way!"


    Jessie smiled sweetly, "you''ve always been so smart."


    "How the hell?"


    "Jason. Jason showed me, infact he handed the video to me on a sliver platter, as a gift to show his goodwill." She said biting back the laughter that threatened to spill out of her lips at the sight of Patricia face.


    She began to tremble and quake with rage so Jessie continued...


    "How does it feel Patricia knowing your greatest enemy in the world has your life in her hands?" Jessie asked.


    And Patricia reached forward to grab her but she backed away just in time and began to chuckle.


    "That''s impossible! That video doesn''t exist anymore, you''re lying!" She screamed.


    "Oh come on, it''s obvious you don''t really believe that." Jessie tilted her head. "And don''t you know Karma is such a freaking bitch? If anyone in the world would have the very last copy, who do you think it will be?"


    "You''re Lying!" She shrieked. "I know you, if you had it you would have already posted it. You''re only trying to bother and rile me up. I won''t believe you!"


    "Awwn... look at her thinking she knows everything about me. What do you think? Seeing you like this, in this state how do you think it makes me feel?" Jessie asked, giggling slightly.


    "You bitch!" She screamed.


    "How does it feel Patricia? Tell me?" Jessie laughed. "Oh oh oh" she exclaimed leaning down towards Patricia "I also know about how you grovelled and begged Jason not to leave you, and yet he came running, back to me." She stood up, her face falling into a serious expression.


    Patricia held the sides of her head, ruffling her hair she screamed, at the top of her lungs, she screamed.


    Jessie stood there watching her breakdown, watching unwind and loose control. And when she calmed she walked back to her and pushed her so her back was touching the bed.


    "Remember this moment Patricia, remember this feeling and enjoy it while it lasts. Because as miserable as you feel right now, it will only get worse. From here on out that high you''re on, it a slippery slope and your already sliding right down." Jessie said fire in her eyes.


    Standing up straight, she adjusted her clothes and straightened her hair. Patricia sat motionless as Jessie shot her an icy glare. Turning around she walked out of the room.

 Chapter 281 - 281. For What Its Worth.

    Jason brow went up as soon as the words were out of Jessie''s lips. He stared at her with a serious glance, his face wasn''t soft and his eyes were hard.


    But the tremble in her limbs, the quake in her voice and the violence in her eyes soon settled. And she relaxed, and visibly as well. "I''m sorry I shouldn''t have said that."


    Now his eyes widened, what the hell? "You shouldn''t have said that?" He parroted her.


    "Yes. I more than anything should know how much the media twists things. I should ask you what is going on, I should trust you, no, I trust you." She sighed. Looking up at him her eyes suddenly looked so golden and bright, worse she smiled.


    Jason frown deepened and he looked away for the briefest of moments before turning back to her. "You certainly know how to pick your moods Jessie." He stated curtly.


    She joined him in the upturn of lips. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "It means I''m grateful for you concern but I''m undeserving." He replied.


    "What?"


    "The media doesn''t always lie, and especially not in my case." He stated his eyes holding nothing, giving nothing. His words held a steady tone and the only emotion she felt rolling of him was irritation.


    She became sacred, honestly and utterly afraid. But something deep down kept assuring her that she was mishearing, that he was lying or the words coming out of his mouth did not belong to him.


    "What you heard, what you saw is all true." And before she could ask "I am getting married."


    "To Patricia?" She hated how soft and hopeful her voice sounded.


    "Well it''s not to you... you would know wouldn''t you?" He replied curtly. His eyes remaining impassive, his tone remaining, he wasn''t giving anything away so she could not decipher a thing! And that made her... it made her sacred!


    That he might actually be telling the truth, that the deepest truest part of her that never told lies, and told her that to trust him was corrupted. Corrupted by her love for him.


    And that scared her, that admist all this, she only wanted to be in his arms, she craved his touch. She wanted attention, it had been three long days and she had been too stubborn.


    "So I''m I supposed to leave? Leave the manor?" She asked in a small voice, somewhat pleading, some what testing. He had always been against her living away from him, he would never say she sho-


    "I guess that''s only natural." He nodded, biting his lower lip in thought.


    And Jessie''s eyes widened and she began to laugh because she felt too shocked and too angry to cry.


    She laughed and laughed the sounds kept coming out and she couldn''t stop herself, until she sat on the back of her legs and let the tears flow. But she didn''t stop laughing, was this how easy it was to hurt a person? A few sentences and she felt her insides rip apart.


    Jason stood there, a few feet away watching her. His hands in his pockets, he looked stoic and unmoving but he just stood there quiet, not saying a word.


    She looked up at him through her tear filled eyes, his figure looking blurry. She wiped her face and stood up. Shooting him an icy glare.


    "Do I get an explanation?" She asked.


    He paused as if he was thinking then shattered her all over again. "No."


    She gave him a short, prim nod. "Um... you''ll have to give me time to move out. You see.. I''m homeless."


    Then he chuckled, he showed emotion but it wasn''t concern or hurt. He let out the most demeaning and annoying laugh. Looking at her like she was dirt under his shoe he grinned. "Should have milked out all you could while had the chance don''t you think?"


    She felt broken, she fell to pieces, she felt like there where a million pieces of her scattered around the room but somehow she managed to return his wicked grin. And replace her hurt eyes with disgust. And even though a tear rolled down her cheek she refused to feel weak about it. "I wouldn''t be able to take a house from the man who broke my heart. I have way too much pride for that."


    "Yes, yes. We all know about that pride of yours." He replied. "I just assumed you wouldn''t want to be with me a second longer. I even prepared a car to take you home, so you wouldn''t be stranded." He stated bluntly.


    He just kept ripping. "You prepared a car?" She said weakly, this time hating how weak her voice sounded. She didn''t want to be weak for this jerk, this obnoxious jerk. But she couldn''t help it. "I guess I shouldn''t waste your efforts." She almost whispered.


    She thought she saw something in those dark, unfeeling, heartbreaking eyes. But it must have been her imagination. "I''ll leave you to it then." He said curtly, turning around her walked out o the dinning room, shedding off his jacket as he did.


    Jessie felt on the floor in a heap, laying down, she placed her head in the midst of her bent arms, covering her face. Sobs wracked her entire body, she choked, screamed, wept. Soon she cried herself to sleep.


    When her eyes slowly opened again she wasn''t on the floor, instead she lay on a couch in the drawing room, covered by a blanket. And she met gazes with Butler Choi.


    "Miss Jessie." The butler''s tone was sad and apologetic. That alone was enough for her to confirm that she was dreaming all of it. Infact the pain in her chest was more than enough to confirm that she wasn''t dreaming it.


    "How long was I asleep?" She asked.


    "Just a few hours, it''s a few minutes past ten." The butler replied.


    She groaned as she sat up, her head felt like it weighed tonnes. Rubbing it she turned to him. "I need to leave here tonight."


    "There is a car ready." He stated and she nodded.


    "Ofcourse. I''ll go get my things." She said rising from the chair.


    "Miss Jessie." Butler Choi called out to her as she walked to the door. "For what it''s worth, we all are really sorry for how things played out."


    Jessie wanted to smile at the man, she really wanted to try but she couldn''t. "Well I''m sorry as well."

 Chapter 282 - 282. I Didnt Want To Love Him.

    Katherine frowned as she paced her living room. She kept looking at the clock and biting the nail on her thumb. How long? How long?! She checked her call log, just fifteen minutes? Why did it feel longer?


    Who was the wicked person in charge of time that always that always made it slow down when you needed it to move quickly?!


    And what the hell was taking them so long?!


    *************************************************


    "Where did she go? Tony''s?"


    "No sir, I can''t tell."


    Jason''s eyes darkened and he glared the man standing before him into cowering submission. "What the hell do you mean by you can''t tell?"


    "Sh- she didn''t take the car sir."


    "What?" He spat.


    "You''re.... I mean, your..."


    "Spit it out already!" He yelled.


    "Director. Song took her." He quivered and blurted out instantly.


    "Paul? Paul was here in my manor?" Jason huffed. "That traitor."


    **************************************************


    "Jessie!" Katherine gasped as he ran and wrapped her arms around Jessie as soon as she arrived with Paul close behind her.


    "He... he..." she hiccuped, she began to sob again. Something about being with a friend just made her dam of emotions break.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay." Katherine soothes her. Looking up at Paul who shook his head. "It''s okay, you''re okay, you''re okay here."


    "Come, sit." She lead her to the couch where she leaned on Katherine as the tears just kept pouring. The sat with her like that, for a while before she finally calmed down and sat up.


    Retreating further into the chair she hugged her legs to herself and rested her chin on her knees. Looking so lifeless it broke Katherine''s heart as well.


    Paul annoyed by the situation, he hated the way she looked and he hated that he had no idea what was going on. One moment he was wondering how to spend a boring night, next he got a distressing call from Jessie begging him to come get her.


    "So what happened?" He finally broke and asked.


    Katherine shot him a glare and a warning but he replied with a shrug and "we have to know. I basically kidnapped you from Jason. I should know." He stated firmly.


    "He told me to leave himself, don''t worry you didn''t kidnap me." She said, looking down at the floor.


    "What?"


    "He told you to what?" They said simultaneously.


    "He told me to leave his house!" She screamed. "He''s getting married to Patricia and I am no longer needed."


    "That news is true?" Katherine asked with so much confusion on her pretty features.


    "Are you sure?" Paul asked and both women sent him chilling glares. He swallowed, nodded and backed off.


    "I didn''t believe that for one minute. He wouldn''t marry Patricia even if pigs flew." Katherine frowned.


    Jessie frowned as well, she had been hurt Yes. She felt broken yes, but she couldn''t, she just couldn''t believe it. She assumed that was because she was in love and the works. The stuff about an incorruptible part of her being corrupted by love and all that bullshit. Because right now it felt like bullshit. She knew it was too strange and too sudden. She knew it, but how does she convince that useless heart of hers that was all so ready to get broken.


    "Why then did he say so?" Katherine wondered out loud.


    "Do you know if perhaps his father or someone maybe Patricia scary grandpa is threatening him?" Jessie asked Paul.


    "You don''t believe him?" Paul asked.


    "How could I? I know more than anyone how much he hated Patricia and her family, even more than I did. How can I suddenly believe that?" She said.


    "So why did you...?" He trailed off, not knowing the words to say that wouldn''t offend her. Or in general not knowing the words to say.


    "Did I leave? Why did I cry? Because even though I know there''s an underlying reason I just don''t know what it is. I love him, so some part of me is hurt." She explained. "Some soft, naive and expectant part of myself is broken and believing. Besides he said some pretty hurtful things." She said.


    Paul smiled. "If anyone wouldn''t believe Jason it would be you."


    "If anyone would be patient enough to figure this out it would be you." Katherine added.


    "Oh no, you misunderstand me. I''m not patient or unbelieving." She started an unbelievable amount of rage seeping into the broken pieces of her and sealing them up. "I didn''t want to love him, he was such a jerk to me the first time we met. Granted he changed and he was... kind. But I did not want to love him. I was all on my own and he came seduced me and made me fall for him so hard I was willing to let go of everything. I did not want to love that jerk but now I do. And I never do anything haphazardly." She said.


    "Jessie..."


    "He can''t just cut me off like this. I won''t let him, even if I have to go object to the wedding right before the entire world I will burn down this earth until he gets his senses back."


    Paul watched her in awe, thanking the stars over and over and over again that he was not on Jason''s shoes. Yes, Ofcourse his friend was being a big ass. But the look in Jessie''s eyes wasn''t one of a passionate lover fighting for her love. This was pure, unadulterated rage and hunger for vengeance. She wasn''t asking for his love, she was demanding it as it was her right.


    Paul didn''t know what propelled Jason to make this decision but he knew whatever the reason that it was the wrong one, because the consequence was an outraged Jessie.


    "So what is the plan?" Katherine asked. "You already left as he told you to."


    "Yeah... but I didn''t really leave. I just took clothes for a few days, I wouldn''t leave behind all those clothes." She shook her head. "If there''s anything that jerk got right it''s my style. And there a so many clothes in that house to last me years."


    "So you''re going back for your clothes?" Paul teased.


    Again, another pair of eyes shooting him icy glares. He nodded again and backed off.


    "I was going to stay for a few days but I won''t give him the satisfaction of thinking he was intelligent enough to outsmart me." She said.


    Again Paul felt bad for his friend.


    *************************************************


    Jason stood in Jessie room scanning the area with a frown. "She didn''t take anything?" He asked the maids standing behind him.


    "No sir, just a small bag."


    "What the hell was she thinking! This would make me resentful?" He spat angrily.


    "No... I was thinking, like hell I''m leaving this manor."

 Chapter 283 - 283. Battlefield.

    "What the hell are you doing here?" Jason asked viciously as he glared at the woman standing before him. His cool, aloof demeanor from the day before vanished. And she feel him tremble beneath his clothes, and she couldn''t tell if it was anger or something else... although she wouldn''t lie, it hurt her to see him react like that.


    "What does it look like? I''m here to see my boyfriend." She spat out the last word.


    "I am no longer your boyfriend you should leave my house Jessie." He stated firmly.


    "No." She refused outrightly. And the maids standing inbetween felt so sick, they feared they might swoon.


    But they also feared to move, they couldn''t quite leave with Jessie in the doorway like that, besides they already seemed invisible with the way their words flew over their heads.


    "No?" Jason huffed.


    "No." She affirmed.


    "Since when did you become so clingy? I remember you doing everything you could to get away from me and now you want to stay? You were so unhappy." He spat.


    "Well I also remember you doing everything to make me stay, you must be so happy!" She retorted.


    "I do not want to drag you out Jessie. Leave!" His voice thundered. And the maids almost let out yelps but Jessie remained unbothered.


    "I''d like to see you try." She gave him a senile smile until he began to move towards her with alarming speed and agility. And worse with that murderous look in his eyes, if not for her damned pride she would be running the other way or cowering at his powerful aura.


    And the way the anger rolled off him, she felt it, every one in the room felt it. But while his rolled like mist from his person, hers was piercing like a sudden burst of bright light.


    Before she could protest further he grabbed her wrist and began to pull her with him, and as much as she tried to struggle to hold her ground she found herself stumbling after him.


    They walked all the way to the bar before she managed to break free.


    "Let go you jerk!" She screamed.


    He pointed at the door. "Get out."


    "No!" She refused, rubbing her wrist. It would have hurt, but his skin on hers felt comforting and right even in the chaotic circumstance.


    "Why the hell are you being so stubborn?!" He yelled.


    "Humph! It''s like you don''t know me" she scoffed. "Did you expect less? I must say you thought to highly of me!"


    And his eyes darkened significantly. "Do you have no shame?" He asked his time cold as ice.


    "Shame?"


    "I''m someone else''s fiance and yet you want to assert yourself were you do not belong." His eyes narrowed flashing the fleeting emotion again before it disappeared. Jessie knew she did not imagine it, until his next words.


    "Yet you cast the stone towards Patricia for dating a married man. You''re no better." He said, deliberately hurting her. "Stop being so immature and leave already!"


    She did not slap him in that moment for one reason alone, she wasn''t within distance to do so instead she grabbed a glass and threw it at him with all her might.


    It would have hit him too, if he hadn''t ducked in time. The glass shattered mercilessly against the wall.


    He shot her a look of both hurt and anger but she was to angry to care that there were emotions in those eyes.


    "That mature enough for you?" She sneered.


    **************************************************


    "Hey! Are you sure we should have let Jessie head to the manor all alone? I mean, I get that those two love each other to death but they are also the most stubborn people I know." Paul said his head peeking into Katherine office in an awkwardly cute way.


    Again pushing the away the spark in her chest she kept her mind on the what he was saying.


    "Is that really what you''re thinking off first thing in the morning... at work." Katherine sighed.


    Paul stared into nothing then back at her again. "Yes." Nodding vehemently with a look of innocent determination.


    Her heart did another squeeze with she promptly ignored. She had a boyfriend.


    "Aren''t you worried about them?" Paul asked.


    "Ofcourse I am. I''m worried about Jessie, Jason''s too much of a jerk but still... what can we do? You said it yourself they are stubborn to death." Katherine frowned.


    "But you don''t think Jason is going to hurt her do you?" She added slowly.


    Paul looked at her with a blank expression his face suddenly became so serious. "I can''t believe you would ask that. Jason can be an obnoxious jerk-"


    "Jason is an obnoxious jerk." She said.


    "Whatever but I can''t believe you would think k him capable of hitting a woman, and Jessie at that." He huffed.


    "Well with what Jessie told us, I don''t know what I think." She replied.


    "If there''s anyone with murderous tendencies it would Jessie, there was a look in her eyes last night." He shivered. "No this won''t do... I have to go over there." He said, closing her door, soon his head came back.


    "Aren''t you coming?" He asked.


    "Unlike you, I do not own the hospital." She spat in annoyance. "I have patients."


    "But Katherine..." he whined. "I''m scared to enter that battlefield alone. Aren''t you concerned for my life?"


    **************************************************


    Jason''s wide eyes landed on Jessie as he saw the glass that was shattered behind him.


    "So you really want to be a murderer now?" He asked.


    "Oh? You still think I''m innocent? Oh I''m so flattered you fucking bastard!" She yelled.


    Suddenly that mask came back and she wanted to yell, scream, claw back his humanity. When he looked at her like that it made feel like she was talking to a statue.


    "What do you want? Money?" He asked.


    Jessie wanted to laugh but she settled instead, just as he did. "You and I both know that I''m not here for your money. And your such a bad actor if you think that is going to hurt me."


    "What the hell are you talking about?" He asked.


    "That statement... I know you are trying to make me hate you. And goodness help me but I do hate you, right now I hate you so bad it''s boiling through my blood." She said.


    "Then I guess I succeeded then." His statement was curt and short but she was not done.


    "Too bad... because I can only hate you that bad because I love you even more."


    "Have you not been listening to what I''ve been saying?" He spat, that wall of indifference cracking.


    "Oh I have, and I know you know but I don''t think I''ve said it out to you like this before so I''ll say it now. Jason Kang, I, Jessie Marin is hopelessly, endlessly in love with you."

 Chapter 284 - 284. Only So Much I Can Tolerate.

    Jason wanted to remain impassive he honestly didn''t want to care as much as he did right now but he did. The truth was he did, that was all he ever wanted in his life and here she was, in front of him professing her love.


    It was always different hearing it, even though you knew someone loved you, it was different hearing it. But with all of him he willed the impulse to wrap his arms around her, and hold her so close to him that the line separating their bodies became non existent. But he resisted for the life of him. He couldn''t get his face to go back to being impassive so instead he decided to deny it.


    "You''re lying." He said.


    And Jessie wanted to pull her hair in frustration, this guy was frustrating the hell out of her.


    "Are you a fool? You think I''m lying? When you yourself told me you knew I loved you? Who are you lying to? Me or you? Cause I''m not buying it for a minute!" She huffed angrily.


    "I don''t care what you buy, Jessie." He started slowly. "And I don''t care what I said before, you shouldn''t have taken anything to heart, I was lying." He said.


    "No Jason, you weren''t but you are. And you are going to tell me why?"


    They glared at each other, neither repenting until he spoke again. "Are you really this pathetic? You can''t bare the heartbreak so you choose to bother me so..." he spat. "Can you not get it? I am to be married."


    Jessie stared at him for a while, but whilst he expected her to blow up and began to throw things she relaxed and even smiled.


    "Fine let''s say your getting married." She said.


    "I am." He spat out.


    "Sure, you are getting married, so what?" Jessie asked.


    His brows furrowed I''m confusion. "What do you mean?"


    "Why do I have to leave?"


    "Huh?"


    "I don''t want to leave. I will be shameless and date a married man, I''ve been dating one that has been engaged all this while so why should I suddenly develop shame? Or a conscience?" She asked and Jason''s initial confusion was gone and replaced with a deep scowl.


    "So you want to keep dating me? Even though I marrying-"


    "I don''t care who you are marrying, you never said the words ''I''m breaking up with you'' and I don''t want to so I''ll keep seeing you." She smiled. "Problem solved, don''t you agree?"


    His scowl was replaced by a grin and immediately she knew walked into that trap all by herself.


    "Don''t you dare say it." She warned him.


    "Jessie, let''s break up. There, I said it can you leave now?"


    "You arrogant, obnoxious asshole!" She screamed.


    "That''s what you wanted wasn''t it? Believe whatever it is that you want but you need to leave." He stated bluntly.


    Jessie felt woozy and nauseous. She also felt extreme rage that she didn''t know what to do with it. She glared at him with as much hatred as her foolishly weak heart could muster.


    "You should mind what you say to me Jason, there only so much I can tolerate, weather or not you mean to, words hurt." She said through gritted teeth.


    "Did I stutter?" He retorted. "I don''t need to walk on eggshells anymore, not concerning you. We aren''t in a relationship anymore." He said. "Get you ass the hell out of my freaking house!"


    She reached for the next thing beside her to toss at him but before she could hurl the glass it broke under her grip. Wincing she could only watch the glass shards that had pierced into her skin fall to the floor.


    Before any other words could be said between the two they were interrupted.


    "Jessie!" Katherine called out as she and Paul burst into the room.


    Looking between the two people, Paul sighed visibly when he saw they were still both very alive. Until...


    Drip, drip...


    The only sound to be heard in an atmosphere so thick it could be cut through was Jessie blood dripping onto the floor from her right palm. Katherine''s eyes widened and she immediately ran to Jessie.


    "What are you two doing here?" Jason spat out violently.


    Paul looked at Jason and then back at Jessie palm, he felt rage he couldn''t describe. He was only joking when he suggested to Katherine that they might hurt each other. There was some what of a truth to it but in all he never expected what he saw.


    For the first time he looked at Jason differently, he looked down at him. With anger, hurt and disappointment he looked at his best friend.


    Jason opened his mouth to speak but Paul beat him to it. "Study... now." He ordered.


    Jason didn''t say another words instead he turned around promptly and walked away.


    Katherine waited till the left the room before she went to call for help, Jessie on the other hand just stood there... dazed. He didn''t even look back, or ask if she was okay. Was she mistaken?


    ''No!'' She shook her head, she saw him hesitate. He paused, it wasn''t much but she saw it. But it didn''t mean it still didn''t hurt, she still didn''t hurt.


    Katherine rushed back to her side, she was saying something but Jessie couldn''t quite hear it she wasn''t sure why, but for some reason she couldn''t hear a thing. Not that she cared.


    "Is she going to be okay?" Agnes asked beside both Katherine and butler Choi as they tended to her hand.


    "She''ll be fine, it''s a lot of blood but the cut isn''t deep." Katherine assured the worried maid.


    "Then why is she looking like that? Like she can''t hear a word we are saying? Look at how she crying!" Agnes exclaimed her voice higher than she intended.


    "Agnes! Calm yourself, she''ll be fine!" Butler Choi reprimanded the almost hysterical maid.


    "You don''t sound so sure either butler Choi." Agnes frowned.


    "It doesn''t matter, she''ll be okay." Katherine said to both of them. "She just needs time to accept the situation it''ll be fine."

 Chapter 285 - 285. Concerned For His Sorry Ass.

    "What the hell is wrong with you?!" Paul yelled as soon as the door was shut. "I never ever in my life thought you were the type of man that would ever do that." He pointed to the door.


    "You''re rude, yes. Obnoxious, arrogant and egotistical, yes. An antisocial jerk, definitely. But I always knew that it was not really you, that wasn''t really you, circumstance turned you into all that. But now I can''t even recognize you. What the hell man?" He frowned.


    Jason sat back aganist his desk, a blank face and his hands in his pocket he said nothing as he watched his friend rant.


    "Are you done?" He asked bluntly.


    Paul eyed widened in confusion.


    "Then leave. I don''t need anyone, not especially you telling me what to do in my own house." He said standing up, turning around to walk around his desk.


    "Jason!" Paul yelled. "Don''t you dare dismiss me like some fool! Don''t you dare walk away from me!"


    "Why?!" Jason yelled back. "Because I''m not really an arrogant, egotistical jerk? Or because I''m not really antisocial and rude?" He asked, fire in his eyes but Paul did not cower. "News flash Paul, I''m not that foolish, naive and kind kid that believed in good in the world, and replicating it." He said. "Give up already, it''s been too long now don''t you think? I''m not going to change you should figure that out by now. This is who I am."


    Paul fisted his plams and racked his brain, looking for any plausible reason as to why he would act like this. When he could not think of anything what so ever he decided to ask.


    "Why the hell are you doing this?"


    Jason shut his eyes and opened them again. "I don''t see the reason why should explaining myself, or explain myself at all. So..."


    "You should explain yourself because now you are accountable, because you are responsible as well." Paul replied.


    "Accountable for what?!" Jason shook his head. "I don''t owe you a thing."


    "No... you don''t, but you owe Jessie an explanation." Jason scoffed.


    "Why should I explain anything to her?"


    "Because damn it, you hold her heart in your hands you son of a bitch. You approached her, she didn''t want to love you but you seduced her now you are accountable for her heart. Are you saying she doesn''t at least get an explanation?" Paul asked.


    "She didn''t want to love me?" Jason repeated, then he chuckled. "Too bad for her then."


    "She''s hurt Jason!" Paul yelled.


    "That was not my fault, she has herself only to blame for that injury i-" before he could finish his statement the force of Paul''s fist aganist his jaw pushed him to the other side of the room.


    Jason eyes widened in shock as he stumbled away from his friend, now currently ex-friend. Nobody hit him, nobody but his father. Paul knew that and yet!


    His eyes were filled with fire, his body quaked with rage and his gaze laced with murderous intent. He turned around pulling his bloody lower lips into his mouth and releasing it clean. His jaw tight and taut with tension his eyes spit fire at his friend.


    Paul stood at the distance, if he was honest with himself he was slightly scared but was he regretting the punch? No, it was long over due. But he didn''t like or trust the look in Jason eyes one bit.


    Luckily for him before he was murdered right at the very moment, by his best friend the door opened and the two women came spilling in.


    Jessie as all bandaged up and looking like a mix of a hurt puppy and an angry cat.


    "What happened?" Katherine stepped from behind Jessie. Looking between both men, she spied the injury on Jason''s lips, and shuddered when she noticed his eyes.


    "What does it look like, I punched Jason. Is there a problem?" Paul asked never taking his eyes off of Jason.


    The corners of Katherine''s lips tugged upwards in promise of a smile. "Actually there is..."


    Paul finally looked at her, with an eyebrow raised. "What is it?"


    "It looked like you only punched him once, you should have done it multiple times." Katherine said.


    Paul smiled. "Right?"


    "You two must be enjoying yourself." Jason spat viciously from across the room.


    "Shouldn''t they? Should every one be miserable just because you''re in a mood?" Jessie spat back.


    "In a moo- ow" he winced.


    Before she could bite her tongue, which she should have as it hurt her pride immensely to say the words. But then she did, "are you okay?"


    Both Paul and Katherine looked at her in mock shock. Both of them with disbelieving looks on their faces.


    "What did you just ask him?" Paul asked disbelief evident in his tone.


    Jessie shut her eyes in pure embarrassment and sighed. "Sue me I''m actually somehow... I''m still concerned for his sorry ass." She said as if the words where burning a hole in her tongue.


    Paul shook his head in disbelief. "I cannot believe you still have an ounce of concern for that man" he sneered.


    "Of course you won''t, even I don''t. But somehow I still do." She looked to the sulking and raging man across the room "I love Jason, and just because he''s acting like an ass isn''t going to change that. I don''t think anything ever will." Looking back at Paul and Katherine. "Katherine knows what I''m talking about. She would do the exact same thing for you, wouldn''t you?"


    Katherine look towards Paul for a bit before she immediately diverted her gaze as soon as he turned to look at her.


    Paul frowned, "she would do the same?" He asked in confusion. "She''s never been in love before, how can she understand? More so with me, I don''t understand."


    Turning to Katherine, Paul asked again. "You would tell me if you fell in love with someone wouldn''t you? You would... no you''re not in love with me are you?"


    Katherine''s eyes widened, and so did Jessie''s. She shot Jessie both an accusing and desperate look.


    Jessie in that moment knew she messed up, but while she saw the panic in Katherine''s eyes at the secret threatened she had no idea how to get out of this situation. And why the hell was Paul so detailed? How many guys would immediately deduce her statement like that!?


    What was she supposed to say!?

 Chapter 286 - 286. Better One.

    Jason eyes immediately went to Katherine, he watched as she trembled, her eyes darting left and right, never settling. Then at Jessie, who decided this was the perfect time to become speechless. When it was required to speak, and Paul... he looked... distraught? Scared? He couldn''t place Paul''s emotion but he knew that was no way to confess one''s feelings.


    It was long overdue and he wished she would just tell him already because they was no way Paul would figure it out on his own. But she wasn''t ready, it wasn''t fair to force it.


    But his lip, he couldn''t remain quiet any longer. If more time past... it would become incredibly obvious and too awkward.


    "Devon, Jessie meant Devon didn''t she?" He said looking to Jessie.


    A look of confusion flashed through her beautiful features but she quickly replaced it with a calm smile. "Of course, Devon... her boyfriend." She replied and he nodded.


    Paul looked between the two of them, then back at Katherine. Jason noticed that he relaxed visibly, did that mean he didn''t like Katherine? At all?


    "You''re in love with Devon?" He asked.


    Katherine looked at Jessie and nodded. "Now you know, I told you." She said softly. "Excuse me." She added fleeing the room.


    Paul frowned, calling out to her and leaving right after her.


    Jessie looked to Jason, from where should stood by the door.


    "Don''t look at me like that, I didn''t do it for you. Katherine doesn''t deserve to be dragged into whatever it is you''re going through." He said, walking around to his desk he sat down with a plop, pulling out a first aid box he tried to treat his wound.


    But before he could apply the cream her hand on his stopped him. He looked up at her with slight surprise. How did she cross the room so quickly and so silently?


    "I can do it myself." He said.


    "I know, but I want to do it. Thank you for that, I would never forgive myself if I hurt Katherine." She said, pulling the tube out of his hands she began to apply the cream on his broken lip.


    "I didn''t do it for you." He stated curtly and her fingers froze. Throwing the cream on the table violently she got up and paced the room.


    "Why are you so mean? I mean, what the hell happened between us Jason? And don''t dare give me the bullshit of not owing me an explanation." She spat.


    His face remained impassive, but out of sight he clenched his fist tightly as he watched the way she regarded her bandaged arm with care. "You won''t get anything from me." He stated.


    Jessie gritted her teeth and slammed her left arm down on his desk, glaring at him. "Fine." She bit out, "don''t tell me, I''ll find someone who can." She spat, storming out of the room.


    **************************************************


    "Kat?" Paul said softly as he approached the woman sitting with her back to him. Walking cautiously like he was approaching a wounded cat. You never know when it''s going to scratch.


    "Are you okay?" He asked as he sat besides her, joining her to gaze at the pool. "I''m sorry if I upset you."


    Katherine turned to look at him, her heart breaking all over again when she saw the soft caring glance he showered her with. Knowing he only did it because he felt obligation too, it broke her heart over and over again when he made her feel loved... because she knew he would never love her the way she wanted to be loved.


    When she couldn''t bare it anymore she looked away. "You don''t have to apologise, you didn''t do anything wrong." She said.


    "That''s not true, I upset you. Or maybe Jessie? Either way I shouldn''t have pushed. It''s your personal matter I shouldn''t have pestered you like that." He stated. He reached out to her and tucked back strands of her long black her, pushing it neatly behind her ears.


    "That''s... that''s not why I''m upset." She sighed.


    Paul frowned "then why? Is Devon treating you badly? Or does he not know you love him?" Paul asked. "... does he not feel the same way?"


    Katherine looked to him and felt an immense urge to smack the back of his head, but as she opened her mouth to say no and idea popped in her head. "He doesn''t..." she shook her head.


    "Let me guess, you''re sacred to tell him?" He asked and she nodded. "Why? I can''t understand what you have to be afraid of?"


    "What? What do you mean?" She asked.


    "You can''t seriously feel inferior to that man do you? What makes you think he wouldn''t feel the same way?" He asked.


    "I don''t know, he just doesn''t act like he does. He''s sweet and kind to me but he is also like that with others, although sometimes I feel like it special he never gives me an assurance." She explained looking into his eyes, her heart feeling extremely heavy and full. She was doing this! Even if it was a lie she was telling him exactly how she felt.


    "He is funny and adorable, but also hot and extremely sexy when he gets serious. His personality draws people in and he is never afraid to make people comfortable around him." She said. "He makes me feel so lightheaded and weak in the knees whenever he smiles at me with that he still gives everyone. Sometimes I feel so lucky yet so sad that he sees me as everyone, or a little above? I mean I know he cares but it''s... it''s not love. And most importantly I''m too scared to confess to him, because I... I don''t want to destroy what we already have, because even though it''s... um.. it''s quite painful being just what we are right now, I can''t imagine life without him. I... I love him."


    Paul froze, he literally couldn''t move. What the hell was happening to him? Why couldn''t he say a word? Why did she look so passionate and why was that so attractive and new? Why was he feeling so... angry? He didn''t understand anything that was going on inside him, all he knew was Devon was the luckiest person alive and also the most useless if he couldn''t figure out what Katherine really meant.


    Without words he extended his arm and gently pushed her to him. "P-Paul?" Katherine gasped as he cradled her head on his chin, laying his chin on her head.


    "Shush." He said softly. "I didn''t realise you liked him this much, although I''m utterly confused as to weather we are thinking about the same Devon Geum." He said pulling away to look at her face. He chuckled slightly, "I''m so jealous." He stated.


    "What?" Katherine gasped.


    "Of Devon... he gets to be loved by you Katherine. I''m jealous, I want to be loved with such intensity it feels like it would be amazing and it''s everything I would ever want." He gave her a sad smile. "But I guess... I might never get so lucky, after all there is only one Katherine." He said getting up, he began to walk away but Katherine called him back.


    Her head down, she played with her fingers on her lap. "What do you mean?" His eyes wide in question so she specified. "There''s only one Katherine."


    "There isn''t anyone like you." He said with a smile. "And you already love someone else, I shouldn''t be jealous at least I got the privilege of knowing you. So chin up and keep your head up Katherine, you''re a treasure anyone would be happy to be loved by you."


    This had to be it! It was now or never! Turning around and getting up as well she... "Paul! I love you!"

 Chapter 287 - 287. Doesnt Matter.

    Paul stopped walking, he didn''t know why he felt so heavy and awkward but he knew that he was grateful. He didn''t understand why might want more...? But he was grateful.


    So he turned around "you do know that right?"


    Katherine looked up at him in confusion. "Huh?"


    "That you are one of the most important people in my life." He stated.


    ''This is it! Tell him!'' "Paul..." shs started softly. "I-"


    "Our friendship... your friendship is what keeps me at times and I wouldn''t trade that for anything. Never stop being my friend Katherine, promise?" He asked with a soft smile.


    And she froze, she couldn''t breathe! She felt hot and cold all together and tears burned her eyes, fighting to spill out and a lump formed in her throat. She couldn''t breathe!


    And yet... she couldn''t cry, she couldn''t cry! ''Damn it, don''t cry Katherine don''t cry! How will you explain that to him?!" She pleaded internally.


    Paul frowned when he saw her, why did she look blue? "Katherine? Are you okay? Are you crying?"


    She looked away as the treacherous tears fell down. "Please don''t ask me why?" Her voice sounded broken and helpless but Paul didn''t interprete it like that.


    He thought she was just overwhelmed, so he arm snaked around her nape and he pushed her to him, placing her head around his hard chest.


    "I never intended to. Cry as much as you want, don''t worry I''m here." He stated.


    And Katherine''s body trembled but she shoved it back, she wouldn''t cry here. She couldn''t cry here, she was already too pitiful!


    So after a short moment she pushed everything back, shoving the tears, the sudden urge to fall to the ground and weep, the emotions, her heart that he had rejected unknowingly, yet again. Just as she always did, she stepped back and wiped her face ,sniffing she forced a smile.


    "Okay?" He asked.


    She nodded.


    He smiled softly, "we should head back, I really don''t trust those two to remain in the same enclosed space."


    "Yeah, sure."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll send you another food basket. I''m sure it''ll take your mind off Devon. Hmm?" He smiled brightly this time, his eyes holding that kind mischief she had come to long for.


    It took a while, and multiple steps but she finally realized. The food basket! "You sent the food basket?!"


    Paul watched her in confusion. "Uh... yeah, of course I did. Who else would know where to get a customised basket like that? Besides" his voice dropped to a whisper. "I''m the only one that knows you like alcoholic chocolates and those crackers that are made for babies or did you tell someone else?" He pouted.


    And then it came to her, ofcourse it was him! No one, no one knew about those crackers, it was embarrassing because they were for babies yet she still loved them. A guilty pleasure... only Paul knew. Ofcourse it was him, why did she ever think it was Devon?


    This was all too painful... it was so annoying that the only person that truly got her, like so deeply, that her soulmate wasn''t her lover but her best friend.


    **************************************************


    "What the hell are you doing? Get the hell out of my way!" She screamed at the mountain man standing before her.


    Sebastian remained in the way. But he bowed, "I can''t let you leave the manor on your own miss." He said.


    "What? You can''t let me leave? What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "Forgive me but those are my orders."


    "From whom?" She almost screamed in frustration. Last she checked Jason was so hell bent on getting her off his property and now?


    "It''s too dangerous to go alone." He added.


    "Go alone? Wait you want to accompany me?" She asked.


    "Yes, miss."


    "Jason asked you to come with me?" Again! Again?! Why the hell was she touched?! What the hell was wrong with her?! She shook her head, fighting an internal battle within herself. He must want to know who she was going to ask for the truth. Yes, that must be it, he wasn''t worried about her.


    "Fine." She bit out, if she was going to leave the manor and as urgently as she wanted to she couldn''t get past this mountain man.


    It was a short drive, in Jessie''s mind. As soon as she got out of the car, Sebastian lead her in through another entrance, it was smaller and more hidden.


    The elevator was also different, but soon she was standing right where she needed.


    "You can wait out here, I''ll go in myself." She said.


    "Are you sure it might not be safe?" Sebastian asked.


    "I''ll be fine, besides I can''t quite let you come with me. I don''t know what that boss of yours is planning. I couldn''t stop you from coming with... but please understand I need to do this alone."


    Sebastian stepped back and nodded.


    She gave him a small but grateful smile and went ahead to push the door open.


    "Miss Marin?" Matt almost gasped in surprise. She didn''t even knock!


    "Hello Matt." She said as she walked into the office.


    "To what do I owe the pleasure?" He asked still in a daze.


    Jessie headed tilted to the side as she regarded him with slight amusement. "You know why I''m here." She said.


    Matt expression of innocence and confusion suddenly morphed into one of slight sympathy but some determination.


    She knew then that he wasn''t going to spill anything. Not so easily anyway.


    "You have to tell me what us going on with Jason." She demanded.


    Matt breathed in deeply and as he breathed out he spoke. "I''m honestly sorry, I honestly do not support what you are probably going through. Honestly being with you... he has changed, l always felt proud working for a man like Chairman Kang, but it was incredibly difficult to keep up with him. I never thought that they would be a day that I wouldn''t feel so lightheaded and mad at his anger and indifference to the world. But you came and you made it pleasant, you made him pleasant. It was fun to see him not have his way for the first time in his life. And I want more than anything for him to be happy, but that doesn''t mean I''m going to betray his confidence. And tell you what he doesn''t want me to say."


    Jessie smiled as she looked at her feet, she knew. There was nothing, absolutely nothing she could do to force his hand. If she tried to hurt herself, Sebastian was right outside. He was determined to protect her from everything and she was sure that he would so... even from herself. She couldn''t hurt Matt, he looked much stronger than her and how much pain would break him?


    So she did the only think off, she was sure it wouldn''t work but she wouldn''t leave the office until she tried.


    It was comforting to see that there were always going to be people by Jason''s side unconditionally. But she wanted to be the one that held his trust, she wanted to know everything.


    "What the hell are you doing?!" Matt couldn''t help but exclaim.


    Sebastian pushed the door open in alarm the moment he heard Matt''s voice. Ready to restrain her if she tried something but even he wasn''t sure what he could do in this situation.


    There she was... his boss'' woman, kneeling with her head bowed before... well a mere secretary!

 Chapter 288 - 288. Let Go Of Your Stupid Ego And Love Me!

    "What the hell are you doing!" Jason roared as he dashed into Matt''s office.


    Jessie winced as he rushed in, but she refused to look at him. Infact she refused to look at anyone else but Matt. She didn''t know how long she had been on the floor but it was long enough to know that her knees and entire body even, trembled.


    "Get up!" He ordered but she ignored him yet again.


    "Hey! Get up!" He yelled again but she couldn''t care less.


    "Please Matt, you have to tell me. This... this wait, this entire situation got me is too much for me. I''m not ready to give up but I don''t think I can be patient anymore. You know how much I love Jason don''t you? He was always kind towards me... okay maybe not always, but he was sincere and now he''s... become this indifferent and heartless jerk. And it makes me so angry I want to rip him apart but also it appears I''ve fallen hopelessly and foolishly for him as well so I can''t just do that." She pleaded.


    "Don''t talk about me as though I''m not here!" Jason ordered.


    "Hmm? Will you tell me?" She begged.


    "Jessie!" Jason yelled.


    "Miss Marin please stand up, you can''t remain kneeling!" Matt pleaded.


    "Oh please it''s just kneeling, it''s not a big deal!" She dismissed them, the tremble in her body had told her otherwise but she was not relenting. So what if she had been kneeling for more than four hours... it was just kneeling.


    Jason walked to her and grabbed her arm. "Do you have no shame? Kneeling down before my secretary? For crying out loud!"


    She tried to push him off her. "What? What? Isn''t he a human being? So arrogant and egotistical! Let go!"


    "Will you stop making a scene?" He almost yelled.


    "Please Matt! I''m scared, can''t you tell? I''m scared he would remain like this, that he would push me away. I''m also very angry, and not only with him but at myself, if I had known this would happen I wouldn''t have stayed away for so long, I wouldn''t have remained angry at him for so long." She looked at Jason now. "All I want is a warm hug, a tender gaze and thoughtful words. I crave his touch, his kiss, his warmth. I miss it more than I thought I would and his kind smile that only I saw."


    "Why then did you push so hard?" Jason asked as her settled on one knee, cupping her face.


    "Push so hard?" She wondered out loud. Push so hard, push so hard? She kept drawing a blank. The only thing she remembered she insisted on was the therapist... he couldn''t have known, she was...


    "Are you pushing me away because I asked you to undergo therapy?" She asked. He didn''t have to affirm anything, just his inability to keep eye contact she had her answer but still he had to make it worse.


    "I don''t need anyone interfering in my life... especially not you." He said his tone edging on to anger and his face stoic.


    Jessie froze, at first she didn''t quite know what to say, as she felt a million things in an instant. "What?" Was all she managed as she stumbled away from him in honest... shock. Her legs trembling as she stood.


    "So... y-you... you''re marrying Patricia because I told you to get help?"


    "I didn''t ask for it, and I was serious when I said no." He stated bluntly.


    Jessie was too shocked to remain rational, she laughed, she gasped, she frowned but all in all she was angry! "Are you mad?! Is... is ... does that sound reasonable to you?!" She asked, looking around to make sure she wasn''t the only one seeing and hearing this.


    Jason tightened jaw ticked and he gritted his teeth "I couldn''t care less about rationality, Jessie." He ground out.


    "Ha!" She laughed with so much rue. "So all this time... you watched me cry, you watch me suffer. You broke my heart! All for what? Just because you are an ass?" She exclaimed. "Hey, Jason do you even... no. Is that how feeble your love is? Is that all that is required for you to give up on me? You''re breaking up with me because you can''t let go of you stupid ego and love me?!"


    Matt watched the both of then with anger in his heart. But he was also very hurt by the scene before him. Hurt for Jason, because nobody but him could understand what he was going through. Sure enough he was an ass, that was on him but Jessie made him someone else, she made him so much better. But after that last meeting with his father it was like he was back to the obnoxious jerk he always was. And no one knew that... no one but him.


    Even now he could see the Jason that loved Jessie try to beat the wickedness his father that created, he noticed how he fisted his right hand to hide the trembling. How he hid the emotion in him with the mask of independence.


    Jessie deserved to know, he understood that she was hurt but those words, questioning his love for her. It was too cruel, not even for her sake but for his she deserved to know.


    "After everything... I thought there was nothing, not even me that could you keep you from loving me, but the moment you felt your stupid ego was questioned you turned right around and set a wedding date with another woman? Gosh I was such a fool! I''m such a fool!" She screamed, angry tears falling down her cheeks. "And here I thinking it was out of your hands, you didn''t have a choice. You were protecting me." She sounded exhausted.


    "He didn''t quite have a choice... I think." Matt said getting both their attentions.


    "What?"


    "He had another episode." Matt said.


    Jessie looked to him, and then back at Matt. "That doesn''t change a thing, he has had episodes before."


    "Yes but this was different." Matt added.


    "What the hell are you doing?" Jason growled.


    Matt bowed "I''m sorry sir but she needs to know."


    "Say one more word and your fired." His threat was curt, direct and straight to the point but Matt understood. He was serious.


    Too bad this secretary of his was also serious.


    "Then I''m ready to turn in my resignation later."

 Chapter 289 - 289. A Few Months.

    "He had an episode, so bad that we had to get a doctor after he pasted out. He made me promise not say a word, especially not to you. Something about getting a therapist... but that wasn''t the problem. His father found out, from the doctor what was going on, I can''t tell the detail of their meeting but that was when he... snapped." Matt explained.


    Jessie looked at Jason, who looked just about ready to murder his secretary. "That doesn''t mean anything." He insisted.


    "Of course it doesn''t." Jessie added, realising the truth. She would never know the exact words that occurred between father and son, but she was aware of what impact Jason''s father had on him. How greedy and annoying the father was to his son. She would never know until Jason told her himself, if he ever told her himself.


    "Also, he''s not getting married to Miss Lee. It all a lie, the press made false assumptions and he never allowed me correct them." Matt added. "He would never do that to you."


    **************************************************


    "Sir there are pictures of you in front of the court house, coming out from the marriage register." Matt informed Jason. "Shall I block the press? It wouldn''t do if the board members find about your marriage to Miss Marin."


    Jason looked up from his desk, "really? Have you found out what the headlines will say?"


    "The press is assuming your are getting married to Miss Lee." He stated.


    "No one knows about who I really got married to in that court house right?" Jason asked.


    "No... but-"


    "So if the news about Jessie and I gets out I''ll know you are traitor." Jason stated bluntly.


    "What? I would never do that sir!" Matt insisted.


    "Oh?" Jason asked with a raised brow. "That''s good then isn''t it?"


    Matt clenched his fist in annoyance, what the hell happened to him after yesterday? He had been acting like an absolute jackass since his meeting with his father. "Let them publish the news, do not confirm anything but do not stop it as well."


    "But it wouldn''t be good for Miss Marin to find out."


    "I will decide what is good for her or not!" He almost growled.


    And Matt bowed immediately. "Get out."


    **************************************************


    Jessie stared at Jason, her lips unmoving. She had no idea what to do at this point, she didn''t know what to say. She just watched him... he was broken, he was confused and he was lost. She didn''t know what to make of that.


    "Get out." His curt words echoed through th silence. Matt simply bowed and walked out if the office, never to return. Sebastian followed suit only because he felt this would be intimate.


    "That doesn''t change anything." He said after a while.


    Jessie sighed, biting her lip she sighed again. "I know, you''re a jerk that didn''t change."


    Jason frown deepened and he thought he ought to kiss and strangle her all together. "What?"


    "It''s much easier to be threatened, at least you could be with me even if not tomorrow but right now you could be with me." She said.


    Again Jason felt like she was speaking in a different tongue, he couldn''t comprehend a word she was saying.


    "Do you know what I truly regret?" She asked him.


    "Meeting me?"


    She shook her head. "Avoiding you the past four days, I missed you gaze. You''re eyes on me making me feel like I was your life and hope. I miss your touch, I crave your lips on my and any to quell this hunger burning just underneath my newly sensitive skin." She said in a voice so light it cascaded right around him. Like a fog, seeping into his skin, into the openings in his person.


    Jason had always desired Jessie and having to restrain himself for so long, he had developed a sort of resistance to rip apart her what ever annoying barrier stood between his skin and hers. He struggled with each moment, like a drug addict struggling to resist. But now, knowing she wanted him just as badly as he did her, it broke down the wall. Like water breaking open from a dam, his hunger sizzled.


    He wanted to cross the dastardly distance that separated them and just make her tremble in his arms, infact he needed to. But more than the need to stay away from her, he felt guilty.


    He was beyond ashamed of how he acted this past few days, when he delivered blow after blow the evening before it took a his will power not to walk over to her and bundle her up in his arms. The way she cried, he would never forget it. That was how much she loved him, that was how much he hurt her. His eyes moved to her bandaged arm and he couldn''t help but wince at well. He knew he was being an ass, he knew he was being unfair.


    But his father was right, being with her made him weak. How could he have an episode so bad he had to receive help from his father himself. Worse! He actually considered therapy. A few months ago he didn''t have episodes, a few months ago he didn''t need therapy. A few months ago he was him, he didn''t feel like himself this few months. But the happiness new yet, familiar. He had been happy before but this was totally different. It was Jessie... he wanted to be with her! But he also didn''t want to appear weak... he couldn''t be weak, not after everything he had to go through to prove his worth to his father.


    "Jason, are you even listening?!" Jessie almost yelled, her frustration almost reaching it''s peak. She was the one wronged! For crying out loud he should at least have the decency of allowing her rant or complain or regret, what ever bloody hell she wanted to do!


    Jason''s eyes returned to her and he breathed heavily. "This doesn''t change anything."

 Chapter 290 - 290. I Wont Fail.

    Mary, Patricia manager and publisher wrapped a coat around her star as soon as the scene ended. Patricia was done for the day, so they simply packed up and headed for her vehicle.


    "I need to use the bathroom." Patricia whispered into Mary''s ear and walked back.


    Mary headed to the vehicle, where she saw Tony alight with his actress. Choi Yujin, she was a support role, she was no Jessie but Mary could see her appeal.


    She opened her mouth to call for him but he already walked into the building. So instead she stood waiting for Patricia. Who was currently taking way too much time for just a bathroom break. As she began to walk in to look for her, Patricia dashed out the building, her eyes filled with both rage and tears.


    "Patricia?!" Mary exclaimed as she regarded the woman tugging on the vehicle door.


    "Why the hell isn''t it open?!" She yelled.


    "Calm down, calm down. It''s still locked." Mary said applying substantial pressure to the key, the door clicked open.


    Admist all her frantic pulling she finally managed to pull open the door and dash inside. Mary walked around to the driver seat immediately and got it, shutting the car she didn''t quite start it yet. There were more pressing matters.


    "What the hell happened Patricia?"


    Patricia shook her head. "I can''t tell you, I can''t tell-"


    "Patricia!" Mary yelled causing the already startled woman to look up. Mary watched her from the mirror. "What is going on? What happened? Tell me."


    "I''m screwed, I''m screwed." She mumbled looking frantic and quite mad actually.


    "What do you mean you''re screwed?"


    "That video? I know who sent it to my grandfather''s party." She said.


    "You do? Who?"


    "It was Jessie." She affirmed.


    "Jessie?"


    "Well actually it was Tony but I''m sure Jessie told him to do it, he said she didn''t but she..." Patricia cried.


    "She knows as well... why are you crying? This isn''t enough to make you cry, what else happened?" Mary asked. Still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that Tony would actually tell her something like that. No way Tony did that himself, he didn''t have the capability of bypassing Lee cybersecurity.


    "He... he said he has more videos, he said he has, he had, no he said he has a video message from Hyun Jin, before he died. It''s, it''s about my family." Patricia spoke, struggling to breathe through all the words and crying.


    "What do you mean about you family? Do you really believe that?" Mary asked.


    "He... Hyun Jin, he... I gave him a file, it contained all the dirty secrets, well the ones I has access too while he was still alive." She said slowly.


    "What?!" Mary exclaimed. "Why the hell would you do that?!"


    "Incase! Incase grandfather found out about him, he needed something to defend himself with." She wept.


    "Was the auction house there?" Mary asked but Patricia remained quiet. "For crying out loud Patricia was the auction house there?!"


    "No! I didn''t have any evidence or a paper trail of the auction house. George hardly makes any mistakes." She mumbled.


    "Well then..." Mary sighed and relaxed visibly. "It appears there is an upside to that uptight man. What was in the file?"


    "Um... there was, there was..." she tried to think.


    Mary turned to face her. "You have to remember every single thing in that file. Every, single, thing."


    "And Tony has that? How sure are you?"


    "So sure that I saw it myself before coming here." Patricia replied, her initial shock fading away and her tears drying up.


    And suddenly Mary knew why she had been so frantic.


    "You saw him didn''t you?" She asked softly.


    "It doesn''t matter now, he''s dead, he''s gone. The main problem now is that we can''t let anyone not a single soul see that video. If anyone does? I''m dead, I swear that old man will kill me." She frowned, her face morphing into one look that Mary utterly detested.


    "Don''t you dare hurt Tony!" Mary scolded her. "He has children!"


    Patricia only scoffed. "When you play with fire expect to get burned. This isn''t just about my pride now Mary, my literal fucking life is on the line."


    "I get that, I do but give me a few days, that''s all I''m asking. Let me get the videos for you. Hmm?" Mary pleaded.


    "Fine, ten days. That''s all I''ll allow. And when you fail, I will handle things more efficiently." She said matter of factly.


    "I won''t fail. I won''t."


    **************************************************


    "Say Patricia, I was really scared to hear that you tried to kill yourself. I must say it pretty disappointing, your such a bright and lively person to think you were going through such. I''m mortified. I can never imagine how you must feel."


    "Well Amanda, I can''t imagine it as well." Patricia replied.


    "What? But, you were in the hospital for-"


    "Oh I just had food poisoning, that''s why my stomach was pumped. I ate something bad." She smiled.


    "Then the news-"


    "Is false."


    George stood stiff and erect beside the older Kang man as he watched the television. George couldn''t bring himself to look away from what was probably going to be his doom in a few moments.


    Xavier Kang turned off the television and tossed the remote to the table before him. Sighing he stomped his stick on the ground before him, taking his sweet time before speaking. Only he didn''t speak, before George could escape in a flash the old man stick swiped one of his legs from right under him and George fell back.


    "Get up." He ordered.


    Groaning George got up from lying on his back but he remained kneeling.


    "I gave you one job to do and you couldn''t even do that!" He spat through gritted teeth. Looking down at the younger man, "I thought you were different. It appears I was wrong, i thought out of all my children you were the most like me. But you are just as useless as the lot of them." The older man spat.


    It was already incredibly humiliating to kneel before him like this. So he said nothing but waited for it to be over so he could let loose on the person responsible.


    "Fix it!" He commanded.


    "That wouldn''t be wise sir." He spoke. "If she takes back her word then it would affect the family as well."


    "Hmm... why did I have to have such useless things around me?" The old man asked, his question directed to no one in particular. "Get out. Call me Sevas."


    George rose immediately and walked out. Informing the secretary as he walked past.


    Sevas the head secretary of the Lee foundation. Walked in promptly and bowed.


    "Find it, do it now." The older man ordered.

 Chapter 291 - 291.Why?

    Katherine literally ran into her apartment, shutting the door with a bang behind her. She leaned aganist it and slid to the ground as tears began to spill from her eyes and she quaked with sobs.


    His words would not stop ringing in her head! His stupid words wouldn''t stop, and she hated it!


    In her twenty seven years on this earth she had neve felt so happy, and confident. She had never been so close to confessing her feelings, she had never been so... miserable. It was just... wicked to give her hope like that, to say all those wonderfully enticing things and then rip them all away before she could truly enjoy them. And the way he looked at her, what the hell was that?!


    Gripping her knees she screamed into her knees, why? Why was she such a coward? Why couldn''t she just say she loved him?! Why was she so loyal? There was nothing she would want more than to move on and just be with someone that actually appreciated her. But no, she loved him and as much as she tried to ignore it, deny it, reject it and make it go away she couldn''t help it!


    She was helpless, how long had it been? Shw had loved him for too long and she was heart broken for too long. Was she addicted to the pain? She could be happy, she wanted to be happy, she had her own fair share if trials in her life but it was over now, why couldn''t she just move on? Why did he have to continue to do these nice things? Why did he understand her, why was it only under his gaze that she felt seen. She felt noticed, how did he know her so well and yet be so oblivious to her feelings?


    She should have been born rich and an heiress, perhaps taller with elegance like Patricia and beauty like Jessie. Would he have loved her then? Would he want to be with her then?


    She wasn''t a prospect in his standards, his mother had made that increasingly clear, but why did she not give up. Honestly she was too tired, she was too tired, why wouldn''t her pain addicted heart just stop and be happy?


    But in honest truth she didn''t care about any of this, she didn''t care that her heart was unwilling to stop breaking. Her ultimate question would remain. After all this time, why didn''t he love her? Why couldn''t he love her?


    **************************************************


    "Are you actually leaving?!" Agnes asked Jessie, who busied herself in selecting the best dresses and outfit and tossing them into a suitcase.


    "What does it look like I''m doing?" Jessie asked in slight annoyance.


    "Like you''re packing to leave." The younger woman replied.


    "Well Agnes if it looks like a duck and talks like a duck then what is it?" She asked.


    "A duck?" The maid replied dryly, trying to understand why they were suddenly talking about ducks.


    "If it look like I''m leaving, and I say I''m leaving then what does that mean?"


    ''Ahhh!'' She thought. "You can''t leave! I refuse to let you leave!"


    Jessie was too surprised to remain annoyed, instead she allowed the sides of her lip tip up in a smile. "You refuse to let me leave?"


    Agnes became speechless when she realized her error. She began to stutter and stammer as Jessie walked to her, with a mischievous look in her eyes.


    "Yes? Agnes, make coherent words..." Jessie said.


    "Please don''t leave, that''s.. that''s what I meant. Don''t go." Agnes begged.


    And the moment passed and her frown returned. "I don''t exactly have an opinion." She said.


    "You can''t just up and run! Fight for your love, are you really going to give up so easily?" Agnes said, when in reality all she wanted to say, wanted to scream was ''please don''t go and leave us alone with him!'' But she couldn''t say that so she said other things instead.


    Jessie almost laughed in the situation. "What the hell do you know about love? How old are you?"


    "Don''t despise my youth!" She replied haughtily. "Besides you are only a few years older than I am."


    "Still it is clear you''ve never been in love. So shut it." She said, tossing more clothes into the suitcase.


    "Don''t take my masters clothes if you''re just going to abandon him when he needs you the most!" She exclaimed with her chin jutted up in the air, in defiance.


    Jessie turned back to look at Agnes, confusion and frustration written all over her face. "Are you drunk?"


    "No, but I''m desperate, you see I''m not here only on my own desperation but the collective desperation of the entire household." She said.


    Jessie stood straight and folded her arms. She knew why they were concerned, it was basic human instinct. Survival, they were scared of Jason. It was actually pretty cute, she hadn''t thought about her impact in this place. It wasn''t long she began to think of it like as home, and was just mostly a big, lazy slob. But she was doing this for her own survival as well.


    Call her selfish, but she had no idea how to get Jason''s sense back. Now that she realized that the problem came from him, it was even more tumultuous. How could she unbreak whatever broke inside of him? So she would give him the space he wanted, it broke her to do so. Especially now that she couldn''t look at phon without feeling hot and bothered. That her dreams were filled with thoughts of only him. Caressing her, running his long slender fingers all over her soft, velvet sk-


    She shook her head to get over the embarrassing thoughts. She was just ovulating, yes that was it, her stupid body wanted a baby. Too bad.


    "I''m sorry Agnes, truly I am. And I''m sorry to all..


    To everyone, but I cannot stay here, not while I''m not wanted." She said softly.


    Agnes blinked, pressing her lips into a thin line. "Are you really leaving?" She asked, her voice soft, her tone sad.


    "I''m sorry Agnes."


    "Please don''t go." She pleaded again blinking back tears. "I wouldn''t be able to sleep not knowing if you''re safe."


    "I''ll be safe, don''t worry."


    "So what now?"


    "I''m going to get my life back, I''ve been wasting too much time waiting for Patricia to give up the location of the Auction house. I''ll go at the source now." Jessie said.


    "What?"


    "Don''t worry you don''t need to know." Jessie said zipping up her suitcase to turn and leave but Agnes arm on hers stopped her.


    "Agnes..." Jessie called softly. "I can-" her words and body were both engulfed in a warm hug.


    "I''ll miss you Jessie, you have no idea how much brighter you''ve made this place. We''ll all miss you." She said as she clutched on to her.


    Jessie wrapped her free arm around Agnes as well. "I''m sorry I have to leave like this. But if I''m hopeful, after everything I''ll like to come back." She said.


    "Do you really think you will?" Agnes asked her voice full of hope.


    "I really don''t know. But this doesn''t mean I''m giving up on Jason. I never will, and I promise this isn''t goodbye."


    **************************************************


    The door bell sounded louder than usual but walking up with a puffy face and even puffer eyes was normal for Katherine. She looked at the clock. 10:58, who was it as this time?


    Groggily walking to the door she moved to pull it open but before she could a note was slipped underneath her door.


    "What is this?" She wondered out loud bending to pick it.


    I''m disappointed, have you given up so soon? I''m eager for you to find me, because I''ve found you. Won''t you give looking for me another chance?


    After all, I am your dear father.


    "What the f%@%?!" She cursed. Pushing the door open she ran all the way to the elevator but the person that delivered the note was long gone. What the actual hell?


    **************************************************


    Jason stood beside his study window peering outside as Jessie walked away with a suitcase. He finally succeeded in pushing her away, either way he knew he wouldn''t be happy once she left but he never imagined it would feel as bad as this.


    He was beyond broken, but he was already broken beyond repair, even before Jessie, he should be used to it now. But he wasn''t, he was so hurt he tremble physically.


    Keeping in mind that it was all him, he did this to himself, he didn''t know how to be happy, he didn''t deserve to he happy.


    At time he could not believe that he was the one watching her cry like that, watching her hurt herself like that, hurting her like that. He would make atonement for it the rest of his life, never being happy.


    "Call Matt." He said to the only person that still remained by his side.


    "You fired him sir." Sebastian reminded him.


    Jason didn''t now how but his table was upside down and papers were flying all over the room. But that wasn''t near satisfactory, he grabbed the tray that held his bourbon and tossed it against the wall as well.


    "I should have other secretaries. Get me one of them." He said.


    Sebastian bowed. "Tell them to prepare for the meeting tomorrow, I will tolerate no mistakes."

 Chapter 292 - 292. You Shall Never may.

    Disapproval was beyond evident on Jason''s face as his ''new'' secretary approached. One thing he never allowed or wanted was a female secretary. Not because of anything, but for the sole reason that they always saw that as a means to use him to step up from what ever pitiful lives they lived into one full of power and riches. After a decade of learning, scandals and unfortunate lawsuits he had learned to be cautious of the other sex and their lying manipulative ways.


    "Chairman Kang." The woman bowed, he looked past her head down to her chest, no cleavage. That was a healthy improvement, not that he cared either way. He just needed to know of he would be disposing of the woman without making any use of her, professionally. Although he couldn''t judge quite yet, she was in a turtle neck. And her skirt was short, but not too short. Perhaps he could allow that in consideration to fashion.


    "What''s your name?" He asked.


    "Scarlett Bae." She answered promptly.


    ''Great a stripper name''. He thought.


    "Did you say something sir?" Shs asked.


    With a brow lifted he replied her with a question of his, "did I?"


    "You certainly did, and if I may, it is not nice to stereotype names or people even." She added.


    "Oh?" Jason grinned wickedly, it seemed that behind the heavy rimmed glasses that looked as thick as a book there was spunk. Scarlett was pretty, no doubt. With a tanned skin and freckled face, upturned nose and small full lips that looked line she was in an everlasting pout. Not to mention the glasses that made her big eyes even bigger.


    "For both our sakes it would do you well not to ''may'' you shall never ''may''. And you didn''t come here to be happy you came to work. If you are even good at that." He said curtly.


    Scarlett lips scrunched together in a frown, pushing her glasses upwards she recited to him everything that was required for his meeting.


    "So? You read Matt''s files am I supposed to be impressed?" He asked.


    "Actually sir, those were all my files. And might I add it would have been more convenient to transfer you files right under your name without the stress of getting falsely married." She related.


    Jason folded his arms as he regarded her with amusement. "And shall I lose my seat as the chairman for malpractice?"


    "There is that. But there is a time frame of three months, if you could just be patient-"


    "Enough. I''m done with this pointless chit chat. Do I look like a patient man? Does it occur to you that there may be other reasons for my rush?" He asked and she quited


    "Remain silent, and only speak when spoken to. Are my understood?"


    She hesitated but when his expression became impatient she nodded.


    "Good now come along." He said heading to the conference room to dethrone his father again. This time for good.


    **************************************************


    "Are you sure you''re okay?" Jessie asked once again after she heard Katherine release yet another sigh.


    Katherine looked up from her cereal bowl, tugging on her scrubs. "I''m fine, I am." Katherine said.


    "Something happened between you and Paul yesterday didn''t it?" Jessie asked, that had to be it.


    "That''s not... yeah." She breathed out. "It''s all Paul, it''s always Paul." She murmured.


    "No it''s not always Paul..." Jessie almost hissed but when Katherine looked up at her with tired eyes she decided to back off a bit. "Nevermind, you''re meeting Devon today right?"


    Katherine eyes widened slightly but before Jessie could recognize it as something she covered up the emotion. "Yeah, he''s coming into town for a conference."


    "That''s exciting!" Jessie said with a small smile.


    Katherine eyes narrowed. "You seem to be getting rusty with your acting."


    "What?"


    "Before you convince me of excitement shouldn''t you be excited?" Katherine asked.


    Jessie smile narrowed into a pout and she went back to her bowl of cereals. "Why does it seem like you keeping a massive secret from me?" She asked.


    Katherine sighed, again.


    "You know what enough about me, what are you doing today?" Katherine asked.


    Jessie looked up at Katherine. Like hell she was going to tell her. It might sound hypocritical but she wouldn''t take chances, no one that had sensibilities would hear her plan and allow her go through with it. And she wasn''t about to be arguing her less than sensible plan with sensible people. She was sure going to lose!


    "Nothing much" she shrugged. "I''ll just be visiting friends." She lied.


    "You have friends?" Katherine asked.


    "Uh... yeah, yeah. Oh how I''ve missed them terribly." She exaggerated.


    Both women looked at each other with both inquisitive yet guarded expressions. Both wanting to push but not wanting to be pushed. At the end of the day, they both tucked tail and ran.


    "I''m late I should go." Katherine said.


    "Yeah, of course." Jessie nodded.


    They was another moment of searching glances and gazes that both of them felt so awkward the next moment Katherine was out of the apartment and Jessie found shelter in the guest room. Where she currently resided.


    After stripping of the shorts and vest she slept in, she stepped into the shower. Running her plan over and over in her head, she couldn''t jeopardize this.


    She got out an carefully selected an outfit, it was a bodycon red dress she planned to match with golden lace boots. After she put it on she pulled the zipper in the front just low enough that it drew ones attention to her bust but not too much that she had any cleavage at all. Just shadows promising a voluptuous chest.


    The dress covered her behind appropriately but didn''t quite reach her knees exposing her incredibly long legs. Paired with the high shoes, the outfit would look nice and pleasing on any one but with Jessie''s legs, it was definitely going to cause a disaster. Not that she was aware of it, wearing her hair up she put on light make up and proceeded out of the apartment to the car she ordered.


    Desperately hoping she would get what she wanted today with one try. She didn''t have either the funds nor the time to keep this chase for too long. Before someone tired to stop her.

 Chapter 293 - 293. Blatant Desire.

    The car stopped promptly outside the hotel La vivre. She donned her scarf and glasses, it was too risky to go out any other way and exited the car after paying the cab driver.


    This was a fifty percent rate of succes plan, and if she did not want to beg it was a one time plan. That heavily depended on one sole thing, was her target present at the moment? With all the elegance and confidence she could muster, with was a lot, she was an actress after all. She walked into the hotel, not paying attention to all the looks she was getting.


    Not to be vain, it wasn''t the first time. It wouldn''t be the last, she was attractive apparently. So she got used to it. Pressing the button to the highest floor that housed the most expensive restaurant in the country she walked out looking so compelling yet like she belonged there.


    The place was almost empty, as usual not everyone infact most people couldn''t afford this place.


    "Where would you like to seat miss?" The staff asked.


    "I would like a window seat." Jessie answered and the man nodded leading her to the seat right beside the glass walls that basically allowed her to look down on the entire city.


    After a short few moments, another waiter came forward asking her what she would like to have. Jessie looked up from the menu, that she picked for decoration. She already knew what she was ordering.


    Saying a silent prayer she spoke. "A bottle of sin." She replied and the waiters eyes widened.


    Ofcourse it did, that was the most expensive bottle of wine at the most expensive hotel in the country. It cost approximately four million.


    Four million that she could not afford but had to. This was her one and only chance to secure an audience she couldn''t be lax.


    The waiter almost stammered, and she knew that he wouldn''t make the mistake of asking her if she was sure. Nobody that wasn''t sure of paying asked for that wine.


    After a moment the waiter returned. "If you please miss, heading into the private space for VIP, our director would like to give you a few words..." the waiter said.


    Jessie wanted to jump for joy, she wanted to Yelp in excitement. So her luck hadn''t been too sucky afterall. But like the actress she was she put on an air of indifference. "A few words? What would I do with that? I ordered wine not a conversation." She said dismissively.


    "But miss-"


    "I shouldn''t wait any longer don''t you think? I am paying four million after all." She said.


    "....sure, sure! It has already been set in the VIP room if you would kindl-"


    "Did I ask for a VIP room?!" She yelled. Starling the waiter and engaging a few stares. All good sacrifice, she needed this too work. So she put on her most haughty and arrogant expression. She was paying four million! "I only ordered a bottle of wine did I ask for anything else?!" She got up.


    "Miss, please calm down." The waiter was frantic.


    "Calm down?!" She exclaimed. "How dare you tell me that?!" She looked around, the glass of sparkling water the first she saw she grabbed it and tossed it one the floor. Huffing "how is that?"


    The waiter looked just about ready to commit suicide and Jessie had to admit she felt sorry for the kid but she had a job to do here as well. "Get me my wine right now! I want to drink it in peace while staring at the city, I do not need a VIP room or some useless conversation from any boorish director do you understand?" She spat viciously.


    "I would like to think of myself a bit better than boorish." A cool deep and masculine voice said from behind her, the aure sending deep chills down her spine. She stiffened before she even turned around and a scary realization just hit her, and hard. She feared this man. She was terrified, she didn''t know exactly what it was but she felt a terror now that he was here.


    "And I was under the impression that customers purchased that over priced bottle just to get special treatment and my attention." He said. And that realization brought a paralyzing effect to Jessie.


    Still she forced her body to move turning around to face him, she pulled of her glasses and pulled down her scarf. "Hello Mr. Lee." She said curtly.


    George lips tilted up in a smirk. "You don''t need to do that. I can recognize you any day, any time regardless of what you wear. Jessie Marin."


    Who would have thought? George was already mulling over the fact that he wasted a perfectly good day coming to this hotel. He should have visited his casino instead, but when news of a purchase came to him he was curious to see who was begging for his audience this time. And then his curiosity was even fueled even more when he heard the person was unwilling to see him. And worse was causing a scene.


    He didn''t need to come out, he never came out to the common restaurant, ever. But he was just too curious, then he heard that voice, saw those legs, that perfectly shaped ass, those curves that tormented his dreams. Sending him into a frenzy that he had tried to quench multiple times with multiple women but to no avail. They she was standing right before him.


    And then she turned around, with her full, kissable lips pressed into a line. It was a simple movement, very normal but when she did it, it was simply erotic.


    Revealing herself to him like that, it sent tremors to his body and he wanted to dismiss everyone in the restaurant and have her aganist the glass. Let the bloody city watch. But all in due time he told himself. He must have her, he told himself.


    After all she was the one that walked into his hotel, bought the most expensive item and poured gasoline onto his already burning desire.


    Jessie felt like hiding behind a table, the way he looked at her did things to her insides, that were not at all pleasant but she reminded herself she was here for something. So she swallowed the inert feeling to both run away and hide at his blatant display of desire.


    "But I''m not here to see you Mr. Lee." Jessie replied with a smile.

 Chapter 294 - 294. Darling.

    Jason looked around the room with bored interest in the shock of his shareholders. They all wondered how his shares had escalated so much over night.


    "This is malpractice!" One shouted and Jason took note of the man.


    Suddenly the murmurs and complaints filled in too much too fast. He couldn''t keep up with all the traitors. Laughing internally he scolded himself for how naive he had been to think his father would give up so easily. To think he had the company completely under his control. Not any more.


    "There is no malpractice." His vice president, who was also the anchor of the meeting relayed to them. "Chairman Kang has all of this shares legally."


    "How is that possible?" Another man asked. "Just at last month briefing he had considerably less than this!" The man huffed impatiently.


    "Chairman Kang explain this to us? Are you above the law?" They asked. "You need at three months to acquire the number of shares so quickly."


    Jason looked at them in disgust, even if he didn''t know the rest he knew of these three traitors. His father''s underdogs. "I don''t see need to ex-"


    "Chairman Kang has all these shares together with his wife." Scarlett interrupted. Ignoring Jason searing glare she walked forward and presented the wedding certificate. Or rather a copy. How did she get a copy?


    The entire room went silent, expect for the few gasps from people.


    "What kind of rubbish is this?!" The same balding older man yelled. "Does this look like a circus?"


    Jason got up immediately, sending the man a look that made him flop unto his seat in an undignified heap. "I do not see need to explain myself." He said, finishing his sentence before he was rudely interrupted. "This was a meeting to report the activities of the company for the month. And the distribution of shares, nothing more. If you think I''m somehow capable of malpractice then you are mistaken." He said in an unbelievable calm voice. But what remained even more unbelievable was the rage that they all felt from him despite and mannerisms to prove so.


    "How can the heir to the entire Kang empire get married without the knowledge of anybody?" Reginald Choi asked.


    Jason sent the man a hard stare but answered either way. "Did you not hear the news?"


    "So you are married to Patricia Lee?"


    Jason only smiled. "My wife and I have decided to keep her identity a secret, does not disregard that the marriage did indeed happen."


    "This is..."


    "Wonderful." Jason finished the sentence. "I am so in love." He added sacarstically.


    "No honeymoon?" Reginald prodded and Jason have him a tight smile.


    "We decided it could wait, we''re both very busy people you see."


    "Seems like you and this wife of yours make a lot of decisions." Another shareholder added.


    "Isn''t that what marriage is about?" He asked sweetly.


    "If that would be all, meeting adjourned." He said walking out with Scarlett hot on his heels.


    Rushing forward to push open his office door, she walked in after him. As she turned to shut the door she didn''t realise when Jaosn came to stand right behind her.


    Gasping in surprise as her forehead almost collided with his hard chest he leaned forward trapping her with her back to the wall and no room for escape. His body mere inches from hers. His heat burned into her so badly she feared she might swoon.


    "S-sir." She gasped breathlessly. That handsome face so dangerously close, if she could lean up ever so slightly she could kiss him. But that would not only be incredibly stupid but dangerous.


    "Did I not say not to speak unless spoken to?" He asked, looking down at her with his eyes not even doing the tinest bit to hide the desire to throttle her.


    "I just.."


    "You just what? Thought you could reveal that vital peice of information just because it was available?" He asked.


    "But... how else would you prove you didn''t indulge in malpractice?" Shw asked.


    He scoffed. "It appears you are not as smart as you pretend to be, no surprise there." He stated stepping back and walking to his desk.


    Scarlett needed more than a few seconds to get over what just happened. But Jason was already seated still with the change in height, he still managed to look down at her.


    "Get me all the people that complained about the-"


    "Already complied sir." She said, regaining composure.


    His brows cranked up ever so slightly and she took that as encouragement to place the paper before him.


    "Daniel Kim?" He asked as he eyed the list. "He''s my vice president, plus I didn''t notice any hostility from him."


    "There is news in the company that he has been buying shares from many employees recently." She said. "For twice the price."


    Now it was the sides of his lips that tugged upwards. "Appears you are not completely useless afterall."


    **************************************************


    George placed his hand over his chest and pouted ever so slightly, a look Jessie hadn''t imagined he was capable off. "You wound me, darling." He said the words rolling of his tongue in an enticing manner.


    Jessie stilled, George was a beautiful man. While Jason had a classically handsome face his looks looked sculpted and perfect. Like something you might find in a museum or an expensive painting, not to mention that aura of superiority that oozed out of his body. He had a breathtaking aura.


    But George had that kind of innocent, radiant beauty. But she doubted anyone was fooled by that. He had a mixture of feminine softness yet it didn''t make any one think of him as less of a man. With lashes so long and eyes so bright. And angular jaw, perfectly symmetrical face and thin lips. She didn''t see any of those, she didn''t regard them not when everything in her screamed this was a bad idea and she should run. In those bright eyes was a darkness so dangerous that couldn''t be compared to Jason''s rage, a sort of wickedness that made her wary of him.


    "I didn''t realise I would need to go through all this just to drink a bottle of wine. One I''m paying so much for." She managed to say, without a break in her voice.


    Then he chuckled lowly, the sound low and deep. Cocking his head to the side he looked at her like she was a rabbit and he was an amused wolf. "You really expect me to believe you came here, in the day to drink a four million bottle of wine all by yourself? I would have thought Jason treated you better than that." He picked at her lie.


    Jessie felt like screaming in frustration how was she supposed to engage in multiple conversations, all with the aim of causing this guy to slip up and give her some information on the auction house when she was already blank?


    Shrugging she smiled "we fought. I found his card."


    "Oh? So there trouble in paradise?" George asked.


    And she frowned. "I''m not going to discuss my private matters with you." She said making sure to look troubled and away.


    George stepped closer to her, his approach causing her to squirm and tremble. But she hide it all under a mask of indifference, never more grateful for her acting experience.


    He didn''t touch her, he didn''t have to. She already felt him, leaning ever so slightly he whispered in her ear. "I''ve been told countless times, by countless women that I''m an avid listener."


    Jessie stepped back and sent him a glare. "Should that make me impressed?" She shot him an annoyed look.


    A sudden rush of excitement rushed like an electric shock through George. This was... euphoric, he couldn''t describe this massive desire to break that spunk of hers. He was so used to breaking spirits, making women so submissive that both mind and body didn''t belong to them anymore. His business thrived on that one skill, the power and his relentless desire to have women kneeling submissive before him, and by extension all the men that purchased them.


    And now that desire was doubled and doubled again in Jessie''s case. He wanted her all for himself, to leave to please him, only him.


    "I would hope not, it would be too boring if you were easily impressed." He smiled.


    Jessie took another step back. "That doesn''t seem like any of you business, my interests." She said. At first this was a game, play hard to get. Let him think he is I''m control, manipulate the information from him and leave when required. But that wasn''t the case, she must have underestimated him. How did she feel so dirty and ... scared when he looked at her? She hadn''t been around the man for more that ten minutes and she was terrified out of her wits, now she really was just trying to leave.


    "Oh? But that''s all I''ve thought about since I saw you at that ball. In that dress, I realised with a body like that you would look like that at every moment. Even now, all I can think of is how to please you, darling. "He stated bluntly.


    Jessie didn''t know the expression she had on her face but all she knew was that she wanted to leave, now.


    "Well I''m sorry to disappoint you but you don''t have any right to please me. Neither do I require you pleasing I shouldn''t have come here." She said. "I''ll go." She began to walk out but George stepped in front of her, blocking her path. Loving and reveling in her unease.


    "One drink, just have one drink with me and I''d you still want to leave then you are free to go." He said, his voice almost pleading.


    Jessie looked at the door and aganist her better judgement she nodded. One drink couldn''t hurt... right?

 Chapter 295 - 295. Bright Blue Sky.

    Krystal searched everywhere and everywhere, was she out?! She must have been too busy this month to remember to refill her prescription. And she had no idea what was going on with that boss of hers but he was all shades of cranky. Even Tim his official secretary complained. He buzzed her, groaning she manage to drag herself up and into his office. Wincing as she walked, as she entered she straightened and tried to pretend nothing was going on. But her head hammered intensively.


    "Are you alright?" Jonathan asked as she entered. This! This right here was the reason she could never make it as an actress.


    "That obvious?"


    Acting as if he thought of the answer before speaking "not really, but I know your annoyed gait. Your happy walk and the scowl you have on your face when you''re hungry. It''s only either of the three and your not doing any of them." He stated bluntly.


    Shocking even her, perhaps she should have been flattered that he notices stuff? Or offended that he reduced her to only three emotions, annoyance, joy and well anger. A hungry man is an angry man. But she was Krystal afterall.


    "You know when I''m hungry and you choose not to do anything about it?" She gasped audibly. Shaking her head in disappointment, and action poorly executed she almost fell.


    "Woah, steady." He said getting up on his feet impulsively. She looked so unstable, like a leaf on a windy day.


    "I''m fine, I''m fine." She smiled after steadying herself...or so she thought.


    "Krystal!" Jonathan yelled as he ran to the falling woman, grabbing unto her right before she hit the ground. She was still conscious as he held her.


    She felt so small and weak in his arms, and so soft as well. How hadn''t noticed that her eyes weren''t brown alone. Sparks of golden floated in the dark brown orbs as the slowly fluttered.


    "Krystal?" Jonathan called out to her, softly this time.


    "My head hurts so bad." She whispered softly.


    "Idiot, if you were feeling bad you should have stayed home." He stated firmly.


    "You threatened to fire anyone that didn''t come to work on time." She smiled even in her groggy state.


    "I was talking to my staff, you should know that that does not apply to you." He frowned.


    Krystal pouted. "It doesn''t? I didn''t think so, but you''ve been such an arse this past few days, I didn''t want to push it. Besides I hate the rumours that say I''m sleeping with you for the bare minimum." She laughed.


    "What?"


    "Oops, I shouldn''t have said that... now they''ll think I''m a snitch too." She still laughed.


    Jonathan suddenly felt so angry. "Who the hell is saying these things?!"


    "Hey, hey, hey, don''t yell at a sick woman." She reprimanded him with pout.


    "Who is spreading this lies about you Krystal?" He asked again.


    "Does it matter? It doesn''t bother me, I''m quite used to the rumours." She slurred, her eyes dropping deeper with each effort to keep them open.


    Jonathan sighed "hush now, sleep."


    "Oh I can''t do that. Dr. Kim told me never to give in when I feel such pain, he said I could probably never wake up again." Her speech started to become more and more laboured. "Karen would certainly like that though, wouldn''t she?"


    Jonathan panicked. "This is a reoccurring thing?!" He exclaimed, picking her up swiftly he hurried to the door.


    How he managed to open it with Krystal in his arms remained a mystery to him but before long he was barking orders for an ambulance and literally running across the floor to the elevator with her.


    Tim was behind him as they entered the elevator, helping him press the button they began to move down, then he noticed that she was too quiet.


    "Hey Krystal! Wake up!" He yelled.


    Her eyes open in little slits. "Don''t yell please..." she trailed.


    "Hey Krystal open your eyes wider, hmm?"


    She groaned. "But they are open, and the light only makes it worse."


    Jonathan looked at Tim, "give me your jacket."


    "Sir?"


    "Give me your jacket." He ordered and Tim immediately shrugged it off. He held it awkwardly not knowing what to do with it.


    "Put over my head."


    "Sir?"


    "Question me one more time..." he glared that the man and he immediately complied.


    "Krystal put you head on my shoulder." He said softly. She struggled to do so but she finally managed, wrapping her hands around his neck she hummed in pleasure as the dimming effect the jacket gave her.


    Such a sight! Time thought, with his jacket over bothered their heads and the say he looked at her with so much affection, if anyone else saw from another angle it would be said that they were kissing.


    The elevator door soon opened and Jonathan walked out an ambulance was already waiting at the entrance.


    He was quite reluctant to let her go but eventually he placed her on the bed but followed still as they wheeled her out.


    "I''ll come along." He said to the paramedics and they agreed.


    The one that sat with them in the back told him to engage her, in conversation so she wouldn''t doze off.


    "Krystal, talk to me." Jonathan coaxed her when she fell quiet again.


    "Um-hmm." She refused.


    "Please, tell me how did this start? The headaches." He asked, perhaps if he was more specific she would respond.


    "I can''t... I''ve never told anyone before. Please don''t tell Karen, that I''m sick." She whispered aganist his bare neck. Her warm breath on his skin made him feel hot, and awkward. He didn''t understand it, so he dismissed it.


    "I won''t, only if you tell me how this started."


    "My mother, she... she left me." Krystal moaned. "I was there when they died, she held my hand and covered me with her body when the truck approached our car." Krystal said her voice weak yet heavily laden with emotions. "I can''t stop dreaming of that night. Papa ran to us, he tried to push us away it was too late. He died too, he died first. I didn''t see how he died, Momma held my hands, there was so much glass and my head hurt too much, but she sang to me. I fell asleep but when I woke up she wasn''t holding my hand anymore, and she wasn''t singing anymore. My head hurt so bad, and I just wanted it to end." She said, he saw as tears fell down the side of her face down on the bed. "I still crave that soft singing, it made my pain better. Please... can you sing? I''ll teach you the song." She pleaded.


    "Krystal..." Jonathan''s voice trailed off. She was hurting he felt it, how had he not noticed? She hid so much pain behind such an elaborate facade it must have been exhausting.


    "Just a bit, just a little bit." She begged.


    "What''s the name of the song?"


    "You wouldn''t know it, I''ll sing it." She said.


    Jonathan smiled, she was still reprimanding him even in this state. He wouldn''t refuse it kept her awake anyway.


    She began to sing and suddenly the entire atmosphere lifted, Jonathan was utterly shocked. Even the paramedic froze for a bit before he continued to check her vitals.


    Krystal voice was divine, beyond divine it was honestly beautiful. He suddenly thought of the sun rising in a bright blue sky, those type of mornings that made you so sure it would be a beautiful day... her voice had the same effect.


    And he wondered why the hell she fangirled when she was more of a star then most of the stars she idolized.


    She could be just as big as Jessie, if he had a voice like that he would never shut up.


    Soon enough the reached the hospital and they wheeled her out and into the emergency room. Jonathan was there through out, making sure to fill out every necessary form and hash out any inconvenient formality. Until... he heard a commotion, and it was coming from Krystal''s bed space.


    "What is going on?" He asked, "what the hell are you doing?" He asked again, when he noticed her struggling to get off the bed.


    "Boss?" Krystal frowned. "How come you are here?" She asked in utter confusion.


    Did she not remember? "You collapsed." He replied curtly.


    He noticed a pained look, but it was fleeting soon enough she covered it with a smile. Those smiles he had come to be familiar with, all of a sudden he didn''t like them anymore. They were fake, all along.


    "I did huh? Well I''m fine now, I would like to leave." She said. "If you would tell this nice gentleman to just let me go."


    "Not a chance." Jonathan stated.


    "What?"


    "You need surgery Krystal." He said, expecting... well he didn''t know what he was expecting but it was certainly not this. Not a dismissive look, or the scowl she wore when she was annoyed.


    "You already know." He added.


    "This isn''t any of your business." She huffed in annoyance.


    "Are you joking? What the hell is going on?" Jonathan asked. She looked away.


    "Tell me!"

 Chapter 296 - 296. Erotic Dance Of Passion.

    "This seems rather anti climatic." Jessie said as she was seated a few inches across from George. There were in a much cozier room, seated on and angular couch so that even though he sat beside her he still technically sat across her.


    "What does?" He asked.


    "It appears people buy this bottle to earn your attention but you are buying it to earn mine." She stated, eyeing the flute in her hand. As she looked at the liquid, unlike its name... sin it wasn''t red as she expected. Instead it was white wine, not looking any more different from the regular wines she came across. When she lifted her gaze from the glass she met gazes with him, and he refused to back down.


    Even though she caught him watching her, he didn''t look away, his eyes shamelessly roaming her entire body, so much so she began to feel naked. Having to look down even though she knew she was dressed she had to confirm.


    This was getting too dangerous, he looked like he desired her... he wasn''t supposed to desire her, not yet at least. "I don''t mind buying a measly bottle of wine if I get to talk to you." He winked.


    Jessie frowned. "Do you like me Mr. Lee?"


    "Please call me George. And I was certain I was being obvious enough." He said, not mincing words.


    Jessie brows creased. "What does that- did you expect me to deduce that myself?" She huffed.


    "Surely you can tell when a man desires you can you not darling?"


    "Don''t call me that." She almost spat.


    Her ire only pulling a devilish smirk from him. "And I''m very forward when I want something. And you, I want you... darling." He stated, blatantly ignoring her cold glare.


    Jessie scoffed. "How can you want me? You barely know me!" She exclaimed, scooting farther from him.


    "Passion and desire have nothing to do with familiarity but only with two bodies, in an erotic dance of passion." He said with such determination it was too much for her virgin body to take, before she knew it she was on her feet, her entire face red with both anger and embarrassment.


    "I don''t know what I was thinking coming here. This was a terrible idea." She said making move to walk out.


    But he was quicker, he was up on his feet in a jiffy, grabbing her arm he spun her around to face him, tugging her to him so that her soft front landed on his hard one.


    But with George it was the complete opposite. She felt prickly and cold. Her skin began to feel clammy with sweat and the hairs on her body stood as goosebumps appeared. This wasn''t desire, it wasn''t irritation, she didn''t feel irritated but it was complete utter terror. She didn''t know why exactly but she was just scared.


    Looking down into her eyes she saw his eyes light with amusement. "So you are here to see me after all." He said.


    "Don''t flatter yourself." She said as she tried to push away from him but he wouldn''t let her.


    "I''m not flattering myself, you said so yourself. ''I don''t know what I was thinking coming here. This was a bas idea.''" He repeated.


    "And how does that mean I came to see you?" She huffed haughtily. Still trying to break free from his grasp.


    "You didn''t mention it earlier, not with the waiter, not even when I invited you here, until after. That means you were here to see me. Are you going to tell me what for?" He asked.


    Jessie looked away, biting her lip she looked back at him and stilled. "Let me go or your balls are going to suffer the consequence." She spat viciously and he couldn''t help but laugh.


    But either way he let her go, she watched him try to suppress his laughter, hating how this uncomfortable situation was entertaining for him.


    "What''s so funny?!" She demanded.


    He stilled his features relaxing but the smile never left his eyes. "You... your not funny but very entertaining. It''s shocking for me to say this but I''m impressed darling, I might never tire of you. How surprising!" He exclaimed.


    Jessie gave him a blank look, she should try to figure out what he meant by that statement but all she wanted was just to get the hell out here.


    "What the hell does that mean?" She asked.


    "It means I''m very much inclined to getting to know you Miss Marin." He didn''t call her darling! "Can I have the pleasure of your acquaintance?"


    "I have a boyfriend." She stated dryly. That was a lie, but she wasn''t about to let him know and Patricia by extension that she was no longer with Jason.


    "Fine. I''ll respect the distance, you complained of our lack of familiarity so I want to fix that." He said with a mischievous grin.


    Jessie huffed. "That was me pointing out a mere fact, not a complaint of any sorts!"


    "Agree to disagree" he dismissed her. "Will you fo me the honor of dinner?"


    "What, today?" She asked. "I''m busy today."


    "Then tomorrow?"


    "Same thing. Besides how many times must I say it, I have a boyfriend. He wouldn''t take it well with me meeting other men, especially you." She said.


    George only smiled "yet here you are. And no that you point out out you are right. Jason would never let you come anywhere near me, especially if you are his girlfriend."


    "So what are you implying?" She asked defensively.


    He leaned closer to her... again. "I''m implying that if you ever feel lonely I''ll be more than happy to fill up every space that is currently vacant."


    It took a moment for her to realise his meaning and when she did she pushed away from him. "I''m sure I can find much better candidates for my... loneliness." She said with a sweet smile.


    His eyes darkened, suddenly the thought of her with anyone else filling up her spaces made him very angry.


    Jessie didn''t know what to make out of the current scene but she was certain she had enough for today. "Although I am open to the idea of getting to know you." She said.


    And he arched a brow. "Don''t look so surprised, I''m merely using you as a tool to get back at my boyfriend. If you recall we had a fight."


    "Getting Jason riled up? Count me in." He stated with a mischievous grin.

 Chapter 297 - 297. Courage To Confess.

    Katherine was on edge, she had been that way for way since she received a second note earlier. She couldn''t stop looking behind, having this gnawing feeling that someone was watching her. So her actual father knew where she was... he knew who she was, where she worked and where she lived. That felt creepy beyond doubt. And there was no mistaking it this time. It wasn''t a mistake, it couldn''t even be a prank, the second letter has way too many details to be a prank.


    She felt helpless and afraid, who could she tell? The last time she met with Devon a few days ago he wouldn''t stop talking about how glad he was that they were moving on in their relationship. And that he was glad she was moving on from her father, because he didn''t deserve her.


    Sure enough he did not deserve her but he was terrorising her peace now. And while he hadn''t threatened her yet she couldn''t put it past the man that had her mother as a sex slave. Besides she was too damn curious to know what kind of tainted blood she carried within her. She couldn''t tell Jessie because for the past few days she had been an entirely different world, sneaking out when she thought Katherine wasn''t there. Plus she had been hanging out an awful lot with that reporter... she had no idea why but Katherine knew she had her own problems, adding too it was definitely not the best idea.


    So that left her with only one more option. Running her hand through her straight black hair she groaned. She didn''t want it to get to this but she''s too scared to do this alone. It wasn''t like before anymore, she wasn''t looking for a nameless, faceless and non-existent person. This person had a name, face and knew all about her. If that wasn''t having an upper hand she had no idea what it was.


    She stood outside Paul''s office, she had been standing here for almost fifteen minutes, willing herself to knock, but it was starting to become a problem. She didn''t understand why she was always so shy when it came to him. Just look at her sorry state, loving him for twenty years without the courage to confess. Even now it was hard for her to go to him like this. She hated being vulnerable in front of Paul, he always understood what to do, what to say how to act and how to make it better. All that wasn''t beneficial to her in anyway. It just cost her pain that she couldn''t bare.


    ''Asking him for help and telling him you love him are two different things.'' Her subconscious pointed out.


    "Fine." She breathed. "I can do this. I can do this. I can d-" she gasped, he gasped. "Paul?"


    "Oh please don''t tell me this is a dream." He groaned.


    "What is a dream? A- oof!" She exclaimed as he pulled her into a warm embrace. "What are you doing?!"


    He pulled away placing his hands at either side of her shoulders "I''m happy you''re real?" He smiled.


    Katherine froze at first, she had to remind herself to breathe and beg her heart to calm the hell down. Suddenly filled with an overwhelming wave of emotion, she became angry.


    "Why the hell did you do that?!" She yelled at him, Paul face fell and he had the expression of a school boy in trouble.


    "You should stop doing impulsive things like that." She scolded him.


    Paul racking his brain in all honesty to figure out what wrong he did. Then it dawned on him, things weren''t the same anymore, she had a boyfriend now. But why did that leave a bitter taste in his mouth? Why did he feel awkward about it?


    Sensing his discomfort and being unable to dismiss the cute look on his face she sighed. She made things awkward, ofcourse Katherine you always make things awkward.


    "I''m sorry for bursting out like that." She mumbled.


    Paul shook his head. "I shouldn''t have done that, your right. I''m sorry."


    "It''s okay, it''s okay." She said.


    "Wait a minute." He said. "Why are you here?"


    Her eyes widened and she released a low hum. And he replied with his own hum.


    "It''s nothing, forget about it." She said turning around but his arms around her upper arm prevented her from moving away.


    "It''s not nothing, what''s that in your hand." He gestured to the papers in her grip.


    "Paul it''s.. hey!" She yelled as he pulled them.out of her hands but he didn''t read them.


    "I know you came here to give me this, I won''t read it until you allow me to, but just know that you''re problems are important to me." He said his tone serious and features soft.


    Katherine swallowed. "It''s my dad." She said. "No, he''s not my dad, the man that donated his sperm for my conception."


    Paul''s brows creased and he open the notes. "How did you get this?" He asked in alarm.


    "Someone slipped them underneath my doors." She replied.


    "Your doors, asin you house?!" He exclaimed. "Katherine that''s dangerous! Did you at least call the cops?" She looked away and Paul frowned.


    "You didn''t did you?"


    "And tell them what?" She asked. "I didn''t even catch a glimpse of the person that sent them, and it wasn''t on the cameras. It was as if the notes appeared on their own."


    "Well we know that papers can''t walk, so they probably tampered with them. All the more reason to involve the cops."


    "Well if I wanted to call the cops I wouldn''t be here." She said.


    "And why don''t you want to call them?"


    "Can''t you see Paul? I..." she was at lost for words.


    "You actually want to find him. This bastrad you want to find him?" Paul said through gritted teeth.


    "Yes! Is it so bad?!" She yelled. "He is after all my father!"


    "Are you serious? After everything he did to your mom?" Paul huffed. "I can''t believe you want anything to do with him."


    "But I do... Paul I do, I can''t make you understand because you''re not in my shoes but this isn''t something I can walk away from. So it''s either you help or I do it myself, your choice." She stated firmly.


    Paul shut his eyes in frustration, but he knew very well that he couldn''t let her dive into this alone. This man... her father was dangerous. Besides he could convince her to back out eventually, when she calmed down.


    "Fine, I can''t understand. I don''t even want to, but I will help you. Because you problems are important to me."

 Chapter 298 - 298. Red Laced Bra.

    "Jason! Jason get back here!"


    "I have nothing to say to you! Don''t call me!" The angry adolescent yelled.


    "What do you mean? Jason! Please son, please. Wait it''s dangerous!" A beautiful but weeping woman ran out after the boy dashing into the street.


    "Jason! Wait!" She ran, grabbing her son as she held his shoulder. "Please listen to me. It''s not what you think." She pleaded.


    "Really? You''re not cheating on my dad?" He asked, tears in his eyes as well. "Tell me the truth, are you cheating in my dad? With Mr. Choi?" He asked.


    His mother frose for a bit, fumbling for words, "you see, I''m right. I did see right. This is not the first time is it?" He said.


    "Jason please-"


    "Let go of me!" He screamed shoving her away, before he knew it she was falling into the road.


    Managing to stumble and stand, she looked at him wide eyes, everything stopped for a minute and the only thing he could see was the shock in her tear filled eyes. He heard the horns and next thing she blinked as a single tear fell down her cheek. But yet she smiled at him, he saw her mouth move but couldn''t hear the words anyway. That was it.


    The whole street halted and he was running to the other side of the road where his mother''s body was flung to, lifeless, lying as though it had no breath just seconds ago.


    "Mom!!!!" He screamed like his life depended on it. "Mom!!! Mom! Please! Please! I''m so sorry!" He yelled, running to her, his knees scraping the ground where he slid to her.


    Ignoring the torn skin and the ripped trousers, he gathered her up in his arms. Blood was everywhere and her eyes were shut close, her body cooling. "Call an ambulance! Please!!" Screamed. "Please!!!!"


    Jason eyes opened with a jerk, his eyes were already red and his face tear stained. He opened his eyes but he wasn''t awake, clutching his chest he couldn''t breathe. He shouldn''t be able to breathe he just killed his mother!


    He just killed his mother! Grabbing his shirt he choked his face began to lose colour due to insufficiency of oxygen. He some how managed to scream even without the air.


    Scarlett walked in with a fright, all the files in her hand dropped to the floor as she ran to him falling on her knees besides him she tried to hold in up. But he was too out of it and too strong to stop him.


    "Chairman! Chairman!!!" She screamed.


    But he refused to respond so shook him as much as she could but he still wouldn''t settle.


    "Ow!" She cried as he shoved her backwards. Nursing her hurt elbow she picked up herself ran out side and returned almost immediately holding a tube. She pressed it into his leg and pushed the syringe handle down.


    Jason gasped visibly, sucking in air visibly. He fell forward and she was there to hold him up. When he finally came to his senses, which didn''t take as long as she would have like it to he pushed her back.


    "What the hell are you doing?" He asked with venom in his voice.


    "Sir..s-sir... " she stuttered. "You couldn''t breathe, you... you looked like you were having a panic attack." She explained as she tried to stand but her legs were too wobbly and she couldn''t get strength to them. Not while he glared at her like that.


    Jason raging anger calmed as he heard her explanation, finally remembering and clearly he frowned. That dream what the hell was it? It was the first time he was having it, but it was so vivid. Was that the real thing? Did he really kill his mother then?


    Sighing he looked down at her, his brows furrowed when his gaze met creamy, fleshy skin poorly covered by a red laced bra. Looking up at her face "why the hell are you like that?"


    Scarlett paled, blushing slightly she looked away and tried to cover herself but somehow she couldn''t. Her shirt had been so tight that it was the buttons that held them together, now that there weren''t there she was at a loss.


    "My buttons.." she said after efforts in vain.


    "Yes? What the hell happened to your buttons?" He spat.


    "You... you ripped..." she looked away again.


    Jason eyes widened slightly "I did that?" He asked. Her blush and lack of eye contact answered the question.


    Pulling off his jacket he tossed it to her. "Cover yourself."


    "Th-thank you." She said clutching it to her chest.


    He extended his arm to help up "don''t worry I can stand on my own." She said.


    But without waiting he leaned down and grabbed her fore arm and pulled her up. His jacket almost fell to her knees and the arm was way too large for her.


    "This is why I hate having female secretaries." He mumbled to himself. She looked at him like he just killed her family looking damn adorable with tear filled eyes and those damned glasses.


    Why was she so short? He couldn''t help but wonder. Getting a head ache he began to walk out of the room, stopping to look at her. "Take the rest of the day off, and mention this to anyone and I''ll wring-"


    "Your secret is safe with me." She added quickly. Bowing to him. The action leaving exposed yet again, but briefly because she was covered again the moment she stood straight.


    "I''ll wring your neck." He said.


    "What?" She gasped.


    "I didn''t finish my sentence. Go home then." He replied walking out and leaving her in the office.


    **************************************************


    "You cannot continue to refuse the surgery Krystal. I already told you I''d pay for it." Jonathan stated to the stubborn woman that had come to work just days after her episode. Even after he told her not to.


    Now there were sitting in his car after he forcefully drove her back home, but the stubborn woman wouldn''t get out. "I''ll let you come back to work the moment you recover from the surgery."


    "I''m not doing anything! And do you think this is about money?" She huffed incredulously.


    Jonathan sighed. "Even if you somehow have a saddening and heartfelt story about not having the surgery, you still wouldn''t have the money for it."


    "Well it''s much better when you say it that way!" She exclaimed angrily.


    "You do realise you are acting like a child right?" He stated.


    "Oh I''m sorry I forgot that I''m only twenty one!" She exclaimed again.


    Jonathan sighed, how did he keep forgetting that she was actually so young. And somehow even though he was almost already at the end of his patience he found it oddly comforting that she still had this side to her.


    "Why don''t you want to do it?" Jason asked.


    And she looked away, "Krystal, tell me." He insisted. But she wouldn''t budge.


    "Hey isn''t that Karen? Shall I go tell her sister has a serious illness she refuses to treat." Jonathan threatened.


    "You wouldn''t dare!" She spat viciously.


    "Wouldn''t I? Don''t underestimate me Krystal, I''m very well fed up right now." He said.


    "What the hell is it to you?! What do you care?" She yelled.


    "You are my secretary... and friend." He added as she opened her mouth to complain. "I care about you Krystal, believe it or not. And I refuse to allow my friends suffer when I have the ability to help them." He said, his tone serious and his eyes sincere.


    Krystal didn''t know when but she already started speaking before she could stop herself. "The doctor said I might never remember what happened if I do the surgery."


    "What happened?"


    "The night my parents died. I was there with them. The both died trying to protect me." She said softly.


    "Krystal..." he called in a very light and very comforting voice. "You shouldn''t blame-"


    "I don''t, I don''t blame myself. There were my parents, of course they''d protect me. I would do it for my own child, hell I''d do it for Karen. It''s just no one else knows what happened. No one else heard my mother''s last words, heard her singing even at the face of death. I couldn''t forget that, that song is everything to me. And I haven''t been able to bring my self to sing it, or tell anyone. But it always playing in my head, I''d forget it if I''d have the surgery." She said.


    Jonathan smiled. "Why the hell are you smiling?"


    Clearing his throat, he began to sing. Krystal eyes widened when she heard what he was singing. "How?"


    "I know what happened, I know the song." He replied.


    "But how?"


    "You sang it to me, in the most beautiful voice." He stated.


    Krystal''s eyes began to water. "Boss..."


    "Let me remind, I''ll teach you again." He assured her. "And you''ll teach Karen when you are ready. I won''t let you forget your parents." He said, cupping the side of her face he wiped a tear away.


    Holding on to his arm on her face she looked into his eyes for any form of deceit but found nothing but pure sincerity, it stirred something within her. She didn''t realise it, neither did he but at that moment Krystal felt assured. She had never been able to tell anyone the story of what happened that day, not even Karen. But somehow the first person she would tell would be him. And he remembered, he heard her sing once and he remembered. She was grateful.


    "Thank you boss."


    Jonathan smiled. "Anytime."

 Chapter 299 - 299. Informant.

    Jessie spent days worrying. She tried to fill her mind with her own plans and their executions, but she couldn''t push Jason away from her thoughts, she couldn''t stop thinking about him. Worrying about him, he wasn''t okay, and what''s worse was that he continued to push people away. It was unfair, it was childish and what''s worse? It was extremely nerve wracking.


    So instead of meeting with Goerge this afternoon as planned she cancelled the lunch date and headed to the Song hospital. She even cancelled on her newest ally, Lenora. She was the only one aware of George''s existence in her life, and her plan for him. Lenora had been the one to inform her of the way to secure an audience with the man. And Lenora was also the only one that she told of how badly he terrified her. How he made her skin crawl and her forehead sweaty, no one unnerved her like George Lee but yet...


    Shaking her head she pushed her handsome devil from her thoughts, she wouldn''t worry about that right now. She was meeting him two days from now. So she would wait to be scared then.


    "Hello?"


    "Hello, Paul I''m coming up so inform them at the desk." Jessie said into her phone.


    "You? Again? When exactly did this become a regular thing?" She could hear him pout over the phone.


    "Oh please, as if you aren''t happy that I come to see you." She said.


    "I''m not. I''m a busy man Jessie." He said.


    "Well so I''m I, can you please just inform the reception table?" She frowned.


    "Fine." He groaned.


    She sighed as she walked into the elevator to his office, wondering if Patricia was still here. She would ask Paul.


    After a bit she was walking into Paul''s office. Pretty classy for a hospital but again she had to remind herself that he was not a doctor.


    "Hello Paul." She greeted as she walked in.


    "Can we skip the greetings today?" He pursed his lips. "How can I help you?"


    Jessie frowned "pretty grumpy are we?"


    He gave her a pointed look and she gave in. "Fine, fine it''s about Jason."


    Paul rolled his eyes, "when has it never been?"


    "I would comment on your comment but I''m pretty desperate and also pressed for time. So I''ll ignore that. Aren''t you worried about him?" She asked.


    "Ofcourse I am, but after what he did to you and the fact that he made it a duty to ignore my calls I''m pretty pissed at the guy." He shrugged.


    "Come on, I am flattered that you are mad at him on my behalf but I feel my rage is enough don''t alienate him because of me. You were friends way before I came into the picture." She pouted. "Besides I came here hoping to hear about Jason but you''re not talking to him. That''s disappointing." She said.


    "So you don''t really care about me or my anger on your behalf. What you want is a spy?" Paul asked.


    "Spy? Pfft, you''re not a spy just... an informant." She said.


    "You do know the way to his house and his office right? I really I''m not interested in involving myself in this lover''s quarrel anymore." He resisted.


    "Paul! Stop being difficult. Jason really needs help." She said. "I don''t know how to convince him to get a therapist."


    "Isn''t that the reason you two broke up?" Paul asked. "You''re still on that?"


    "Ofcourse! Just because he didn''t want one doesn''t mean he doesn''t need it."


    Paul threw his hands in the air. "Well I can''t help you there."


    "I know" she replied quietly. "But I didn''t come here for that."


    "Then?"


    "I came for information." She replied.


    "Information on what?"


    "Jason''s mother. What did you know about her?" Jessie asked.


    "Now your asking about his mother?"


    Jessie returned his pointed look and it was his turn to fold.


    "Well for starters her name was Veronica Park. She was the prettiest woman I knew, the kindest too. And very elegant, she acted like a queen as if she possessed royal blood." Paul said.


    "Well? Is that it?" Jessie asked after he didn''t say anything else.


    "I don''t know what you want me to say."


    "Anything, what she wore, who she looked like. How she smiled, just... anything." She insisted.


    Paul sighed... heavily. "Well I always thought she smelled nice... she wore this necklace that she never took off as well. I always thought it didn''t belong on her." He said.


    "Why?"


    "Well the it was sliver, with the tiniest chain it was almost non existent. It also had a pendant, a snake. I remember always wondering why an angel like person didn''t wear a heart shaped pendent instead. That would have suited her better." He said.


    "What did she look like?" Jessie asked.


    "Uh... I''m not sure I remember. It''s been so long." Paul replied.


    "Oh..." Jessie said, sounding disappointed.


    "I think Jason has pictures though." Paul said. "I''ve seen them once, by accident. It was a mess, he was so angry. I never saw them again."


    "Where are these pictures?" Jessie asked. "Did you see them in the Kang mansion?" She asked.


    "No, it was pretty recent. I think about two years ago? He lived in the penthouse then."


    "The penthouse? Do you think they are still there?" She asked.


    "I suppose so... wait, I hope you not thinking of going there." Paul sat up straighter.


    And Jessie gave him a sweet smile. "Thank you Paul you''ve been such a help." She smiled.


    "Don''t do it Jessie, don''t break into his penthouse."


    Jessie did a double take, acting overly dramatic. "What makes you think that?"


    He yet again returned the pointed look. But this time she wasn''t giving in. This time she would get to the bottom of things, figure out somehow what happened that day. What really happeed, since Jason''s memories were unreliable.


    She was getting to the bottom of this.

 Chapter 300 - 300. Pendant.

    She walked in like she owned the place. Strutting into the building she was ever so familiar with, thanking her lucky stars that she still had a key card. Thankful Jason never thought to ask for it.


    All signs she was meant to be here. As she walked into the penthouse, she was filled with so many emotions. Somehow in just a few short months of staying here she had so many memories. Turning on the lights she remembered walking the grounds in just her towel because that diffuse hadn''t thought to buy clothes. She cringed at the memory of threatening the staff to kill herself. Walking to the balcony she wondered what exactly possessed her to climb the railing. It was too high and too dangerous, but she still smiled at the memory of their near kiss.


    The couch were he drunkenly confess his problems to her, where she promised to never stop him when he kissed her. Or the moment he and Paul set an annoying trap for she and Katherine, allowing them to spit out lies even though they knew the truth. Her shoulders shook with laughter, that... was funny.


    She remembered him firing a chef because of her, and leaving her an apple to eat. Felt like years ago, when she was banging on his door for tampons. When he carried her out of her tub, when they cuddled the entire night and he told her her voice was horrible.


    "He could have said it a nice way." She pouted as she peered into the bedroom.


    It was in this very apartment he told her he loved her... and now?


    She bit back the tears, this wasn''t the time for sentiments, she had work to do.


    She walked into his room and began to search. She checked the drawers, behind the drawers. Even making sure to look for trap door. Inside the closet, that took a hell lot of time. And yet pointless. She looked underneath the bed, under the cushions. Headed into the study, checked everything, after she came out blank from those two rooms she headed into the other rooms, even hers.


    After what felt like ages she plopped on the couch in an undignified heap, panting heavily. She looked at her phone for time... 16:53.


    She had spent almost eight hours, for nothing


    ? She felt hopeless and incredibly annoyed.


    Struggling to stand she went to the kitchen, why would he keep it there? She had no idea but she still searched and she kept coming up blank.


    She spent three more days looking for those pictures and now on the morn of the fourth day, after cancelling plans with Goerge two more times. She developed the habit if ignoring Paul''s calls as well. She felt bad but somehow she just felt like she needed to find those pictures, like there were important somehow. She couldn''t explain the feeling but that was just how she felt.


    But after the through searching she was just about to give up, until her eyes fell on a crooked painting. She must have hit it as she passed.


    Walking to set it right, she couldn''t let Jason or anyone find out she was here. Her phone buzzed in her pocket.


    Are you free for lunch? Mom says she misses you and wants to see you.


    Jonathan.


    "Food wouldn''t hurt." She said to herself. "I''m just about done with this as well."


    Sure, text me the address.


    She put the phone back in her pocket and walked to the painting. As she tired to straighten it papers fell down her feet. They looked like pictures so Jessie heart skipped a beat. Was it-


    "You have got to be Kidding me!" She screamed tossing the things across the room. There were all blanks. For crying out loud! It was like the universe was playing a sick joke on her. What the actual hell!


    Too annoyed, tired and fed up she stormed out of the room. And headed straight for the door. But she couldn''t bring herself to push it open. Turning back she walked back to the kitchen, grabbing a knife. Walked to the study she removed the painting from the wall and took it to the table. Grabbing the knife she ripped the painting to shreds. And what a sight... pictures of Jason as a child with a woman besides or around him.


    Jessie examined the pictures, there were missing the most crucial detail, the face as if there were edited out.


    "That''s odd." Jessie mused. But she recognized the pendant. Picking one, she put the painting back, slashed and all... he could do his worst.


    Cafe noir.


    Jonathan''s text came and she headed there. After three long days. She didn''t know how to feel, she searched everywhere for the woman''s face and there give her a faceless picture. Nice one, Jason. Just great.


    She took sometime getting to the cafe, so both Jonathan and Celeste already had cups of coffee with them as she arrived.


    "Jessie!" Celeste smiled.


    Well here was one beautiful face... at least. "Hello Celeste, Jonathan it''s been a while."


    "It has. How have you been? I hope Jason isn''t taking his bad moods home to you, heard his being a massive pain in the ass these days." Jonathan asked and her face fell.


    "Actually... I wouldn''t know, I''ve not been living with him for almost a week now." She confessed and both of them had looks of shock on their faces.


    "Oh dear what happened?" Celeste asked.


    She looked away for a bit before answering. "We broke up."


    "What?!" Jonathan exclaimed. "Jason broke up with you?"


    "Hush you!" His mother shushed him.


    "Are you okay?" Celeste asked.


    Jessie looked down at her idle hands, just sitting on her laps. "Honestly... I''m not sure. I have seen better times. I just have no idea what went wrong he just..." she trailed off, breathing heavily to try and prevent her tears.


    "You poor thing!" Celeste exclaimed. Standing up she leaned across the table to hug Jessie, but the only thing Jessie could see was the necklace hanging out of her shirt.


    "Well I always thought she smelled nice... she wore this necklace that she never took off as well. I always thought it didn''t belong on her."


    "Well the it was sliver, with the tiniest chain it was almost non existent. It also had a pendant, a snake."


    No fucking way!

 Chapter 301 - 301. Mind Your Fucking Business.

    Jessie couldn''t unsee what she just did. The lunch went by right before her eyes, she couldn''t hear anything but somehow she knew when to nod and say ''yes''.


    "Jessie you''re awfully quiet, is something wrong?" Celeste asked.


    "She was the prettiest woman I knew, the kindest too. And very elegant, she acted like a queen as if she possessed royal blood."


    "Jessie!"


    "What!" She startled. "Oh my goodness I''m so sorry. I zoned out." She apologised. "I''ll go wash my face." She said, getting up and heading to the bathroom.


    "It must be hard for you these days. You''ve lost your entire life and job. It must be absolutely unbearable with Jason gone as well." Celeste said as she walked out of the bathroom.


    "Celeste?! What are you doing here?" Jessie asked.


    "I was worried about you. You don''t look very good." She said with a kind smile and such sincerity radiating from her that Jessie felt overwhelmed. "I think you should go away for a while. Fresh air would do you a world of good dear."


    "I should take a walk?" Jessie asked.


    "No! Maybe... that''s not what I meant. I meant you should travel. Perhaps for a little while, maybe for a while. Just get away, clear your head. Don''t you think?" Celeste suggested.


    Jessie shook her head. "I can''t... there too much I''ll be leaving behind." She refused. "I can''t even think of a vacation right now."


    "What would you be leaving behind exactly? These people, they don''t value you. Look at how they treat you like some... criminal, when you did nothing wrong. While the true criminals continue to bask in the glory. And Jason? He ended up breaking your heart, how are you going to face him?"


    "Oh Celeste." She sighed, "it''s honestly comforting hearing you worry about me like this. But you don''t have to worry about Jason, we aren''t over. Like hell I''m just going to let him have his way and walk away." She stated.


    "Besides I''ve come into new information that would salvage this" she smiled.


    "New information?" Celeste asked.


    "Yes. It pretty mind blowing. Too good to be true." Jessie replied.


    Celeste features tightened slightly. "I''d be weary of such. Nothing is ever too good to be true."


    ''Surely it must be a misunderstanding''. She thought. But she couldn''t even convince herself of that. This happened way too soon.


    She felt woozy and nauseous all the same. How was it possible? There had too be some sort if mistake. Jason and Jonathan were step brothers. And if Celeste was Jonathan''s mother then... she knew who Jason was. If it really was true, how then did it make any sense.


    This woman was like light and sun. She was beautiful and kind, like a goddess.


    "She was the prettiest woman I knew, the kindest too. And very elegant, she acted like a queen as if she possessed royal blood."


    She really was his mother! She was, that means Jason didn''t kill his mom. He didn''t do it, he was okay. His mother was alive.


    She didn''t know why but a single tear fell out of her eye and she quickly wiped it away. "I''m sorry I don''t know what''s wrong with me."


    "It''s okay dear." Celeste smiled at her. "You''re going through a lot."


    "You too kind Veronica." Jessie said absentmindly and Celeste''s face darkened instantly.


    The total change shocking to Jessie. She realized her mistake.


    "What did you call me?" Her voice when down a whole pitch.


    Up till this day, Jessie wouldn''t understand why the hell she said what she said, or where the courage came from but it was out of her mouth before she could stop it.


    "Veronica."


    "I heard, but why?" Celeste asked stepping away from her.


    Jessie eyes narrowed, she had been acting way too long to know and understand body reactions. And she wasn''t getting good or ignorant even, reactions from Celeste.


    "I''m not sure, the name just seems to fit you." Jessie shrugged, poking, waiting for something more substantial.


    "Call me by my name. Celeste Shim." Celeste frowned.


    "Are you mad at me?" Jessie asked softly fening disappointment.


    Celeste glared. "Yes Jessie I am. How would you feel were I to call you by a name that did not belong to you?!" She struggled to keep her voice on an even tone.


    "A little irritated honestly, but certainly not too much to be enrage." She pouted. "Beside I get called different name all the time it''s really not a big deal."


    "It is for me, and I am not enraged!" She huffed.


    Jessie assessed Celeste''s reactions, she definitely looked flustered but her gaze was unwavering. Not confident but guarded, she didn''t appear nervous or sacred but rather dangerous and cautious. Now a combination she was sure did not belong on Celeste.


    What the hell was going on?


    "Don''t ever, call me Veronica." Celeste threatened.


    "I won''t!" Jessie said too quickly, stepping back as well. She felt a familiar feeling creeping up the back of her spine. This was the way she felt around George. But George was a dangerous man... Celeste was an angel! "I''m sorry." She whispered softly.


    Celeste nodded and walked to her, touching her chin. Even though she was taller than the woman she felt inferior somehow. "I''m sorry that I exploded like that." She apologised. "I just really hate the name Veronica."


    "You didn''t explode." Jessie felt the need to add.


    Celeste smiled. "You too sweet. Forget it happened, and think about what I said."


    "What you said?" Jessie asked.


    "About travelling... I''ll be heading back to the table." She said.


    After She watched Celeste walk away, she felt this sort of weight. She knew the truth, what was the point of dragging things out? The quicker she got Jason and his mother together, the quicker and this therapy fiasco would be over and she could be with him.


    "You said you hated the name Veronic" she called out.


    Celeste halted, turning around slightly Jessie could feel the ire radiating from her body. "I thought we choose to forget that?"


    "I didn''t." Jessie said. "You didn''t either, and you know that the name Veronica isn''t a random coincidence."


    Celeste stiffened and Jessie noticed her fisting her palms beside her person.


    "How did you find out?" She asked.


    "So you really know? I don''t understand, does this mean Jonathan and Jason aren''t half brothers?" She asked.


    Celeste rolled her eyes, another thing Jessie felt was unbecoming on her.


    "Answer my question." She ordered.


    "Answer my question." Jessie replied stubbornly.


    "That is none of you business. How did you find out." She asked again.


    "Your pendant. I saw it somewhere." Jessie answered.


    Her hand instinctively went to her neck and she touched the pendant with familiarity. "Hmph... didn''t think you were such a detailed observer." Celeste sneered.


    "I''m not. Infact if I hadn''t seen that pendant today I wouldn''t have noticed it." She replied.


    "Ofcourse, Jessie Marin too high and mighty to notice things that do not concern her." She spat.


    Jessie frowned. "Don''t antagonize me Celeste. I''m only here to help." She stated.


    "Help? What do you think you can do?"


    "Anything, I can do anything. I have no idea why you would stay away from your own child for over fourteen years Celeste. Or why you would let your sons live ant agonizing each other when they are supposed to each others confidants. But whatever it is I''m sure we can find a solution." Jessie offered sincerely. Her eyes full of compassion and sincerity.


    Well... that was until Celeste began to laugh. "What the hell do you..." she laughed, and it annoyed Jessie more than she would have loved to admit. "You really have no idea. You have no fucking idea Jessie so just mind your damn business." She spat.


    "I don''t understand! I''m trying to help you here, you don''t.. you are not a bad person and I know that you miss Jason, if not for anything I see the way you are for Jonathan. Surya you are not a bad mother so why are you acting like this?" She asked.


    "You really are naive Jessie." Celeste said. "Did I ask for your help? Mind your fucking business Jessie!" Celeste ground out through gritted teeth. Turning around to stomp off.


    "If not for you do it for Jason." She froze in her tracks. "He really needs you right now." Jessie continued encouraged by her reaction.


    "He thinks I''m dead. How can he need me?" Celeste asked. "I''m not his mother, not anymore. His mother is dead." She said finally, walking away.


    "He thinks he killed you!" She yelled in frustration.


    Celeste turned around again. "What?"


    "I don''t know why, but he keeps having these episodes that convince him you does because of him." Jessie said. "But somehow, well obviously that''s not true you are alive. So help your son, please. He keeps pushing me away, he''s pushing everyone away. But he is suffering, please." She begged.


    Celeste quited for a bit, it looked like she was thinking until she looked Jessie in eyes and broke her heart. "I''m sorry but I can''t help you Jessie. Jason cannot know I''m alive."


    It was Jessie''s turn to freeze. "Did you not hear a word I said?!" She yelled. "Your son thinks he killed you and he is suffering for it. How can you just walk away from this?!"


    "Again I''ll say it, this is none of your business!" Celeste spat back.


    "Ofcourse it is! The man I love is lost and suffering, while his mother who is capable of fixing everything refuses to. How can it not be my business?" She spat back. "If you don''t tell him I will!" She threatened.


    And Celeste''s eyes darkened, she began to approach Jessie with mad speed and murderous eyes. "Don''t make me your enemy Jessie, that would be the worst mistake you can ever make." Celeste threatened, pinning her to the wall with an arm around her slender throat.


    Jessie eyes were so wide she was almost low jawed. Who the hell was this woman. "I will destroy everything you love, don''t doubt. Say a word to Jason and I swear you regret it the rest of your damned life!" With that she let Jessie go and stomped off.


    Leaving the stupifeid woman on the floor in a heap. Wondering what the hell was going on?

 Chapter 302 - 302. Murderous Actress.

    "Hello? I told you not to call me when I''m at work." Scarlett scolded the person at the other side of the phone in hushed tones.


    "It''s important, do you think I''d jeopardize this?" The person stated.


    "Fine what is it? ...what? How did-"


    "Now is not the time for questions. Juts do as I tell you."


    "You don''t have to ask me twice. I also do not want her anywhere close to here." Scarlett replied. "By the way how did you know she''ll come?"


    "Fine, don''t worry I''ll take care of it." She assured, cutting the call. She dropped her hand phone and picked up her office phone and dialed the landline.


    **************************************************


    "Excuse me, I need to see Jason Kang."


    "And you are?" The receptionist asked the scarf cald woman with pale skin and bold red lips.


    "Um... Choi Aera, tell him Choi Aera is here to see him." The woman repeated, adjusting the big sunglasses on her face.


    "I''m sorry miss, do you have an appointment?" The receptionist asked.


    "No... but he''s expecting me. He won''t turn me away." She said.


    The receptionist demeanor suddenly changed. Instead of a bright smile she had a scowl and a demeaning look in her eyes.


    "I''m sorry if you don''t have an appointment you can see the chairman." She stated.


    Jessie bit her lower lip to keep from exploding. Who the hell was she staring at like that? "I already told you he wouldn''t turn me away." She repeated with an edge to her tone.


    "Well the chairman has given explicit orders today, not to be disturbed. He is in back to back meetings and is very busy." The receptionist said.


    Jessie sighed. "Why can''t you understand? This is really important, I need to talk to him right now."


    The receptionist looked at her from up to down, judgement in her every gaze. "Look darling. I know your type. You had the euphoria of the chairman''s attention for a while. And I can understand why he spent his time on you." She said with a slight just of the chin. "But that''s over now, he won''t be seeing you. So please save you''re dignity and just leave quietly." The woman advised.


    "What? I''m not..." she sighed, again. "I''m not a whore or some... whatever it is you are thinking. I''m here to tell him something very important."


    The receptionist didn''t try to mask the annoyance and contempt this time, openly rolling her eyes she spoke. "Are you dumb? Or deaf? Must I spell it out? The chairman is not accepting any visitors today!" She almost yelled, gaining attention from the surrounding people.


    "I''m not just any visitor!" Jessie as well, almost yelled back. "Look I''m-" she pulled of the glasses and pushed the scarf backwards.


    The receptionist eyes widened when she recognized who was standing before her. Jessie relaxed at the receptionist reaction to her. She definitely recognized her.


    "You know who I am. Certainly you''ve heard the rumours that said I was dating your chairman? Well for the sake of those please let me go up." She pleaded.


    The receptionist laughed. "Do you think this makes it any better? Gosh you really do not have any shame at all!"


    Jessie''s eyes widened. "What?"


    "How dare you come here after everything this company has suffered because of you?" The woman spat.


    "Excuse me?"


    "Excuse yourself! And leave, before this gets ugly."


    "Who the hell do you think you are speaking to? Seems you do not fancy your job!" Jessie huffed angrily.


    "The only person who doesn''t fancy something here is you. What right do you even have to think you can mention my job?" She continued to spew grievances. "The mere fact that you had to come here to see the chairman means you and him aren''t together anymore. Plus I''ll let you in on a little secret so you don''t continue to be shameless. It''s too painful to see, plus withstanding everything I still think you are too pretty for this." The receptionist said.


    "I don''t need your advice! Let me up to see Jason right now!" Jessie ordered.


    The receptionist looked up and made gestures with her hand. Jessie followed her line of sight to the two bodyguards that started to approach.


    "What are you doing?" She asked in alarm.


    "You said you didn''t want my advice." She said with a crooked smile. Before long the two men grabbed both of Jessie''s arms.


    "What the hell are you doing?!" Jessie yelled. "Let go off me! I''ll leave on my own." She spat, but the didn''t let go.


    "The chairman gave specific orders for you to be removed forcefully if you showed your face here." The receptionist said.


    "Jason would never do that." Jessie said, starting to panic. "Let me go! I''ll leave on my own." She insisted.


    "I''m sorry that is no longer an option miss Marin." The receptionist said, waving for the men to carry her out.


    Jessie fought to get them off her, but as her legs were barely touching the ground she just looked like a flailing chicken.


    "Jason would never do that! Let me go!!" She screamed, no longer caring for the scene she was making. "I''ll walk on my own, this is highly unnecessary! Let go off me! Let go!" She continued to fight.


    A small crowd had begun to gather and before she knew it she was stumbling to the floor outside the office. Her scarf and glasses completely gone.


    Soon she began to hear people''s whispers.


    "Isn''t that the murderous actress?"


    "She has no shame!"


    "Gosh I can''t believe I ever like her!"


    "I always knew there was something off about that woman!"


    It was a struggle for Jessie to bite back the tears, infact she refused to deceive herself any longer. The tears fell from her eyes in streams and rivers and she shook with heart wrenching sobs.


    ''Jason would never do this!'' She kept saying in her head, but the evidence of it was obvious. She was on her ass, in the middle of the street with people criticising her. A celebrities worst nightmare. She tried to get up when she realized that she had no shoes, somehow in her less than elegant flailing she must have lost it.


    Until... there was a car screeching, and a body covering hers. She opened her eyes Xander gazes with a hard chest. In a black suit and blue shirt.


    "Jason?"


    "Until when are you going to cry for that man?" A familiar voice asked.


    Jessie blinked through her tear stained lashes, looking up at the owner of the voice she chilled. "George? What are you doing here?" She asked.


    "What does it look like?" He asked with a soft smile. Looking backwards, she followed his eyes as well. His bodyguards where already telling or rather scaring people away. "I''m here for you."


    "But how?"


    "It doesn''t matter. Can you walk? Where are your shoes?" He asked.


    Jessie opened her mouth to speak but only sobs came out and she covered her face and buried it between her knees. "Go away please, I don''t want you to see me cry." She said through muffled sounds.


    George touched her shoulders affectionately. "I don''t want to see you cry either. And I don''t want anyone to see you cry. Can you try to be strong? Just at least until we get into the car, you can''t act weak in front of them." He urged gently.


    After a few short moments she managed to get her crying under control. Lifting her face George did the duty of wiping her face. Pulling out a handkerchief he wiped the rep lipstick of her lips.


    "Find her shoes." He ordered his bodyguards.


    "It''s in there..." she jutted her chin towards the building.


    "Get it for her." He said, cupping her face he placed a chaste kiss on her lips, placing his forehead on hers. "Until when are you going to suffer for a man that doesn''t deserve a goddess like you?" He asked softly.


    Jessie''s only reply was a stray tear that rolled down her cheek. George thumb swiped across her cheek. "No more tears, remember?"


    "Here are the shoes." The bodyguard said handing him two nude pumps.


    George released her from his embrace and moved to her feet, picking one dainty ankle and slipping on the shoes. "Now Jessie you are going to stand up, and hold you head up. Because you have nothing to be ashamed off, more than all the people here you are more superior. Do not forget that." He said slipping the other shoe on.


    Jessie nodded, she understood. Be could have just picked her up but she needed to do this. She needed to proof to them and herself that she was tougher than a measly breakup.


    ''But it''s not measly, you love Jason.'' A small voice whispered inside her. She ignored it.


    Taking George''s offered arm she managed to stand.


    "Are you ready?" He asked.


    ****


    This might be the last chapter I would write in a while. I''m starting exams soon and there is so much for me to cover. I don''t want to feel scared but I''m starting too. I would try to update but I doubt that would be more than a thousand words a day.


    Just until the second week of July. I thought I could keep up with win win but at this point I might actually fail if I don''t read now.


    Sorry to all the people that bought privileges this month, I would still try update but I''m not certain for sure. I really, really need to just shut everything off and just read.


    Wish me luck!


    ******


    She cleared her throat, wiped her face on more time. She looked like a mess but she didn''t care. Straightened her spine and slipped her arm into George''s outstretched one. And walked with him to his car.


    She didn''t know what next but she knew she had to survive today before anything else.

 Chapter 303 - 303. Jason Would Never.

    "Oh my goodness! Jessie what happened, who the hel- oh my gosh!" Katherine exclaimed as George Lee... George Lee, like the actual George Lee walked into through her doors with Jessie in his arms.


    Katherine could not wrap her mind around what was going on. At first when a suit clad man with a microphone to his ear came knocking at her door, she never expected this... she expected another note, perhaps an explanation but never in her wildest dreams. And why the hell was Jessie letting him hold her like that? Did she not know who he was? Not only did he have the reputation of being an absolute rake, he was a Lee! They weren''t people cut from good cloth.


    It was the same like the devil. The saying when eating with the devil use a long spoon, when eating with a Lee- don''t even eat with them.


    "This is you roommate? Katherine Park?" George asked as he placed Jessie on the kitchen counter. Refusing to leave her side.


    "Y-you know my name?" She stuttered in shock.


    "Of course, the youngest professor in the Song hospital. I know everybody that somebody in this city." He stated bluntly.


    And Katherine''s cheeks unwilling reddened. How the hell was she supposed to hate him when he said things like that. Was this charming guy really the owner of an auction house?


    ''No Katherine no! Don''t be fooled by his sweet words they are all fake!'' She scolded herself.


    She looked towards Jessie who looked like she had seen better days, with a bruise on her elbow. A bruise?!


    "Why is she like that? What did you do to her?" Katherine asked in alarm, rushing over to Jessie.


    "I didn''t do anything."


    "Then why is she so quiet? Why is she hurt? Jessie? Are you okay?" Katherine as the unmoving Jessie. Who finally looked at her, all along she had been staring into space, her eyes red and her lips began to quiver... again.


    "Oh my goodness, Jessie what happened?" Katherine as she held her friend.


    "He" sob. "he - the bodyguards" sob "... I told them I could." Sob "they wouldn''t let me... and he just left me." She cried, falling forward to Katherine. But before Katherine could catch her George already did.


    Katherine regarded the position with suspicion but she said nothing as Jessie was still sobbing. "I''ve only ever seen her cry like that once before. What. Did. You. Do?" She asked her gaze intense.


    "Me? I didn''t so anything. I told you before." George stated, as if the entire situation was amusing.


    "I don''t believe you." Katherine retorted.


    "Well do you think I would offend her and she would cry into my chest like this?" He asked, dramatically caressing her hair.


    "She didn''t go to you, she came to me. You..." she pointed an accusing finger. "Took advantage of the situation."


    George smiled, no wonder she was the youngest professor. Really very perceptive, and while he liked to be the villain, he would gladly relinquish that to Jason this time.


    "She''s crying because she''s heartbroken." He stated bluntly.


    Katherine shook her head. "I don''t understand."


    "I''ll put this in three words then. Jason did this." George replied bluntly.


    Again she shook her head but not out of confusion. "He would never. Jason would never do that, make her cry like this."


    George laughed. "Quite some faith you both have in this man, I''m jealous." He said, his tone light but his eyes deadly serious. "And yet he deserves none of it."


    "Jason is in love with Jessie, you don''t hurt people you love." Katherine defended him. "He... he loves her too much, way too much." She insisted.


    George eyes narrowed and he was ready to burst out at her. How dare she say stuff like that, right before him, but Jessie was faster.


    Like someone lit a fire under her she jumped down from the island and faced Katherine with a glare in her wet eyes. "Then he doesn''t love me!" She spat viciously. "Because this is what he did to me." She said.


    "Jessie." Katherine said softly and cautiously.


    "No" Jessie shook her head. "He did this to me Katherine. I-I went to apologise and tell him I''d back off. I wanted him back but he wouldn''t even see me. He told his receptionist to throw me out of the building. I was thrown out Katherine! Onto the street! Look! Look at this" she raised her bruised elbow. "Does that mean he doesn''t love me anymore?" She asked in a small defeated voice and Katherine heart broke for her friend.


    "Tell me!" She screamed. "Why would he do this?!" She cried. "Why?!"


    Katherine pulled her into a tight hug with no words to be said. She also did not have a single idea why what happened happened. Still skceptical about the story, Jason would never do that. He wouldn''t. She was sure of it, but Jessie wasn''t hallucinating either.


    "Are you sure it was Jason that gave the order? What if it wasn''t him?" She pulled her away and held unto her shaking shoulders.


    "Do you really think so?" Jessie asked, sniffing.


    "Ofcourse it''s him. Nothing happens in a company that the head doesn''t know off." George stated behind them, quickly coming to dislike Katherine. How dare she continue to defend Jason?


    "That''s not true, a lot of things happen that the chairman does not of." She retorted.


    "Maybe just where you work. Paul Song is the director of the song hospital isn''t he? A lawyer in charge of doctors... of course he would be ignorant." George stated bluntly.


    Katherine''s jaw dropped. It was one thing to insult her place of work but Paul? Now that was just crossing a line!


    But before she could speak he added.


    "Nothing happens in my company that I don''t know off." He said.


    "Well you are not exactly the head of the Lee corporation now are you?" Katherine spat back causing George jaw to stiffen.


    How dare she?

 Chapter 304 - 304. Bitch Much.

    She couldn''t sleep! That dratted man still wouldn''t allow her such luxuries. She laid there, struggling to think of anything but, but it was futile. She hurt everywhere... and who the hell ever said the heart was just an organ and love was a trick of the mind must have been a pained fool! Why then the hell did her chest feel like someone dug their hands into her chest grabbed her heart and continued to squeeze, tight.


    Even with not tears left to cry she felt agony. She felt regret, she felt helpless. Why did she ever believe him when he said he loved her? She promised she would never be one of those naive girls that got deceived by a guy. She was better than that, oh, what a fool she''d been. She shouldn''t have judged in her heart. Look at her, even worse off than the others.


    Was this the fate of the world? For a heart break to destroy the good in people? She wanted to rage, she wanted to scream and break things. She wanted to die... but all those would have to wait. She was too tried yet. She didn''t even have the energy for that.


    Dragging herself up and out of her bed that refused to allow her comfort or sleep she walked into the bathroom. Hating how Katherine''s didn''t have any bathtub in her apartment.


    "I don''t have the time for a tub. I''m a doctor." She said.


    Well she was an actress, she always had time for a tub. Instead she stripped walked into the shower and turned it on. Walking under it and letting the ice cold water at least try to soothe the searing pain she felt. She just sat there with her head between her knees as she let the water sting her skin. In a comforting way.


    **************************************************


    Jason walked out of his office in a mood. When was the last time he felt this way? Annoyed at life and angry at most things. He didn''t realise how free he had been until today.


    "Wow... I really miss her." He mumbled to himself.


    "Did you say something sir?" Scarlett asked as she walked beside him.


    Jason looked down at her. "No, I hope my schedule is clear after this. I can''t understand why I''m so busy today, you''ve been doing a decent job of maintaining my schedule what the hell happened today? It''s been one meeting after the other." He stated with a frown as she pushed the elevator button and they walked in together.


    "Small shift sir, urgent business. It''s just today, it won''t happen again." She replied quickly.


    Jason drew in a deep breath and shut his eyes, trying to clam his raging chest. What he would give to just hold her. Shaking his head he tired to banish the thoughts, not like those would help anyway. He needed time away from her.


    "I can''t believe after all this years you''re still weak! This is not the man I raised, on his knees gasping for his mommy!"


    Going to see a therapist would only prove his father right, and he knew Jessie wouldn''t let up on that matter. He would fix this himself. He would figure it out himself.


    "Cancel my remaining plans I''m going out." He said curtly leaving her behind.


    "But sir- about the dinner date with the investors!" She yelled after him.


    "Arrange it." He said.


    "S-sir?" Scarlett stuttered, almost stumbling as she ran after him. He was letting her set that? He had only given her basically close to nothing to do, did that mean he trusted her?


    "I don''t like to repeat myself, Scarlett." He said absentmindly as he pulled his phone from his pocket.


    Let''s meet. We need to talk, don''t you think? I heard you broke up with Jessie, so you definitely didn''t marry her. And your wife, clearly isn''t me. Don''t you think you should officially break off this farce of an engagement? I''m too pretty to be jilted. Tomorrow, 9pm, the Castle. Don''t be late.


    Ps: you at least owe that courtesy, this might not mean much for you but it''s my life.


    Patricia.


    "Sir?" Scarlett called out to him.


    "Set the meeting for 6pm. At the castle, tell them not to be late." He replied putting his phone back into is pocket. His mood worsening.


    "But.."


    "I just said that I hated repeating myself!" He yelled and she flinched. He sighed "just do as I say." He said, curtly walking off.


    **************************************************


    "What do you mean? It hasn''t even been Twenty four hours! People cry about heartbreaks for months, and you won''t even give me a day?!" She yelled at Katherine tugging back her blanket.


    "No! I refuse to let you be sad over a worthless guy, trust me. You are much better doing something to take your mind of Jason." Katherine insisted, tugging the blanket back.


    "Is that what you do about Paul? Guess what twenty years later you''re still heart broken." She stated matter of fact, refusing to regret at her statement as she watched the look of hurt etched all over Katherine''s face.


    "Bitch much!" Katherine gasped.


    "Well why don''t you just let me sleep in peace?" She retorted.


    "No! Like hell I''ll let you have your way now. Taking out your hurt on others is unacceptable!" Katherine jumped on the bed and tackled her.


    "Perhaps you take your own advice you hypocrite!" She said through gritted teeth as she tried to fight back.


    "You first!" Katherine struggled to push her hand away.


    "No, you first!" Jessie yelled back, bucking her hips lifting her up and flipping them over so that Katherine laid beneath her.


    "Let go!" Katherine screamed.


    "Wow Katherine you are such a hypocrite!" Jessie spat with an amusing laugh.


    "And you are such a bitch!" Katherine spat back.


    The struggle was cut short when Jessie''s phone began to buzz. She sat back and stretched forward to grab the phone from her nightstand.


    "Who is it?" Katherine asked from under her.


    Jessie sent her a subtle glare, "it''s not Jason if that''s what your thinking." She said, answering the phone. It was over before Katherine could understand what was going on.


    Before she knew what was going on Jessie was already dashing to the bathroom.


    "What hell is going on?" Katherine asked.


    "I''m going out." Jessie said.


    "What? With who?" Katherine sat up.


    "Who else, George." She replied.


    Katherine eyes widened. "George Lee? You''re seeing him again?"


    Jessie stopped and turned around. "What?"


    "Are you really asking me that?" Katherine asked. "You do know that he is George Lee right?"


    Jessie sighed. "It''s not what you think."


    "What do you think I think?"


    "Look, I''ll explain all this later but right now, I have work to do." She said gesturing to her face.


    "Your getting dressed up for him?" Katherine almost squeaked. "What happened to Jason? And being heartbroken, all that you said just seconds ago?"


    "I''m taking your advice. Forgetting about him." She said promptly.


    "That is not what I meant..." Katherine yelled out in a sing song voice.


    "I know." Jessie replied from inside the bathroom like wise.

 Chapter 305 - 305. Sells Girls For A Living.

    "Wow... you look absolutely beautiful." George smiled as Jessie walked to his car.


    Her hair was pinned up with short tendrils caressing the side of her face and neck. Her eye make up prominent but she left her lips nude. With a pink body con dress that hugged all her curves and a slit that went up all the way to heaven... her long leg was on display. And only making them longer was the flowery heel she had on, she did look beautiful.


    She smiled and put her hand in his as he opened the car door for her. Jessie eyed the bodyguards that stood watch with curiosity but swallowed her question. He probably just wanted to be chivalrous. As she walked to enter the car he grabbed her naked arm and spun her around.


    Jessie eyes widened slightly and her raised brow helped ask the question but a small smirk was all he answered with. When his thumb and index finger caressed her chin she knew what he wanted to do. And before she could decide where or not she wanted this his lips were already on hers.


    In her shock her eyes remained open as he wrapped an arm around her slender waist, pulling her closer. When he moved his lips aganist hers her lids reluctantly fluttered shut. She didn''t understand how she felt, frozen. She had been kissed before, many times even but now she didn''t know what to do. Even as he deepened his kiss her hands remained placid on his chest and her eyes opened up again. To see his passion filled face she shut them again.


    Then it was over, as he pulled away she was still closing her eyes, her lips slightly swollen George felt himself come alive. Damn... she was just a woman, he reminded himself. With the same parts he had taken over and over again, but a voice in his head refuted the common sense. It wasn''t any woman, this was Jessie Marin. The woman he had been lusting after ever since he held her at that party. And now she was in his arms again... where she belonged.


    "Come now let''s go eat." He smiled at her and she tilted he lip upwards in was seemed like a smile? Well maybe she wasn''t sure, until he smiled back.


    The restaurant was dark, the kind that had booths and private sections. As they walked in, an entourage of waiters followed besides them with was appeared to be a manager? It didn''t matter they caused a fuss and while Jessie normally reveled in attention this was not a time she would be comfortable. What if they started throwing things at her?


    Gripping his arm she paused, causing the entourage to stop as well. Looking up at him she bit her lips, unsure how to start. "What''s wrong?"


    Jason would have emptied the restaurant for her. "There are too many people." She frowned. "I can''t... it''s going to be bad if people see me with you."


    George''s brow rose, "and what makes you say that?"


    She pursed her lips and narrowed her gaze. "Do you really not know that? I''m a social pariah!"


    "But you did nothing wrong." He replied.


    "Well no thanks you your niece, or even you infact." She retorted. "I''m sorry, I''m sorry. Patricia did this not you, you just sell girls for a living." She added with a cheeky smile.


    George''s head tilted to the side and he turned to face her and so did she. She had no idea what was giving her this adrenaline but instead of retreating like a sensible human being she straightened her back and folded her arms. Looking him in the eye.


    Their bodies stood inches from each other, and when he leaned down to straight into her eyes she stepped back. "Is this your way of dealing with you anger? Lashing out?" He asked, his voice neither calm nor agitated. It was unnerving the way she never knew what he was thinking. Doing such a good job of keeping everything in.


    The only thing about Jason she was wary off was that useless grin he wore when he was up to no good. And his impulsive demands, but George was a blank book. It was like there was nothing, but a promise of danger.


    And the worst he was mostly amused, not angry, not bored just amused. What the hell was so entertaining?


    Unable to maintain eye contact she looked away but as her gaze was leaving his he brought it back.


    "Don''t worry, you can always take out your stress on me. But I can think of much better ways to..." he leaned in closer his face burning into the side of hers. "Release all that pent up anger." He whispered sensually in her ear.


    It was like a dam broke, or the stupid adrenaline that fueled her confidence suddenly vanished and the fear was back with such force it was almost crippling.


    "No thank you." She bit out hoping her voice didn''t have as much cowardice as she did.


    He smiled. "Offer always stands."


    "Ofcourse it does." She mumbled.


    "What was that?"


    "I said that still does not solve the people problem. Can we go somewhere more quiet?" She asked desperately.


    "Not a chance, you should hold your head up high Jessie. You did nothing wrong." He repeated. "And even if you did, what the hell is anyone business? You''re better than all of them."


    Her brows furrowed. "What does that mean?" She asked, not fully aware that he had began to lead her further ahead.


    "What do you mean, darling?" George asked.


    "You''ve said it before, and you just said it again. That I''m better than everyone, that not true." She shook her head.


    It was his turn to stop. "Ofcourse you are. I don''t need to take a look around the room to know you are the most superior woman here. The most beautiful, elegant and refined, with a body that makes men swoon and" he cupped her face. "Gosh... you are a goddess, if Jason didn''t tell you this then he is a foolish man."


    Jessie frowned and not because of the insult to Jason she also thought he was foolish, infact she thought he was much worse. "Just because I''m prettier doesn''t make me better than everyone. Besides I''m sure there are more beautiful women here tonight, you can''t put so much importance on looks." She said.


    "Do you really think that?" George asked. And she nodded.


    "Jason is really a fool then."

 Chapter 306 - 306. Ruined Actress.

    "You''re late."


    "And you are?" Patricia regarded the woman in a low cut... too low cut purple dress with glasses so thick the covered half her face.


    "Scarlett Bae. The chairman''s secretary." She replied with an outstretched arm.


    Ignoring her hand Patricia''s face distorted into one of utter disgust and disbelief. "He brought a secretary here? What the hell happened to the other one? You know the one with less of this." She pointed her finger and circled Scarlett''s bosom.


    "You''re late." Jason voice said from behind her.


    Patricia turned around to face him, adjusting the fur jacket hanging off her shoulder. She was in a black sequined flare dress that hugged her chest and opened up around her waist. Stopping at her upper thighs and strapped heels that tied all the way up her calves.


    "And you brought your secretary? What is this a business negotiation?" She asked in disbelief.


    Jason gestured at her seat while circling around to take his. "Isn''t it?"


    Her jaw dropped. "How nice." She said through gritted teeth.


    "Well? You said you wanted to talk, so talk." He said with a straight face.


    "I''m not saying a thing with her standing here, her breats all on display." She spat venomously tilting her head at the unwanted attention.


    Jason shrugged off his jacket at her, after a quick glance. Handed it over to Scarlett. "Cover yourself." Were his curt words. "Happy?" He asked honestly pleased at the distorted look on Patricia face.


    This night just got a whole lot better.


    "That is not what I meant!" She almost yelled but managed to stop herself in time. "What the hell are you doing?" She asked when he stretched out his arm.


    "The ring, you wanted to officially end this. You should give me back the engagement ring." He said.


    Her hand instinctively went around her fingers to cover it. Caressing the ring protectively, she didn''t want to let it go, she had been wearing this for the last year of course it was only normal she''d become attached. Besides this meeting while being important was mainly just a farce to see him. She planned on dragging this out and still going back home an engaged woman, she didn''t expect him to be so direct.


    She had been so lonely and way too sad, she hated to admit but she wanted him, weather he liked her enough. Apparently this was enough.


    "You''re really doing this aren''t you?" She breathed out quietly.


    "I''ll make it quick. Patricia let''s break up-"


    "Wait!" She exclaimed. "I need to use the ladies room."


    Jason blinked at her, wearing a nonchalant expression with his lips tilted in a snobbish fashion, as if everything annoyed him.


    Before he could say anymore she had turned around and walked away. Jason sighed into his seat, scanning around the room when he saw a familiar silhouette. She was facing away from him but he knew those legs anywhere.


    But instinct he looked to her date and almost choked on air when he saw the person she sat across. His eyes widened, his hands gripped the table so hard his knuckles whitened.


    His heart rate speed up and he could hear his heart beat in his head, he could feel himself getting angry. He didn''t understand if he was angry she was with George Lee and he was looking at her like a parched rat, while she was water. Or just the fact that she was with someone else. After everything she said... "liar." He said. How could she just... and worse with him? He gritted his teeth so hard it hurt, as he was about to get up and go to them he saw her get up.


    His eyes followed her as she walked out of the eating area. Impulsively he rose as well, not noticing the absence of the secretary. He followed behind her, not too close but not too near as well.


    *************************************************


    Jessie walked into the toilet and shut the door. quickly, seating down on the covered toilet. Grateful for the elite restaurants and their added privacy. She didn''t know what she was thinking coming out to night. Worse in this dress!


    She hated to admit it but Katherine was right. This was a bad idea. If she wasn''t fully aware before she was now, George wanted her. Like he really wanted her. The thought sending shudders down her spine. She dug herself into this, no mistake there no the problem was how to dig herself out.


    He was terrifying and the mere thought of him touching her like that was enough to make her gag. Not because he was undesirable, goodness no. He was by any means the definition of a man. But there was just something about his essence that just screamed... run! Yet he pulled her in, she knew it was wrong, she knew it was dangerous, she also knew she didn''t want this but she couldn''t help herself somehow she found herself, again with him. And how he terrified her, how was that bot enough?!


    Damn that Jason! He was the reason she went to him in the first place.


    "You shouldn''t try to delay this you know." A voice said from the other side of the door.


    "What the actual fuck?! Why did you follow me here?" A familiar voice retorted. "And who the hell do you think you are giving me advice?"


    ''Patricia?''


    "I know Chairman better than anyone, and all this tactics would never hold his attention." The other unidentifiable person spoke.


    "Chairman Kang? Asin Jason?" Jessie whispered in the stalls.


    Patricia looked down at the woman beside her and laughed. "You know him?" She chuckled. "Have you even worked for him more than a week?"


    "It''s been three years, but two weeks and three days I''ve been working directly with him. I know everything there us is to know about him. So I know that doing this..." she rolled her wrist. "Is pointless. He doesn''t want you he never will so just forget it."


    Jessie frowned, who was this woman? And why the hell was she saying such things?


    Patricia folded her arms, "do you have any idea who you are talking to?"


    "The business Fiancee? Yes" she laughed.


    Patricia face darkened. "Do you want to die?"


    "The chairman wouldn''t be very happy if you kill his secretary so I would advice aganist it if you are trying to get on his good side." She said. "You should understand that women like you, will never be good enough for him."


    "Women. Like me?" Patricia spat, the evidence of her anger already getting prominent in her quaking voice.


    The other woman didn''t seem phased, but after her last statement Jessie couldn''t remain the passive listener. "Like you and that ruined actress I mean. You can never be good enough for the chairman."


    The stall door shoot open, slammingthe side as it did. A beautiful slender woman came floating out, with a wicked smile and an even wickeder glint in her eyes. "I hope you''re not talking about this ruined actress."

 Chapter 307 - 307. Annoying Mosquito.

    In Jessie''s defense she was not eavesdropping, they just had to be having a conversation at the same time and place as her nervous breakdown. But who would hear someone speak bad about them and remain passive? Okay maybe a lot of people and probably even her, fine she would just admit it. She was out here mostly because the bitch kept going on and on about knowing Jason, sue her she was jealous.


    Both women looked at her in utter shock, as she walked out of the stall.


    "Jessie?" Patricia snorted.


    "Nice to see you to, what a small world don''t you think?" She said pursing her lips and folding her arms. "And who the hell might you be?"


    "Some trash that doesn''t know where not to poke apparently." Patricia replied looking back at Scarlett with a disgusted look etched on her features.


    Scarlett only smiled. "I''m Scarlett Bae, Chairman Kang''s secretary. And how nice both of you are here together. It would be a bother repeating the same thing twice."


    "And that might be?" Jessie asked.


    "Stop embarrassing yourselves, you are both beautiful women that could easily find men that are at you level, so it would do you a whole lot of good to stop chasing after a man that does not want you." She stated bluntly as if she was scolding stubborn toddlers.


    Jessie brow rose and Patricia jaw fell. Both of them looked at each other first, as if they were both confirming that they were seeing and hearing the same thing.


    Patricia suddenly rushed at the woman to slap her but Jessie caught her right in time, before her plan came in contact with the woman cheek.


    "What the hell are you doing?" Patricia asked Jessie through gritted teeth.


    "Is this always your first response to things?" Jessie asked in bemusement.


    "What is it to you?" She pulled her hand away.


    "Don''t stoop to her level." Jessie replied.


    "My level? Bitch please you couldn''t get there even if you wanted." Scarlett snorted haughtily.


    It was Jessie''s turn, to be shocked into a hanging jaw. "Who the hell are you?" She had to ask. "A mere secretary?"


    "Mere? Better than the bitter ex who had to be dragged out of her exes company. You really are brave I wouldn''t have it in me to show my face here. Stalking him." She spat viciously.


    Jessie blinked, it made sense. Patricia was here, Jason''s apparent secretary was here, that meant he was here. Damn.


    "You were dragged out?" Patricia gasped, laughter in her tone.


    "I don''t think you have anything to be laughing at. You can''t even give back an engagement ring, how pitiful." Scarlett added.


    Again it was Jessie''s turn to react. But there was no amusement, no mirth just pure confusion. "Jason is breaking off the engagement?" Did that mean he was really married? To someone else? What the hell was going on?!


    "It was her idea and now she too much of wimp to go through with it. Isn''t that right? I''m sure you though you could get his attention that way, pitiful." She scoffed.


    "I think that would be enough now!" Jessie spat. "You just buzzing useless things like an annoying mosquito." She said.


    Patricia looked to Jessie. "I can''t let her get away with this." She said when she realised there was nothing to be laughing at.


    "I hate to agree to with you." Jessie replied both of them looking at each other.


    Scarlett looked between each of them, even with all her pride and gusto she stepped back when she recognized the glint in their eyes.


    Without another word, in a flash before the secretary could fathom what was going on she was banging on the bathroom door shouting profanities and both women stood at the other side holding three out of order signs.


    "You are not going to come back here to free her are you?" Patricia asked Jessie as they panted beside each other, standing like two incredibly beautiful bodyguards.


    "Why the hell would I do that?" Jessie huffed, that woman was small but damn she had a lot of fight in her.


    "Something about being a better person maybe? You always like to think you were a better person." Patricia replied, shooting her a wry glance.


    Jessie scoffed. "I am a better person, but not just so much as to free that bitch from in there."


    "Good. Now that we have agreed to both walk away from this. I can''t believe Jason threw you out of his company." She laughed, "not very smug anymore are you?"


    Jessie shot her an icy glare. "Speak for yourself ''miss my plans always backfire''." She spat back.


    Patricia faced her. "It not over yet is it? I am still wearing his ring."


    "And yet he is still married to someone else. I know you are so shameless to be mistress but I never pegged you for a second wife." She retorted. "And for goodness sake enough of this. I am not going to fight with you over Jason. We already have our fight and I swear I will bring you down Patricia."


    "Yes, yes, you''ve been saying that for more than half a year now don''t you think it high time to give up? Wait... is that why you with George? Because you want to bring me down?" Patricia laughed.


    Jessie face fell into a tight frown and she fisted her palms at her sides.


    "Dangerous game Jessie, so since Jason jilted you you decided to give for the next best thing. Yet I am the shameless one?" She snorted.


    "You mean he jilted you. And who I met none of you business. Now scurry along and continue to grovel for attention like the pitiful little thing that you are." Jessie said, turning in the opposite direction and walking away. Making sure to drop the out of order sign a considerable distance from the toilet.


    "That makes two of us you bitch!" She yelled after her, slamming one into the other sign door and walking off in the other direction and dropping the other sign just as Jessie drop hers.


    Jessie was fuming as she walked back. The nerve all those women! But as she was nearing the restaurant again, she began to dread going over to George. But she couldn''t exactly stay away, she had already taken to long.


    But before she could reach, strong hands from a corner grabbed her and pulled her into a dark corner. Not completely dark, it was filled with moonlight, quite beautiful actually but she wasn''t thinking about any of that. Infact she was already on high alert ready to scream when the other hand in that pair that was gripping her arm clamped over her mouth.


    "Don''t shout. Don''t dare."

 Chapter 308 - 308. Youre Not Alone.

    The door bell rang again, that had to be Paul, Katherine thought. But as she opened the door there was no one and a card this time on her floor. "Okay this is beginning to get very creepy." She sighed picking up the card.


    She shut her door and walked to her island. It was an invitation card, to a fundraiser and cocktails. An incredibly high class event. She frowned, did they mis deliver this? As she moved to confirm a familiar note fell down. With the familiar writing and she would not deny her heart skipped a beat.


    If you need clues go to the party. It''s a shame you wouldn''t be the center of attention, because you have the birth to be the most important person in that room. Your family will be there.


    And that was it. That was all the note said. Talk about a cliffhanger. What exactly did he mean by her family would be there? She had no family to speak of. She sighed in frustration.


    At that moment her door bell rang again. She walked to the door, and opened it. It was Paul.


    She smiled, "Hey."


    "Hey." He smiled back as they stood there. When he noticed the worried look in her eyes his frowned. "Are you okay?"


    Katherine shook her head. "No, how can I be okay when I''m so worried for Jessie."


    Paul bit back a groan. "What happened now?"


    "No... Jason wouldn''t do that." Paul shook his head as Katherine retold the story Jessie told her, adding the surprising and unexpected inclusion to Jessie''s life.


    "Same thing I said!" She almost yelled. "But she is convinced he is, but to add to all that-"


    "George Lee..." Paul added quietly.


    "Yeah." She quietly agreed. "Paul?"


    "Hmm?"


    "That man, George Lee, is he really that bad?" She asked.


    "I mean what do you know about him?"


    Paul was quiet for a bit before he spoke. "He''s the worst Katherine." He said finally. "He is the worst person I have ever met."


    Katherine shook her head. "No, he can''t be that bad."


    "Katherine he is." Paul said again. "He is a monster, he-"


    "Okay." She interrupted. "I believe you." She assured him. "But he still can''t be worse than the man who fathered me."


    Paul nodded. "He is." He said. "George Lee is... all I can say is if he has his eyes on Jessie, she''s not safe. Neither of you are." He stated seriously. "That auction house is no joke Kat. Hundreds of women go in there every yesterday, all of them aren''t heard from anymore. The things they do to this women, these girls. It''s inhumane, and George is in charge of breaking them, breaking their spirits and making them no more than bodies. Sex slaves."


    Katherine heart hammered against her chest. "Paul... Jessie is with that man right now." She said with a scared expression on her face. "We have to warn her or at least tell Jason. He would know how to stop her." Before Paul could explain why that was a horrible plan in so many ways she already dashed away to get dressed, swiping at the envelope as she did.


    "Wait, Katherine!" Paul called out after her, but she was already gone. He reached down to pick up the invitation and the note fell out.


    Paul picked it up.


    If you need clues go to the party. It''s a shame you wouldn''t be the center of attention, because you have the birth to be the most important person in that room. Your family will be there.


    Paul''s eyes widened in shock. It couldn''t be. Katherine''s father? He stared at the note and the invitation. He had to find out. But Katherine had already left.


    Katherine ran to her closet, she grabbed a black dress and stripped. She pulled the dress on, then she grabbed the small purse with her phone, money, and ID. She slipped on the black snickers she bought last week, and grabbed her keys. She ran to the door, and opened it. Her eyes falling on Paul''s hands first, then his angry eyes.


    "When were you going to tell me you received another note?" He asked.


    And she frowned. "Doesn''t really matter now does it?" She asked.


    "Katherine...you''re not really thinking of attending that fundraiser are you?" He asked.


    And she looked at him with both curiosity and concern. "Is there a reason I shouldn''t?"


    "Uh... how about the fact that you are going to be walking right into a trap? You don''t know what this person is planning, or what might happen. Hell Katherine you don''t even know who this person is."


    "Yes I do." She disagreed. "My father, he is my father and he is giving me clues on how to find him." She insisted.


    Paul stared at her in shock, unsure what to say. "Katherine.." he breathed out, "this man isn''t a good person. You know that, you know that right?!" He yelled.


    "So what? What difference does is make anyway? He already know where I live, I don''t see you asking me to move. Besides you are going to be at that party, Jason is, I''m sure even Jessie is going to attend that somehow so why shouldn''t I?" She huffed angrily walking around him.


    Paul wanted to grab his hair in frustration before he realised what exactly was happening. Katherine wasn''t interested in anything but the fact that she might actually be of higher birth, and that she might be equal to them. Now he really wanted to pull his hair out, every since they were kids he understood her obsession and inferiority complex but he hadn''t expected it to still be so strong up until now.


    "Katherine is this because of the party? The fact that you have an invite. The fact that the note said you might be the most important person there?" He asked.


    Katherine looked at him in shock. "What... what are you talking about?" She asked.


    "You want to give this man a chance, you want to give ''your father'' a chance because you might actually be someone important?" He turned to face her, walking towards her with accusation and condemnation pouring out from him.


    "Shut up." She said.


    "You are still so obsessed about that aren''t you. That day under the oak tree, beside the lake when you told me what you wished. To be the richest, prettiest and most influential person in every room. So that no one would ever look down on you anymore, so that no one would dare bully you anymore. That''s what this is about isn''t it?"


    "Shut up, Paul." She said through gritted teeth.


    "Because of a stupid ideology, a stupid inferiority complex you are willing to give up everything including your safety to what? Get people to acknowledge you?" He asked backing her into a wall.


    Katherine blinked up at him her eyes filled with tears. "Stop it." She begged, shutting her eyes tightly.


    "You are willing to give up everything because you are so desperate to be accepted by these people, who don''t matter?"


    "But they do!" She cried. "If they didn''t why the hell do I suffer so much? Why the hell do I have to keep bowing my head? Why would your mother think I''m not good enough for her son because I''m only an orphan! Look at how she treats me, look at how they all treat me!" She cried.


    And Paul anger was gone in that moment. How did he tell her? How did he show her? She was even too good for him, she was a diamond and no one was worth her. For crying out loud she was already a medical professor at Twenty seven. All the doctors under her where her elders and yet no one could perform the miracles she did in an operating room. She was the kindest and most compassionate person he knew and she was the sweetest soul. No one deserved her, no one.


    Paul cupped her face and lifted her chin to face him, using his thumbs to wipe her face.


    Katherine couldn''t look at him, she felt too ashamed. Not because of anything but majorly because of her mother, she really was happy about that note. Cautious yes, suspicious yes, but the thought of her birth being more noble than expected excited her. The mere thought of having some prominence.


    "Gosh I''m so shameless." She cried.


    "Shh..." he said softly pulling her against his chest. He stoked her soft black hair and she cried into his chest.


    "I..." she sniffled. "Won''t-" sniff "-go-" sniffle "to the fund raiser." She said in between sobs.


    "I know." He assured her. "You have a lot to offer Katherine, and you are already more than enough."


    "You''re just saying that." She whispered.


    "No, I''m not. I promise Katherine, you are more than enough." He said.


    And she sobbed more into his chest. "I''ve always wanted to be more." She cried.


    "I know." He said. "But you have to remember you don''t need to prove yourself to anyone except yourself. You''ll always be enough." He said. "That why you will go to the party."


    "I can''t." She insisted.


    "Yes you can." He said. "And I''ll be there with you. I promise.

 Chapter 309 - 309. Gold Digger.

    "Are you going to scream?" Jason asked as he held Jessie aganist the wall, his grip stiff on her upper arm and the other around those plush soft lips.


    Jessie widened eyes turned angry and she tried to shove him away but he held her in place. "Wrong answer."


    A muffled scream came from the back of her throat. But he wouldn''t let go, his eyes mirrored hers in the anger he felt. Seeing her with George tonight just made him livid annoyed and hurt. How could she be with him? George, infact at this point it didn''t matter that it was George, it was the fact that she was with someone else and it scared him so much at how close and how easy if was for him to lose her. That his brain only interpreted it as betrayal and sought to blame her instead of addressing the real reason she was here with someone else. Him.


    She stilled and he loosened his hold on her mouth still caging her with his body though.


    "Let me go!" Jessie yelled, her voice quivering with something he couldn''t quite place. "Why the hell are you doing this? Last I heard you wanted nothing to do with me? What the hell is this?!" She spat, her voice gaining more stability. That''s right Jessie don''t cry, you can''t cry. It would be too pitiful not to mention absolutely mortifying.


    "Last I heard you made promises not to leave me, are your words so lax? What the moment I turn my back you''re unto the next?" Jason spat back, somehow the words he intended to speak, his head intended to convey where mushed up and pushed away but his emotional and foolish heart. He meant to say, ''George is dangerous, I love you. I''m sorry, and don''t leave, you''re not safe with George.''


    Jessie eyes widened and she pounded on his chest, shoving him away. "How dare you!" She said through gritted teeth. "How dare you!" She screamed again, "I cannot believe after what you did you still have the gall to judge or reprimand me? Why? Didn''t you say you wanted nothing to do with me anymore? So why do you care who I''m with? I don''t owe you a single thing. And unlike you at least I had the decency to at least wait till we were separated to actually be with someone else!"


    "Are you mad? Is this because of me? You looked at all the men in this world and chose to he with him? Do you even understand what you''re getting yourself into?"


    "I don''t care!" She screamed, willing herself to not cry, to not break down, she was too angry she was too hurt. She didn''t know what she wanted but she knew to was too be anywhere but here. Seeing him was too painful and now? He was scolding her? Acting like she betrayed him after he threw her out of his life, and quite literally too. "And you shouldn''t either, you don''t love me. We aren''t together, you pushed me away" she poked at his chest.


    "And last I checked you loved me too much to just walk away, isn''t that right? Was that a lie? I''m afraid Jessie was I played? Was this your plan, to milk out all the men that meant something in this country. Changing heirs like your damned heels." He spat viciously making sure to rip into her. He pushed her away, he was aware of that, he had issues, he had problems. Things he needed to deal with on his own, he knew he could''ve have lost her when he pushed her away. But being with her like this, as broken as he was was only going to be a burden for her. And he was too messed up to even want her help, want her near. But then she refused to walk away, she gave him hope when he lost it. When he felt he was never going to be allowed happiness. She stayed, fighting and all of a sudden? She was with someone else, shattering everything he suddenly began to hope in. He couldn''t let it go, he wouldn''t let it go. Wouldn''t let her go.


    "Acting like a victim, seducing men and when you are done using them as shields discarding them?" He asked.


    Jessie stumbled backwards, her eyes wide and her lips parted in shock. "Who the hell are you?" She cried. "Did you even know me? Did I even know you? How could you say such a thing?!"


    Jason leaned downwards, caging her with his body. He whispered into her ear "am I wrong? You''re tired of pitting brother''s aganist each other now you decided to get bigger fish?"


    Jessie stilled, her breathing heavy, the proximity of their bodies burning awareness into her consciousness. "Are you implying I''m a gold digger?"


    "Are you implying I''m wrong?" Before she could stop herself not that she wanted to his head was titled to the side and her palm burned in remembrance of the wicked and abrupt contact.


    "Go to hell Jason. We are truly done, whatever ember of whatever that remained between us is over. Whatever love or lie... it is that we shared it''s over, I''ll forget it all. I don''t want to ever see you and I hope we never meet again." She spat, walking around him to leave. "Infact we never even happened."


    Will you be able to do it though?" He asked, their backs to each other.


    "What the hell are you talking about?" She asked stopping and turning around.


    "Will you be able to forget me? Act like this never happened?" He asked, turning as well.


    "What the hell does that have to do with you?" She almost yelled but managed to keep her voice under control.


    "I know how you react to me Jessie, and how I react to you. Only you, you will feel this way with only me, are you going to walk away from all this passion? This allure the obvious pull."

 Chapter 310 - 310. Im Never Going To Forgive You.

    "Are you going to deny this chemistry? This desire that fills the air so thick and so strong. The pull of our bodies, the longing of our hearts." He said walking to her slowly, like a beast edging on, ever so slowly, ever so nimbly the elegance of a big cat. "I know how you react to me Jessie, and how I react to you. Only you, you will feel this way with only me, are you going to walk away from all this passion? This allure the obvious pull."


    Jessie tried to step back, she tried. But her treacherous body suddenly decided this was the time to overthrow common sense. Every single hair on her body stood and goose bumps formed on her skin. Tingly sensation ran up and down her spine and heat so liquid so hot pooled down her lower belly. Treacherous body. "What does..." she cleared her throat not recognizing her own voice. "What does that have to do with anything?" She asked much firmer.


    "This..." the tip of his middle finger drew a soft feathery line from her knuckles up her naked arm.


    Jessie wondered how he touched her in one place and she felt it everywhere. She could feel her chest tighten and begin to hurt, clamouring for his touch. She hated this, she didn''t want to feel like this but sent this would be like denting she needed oxygen. And as she searched his eyes to see the obvious lie she was met with a darkness much deeper than hers. Desire that somehow, she wasn''t sure how possible but burned even much hotter than hers.


    Not that she noticed the tension in his jaw, or other fisted plam, how he struggled to restrain himself. How was just a single touch setting him off like this already? He meant to tease her, and he had barely even scratched the surface and he was already like this.


    Bad idea. But he couldn''t stop, she was like a siren her pull was too strong. The desire was too prominent. They loved each other yes, but right now there was only raw unadulterated lust. Desire swarm fogging their minds.


    But Jessie fought, her heart was hurting that didn''t go away, only her head stopped working. But her body made a mistake not shutting off her pounding heart.


    She stepped back. "Goodbye Jason." She managed to say but before she was even a step away his hand wrapped around her waist and he slammed her to him.


    Her hands pushed at his chest, her body alive. "What the hell are you doing?! Let g-umphn!" She moaned as he cut short her protest with his lips.


    Pushing her up against the wall he assaulted her lips and she struggled aganist him but he didn''t let go, deepening the kiss even further his tongue managed to slip between her lips and the moment it stroked hers she lost every fight in her. Hands that seeked to push him away began to draw him closer and she finally kissed him back. Her reward? A deep guttural groan from Jason. His hands were everywhere, leaving maddening sensations all around her body, before she could understand what was going on he hoisted her up and she wrapped her legs around his torso to support herself. She found his lips again and he didn''t hesitate to kiss her with as much fervour as she wanted.


    His lips left her lips and came lower, peppering her jaw, nibbling and licking away the sting. When his hand came in contact with her chest she felt the heat even through the barrier of her clothes and she was ready for him, throwing her head back she pushed her self more firmly into his plam.


    She didn''t notice how or when but her eyes snapped open when she felt him... she looked down at him, her gaze hooded with her obvious desire and lips tight between her teeth where she struggled to stifle a moan.


    He smiled at her reaction, wondering how much longer she would be able to remain quiet. His finger began to work and move and Jessie gripped his shirt and tried to move away but he pressed her further against the wall halting every retreat and she look just about ready to beg. What for? She was not sure.


    "Oh gosh..." she moaned. "Jason... oh gosh."


    Another finger and she shook with tremors, gripping his shoulders until her knuckles became white.


    When he noticed her approaching her peak, his other hand pulled her head to him and he kissed her properly, quieting the scream that would have come from the back of her throat.


    For some time Jessie did not understand anything that was going on, her head was aganist Jason''s shoulder and she was panting hard while he just held her close to him. Rubbing sweet circles around her back.


    Then she finally came to and stepped backwards, feeling too ashamed at her weakness and too angry that he used this aganist her. But that was not the end of her problems just yet.


    "Let''s see how you try to forget me now." He said.


    "What?" She asked. "You wouldn''t." She said slowly.


    "I just did." And with that he pushed back and turned around to walk away.


    "Jason, Jason! Do not walk away from me!" She yelled. "Don''t you dare!" She screamed as fresh tears began to fall down her eyes.


    Jason paused a bit, fighting with everything that he had not turn around. And he was winning, he was not going to turn around. She needed to feel heartbroken and angry just as he did, he always knew he could be cruel. But she brought out parts of him, petty parts of him that he didn''t know exist.


    She hurt him and he wanted her to feel that pain, why? He had not friggin idea. But he was glad she was not begging, he would never be able to walk away if she was.


    "I will never forgive you if you walk away from me today Jason." Jessie spat viciously staring at his back as she trembled.


    He turned back to her and smiled. "Wasn''t asking."

 Chapter 311 - 311. Did You Expect More?

    Jessie shook with emotions she couldn''t describe, hurt, pain, anger, disappointment and regret. She shouldn''t be feeling this. She shouldn''t have to deal with this, not now. She had a life to get back to, and this was a distraction she did not need. But in the end she had only herself to blame. She knew it was bad, she knew she shouldn''t have but at the end of the day she feel for him and madly to. And look at what it cost her.


    Still exhausted from the spasms he managed to pull from her, too angry at how easily her body responded to his touch, how wickedly he tortured her insides she struggled to keep standing.


    Many people react with indifference when they experience a heartbreak that hit as hard as this. Their heart shuts down and then the fell lifeless, empty, nothing. Not Jessie, Jessie felt every damn thing. And yet her body still felt like an addict after the first dose. Wanting, longing and yet she wanted nothing to do with that man ever again. She didn''t want to see him, she didn''t want to think about him she didn''t want to want him. But people do not get what they want do they? It was much too painful, much too painful.


    Her phone rang and she turned around to see it laying on the floor, right by the edge of the balcony.


    When did it fall?


    She walked over to the phone and picked it up. Blinking hard she struggled to control the tone of her voice before she answered.


    "Tony? Hi."


    "Jessie I have big news- wait what''s wrong with you?" He asked.


    "Me? Nothing. What is your news."


    But he wouldn''t be deterred. "Jessie what is wrong?" He asked again.


    "Tony..." she shut her eyes as fresh new tears streamed down her cheeks. "Please, not now."


    "Jessie! Did something happen? Where are you? I''ll come get you." He insisted.


    "I''m fine, I''m fine." She assured him. "I... just, I just want my life back." She cried.


    And Tony stilled. "Jessie."


    She sniffled. "Don''t worry about me I''ll be fine you''ll see. Everything will go back to normal. Everything."


    "Jessie?" Someone called out her name and she frowned.


    Her eyes widened when she realized who it was, quickly wiping her eyes she sniffled and tried to act calm. "Tony I''ll call you back." She said quickly, cutting the call.


    "What are you doing here?" George asked.


    Who was she Kidding? Who the hell was she not kidding! She could do this. "I just... came to get air." She smiled. Unable to see his face, the moonlight only exposed his legs and those very expensive Broggs.


    "Air? If you felt stuffy we could have left." He said walking towards her.


    "No... I''m not ready to leave, I just needed to be alone." She sighed, looking away as his handsome face came into view.


    "Did I do something wrong?" He asked, his tone sounding repentant. His face showed no such emotion, he was just being civil, he knew he did nothing wrong. Jessie struggled to wrap her head around this man but the only thing a brain came up with was run.


    "No, I-" his eyes widened, he was waiting for an explanation. Jessie felt slightly panicked, it was not as if she could just tell him what happened. And even though she didn''t owe him any explanations she needed to be on his good side until she found out where that auction house was. "Ran into Jason."


    She saw a glint in his eyes but like a million other things she had no idea what it was. "Did he bother you?"


    "Hmm?" This time it was her eyes that widened. "Uh... I guess you can say that... in a way." She added.


    "Did something happen?"


    "No!" She said almost too quickly but she covered it up with a sad smile. Thank goodness she was an actress. "No, it''s just too painful for me to see him right now. After what happened yesterday."


    "That''s it?"


    "Did you expect more?"


    He smiled. "Nevermind me, asking foolish questions. Are you okay?"


    "No."


    "Do you want to leave?" He asked.


    She nodded. "I would like that very much please."


    **************************************************


    "Patricia?"


    "What is his answer?"


    "What the hell do you mean?" Patricia''s publicist, Mary asked.


    "What is Tony answer? Because it doesn''t seem to me like you have done shit. I got another text from him, a countdown. What the hell?" Patricia yelled.


    "He what? Wait Patricia calm do-"


    "No Mary I should never have listened to you in the first place, it was my mistake I''ll deal with this by myself!" She huffed and ended the call before Mary would say anything else.


    After she left the bathroom and that drama she went back out to meet no one but a waiter holding a note.


    Do whatever you want with the ring but it''s no longer my engagement ring. This is over.


    Jason.


    And now to make things worse, that drafted man sent her a count down. What? She had two weeks? He was the one that had two weeks. She was done being pushed around for crying out loud she was Patricia fucking Lee! Everyone, every single person would get what was coming to them.


    Jason for disrespecting and disregarding her and that foolish secretary of his.


    Tony for thinking he could dare blackmail her.


    Her grandfather and uncle.


    And lastly the source of all he problems, Jessie Marin. It was high time she ends this finally.


    Finally.


    **************************************************


    "Are you sure you are okay?" George asked when the car came to a stop.


    Jessie looked down and nodded. As she tried to open the door, his sudden arm on hers stopped her.


    "Wait." He said, she watched him in rapt attention, waiting. He reached out to touch her, and very lightly too. Cupping her cheek with one arm, he brushed a fallen eyelash away.


    Jessie feared he would try to kiss her, and his approaching face did not help quell that fear. Ever slowly, ever torturous he approached. And had it been any other time she would have endured it. Allowed it but not tonight. The thought of any other lips on hers repulsed her and as he was about to make contact she turn away.


    Biting her lip as she explained her predicament. "I''m sorry, I''m just not feeling very well. I-I should go." And with that she made a mad dash out of the car. Continuously cursing Jason underneath her breath.

 Chapter 312 - 312. You Are Not Going To Deter Me.

    "You don''t have to be here you know that right?" Krystal sighed. As they wheeled her into her recovery room.


    "I do remember someone crying hot desperate tears as she was being rolled into the OR, ''I''m scared boss, I''m so scared'' how was I supposed to walk away from that?" He laughed softly.


    Krystal pouted as she tried to hit him but only ended up regretting the endeavour as she held her head and winced. "Hey, no rough play you two." The nurse wheeling her in scolded them.


    "Tell him to stop making fun of me. Why would he do that?" She pouted.


    "Have you never heard of being high?" He smiled. "I believe it went something like this..."


    "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I can''t... I can''t do this Jonathan tell them. I can''t do this." Krystal gripped the edge of the bed as she looked at the ceiling like it was about to eat her.


    "Krystal you are okay, you''ll be fine." Jonathan tried to soothe her, and ease her tension. The poor girl was already gripping the bed all her knuckles turning white.


    "No, no I can''t." Tears slipped down the sides of her face. "No I can''t." She cried.


    "Well it''s too late, you''re already almost there."


    "If I die, don''t you dare tell Karen it''s because I was in a surgery. That useless girl has been so annoying this past few days tell her it was a car accident that it''s a curse in our family and she''s next." Krystal giggled. "I like to see how she lives the rest of her life walking everywhere." She slurred with a mischievous glint in those haze filled eyes.


    "That doesn''t seem very nice, Ms. Young." The nurse tending to her IV commented.


    And Krystal''s face fell, "I guess not. But still don''t tell her about the surgery."


    "I guess high or not you''re still insistent on that one fact." Jonathan sighed.


    "I am. She should never know I''m suffering. I wouldn''t want that on her conscience, she''s a kid she supposed to be difficult. I don''t want her to grow up to fast." Krystal said, blinking profusely.


    "Why are you doing that?" Jonathan asked, "are you okay?"


    "Perhaps you should start by shooing that butterfly away, it keeps trying to poke my eyes, eek!" She gasped and Jonathan and the nurses looked at each other.


    "Damn I wish I brought a camera, this is gold."


    "I do wish you brought a camera, because I can never believe I said or did any of those things." She harumphed.


    Again Jonathan looked at the nurse, who was already giggling. "I suppose the security footage would suffice." She suggested.


    "That would be great, thank you Clarice." Jonathan said as he gave her a mist charming smile, turning the nurses ears red.


    "Ofcourse." She bowed haphazardly and disappeared from the room.


    Krystal regarded him with a crooked brow. "Really? The nurse?" She asked.


    "What?"


    "You had the time to learn the nurses names while I was fighting for my life?" She scoffed.


    Jonathan smiled, ofcourse she couldn''t know what he went through because of her, she couldn''t even know that she really was fighting for her life. But he wasn''t about to make her aware of it either.


    "Why are you smiling like that?" She asked.


    He shook his head. "Nothing, nevermind me."


    **************************************************


    It must have passed half an hour that Katherine stared at Jessie door. How did she know? Her second cup of coffee had become cold, again. Tossing the contents in the sink she decided it was foolish to just stand outside and not actually go in. "Jessie?" She called out as she knocked the door.


    "I''m not in here" a muffled voice said through the door and Katherine fought the urge to smile.


    "Oh?"


    "Go away Katherine, I don''t want to talk to anyone." She said bitterly.


    "Jessie..." Katherine cooed.


    "If you come in here, you''re not going to ask me any questions about my life. Are we clear?"


    "Then what would we talk about?" Katherine gasped incredulously. "Your life is so interesting it''s my only entertainment."


    "Stop it."


    "Fine, fine. We''ll talk about the latest drama on tv." She sighed.


    "I don''t watch TV and neither do you." She said matter of factly.


    "Fine, my dad has been sending me secret notes." Katherine sighed. There was silence at first, then Jessie''s door clicked and when she opened Katherine gasped.


    Dark circles, red eyes. Her entire face was red and the tears that dried on her face were more than evident. Her hair... Katherine didn''t want to think about her hair. All in all she looked horrible.


    "Don''t." Jessie ordered. "We are talking about your father, that''s all."


    *************************************************


    "Tony you have to stop this madness for crying out loud!" Mary yelled. "Patricia is not going to let this go."


    Tony gave her a pointed look. "You are not going to deter me, Mary. It''s high time someone stood up to that witch."


    "Yes I agree, but not like this." She insisted. "Not like this. Please consider your family, your sweet little girls." Mary said trying to appeal to his better judgement.


    Tony laughed. "Jessie is like family to me as well, and do you even want to believe what she''s been through?" He asked.


    "Tony..."


    "Yesterday I called her, I have never heard her cry like that. I have never heard her sound like that. When she was at her lowest I wasn''t there, I couldn''t help her..."


    "You thought she was dead Tony." Mary stated.


    "But she wasn''t, and it irks me anything I realise that she must have cried like that many more times before." Tony said. "She''s going to pay Mary. Patricia is going to pay for everything, and I''m going to make her pay with my own two hands."


    "And if you lose your life? She is not opposed to killing you, you know. It wouldn''t be the first time." Mary warned.

 Chapter 313 - 313. Biggest Demise.

    "Well you look like shit."


    "No kidding. What are you doing here Paul?" Jason asked, wincing as he lifted his torso off the arm chair he was lounging on.


    Paul eyed the empty bottle of bourbon by the side and the half empty on right beside it. If that plus the heavy smell of spirits hanging over the room didn''t convince him he was speaking to a drunk man the half empty glass he was nursing would do it.


    "Taken to the bottles again I see." Paul said approaching the angry and sad drunkard before him.


    Jason sighed heavily, struggling to get up. But the weight of the spirit from the first and second bottle had him head first heading straight for the ground. Until Paul leaned downwards and slung on arm around his shoulder, supporting Jason''s weight. "What are you doing here?" Jason asked again.


    "This is crazy, you''re not slurring but you can barely stand? I don''t understand, did you somehow miraculously become alcohol tolerant?" Paul wondered out loud, stretching his neck over Jason shoulders to make sure he saw the bottles well enough.


    "The first bottle was already almost empty don''t stress yourself. I still can''t drink for shit. Now if you allow me I would like to go back to my wallowing... I''m sure I would find some relief at the bottom of that bottle." He stated.


    "The only thing you are going to find at the bottom of that bottle is a nasty headache and lots of regret."


    Jason chuckled "gee that sounds exactly how I feel right now, I''ve got nothing more to lose. Gonna tell me why you''re here?"


    Paul frowned walking Jason back to the armchair.


    "Katherine is bothered about Jessie. I hear you hurt her?" Paul said, tugging his pants before he sat.


    "You don''t know the half of it." Jason groaned rubbing his face.


    Paul head tilted in slight confusion. "Is that regret I sense?" He asked.


    Jason remained silent.


    "Hey, Jason do you really regret pushing her away?" Paul asked again, more forcefully this time.


    "Like hell I don''t. Of course I do, I love her Paul." He stated grimly.


    "You really aren''t drunk enough. I know I should ask why you pushed her away if you knew you would regret it but I know you are all messed insides so I''ll skip that." Paul sighed.


    "Damn. I really screwed up this time. Real bad, she''s never going to forgive me."


    Paul nodded. "But then she would. She''s in love with you too. I''m not sure why but that seems to work, love is your greatest advantage and your biggest demise I guess."


    Jason shifted in his seat to face Paul, his brown hair falling to his face. "You think so? Do you know what she said to me? That if I walked away she would never forgive me again, she would forget everything that happened between us and she would forget that she ever loved me. And do you know what I did?"


    "I''m guessing you walked away?"


    "I walked away. Wait, how did you know?"


    "Because sir, you are drunk out of your ass and feeling sorry for yourself. Oh how the mighty have fallen, I''d like to say karma, but I do not think I have the right to judge you." Paul shrugged.


    "I deserve it all, everything I just want her back. I want her with me. I can''t stand her being with someone else, I thought could but leave it to Jessie to find another guy within days worse" he laughed ruefully. "That George Lee." He spat.


    Paul''s brow rose "she is with George Lee?"


    "Yeah, apparently. I saw them earlier, I cannot believe she with that she would settle for trash like him." Jason stated.


    Paul shook his head. "Can you not see?"


    "See what?" Jason asked.


    "She''s trying to find dirt on him. If I were to make a wild guess I''d say she''s probably looking for the auction house."


    Jason sat up.


    "Mercy..." he whispered. "How did I not think of that?"


    "I''m pretty sure you head was too far up your ass for you to realise." Paul stated.


    "Jessie is serious danger if she thinks she is going to get that information from George." Jason stated.


    "Yeah, also I need invitations to the fundraiser on Friday." Paul said.


    "Is that really what you should be talking about right now? Jessie''s life is in danger." Jason growled.


    "Yeah, and I''m doing this because Katherine''s life is in danger herself. So can you get me in."


    Jason glared at his friend for a long while before he sighed. "Fine, but on one condition."


    **************************************************


    "Last year you were the host. How about being my date this time?"


    Jessie stared, blinking at the surprising view before her. Why did this suitclad men insist on wearing clothes like jeans? It was just plain unfair in her opinion. Now she had to keep her wits and thoughts on sharp with George looking like a he belonged in a museum besides those greek sculptures.


    "I... uh can''t." She shook her head, not remembering why couldn''t at first but when his gaze narrowed and he frowned she came back to her senses. "You know very well that I can''t go out in public." She said.


    "No" he refused. "I don''t know. I mean, you''re in public right now and I don''t see what wrong so what is the problem?" He asked.


    "You know it''s not the same thing" Jessie sighed. Looking away.


    "Hey " George started softly placing both hand on her arms. "Look at me." He ordered and she did. "You did nothing wrong, you have committed no crime so you won''t cower or hide."


    Jessie didn''t know if it was weather or the fine dust in the air today. Maybe it was the pasta she had... in morning time. But she felt such an urge to whack someone on the head. And maybe it was the angle the sun hit her face, or the irritating sounds of honking but she knew was going to act on that impulse. So help her, she would smack the hypocrite of a man!

 Chapter 314 - 314. A Celebrity.

    Jessie could barely wrap her mind around George''s words.


    "You did nothing wrong, you have committed no crime so you won''t cower or hide."


    She did nothing wrong? Ofcourse. She won''t cower or hide? Whose fault was that? Whose fault was it that she cowered? That she hid? That jerk. And to make matters worse, the bastard kept talking.


    "I wouldn''t allow you to hide yourself or run away. The only way for this to go away is to face it. Okay?"


    Jessie has never felt such anger in her life. Not even when she found out that Patricia was the reason for her demise. Not even when Jason had the gall to question her. But in those to instances that didn''t burn as intensely as this and those times she drew a knife and slapped a man. But this time she smiled.


    By god she was a damned good actress and she was proud of it. She was livid and outraged but she smiled.


    Because she wasn''t about to let him win. She would never let him win.


    **************************************************


    The only time Katherine had felt like this... like a princess was her prom, in high school. She never wore skirts so long and so big so she barely knew how to maneuver. Like the smart intelligent doctor she was she remained still and sat in a place. Paul and Jason were going to meet... well they were all going to meet in the party but then Jessie and Jason literally could not be in the same room like at all.


    She shuddered just thinking about the last attempt.


    "What''s he doing here?" Jessie asked as she opened the door to her bedroom. Clad in the ugliest pajamas, Katherine understood why one would not be interested in an impromptu meeting with their ex. But then again this was Jessie, she looked good in everything.


    "I asked a question Katherine what the hell is he doing here?" Jessie asked again, with a quiver in voice.


    Jason got up and tried to walk over to her but her scream halted him in his tracks. It shocked everyone actually. Katherine thought Jason looked horrible but she had seen the way Jessie suffered night and day and night and night and day so she could only feel so much pity for the man. His dark circles and heavily fatigued appearance would still have to give the award of the more pathetic partner to Jessie''s never ending tears. Refusal to eat, shower or literally do any a normal person would.


    She was skinner than ever and it was not a good look on her, her skin wasn''t as radiant as it usually was her hair had grown longer but it hadn''t been groomed so Katherine knew the next time she put a comb to it half of it would break away.


    "What is he doing here?!" She screamed.


    "Jessie... he''s here for me. My problem, the notes, my father remember?" Katherine stood walking slowly to her. "I need his help Jessie."


    Pulling on her lower lip she nodded and began her retreat back into that room. Katherine could no let her hole herself up again. At this rate it was going to he really bad if she didn''t just eat something.


    "Jessie please I need yours too." Katherine said sticking her leg between the door and the door frame just in time to stop her.


    Jessie frowned "I can''t be here when he is... I can''t stay where he is, I won''t do it. Katherine I love you, and I would do anything to help you but please don''t ask me to do this." She stated.


    "Don''t worry I''ll go." Jason said from behind Katherine. "Come out, I''ll leave."


    "But I need you as well." Katherine pleaded.


    "Yeah, yeah I''m going to help sure. Just... Paul can inform me of the plan later, tell me what I should do." He said, walking to the door he stop to look at her but she refused to meet his eyes. Then that was it he left.


    Now Katherine was sitting in her own home, in her own couch with people that made her feel hella uncomfortable. Who was she kidding? With the way these bodyguards were staring at her she didn''t feel the least bit awkward, they couldn''t take their eyes of her if that wasn''t a confidence boost she didn''t know what was. The only person that made her uncomfortable was the only man in the room that was sitting. George Lee.


    Jessie had insisted that she go to the party with her and by extension the incredibly intimidating man sitting across from her. And George Lee insisted that he''d rather wait here than his very luxurious limousine, and even more luxurious mansion. She didn''t understand why he came here really, the party was in his house.


    Katherine looked up at him and they met gazes, giving him a stiff smile she looked away.


    She heard him sigh, and silently prayed that he wouldn''t speak. But she wasn''t that fortunate now was she?


    "Have I mentioned how beautiful you look Katherine?" George asked.


    "I believe you have. You mentioned it before." She stated mechanically.


    "Well you look utterly ravishing." He replied.


    "Thank you." She replied.


    And she couldn''t have been more grateful to Jessie, grateful for only one thing, her timing. The moment she walked through that door... no one was looking at Katherine anymore. Even Katherine couldn''t be sad or jealous, this woman was just on a whole different level. And she was heartbroken and crying three days in a row, yet she stepped out like royalty.


    It was her looks, it wasn''t her dress, it wasn''t even the makeup or the fact that her slender and toned body fit into that dress in the most elegant way a person could carry out a design but there was just an aura. It was like she commanded attention.


    Katherine was in dark colour, a navy blue dress that had a full silhouette. It was sequinned and stone all the way from the bust to the bottom, it a dipping neck line and no arms. Her hair was up in an elegant chignon, with heavy eye make up and nude lips. She looked just as George described, ravishing.


    And while Jessie was in a light blue dress her skirt only flared out around her knees and it had a dipping back. And long sleeves. Her hair was combed back and it looked like it was wet, which was probably what made her so late. Her make up was the opposite of Katherine''s, light eyes and bold lips.


    Really in terms of looks there were not that different but as Katherine knew in that moment why Jessie was so famous. She did it so effortlessly, like a siren singing an addictive song, so effortlessly.


    And now she was grateful to Jessie for something else. Not stealing the attention, not being so dazzling but Katherine knew... Jessie didn''t get by just by her looks, she didn''t get by just by her fabulous figure. She practiced and learnt the art, that was who she was, that was her job. Pulling people in... being a celebrity.


    "Jessie you look so-"


    "Thank you George." She said quickly. Looking past him she gave Katherine the biggest smile. "Oh my goodness Katherine you are glowing, you look so beautiful." She smiled.


    "Thank you, so do you. I mean gee, you are just-"


    "Exquisite." George finished. Not appreciating the earlier interruption.


    "Well thank you. Both of you, are we set?"

 Chapter 315 - 315. Giving It Anyway.

    Jessie could not be any happier to have Katherine with her in the car. George couldn''t try to do anything intimate or well... she knew that if that man both his lips close to her again she would be tempted to bite it off.


    But the moment they stepped out of the car Katherine basically dashed away from her and George, the lucky bitch. She was his date, which meant pulling his hands back up to her waist when it began to wonder down the swell of her ass, with an awkward laugh.


    Jason and Paul on the other had could not be bothered to leave Katherine''s side. And well, just between the both of them... keep Jessie in sight, at all times.


    And just as planned, Jessie stole all the attention as she walked into the room. People could barely take their eyes of her.


    "It is had for a murderous actress to walk back into society, you know." Paul said as they watched her play her part with complete effortlessness.


    "Yoi think that''s the reason?" Katherine asked.


    Paul shrugged. "I mean what else could it be?"


    "Her beauty." Jason replied absentmindly.


    "Oh please, Katherine looks just as beautiful as her. If I had to choose I''d choose Katherine anytime." Paul scoffed.


    And Katherine''s heart stopped beating at once. Did Paul Song, really just compliment her? The man that loved to say even though Jessie was more beautiful he''d choose her. Now she was just as beautiful and he would still choose her. Suddenly Katherine wished that all the women in the world were Jessie, so that he''d choose her in that moment. She was s-


    "Who the hell are you Kidding?" Jason snorted.


    Well that was nice while it lasted, she was just as beautiful as Jessie for what? Five seconds?


    "But truly Katherine you really look breathtaking." Jason stated, brushing a stray strand of her dark hair away from her face.


    Looking up at him she smiled. "Thank you."


    "Now let''s find anything that could lead us to your father." Jason said.


    "Are you sure this will work?" Paul sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.


    "I have to try, if not I just came here for nothing. At least we know somehow he''s connected the Lee''s, this party... he couldn''t have gotten the invite if he wasn''t someone close to the Lee''s. And thankfully they held the fundraiser in the Lee house. They needed someone to take the attention of the billboard doctor, and who better than the social pariah herself.


    "Fine we''ll wait until George is up there giving his speech." Paul repeated the plan and they both nodded.


    Jessie needed to be anywhere but here right now with this man. And the fact that Jason was just a few steps away also did not sit right with her, at all. And it irked her how his gaze never strayed from her for too long.


    "Hey, Jessie..."


    "What the hell do you want? I thought we agreed that when I''m on this side of the house you would be on the farthest opposite end." She frowned.


    "I don''t want to fight." He said, she scoffed. "You''re going to spend the whole night with George, I just want you to be safe."


    She laughed. "You don''t have that right. And besides it not the first time I''m meeting George-"


    "I''m well aware." He stated his tone carrying hints of anger jealousy. She ignored it.


    "Well it''s not the second or third either." She added.


    He scoffed "are you trying to make me jealous?"


    "I could care less. All I''m trying to say is I don''t need your..." she rotated her wrist in the air, her fingers together and pointed at him. "...advice."


    "Fine."


    "Good."


    "But doesn''t mean I won''t still lookout for you." He said.


    "I don''t want your help."


    "I''m giving it anyway."


    And true to his word he hadn''t looked away from her all night. "Jessie, you''re going shatter that flute if you keep squeezing it like that." George whispered into her ears. She turned away from him and emptied the contents into her stomach and deposited the cup on the passing tray.


    "Are you okay?" He asked and instead of snapping she held herself in time and gave him a fake smile.


    "I''m fine." She said, but at the end of the day a she said it a little too quickly.


    "You can tell me if you aren''t." He insisted, holding her chin with his thumb and index finger and turning her face to his.


    An action Jessie decided that she had come to hate.


    Biting the inside of her mouth she frowned. "Of course I''m not, I told you I didn''t want to come here. Look at how everyone is staring. It''s very unnerving and too uncomfortable." She said.


    George face softened a bit, his arm on the small of her back wrapped around her waist as he brought her closer to himself. "Aren''t you used to the attention?"


    Jessie looked around the room. The judgement and despise weren''t as obvious but she could feel the intensity just as much as it was when she walked into the room. "Aren''t you supposed to hide me away for your reputation?" She asked.


    "Why would I do that? I don''t care what people think?" He snorted.


    "And your business? Isn''t this going to make people boycott your products in the market?"


    "Like hell it will, besides any body foolish enough to walk away from our products was not worthy enough to use them." He added.


    Jessie didn''t know weather to be pleased about his determination or pity the repercussions. Sure Lee products where high end, but they were also grossly overpriced. Most of their profits came from loyal consumers, lose that and you are courting disaster. Besides she felt horrible, she actually did. The first time they walked into this party and she saw the glares, noticed how people actively avoided her, it was like some grabbed her lifted her off her feet, suffocating her. The murmurs, everything she felt grateful. Grateful that Paul always spoke up when it was about Jason''s reputation. That Jason always listened to he- wait a minute.


    Jason didn''t do any of that because Paul asked him to, he didn''t even do it because she asked. He did it because..."he was trying to protect me from this." Tears pricked at the sides of her face.


    "Did you say something?" George asked. "Jessie? Is something wrong?"


    "I... I..." can''t breathe "I need the bathroom, where is it?"


    The both turned to stage where the MC was calling on George for his speech.


    "Jessie." He said again.


    "Just go, I''ll be fine. Please, please let it stop, I can''t bare their glares." She pleaded.


    "Wait... Jessie..."


    "Go."

 Chapter 316 - 316. Trust Me.

    "Help me! Help me please!" Jessie cried as she ran to the ever winding halls, she was sure there where changing. It didn''t take her as long to come how was it that she didn''t have any idea where to turn?


    Perhaps it was the fact that her body was getting weaker and weaker and her head was becoming foggy, it was increasingly hard to see a thing. She needed help she needed "ah!" She screamed as she stumbled her dress ripping, causing her knees to shoot out of the torn lace.


    She was already missing an arm, the dress hanging of one shoulder and down her chest where it exposed the swell of her breast. Her hair that was combed back with precision stuck out at odd angles, her face was streaked with black as her mascara leaked with the tears that never stopped pouring. She had pink bruises all over her arms, neck and her bold pink lipstick was all over the place.


    She heard a loud bang behind her and all the more she struggled to get up but her leg twisted in an odd angle and she found herself on the ground again. The floor started to ripple and wobble like the actual damned ocean.


    A pained cry escaped from her mouth as she heard the footsteps of her captor draw closer a sickening laugh and the long drawl of her name.


    Anyone, someone please!


    She looked forward, and pulled herself up. She would not let him win, not after everything she had been through, she would not give up here.


    She grabbed the flare of her dress that spread out from above her knees and ripped it off, the tear from earlier acting like a slit she shrugged of her golden heels and began to move. She needed to get away, she needed to hide, she needed to do something, anything! But just not be here.


    "Jessie?" A familiar but surprised voice called out to her from the end of the hall.


    "Oh gosh..." she cried. "Please someone... he''s chasing... I don''t... please help, help me!" She yelled and she ran into his arms.


    "There you are!" She screamed as the huge man slammed into the wall.


    "What the hell are you doing?" The person she clung to asked.


    "B-boss?!" The man stuttered.


    Boss?


    "I swear I didn''t mean to touch her, I just wanted to rattle her a bit." He stated, looking between Jessie and himself.


    "You didn''t mean to touch her? Is that why she looks like this? I ordered you to keep her where she was and you dared to touch what belongs to me?" He continued.


    "Boss... please, please spar-"


    "Ahhhh!!!!" She screamed as she watched the mountain of a man that once promised her terror, fell to the ground with a bullet hole in his head.


    As she tried to move away her ''saviour'' grabbed her and held her to himself.


    Without asking she knew. There was no way, no way, he was no saviour. "Please..."


    "Come now, don''t struggle. You wouldn''t anyway, the drug has already begun to take effect. Don''t fight it." He whispered into her ears as her head began to fall.


    "Please..." was all she could say as he threw her over his shoulders and began to march back the hallway she had just escaped from. Back to that room, back to her demise. "Please..."


    Three hours ago.


    The moment George began his speech, everyone moved. Katherine and Paul headed out of the room and began their search. Combing through rooms and doors.


    "Should we split up? We''ll cover more ground that way." Katherine suggested.


    "I hate to agree but I think you''re right, we should split up." Paul agreed.


    And there went in separate directions. And everything seemed to remain so normal and so annoyingly ordinary, Katherine could hardly recollect how many doors she had open, but she knew that three were locked.


    And as she was just about to give up she heard the soft sound, with her head jerking up she saw the source of the sound. The notes... it was the sound from the edge of the card hitting the ground. Without further ado she grabbed her dress and ran to it, swiftly picking up the card, hiking up her dress she ran after the person. He couldn''t have gotten far. And she was right! She saw an arm, it was a guy, the arm was suit clad so she knew where she was heading.


    Soon after she saw a brief silhouette going down a another hallway. "Wait! Wait please!" She yelled after the person. "Come back!" She screamed and suddenly he disappeared.


    As she was about to curse, she saw a door slam shut. There... but why did it feel like the person wanted her to follow?


    Ofcourse the person wanted you to follow, my father wants me to find him.


    She sucked in all the air her lungs could accommodate and shut her eyes in preparation she began to head to the room. What would she do if he was in there? What would she do if he was not? If he wasn''t what exactly would she be looking for?


    It was far too unnerving for her tiny heart. "Okay Katherine, all you need to do is open the door. Open it, just open it." She said to herself.


    Her gloved hand on the handle. She pushed it downwards and opened up the door. It was dark, so she searched the wall beside the door for a switch and when her hand found it she turned it on.


    There was no one there. But it was an office, or a study. She headed to the two adjoining doors, one was a bathroom which as also empty and the other didn''t open. So she resigned herself to search the office.


    Getting busy with the desk she pulled out drawers and searched through files and papers. Judging from her findings, this office belonged to George Lee and if there was any evidence of false play it wasn''t here because the documents she saw were spic span. But then again she didn''t think he would keep evidence of his corruption any where someone especially his father would find it.


    "What the hell?"


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Look. The CEO''S office is open."


    Katherine head jerked up, and she fumbled to quickly shut the drawer, shoving all the papers she scanned with it. The voices grew closer and she began to curse herself for her insolence ans lack of attention. She should have shut the door! But then again she was thinking of a situation she could be locked in.


    Running to the door she peeked outside there were two men, they looked like bodyguards and they were too close to make an escape. What was she going to do now? She couldn''t get caught she would definitely be accused of stealing!


    "Katherine?" She almost screamed but next thing she knew she was aganist a hard body and that scent, that cologne she knew it anywhere.


    "Shhh" Paul hushed her, as he pulled her back into the office and put aganist the wall.


    "What the hell are you doing here?!" She almost yelled. "They''ll find us out!"


    "Exactly, do you have any idea what George would do to you, if he finds you snooping in his office?" Paul asked.


    Katherine huffed. "And you are making it worse!"


    "No... I am making it better. Trust me." He said.


    "How do you expect me to-"


    "Shhh...." he gushed again, placing a finger on her lips. Katherine had already fisted her gown in anxious anticipation of the incoming strangers.


    "Don''t be scared, just trust me. Do you trust me?" Paul asked, looking straight into her eyes.


    She swallowed hard and nodded. She didn''t like him looking at her like that, not one bit. But by the time she realised what that look meant, Paul''s lips were already on hers.

 Chapter 317 - 317. Sweetheart.

    At first Katherine remained unmoving, she literally could not move. What was she even supposed to do? How was she supposed to react? After twenty years... she had watched him, learned the way he sighed a little before each smile. She''d seen him cry, laugh, be sad, be happy, she knew his anger and his mirth. She knew his weaknesses and strengths, and she fell in love with both. She had dreamed of this for twenty years, his lips on hers. His hands on her body, the way she''d watch him shatter her heart and kiss countless women. Even though it should have been beneath her, she should deserve better she didn''t. She just wanted him to look at her the way he looked at all the women he seduced and wooed. To have eyes for only her even if it would have lasted a moment. To worship and desire her, to make her heady with wanting for him.


    Yet he only looked at her with those kind eyes and that thoughtful smile he reserved for just her. Just her, the only woman he would never desire until now. Until now when his hands found the back of her neck and he deepened the kiss, the way his face was contorted into one of passion. She saw it just briefly before her eyes were forced to shut. When she felt the force of his kiss all the way down to her toes. Paul wasn''t her first kiss, infact she had felt aroused from someone else''s lips. But now when he kissed her, it was like she was touched for the very first time.


    Everything she had imagined his kiss to be was everything he gave... and more. When he pushed into her, his hard chest coming in contact with her softer one Katherine couldn''t help the moan.


    And just as she was about to reprimand herself for being so shameless he muttered sweet words aganist her lips. "That''s is, open for me now Kate."


    And without hesitation her lips parted and his tongue swept in the moment his tongue stroked hers she lost everything feeling in her toes and Paul caught her, his arms wrapping around her waist and she didn''t understand how possible it was but he pulled her even closer and Katherine wouldn''t be anywhere else. Her arms went around his neck, her fingers weaving into his long dark hair.


    His kiss was gentle at first, as though he was lulling her, making her comfortable. He was attentive, not venturing out too far, not pushing her too far. But the moment Katherine melted in his arms he felt it. And he loved it, he wasn''t thinking of course he wasn''t thinking. Who was this woman why did she have everything he was looking for? It might have seemed anticlimactic for a rake like him to believe in love but he did. He had seen way too many examples to deny the notion. And he had searched for that person that would make his blood boil, make him lose all sensibilities. Make him desire so badly he would give anything for another taste.


    And the way she felt in his arms he knew. He just knew and he couldn''t stop. This was deeper than anything physical this kiss hit him hard. He felt alive, he felt euphoric the way she moved with him. Complimenting each nibble, each tug, each stroke he was on fire. He wanted more. He wanted more he wanted all of it.


    Breaking the kiss he kissed the side of her lips he kissed her jaw and the moment his lips touched her neck. Katherine hid the moan with a shudder but he knew and he rewarded her with a moan of his own. A moan that had her winded, it sounded raw and very honest.


    Paul was enjoying this, with her muddled brain she couldn''t even understand why he was kissing her but she knew this was real. He loved this just as much as she, he desired her. He wanted her.


    Tugging him back she kissed his lips again but it didn''t last because the performance was over and they killed it.


    "What are you- oh! I''m sorry for that." The bodyguard apologised as he ruined the moment.


    Both of them turned to face him, flustered, flushed and disheveled. "But you really shouldn''t be in here." He stated.


    Katherine couldn''t speak, she didn''t know what to say, her brain kept doing somersaults, Paul kissed her and it was mind blowing.


    "Sorry about that, we were carried away. Wouldn''t you be? If you were with such a beautiful woman." Paul asked.


    "Of course. But you really should be leaving." He stated.


    "Ofcourse. Ready sweetheart?" He asked turning to her, he was giving her that smile. Not the kind thoughtful smile but that wicked rakish smile he gave women he desired. She didn''t know how but it empowered her.


    Returning his sweet smile she reached up to his face, wiping his lips with her thumb. "Got some lipstick on you."


    "What would I do without you?" He winked. Pulling her closer to him and placing her arm on the crook of his elbow they walked out of the room. And just like that they walked in silence, she waited for him to say something, anything but he didn''t. He didn''t even look at her, not once.


    She couldn''t help the hurt she felt but she reassured herself with the fact that enjoyed that kiss as much as she did. Besides there much more important things to be thinking about now, like her father and.... whatever was more important she couldn''t remember right now but she was sure there was.


    "Where have you guys been?" Jason asked, when the walked back into the party.


    "What wrong? Why do you look like that?"


    "Jessie is missing, and so is George." Jason replied. "She might be in trouble Paul."


    "What do you mean she might be in trouble?" Paul asked.


    "We should be asking Katherine that." Katherine eyes widened in shock. "You took my phone. So I have yours, what does this mean?"


    11:57


    Hey, Katherine did you find anything?


    00: 07


    About the auction house?


    00: 13


    Did you find the office? Tell me something. I''m so anxious.

 Chapter 318 - 318. Naughty Girl.

    "Katherine?" Paul asked. "What is this? Weren''t we here for your father?"


    "Ofcourse we were but it was a good plan, killing two birds with one stone." She said softly. Feeling uncomfortable under the questioning gazes of both Paul and Jason. Jason''s more of a glare.


    "Do you still not understand how dangerous it is for you to look for that auction house? George guards that thing like diamond, it''s literally the love of his life." Paul scolded her.


    "I don''t see the difference, we were already snooping in his office. What difference does it make? What we are looking for?" Katherine asked.


    "You searched George''s office?" Jason asked.


    Paul nodded. "I didn''t find any thing though" Katherine explained. "Besides, Jessie was no where near that office." She replied.


    "Then were is she? George isn''t here either he hasn''t been for some time." Jason said.


    "Who left first?" Paul asked.


    "Who do you think?"


    **************************************************


    "Where the hell is it?" Jessie huffed angrily. This was the second office she was searching and nothing but boring papers and annoying reports. Anything, anything. One picture, a list of names anything!


    This was getting riskier and riskier the longer she remained in this room. It was even due to Katherine and Paul that she was able to enter this room. While the guards were busy with them she was able to sneak in here. And yet she hadn''t found anything yet. Nothing at all.


    Before this became an issue she would leave, she couldn''t waste any more time. Besides she didn''t expect it to be this easy, she just hoped it would be the last time she would have to deal with that man. Goodness knows how badly she wanted to scream the last time he had his hands on her.


    Shutting the door drawers quietly she slipped out of the room, shutting the door.


    "Oh!" She gasped when she came in contact with a big bodyguard. He reminded her of Sebastian, but had a really weird look in his eyes. One that sent a chill up her spine, she nodded at him.


    "I just got lost looking for the bathroom. I''ll leave now." She said quickly walking away but he wouldn''t let her. Stepping in her way. Jessie chuckled awkwardly and tried to move in the other direction but he wouldn''t let her.


    "What.... what the hell are you doing?" She asked stepping backwards.


    "You''re such a naughty girl aren''t you, do you think that excuse would work with me?" He asked and Jessie''s eyes widened when his sick gaze scanned her body with that sick intent and that disgusting smile that men wore when they intended to make horrible mistakes.


    "But I do like naughty girls, and damn you are the sexiest woman I''ve ever seen. No wonder they worship your body so much." He smiled licking his lips.


    Ok that was it, she had heard enough, she turned around to run away but he grabbed her and slammed her aganist the wall. Air leaving her lungs forcefully he pinned her to the wall and began to grope her breasts and sniff her neck.


    "Ahhh!" Shs screamed. "Ahhh!!!! Get off me you asshole!!" She yelled on the top of her voice, struggling with all her might. But there was no use, there might have been hope to fight her away out of this but this man probably weighed three times her body weight. "Let go! Let me go you son of a bitch!!"


    "Shut it!" He yelled "you are making too much noise." He groaned.


    And that only lit a fuse as she screamed with all her might. The man lifted her up as if she weighed nothing at all. She struggled and clawed and screamed and fought but to no avail. The moment he carried her into that office the real fear set in like a bitter taste in her mouth and bad food in the pit of her stomach.


    She began to thrash violently and screams and scratch and beg. Tears streaked out of her eyes and she struggled to fight him.


    "Stop struggling!" He yelled, grabbing the neck of her gown he ripped open the front pulling down her chest and away at one sleeve. Exposing her right bra to him.


    His large palm immediately moved to it and began to squeeze painful and Jessie winced at the pain, pushing down the bile that rose to her throat. She kept screaming and screaming until she started to become lightheaded. The situation scaring her even more she must not lose her consciousness with this brute barbarian. In the struggle her hands found a vase on the table he currently pinned her down on and with all her might she grabbed it and slammed it into his head. Shoving the groaning man she scurried away from beneath him and turned, fisting her arm she hit him from behind his crouched form right in the balls.


    As he dropped to the ground and writhed like the disgusting snake he was she dashed out of the room. Stumbling as she walked out, her vision seemed uneasy and the ground was refusing to cooperate with her movement.


    But she knew that the blow she delivered was insufficient to fell that big of a man so she struggled with all her might. She just needed to get back to the party she just-


    "Get back here you bitch!" He yelled and she screamed.


    She resumed her screaming. "Help! Please! Help!" She cried, using the wall for support she moved. "Save me please! Somebody! Please!" She cried. "Please..."


    **************************************************


    "We are going to have to split up." Jason said, looking at Paul.


    "Fine, I''ll take the left and you take the right, we''ll work our way to the middle okay?" Paul said. And Jason nodded.


    "What about me?" Katherine asked. "I want to help."


    "And you''ll help by remaining perfectly still." Paul replied.


    "That is not fair, I should like to think the era of putting women on the sidelines to fuel you foolish ego had ended." She said.


    "And I would''ve have loved to think that the era of lying to your friends to fulfill stupid notions would''ve ended but here we are." Jason replied throwing his arms up in the air. "The two of you already made this mess so it''s best you don''t cause anymore inconveniences don''t you think?"


    "Jason I-"


    "He''s right Katherine. Don''t argue, please just... staying put is more beneficial for us. We wouldn''t have to worry about you. And I doubt anything would happen to you if you stay with the crowd so just stay put."

 Chapter 319 - 319. Damned Whore.

    Jessie had no energy to scream, she didn''t even feel like she had limbs anymore. She began to see things, like yellow pigs. She wasn''t sure if there real or not.


    Ofcourse there aren''t. Damn I''m high.


    She squeezed her eyes shut and opened them again struggling to keep them clear but now there were flying colours. Come on! This was just not fair how was she supposed to struggle like this.


    It felt like hell when she was tossed onto the bed. All that flying made her terribly nauseous.


    "There just like that, lie perfectly still so I can ravish you as I always dreamed of." The voice of her most recent captor entered her ears but she wasn''t sure she was listening.


    She was seeing his smooth deep voice, lifting her hands she touched it! She touched his voice, what was this feeling? Shs felt like she had super powers. She could touch voices!


    She began to feel something crawling up her legs, bugs?


    Jerking her legs up very quickly she heard someone curse. Looking up she saw a man clutching the side of his head and curse.


    "Damn you Jessie!" He cursed. And her head fell back unto the bed.


    "Bugs!" She slurred, "don''t touch me."


    "Bugs?" He scoffed. "You''re really high aren''t you."


    "High..." she giggled. "Ooh look! It''s the piggy." She gasped suddenly. "There! There are two! Oh high piggy." She giggled.


    "This won''t work." He muttered. Walking out of the room. She tried to get off but the only thing she could do was fall flat on the ground.


    George was more than annoyed. Everything and everyone seemed to want to annoy the hell out of him. Nothing going according to plan. For one, why the hell did Jason show up at this fundraiser? Jessie didn''t pay attention to anything else but that useless bastard. It was always him!


    And now he had another body to explain. What kind of bloody bodyguard attacked the person he was supposed to keep an eye on? How dare he touch what belonged to him?


    He walked out of his office with a filled syringe and began to head back to his bedroom. He didn''t expect her to react so quickly and this effectively to the drug he fed her. Well he could be grateful to Jason for that as well. She emptied the contents of that cup. What use was a woman who was unaware and unresponsive. If he was going to have her he would make sure she was screaming beneath him, struggling but not too strongly. Hence the reason for the drug.


    But what he did not expect as he walked through the door was an attack. Jessie''s plan was full proof, well aganist any regular person but not a Lee that had been thought combat from the moment be learned to walk. Plus she was pretty wobbly, the effects of the drug still had a hold on her.


    "You can stand?" He asked incredulously and she couldn''t tell if he said that with pleasure in his tone or honest shock. But then again, nothing was honest about the Lee''s.


    "You sick bastard, I always knew you were scum but this? I can''t believe you would actually drug me in order to rape me." Jessie spat out viciously. "What should I even have expected when you had the guts to look me in the eye and tell me I had no right to be ashamed, no need to cower or fear because I did nothing wrong. When you are the very reason I am cowering and hiding, when you are the very reason I am ashamed!" She yelled.


    And George stood back looking at her from below his nose. He scoffed, "really? You don''t believe that the man that owns the largest trafficking ring in the entire continent wouldn''t resort to raping? Or you thought I wouldn''t resort to raping you." He asked.


    "You''re sick!" She spat.


    "Oh please don''t give me that Jessie. You think you are such a victim, such a good person yet you are only looking for that auction house to save your skin. And did you think you were so special, I wouldn''t rape you?" He spat back.


    Jessie glared at him.


    "Tell me this Jessie, if you were still the famous and revered actress you heard off would you care about an auction house if you heard of it?"


    "What the hell are you trying to do? Make me feel bad about myself?" She asked.


    "No." He shook his head. "I''m just saying it as it is. You only care about yourself."


    "And what is wrong with that? Do you have a single idea what I''ve been through?" She asked.


    "What? A few eggs and some meaningless insults. Does that make you the biggest victim in the world? Come on now princess, I''m sure you feel no one can ever compare to how much you''ve had to go through. But there are women in that auction house who are raped over and over and over until they die, or kill themselves. They have to kneel and grovel to pot bellied, disgusting men that use their bodies as trash for their disgusting releases. But you don''t even want to stop that, you just want to prove that the auction house exists, to safe you reputation. To save yourself."


    "Shut up! You know nothing about me, so stop acting like you do!" She yelled as his words tore into her conscience.


    "But today I''m going to make sure you experience what an average woman has to go through. You going to feel every bit if worthless and dirty by the time I am done with you." He stated firmly.


    "Like hell you would, I would rather die before I let you touch me." She spat.


    "You wound me, how partial you are. Jason supposedly broke you heart but you didn''t care about that while you rode his finger like a damned whore." He spat viciously and Jessie eyes widened.


    He saw that? Was that anger she sensed? He was jealous. "You''re jealous."


    "Of course I''m jealous, he touched what belonged to me and you let him." He growled.


    Jessie shook her head. "I don''t belong to you."


    "We''ll see about that."

 Chapter 320 - 320. Please Help!

    "Stay...." Jessie extended her arms, "stay away from me!" She yelled but it was to no avail. George already pounced on her, grabbing hold on her he pressed a forceful kiss on her mouth and she tried to struggle.


    "Fuck!" He growled shoving her away to check for blood where her teeth clamped down on his lips. "You bitch!" He exclaimed punching her, hard right in the face.


    Jessie head was thrown backwards by the force and she fell on the bed, clutching her bleeding nose. Before she had the opportunity to look up he was already on her, ripping what ever it was that remained of the dress. "Ahhh! Get off, get off get off!" She screamed, angry tears streaming down her face. This night... this night was a nightmare.


    His hands began to shove her dress upwards as he grip on her thighs left her screaming in tears not to mention the painful hickeys he left all over her neck and arms. With his other hands he pushed her bra aside and shoved his hands underneath it, squeezing and kneading painful. Jessie felt like she would die. "You taste just as sweet and delicious as I imagined." He mumbled aganist her skin.


    Jessie didn''t understand how she would ''taste'' sweet when she was covered in sweat, tears and melted make up. But she didn''t need to understand, he was sick. He was really sick.


    She thrashed, clawed whatever she could until finally she was able to make three deep clean scratches across his face. And he looked up at her. The hand torturing her breast took both hands and clamped them above her head as the other grew alarming close to her core. "Don''t think you are the only woman to inflict injuries on me. My plastic surgeon is swimming in money because of women like you."


    "If I''m so basic why the hell do you want me?" She spat.


    "Oh no no no..." George chuckled. "You''re not basic, you are not unique. You are just a woman, a woman I desire. And a woman I am going to have."


    Please, please somebody save me! Please! Please! Please!


    "Jessie?" Both George and Jessie halted and they looked towards the open door.


    "Paul?" Jessie cried, thanking everything that George forgot to lock the door.


    "What the fuck?!" Paul growled and before he could make any movements George had him starring at the end of a barrel.


    "What do you think Jessie, you already watched one man die today because of you." He said without looking at her. "How would you feel knowing you caused two deaths today?" He asked turning slightly to glance at her but the bed was empty and immediately he was on high alert. But how high could the alert be when the room was dark.


    "Stay right there, move an inch and you''ll be leaving this room in a body bag." George said pointing the gun at Paul.


    "You do not want to kill me George. You do not want to start a fight with my family." Paul spat viciously.


    George scoffed. "I could care less about your family."


    "Well I think you should." Jessie said from behind him as he turned to grab her, something hard and heavy smacked down on his wrist and sent the gun flying a few feet from where they stood.


    And since the room was dark they couldn''t see were it went so both of them lounged at the direction they both watched the gun fly to. She fought with all her might but she was not as strong so when he grabbed her ankle and tossed her across the room she slid away, slamming her body aganist the hard bed.


    "Ahhh!" She screamed. Suddenly the room that was only lighted with dim lights from the window was illuminated and both of them winced a light flooded into their retinas. George more so than Jessie, so in the mere matter of seconds she saw the gun. Right by his foot.


    With speed she didn''t know existed she drove for the gun and as she grabbed it by the time George had recovered and he covered her hand with a stomp down of his leg. Shifting his foot side to side to ensure the pain.


    Jessie released a horrifying scream but she was ever grateful for the few self defense classes she had, rotating her body her legs clamped around his and she shifted her weight carrying the leg as hers went into the air. Making him lose balance, as he staggered back she rolled away and got up. Her hands trembling and red from the pain inflicted but she stood victorious.


    "You won''t shoot me." He said.


    And she scoffed. "Why because I''m a weak woman? Move and test that theory."


    Paul walked into the room but before he could even advance towards George somebody walked past him, in determined paces.


    "You bastard!" Jason growled, his punch sending George to the other side of the room.


    As George wanted to retaliate Jessie shot the lamp that sat beside where he just destroyed with his fall. "You don''t want to do that." She snarled.


    Jason looked behind him at Jessie, her broken nose, her torn clothes and all the bruises that was littered all over her skin. Turning to George he growled as he landed the first punch and the next and the next until George was a bloodied mess beneath him.


    "Jason that enough." Paul walked forward to stop him, but Jessie arm on the crook of his elbow stop him.


    "Not yet." She said.


    When they heard shouting outside the room, Paul didn''t wait to here anything he rushed forward and pulled Jason off of George.


    "Let go! Let go I''m going to kill that bastard! How dare he? How dare you!" Jason growled.


    "If his bodyguards find us here we are done for, do you understand?" Paul insisted.


    "I don''t care! Let go!" Jason yelled.


    "Jason!" Jessie scolded. "I''m fine, I''m fine please let''s go." She pleaded.


    And together they all dashed out of the room, and headed in the opposite direction from the sound of boots hitting the floor.


    With her hands in Jason''s she ran as fast as her bare footed legs could take her until she began to give into the effects of the drug again.


    "Jessie? Are you okay?" Jason as asked as she stumbled.


    "I''m sorry, I just... I can barely stand." She said, shaking her head she sighed and tried to stand again.


    "I''ll go get them." Paul stated.


    "Go get who?" Jessie asked.


    "It doesn''t matter, how many fingers am I holding up?" He asked.


    "Uh... I see six but I''m guessing that''s not right." She said.

 Chapter 321 - 321. Next Time.

    "Go get who?" Jessie asked.


    "It doesn''t matter, how many fingers am I holding up?" He asked.


    "Uh... I see six but I''m guessing that''s not right." She said. "It doesn''t matter anyway, he drugged me earlier and I don''t even know what he put in my drink."


    "He drugged you?"


    Jessie felt Jason grip on her shoulders tighten and his she noticed the tension in his jaw. How did this drug work? A few moments ago she saw colours and sounds, she saw yellow pigs. And know she saw normal things but the wobbled and her speech didn''t slur, so what was happening? What the hell?


    "Jessie? Jessie you don''t look so good. What is wrong." Jason shook her shoulders. Damn the footsteps were getting closer, where was Paul?


    "Freeze!" About a score of bodyguards ran into the bend and stood in clean arranged lines pointing their guns at the two of them.


    Then there was another prominent footstep. "Jason... am I seeing things? Or is George-"


    "Yeah, standing before us." Jason replied. "I should have killed him when I had the chance."


    "Exactly, biggest mistakes of good guys. Never leave your enemies alive." George stated bluntly.


    "Well I''d like to see how your plastic surgeon twists that broken face around and makes it brand new." Jessie spat back, his nose like hers was broken. But unlike hers it was looking grotesque and deformed. His lips were split in multiple places, his face was swollen and bleeding it was a wonder how he had not passed out.


    Goerge chuckled, very wickedly. "You must be so happy with yourself. With the way you two are holding to each other you just have made up. What do you say Jessie? I''m sure you will go back this night to the loving arms of the love of your life and think about how badly your life had been this night. Right? How unlucky you are and how much of a victim Patricia and I have made you."


    "You have made her a victim you son of a bitch!" Jason spat.


    "You should be grateful to me." He growled. "You never would have met her if her life wasn''t so messed up. Don''t you think a thank you is in order?"


    They both glared at him.


    "Oh well, you are about to die in each other''s arms so..."


    "Like hell we are." Jason sneered.


    "Stop the bravado already Kang. It''s over." George said, grabbing one of the bodyguards guns. He pointed it at Jessie. But Jason grabbed the one that Jessie stole from him and pointed out at George, stepping between her and the end of George''s barrels. Immediately all the bodyguards unlocked their guns, cocked it and pointed it at Jason.


    "What exactly are you planning to do with that?" George asked.


    "Nothing just distract you long enough for that." He jutted his chin and they all looked back. There were other suit clad men holding guns behind them and as some bodyguard turned ro face them many more filtered in and stood behind Jason. "I never walk into the devil''s lair without my own little army George. Now I''m going to take Jessie and we are going to leave here."


    He handed the gun to one of the bodyguards, and bent down to pick Jessie up.


    "It won''t end like this next time Jason." George stated. All traces of emotions gone from his voice and his face.


    "There won''t be a next time." Jason said, turning to walk away, but he stopped and turned back around. "And what the hell did you give her?"


    "It an experimental drug from Lee chemicals, it would pass out of her system in about twelve hours. She shouldn''t fall asleep before then." He said.


    "Are you telling the truth?"


    "I won''t let her die, you can be rest assured. Because there will be a next time and I am going to have her." George stated.


    And Jason walked away, with Jessie in his arms. The bodyguards on high alert as the walked after them backwards their guns ever pointed, ever ready to shot should there be unfair play.


    "Lower your weapons you fools." George scoffed. "We lost this round."


    **************************************************


    The moment Jessie, well Jason walked out of that house it was then everything came crashing back down in Jessie''s head. The larger man, his groping and wet, disgusting kisses. His lifeless body falling down to the ground as George reduced him to nothing but a large pile of meat. How his brain were splattered all over the wall. How George licked her, how he touched her, how he-


    "Jason let me go." She said with urgency.


    "What''s wrong? Are you okay?" He asked.


    "No, let go." She begged, and the moment her legs touched the ground she was running to the nearest shrub, without much success as her legs were refusing to make forward and regular movements.


    Soon she was in his arms again and he was lowering her down the nearest shrub where the little she managed to eat came back up. Tears stung her eyes as she continued to empty the contents of her stomach till it was only stomach juices that came out.


    "Jason." Paul called out to them as he approached with Katherine.


    "Oh my goodness!" Katherine gasped when she saw the state Jessie was in. Biting her lips she fought the angry painful tears that threatened to spill. She felt so guilty now that she realised that Jason and Paul were right. "Jessie, you poor thing." She cried rushing over to hug her friend.


    "Don''t, I''m covered in blood and vomit. You shouldn''t ruin that beautiful dress." Jessie replied, wiping the side of her mouth.


    Katherine frowned, "but Jason''s touching you."


    "Yeah, he doesn''t look as nice as you do. I know how important this was for you." She snorted. "I''m sorry I ruined you night."


    "What rubbish are you talking about now?" Katherine sighed. "Look at your state, look at how... gosh you dress is..." Katherine trailed off, trying to correspond the beautiful shimmering baby blue dress she had donned to the mid thigh, ripped up grotesque dress she wore now.


    "It doesn''t matter. I just want a shower and sleep, I want to forget this night." She said.


    "You know you can''t fall asleep right?" Jason reminded her.


    "Come on Jason you can''t really be serious about that." She pursed her lips. "George could have been lying."


    "I really doubt that, and I am serious.."

 Chapter 322 - 322. Ungrateful.

    And serious he was. Not a wink not the entire night. He hadn''t let her even yawn without forcing her up for a walk or something. After she had showered, brushed and clad in something that wasn''t stained in her blood. Katherine worked on her nose. And she hadn''t realised it was so bad until she looked like pinocchio after Katherine was done dressing it. When everything was done, and she was left alone for those few seconds everything, the adrenaline had worn off and the tension has eased all that was left was just her. Jessie. And a deeper, realisation.


    "You think you are such a victim, such a good person yet you are only looking for that auction house to save your skin."


    "Tell me this Jessie, if you were still the famous and revered actress you once were would you care about an auction house if you heard of it?"


    "I''m just saying it as it is. You only care about yourself."


    "What? A few eggs and some meaningless insults. Does that make you the biggest victim in the world? Come on now princess, I''m sure you feel no one can ever compare to how much you''ve had to go through. But there are women in that auction house who are raped over and over and over until they die, or kill themselves. They have to kneel and grovel to pot bellied, disgusting men that use their bodies as trash for their disgusting releases. But you don''t even want to stop that, you just want to prove that the auction house exists, to safe you reputation. To save yourself."


    Jessie collected her knees to herself and placed her head on them as the tears began to stream out. Perhaps she deserved what happened this night, maybe she deserved everything that had happened up till now. Soft, painful sobs began to wreck her whole frame and she struggled to breathe. When it all came crashing back it was too painful. Nothing, nothing hurt like this. Not even Jason breaking her like that, this was a problem with herself. After all this while she still, only cared about herself. How much different was she from Patricia then? She didn''t kill anyone but she didn''t save them either.


    What was even the use of being an actress again then? She wasn''t always like this, she cared once, she fought for others once. When did she become so selfish and self absorbed? When did she get so entitled?


    "Jessie?" Jason deep voice softened as he walked to her. "Jessie, are you okay?"


    She lifted her head to look at him. "Jason I''m I a bad person?"


    "What would make you say that? Of course not." Jason stated firmly, kneeling to level the heights between them.


    "Then why are all this things happening to me?"


    "Jessie this is not your fault." Jason insisted.


    "No, you don''t understand. All I care about is becoming an actress again. That is it." She sighed, trying to blink the fresh tears away. "I don''t care about the people that are suffering, or the fact that I could help them. I don''t care about that auction house for more than making it public. I don''t care about the people the Lee''s have hurt but just taking them down because they hurt me. I''m so ungrateful, so ungrateful to the fact that I had it better. That you were the one that bought me that day, all the people I''ve come to know, the friendships that even run deeper than my own family. I''m..." she breathed out heavily, unable to stop the sob. "I deserve this, I... I..."


    "Shh..." Jason whispered, pulling her to himself and holding her tight. Jessie arms snaked around his torso and she buried her face in his shoulder as she shook aganist him. "You are not a bad person Jessie, you not a bad person." He said softly, as he rubbed up and down her back.


    "But-"


    "No, no buts. Sure you didn''t think about anyone else, but why should you? Who said you had to think of anyone else? You would expose the auction house, by default all those women would be free. You would bring down the Lee''s, that would avenge all the people they''ve hurt. Why should you feel bad because you were thinking of only yourself?" He asked. "Look at me." He said holding her face in his palms. "There is no one, no one in this world that can be you, if you don''t think of yourself then who would? You''re perfect Jessie. Just perfect." He said wiping her tears.


    At that moment she just needed to be here, in Jason''s arms. She needed to feel his warmth, she didn''t realise how badly she missed this until she had it back. Pulling him to herself she placed a soft kiss on his lips and his arms around her waist tightened.


    Jason deepened the kiss as her hands and fingers cupped the side on his face and she combed into his hair with her fingers. Without asking she allowed him permission, allowing him to take the lead. She moaned into the kiss when his tongue stroked hers, this... this was what a kiss ought to be. Her body was alive and begging, she arched her back, as the desperate and aching swells of her chest seeked relief. The moment the came in contact with his hard chest she wanted more, she needed more, she craved more. Her hands crawled lower and lower until she was lifting the hem of his shirt up. Then she winced and Jason''s gaze lifted instantly.


    "Jessie, Jessie..." Jason breathed out heavily.


    "What?" She asked.


    "Not now, not while you''re like this. I don''t know how much control I will have, it''s already so difficult holding back." He said.


    "Well I don''t want you to hold back." She frowned. "I want this Jason."


    "I want this, I really do but not while you look like a wooden liar. Besides If I do this I''ll only be taking advantage of you." He said.


    "Then take advantage." She insisted.


    "Gosh, I hate to do this" he groaned "but you don''t mean it. I hurt you Jessie, you are sad. Your first time isn''t going to be like this."


    "I don''t care, I don''t have the right to be mad at you, you''re sorry aren''t you?" She asked.


    "More than anything, but Jessie I hurt you. I know how badly, this is the reason why- wait... what makes you think you don''t have the right to he mad at me?"


    "Because Jason, if it weren''t for you I would have been dead or worse empty and lost. Having to be someone''s object for their disgusting fantasies and ... and..."


    Jason caught her arms in his and pulled her to him. "I have no idea where you are getting this stupid ideas, but never ever say that. You are here with me, that''s it. You should get mad, throw things because I was a jerk and I understand now. I am going to therapy because that is what I should have done from the get go. And I am grateful to the woman that helped me realise that. And so very sorry for treating you that way."


    "Oh Jason..." she smiled. "I''m glad, and I''m also grateful for everything you''ve done for me. A place to stay, giving me everything I needed, loving me. That was more than I should have gotten but you gave it to me. And I understand that now. I''m sorry for being so entitled and so ungrateful."


    "You deserve much more Jessie, you deserve the world." He insisted. "And that is why I won''t do this now."


    "Jason" she frowned.


    "Come." He said, lifting her of the sofa she sat on and taking her to the bed.


    "I can sleep now?"


    "Yeah. Now sleep and get rid of that stupid notion of not being a good person." He said.


    "Will you stay with me? Please." She asked, looking up at him with those eyes.


    "That I will gladly do."

 Chapter 323 - 323. Twisted Desires.

    "Hey!" Katherine exclaimed as Jessie walked into the dinning area, Jason not far behind. "How are you?" She eyed Jason, with a mischievous smile she proceeded to ask the next question. "How are both of you?" She winked.


    Jessie eyes widened and she looked behind her, Jason and herself sharing an awkward moment she looked back at Katherine and shook her head slightly. Katherine got the message.


    "I''m shocked to see that you''re still here." Jessie said.


    "Agreed." Jason added grabbing a coffee... to go. "And Paul is not, hmmm I can barely get him to leave my house after he has spent the night."


    "Oh well... I saw a chance for a holiday and I guess I took it." She shrugged. "Besides your manor has all of these..." she gestured to the food and the coffee in his hands. "How could I just walk away."


    Jason smiled. "Well I''m glad you like it, and Jessie has someone to keep her company." He said, walking to Jessie he placed a soft kiss on her lips "I''ll be back late." He whispered into her ears. "Goodbye Katherine."


    When he was finally gone Katherine had to ask. "You forgave him? So quickly? Gosh with the way the temperature dropped each time you guys where in the room together I would have assumed-"


    "We would still be fighting?" Jessie asked sitting at the island.


    "Uh... yeah" she answered matter of factly.


    And Jessie drew in such a massive amount of air she was sighing for a long time. "Are you okay?" Katherine asked.


    And she shook her head. "Last night, George said some things to me and I haven''t been able to shake it off. Because I feel like he might have had a point."


    "Nothing that bastard says has a point. He just says things to manipulate people and anything that could benefit his own twisted desires." She scoffed.


    "You think so? Be honest with me Katherine, I do not want to be dismissed or propagated. Am I selfish?" She asked.


    Katherine frowned. "Where is all this coming from? Of course not."


    "So you think by caring about no one but my decent back to my former life wasn''t selfish?" Katherine opened her mouth to speak but Jessie motioned for her to wait. "George said I didn''t care about anything but exposing that auction house so I could get back my reputation, and he was right."


    Katherine looked confused. "Yes Jessie he is right, isn''t that the plan. I don''t understand how that makes you selfish."


    Jessie sighed "you don''t get it, I never once thought, like really thought about the other women that are sold, like really sold to be sex slaves to disgusting men and tortured, broken the rest of their lives. Even with Jason I was always so entitled with him. He gave me a chance that no other woman that passed through that house ever got, and yet I acted like I deserved more."


    Katherine face lost most of it''s confusion and fell into a knowing pout. "I mean I can totally understand where you are coming from and all, but what did Jason say about this?" She asked.


    "What would he say? He said I deserved more than the whole world and I shouldn''t stop asking for it." She sighed heavily. "He''s probably the reason I never noticed it before, I swear I''m not selfish or anything, I''m just... I don''t know."


    Katherine chuckled. "That definitely sounds like Jason. He''s sweet to only those he loves."


    "Hey, this is not about Jason." Jessie frowned. "I need real advice. This isn''t in my head."


    "No it isn''t, now that you''ve actually pointed it out I guess some people might say that makes you spoiled or entitled but you should give yourself some credit. You''re only human, you''ve only known abundance, abundance of every good thing."


    "Not true, I worked hard to get where I am today. You have no idea the countless nights, being on display to idiot old men who only choose actresses based on their looks or bra size. The other useless men that would try to take advantage of our desperation to make us do things we shouldn''t, things that are just wrong. I fought all of that, refused to be used and that still set me back a few years. The ridicule, the lack of food, training like I was going to drop. And those detestable directors, not to mention the fact that I even had to walk on eggshells after I made it. I couldn''t lash out at anyone but there were free to do same to me. I couldn''t date anyone, have fun?"


    "Exactly. That is why you believed you were entitled to every thing and more." Katherine said.


    "Just because I have a difficult past doesn''t make it alright for me to be bad person Katherine. If I do that then I''m just a villain, I don''t want to be a villain." Jessie shook her head. "You''ve it had worse, you''re not bad."


    Katherine smiled. "You mean I don''t have the means to be bad."


    "Nobody needs means to be bad. Sure there''s a reason most people become bad and honestly you have one but you chose not to. I just became this person, without even realising it."


    "Then you stop being that person." Katherine replied. "Just stop, it''s not to late to do things for the right reason, it''s not too late to think of others. Not that anyone was getting hurt before but if you feel you want a change, then change."


    Jessie turned to face front when another maid walked in. "Miss Marin!" She squeaked. "I didn''t know you were here, shall I get you something?"


    Jessie smiled. "Yes please, thank you Mercy, I''m starving."


    "Do you... want to change? Katherine?" Jessie asked.


    Katherine laughed ruefully. "Some days I''m so convinced I should." She shook her head. "I sometimes wish I was more like you." She said.


    "That''s new, did something happen last night?"


    "Well I got another note. ''I''m watching you, you look a lot like you''re mother'' that was not creepy at all." Katherine sighed.


    "That''s why you''re here, you''re too scared to go home and be alone." Jessie muttered.


    "Can you blame me? Plus I also wanted to talk to Paul, but he was up and out of here like his pants were on fire or something." She sighed.


    And Jessie laughed. "Until when are you two going to keep deceiving yourselves that you''re friends?"


    "Entirely up to Paul at this point. If I was like you perhaps I might have had the courage to confess. But I am not, and I don''t know if I have it in me to just change."


    "But how is he going to know if you never tell him?"

 Chapter 324 - 324. Go Kill A Bitch.

    "I can''t stop replaying that stupid kiss in my head!" Paul groaned.


    "I''m absolutely positive that I did not come here to hear about your... situation." Jason sat opposite his pacing best friend with a bored smile playing on his lips.


    "You are insufferable. Can''t you at least pretend to be sympathetic? I just kissed someone''s girlfriend."


    "I thought you hated Katherine''s new boyfriend." Jason replied.


    "Of course I do, be is a stoic and emotionally insensitive man. Katherine deserves someone who would understand her before she speaks, because she rarely does. Not about her feelings anyway." He said. "So used to listening to other people complain without actually saying so for herself." He added muttering under his breath.


    "So the problem here is, you feel guilty that you kissed-"


    "Oh I don''t feel guilty about that. It was required, I feel guilty about thinking of it afterwards."


    "Oh..." Jason nodded as if he knew and agreed with what Paul was saying. "But something tells me you were already thinking of kissing her before last night."


    Paul froze in his tracks... then began pacing again.


    "No answer, that''s not suspicious." Jason muttered sacarstically.


    "Forget about this, can we talk about you? What''s going on with you and Jessie?" Paul asked.


    Jason sighed. "She''s still mad at you?"


    "No, that''s the thing. She''s not mad in that sense."


    "And you are not making any sense." Paul added.


    "Well I don''t want to. I don''t want to talk about it." He said.


    "Fine, wanna talk about your secretary?" Paul asked.


    "Okay dude... I''m not that jobless." Jason replied.


    "I''m talking about Matt."


    "I fired Matt." He stated bluntly.


    "I know that, but perhaps you should rehire him."


    "Now why should I do that?" Jason asked folding his arms. Paul sat on the edge of Jason''s desk.


    "Because you and Jessie are alive thanks to him. Weren''t you shocked by how quickly your own little army appeared before you?" Paul asked.


    Jason frowned. "That wasn''t you?"


    "As much as I would love to take credit, I want nothing from you. But it was all Matt. He called Sebastian and informed him that regardless of your stubbornness and foolish bravado, he would still need to come. And look at what happened afterwards." Paul stated.


    "I have a secretary." Jason replied bluntly.


    "Yeah, I heard all about her. Seems your getting real chummy with her, using her to throw out girlfriends you don''t want to see" he huffed.


    "What?"


    "Come on Jason no need to pretend with me, Jessie already told." Paul waved dismissively at him.


    "Jessie already told what?" Jason asked in confusion.


    Paul frowned noticing the honest look of confusion on his friend''s face. "How you threw her out of your building when she came to see you?" Paul said and Jason shook his head. "She said she went to say that she didn''t care about the therapy anymore and just wanted to be with you."


    "She told you all of this?" He asked.


    "Well not directly... she speaks to Katherine a lot, and Katherine was worried about her so she told me to talk to you." He explained.


    "And why didn''t you talk to me?" Jason asked through gritted teeth.


    "I am now... besides I was pretty pissed with you at the time. I wasn''t about to be speaking to you." Paul replied.


    Jason fists were tight and trembling on his thighs. "I didn''t order anything of the sort, Paul. How could I even do that, damn. You all believed I threw her out? Out?"


    "...I did try to defend you... but Jessie was convinced and I didn''t see how I could argue with someone who was tossed out on the street and enraged about it." Paul shrugged. "But if you didn''t order the... that bitch."


    "I''m going to kill her." Jason growled.


    "Jason?! Jason, wait. Wait a minute, think about this very carefully, you don''t want to end up a felon, just when things between you and Jessie are becoming good." Paul stated.


    "Are you kidding me?" Now it was Jason''s turn to pace. "I don''t understand how she can easily forgive me for everything, especially this. If she believes I did this how can she just let everything go?"


    "I''m not sure you''re making any sense, anymore." Paul replied.


    "She started speaking some rubbish about how she''s been entitled and selfish. Only thinking about herself and getting back to the top, when other people had it worse than she did." Jason rambled.


    "What do you mean?" Paul asked, as no normal person would understand a thing out of what Jason just said.


    "She thinks she''s a bad person, because she has been ungrateful and unfair to me and "he gestured to Paul "others. Acting entitled and selfish, when she should have been grateful that she didn''t end up with a disgusting fool. Or how she''s only looking for the auction house to expose it and not to save the other women there." He explained.


    Paul rubbed his chin and hummed. "No that you do mention it-"


    "Don''t you dare agree with her."


    "-she has a point."


    "I don''t want her feeling inferior or sorry that other people have it worse than she does." Jason stated. "One of the reasons I fell for Jessie because she never felt like she deserved any less than the whole world, because she doesn''t. She was so comfortable with luxury, even in that auction house it was evident that she was different. And not only because she was unconscious." Jason said.


    "Are you going to fall out of love with her because she wants to be more empathetic towards others?"


    "Of course not. I would love her regardless but I need her to keep me in check. Maybe not now but over time I might start to take her for granted, not because I want to but I might. I''ve seen it happen with countless men, even my father. And my mother just sat quiet, appreciate the crumbs he gave her, telling herself he was busy and she would only disturb him if she spoke up till the point that he got himself a mistress and a bastard. Jessie always demanded, and I liked it. She is the woman I love, not for anything in the world should she feel less than worshiped." He huffed.


    Paul laughed. "You''re already thinking of marrying her?"


    "Do I look like I''m ever thinking of letting her go?" He replied. "She mine, now and forever. Now to go kill a bitch."


    **********************


    "Hey Katherine? Are you okay?" Jessie asked.


    Katherine turned the head she laid on the couch to Jessie with a raised brow and replied. "What makes you think otherwise?" She asked.


    "We are watching comedy, yet you have been so quiet. I''m worried."


    Katherine sighed. "I have stuff on my mind, I can''t concentrate." She said.


    "Stuff like what?" Jessie asked.


    "I don''t know ju-"


    Jessie looked up apologetically when her phone rang besides her. "I''m sorry, it''s Lenora I have to take it."


    "It''s okay, go ahead." Katherine nodded to her and Jessie gave her one more apologetic smile before she walked away.


    "Hey... been a while." Jessie said as she answered the phone.


    "Yeah.... um... you don''t hang out with George Lee anymore do you?" Lenora asked.


    "No... he went crazy yesterday and he tried to hurt me so, no I''m not hanging with him anymore." Jessie sighed.


    The line was quiet for a bit then she spoke again. "Is that all it''s going to be? That''s it?"


    Jessie huffed. "Of course not. I just need to approach from another angle, I can''t go anywhere close to George anymore." She said.


    "And Patricia?"


    "Why are you asking me all of this questions?" Jessie asked. "Did you find something? Is that what this is about?"


    "Don''t get too excited Jessie, I was only wondering, we are a team remember? You''ve been awfully silent."


    "Well, I have been awfully occupied."


    "You do understand that not only your life depends on this right? Don''t make me regret choosing to side with you." Lenora stated.


    "And you would have sided with who? Patricia?"


    "It was always an option."


    "Look I can''t do this with you right now Lenora. What do you want to hear? I was almost raped for nothing? What?"


    "I am not falling for that, just be reminded it is not all about you. My boyfriend is also paying for the fight between you and Patricia, keep that at the back of you mind." She said.


    Jessie shut her eyes and struggled to control herself. What more could she have done?


    "Whatever, I understand. Goodbye."


    "Everything alright?" Katherine asked from behind her.


    Jessie sighed... again "no. But I don''t want to talk about it." She said. "Let''s talk about you this time what''s going on?"


    Katherine frowned and looked away. Scratching the back of her neck, she shook her head. "I don''t know what to say honestly.


    "Say anything, start at the beginning.


    "I love him Jessie." Katherine sighed. She pulled her lower lip into her mouth.


    "Paul?" Jessie asked.


    "Yeah... it''s crazy, I''m crazy. I thought I was over this... maybe not completely over but at least to a certain extent but I don''t..." she trailed of.


    Jessie pursed her lips, placed her hand behind Katherine head, rubbing soothing circles, playing with the little hair behind her head.


    "Did something happen?"


    "Yes. No! It''s... it''s... complicated and I don''t think I''m meant to be having this conversation with you." She said standing up abruptly. Then she realized how she sounded and she placed her hand on her mouth with wide eyes. "I didn''t mean it like that, I swear."


    Jessie nodded. "I understand. I''ll tell Jason to bring Paul back home." She said.


    And Katherine visible relaxed. "That would be great thanks."


    "You should go get ready, you shouldn''t make a confession in sweats and a massive hoodie." Jessie stated.


    "I never said I was confessing."


    "Oh? Then what is this about? Now I''m curious, did Paul say anything?" She asked.


    "..."


    "I understand. You don''t want to talk to me about it. Fine, I won''t say anymore. Just go, I''ll talk to Jason."


    "One more thing, I''m going to need you guys to act as my buffers." She said.


    "Your what?"


    "Buffers." She replied. "You know, to keep the dinner stable?"


    "I have no idea what nerd stuff you''re talking about now but sure whatever you need."


    "Okay, okay. I''m going."

 Chapter 325 - 325. Gross.

    "What do you mean you were fired?"


    "Exactly that."


    Celeste lifted her hand and gave Scarlett a firm, tight slap across her cheek. "I should have known. You are nothing but an insolent fool." She spat.


    Scarlett, grabbing her cheek began to laugh. "Seriously Celeste? Insolent fool? Perhaps you should have cross checked the facts before sending me to him like that."


    "What facts? You''ve worked for Jason for years and he''s been with Jessie for months, you are supposed to know and do better!" Celeste yelled.


    "So what? It doesn''t count if I never spoke to me and if he never knew I even existed." Scarlett huffed angrily. "You were the one that told be to back off and keep my head down, so wh-"


    "And I was right. You would never have lasted till this time if I had allowed you with him." Celeste spat. "I was wrong about you."


    "Well you are his mother why don''t you do it yourself?" Scarlett spat back.


    Celeste brows went up in surprise. And Scarlett knew she made a mistake, she stepped backwards and mumbled an apology.


    "You really are getting out of hand Scarlett Bae."


    "You know what? I shouldn''t say sorry, you screwed this up. If you hadn''t told Jessie that you were Jason''s mother I would never have had to throw her out, and he would never had fired me." She shook her head.


    "He can not know! If he does then it''s all over, everything I have worked for for fourteen years."


    "I think you should take your chances, it''s better he hears from you than Jessie. If you tell him you can control the situation, the story."


    "No! Jason cannot know I''m alive, and Jonathan cannot know that Jason is also my son." Celeste insisted.


    "Then just your luck that they are both in love with the same woman." Scarlett said.


    And Celeste glared at her, "don''t try to be smart with me."


    "It not being smart, it''s called honesty. Perhaps you can give it a try." Scarlett said. "I''m out of here. I should at least take care of myself, since you won''t do it."


    "I wasn''t the one that hurt you, why should I care?" She scoffed. Eyeing the bruises on Scarlett''s arm.


    "Where I''m from, parents take responsibility for their children''s actions. But then again, I can''t exactly call you a parent, can I?" She said walking away.


    **************************************************


    "You''re back."


    "We both are, where''s Jessie?" Jason asked, walking in after Paul.


    "She went in for a nap." Katherine responded and Jason nodded, walking out of the room.


    "Jason told me you were still here, how are you feeling after yesterday?" Paul asked.


    Katherine pursed her lips and sighed. "About the note? Your dad?" He clarified.


    And she nodded slowly, just remembering that she had that problem also. "Uh... I haven''t really given it much thought."


    Paul''s brows narrowed. "Really? I thought you''d be elbow deep in thought about it." He stated.


    "Yeah well, something else was on my mind." She sighed. "You''ve been... scarce."


    He sighed as well, how was it that now he was even standing before her the only thing he thought of was how perfect her lips felt aganist his.


    "I''ve been wanting to talk about last night." Katherine started and Paul panicked.


    What if she wanted to speak about the kiss? What if she didn''t like it? What if she was going to say she hated it or something? What did he even really think about the kiss? Why was he even so stuck up on the kiss? For goodness sake it was just a kiss! But it didn''t feel that way at all, did it? And he felt depraved and disgusting for thinking about Katherine like that. She was his oldest friend, basically family and all that was one his mind was wonder. Wondering how a kiss could make him so disoriented and how the rest of her would taste.


    "About the kiss? I th-"


    "It was a mistake!" He blurted out before he could stop himself and Katherine froze. "Never should have happened, I''m sorry. It was my bad, should have thought before twice kissing you like that." He stated scratching the back of his neck nervously.


    "It wasn''t as if you had a choice. I mean, we um... we would have gotten caught if not for the kiss." Katherine said slowly, walking over to him.


    "Yeah well, still... it''s you. I should know better than to kiss you, you''re not-"


    "Not what?" Katherine asked all the breath sucked out of her lungs.


    "Not... we don''t have that kind of relationship that''s it. You''re my best friend, I shouldn''t be kissing my best friend, that''s gross." He laughed softly. Smacking her upper arm playfully.


    Katherine stumbled a few steps away, scattered and shattered. He thought it was... was gross that he kissed her. There were just friends, they didn''t have that kind of relationship. Tears bit at the sides of her eyes and she had to bite down on her lips to stop the life threatening sob that threatened to spill from her lips.


    "Besides you have a boyfriend, it wasn''t right." He continued speaking and for the first time she just couldn''t listen to a word from his mouth! She was completely shattered, broken, finished. Gosh she was a fool! What did she expect? What could she expect?! She wanted to scream, she wanted to yell but she also did not want to be that pathetic girl that lashed out at the man that just rejected her. And she hated him, she hated Paul so much that it burned her insides. She hated him so much she loved him. Shutting her eyes she shoved back the tears, shoved back the devastation and turned to face him. She needed to say something to him, preferably words. Words that weren''t coated with tears and hurt then she would get as far away from here and scream as loud as her voice box would allow.


    "Okay okay Paul, I get it. I have a boyfriend, we are friends and kissing me is gross. No need to write a list of what a horrible mistake that was." She spat. Even then she was unable to keep the malice out of her tone.


    Paul looked taken aback. "I never said kissing you was gross."


    "Yes, you did."


    "Okay maybe I did, but I meant it as two best friends kissing is gross no-"


    "We are two best friends Paul, so if you want to clarify any further?"


    "That is not what I mean, Katherine that is not what I mean." Paul groaned. How had he managed to take this from desirously awkward to straight up rude. He felt like a jerk... he was a jerk.


    "You don''t have to explain yourself, it was a stupid idea to have even brought it up." Katherine said her words snappily close to each other. "I have work tomorrow I have to go." She said pushing past him to leave the room.


    "I''ll take you."


    "No!" She yelled, flinching away from his touch. "No, I''m fine." She said quickly walking away.


    Paul ran his hands through his hair in frustration. How the hell had he managed to fuck this up?

 Chapter 326 - 326. Please Jason, Please.

    While I am here grooving to ''new face'' by Psy I need to leave an author''s note. By the way if you haven''t listened to the song, go do so it''s just great, Psy is great. Okay enough fangirling, back to business. First off I want to thank every reader of this book, and whenever you read this message, possibly immediately I publish the chapter of a month later, thank you for reading ''Sold? Oh please'' till chapter 326.


    I''ll try to keep this short, but it might not be sorry about that. And this is not a dummy chapter I promise (you won''t be subscribing to this chapter just to read me talk about this stuff, I know what you came for). I just wanted to apologise for not updating frequently, I have been having a seriously bad case of writer''s block for this book. And while I work on other books, I simply won''t be able to write this one. Not that I have lost interest or anything, I still really love this story and the characters I have created but now that it''s coming to an end it''s just really difficult to tie up every loose end. Be patient with me, and also don''t give up now. I understand that it might have drawn out too long or it seems like we are moving backwards but we are not. As the writer there is a reason for everything. (I think?)


    Grateful to all my wonderful fans, I didn''t expect to have any loyal readers but every month you purchase my privilege you have no idea how encouraging that is for me. My number one fan, even though she or he, (I think it''s a she.) doesn''t really comment, I like seeing your votes and subscriptions. Elyse_Mello. Mamthajp and Bhumika_shah, always voting for this book. And to all the people that left sweet comments and reviews thank you.


    I''m not perfect, infact I''m far from it, but you guys have stuck with me past the bad grammar, spelling errors and silly mistakes. Like my characters I am flawed but still I''m grateful that you guys are still reading. I do wish you would comment more... I do love to know what your opinions on the characters are. You''re thinking is different from mine.


    I''ll try to do better and write better. Love you guys.


    **************************************************


    "Hey... you''re back." Jessie moaned as she stretched. She sat up, rubbing her eyes. Then her brows narrowed and she pursed her lips. "Why are you showering in my room?" She asked, when she noticed not that she could ignore his shirtless towel clad person.


    Jason head tilted to the side and he smiled at her. "Really? You didn''t sleep in my bed on purpose?"


    "Your bed?" She said looking around. It was his bed, and his pillows and his room. "Wow... I did not realise that." She huffed. "No wonder I didn''t hear you enter, I''m usually so sensitive." She mumbled to herself. Looking back to him she smiled, "sorry."


    "Why? It was a lovely surprise. I admit I panicked a bit as you weren''t in your room but just imagine the delight I felt the moment I saw you here." He stated shutting the bathroom door and walking into the room.


    What normal woman would remain sane watching a wet, covered only by a towel man wiping his hair and not look at him the way Jessie did.


    "You shouldn''t look at me that way if you don''t want something to happen." He stated bluntly as he pulled the towel away.


    Jessie cheeks burned as she looked away but she still managed a comeback. "I never said I didn''t want anything to happen. You decided that all on your own."


    "Oh?" Jason laughed. "Is that what this is?"


    She nodded, and in a flash he was so close to her she felt his hot breath caress her naked neck. Instinctively she leaned backwards, so his upper body was hanging above hers. His head tilted up and his gaze directly towards her. Jason body burned with need he had been suppressing for far too long. His muscles tensed above her and the proximity was killing him. How many time had he dreamed about this? Too many to be considered normal. He needed her and he needed her now.


    "Jason..." her soft breathless voice came out in a whisper and he felt her hot breath on his face. Slowly, as though savouring it his fingers made contact with hers where they sat supporting her body on the bed.


    Just like that his hand moved and moved, crawling upwards. Skimming the bare expanse of her naked, sensitive skin. Jessie wanted to cry out in frustration, she felt hot and desperate every part of her cried out for him, for more. But somehow she was unable to utter another word. His other hand tugged at the base of her tank top, flirting beneath she bit her lips as the other hand began it''s agonizing torment as well. "Gosh... just kiss me already." And he did.


    She threw her head backwards as his lips came in contact with her that sensitive spot where her pulse thrumed and a soft moan escaped her. Her hands refused to remain seated, since his strong arm had wrapped around her slim waist her hands wrapped around him and combed into his hair. Damn she missed him! She miss- "oh my goodness" she sighed when his hand found the soft mounds of flesh and he squeezed.


    She couldn''t take it anymore, pushing him backwards she captured his lips in a searing kiss. All passion and lust, the moment the sweetness of her exploded in his mouth Jason lost the last shreds of patience he held on to. And it was not a good idea because here she was sporting a sore nose.


    Pushing up her shirt, they separated briefly as he yanked it over her head. And just as he had figured out there was no bra, so there was the pause where she was bared to him and his eyes feasted.


    Jessie felt unbearably hungry at his intense gaze. He was already eating her up and she longed to be fed as he was. Denying him further view she kissed him again. Pushing him backwards as she lifted her hips to straddle him.


    Perhaps it was a bad decision? Perhaps it was good. She couldn''t stop the gasp that escaped her lips as she felt his desire. His guttural groan forced her to look down at him he allowed her no room to question any of her bolder decisions he pushed her head down to capture her lips again. His hands and his fingers exploring every inch of her naked torso.


    His lips began to crawl downwards, leaving painfully sinful cravings that continued to settle at the bottom of her belly. And as his lips reached her sensitive peaks she shivered uncomfortably. His hands gripping her backside without consideration for her innocence.


    Gripping his hair he delivered such heavenly ministrations to her soft mounds she was dizzy with lust. Pushing her down on the bed he settled between her legs and moved lower still. Kissing her down her stomach, until he reached the band of her shorts.


    He looked up at her briefly, and nothing felt more erotic than his eyes asking for permission. Her impatient hands moved to pull off the clothing but he held them steady.


    "Please Jason please..." she pleaded bashfully and his lips broke into a grin.


    Jason had no idea what he would have done if she told him to stop. ''Please Jason please.'' It was music to his ears.


    "Don''t worry nothing in the world is going to stop me now." He muttered against her thighs and she moaned. "Nothing."

 Chapter 327 - 327. The Best Feeling.

    She was tired. Unbelievably, tired. So that''s why they called it bed sport? She thought to herself. This was a full work out right there. When she woke Jason was no where to be found and she was left feeling lonely and annoyed, that is until he walked back in holding a breakfast tray.


    "Wow... I never took you for a breakfast in bed kind of guy." She laughed as he walked in.


    "There so many things you don''t know about me." He smiled winking at her.


    "Oh? Really, because I thought I could see into your soul last night." She teased but she immediately regretted the decision when he teased her right back.


    "And early this morning don''t forget this morning." He stated bluntly.


    Oh yes how could she forget? After a sweet passionate night she fell asleep to words of bliss and a strong embrace she should have known that he wouldn''t stay still. He was gentle at first but when he flipped her over even she was embarrassed by her blatant display of... well it was safer to end it as that time was the reason for her fatigue.


    "You must be so happy with yourself." She scoffed.


    And he wore a shameless grin. "Of course I am. Even with a the explicit dreams I had, nothing could beat the real thing." He said leaning down to drop the breakfast tray. He placed a soft kiss on her lips.


    "I should go freshen up first." She sighed as he pulled her up from the bed. The moment Jessie stood she felt everything from yesterday.


    Wincing she bent over to try and hide her discomfort but it was too late he noticed. "Are you okay? Is something wrong?" He asked as he held closely to him.


    "Ow!" She sighed heavily.


    "Hey, are you okay?" He asked.


    "No... damn ow."


    "Where does it hurt?" He asked.


    And she shot him an accusing glare. "Do you really want to know?"


    And he realised what must be happening. Sweeping her off her feet he carried her into the bathroom and gently laid her in the tub.


    "I''m so sorry, I should''ve known." He whispered as he pushed stray strands of her hair away from her face.


    "It doesn''t matter, it''s not that bad." She pouted looking away. Jason noticed her reddening cheeks and he couldn''t help the smile.


    "Is Jessie Marin shy right now?" He asked struggling to keep the mirth out of his voice. "Hey, hey..." he said softly pulling her chin to him. "Look at me.." he ordered his tone serious and his eyes full of emotion, she reluctantly complied. "You''re so cute." He laughed and she shoved at his torso.


    "Why are you torturing me this morning?!" She whined. "Gosh it''s bad enough I can barely look you in the eyes after what happened last night and you suddenly do this. Tease me. Where is the grumpy old Jason? What did you do with him?"


    "I''m happy Jessie, you make me happy." He said, stroking her face.


    And Jessie''s brows narrowed. "Ofcourse you''re happy, you just had sex with the girl you fancy." She replied.


    He shook his head. "No.. it''s more than that. I never thought I would ever feel like this again." From the moment she stepped into his life she constantly took my mind off work, off his difficult past, his annoying father. Made care about something that wasn''t shallow or plain.


    Jessie moved her hand to cup the side of his face, stroking gently. As she opened her mouth to speak they heard ringing at the other side of the door. Jason looked back at her, but she gestured for him to go.


    "Answer it." She said.


    "Really I don''t need to-"


    "Go."


    "Hey, your phone is ringing as well." He yelled.


    "Who is it?" She asked.


    "Tony. Should I answer?"


    "Oh, yes please. Can you bring it in here?"


    Soon after Jason walked into the room with the phone on his hands, and handed it to Jessie.


    "Hey Tony?" Jessie answered.


    The line was silent for a bit before he spoke "I need to see you Jessie."


    "Hm? You can come over to Jason''s." She said casually, frowning at all the love bites that were littered all over her body.


    "No, not there. In the city, it''s important." He stated.


    Jessie frowned "is something the problem Tony?"


    "No! No, there just something important that I need to give you." Tony said "today is already gone so how about tomorrow?"


    "Today is gone?" Jessie remarked, pushing the phone away and looking into the screen. It was already 4:12 pm! She slept till... what?! Why the hell was Jason bringing in a breakfast tray? But come to think of it, none of the foods on there were religiously breakfast foods. "Yeah, sure tomorrow is okay."


    "See you at ten."


    "Sure thing Tony." She replied ending the call.


    Jason walked back in. "I should head back, I have a five o''clock session with my therapist."


    "I slept the entire day? Why didn''t you wake me when you left for work?"


    Jason pursed his lips and folded his arms, "what makes you think I went to work?"


    And her raised brows and pointed look was answer enough. "Fine, I did go to work. But I thought you needed the rest."


    "Oh how gracious you are." Her tone laced with sacarsm. "And if you still had an appointment why did you come back all the way here?"


    "I needed to see you, besides I thought I should be here when you woke up."


    "I have a clever retort to that but I want you to promise me something."


    "Anything." He said.


    "Don''t ever stop loving me the way you''re doing right now." Jessie said.


    Jason brows furrowed "I could never stop loving you even if I tried. Ever."


    "No, I mean the food trays and the checking up on me and I know this is probably the most unfair. But those smiles, it the best thing, the best feeling. To be receiving those happy smiles."


    Jason leaned down, his hand cupping her nape, he pulled her in for a kiss. Which she returned in fervour. When he saw she had become breathless he pulled away, and kissed her wet nose. "I pro-" his phone rang again.


    "Go, enjoy your therapy."


    "This" he gestured between both their bodies "isn''t over."


    "Go!" She laughed, as he stole another kiss. Immediately he was gone she grabbed her phone and dialed. "Hello?"


    "Jessie?" A familiar voice breathed into the speaker.


    "Hey Jonathan, are you free?" She asked.


    "Ofcourse. What do you need?" He asked.


    "We need to talk. Were can I meet you?"


    "Em... I''ll text you the address." He stated.


    "Great, how does five sound?"


    "Perfect."

 Chapter 328 - 328. Compete With A Goddess.

    "Hey... been a while." Jessie said as she answered the phone.


    "Yeah.... um... you don''t hang out with George Lee anymore do you?" Lenora asked.


    "No... he went crazy yesterday and he tried to hurt me so, no I''m not hanging with him anymore." Jessie sighed.


    The line was quiet for a bit then she spoke again. "Is that all it''s going to be? That''s it?"


    Jessie huffed. "Of course not. I just need to approach from another angle, I can''t go anywhere close to George anymore." She said.


    "And Patricia?"


    "Why are you asking me all of this questions?" Jessie asked. "Did you find something? Is that what this is about?"


    "Don''t get too excited Jessie, I was only wondering, we are a team remember? You''ve been awfully silent."


    "Well, I have been awfully occupied."


    "You do understand that not only your life depends on this right? Don''t make me regret choosing to side with you." Lenora stated.


    "And you would have sided with who? Patricia?"


    "It was always an option."


    "Look I can''t do this with you right now Lenora. What do you want to hear? I was almost raped for nothing? What?"


    "I am not falling for that, just be reminded it is not all about you. My boyfriend is also paying for the fight between you and Patricia, keep that at the back of you mind." She said.


    Jessie shut her eyes and struggled to control herself. What more could she have done?


    "Whatever, I understand. Goodbye."


    Frowning at her phone she looked up at the cars in Jason''s garage, contemplating which one to take. "Miss Marin." A gruff familiar voice called out behind her.


    Jessie turned around to see Sebastian. "Oh hello, I want to go out would you recommend a car?"


    "You are planning on taking company right?" He asked.


    Jessie smiled, "if you want to tag along just say so. I''ll let you come with me." She laughed, enjoying the bodyguards obvious discomfort.


    "Where are we headed?" He asked as he lead her to the jeep.


    Helping her get in she showed him the address and he nodded. Getting into the drivers seat they set out.


    **************************************************


    Karen watched her sister pretend not to smile as they heard Jonathan''s car pull up in the drive way. "What''s he doing here again?" She groaned.


    "I know right, he only comes here everyday of the week to check on you after the surgery he advised you to have, and mind you that he paid for. You know he just didn''t advise you to have it in time saving your life and has been kind enough to bring food each time he comes. Just why is he here again?" Karen replied, looking straight into her sister eyes.


    Krystal returned her pointed look. "You must think you are funny." She said.


    Karen shrugged "and you must think you are not in love with your boss."


    "Krystal yuck! Don''t say that, he''s like way too old for me!"


    "Really? Was that the best you could come up with? Too old? Didn''t you have a crush on Paul Song who is like 30?"


    "He''s 29!"


    "And your boss is 26." Karen reminded her bluntly.


    "Hey ladies." Jonathan smiled as he walked into the room, and unfailingly holding packages that Karen would bet her soul on were food.


    "Hey Jonathan."


    "Hey boss!" The two sisters chorused.


    "I''ll go get plates...." Karen said getting up and leaving the room but not before winking at her sister.


    "You know you don''t have to come here everyday right?"


    "How else would you eat?" Jonathan laughed.


    "Uh... there''s something called a delivery system?"


    "I believe what you should be saying is thank you so much Jonathan, how would I survive without you?"


    "Oh... I didn''t realise you were so cheeky." Krystal huffed.


    Jonathan sat on the couch besides her and pinched her cheeks. "There a lot you do not know about me."


    Krystal laughed, "really like what?"


    "Well for one, I got you this. I know how badly you wanted to go with Karen" he said pulling out tickets, Krystal collected it from him and looked at what it was.


    "This are tickets to Daniel''s concert, but they are sold out." Krystal said in a daze, looking at the tickets in shock. Her chest began to do that thing it did when she was around something she liked.


    "Hmmm... well, I''m a millionaire and the COO at a very influential company. People listen when I speak." He shrugged.


    Krystal stared at him unblinking, tears pooling in her big bright eyes. "Oh my Jonathan, I don''t know what to say."


    "Say you''ll recover by then, go to the concert and come back to the office. It''s not the same without you."


    Krystal shook her head, "you saved my life, fixed the relationship between Karen and I, now this? How are you so nice?"


    "Genes?" He leaned towards her.


    "That can''t be right, you''re Jason''s brother. It''s not genetics." She laughed, leaning forward as well.


    "My mother is the nicest woman I know. It could be from her, and cut Jason some slack he was raised by a real douche bag." The both laughed, then it settled and they were left staring at each other, the distance between them closer than each other them realized.


    Krystal''s eyes lowered to lips for the tiniest moment before going back up, and just as he leaned forward to cover the space his phone rang.


    "That was..."


    "Jessie?"


    "Yeah, I should go catch you later." He said walking out.


    "What were you saying about not liking Jonathan?" Karen asked from behind Krystal.


    "Shut up, Karen" Krystal replied.


    "Are you okay? He was out of here pretty fast."


    "I don''t even what to ask why you were watching that private moment, but no, no I''m not okay I fell horrible."


    "Oh Krystal, he likes you he doesn''t just realise it yet."


    "No, that''s not the reason. I''m a horrible person, for a second I wished Jessie Marin was actually dead, or a real murderer or something bad. Even if he likes me he likes her so much and I can''t even blame him, how do I compete with a goddess?" Krystal frowned.


    "Honestly I don''t know what to say actually. But do not wish I''ll on my Jessie."


    "On your Jessie? This brat, do you not have any solidarity for your sister? How can you side with Jessie right now? She doesn''t even like him back!"


    "Uh... you just said so, do not try to compete with actually fucking Jessie Marin. Besides you should be thankful it''s not reciprocated, but I am happy for you. Finally you get to have a real boyfriend and not one you stalked and wasted money on." Karen stated getting up.


    "You wasted money as well!"


    "Well you are the adult in this relationship so, take responsibility. And just so you know I ship you and Jonathan so bad... if wishes were horses, I would have three nieces and nephews by now. Bye!"


    "Hey!"

 Chapter 329 - 329. Celeste Shim.

    "I don''t know if I should be happy, angry or sad that you are in this state. You know what? I''ll be all of them." Patricia stated bluntly, as she stared at her ''uncle'' whose face was wrapped up in bandages.


    "Yet you call me incompetent." She scoffed.


    George rolled his eyes, "you came here for a reason right?"


    "Why afraid I came to gloat?" She grinned.


    "Then your priorities are misplaced, aren''t you facing a threat? Last I checked you had ten more days on your countdown, that was a week ago." George stated.


    Noticing the shocked look on Patricia''s face he smiled, not that it was obvious. "I know everything neice."


    "If you knew why the hell didn''t you do anything?"


    "Why should I? How is that a problem I should be bothered with?" George asked bluntly.


    "It my reputation, if that information gets out I am done for."


    "Exactly, you are done for. I''m done taking care of your shit, if you hadn''t noticed I have problems of my own. So if killing a person is so difficult for you perhaps you aren''t meant to bear the surname Lee." George stated bluntly.


    "I will kill him. And I never said I didn''t have control over that, I came to ask what you plan to do about Jessie?" She asked.


    "How is that your concern?"


    "This was pointless." Patricia sighed, "die here for all I care." She spat, grabbing her bag to walk out.


    "Wait a minute, why so angry?" He asked


    "I should ask you that, after what happened to you, how can you even laugh?"


    "You think this is the first time something like this has happened? I''m done getting angry, now I get even." He shrugged. "Deal with your countdown man on your own, I deal with Jessie for you."


    Patricia smiled "you finally hate her."


    "Hate? No, no but it would be better for her if I did." He stated.


    Patricia walked out of the hospital with a smile when a young woman ambushed her. "Patricia Lee!" She yelled.


    Patricia turned around thinking it was a fan, she gestured for her bodyguards to stand closer. "Can I help you?" Patricia asked.


    "You are Patricia Lee aren''t you?" The woman asked.


    "Yes, want an autograph?"


    "What? No" Patricia frowned. "I would like to speak to you privately."


    "Well if that''s the case you can always make an appointment wi-"


    "I already did that, you miss Lee are a difficult woman to meet." The woman replied.


    Patricia shook her head, "well if you couldn''t pass through my secretary then I do-"


    The woman abruptly brought out her phone and pressed play, and Patricia began to hear her own voice from the phone. As quick witted as she was she immediately recognized the situation, reaching out to grab the phone the woman backed away.


    "Stop the recording right now!" Patricia growled.


    "Ready to see me yet?" She asked.


    "Stop the recording and we''ll talk."


    Once they were out if earshot and standing in an empty hallway Patricia spoke. "Let''s not dilly dally on this matter, name your price."


    The woman smiled. "50 billion."


    At first Patricia froze, then her brows furrowed. "Seriously?" The woman gave her a pointed look and Patricia began to laugh.


    "Seriously, wow do you know how much you are asking for?"


    "I am well aware." The woman said with seriousness.


    "Well I''m sorry to destroy your dreams of quick money but that is not going to happen."


    "I''ll release this to the press, on the internet, you know what? Why don''t I hand this directly to Jessie."


    At the mention of Jessie''s name Patricia hand in a flash wrapped around the woman''s neck and she pushed her aganist the wall with a thud. "You have some nerve, really I have to give it to you. Although I am unsure if you are brave or just plain stupid."


    The woman grabbed Patricia arm as she choked. "You can''t kill me."


    Patricia''s eyes widened and fear like never before washed all over her as she trembled. Patricia looked crazed and unhinged. "Is that so? You really are stupid, and in so much trouble." Squeezing harder she continued to speak "I am so done with all you opportunists and scammers thinking you can scam me out of my money? And peace of mind, I am done."


    "If you kill me this recording will be everywhere." She choked.


    "Really? You thought you would come her with a recording, something that could have been anybody and threaten me?"


    "If people believed Jessie Marin sent you a suicide recording what makes you think they''ll doubt for a moment that you said this. You are a celebrity Patricia. There''s already a seed of doubt, no matter what you say this would be the end of Patricia Lee." The woman spat.


    Patricia shoved her away and shot her a deadly glare. "Five hundred thousand."


    "You''re kidding, is that the amount of your life?"


    "Take it or die. I don''t care if the recording gets out, I will kill you. With my bare hands." Patricia informed her.


    "Bring every copy of the recording and come over tomorrow, .my secretary''s will be expecting you." She said turning around to walk away.


    "Miss is everything alright?"


    "That woman, take note of her. Have someone tail her, and find out everything you can learn about her." Patricia said, she couldn''t believe this kind of thing was coming to bite her in the ass.


    Seems like she would have to find that darned reporter again, somehow Patricia didn''t think she was as oblivious to the fact that someone was eavesdropping while she was talking Lenora in her trailer that day.


    ************************************


    "I think it''s here Sebastian." Jessie said looking out of the vehicle. "Oh! Yeah look that''s Jonathan."


    The car slowly came to a halt and Jessie to excited and anxious didn''t wait for Sebastian to come open her door, she was already out by the time the car stopped.


    "Jonathan" Jessie called out to him and he turned around.


    "Jessie, hi" he waved at her.


    "Have you been here long?" She asked.


    Jonathan shook his head even though he was here almost an hour ago. "I just arrived."


    "Oh thank goodness I was afraid I kept you waiting." She smiled as they walked into the cafe.


    "Whay did you want to talk about?" Jonathan asked.


    Jessie turned to look at him, and she sighed. "Uh... what do you know about Jason''s mother?"


    Jonathan blinked then pursed his lips in thought. "Nothing much, I know she died almost fifteen years ago, never met her though."


    "Hmmm..." Jessie sighed.


    "Is this about Jason''s episodes?" Jessie looked at him in shock but he just shrugged. "News travels, gossip even faster."


    "Jonathan, I''m about to tell you something pretty absurd and I need you to not freak out and try to be open minded." Jessie said.


    "Okay?"


    "Your mother, Celeste Shim is also Jasons'' mother."


    Jonathan shook his head in confusion. "What? Are you being serious right now?"


    "I know this is hard to swallow bu-"


    "You think?! How did you find that out?"


    "Jonathan please calm down, she admitted it to me herself. And I felt you should know."


    "Does Jason know?" Jonathan asked and Jessie sighed again.


    Shaking her head "I didn''t think it was the right time to tell him, he''s pretty unstable honestly and he was just starting to get over it, it wouldn''t seem like the smartest move to tell him."


    "Then why did you tell me?" He asked, staring at her with such and intense gaze Jessie felt very uncomfortable.


    "Jonathan..."


    "How do you expect me to believe you? You know what? I refuse to believe you, my mother wouldn''t lie to me like that. She wouldn''t loe to Jason like that if he were her son. Goddamn Jessie you''ve met the woman, you yourself mentioned how nice she was."


    "Yes that was before I found out she has been lying not to only Jason but you as well." Jessie replied "look Jonathan I''m not asking you to blindly believe my words and forsake your mother. I am right and you can prove it."


    "What?"


    She reached into her bag and placed a toothbrush on the counter top before them. "You know what to do."


    Jonathan looked at the toothbrush then at her, sensing his hesitation Jessie added "you''ll lose nothing by trying. If it''s false I''ll accept any consequence you want to give me, if not then you have to have a long talk with you mother."


    Jonathan sighed and grabbed the toothbrush. "If this isn''t a lie then does that mean Jason is my brother? Asin, brother brother?"


    Jessie nodded.


    "When are you going to tell him?"


    She shook her head again. "I don''t know, I don''t know how to. He seems so happy these days I don''t want to ruin that."


    Jonathan smiled sadly. "You really love him don''t you?"


    "More than I ever thought."


    As they walked out of the restaurant Jessie gave Jonathan a small hug and turned to walk back to Sebastian. "Wait, one more thing" he said turning around. "Can I have Matt''s number?"

 Chapter 330 - 330. Poison.

    This is another rant titled '' Why does webnovel continue to do this to me?'' Why do I write sweet words, why do I have to be so inspired and propelled to make my readers smile with cringy yet sweet chapters, does Webnovel not want my dear readers to smile? Why do my beautiful words continue to vanish, all the hardwork and all the effort expended. Why? Why? Why?


    Sorry that this rant is coming so shortly after the last one but I could not help it this time. After suffering such a loss I can only look at my pillow, laying on the dirty floor the only thing I can take my frustration out on in guilt and regret. I should not have tossed the dear important pillow that keeps me comfortable at night, and worse on the dirty floor. Yes, I haven''t cleaned my room in days, so imagine the dust the dear pillow had to suffer. But what can I do? I need to publish this chapter and perhaps a second version could be better. Some remakes are usually better than the original but what are the odds of that happening?


    Anyway, I am done ranting. Too annoyed to even use exclamation marks seems like a real waste of time. I hope you still enjoy the chapter.


    PS: I know the song is old but listen to ''cry for me'' by twice. It my most recent muse.


    ********************************************************************


    "What is he doing here?" Jason''s angry voice called the attention of the two people who were just laughing at some joke that he didn''t have the privilege of hearing.


    "Oh? You''re here, sit have breakfast." Jessie said with a beaming smile.


    "Don''t ignore me, why is he here?" He repeated glaring at the clearly unwanted visitor.


    "I invited him, Matt has never tasted my cooking. Isn''t that such a big crime?" Jessie asked.


    Jason clenched his teeth, "I have never tasted your cooking."


    Jessie gasped, covering her mouth with the back of her hand theatrically. "Really! My goodness! That''s an even bigger crime!" She said. "Come, sit, let''s solve this problem before the police find out. I can not go back to prison." She said with shudder.


    "I am not a child, do not try to treat me like one." Jason was relentless.


    Jessie sighed, untying the apron around her neck and waist she walked over to him. Grabbing his tie she pulled him downwards and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "I know your not a child obviously, but will you stop behaving like one?" She said.


    Jason eyes narrowed at her. "Why did you invite Matt here?"


    Jessie pursed her lips and tilted her lips "you''re a big boy figure it out."


    "Really?"


    She sighed " I heard you fired you last secretary, good decision by the way but that means the position is vacant-"


    "It isn''t." He stated firmly.


    "It is, I don''t care who you hired as far as it''s not Matt then it''s vacant. Do you really want to go through the stress of training a new secretary? Not to mention all the issues with trust and all that."


    "Now that seems like a problem I should be worrying about, all on my own don''t you think?"


    "Mmhmm... I do not want to be thrown out of your building again, one time is more than enough for me." She frowned.


    Jason''s eyes softened "that.... that will never happen again."


    "You say that but you weren''t even aware it happened." She said


    Jason looked away from her eyes, "look I didn''t mean it to hurt you. It wasn''t your fault, you had a mad woman manning your affairs, I just want you to be surrounded by allies and not enemies. Hm? Please?"


    Jason looked at her and sighed "I had a rule, never employ someone that had ever been fired, worse by my own self. Never date a woman I had broken up with."


    "Yet you''ve broken those two rules. You''re dating me even though we''ve broken up countless times and you hired Krystal again after you fired her. " Jessie said with a smile.


    "Who?"


    "Krystal, Jonathan''s secretary? You know what nevermind." She gave up when she noticed the lost look he gave her.


    "Anyway, stop being so stubborn and just hire him back, if you are too proud to admit your mistake then you can use me. Say I wouldn''t have it any other way." She stated proudly.


    "I did not make a mistake, i gave him explicit orders which he defied." Jason spat.


    "Yes yes we all know about you orders." Jessie said dismissively. "Besides he save our lives with George and I know you know that it was him that called Sebastian."


    "Fine" he said, snaking his arms around her waist he pushed her to him. "But what do I get in return?" He asked.


    Jessie whose arms were flat on his chest to support herself smiled. "What do you want?"


    Jason lowered his head and ran the tip of his nose from her ears to her neck causing her to shiver. Grabbing his face she kissed him again but this time deeper, taking his arm on her waist and placing it on her chest.


    She moaned as he instinctively squeezed his tongue sweeping into her mouth, he nibbled on her lower lip then licked away the sting. She wrapped her arms around his neck pushed herself further into his grasp, hee finger combing through his hair.


    "Not yet" he said pulling her back as she pulled away.


    "Mmmhmmm, Matt first." She said.


    "Tease." He scoffed and she gave him an innocent smile and walked back to the island.


    Both men gave themselves hostile stares as Jason sat and they looked forward again. "I didn''t know you cooked." Jason said.


    Jessie turned to look at him "there''s a lot you don''t know about me." She said with a wink.


    "Oh?"


    "But we are not here to tall about my cooking..." she said looking between both men. Placing the food before them on the island. "Dig in."


    Both men picked up their forks and took bites of her pancakes.


    "Wow! Miss Marin, this is amazing!" Matt said with a big smile. Jessie eyes widened and she smiled.


    "Really?" He nodded. "Then you can help yourself, I can make more for you if you want."


    "Oh no no no, I don''t dare stress you like that." Matt laughed.


    "What do you think about the food, Jason?" Jessie asked.


    Jason coughed, then cleared his throat, with a smile on his face he nodded wordlessly.


    Jessie nodded. "Tch. Will it kill you to just say you like it. Anyways I''ll you guys to it then."


    When she left the room both men were spitting into napkins. "Wow, we really should talk about her cooking." Jason groaned.


    "It wasn''t that bad." Matt stated with a cough.


    Jason looked at him, and laughed. "Just because you could laugh and smile, calling that poison good food so as not to hurt her feelings, I''ll let you come back." He stated.


    Matt laughed. "You''re acting was no so bad as well."


    "You think so?" Matt nodded.


    "Good to have you back Matt."


    "You too boss."

 Chapter 331 - 331. Youre Not A Kang.

    Jessie sat on the bench staring at the water fountain. Why did she feel so uneasy? Why did that seem like a goodbye?


    ******


    "No matter what anyone says you are my star. You shine brighter than the sun, and you are the best, the standard."


    "Why are you saying this things? Tony what is in this flash drive? Why are you scaring me?!" Jessie whined.


    Tony laughed, placing his hands on her shoulders he cupped her cheek. "It''s nothing serious, don''t mind me. I just wanted you to know that I''ll always be in your corner, even though it might not seem like it right now you are the brightest star there is."


    Jessie shook her head, "let''s change the subject. How are the girls? I haven''t seen them in a while."


    "They are having so much fun with their grandparents they don''t even have time to call their dad these days." Tony said.


    ''"That right, I haven''t apologised about last time have I?"


    "About what?"


    "Jason, he uses your girls as hostages last he was searching for me."


    Tony laughed. "I honestly forgot about that. I don''t accept your apology."


    "Huh?"


    "Get him to apologise himself." Tony said.


    "When pigs fly."


    *******************************************


    Jonathan stood outside his mother house trying to calm his trembling hands. He didn''t know what to say, how to think, but he was angry. He was mad! Two days ago he took Jason''s toothbrush just to humor Jessie. Did the test to prove to her his mother would never do something like that. His shock! Ninety nine point nine percent sure of parentage. His mother was Jason''s mother, Jason''s mother that was supposed to be dead, dead for fifteen years.


    "Jonathan! What are you doing here? And standing outside at that?"


    Jonathan swallowed but said nothing.


    "What is wrong with you? You should have called me earlier before you came, mother is going out." She said "if you are not busy you can wait inside, there food in the warmer, em?" She patted his cheek and walked around him towards her car.


    "Is Jason your son?" Jonathan finally asked.


    Celeste froze in her tracks, spinning around. "What?"


    "Is Jason your son?" He asked again, turning to face her. This time she noticed the paper in his left hand.


    "Seems like you already know." Celeste stated bluntly.


    "You''re not even going to deny it? Say... perhaps you weren''t aware?" Jonathan asked.


    Celeste starred at him with a pointed stare. "How did you find out?"


    "Does that matter?"


    "It was Jessie Marin wasn''t it?" Celeste said, "so she finally struck." She muttered underneath her breath.


    "Does it matter? The fact it that you lied! Now I know why I spent my entire childhood in boarding schools and hostels. All of a sudden you appeared and started to act like a mother. I thought was the luckiest boy in the world when you took me out of school that day, when I got to come home to you everyday." Jonathan spat, "all because of those years I spent lonely in school, waiting, praying I get to see you that semester. Hoping you come for me during the holidays, apparently you were having fun with your other son!"


    Celeste sighed. "Jonathan... is not-"


    "Then how is it? Huh? Tell me, if I was your son and Jason''s brother why did I grow up with a family? Without a father, without a brother even without you! Why did Jason get everything?!"


    "You are not a Kang! Not really anyway?" Celeste stated.


    "What?"


    "Xavier is not your father."


    Jonathan shook his head. "That does not make any sense? How them I''m I an heir in Kang empire? Why is my surname Kang? Does my fath- does Mr. Kang know?"


    "No."


    "He does not know that I am not his son?"


    "No."


    "Are you going to explain?"


    "Look i did this for you Jonathan, you said Jason shouldn''t have everything, I agree. Why should he have the entire empire? You deserve to be a conglomerate heir as well." Celeste said.


    Jonathan shook his head and ran his hand through his hair. "You''re kidding right?"


    "I got pregnant for you when Jason was still a baby, he was barely four. But it wasn''t Xavier''s child. So when I gave birth I told him that the child died, but I gave you one of his lovers and had her present you to him as his child." Celeste explained.


    "Where is this woman?"


    "She died, tragically barely a month after you were born." Celeste shrugged. "Look Jonathan-"


    "Don''t touch me. Where you ever planning on telling me?" Jonathan asked.


    "You weren''t supposed to find out, but now the cats out of the bag what are you going to do? Tell Xavier he''s not your real dad? And loose your shares and your influence, the power you currently hold because of that name?" His mother asked. "Keep your mouth shut and remain grateful to this mother of yours." She said "like I said, I have somewhere I need to be, see you son." She states walking away.


    **************************************


    "What? Paradise really has a shadow president?" Jason asked.


    "We always suspected it, but I had it confirmed since you weren''t really involved in the past month." Matt stated.


    "Have you discovered the identity of the person?"


    "No, not yet. He is too careful and too meticulous. Never shows up in person and leave cryptic messages. They a planning something big, that paradise." Matt replied.


    Jason pursed his lips and sighed. Ever since he realised that Paradise was not all his mother explained to him he had been looking for a way to end it. A country should be led by a president and not a group of old people that have no business still existing anyway. He always knew there was corruption in the world, but this... was just too surprising.


    "Have you managed to link them to the auction house, the members."


    "No, It is obvious that they are part of it but I can''t find any paper trail. Perhaps their agreement is the same as you had with George Lee."


    Jason nodded. "Good work." Matt bowes and turned to leave but Jason stopped him.


    "Yesterday, why did you make Jessie believe that I actually fired you?"


    Matt blinked in confusion. "But Mr. Kang, you did the exact same thing."


    "Because you started it first, besides she''s my girlfriend. She believed she worked so hard to make me happy I couldn''t destroy that." Jason stated "what''s your excuse?"


    "The exact same reason, she was so passionate the day she came to ask me to come over for breakfast."


    "Ahhh, you seen really interested in my girlfriend feelings."


    "Ofcourse!" Jason''s eyes narrowed at his bluntness. "If she is sad you will be sad-"


    "So you care about my feelings? Didn''t take you for the emotional type."


    Matt shook his head, "I''m not, but when you are displeased about something the entire office suffers for it."


    "Hey!"


    "That would be all Mr. Kang!" He bowed quickly and dashed out.

 Chapter 332 - 332. I Always Want More.

    Jessie stared down at the ringing phone with a heavy heart, he must have found out the truth. She couldn''t begin to understand what he must be going through right now.


    "Gonna answer that?" Jason asked as he walked in, startling Jessie who wasn''t expecting for a least another few hours.


    "Em." She responded picking up the phone, but surprisingly the phone was out of her grips and in Jason''s in a moment. "Hey! What are you doing?!"


    "Jonathan? Why is he calling you?" Jason frowned.


    "That, is none of your business." She stated curtly reaching for the phone.


    Jason stepped backwards and held it away from her. "None of my business? Tch..."


    Jessie sighed, she might have found his jealousy cute at any other time but not now. "Give-"


    "I know I can''t stop you from speaking to Jonathan but will you take it into consideration that I don''t like it?" He asked.


    Jessie expression softened. "Why? He''s your brother, why do you hate him so much?" She asked.


    "Half-brother" he corrected and Jessie''s heart squeezed at his ignorance. "And asides from the fact that he likes my girlfriend, he is living prove of the injustice done to my mother. How can I accept someone like that."


    Jessie sighed, this was honestly real self control, not just blurting out the truth. "It still isn''t his fault, he didn''t ask to be born. Don''t be so hard on him."


    "Are you defending him to me right now?" Jason asked his eyes narrowing.


    "No, I''m just saying don''t do things you might regret." She said, grabbing her phone and walking away.


    ***************************************


    "Katherine!" A familiar voice reached the young doctor''s ears and as though she touched something hot she flinched. Looking back discreetly to confirm. It was Paul, Ofcourse. The bane of her existence, without further hesitation she quickened her pace.


    "Hey! Dr. Park!" He yelled behind and as she noticed his voice coming closer, Katherine shut her eyes and began to run, stunning the passersby.


    Paul sighed as he saw her run away, wondering how he allowed things become so messed up. He ran his hands through his hair and willed himself not to punch the wall beside himself in frustration. He needed to speak to her, he didn''t understand why he felt this way but he was going crazy.


    He mind was filled with her and only her, no one else. And it scared him, he tried to distract himself but even the women he once found a thrill in pursuing deemed and irritated him. Why? They weren''t a certain big eyed, raven haired beauty. The thought that he might actually be falling for Katherine scared him, she was his best friend for crying out loud! How could he do this to her? She had a boyfriend too... gosh he was stupid! But he still wanted to see her, desperately. Turning around he walked the opposite direction, he needed a drink.


    ***********************************


    "Sandara Bahn, 24 years old. A makeup artist, she doesn''t have much friends, no boyfriend and a sick grandmother."


    "A sick grandmother?" Patricia asked.


    "Yes, she has dementia and needs surgery."


    Patricia smiled, "ahhh so she''s doing this for the surgery."


    "Not really, from what I gathered she already paid for the surgery and it''s scheduled for tomorrow."


    "Then?" Shs thought out loud.


    "She has a lot of gambling debt though, it so bad that she is about to lose her house."


    "Gambling debt? A twenty four year old? What are kids doing these days? It''s too bad for her then, that wrench, trying to use me to pay off her own bad decisions." Patricia scoffed.


    "Should we go ahead with the plan? Wouldn''t you want to see her first?"


    "No" Patricia shook her head. "After she gives me the drive today, kill her. I have bigger problems to deal with."


    *****************************************


    "What?"


    "It seems urgent, can you come to the office now?" Matt asked.


    Jessie looked to her side, at the sleeping profile of attractive man besides her. Pushing away the cover she got off the bed and walked into the bathroom. "I don''t understand, why did this person just come now?"


    "I have no idea, but I also have a bad feeling about this. She seems jumpy, I do not want to question her too much incase she runs away." He said.


    "Hmmm, then Jason cannot find out" Jessie replied. "I just have to get there early enough right."


    "As soon as possible."


    Jessie eyes widened for a split second "sure thing Katherine, I be right there." She stated, smiling at herself reflection.


    "And here I was wondering who you were sneaking around talking to" Jason said leaning aganist the door frame.


    "I didn''t want to wake you, good morning" she responded. "I have to see Katherine very urgently, so I''ll leave before you." She stated grabbing her tooth brush, but before she could paste it he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him."


    "I''m sure she can wait" he said, his eyes darkening as he leaned down to place a kiss on her collarbone.


    Jessie shut her eyes and sighed "Jason..."


    "Hmm?" He moved lower still, his hand pushing up the hem of her nightie.


    "Jason I have to go..." she breathed out.


    "Ummhmm..." He trailed off, biting down her chest, he used his teeth to push away the strap from her shoulders.


    Still trying to push him away she struggled to argue, "no, Jason I- oh my gosh" she moaned as his fingers slipped inside her. Pulling her up they separated as he sat her on the sink joining again he kissed her passionately. Forty minutes later they walked out of the bedroom, Jessie scowling fiercely.


    "Well... bye, I''m off!" She stated bluntly turning around walking away but before she get far he grabbed her arm and turned her to him.


    "I''ll drop you off, why take two cars? I''m heading out, besides Song hospital isn''t that far from the office."


    Jessie shut her eyes in frustration, why was he being so clingy! "Really it''s no problem besides I have Sebastian" she said.


    "No you don''t, it''s his day off."


    "What?!" Biting her lips fiercely she turned to look at him "fine let''s go." She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the exit.


    Looking at her phone at the four missed calls from Matt.


    "Hey! Aren''t we going to have breakfast?" Jason laughed as she tugged on his arm.


    Sending him an intense glare she scoffed. "I''m I not a enough breakfast for you? I seem to recall you having your fill just a few moments ago."


    Jason suddenly stopped moving and Jessie wanted to cry, why was he being difficult? Why couldn''t she pull him any further? Instead he was the one who tugged her to him, causing her to slam into him. Weaving his fingers through her hair he cupped her cheek and kissed her, even as she placed her plams on his chest to push him back. "I can never be satisfied, not with you. I always want more."


    His eyes dark, dangerous yet sincere. After what happened in the bathroom, in the shower and in the bed this morning Jessie was breathless.


    And an additional text popped into her phone reminding her not to tell this giant jerk before her so soon. Fine, she''ll ride with him, Song hospital isn''t fat from the Kang tower right?


    Oh how wrong she was!

 Chapter 333 - 333. Jessie Please Choose Me!

    Jessie walked twelve blocks to get to Jason building. No, she ran six blocks to get to Jason building, gnashing her teeth at the thought of just coming here with him, but she wouldn''t betray Matt like that.


    When she finally reached the office, sweat beads all over her forehead with strands of her brown hair clinging to her forehead. "Anyone that says I am not a celebrity should try running twelve blocks in six inch heels!" She huffed. "Gosh I''m out of shape!'' She panted, wiping her forehead with the back of her arm, she walked into the building.


    Another text popped into her phone urging her to hurry up. As it still took a while for her destination, when she found the floor she didn''t hesitate to pick up the pace and her steps soon fell into a steady run but suddenly she was no longer running to the end of the hall way, but the soft sensation behind her and the intense eyes glaring at her, informed her of the sudden change in plans. As ran to her destination a sudden arm poked out of a door and before she could understand what was going on she hit the back of a closed door and intense eyes were glaring down at her.


    "Jonathan?" Jessie sighed in both relief and confusion, for a second there she thought that was Jason. "What are you doing?" She asked.


    "I could ask you the same thing, why are you here?" He asked, his eyes holding an expression she could not understand, they looked hopeful, which was why she seemed lost.


    Looking away briefly she replied, "there''s something urgent I need to attend to, I''m already late we''ll talk later" She said, leaning forward to ease out of his cage.


    "What? What is so urgent?" Jonathan asked, responding to her physical resistance with force of his own.


    Jessie looked away again, biting her lip. "It''s... it''s a long story, I just know I need to get there now and Jason cannot find out about it, hmm?"


    Jonathan laughed ruefully, looking above her head he laughed. "I''m such a fool" he said, pushing away from the door where he caged her and walking backwards.


    "What?"


    "Why did I think you came to see me after I sighted you in the lobby?" He asked.


    Jessie frowned, "I really need to go...we''ll talk later." She said, turning to open the door, she couldn''t understand what Jonathan was saying buy she knew she needed to be somewhere else.


    "Do you even care how I''m doing?" He asked as she turned the door knob. "Are you not even going to ask me what my mother said? How I feel after you just destroyed the relationship I had with the woman who birthed me?"


    Jessie turned to look at him, "Jonathan" she sighed. "I''m sorry you feel that way, and I am sorry for telling you, I just thought you should know the truth."


    "The truth?" He laughed "she thought I should know the truth." He muttered to himself. "Alright, I''m not the only affected person, why don''t you tell this truth to Jason?"


    Jessie tapped her feet on the ground repeatedly, "you know I can''t just do that, his mother is a sensitive place for him-"


    "And it''s not for me?!" Jonathan yelled, scaring her.


    "Hey, that is not what I mean. You know he has issues because of Celeste, what do you think is going to happen if he finds out she is alive?" Jessie stated after staggering a few steps backwards from him.


    "And it''s fine for me to find out? Why? Because I''m more stable? Because I''m not Jason? Do I have to fall on the floor or have panic attacks before you could give me a sliver of the worry and care that Jason gets? The consideration?" He asked.


    "Jonathan I do care about you."


    "No" he held up and arm "stop, don''t patronize me. Just dont. Do you know how crazy I''ve been this past few days? Do you know how I have been doing? Did you even care?!" He yelled. "You found out something this big but you don''t tell Jason because you are scared it will hurt him but you didn''t hesitate to destroy my trust?"


    "It''s not like that." She insisted.


    "Why do all the women I love always pick him?! Why do I have to come second?!! Why?!!!" He yelled as a single tear rolled down his face.


    "Your mother did not pick Jason, she choose you. If anything she left him for you!" Jessie yelled back.


    "Is that so? That woman did nothing for me! All the while I thought she was out working to keep food on the table she was with Jason and his father, being the most fucking perfect mother! I grew up alone, and when I was old enough I spent my childhood in boarding schools, yet she raised Jason with her own hands, all her affection. How is that choosing me?! Tell me!" He cried.


    Jessie stood placid, confused. "If you knew about Jason and Xavier Kang why did you insist to live with you family? With your father and brother? I get that this is hard for you, but Celeste has been lying to Jason for more than fifteen years."


    "She lied to me to! She told me Xavier was my father! She told me I couldn''t live with the brother I always adored because she was the other woman. So I grew up detesting my father for doing something so disgusting, I even felt bad for Jason and his mother. What a fool I have been!"


    Jessie looked down, so they really were half brothers? She felt bad honestly she did, but somehow for some reason she still felt more pity for Jason. No matter how she looked at it if Jonathan was a victim then Jason was more of a victim. But if Celeste could do such a thing then she must be planning something, and Jessie didn''t understand why but she needed to find out. Jason could be in danger, "I''m sorry I told you, I''m sorry you had to find out like this. But why do you think she told that kind of lie?"


    "Does that matter right now?"


    "Ofcourse it does! Now one lies and does those, these kind of things for no reason. What if she wants... if it''s something that could hurt-"


    "Jason?"


    "And you as well, you too are a victim." She said.


    Jonathan scoffed, "I told you to stop patronizing me! Jason, Jason Jason!! All everyone cares about is Jason! What does he have that I don''t?! I''m nicer, considerate and kind, his a jerk to everyone yet you continue to choose him! Even now, I''m literally crying in front of you, and you think of him. Can''t you even console me? Tell me your sorry I have a mother like that, tell me that I deserve more. Can''t you even do that?"


    "You do deserve more, I''m sorry you have a mother like that." She said, wiping her nouveau wet cheek.


    "Are you really?" He asked and Jessie nodded. "Then tell Jason, go now and tell him his mother is alive, for once Jessie please choose me, I need someone to be one my side right now I don''t want to suffer alone please."


    Jessie stared at him from across the room, her heart heavy and tears biting to fall but she couldn''t get her body to move. If this was choosing then she chose Jason, over and over she''d choose Jason.


    "I''m sorry."


    His eyes shut tightly and he let out a deep groan, combing through his hair with his slender fingers.


    "So am I, get out." He stated curtly.


    "Jonathan-"


    "Get out!" He yelled and she pushed the door open and shut it behind her, stifling her sob as she leaned against the door.


    "Miss Marin? What are you doing there? Did you get lost?" Matt''s voice called to her and with without further hesitation she looked away and quickly wiped her face before turning to Matt.


    "Yeah, I was lost." She said, noticing his expression she sighed. "I''m too late aren''t I?"


    "I''m sorry, I swear I was out if the room to just give you a call and by the time I walked back in she was gone."


    Jessie nodded, "are you sure you''re okay?"


    "I need water." She replied.


    "Come with me" Matt ordered and she walked behind him into an empty conference room.


    "Is this were she was?" Jessie asked as she entered.


    "Yes, have a seat, give me a minute I''ll be back with your water." He said and she walked further to the oval table surrounded by chairs.


    As she was about to sit she noticed a small black flash drive across from her. Walking around to retrieve it she noticed a writing on the flash.


    Property of Jessie Marin.


    Her eyes widened when she saw the writing. This wasn''t hers, she had never entered this room before how could she have left this here?


    "Here is your water." Matt said handing her a bottle.


    "This... do you know how this got here?" She asked him, raising the flash drive.


    Matt reached out to take it from her, "it isn''t yours?"


    Jessie shook her head "I have never seen it before. Do you think she left it here?"


    "Perhaps... we shou-"


    "Jessie?" A shockingly familiar voice called out. Gasping she stepped back in fright.


    "Ch-chairman?" Matt stammered, stealthily Putting gthe flash into his pocket.


    "What are you doing here?" Jason asked Jessie, then looking at Matt.. "And you? This is were you''ve been? I was wondering what you''ve been doing all day."

 Chapter 334 - 334. What Kind Of Lee Would I Be?

    What are you doing here?" Jason asked Jessie, then looking at Matt. "And you? This is were you''ve been? I was wondering what you''ve been doing all day."


    "This..."


    "I came to find you." Jessie replied from behind Matt, walking forward to stand before him.


    "Here? My office isn''t anywhere close to this place." Jason said. Looking at both of them, "you know that."


    "Ofcourse we do." Jessie replied again, "I thought I should say hi to Jonathan before coming to see you."


    "Jonathan?" Jason scowled, "why are you still meeting with him?"


    "Can''t I? He''s my friend, are you going to stop me from meeting my friends?" She huffed, Matt just stood there quietly in awe of her ease. Just how easy is it for her to lie? And in such circumstances? She was a real professional.


    "Who is your friend?" Jonathan cold voice asked from behind Jason.


    Jessie''s eyes widened, just what was going on? "You''re... you''re here?"


    Jason looked behind at Jonathan then back at Jessie. "Ofcourse he is, we have a meeting here, now infact" Jason said casually.


    Jessie looked at Matt to confirm but even the secretary was confused. "I thought you were using conference room C?"


    "I changed my mind." Jason stated bluntly "something you should know." Matt looked away.


    "And you stop meeting with my girlfriend, you can meet whomever you want but stay away from Jessie." He said coldly.


    "Jason!" Jessie yelled from behind him.


    "What?!" He yelled back. "How can I be comfortable with you meeting him?"


    "What is wrong with you? What gives you the right to make such decisions?" She frowned.


    "To you he is a friend but does he think of you the same way? He doesn''t, how can I be comfortable with that?" Jason asked looking back at Jonathan. "Isn''t it enough that your mother stole my family''s happiness, you want to steal mine as well?"


    "Hey! Jason, stop!" Jessie grabbed his hand and pulled him backwards.


    As he turned to look at her neither of them saw when he approached, the next thing Jessie saw was Jonathan''s livid eyes how he shoved her into Matt''s arm before pushing Jason to the other side of the table with his forceful fist.


    "Jonathan!" Jessie screamed, running to both of them.


    Before Jason could retaliate and any more blows could be delivered other people walked into the room.


    Immediately Matt was at the door, "the meeting is cancelled for now. An email rescheduling will be sent shortly." He said pushing them out.


    Jason and Jonathan glared at each other, panting heavily. Jessie winced at his bloodied lips, and walked in between both of them before they get ideas on going on now that the audience had been dismissed.


    "This is the man you''ll choose?" Jonathan asked from behind her.


    "You sucmbag!" Jason spat angrily, charging towards him.


    "Jason stop please!" She screamed. "Both of you stop!" Looking at Jonathan she sighed, looking at her feet "I''m sorry."


    "Save it, don''t apologise for him, stop making me look even more pathetic!"


    "How dare you yell at her!" Jason yelled back.


    "You" he pointed at Jason, "just stat out of this." Jonathan reprimanded.


    Jason eyes widened "stay out of this? Whom do you think you are?"


    "Enough!" Grabbing Jason''s arm she pulled him out of the room, passing a small crowd of people they walked to the elevator.


    "Are you a child? Why are the both of you acting like children?!"


    "Why the hell were you apologising to him then?! I was the one who was punched!" He huffed.


    "A punch you deserved! Acting like a jerk, he is your brother for crying out loud!"


    "Half brother!"


    "Still, he and you have the same blood" she paused "fifty percent of the same blood running through your veins."


    "Blood I detest, why should I acknowledge that kind of relationship? From a man I hate, who knows how many children he has?" Jason scoffed.


    Jessie sighed screaming internally at his ignorance. For a minute she considered telling him so he wouldn''t regret anything, but if he hated his father and Jonathan by extension. If he found out his mother was a pathological liar wouldn''t he hate her more? And then Jonathan again, by extension?


    *****************************************


    Sandara sighed deeply, hesitating as she raised her hand to knock on the door. She had to do this, she had already come this far, if she didn''t completely go through with it she would definitely get hurt.


    Before she knocked a voice from inside stopped her. Patricia''s voice "it''s open, come in."


    Pushing the door open she walked in, she sighed again then shook of all evidences of fear from her eyes. "Do you have my money?" She asked.


    "Do you have the file?" Patricia asked.


    "Right here" she said tapping on her bag.


    Patricia motioned to the bodyguard behind her, and he placed two fat bundles of money before her. Eyeing the cash she sighed, "you should thank my generosity. This" she raised the brown file in her hand "is worth more that that money."


    Patricia scoffed, "don''t be too greedy, it''s not safe for you. Now hand over the file."


    She placed the file on the table as they slid her money to her she slid the file to Patricia. "I hope it''s all here?" She asked, skimming through a wad.


    "That''s what I want to ask, is this the only copy?" Patricia asked.


    "Ofcourse not, but don''t worry this news will never see the light of day." She said, "I only have to ensure my safety, don''t you think?"


    "Absolutely." Patricia smiled, "come in!" She said and Sandara''s confused expression was replaced by utter shock and betrayal.


    "Wow, I love that expression." Patricia commented "and judging by it I''m guessing you must have trusted this reporter very much."


    "Nina! How could you?!" Sandara asked in the woman.


    The newcomer didn''t say a word, she didn''t even look at Sandara. Walking confidently she placed another brown file before Patricia. "That is all right?" Patricia asked.


    "Ofcourse." The woman answered curtly, bowing to Patricia she turned to leave.


    "You sick bitch! How could you!" Sandara cried.


    With cold eyes Nina turned around, "money. She offered me so much money I wouldn''t have to work in that horrible place again. Why? Are you allowed to be greedy whilst am not, no right?"


    Sandara shook her head, "goodluck." Nina said walking out of the room.


    "Now Sandara, do you understand your situation?" Patricia asked her.


    "Y-you won''t kill me, it.. it would destroy you." She said.


    "That is where you got it wrong, not killing you will destroy me." Patricia stated bluntly, "take her away."


    "Please! Please!" Sandara screamed as they walked her into a dark room. Tossing her into the darkness she cried out as her knees and plams scrapped the hard floor in an attempt to break her fall.


    Suddenly light filled the entire room and Patricia stood confidently before her. "I would say next time you wouldn''t be so greedy. If you were even doing this for your grandmother I would have understood but you haven''t gone to see her in months. It''s too bad that but there is going to be no next time."


    "Spare me! Please spare me!" She begged.


    "Shall I do it?" The man behind Patricia asked.


    Patricia shook her head, "I''ll do it myself." Patricia said holding her hand out for the gun.


    "But miss, you''ve never killed anyone with you own hands." The man responded.


    "And that doesn''t make me a killer? I gave the orders without me none of those people would have died, do you still think I should not do it?" She asked pulling the gun from his grasp. "Besides, my uncle was right, what kind of Lee would I be if I can''t take care of things like this by myself."


    "Please spare me! Please! There is one more copy, if you spare me I''ll tell you were it is." She cried.


    "Do I look like a fool?"


    "I swear I gave one to another person." She insisted.


    "Who?"


    "Let me go and I''ll tell you."


    Patricia scoffed. "No."


    "Then you''ll be ruined. You won''t get out of this so easily if you kill me." She said.


    "Is that supposed to be a threat? You''re not doing it right. Tell me who the last copy is with?"


    "Assure me of my safety and I''ll tell you" Sandara replied with a sinister laugh. "You won''t kill me, you know what will happen to you if you do, now put down the gun and listen to me."


    Patricia laughed in amusement, wow people were really brazen. "Is that an order?"


    "Whatever you take it as, you still won''t kill me."


    Pointing the gun at her head Patricia''s eyes lost their emotion and Sandara''s their confidence.


    "I''ll take my chances, don''t be too greedy in your next life. Goodbye."


    The loud sudden sound of the gun filled the room, but Sandara didn''t hear it just as she didn''t hear her own lifeless body falling to the ground.


    "One down one more to go. Clean this up, it''s disgusting.." She said walking out of the room.

 Chapter 335 - 335. The Courage.

    Jessie was sick of the click click clicking of her heels aganist the hard floor. As that was the only sound she had been listening to for the last three minutes she had grown rather annoyed by it. Even more annoyed by the fact that she was not alone and yet... after patiently waiting in a boring office for more than two hours, she still had to endure the silent car ride. Too frustrated to continue in this defeaning silence she spoke up...


    "Are you seriously still mad at me?" Jessie asked, breaking the silence.


    "..." no answer.


    "Hey! Jason... come on, I''m sorry okay, how many times must I say it?" She threw her hands up in frustration.


    "How about until when I accept your apology" he halted turning backwards partially to send her a childish glare.


    Jessie pursed her lips in annoyance, "you''re being childish."


    He turned fully, folding his arms across his chest he looked down at her, "am I? I got punched and my girlfriend apologised to the guy who punched me, how would you respond if Patricia slapped you and I apologised to her?"


    Jessie''s eyes narrowed at his statement and she pursed her lips and mimicked him, folding her arms across her chest tucking them tightly underneath her bosom she tilted her head to the side. "That is not the same thing and you know it."


    Jason eyes widened and he scoffed "no I don''t" He denied.


    "Patricia is not my sister" she spat back.


    "Well neither is Jonathan, not completely though."


    Jessie hands fell away and she felt tempted to pull at her hair "what is wrong with you? What has Jonathan ever done to make you dislike him like this? I mean, he really looked up to you, why must you be so mean?"


    "He isn''t someone I could like"


    "What does that even mean?"


    "The first time I heard I had brother do you know the first thought I felt? Disgust, my father used these words ''you''re not irreplaceable, I have another son and he is prepared at any time to take what you have and trust me I''ll let him''. Those were the words he said, to my mother and I, for the very first time." Jason stated, "my mother was heartbroken, she didn''t show it but after that day she was different. She pushed me to do better, become better, she didn''t kiss my head anymore, she was home less and less. I was no longer her precious son but the Kang heir. I was branded with the mindset, inheriting my father''s company to make my mother happy."


    Jessie shook her head, "it still isn''t his fault."


    Jason nodded, "I know but do you think I''m the person that would look beyond all that to try understand him? No, I''m not kind, I''m not considerate and I accept willingly that I am a jerk."


    "People change."


    "Yeah, maybe but not towards Jonathan. I could forget everything but not the fact that he covets you as well. That... I can never forgive, even if I let go of my birthright and wealth, even now that I share you are non negotiable." He said seriously, his words curt.


    "But you''re who I love, you''re the one I''m with. The person I choose, doesn''t that count as anything?" She asked softly, walking to him. How she had managed to be one of those cliche'' girls stuck between two brothers.


    Jason gaze softened but they still held resistance as he looked away. "Who knows the future? You might not choose me tomorrow, how am I supposed to be comfortable with knowing that open arms are waiting for you if you ever change your mind?"


    Jessie wanted to laugh but he looked too serious so he clearly wasn''t joking, did he really think like that? "Jason I''m never going to change my mind."


    Still insisting he replied "people change."


    Jessie shook her head, "not me, not about this. I love you Jason and I am never going to stop loving you." She lifted her arms to stroke his cheek, but his hands caught hers.


    "Nothing lasts forever, even I hurt you. You don''t know the future, you can''t predict how you''ll feel about me in a few years."


    She sighed, relaxing visibly, "so are you saying you''ll stop loving me at some point?"


    His eyes narrowed dangerously and his grip tightened, pulling her to himself he looked intensely into her eyes. "No right?" She answered herself "so if you can''t stop loving me why do you think I''ll ever stop loving you? Does that seem fair, I always thought I was the more trustworthy partner, how disappointing."


    ************************************


    "This couldn''t wait?" Paul groaned as they walked into the third jewelry shop. "It''s almost midnight, I need sleep I have a busy day tomorrow."


    Jason paid him no heed as he kept his head straight gaze steady, looking side to side with grunting deeply from time to time. "How many have you purchased now?"


    "Twenty six..." he replied absentmindly, looking up at the woman whose stiff smile indicated her growing frustration. What customer shows up right before closing time and refuses to leave?


    She bowed and walked forward to show him his newest muse. "You don''t like the ones you bought? Why did you buy them?" Paul asked again. "You''ll never stop finding better designs you know."


    Finally halting his movement and standing straight, Jason tucked his hands into his pocket and turned to Paul, slanting his body slightly, tilting his head. "Then how do I get the best ring?" He asked.


    "There is not best ring, but there''s a best ring for her. Suited to her, you have to get something she would like, look for her preferences she is the one that''ll have to wear it anyway." He explained.


    "What does Jessie like?"


    Jason paused, it was strange to think about, he hadn''t given this much thought he''ll admit. He had never even asked her what she liked or enjoyed doing... but that was not enough to offer discouragement to the conviction that caused him to rise with such frevency after the sun had set. "I''m not sure, I never asked" his reply was honest but sad, filling him with regret and disappointment, disappointment in his person.


    "So what? She doesn''t have to say anything before you know what she likes. From my opinion Jessie likes a lots of things, the little things. She doesn''t make a fuss about food, I don''t think she really drinks I''ve never seen her drunk or even with a drink, for starters." Paul shrugged.


    So, it began to come to him. Her little actions, her little quirks, even her sense of style, he bought her so many clothes as she lived in his manor but he only saw her in simple casual clothing. "She doesn''t dress like most celebrities, her style is so simple now that I think of it. But yet if she is in a room she''s the only one I notice is that because I''m in love with her?"


    Paul shook his head, "that''s just Jessie. It part of her charm, now pick out a ring with the description you just gave. Please I need sleep."


    Jason shot him a sharp glare but made no movement''s in the direction of Paul''s statement. The other frustrated and sleep depraved party just about to cry out was halted by explanation for lack of prior adherence. "I already have it, let''s go."


    *************************


    "He''s not coming today Krys, come sit you aren''t meant to be standing for too long." Karen informed her stubborn sister.


    Krystal leaned on the window sill, her long soft midnight black hair falling like caresses down her shoulder. Letting out a long sigh she turned around, smile a soft meaningful smile. "Guess there''s no food today again."


    "Are you really bothered about the food? I know you miss him."


    Scoffing she jutted her chin forward "missing who? I''m not missing anyone, don''t make assumptions. Why would I miss Jonathan?"


    "I never said it was Jonathan you missed" Karen shrugged and Krystal shoulders fell, tilting her head she gave her sister a stern gaze.


    "Please who else comes everyday to bring us food?" Krsytal asked her hands on her waist.


    "The pizza guy?"


    "Like we have money for pizza everyday" she snapped.


    "Hey! Don''t take out your frustrations on me, I''m not a Kang brother." Karen whined running out of the room.


    The old couch cried when she laid her weight on it with a hump. Why did she feel so uneasy? Why did she feel so uncomfortable? She wasn''t as naive to deny this sensation, she was falling for her boss she also wasn''t naive to know that he had eyes only for Jessie. But how could she be so stupid and fall for Jonathan? Why wasn''t he coming anymore?


    "Should I call?" She wondered aloud, reaching out to pick the phone she never reached it why? She couldn''t muster the courage, and that''s how the night passed.. Another day gone.

 Chapter 336 - 336. Sit Back And Watch Your Enemies Burn.

    Mornings normally signified new beginnings and fresh opportunities, a chance to make something of oneself but not for Jessie, not when she woke on this very morning with a heavy chest and a disturbed mind. Why did this morning seem to suck all of her energy, why did she feel like something bad was about to happen? Worse, it was cold were Jason lay, she woke alone. Feeling even more depressed she got out of her room to find some comfort food, but nothing had to enter her mouth for her to comforted, he wasn''t gone yet.


    "You''re awake" he stated with a smile "come. Sit. Eat." Jason ordered, it was impossible not to melt at the sight of this wonderful man in an apron whisking batter.


    "What is this?" She asked as she followed his lead, letting their entwined fingers take her to a stool.


    "Food?"


    Unable to stop the retort she rolled her eyes but as she opened her mouth to finish the gesture with words befitting she changed her mind. "This is nice."


    With a skeptic look he placed a plate of steaming hot pancakes before her, pouring hot chocolate over it, he smacked her poking fork away ignoring her pout as he placed the final touches. A dollop of icecream and to slices of strawberries.


    "Now you can eat" he smirked.


    Glaring at him she picked up her fork and dug it into the stack, hacking off a sweet portion she put into her mouth. With a surprised look she looked up at him.


    "It''s great right?" He asked, although it sounded more of a statement than a question. "Better than the food you gave us the other day" He chuckled. "I will tell you this because I love you but never ever touch a pot or pan or whatever it is to make food again."


    Jessie eyes downcast she said nothing, trying and failing, the sob still escaped, shocking the doting man before her. "Are you crying? Because I called your food trash? Eh?"


    Pushing herself off the stool she walked around and wrapped her arms around his lean torso burying her face into his chest she didn''t understand how to stop the tears anymore she sobbed, her shoulders and chest moving endlessly.


    "Jessie? Jessie! What''s wrong? Tell me." Jason stated with urgency, he was so confused, he was so annoyed because he was hurt. It hurt him to see her like this.


    "Hey, Jessie tell me, look-" he held her shoulders and pushed her backwards to look at her face. "Are you sick?" She shook her head, "uh... then does anywhere hurt?" He asked again but it was another negative response.


    "I''m sorry, what ever it is I''m sorry, please... I''m..." he trailed off not knowing what else to say.


    "It''s not you, I just... I had a bad dream and it felt so real it was... until when do I have to live like this? With this resentment and grudge. Everything I try Patricia manages to weasel her way out how do I make her pay? I don''t even want my life back anymore, it was an empty life I realise, but it hurts so much thinking about how well she''s living after ruining so many lives, how well they all are" She cried.


    Jason furrowed brows relaxed but his frown only deepened. "Do you mean it? Do you really not want your old life back?"


    "No" she replied.


    "Since when did you start feeling like this? You always said you didn''t want to love me because you might want to stop acting, is that what this is? ... is this because of me?"


    "No, I made this decision on my own. I don''t want that life, why would I when I have this" she gestured around her "Katherine, Paul, Tony, You. Why would I?"


    "And your fans?"


    "Krystal is my only fan, why should I continue to sacrifice my own happiness for other people? I was grateful because my fans made me rich, they loved me and validated me but that love was conditional. They took it all away, and now I know what it means to be in love. I know what it means to have eyes for just one person." She explained.


    Jason grip on her upper arm loosened and his hands crawled up to cup her cheeks. "Then do just that, be happy... love. I''ll take care of the rest."


    "But Patricia-"


    "Do you trust me?" He asked looking into her eyes and she nodded.


    "Then just sit and watch your enemies burn. I swear I''ll destroy each and everyone of them for you, I promise."


    ************************************


    "Do you know if she has told him?"


    "Not yet, if Jason knew I was his mother Paradise would be ashes by now." Celeste replied, the room fell into silence. Not murmers no mumbles, the air sparked with tension and even all the people who stood at great offices of power listened and waited, what next?


    "We should get rid of the threat, we cannot lose Paradise." Another voice pierced through the silence, through the darkness.


    Celeste eyes narrowed and she did not hold back as she glared at the speaker "what are you suggesting?"


    "... I just meant-"


    "I don''t care what you meant, how dare you suggest I kill my own son? My own flesh and blood, you forget why I created this organisation. Don''t forget your manners!" Celeste spat viciously.


    Coughing awkwardly the subject of her despise at the moment looked away, "you are so direct and quick! I didn''t mean it so like that." He replied.


    "I don''t care about how you meant it, you fool. Shouldn''t you be thinking of the ripping off the fuse rather than defusing the bomb?" Celeste asked.


    "What do you mean?" Another asked.


    "Jessie Marin, I have no idea why she hasn''t told Jason the truth yet but I have no intention on finding out.. Destroy the fuse and the bomb never goes off" she said.

 Chapter 337 - 337. Not Today.

    It seemed like years ago she cried, that she felt such weight, such hatred. The hatred hadn''t subsided but she could say with all honesty she was fine. She couldn''t find a word to describe the sensation, the feeling in her chest as she walked down the side of the road. She could even care less about the glances and murmurs around her, she was fine. More than fine! She was great, this must be the love the whole world talked about. This feeling right now that must be it.


    "Let''s go on a date."


    "Today? But I''d rather just stay home with you like this, don''t go to work." She whined.


    "It''s not work, it''s Paul."


    "Same thing!" She pouted..


    "We haven''t been on a proper date, come on it''ll be fun, we''ll go to a remote island just the two of us." Jason stated, enticing her.


    "A trip? Can you do it? Stay away from work for more than a day?"


    "One week, two of us hmm? Think about it as calm before the storm." He smiled.


    "What storm?"


    "The havoc I''m going to wreck on the Lee''s." This, his last statement brought a smile to her face. "Meet me in the office in two hours, I already had them pack your stuff. Take you time getting ready okay?"


    "En" she nodded "Jason?" She called out as he was about to leave the room. "I love you."


    "Me too, I love you."


    Now she stood at one side of the traffic, waiting for the light that would be her salvation, allowing her walk to the other side. With a big smile on her face her gaze remained steady on the man across the road with flowers in hand and a smile on his face. And as though the universe was listening to her secret cry the traffic slowed and came to a halt.


    Without hesitation she stepped forward to take her first step but a strong grip prevented her from further movements. In alarm she spun around on high alert.


    "Jessie" a familiar voice responded.


    "Tony?! What are you doing here?" Jessie asked in shock. "Were you passing by? Why do you look like this? Have you not been sleeping? Come on you have to take care of your health, you''re a dad!" She nagged the older shorter man that held on to her like his life depended on it.


    Assuring her with a soft smile "my new celebrity is so difficult work is tough these days." He replied.


    And she sighed, "see? I told you you''d miss me one day, and to think all you did was nag at me!" She huffed.


    "Looks like the tables have turned now." He remarked.


    "I wouldn''t have to nag you if you took care of yourself!" She exclaimed, patting his cheek "do you know how much it breaks my heart to see someone else mistreating my Tony? Infact who is that jerk that thinks she can get away with treating you anyhow?! Tell me her name!" She frowned.


    But Tony only laughed, "I miss you Jessie, so much. You deserve to shine again, you deserve more than you ever got."


    "I''m satisfied Tony, I did everything so I shouldn''t have regrets. I''m happy Tony, happier I didn''t think I could but I am." She replied glancing at the other side of the road at Jason, but it was hard to see him through the already moving traffic but she could tell he seemed impatient and anxious. He was already scowling.


    Tony followed her gaze to Jason across the road and smiled as well "I''m glad you have him, you deserve to have someone in your life."


    "Someone else, I already had someone in my life. You, now I have others, my only wish now is that Patricia and her family pay for everything they''ve done."


    "That''s good then, I made the right decision then." Tony said with a sad smile.


    "What decision?" Shs asked but he pushed her towards the road.


    "Go, before he comes over here, he looks like he''s bout to explode waiting for you" Tony urged her. She looked reluctant but he urged her on, assuring her and reassuring her.


    So she turned away and walked further, walked on. Covering the distance that stood between her and the love of her life, so focused on her destination she didn''t notice her death approaching with the fast wheels of a moving doom.


    "Jessie!" Both men screamed at the same time, running into the road towards her. Confused and scared she froze as the van approached, but the god of death said ''not today''. Feeling a strong hand behind her pushing her away Tony reached her first. But she would be the god of death for him as well, ''not today!'' She grabbed his arm as he stood willing to face the van on her behalf and they fell to the side of the road together. Several moments passed then her asked...


    "Are you okay?" Tony grabbed her shoulders shaking her when she shut her eyes and remained unresponsive.


    Opening her eyes slowly she groaned and Tony eyes widened when he saw evidence of her injury, red liquid staining the tarred road. She took the brunt of the fall.


    It was not over yet, indisposed as they were another van came at them, this time they remained unaware. "Watch out!" Jason yelled as Tony pulled a wobbly Jessie to her feet. Repeating the same action, Jessie fell away by the strong shove of Tony''s arm. Her outstretched arm falling away and away from the man that stood beside her even more than her own family. She was out of it but somehow through the look in his eyes, the tear that fell and that sad smile she knew. She was not the god of death, she had no power to stop him or decide for him.


    And in the blink of an eye the van passed and she fell on the hard floor for the second time that day, but Tony was not there with her. Tony was not there with her! That was the only thing that kept ringing on her head as her vision blurred, Tony, Tony was not here with her.

 Chapter 338 - 338. First Love.

    The sun burned into jee irises as Jessie opened her eyes, wincing she lifted her arm to cover her gaze. Eventually she got used to it, she could see again. But as she took in the white water fountain, looking especially clear and bright today. The sun rays playing around with the little ripples in the water, although the sun was the coldest it could be it still shone bright. As if the light heat didn''t indicate it, the chirping birds that always came down for little bread crumbs were up and about, waking up the whole world. But it wasn''t noisy somehow it sounded right, listening to them chirp, the sound of water flowing, the toll of the giant bell and the gentle hum of the warm breeze. She didn''t need a map to tell her were this was, at a time this was her second home.


    Shutting her eyes she bent her head backwards and let the sun caress her skin with it warm touches, letting the sound soothe her insides and the breeze wrapping her in a warm hug.


    It was the chapel she always came to when she had trouble as a trainee and the habit flowed steady even as a top star. But the spot didn''t belong to just her it also belonged to- "Tony!"


    "Why are you yelling? I''m right beside you." And true to his words, the man that held her down in this world, her second father sat beside her. Folding his arms and staring into the water fountain..


    "Tony..." she breathed out. "You''re okay."


    Turning away from the fountain he looked at her. "Do I not look okay to you?" He asked.


    She shook her head, after her swift inspection she''d come to a conclusion. He looked more than amazing, gone were the dark circles and chapped lips. This man was glowing, his toned hard body and radiant skin "you''re beautiful."


    "Beautiful?" He chuckled, "well I guess I should be beautiful at a time like this." They fell into silence again, watching the water, watching the birds. Listening to the bell.


    "Aren''t you going to say anything?" He asked.


    "What do you want me to say?" She asked, playing along as they fell into routine.


    "How about reciting your lines, the director is a jerk but no one would notice it if you''re lines aren''t perfect." He stated.


    "Carol! Did you think you could get away with it? Hahaha! I''m your judgement, look at you death in the eyes, you wouldn''t see tomorrow!" Jessie recited getting into character. And Tony sat there quietly, watching her and his soft claps congratulated her as she finished.


    "How was that?" Jessie asked.


    "Perfect, you''re always perfect." He replied, and like a movie she saw herself sitting on that bench but she looked younger, felt younger too. That was the first script she kept messing up and only managed to get it right when she sat on the bench with Tony. Then again and again, again and again, each participant growing older each time. Now they sat, neither of them really there.


    "I''m not ready to let you go, to let this go. But like my little girls, this baby is all grown up." Tony laughed tearfully.


    Jessie looked at him, emotion flowing out from her intense eyes. "Then don''t, don''t let go."


    He gave her a sad look, "you know I can''t do that."


    "Sure you can" grabbing his arm in hers she begged him with both words and gaze. "Let''s go back together."


    "Look forward Jessie, you have found your life and as much as I would miss that star that shone so bright in the sky, it''s time for you to burn somewhere else." He said. "Love with all you got so you''ll have no regrets, be happy you deserve it. But don''t neglect those you can help, remember you are and always will be a star. My celebrity."


    "Tony? Tony why are you fading? Tony please! Please! Come back!" She screamed, "Tony...."


    "Jessie?" Jason voice was soft as the the touch of his thumbs when he wiped the single tear that fell from her eyes as she slumbered. Helping her sit up he fussed over her. "How do you feel? Are you in pain? I will call the nurse." He said.


    "Tony..." she breathed out weakly, and even though Jason''s features hardened she didn''t need it to know. "He''s gone isn''t he."


    "Jessie..." he whispered as he gathered her into his arms. Not holding anything back she allowed herself to crumble, she sobbed with emotions that stemmed right from her soul. She had lost a part of herself, a part of her life and part of... she was broken and torn. And she cried them all out, because they was nothing she could do anymore. Was this pain? The pain the whole world ran away from? She hated it, she detested it! It was too much!


    **********************************


    "You killed him! You bitch you actually killed him!" Mary marched into Patricia room, murderous intent written all over her face.


    Patricia leisurely looked behind her, tilting partially. Not caring to drop the powder she applied she looked away again and continued as she was. Dabbing lightly, "don''t get your feathers in a rustle. All though I did make an attempt, I can''t take credit for actually killing him."


    "What?"


    "Someone else killed your precious Tony, it appears I wasn''t the only person he pissed off, or maybe they were targeting Jessie" she said. "Either way I am grateful to whoever it was, that useless hitman couldn''t do anything right, can you believe what would have happened if that man actually lived?" Patricia laughed, noticing the look Mary gave her she pursed her lips and sighed.


    "You already knew I was going to kill him why are you acting like you didn''t know?" Patricia asked.


    "That''s right? Why am I acting this way?" She scoffed sacarstically.


    "Tony I beg you stop this madness, end the count down and disappear for a while. Patricia will kill you if you keep persisting!" Mary pleaded, running after the determined man as he took paces that she was so shocked his short legs made. But at his sudden halt it took everything she had to stop before she bumped into him.


    "I need you to do something for me" Tony stated abruptly.


    "Are you deaf? Have you not been listening to a word I''ve been saying?" Mary cried out in frustration.


    "Clearly."


    "So?"


    "I don''t care." He replied, and Mary sighed.


    "Is Jessie really worth it? What about your girls? You''re a father for goodness sake, are you going to leave your girls without a dad?" She asked, appealing to his better conscience.


    "You won''t understand now, but I am doing this for them, for Elsie, for Jessie and even for you." Tony said.


    "For me?"


    "This is the flash drive that contains Lee''s dirty laundry, what will be posted in three days. It has the identity of all the women Patricia has sent into that auction house, just like Jessie. It''s the only copy."


    "I don''t understand..."


    "There will be no broadcast Mary, I am a diversion. I''ll distract her while you give that to Jason."


    "So you''re sacrificing yourself? Why not Jessie? She should know what you are doing!"


    "No! Give it to Jason, he is expecting it, he was the one that found all that information." Tony replied.


    "Did he ask you to do this?" She asked.


    "No, but it''s the only way it won''t be stopped. If Patricia knows she will manipulate the police and the press, all this would go to waste."


    "And me? What makes you sure I won''t just go to Patricia?"


    "Because I know you Mary, you are not a bad person. Otherwise you wouldn''t have been my first love."


    ****************************************


    Waking up from another dreamless sleep she was heartbroken, she would give anything to speak to him again, to see him to touch him. To just he with him, but he wasn''t there anymore, he was really gone. Sitting up she pulled out the IV drip in her arm and pushed herself out of bed, walking on unsteady legs she had to hold unto furniture and ultimately the wall for support as she walked out of her room.


    She had no idea where she was going to but she just kept moving, how was it possible that her body was moving but she felt so lifeless? How was it possible?


    "Jessie?" Jason called out to her in a surprise.


    Alerting the room one of Tony''s little girls ran to her, hugging her legs. "Aunt Jessie!" She squealed.


    Jessie froze, staring down at the little girl clinging to her legs she struggled to stifle the sob that clawed at her throat. Raising her head she met gazes with Elsie, Tony''s wife. Shaking her head, trying to stop the tears that already flowed she apologised "I''m sorry, it was all my fault I''m so sorry." She cried.


    As Jason reached for her Elsie had already pulled her into a tight hug. "Why are you apologising? You did nothing wrong, he was the one that choose to stand in front of a van." His wife murmured into her ear.


    "What? It''s not- it''s all my fault, I''m sorry." She cried.


    "Don''t fret, I respect his decision besides there''s no other person I would allow him to jump in front of a van off, i know you were like a daughter to him." She said, "he would gladly lay his life down for you."


    "He was more than a father, he was my best friend as well. But that doesn''t come close to your relationship with him, you were his wife. The girls are his flesh and blood, please scold me, hit me, yell at me, anything..." she cried.


    "And what good would that do? Will it bring back my Tony?" She asked, teats dribbling down her cheek. "He wouldn''t like it if we fight at a time like this, so wipe your tears let''s say a proper good bye. Hmm?"


    ************************************


    I know this is the time you all sharpen you pitchforks to fight for my head. I hope you feel that way, but more than that, I hope u was able to convey the emotions perfectly and we are all sad and crying together. I am the writer but the characters live their own lives, even I am sad by Tony''s death, but what can I do? People die... good people especially. I hope we can at this time appreciate and reminisce about his life and who he signified for Jessie. #Rip Tony. Husband, Father, friend.

 Chapter 339 - 339. No Tears Left To Cry.

    Tear stained pink cheeks, soft, wet full pink lips, moist lashes and and red eyes. Jessie had been crying non stop for days and Jason was out of things to do, he had no idea how to even comfort her, how to make her feel better and watching her like this did something to him. He was sad that Tony was dead but he felt really heartbroken seeing Jessie so wretched. Now she sat motionless, making no movements she remained quiet, the silent tears flowing and dripping down her chin the only indication that she actually was conscious to her surroundings.


    It was really sunny today, the chapel bell kept tolling, the grass seemed greener even and the air was so fresh it was hard to believe that such a beautiful day would be remembered with such heartbreaking memories. This beautiful prefect day, stained with black dresses and suits. Sobbing and goodbyes, sitting underneath the canopy they all tried one way or another to reconcile the fact that a man so full of life was no longer in the world.


    "Jessie? Would you like to say something?" Elsie called out from the pulpit, and it seemed it wasn''t the first attempt made at getting the actresses attention. Jason held her trembling hands as he asked if she would be okay with his kind gaze.


    Jessie sniffled and rose, taking small steps, one at a time she finally reached the podium. She had never been shy in her life, never afraid of a crowd. So she couldn''t blame her silence on her nerves, that wasn''t it.. She wouldn''t even blame it on the fact that the audience was blurry in her eyes, that was the fault of her tears. He was here, he was everywhere she remembered everything. How rude she was to him when she met him as a child, he was young then, when he worked for her father. She remembered how he stood up for her when she was about to be kicked out of the company for breaking the rules, how he protected her from her malicious comments, hiding them from her and reassuring her endlessly. How he stood by her side, sacrificed for her, she remembered how shy he was when he first met Elsie and how angry he had been when she asked her out on his behalf. She remembered his first daughter, how happy he was. What was she supposed to do with all this memories now?


    "Jessie, are you okay? You don''t have to say anything if you don''t want to" Jason reassuring hand, warm and firm held her steady as he rubbed her lower back. Turning to look at him fresh tears fell down her eyes.


    "What am I supposed to do with all these memories?" She cried, "how am I supposed to say goodbye? How do I explain what Tomy really meant to me?"


    Jason pulled her to him but she resisted, shaking her head she tried to pull away but he wouldn''t let her. "Hey, hey, look at me" he ordered, cupping her cheek. "You are strong, your stronger than this, you can do this you will survive through that emptiness inside of you, the regret and the guilt."


    "But I don''t want to survive!" She screamed, pushing away. "I don''t want to say goodbye! I want Tony, I want him to be here!" She yelled, choking on her own sobs, falling to her knees she fisted her palms and cried. "Please don''t go! Please!!"


    When her lack of food and dehydration finally caught up to her and she fell, Jason caught her and carried her in his arms. Eyeing Elsie sympathetically he carried her away from the burial ground, still in the cemetery he set her on a bench. "Drink this." He said handing her a bottle of juice.


    "No, I don''t want it" she declined stubbornly pushing his hand away.


    Fed up with her behaviour he grabbed her arm and shoved the drink into her hand but she was more annoyed, "I don''t want it!" She screamed throwing the bottle into the grass.


    Matt who stood beside them made a move to get the bottle but Jason shook his head, walking to the spot where she tossed the bottle he bent down and picked it up, wiping the dirt from it he walked back and held it out for her. Looking at the bottle, contempt her eyes turned up and she looked at him with the same contempt. "Are you deaf? I don''t want it!"


    "I wasn''t asking!" He yelled back, "are you trying to kill yourself?! You haven''t eaten a thing in almost five days, I wonder how you still have tears left to cry. Do you want to die?"


    "Yes, maybe then Tony would stop walking away from me!" She screamed.


    Jason scoffed, walking a few steps away he turned around and marched right back, "how selfish! You are a real bad person! How could you disregard Tony like this?"


    "What?"


    "He gave his life for yours, and your just going to throw it away?" He growled.


    "I didn''t ask him to do that! If he is so eager to help me he can start by not giving his life for mine!"


    Smack!!


    Jessie head tilted to an awkward angle as a bright red palm print appeared on her face. Jason eyes widened as he was not expecting it, where did she even come from?


    "How dare you, how dare you!" Elsie yelled. Jessie eyes slowly lifted and she looked up at Elsie in shame. "You will not question Tony''s decision! If even I his wife is still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that a piece of my soul is dead, the father of my three toddlers is no longer here. If I don''t question his decision how dare you?"


    "Tony adored you, so much sometimes I felt insecure, he was like a father and a friend to you, and it''s even more shocking that he was willing to just die for you, regardless of all he had in this world!"


    Jessie blinked at her in shock... "what? Am I not allowed to be angry? My husband died saving someone else! He left his daughters in this world so you could live! Yes, I said I was okay with it, I lied! I am not okay, I''m trying really trying to make sense of everything, trying to at least put his soul to rest how is he supposed to rest in peace if you won''t let him go!" She cried. "Do you think I don''t want him back? Do you know how hard it is explaining to toddlers the reason their daddy will never come back?"


    "...I-I''m... I''m sorry, it all my fault." Jessie replied sobbing.


    "Yes, it all your fault." Elsie agreed and as Jaaon stepped forward to reprimand her she continued, "so you will pay for Tony''s life."


    "Elsie!" Jason exclaimed from behind her but she ignored him.


    "Don''t give up on your life, my husband gave his life for it. Eat well, rest do and everything you want to do and do it without regret..." she bit her lip to try stifle a sob. "Tony was a wonderful man and even though I want him back so bad, I am grateful for the time I spent with him. I regret nothing, not the fights, or the bad times. So live like him, do everything and when you''ve lived a full prosperous life you can go see him then. Only then will his sacrifice be meaningful."


    "Elsie..."


    Looking back at Jason she pleaded "she doesn''t have him to look out for anymore. He must have trusted you if he was confident dying so take care of her." Elsie stated.


    Jason stepped forward and nodded. "Elsie, I know it''s not much or any consolation infact but here" he handed her a check.


    Elsie looked down at it and laughed, "I don''t need your money, Tony was a capable father and husband."


    Reaching for her hand he placed the check in her hand. "I have no doubt of that, but more money never hurt anyone. Besides it a blank check, anything you want write it down and consider it done. It doesn''t only have to be money, I am good for more than that as well."


    Looking skceptical at the check, she smiled. "Fine, I will be calling you on this favour." She said.


    "Please, you would be doing me a favour by doing so." Jason agreed.


    "I will be going back in now, take care of her."


    "Ofcourse" Jason agreed, watching the fresh widow as she retreated away, "walk her back." He ordered Matt, who left immediately.


    Sitting beside Jessie he handed her the juice. Slowly her hand reached out and she wrapped her slender fingers around the bottle and took it away from him. Opening it up she brought it to her lips and for the first time in days she allowed something to enter her body. She mustn''t give up of this life, she mustn''t give up on her happiness or her Peace of mind. Someone died for it, Tony died for it.

 Chapter 340 - 340. Go To Her.

    "What? The file won''t upload?" Jason asked, his brow raised. "Stop shivering and explain it to me."


    Matt looked at the trembling reporter standing by his side and sighed, with the beads of sweat splayed all over his forehead and his darting eyes he won''t be able to utter a word, than make a coherent sentence.


    "It appears they are being hacked." Matt spoke up.


    Jason dark eyes narrowed mercilessly at the man who did everything he could to make his big frame smaller, how successful would that be? Jason thought with a scoff.


    "You are being hacked? The ''most trusted news station in the country'' is being hacked?" He mocked. The man stepped back and struggled to hide his big frame behind Matt''s even smaller frame, cursing his superior in his heart for shoving him under this big fat bus.


    "We have tried all that we can but we can''t find the source, I''m very sorry sir."


    "It''s a hacker, can''t you track them?"


    Turning his attention to Matt, "and you couldn''t solve it?"


    "It much bigger than we think, we have tried everything we could to track down the IP address but there is not trace at all." Matt replied, Jason gaze lowered when he lifted his head he dismissed the reporter, who was more than grateful to be leaving the room.


    "There''s only one organisation that has the funds and equipment to pull such a thing off" Jason stated.


    Matt nodded, "I am thinking the same thing but I could not jump into conclusions, besides what connection does Paradise have with the Lee''s? Why would they protect her?"


    Jason scoffed, "you can never really tell what they are thinking, and I cannot say I know what they are planning."


    "Is that all?"


    "For today yes" Matt replied.


    "Already, my schedule has been unbelievably free. Did something I''m not aware of happen?" Jason asked.


    With a curt bow and brief break in eye contact Matt answered in hesitation "I cleared your schedule for two weeks, you were to go on a trip."


    ***********************************


    "You seem so sure, what if she says no?" Paul voice carried although his words weren''t spoken with so much force. It was a quiet night so everything they said sounded like it was spoken through a speaker.


    Eyes on the sparkling diamond he replied without even looking up, "she won''t, if she does I''ll never stop asking." His voice came out softer, was it the emotion? Paul wondered shifting uncomfortably.


    "You know there are things called beach mats right?" He complained as he tried to find a comfortable spot for the hundredth time. How was he supposed to be comfortable laying on the hard exterior of the black jeep? It was a beautiful, looking up at the star stained sky and the dark terrifying push and pull of the waves, crashing aganist each other. But while his eyes and mind were set at ease his body cried out in pain.


    "Oh I''m sorry I didn''t plan for a proper date." Jason sassed, and Paul snorted. "Man up and take it."


    "Tch... I''m only going to stop now because this is a special moment for you. You''re finally growing up" Paul commented. "Although it''s still hard to believe you are going to get married before I am."


    At this statement he turned to Paul, "really?"


    Paul frowned "really."


    A deep rumble erupted from Jason, as his shoulders shook aganist the glass they currently lay atop. "You really thought that between you and I you would be the first to have a successful relationship when you can even recognize your feelings?"


    "What''s that supposed to mean? Don''t get snarky just because you found the love of your life. I haven''t yet how is that my fault?" He growled.


    "Are you mad?" When he got no response or even a reaction at all he tried to confirm again. "Do you really want to get married so bad?"


    "Not necessarily get married, but I''ll admit I''m jealous of what you have. Not your relationship with Jessie, goodness know nothing is normal about that, but this certainty I want to feel that for someone. I want to be sure about someone the way you are." He explained.


    "Wow that sounded cringy" Jason remarked.


    "Have I ever told you that you''re mean?" Paul huffed.


    "Everyday, but you already know that right? I''m a jerk, and I am not the person you should be talking to about this." Jason replied.


    "Who else can I tell?"


    "You have other friends, tell them. I''m going home." Jason stated, pushing himself off the car he walked around to the passengers seat, other friends? Paul only had Katherine, if he realized that perhaps he wouldn''t be so daft and realise the truth. He had that person all along.


    **********************************


    The endless sounds of incoming cars and that incessant blaring of the ambulance wrapped washed all over Katherine as she stood patient in front of the busiest hospital in the city, waiting.


    The sun had lost all it''s fury and begun to retreat back into it''s hiding place, so she didn''t have to fuss over the uncomfortability of standing under such conditions but she could fuss over the amount of time she had been standing here. Where could he be? Why was he late?


    But her worries came to an end the moment a sleek black Ferrari drove up and halted right before her, the peace didn''t last cause the moment she realised that Devon didn''t like flashy cars she knew it wasn''t him. And what made her even more worried was the fact that she knew who sat behind those tinted glasses.


    Her suspicion confirmed as the glass went down. "You''ve been avoiding me, we need to talk." Was all he said and she already felt all her work over the past few weeks begin to crumble.


    Katherine shook her head, "I''m busy. I''ve been busy."


    Sighing visibly Paul spoke again, "I''m sorry."


    "What?"


    "Katherine I know no words I can say will compensate you all the years I hurt you but I''m sorry and I will do everything I can to make it right. Although there is nothing that can make it right.... all I''m saying is for the rest of my life I will keep trying."


    Katherine''s heart hammered painfully aganist her chest. "Wh-what are you saying?"


    "What I''m saying Katherine is.... I love you" he replied softly.


    "Paul..." she whispered softly, a single tear rolling down her cheek.


    "Katherine, Katherine? Hey what are you thinking?" Paul called out Katherine. "Are you crying? What''s going on?"


    Katherine blinked, wiping her cheek she stared at the confused expression on his face. No way! Did she?


    "Get in." Paul stated, the proximity of his voice startling her, as she looked up she saw him standing right before her holding the door of his Ferrari open. "Don''t make me carry you in."


    Eyes widening at his bold assumption she almost scoffed but before she could gather enough coherent thoughts to refuse he grabbed her arm and shoved her into the car.


    Running around the car he got in and drove away.


    *********************************


    It was hell living like she was okay when she wasn''t, because she wasn''t. But acting weak now was the easy way out and she didn''t want anything that would be easy, not when Tony''s life was on the line like this.


    And suddenly startled by a tap to her shoulder she spun around and locked gazes with Jonathan. "You? What are doing here?"


    "Came to see you, how are doing? I heard what happened." He replied softly causing Jessie''s face to light up in a sweet smile.


    "You''re really sweet, I can''t believe you actually came all the way here just to see me." She muttered.


    "I am, but you''re not going to choose me are you." He replied sitting beside her by the sparkling water. Jessie watched the water, how the light reflected through it and off the tiled bottom causing beautiful lines of gold through the ripples as the wind pushed and pulled the water lightly.


    "No, because you don''t really like me." She replied.


    "What? After everything you-"


    "You only like the idea of me, your feelings are sincere but I''m not really the person you should love."


    "So is it that I do not like you or I should not like you?" Jonathan asked with a slight frown.


    Jessie paused for a bit then spoke again, "how did you start liking me? When you saw me on tv? Or when you saw a real life celebrity in real life?" She asked.


    Then there was silence, "I didn''t know who you were at first, not even while you were a celebrity" he started.


    "Really?" Jessie interrupted and he nodded. "Wow, I guess I wasn''t as big as I thought, I mean even the first time your brother bought me. He couldn''t recognize me, tch, you two are more alike than you''d admit." She said mumbling the last part.


    "I wasn''t living in the country, I had a good reason do not compare me to Jason." Jonathan huffed angrily and Jessie rose her hands in surrender as she tried to stifle laughter. "I heard about you first from Krystal!" He blurted out unconsciously.


    And Jessie''s smile widened, "and when did you fall for me?"


    "It was-" he froze, "it was before... before I met you, the way Krystal spoke about you. Her passion and diligence defending you made me curious, made me wonder if you were real."


    "And?"


    "You were, everything she said about you was true and the way her eyes sparkled when she spoke about you and that little smile that could drive a person mad. The way she stared into space while she rem-!" Looking at Jessie with wide eyes he froze. "How did you know?" He asked.


    Jessie laughed, "call it a woman''s intuition, I only recently found out, after she told me you knew about me from her I figured you fell for her not me."


    Jonathan scoffed.


    "Krystal called me and for the first time I was scolded by an all adoring fan." Jessie continued.


    "What?"


    "She''s in love with you Jonathan, go to her. I''ll be fine, hmm?"

 Chapter 341 - 341. Kiss Me, Again And Again.

    "Let go of my hand!" Katherine growled, yanking her arm away from Paul''s grip. "Are you high?"


    Frustrated Paul combed through his hair with violently moving fingers. Placing the other arm on his hip he turned around to face her, his recently tousled hair falling in tendrils down his forehead where the dark strands sat framing his eyes. Katherine rage only burned brighter as she reacted to him. They way he looked wasn''t fair, clad in all black, ripped black jeans that hugged his strong thighs and a black button up shirt that hung on his lean frame two buttons too open exposing the white smooth skin beneath. Skin that was exposed more with every breath he took, when did he get so sweaty? Because she tried to understand how his skin shone. But she wasn''t the only one stunned speechless by the other, she wasn''t the only one noticing things, and whilst she was mad, enraged at both him and her wicked heart that had refused to let her have peace. Paul was beyond confused.


    He had begun to realise ever so slowly that Katherine was more than just Katherine, perhaps he knew it all along but refused to acknowledge it but not anymore. Not after that kiss, and by god it was just a kiss. A stupid kiss he could not get out of his head, a stupid kiss that made him stare at her like she was a fresh sparkling glass of water and he was a starved thirsty man in a desert. "What was I supposed to do? You have refused to see me."


    Katherine looked away quickly, grateful for momentary distraction his reply provided her. "Well it''s not like you were actively trying either."


    Paul nodded, she was right. He wasn''t actively trying, he wanted to see her ofcourse he always wanted to see Katherine but he had been so confused with the way they left things the last time he stayed away. "I can''t believe this is happening because of a simple kiss." He stated.


    Katherine eyes lowered dangerously and without knowing she fisted her palms and squared her shoulders, "simple kiss?" She remarked.


    "Well it... was, look I don''t know what to say Katherine. It seems like everything I say or do is wrong, what do you want me to say. I hate the way things are between us, it''s not supposed to be awkward." He explained, pushing back the locks of hair that framed his forehead only to have them bounce back.


    "Why don''t you say what you feel? I won''t stop you, it''s your feeling not mine." She spat, glaring at him with so much hostility he felt it right in his chest.


    "Don''t do that, stop staring at me like that." He ordered, "I hate it, I hate you angry with me and you know that. Can''t you see I''m ready to do whatever it is you want, just tell me. Gosh! I wish that damned kiss didn''t happen, I''m sorry okay! I''m sorry I kissed you."


    Katherine brown eyes were set ablaze and they burned with the hurt and pain and longing and desperation and hope stewing for twenty years. She wasn''t going to continue like this, she would not continue like this! This had to end now, this pain stops here. And if it didn''t then he must feel the exact way she did!


    "Goddamn you Paul!" She screamed, "you''re sorry you kissed me? That''s you conclusion?! You big... big fat fool, how dumb can you be my goodness!"


    Paul eyes widened at her outburst and as she continued to spit out curses he stepped backwards utterly shocked at her outburst.


    "What do I have to do to make you realise that I don''t want you to apologise for kissing me but I actually want you to want to do it again and again and again!" She exclaimed, tears pooling in her eyes at an alarming rate.


    "What?"


    "I''m in love with you Paul, I''ve loved you for so long I can''t remember a time I wasn''t in love with you! But over and over, over and over you continue to rip into me, continue to hurt me. With your little remarks of how we are just friends, how you seem to be attracted to every other woman but me! How you continuously flirt with everyone but not Katherine right? Because we are just friends." She cried, shoving back her shoulder length brown hair she held on to a handful of the hair and turned away unwilling to let him see her cry.


    Paul stood motionless, everything except his hammering heart stopped. His thoughts, his breathing, his ability to assimilate her words. But one thought remained, he loved her back. All this years he loved her but somehow he was only realizing it now, he loved Katherine. He loved her, what a fool he''d been! A fucking damned fool!


    ''I actually want you to want to do it again and again and again!''


    He couldn''t stop himself, he didn''t want to either. Long strides he grabbed her arm and spun her around, cupping her face and pulling her to him. He placed a blazing kiss on her lips and deepened it without mercy causing her to stagger backwards.


    To say Katherine was shocked would be an understatement but her body was lit like she was on fire and her blood boiled viciously, and as he let out a guttural moan whatever fight her brain tried to come up with dissolved into a puddle of goo. Grabbing fistfuls of his already loose shirt she shut her eyes and melted aganist him. Her heart was about to explode from emotions and her body from the intensity of his kiss. As his mouth began to move aganist her struggled to keep up with the ferocity of his kiss.


    The moment his tongue stroked her Katherine''s legs gave out but his powerful hand around her waist caught her and held her to him, her body flush against his. Only thin pieces fabrics separating the two heated bodies, clawing for each other, clawing for passion. Paul left no stone unturned with this kiss, nibbling, biting, licking and sucking. He pleasured her mouth relentlessly his wandering hands causing her uncontrollably trembling.


    There was no apology for this kiss, he was right. She was water and he thirsted all his life for this woman, his foolishness and nothing else denied him from this feeling. This inexplicable bliss, and now he knew he would make up for all her pain all his life. He didn''t care how or the cost he would sacrifice his life to protect this, this... he spent so long searching for this, too long.


    But way too soon the kiss came to an end, she wasn''t breathing he realized breaking away he kept her close to him still as they panted together.


    "Breathe" he whispered to her, his warm breath fanning her face.


    Katherine looked up at him, completely and totally in his arms, she was so sure she wasn''t on her two feet with her own strength. But as her heart pounded painfully her subconscious cried out, that break would never be able to clear her muddled mind but she somehow managed, using the last individual strength she had she pushed him away.


    "No! No" she shook her head vigorously, staggering backwards looking exactly as she should. Thoroughly kissed.


    "Katherine " Paul called out softly but with an outstretched arm and pointed fingers she warned him.


    "No!"


    "No?"


    "No!"


    Katherine had the words she wanted to say right at the tip of her tongue but her foolish brain could only formulate the word ''no''. After another few seconds away from his blazing touch she cleared and throat and spoke. "You don''t get to just walk into my life and kiss me like that!" She yelled.


    I actually want you to want to do it again and again and again!''


    The confusion etched on his face could still not compare to what he felt inwardly. Did he somehow miss something?


    "I have a boyfriend!" She added.


    I''m in love with you Paul, I''ve loved you for so long I can''t remember a time I wasn''t in love with you!


    Again he asked himself, did he miss something? He listened, like to everything she said what now was the problem?


    "You''ve hurt me too much, I would be doing myself a great disadvantage to just let you kiss me and act like it''s fine. You don''t get to eat your cake and have it." She continued.


    "So what do you mean? You love me but don''t want to be with me?"


    Katherine snapped her fingers, "correct. For the first time you realise something without me having to explain it to you." She spat.


    "That is not fair" Paul replied.


    Katherine scoffed, "what is not fair is being hopelessly and helplessly in love with you for twenty years, just to be shoved into the friend zone."


    "I didn''t know!"


    "Well it''s too bad now isn''t it. Sure I''m in love with you but I''m learning not to be like that, I''m trying with all I have to get over you and be happy." She retorted.


    Paul jaw dropped, "then why tell me if you''re trying to walk away."


    A sly smile appeared on her lips, "because I shouldn''t suffer alone. Now that wouldn''t be fair. If you don''t mind I was going out with my boyfriend before you dragged me here, I''ll leave first." She stated turning around to walk away.


    "And you think I''m just going to let you walk away?" He said, causing her to halt. "I''ll admit I was a fool, I mean not to realise that I had always loved you until you had to say it."


    Katherine turned around with surprised eyes. "You''re lying, you''re saying anything to keep me here."


    "No, it''s true but I don''t expect you to believe me, I don''t even desire it. I must have put you through hell and I am willing suffer through anything to get you to forgive me, but I will never let you walk away. Because finding out you love me is the greatest asset I can ever have in my life." He said, his words soft but the sincerity of his eyes hitting her in ways she couldn''t resist.


    Blinking back tears she turned around, "I won''t forgive you just like that. Because you think you love me."


    "Don''t, and I do love you." Katherine heart cried all over again, with shaky legs she forced herself to walk out of the room.

 Chapter 342 - 342. Im Not Okay.

    "Who was that? Who just let the manor?" Jason voice pulled Jessie out of her head and back into the world of the living. Blinking she got up and turned to face him.


    "You''re back early" she said, eyeing his loose tie and rumpled jacket. Wondering how he still managed to pull off the tired and worn out office worker.


    Jasom shrugged, discarding his jacket he walked to her, pulling her to him by her arm, "I couldn''t bare to stay away a second longer."


    Eyeing him with suspicion she pursed her lips and shook her head, "you just thought I wouldn''t survive alone. Liar."


    Jason''s eyes widened, "did you just call me a liar? After missing you all day like crazy? Even now you are right in front of me I still miss you so much it hurts." His arm slowly crawled around her waist while the other caressed her cheek. Using his thumb he stroke under her eyes, caressing the part just below her eye. He leaned down and took her lips in a gentle kiss, teasing at first.. Sending her an intense gaze as he broke off the kiss and kiss her again.


    Then it started to get serious as their bodies began to heat up, Jessie leaned upwards, pushed herself further into his arms angling her head to give him more access. Jason arm around her waist moved lower down her waist to the swell of her hip, he hiked up her short dress and ran his finger up her naked skin. Sucking on her tongue, pulling moan after moan from her busy lips. The atmosphere was filled with noise of their light panting when they finally broke of, taking a break from eating each others faces.


    Jessie shrugged, "what are you going to do? I''m telling the truth."


    "Okay, then if you are telling the truth then does that mean you''re okay then?"


    She was silent at first looking away from him she said nothing, then she spoke. "I''m not okay, I''m actually not. But these days I don''t fell that crushing pain on my chest like I did when he died. I don''t feel that never ending emptiness or the haunting of miserably falling without an end to at least end the torturous anticipation. Now I''m just angry and I know you asked me to trust you and let you handle this but I just... can''t."


    Jason shut his eyes, leaning down he forehead connected with hers and his grip tightened, he felt fear, as if she might just slip away from his grasp at any moment.


    "Jessie that van was heading for you, if-"


    "If what? Why did you stop? Finish your statement" she stated, stepping backwards out of his embrace.


    "Jessie, it''s not like that. I just can''t survive it if you get hurt okay." He explained, stepping forward but she was quicker, evading his outstretched arm she walked to the side.


    "And it''s okay for Tony to have died? I''m supposed to be grateful and just sit here waiting for you to fix my problems huh? If I can be targeted what makes you think you can''t? Why because I''m a woman?!" She huffed angrily.


    Jason ran his hands through his hair in frustration, "this is bigger than just Patricia Jessie, it''s much bigger than the Lee''s ans thay auction house, okay? Please just listen to me please!" He exclaimed.


    "Then tell me! Tell me because unless you want to resort to tying me to a bed I am not going to stop. You''re not going to stop me, so unless you want me to walk into this fight unarmed and ignorant then tell me."


    Jason swallowed and looked away, before looking back at her. "I can''t do that." He said.


    Breathing heavily she glared at him with such anger, so much frustration, so much heartache and sadness. A look so intense it broke his heart, it hurt so bad it felt like someone stuck their hands into his chest and kept pulling on his heart. "Tony fucking died! What do you want?" She cried, "I am not okay, I am not okay!" Pushi her hair backwards she paced the room. "Jason can''t you see me? Can''t you see how much it hurts? Can''t you tell? I can''t not do anything, this is my life, my life! No one had to get involved, if I had the balls to just take the bulls by the horn, if I was just capable enough for fuck''s sake if I hadn''t... I don''t know been so famous, antagonize Patricia like that then Tony wouldn''t have had to give his life to save mine!" She screamed.


    Jason saw her, he did. He saw her fears, he saw her anger, her frustration he saw it all. But he knew how helplessly awful she would feel if she knew he sacrificed himself to actually take Patricia down. He had the evidence, he just needed to publicise it. Make it public, and it would be over, the entire world would see it, they wouldn''t be able to ignore that auction house any longer. Jessie''s story would be corroborated and Patricia would get what she deserves. If he could just get someone that could break the wall Paradise had setup.


    But Jessie wasn''t letting him keep a thing from her. She turned around and grabbed a decoration from the side os the pillar pulling it off she tossed it to the side. "Jessie what the fuck?!"


    "I''m angry, if you can''t tell I''m showing you. I''m not staying on the sidelines, so tell me already, tell me now!" She yelled, walking back and forth looking for what to toss. And losing her step so she was staggering towards the edge of a seven floored manor!


    Jason longer paces had him by her side in not time, grabbing her arm and pulling g her backwards the both fell into the roof top pool with a splash. Plunging deep into the hot water, the both resurfaced panting and glaring at each other.


    "Jessie please! Do my feelings not matter to you at all?!" Jason literally begged at this point.


    Jessie shook her head violently as hot tears rolled down her eyes, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry but I''m not okay Jason, I burning up right now! I can''t do this, it''s too overwhelming I just, I just need something to grasp unto. so I don''t continue spiralling like this." She cried.


    Jason swam to her, cupping her face with both sides of his hands. Wiping the tears from her face, and leaning down to place a soft kiss on her nose, her brows, cheeks and the moment his lips touched hers the kiss lost all gentility. Both of them too emotional to care, pouring their hot and blazing emotions into the kiss, one by one clothed began to come of.


    Jessie''s brain was muddled, Jason''s brain was muddled. They both felt so much and at this point they felt it physically as well. They bodies a light, the pleasure creating a temporary high setting their worries on fire with the heat of their passion. Suddenly she was aganist the side of the pool with nothing to separate skin on skin and he moved. Her legs wrapped his torso, head thrown back in pleasure and she shook violently aganist him. Jason took all of her, without reservations, he took her. His mouth on her hot skin, caressing the sensitive spots on her body with the skillfulness of his tongue, and his hands leaving burning tresses in the remembrance of their touch. Being everywhere and nowhere at the same time he sent her over the edge and followed soon after.


    It took several minutes and the sound of their panting filled the open air, breathed intertwining they gazed into others eyes, gauged the extent of their souls. Joined as one they looked at each other with so much... so much. It was shocking how intense this was but still it was comfortable because they were here with each other, just them no one else. Raw and naked, vulnerable.


    "I found out that Patricia kept records of a the women whose lives she had ruined. But I didn''t have the access to it. Tony did, but if we were ever going to get it we needed her to be looking in the wrong place." He began, "so Tony approached her and began to blackmail her, saying she had a countdown to confessing before he exposed her to the whole world."


    "I had someone tail her and Ofcourse she went to her safe, where she kept it to check on it. And then I found out where it was, and Tony got it. But he knew Patricia was planning on killing him, I didn''t know at the time, I realized what he was trying to do on the day he pushed you away from the second van. If you want to blame anyone then blame me, I was careless and now it''s driving me crazy that even though Patricia thinks she destroyed all possibility of that video coming to light, I can''t fucking post it." He explained. "There''s a firewall around it, it doesn''t get uploaded to any computer and I have tired everything, gotten every hacker but I can''t even blame them. The people protecting that video can''t be beat. They aren''t even human."


    Jessie listened silently, tears streaming down her face, as she broke all over again. "I know someone that can beat anything when it comes to code." Jessie replied.


    "I don''t think this would work. I mean every tech genius in the world is on this but they haven''t been able to make anything of it. Do you remember Paradise?"


    Jessie nodded, "are they involved?"


    "Seems like it, the technology they use in that place matched what is blocking the information on the hard drive." He stated.


    "But I thought you said it was a goo-"


    "It''s not!"


    "So that means you mother-"


    "No! Not my mum, it got bad after she left, she would never do something like this."


    Jessie heart broke at the sight of his devoted devotion. "Fine, but I know someone who could give it a try."


    "Is she good?"


    "I think so... I mean we''re not friends but I guess, the video in the Lee mansion on the Patriarchs birthday of Patricia, she did that."


    "Okay, who is she?" Jason asked.


    "Lenora, Lenora Hastings."

 Chapter 343 - 343. Let Jessie Win.

    It was early morning, but not to early for the three people crowding around another tapping away on a keypad, well four if you count the last person standing a few steps away diligently watching with hopeful eyes. "Can you do it?" Jessie asked, unable to continue this situation of never ending silence.


    "Jessie? What did I say? Don''t speak you''re messing up my flow." Lenora replied, causing the other woman to pout.


    "Geez I was just asking..." she added quickly, not being at the receiving end of Lenora''s reaction, a sharp, quick glare.


    Noticing was was about to happen immediately Jamie put and end to it.


    "Can we please not start this right now? Lenora focus and um... why don''t you just go do something to occupy your mind Jessie? It is quite torturous waiting like this without any reassurances." He said, but he didn''t think hs words of wisdom, stemming from the real need to keep them from fighting so early in their day would be taken badly by both women.


    But what better to bring to enemies together than a mutual enemy. "Oh so what you want reassurances?" She glanced at Jamie then turning to Jessie "What is that supposed to mean? I''m not doing enough?" Lenora huffed angrily.


    "Do I look like I need reassurance? Especially from someone like her!" Jessie jutted her chin in Lenora''s direction.


    Lenora scoffed, "what were you even thinking? Giving her reassurance? Tch. Just look at what she saying."


    "I do think he was wrong to suggest that but only because you suck at thinking of anyone but yourself." Jessie spat back.


    They didn''t make up, they didn''t come together to bash a common enemy, their animosity ran to deep to consider antagonising any one but each other.


    At once the tapping in the keyboards stopped and Lenora turned to Jessie, "I think of anyone but myself? And you? Do you think you are such a saint? You are fucking bitch and I was the only one that ever noticed it, not like all the other cowardly reporters that refused to speak up about it!"


    Jessie rolled her eyes with a scoff, tilting her head towards the other woman, "oh so you think you aren''t cowardly that''s it? Wow, then you really are delusional. Seeing and reading into things that aren''t there. You really a just an attention hogging whore."


    As the fight was going to enter the place of violence but men grabbed their partners and took them to the other sides of the room to cool off.


    "No today Lennie" Jamie scolded.


    "What? I was on my own and she started this!" Lenora huffed.


    "I understand but you shouldn''t react to this, remember everything I said the last time?" Jamie asked.


    And reluctantly she repeated his previous remarks, "I shouldn''t react to the slightest provocation."


    "Yes, and you were doing so well too. I don''t know what''s happened." He commented and at the same time the other two simultaneously spoke.


    "It''s because it''s her!" They said, shooting glares at each other.


    "So what? Are you going to give up everything because you hate the reporter?" Jason asked.


    "Of course not!" Jessie huffed.


    "Good now be a good girl and go apologise" he lifted a finger to stop her from talking, when he was sure she wouldn''t say anything he continued "for interrupting her."


    And in little time the tapping began again, and as Jessie was about to make another comment on how she boasted she could do it in thirty minutes Jason took her out of the room. "Okay you get a time out."


    "What? Why?"


    "Because you are being such a baby about this, now stay here watch a movie I''ll tell you once it''s-"


    "I''m in!" She yelled happily.


    "You''re in?" Jessie dashed inside the room.


    "Yeah, look here." Shs pointed at the computer, "but I have to keep programming in order to keep the wall open. If I stop attending to this then it will shut back up and this time it would be even harder to open it."


    "Then we have no time to waste. Here is the hard drive, an hour should be enough for people to see it right?" Jason asked her.


    "I guess, but the most I can do is Forty five minutes." She replied.


    "Then I''ll make it trend." Jessie replied, grabbing her phone she logged into her celebrity account that she has shut off because of all the hate comments and post the link on her profile. Calling Krystal as well she informed her of the situation.


    ***************************************


    Blood was going to flow!!!


    Patricia was utterly and outrageously livid, and it was obvious with every step she took in those black shiny sleek pumps she rattled the ground a s terrified passersby with the fierce look on her face and the intensity of her eyes.


    Scowling at a staring couple that gawked at her when she came to a stop. "What? What are you looking at!?" She yelled at them.


    Both man and woman, without further hesitation turned around and walked away.


    "Open the fucking door Lenora, I know you are in there, don''t try to fucking fool me!" She screamed.


    When response wasn''t forth coming she began to bang on the door. There was only one person with skill enough to allow that stupid information leak and it was Lenora. Patricia bit her lips in itter annoyance, that bitch! "How dare she betray me?" Patricia asked herself.


    "Open this damn door right now!" She screamed, but Lenora wasn''t there to answer and with every single second spent that information leaks to at least fifty thousand people. She was doomed, she was angry and she was suffocating. But most of all she was incredibly afraid.


    This would ruin everything, everything single thing and she had no idea how to stop it. How?! She thought, after figuring out that Tony didn''t have the hard drive she knew that the information was still safe. Perhaps killing him was a bad idea? But even then she wasn''t the one that killed him!


    Unless... "fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck!!" She cursed, turning back on her heels she lost all her elegance and broke into a soft sprint. She couldn''t handle this on her own, she shouldn''t handle this on her own. The entire Lee family was in jeopardy just like her. So she needed help on this.. And she was going to get it, she''d rather die than let Jessie win.

 Chapter 344 - 344. She Can Do No Wrong

    Patricia cursed when she drove past the second red light, speeding through confused cars and annoyed drivers. Any moment now the cops will be on her tail, their characteristic sound and blue red light urging her to pull over. The thought that should spark regret and reprove only stood to fuel her strong resolve even further, her heeled foot pushing into the accelerator, raising the arrow that warned her that this road was not supposed to accommodate that speed, but she wasn''t thinking straight, how could she? Her life was about to implode!


    "Call George Lee." She said, her voice as shaky as the hands that gripped the steering wheel.


    "Dialing George Lee" her only companion the mechanical voice said, assuring her that her request was heard.


    The phone could not ring for longer, why wouldn''t he pick up?! She cursed, her voice rising to a crescendo. "Stop staring at the phone, you fool, pick it up!" she said, her voice as tense as her hands.


    "You shouldn''t be calling me if you have conscience." George Lee said, his voice a little more calm than the last time they spoke. "I told you not to call, I''m am so busy after the mess you put me in, niece." The last word spit out like some disgusting.


    "You think I do not know? Look, I understand, I messed up but it''s already out. You knew this was going to happen before it did and you assured me it wouldn''t, what the hell happened?" Patricia''s voice rose. "I can''t fix this, Patricia, you can''t fix this. All we can do now is lay low, do not react or draw attention to the family. Yes the news got out, but a lot of people still haven''t heard about it." "What do I do?" Patricia said, her voice now barely a whisper.


    "Lay the hell low, I''m going into a meeting with Paradise right now." He stated bluntly, "the old man will soon call, you should be worried about that."


    And true to his words the old man called, and she had to respond. But it was comforting to know that George was going to be with her this time but even then he was still as scary as ever. Xavier Lee, the family patriarch. "Hello?" Patricia said, her voice tense. "I can''t talk right now, I''m driving." She said, her voice still tense


    "Get here now!" he yelled.


    "Yes grandfather."


    ************************************


    "That''s it right?" Jessie muttered as Lenora groaned, shutting her laptop angrily.


    "Yes. I can''t go back in, they''ve locked me out completely. I can''t get back in even if I changed my programming, they would have identified my programming patterns and I can''t change that."


    Jamie sighed, walking over to her, he stroked the back of her hair softly. "We should get going" he suggested and she nodded.


    "I''ll send one the cars to take you back to your house." Jason offered.


    "Oh you don''t have to, we drove here." Jamie politely refused. "I just need help finding the car, this house is way too massive." he said bluntly.


    Jessie could tell he meant it to be a joke but then... some people apparently did not understand that you crack a joke with words, tone and facial expressions.


    "Follow me I''ll show you." She smiled, leading the way, Jamie following behind her obeidiently, leaving behind Jason and Lenora.


    "Um... I''m not sure how to ask this but have you heard of Paradise?" Lenora asked as they followed behind Jessie and Jamie.


    Halting, with unbridled anger swirling intensely in his dark eyes he looked down at her with a wicked grin. "Ask the question properly and stop beating around the bush." Jason stated.


    Nodding she cleared her throat and asked again, this time properly "how are you connected to paradise?"


    "I''m the leader of that organization" he answered, continue his pace and wordlessly urgung her to do same. "Though this days it seems I am only a stand in for the real boss." "So you''re Paradise''s boss?" Lenora asked, confused and a little scared. "No, but I''m in charge of the organization. That''s what they call it." he replied. "Paradise is an organization that was created to hide the truth about the world, the people, the government and the laws. They say they do good thingd like prevent wars and stop bad people from getting government posistions but that doesn''t seem like the case anymore."


    Lenora shut her eyes and fisted her palms by her sides. "Are you telling me you were naive enough to actually believe that?"


    "Unfortunately so, I didn''t want to believe my mother created such a beautiful thing and it has turned so rotten now, all that pain, all that suffering, for nothing." Jason replied. "How long have you known about paradise?"


    "Long enough to know that has never been pure or good. Look I''m not trying to say your mother was bad or anything but from what I have discovered from that organization they are everything that is bad in this world. This is my honest opinion." She said seriously, looking straight into his eyes, "It''s obvious you idolize your mother but with due respect paradise has never been good and will never been good, whatever your mom had you believe was a lie."


    "I don''t care what you think." Jason answered, cutting her off, "I''m not trying to argue about this. I just want to know how you know about paradise." "I was a part of it, I should have been a part of it but I didn''t know about it at the time. I was a girl, I was a kid, I was young and proud. I thought was the best hacker and programmer out there, I felt unstoppable. So I hacked into everythimg and everywhere until I hacked into paradise." She explained. "It was amazing at first, but when i realized what they were doing, what they were making me do I tried to get out but they ruined my life and ruined my families'' as well."


    "I could care less about your sob story." Jason spat. "Why should I believe you?" "Because I''m telling you the truth." She answered, "but you don''t have to believe me.. I just hope you wouldn''t ignore the truth right in front of you as well."

 Chapter 345 - 345. Jessie Knows?

    It was pointless to slow down now. If a ticket was going to be his only punishment for looking for the truth then so be it. Left foot pressing down harder, his right fist tightening around the steering wheel as he drove he could barely see straight. Of course this wasn''t the first time he was suspecting his mother, thinking she was not who she really said she was. But hearing it from someone else, a stranger at that how was he supposed to react? It drove him crazy, it made him mad! And now he had no one else he could talk to... he couldn''t go to his father, his mother was an orphan so there was no hope there. Besides be never thought a day where he could question the knowledge of his perfect mother would come.


    The soft ringing pulled him out of his self denial and back into the real world, a real world with real cars and actual traffic that he barely slammed down on the brakes in time to avoid.


    "Damn it!" He cursed. "Answer" he commanded the AI handling calls in his car and when the program responded he heard Matts voice.


    "What did you find out Matt?" He asked whist scowling at the red light that temporarily kept him stationed.


    "There is a connection between the auction house and Paradise, I believe some members of paradise are even solicitors, perhaps that is the reason they got involved in the case." Matt replied.


    "So? Did the news get out?" He asked.


    "Yes it did but i spoke to the lawyers and they advised it would be best if there was witnesses testimony during the trial at court because without an eyewitness the case might be dismissed. Considering the influence the suspect, Patricia has."


    Jason nodded to no one in particular as he urged his car forward and after the light turned green. "Jessie can testify then she would be more than happy."


    *************************


    In a garden sporting the most exotic and rarest of plants, with air so free of fine dust it blesed the respiratory organs of all who breathed it in. It was a place where life was so beautiful it was sometimes hard to accept it as a mere illusion. A place where nature was given the chance to test it''s power and it''s beauty. With ponds so clear light bounced off the surface casting such beautiful light along the walls circling the plants with rings of beauty.


    A gray haired man with a dark scar on his cheek stood, slightly bended but no less powerful.


    "I must have been a demon in my past life to have offspring as useless as the both of you!" Xavier Lee yelled at they two kneeling figures before him.


    No one made a sound, they wouldn''t dare.


    ''You''re a demon in this life!'' Patricia thought.


    "You" he gestured to Patricia "go abroad for now, if i can barely stand to see your face imagine what other people would think?" He said to Patricia, then turning to George "I expected it from her, after all she is only a woman. But you? You are such a disappointment, I should have been firmer with that bitch, if she actually aborted you, i wouldn''t be in this predicament right now." He spat.


    Patricia opened her mouth to say something, anything because for the first time she realised she wasn''t the one that suffered here. This man was a monster! Noticing the way George''s fist tightened and how he kept his head down she knew this affected him more than any mysogynistic comment that man would ever make.


    "How can you say that to your own child?" She spoke up.


    Xavier expression darkened and his frail frame suddenly oozed rage that dizzed Patricia. She was done for, but oddly she did not regret what she said.


    The olde man lifted his stick to slam into her but as she braced herself for the impact it never came. Instead she opened her previously shut eyes to see that murderous glare directed at George instead. His grip on the walking stick only tightening, no matter how scary Xavier was, George was a thirty two year old man of course he was physically stronger. Before long the walking stick was flying away until it landed with a loud splash into the pond.


    "You punk!" Xavier yelled.


    "What?!" George yelled back, startling both Patricia and the old man."Why are you so surprised? Did you really think I would never stand up to you? I told you mention my mother from that filthy mouth of yours and-"


    "What will you do? What exactly can you do?" Xavier Lee taunted. "I thought so, you''re just a coward."


    "And you are just a bitter old man" Patricia replied, "Yes, i said it what will you do? Punish me? Kill me? Alright, go ahead kill us and be left alone. Lets who carries the legacy you are always so concerned about." She spat. "That''s right, without you have no one else!"


    **************************


    Jason walked into his building in a daze, he had only one thing on his mind. Paradise.


    But that daze didn''t last long until he heard a familiar voice, "must you always make it so clear?"


    Jason froze in the middle of the elevator''s entrance. Trapping both those getting on and getting out. "Make what so clear?"


    "What else? Can we not at least pretend to be civil when others are around?" Jonathan asked, silently gesturing to the spectators. "Well, if you put it like that..." Jason said "hello my father''s bastard."


    Jonathan eyes narrowed dangerously and his breathing became shallow and quick stepping towards Jason he had had enough. At first when noticed Jason approaching he planned to make his quick escape from the elevator, his day was already bad he did not need Jason to complicate it any further.


    But that resolve broke when he didn''t even glance at him, who did he think he was? Was he that irrelevant? The past few days had been hell for him, yet he still tried to comfort Jessie even while she was heart broken. Although she was right saying he had some feelings for Krystal, it didn''t just magically make the fact that she had hurt him disappear. Plus the fact that Jason got to leave in sweet oblivion while he was the one that suffered from the horrible turn his relationship with his mother had turned out was only making things impossible for him. He was angry, he was hurt and he wanted Jason to feel exactly the way he felt.


    "I''m not your father''s bastard. If your are looking for comradery then look elsewhere for a support group that shares tainted blood like your father''s." Jonathan spat back.


    Jason brows narrowed "what?"


    Looking away slightly he grinned, "well you are right I am a bastard, just not the former chairman''s."


    They was a look of absolute shock on Jason''s face initially before it dawned on him Jonathan was really implying. "Are you saying you are not that man''s child? Then we are not related?"


    Now his smile was wider than ever, "oh no, you are still very much my half brother. Just not through you dad." He replied.


    Jason''s expressions took a darker turn. "Everybody get out" Jason ordered and he didn''t have to do it twice in an instant everyone ran out of the elevator. Stepping in he pushed the button closing the doors and after that the other button that stopped the elevator from moving.


    Shoving Jonathan backwards he throttled him, his eyes filled with rage that could burn cities, foaming at the mouth he yelled "how dare you talk about my mother with those filthy lips!" He yelled.


    Jonathan only scoffed, "your mother? Correct, she is your mother but she is mine as well, are you saying I can''t talk about my own mother?"


    "Then talk about her! Why do you keep mentioning me?" Jason asked. "How dare you insinuate that adulterous viper is my mother?"


    This time it was Jonathan''s turn to be violent, shoving Jason backwards he growled "I''m sick and tired of your blasted entitlement. You are nothing but mean, bitter and extremely annoying. You hate your father but you are just like him, a friggin bully!"


    "And yet I''m still the one with everything. A family, this company and Jessie too." He said through gritted teeth.


    Unable to take it anymore Jonathan pushed backwards and punched Jason, hard. "We have the same mother for fuck''s sake!" Jonathan yelled.


    Returning the punch that sent Jonathan to the other end of the elevator, "stop saying that! My mother is dead, you people should please let her rest in peace!!" Jason screamed.


    "No she''s not. Your mother is not dead, neither is she such a saint. She is a selfish woman that cares for no one but herself not even the children she gave birth to!" Jonathan screamed back, a stray tears falling down his cheek.


    Jason heart thundered in his chest and he found out all of a sudden that he couldn''t breathe. "Liar" he choked out.


    Jonathan pulled out his wallet and pulled out a photo, handing it to Jason. "Unless your father has a specific type there is no way that is not Veronica Park."


    With trembling hands he held the picture string at the faces of an adult Jonathan and a woman that looked exactly like his mother, only older looking happier than he could imagine. "She was alive all this time? Then all the times I thought I saw her, that was real? No, I don''t believe it" he muttered before dropping the picture.


    "I didn''t believe either when Jessie told me but then..."


    "Jessie knows?" Jason asked in a hoarse voice, it sounded that he was standing at the edge of a cliff and he was suddenly gripping the edge trying to hold on. Jonathan knew all that and he also knew he had power over the situation right now, but unlike other times there would be no selfless moments here. He must feel pain, Jason must hurt as bad as I am. So he did just that, he hurt him. "Yes, she has known for a while now."


    "

 Chapter 346 - 346. New Family.

    Jamie sat in his car for so long the sky turned from blue to black. He watched the entrance and exit of so many people, seemed tonight was a busy night for them. Knowing he should not waste so much time and the commissioner was already waiting for the report that he had successfully taken power from the corrupt chief of police only made him more interested in peacefully watching the station. He had not been back to the station for so long it was like he had never left. He was not there to see the place he was arrested but instead to see what the people had done in his absence. He had to admit he was still shocked at how the station had been turned into a haven for the corrupt police. He was surprised no one had talked about it before but there was no time for that now.


    "Okay Jamie it''s now or never." He said to himself pushing the door open, he turned to look at the convoy of cars that sat patiently, waiting that was until he was out of his car.


    "I was almost sure we we would have to come get you, what took you so long?"


    "I feel like I''m betraying my own people, they''ve such a family to me for so long it''s hard to believe I''m on the other side of this" he replied.


    "No worries boss you''ll have a new family now."


    ******************************


    Falling to her knees Patricia felt incredibly lightheaded and dizzy, she almost couldn''t believe that it was her back there, speaking to that old man like that.


    "Down from your euphoria already?" George asked from where he stood beside her.


    Shooting him glare she answered hurriedly "ofcourse I am, what the hell was I thinking? Why didn''t you stop me?" She asked.


    "It''s correct to feel the way you do but it was also cool the way you stood up to the old man on my behalf" he said with a straight face causing Patricia to smile.


    " You were on my side." She replied.


    "What?"


    "You were by my side this time, it wasn''t Patricia against grandfather, it was Patricia and George against grandfather. I couldn''t let him hurt someone on my team."


    Letting out a curt laugh he stared deeply at her "it''s a terrible feeling being on your team, I hate it."


    "Welcome to my life then."


    "You do know you have to leave the country right?" George stated, "like right at this moment."


    "The police are loyal to our family, must I really leave now?"


    "No negotiation, it seems you do not realise how big of an issue this is, even if we were god we would still have to answer for this. Leave for now, there are two people the police must not meet, you and Jessie." George stated, "Jessie is the only living witness to both your crimes and the auction house, her testimony at court could end us and you... there is no case without the suspect so leave now." He ordered her.


    "And you?" She asked, "what are you going to be doing?"


    "Fixing your mess."


    Patricia nodded, of course he would say that why was she surprised? just because he was being friendly with her didn''t mean they were friends.


    "Just make sure you actually go through with Jessie this time." She stated.


    "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" He asked.


    "It just means like most mean you get weak in the knees and muddled in the brain when you see her, she is our enemy and I hope your obsession for her is weaker than the love and passion for your precious auction house."


    ***************************


    Sick and tired of feeling so helpless she stood by the side of the road wondering where to go. Watching the cars go by, watching the people go by. She was enraptured by the cacophony of sounds coming from the cars on the road, the mother shouting at her already rebellious toddler, the tick of the traffic light beside her. Even the gentle breeze tossing and pushing at the wind in her skirt seemed to want to drown out the pain she felt. It made it see, so insignificant.


    She didn''t want to go to Katherine''s because she knew she was dealing with a lot at the moment. From her father to Paul, it would be selfish to push her own problems on the innocent woman at this time. Tears bit the insides of her eyes as a heavy feeling settled on her chest as she thought of Tony, it would have been so easy to just go to him. For the first time in a long while she missed her mother, she always felt the emptiness from time to time but today she felt suffocated and alone, she just wanted her mother. But that wasn''t possible either... so she had one more option.


    "Hey," She smiled at Krystal when she finally made contact with the younger woman.


    "How are you holding up? You sounded so sad on the phone." Krystal stated softly as urged Jessie into the living room.


    "I''m fine," She began to speak, her voice softer now. "I miss my mother, I miss Tony. I just, I- " her voice broke as she planted her face into her palm and struggled not to cry. Pushing back her hair she looked upwards in an attempt to quell the tears that threatened to fall, sighing heavily. "I''m sorry" she apologised. "I''m sorry to hear that," Krystal interjected in a gentle voice. "I know it''s sad but you need to know that you shouldn''t be sorry. Sometimes you just have to grieve no matter how hard you try to keep it at bay, there''s no way you''d be over Tony so soon so just cry." Krystal hugged Jessie and gave her a half smile, "I know it''s difficult." "Thank you," she whispered through tinged lips. The two women were silent for a few moments, both lost in their own thoughts, the origins of which was uncertain. Krystal was the first to break the silence. "I just wish you weren''t with that jerk Jason" Krystal said viciously, causing Jessie to start "it''s just..." she began to explain seeing the other woman''s startled expression. "He''s always hurting you. I mean I get that he is also going through a hard time but how could just kick you out so easily after everything you''ve been through?"


    Jessie smiled softly, "I''m so grateful for you in my life Krystal. You always make me the better person in situations like this, even when I can''t convince my self that I''m doin the right thing."


    "Of course you were doing the right thing" she huffed. "You thought you were protecting him, that''s all that matters, that should have been all that mattered."


    "It wasn''t easy, it''s not easy like that. He can''t ignore the way he''s feeling neither do I want him to, he can''t decide for himself what he wants to feel but I wish he wouldn''t be so mad.. We need each other more than ever right now."

 Chapter 347 - 347. Naked And Chained To A Bed.

    "Karen is taking way too long coming back from school, it''s shocking too because she knows you''re here." Krystal stated as she stared out the window.


    At that same moment, too sudden to be a coincidence Jessie''s phone began to ring, without checking the caller id she instinctively expected it to be Jason she quickly answered the phone. Pressing it to her ears she answered.


    "Hello?"


    She was immediately greeted by a pause on the other end. "Jessie...it''s me..." "J-Jason..." She paused as she realised she hadn''t looked at herself in the mirror, she didn''t know what she looked like, and she hated the way she looked. Weaker, she had lost a few pounds in the last few weeks she looked as though she could snap at any moment.


    "Sorry to disappoint but this isn''t Jason, and for your own sake I would advice you refrain from mentioning that name around me." Jessie''s eyes widened and her grip on the phone only tightened.


    "What the hell do you want?" She spat viciously.


    Her insides churned painfully as she heard him chuckle at the other side of the phone, "you do realise it only makes me more excited when you act so viciously like this." He chuckled again.


    Shutting her eyes tightly she spoke through gritted teeth, "what the hell do you want George?"


    "So much venom?" He commented "where is the sweet but spicy woman I meant only a few weeks ago?"


    "Non existent, shoouldn''t you be like hiding the sexslaves in that disgusting place now?" she spat, "do not underestimate me, there is no covering up this time."


    "Funny you mention my girls" she gagged at his use of words "I came across this little flower as I was cleaning out my garden and she seemed perfect!" George stated.


    "You are a disgusting man, I swear you will pay for all the lives you''ve ruined. Do not call me again!"


    "Ow!!" A sudden scream startled Jessie and she almost dropped the phone in fright. Krystal who had been by her side with questioning gazes the moment she received the call covered her mouth in horror when she heard the scream.


    Urging Jessie to put the phone on speaker the worried older sister crossed her fingers and shut her teary eyes as she knelt on the floor silently begging that what she heard was not true. But it was, and it was confirmed but the next sound they heard from the phone.


    "Let go of me!"


    "Oh god!" Krystal cried. "Karen?!" She screamed into the phone, "Karen?!! Karen can you hear me?"


    "Oh my goodness! Krystal?!" Karen screamed from the other end of the phone, "Krys-!"


    "Are you finally ready to talk?" George asked cutting of the scared teenager.


    "You sick piece of shit! Let her go! Let her go!!" Krystal screamed into the phone.


    Jessie grabbed the phone from on top the table where it sat and walked a few steps away from a hysterical Krystal. Putting it back by the side of her face she spoke "what the hell do you want?"


    "You."


    "What? Me? Why?" Jessie asked.


    "Apart from the fact that you are the literal fuse that ca blow up my family, I want you Jessie, always have and always will." He said smugly. "Why?" Jessie asked through gritted teeth, her eyes were still drooping with fear and her heart was still thumping with a rush of adrenaline "Because you are the one thing that makes me feel what I want, you can''t be with him, you are meant to be with me." He said with a wide sly smile.


    "Why are you doing this?" Jessie demanded. "Do I need a reason to want you?"


    "Yes!"


    "Fine if you need a reason, I am obsessed with that body of yours. From the moment I saw you in that dress, at that ball your the only woman I fantasize about. All I can think of are those soft curves wriggling beneath me, head thrown backwards as you lips are parted in pleasure as I slam into you relentlessly."


    Jessie had no idea why, but her breathing stopped and goose bumps appeared all over her skin when she heard him say those words.


    Fear.


    George had always had this chilling effect on her and although she was aware that he wanted her physically her head spun painfully at this situation right now. She was in no mental position right now to handle this, but she couldn''t ignore him either, he made it impossible to do so. "Why are you doing this?" "Jessie, stop acting so pathetic, I know you are still in control of this situation, even though you are in no position to throw a fit you are still the one in charge, so stop acting so weak and just get it over with." Jessie''s heart was racing so hard that it throbbed through her veins and her slow minded brain was swirling in circles. She wanted to scream but she couldn''t, and she wanted to hit him but she couldn''t move, it was as if he had a hold of her and she was powerless to do anything about it. Jessie was close to tears now, her defenses were down, her guard was down and this monster was taking advantage of that. "Three hours, meet me at the address I''ll be sending to you. Come just a minute late and this little flower will never see the sun again. I''ll send her somewhere she will spend the rest of her life naked and chained to a bed." He said.


    ***************************


    Jason was beyond mortified, he had no idea what to feel. How did someone actually react in situations like this? Was he supposed to say something? He didn''t even know if he was happy or sad that this happened. After basically setting the city on fire he finally found what he was looking for and he was frozen in place.


    "Hello son, it been a while."


    I have come to realise I have a problem with consistency. Sorry, trying to end this as soon as I can but I''m so busy with school and writing other stories. This might take longer than I intend but I''m coming with new books, anticipate. I hope you support them when they get published the way you support me here.


    I love you guys, you are the best.

 Chapter 348 - 348. Youre Stalling.

    Jason went on a rampage. He went to the resisdence of every member of Paradise and caused such a scene, after making sure Lenora got into all the sites he didn''t have access to before he had more than enough dirt on them all. Especially that Benedict, he was the worst and Jason was right to save him for last. He was the final piece to the puzzle he was the person that lead him to where he was right now, his mother.


    "Hello son, it''s been a while." Celeste stated bluntly, staring straight at Jason her face expressionless he could not tell what she was thinking.


    "I don''t think you have the right to call me that" Jason replied "I cannot believe you were actually alive all this time. Where did you hide? How did you fool my father?"


    "Your father was always such a fool, but I didn''t have to fool him. He was more than happy for me to be dead." She said with the sickest smile on her face.


    Jason fisted his palms and shut his eyes, making sure to breath in through his nose. He wouldn''t break, he wouldn''t give her that satisfaction of knowing that he missed her. That her absence actually meant something to him, actually scared him.


    "Then why didn''t you just stay dead? Why slather out now?" He spat.


    "Slather? Did you just refer to me as a snake? How dare you disrespect your mother like that?" She scoffed


    "What mother? My mother died fifteen years ago, you are just a nuisance." He replied.


    Crossing her arms she extended her leg and tilted her head to look at him, "I must say you are handling this pretty well, I heard of you famous temper, witnessed it as well when you were shaking down the members, why do you seem calm now?" She asked.


    Jason smiled, unable to take her nonchalant attitude anymore, "really? Do you really think I''m taking this well? Ofcourse you would think so wouldn''t you? You are not a mother, what you did to me, what you did to Jonathan, you aren''t even human."


    "Oh? I see my two boys are finally getting along, you were such a jerk to your younger brother does it make it easier for you to bash me after treating Jonathan like crap?" She laughed, "or are you more encouraged to remove him from the Kang empire now he is not a Kang?"


    Jason shook his head, "you''re sick and you are stalling. Why aren''t you telling me what I need? What exactly are you keeping me from?" He asked, agitated. "Tell me!"


    *******************


    Thirty hours ago.


    "This is not we agreed on Jason''s mother." George Lee sneered at the older woman, shoving his hands into his pocket he walked towards her and slammed his hands against the table behind which she sat.


    Celeste looked up at him the malice evident in her gaze but she said nothing... at first. "This is such a hassle, I did keep my end of the deal, how was I to predict we would be hacked? I mean I was even the one that ended that man, the one threatening Patricia, you shouldn''t behave like this."


    "You meant to kill Jessie not her manager." George scoffed, "you mistake only benefitted us don''t take credit."


    Sighing she nodded, "I guess I can''t do that, but the fact remains that you shouldn''t be here right now. Do you have the time to point fingers?"


    "I was wondering when you would say that, now that you are offering your help-" Celestes brow rose but he didn''t stop speaking "I need to get rid of Jessie." He stated.


    "Naturally" Celeste added "but why should that be my business?"


    "I need you to create an opportunity for me to get Jessie, hate to give it to your son, but he has created a fortess in that manor of his, there is no way I can get her from inside there." George stated.


    "And how do you expect me to solve that?"


    "I don''t care, you are already in my father''s black book and do not forget, information is power and I have more than enough of that to destroy you and your little organisation." George said with a wicked smile.


    "Well so do I." Celeste spat back.


    "- that is correct but it wouldn''t be fun to destroy each other when there''s a better alternative, would it?" He laughed, "so how will you do it?"


    ********************************


    Twenty-six hours ago.


    "Is that really all you have to say to me? You are mother for crying out loud!" Jonathan yelled attracting curious eyes in the public restuarant her and his trecherous mother sat in currently.


    "I was a cover up? Why would you even tell me that? How I''m I supposed to feel? What I''m I to do with that information?" He screamed. "I never had a family but you and the brother I looked up to was nothing but horrible to me, and you are saying he- you choose him? What did I ever do to deserve such a mother?!"


    *****************************


    Twenty-four hours ago.


    This time it was Jonathan''s turn to be violent, shoving Jason backwards he growled "I''m sick and tired of your blasted entitlement. You are nothing but mean, bitter and extremely annoying. You hate your father but you are just like him, a friggin bully!"


    Unable to take it anymore Jonathan pushed backwards and punched Jason, hard. "We have the same mother for fuck''s sake!" Jonathan yelled.


    Returning the punch that sent Jonathan to the other end of the elevator, "stop saying that! My mother is dead, you people should please let her rest in peace!!" Jason screamed.


    "No she''s not. Your mother is not dead, neither is she such a saint. She is a selfish woman that cares for no one but herself not even the children she gave birth to!" Jonathan screamed back, a stray tears falling down his cheek.


    *****************************


    Twenty hours ago....

 Chapter 349 - 349. I Cant Be With You Right Now.

    Twenty hours ago,


    Jason was livid as he drove back, if he was speeding before then at this moment he was basically flying in the car. It didn''t help that it was a sports car with engine manufactured for this particular function, speed. He couldn''t believe it. She lied to him, she knew his mother was alive all this while, watched him suffer, struggle yet she remained quiet! And what was worse? She actually told Jonathan, fucking Jonathan.


    It was a dark and stormy night, and the thunder was splitting the sky, but the rain wasn''t falling. The rain was falling in people''s heads, and the thunder was the sound of their screams as they realized what they had done. Jason ran into the house, and stormed straight to Jessie room, she wasn''t there. Then he heard a noise in his room and headed there instead, open the door to see her in his shirt with her growing hair hanging limply in wet strands.


    "Jason?" She called out softly, her clear eyes softening as her brows furrowed lightly in question.


    A lump formed in his throat as he looked as the way she pouted her lips, and the way her hair hung limp in the air. She was so beautiful. It broke his heart a thousand times over, knowing she held such a lie. "Jessie... what did you do?" He asked. His voice broke as he spoke , the emotion he felt was overwhelming, he felt like he was on the verge of a heart attack.


    "Jason? Are you okay? What''s wrong?" Jessie asked, the panic in her voice evident. Was he having another panic attack? She ran to him but as she reached out to him he flinched away, staggering back a few steps. "Jason?" She asked again, her voice quivering. "When were you going to tell me?" His voice was barely audible at first. "Jessie when were you going to tell me that my mother was alive!" He yelled.


    Jessie eyes widened as she herself flinched back. "How did you find out?" she asked.


    If looks could kill... Jason''s eyes lost all warmth as he began to reply to her "does that matter? Is the fact that you knew my mother, the woman whose death caused me so much pain fifteen years later I still had panic attacks because of how much I missed her!" He yelled, angry tears dropping down his cheeks.


    "Jason... I''m sorry. I didn''t know how to tell you. I-I just couldn''t, I couldn''t tell you. You were so happy, you were doing so much better. You were so happy, I couldn''t tell you anything." She said, her voice rising. "I''m sorry, I''m so sorry." "I couldn''t bare to see you back in that state suffering so much I..." her voice caught, unable to finish the sentence.


    "Who are you to make that choice for me?! Huh? How dare you keep my mother from me?" He yelled. Jessie''s eyes grew wide, her lips parted as she looked at him. "Jason, I swear, I didn''t mean to keep your mother from you! I-I-I just wanted to protect you." She said, her voice cracking, her lip quivering.


    "Protect me?! Protect me from what?! Protect me from the truth?! Or protect me from the truth about my mother? Because you know the truth about my mother, you know she was alive all this while. You knew all this time and you didn''t tell me." he yelled, his voice thick with anger and hurt. Jessie''s eyes grew wide, her cheeks flushed and her breathing quickening as she looked at him. "Jason, I... I didn''t know if you would be able to handle it, I didn''t want to tell you. I wanted to protect you. I didn''t want you to see your mother like that, I didn''t want you to suffer." "So you lied to me, you lied to me! All this time you knew my mother was alive, you watched me suffer, and you lied to me!" Jason yelled.


    "Jason, I am so sorry, I didn''t mean to lie to you. I didn''t know how to tell you, she is not a good person Jason, I know how you looked up to her and I didn''t want to ruin that."


    "Gosh I am so sick of people telling how much of a bad person my mother was" he mumbled to himself. "Do you think I''m not aware? Do I really look that naive? I just can''t believe you would keep away the only woman I ever loved from me."


    Fresh tears fell down Jessie''s eyes "and me? Who am I then?" She asked. Jason stared at her, his eyes narrowed as he stared at her. "You''re the woman who broke my trust."


    Jessie shut her eyes tightly. "Please, please don''t do this Jason, don''t push me away." She begged. Jason stood there for a few seconds, his eyes burning as he stared at her. His heart was breaking, his eyes stinging as he looked at her, unable to stop it, his legs moved on their own. But he wanted to hold her, so when his reached for her, cupping her cheeks in his arms. He leaned down and touched foreheads with her, tears streaming down both their eyes he just wanted to stay here and be with her but it hurt so bad. It hurt too much.


    "I can''t... I can''t do this. I can''t be with you, I can''t be with you now." He said, his voice choked, he could barely get the words out. "I''m sorry Jason, please don''t leave me, not right now." Jessie begged. "I won''t leave you, I promise... but I can''t be around you right now." He said, his voice breaking. Jessie stood there, her face contorted into pain, her eyes grew wide as she looked at him. Her heart broke as he left her, left her all alone standing in the empty room.


    Present time,


    When Jason realized that she was not going to tell him the reason why she was stalling he reached into his Jacket for his phone.


    Celeste held it up in the air as she smiled at him from across the room, "looking for this?"


    Jason''s eyes widened and he reached forward to grab it from her while she stepped back holding it away from him. "What the hell do you think you are doing?!" He growled, walking forward, her son was all grown up. Before she could escape properly he grabbed her arm viciously and grabbed the phone removing it from her grasp.


    But he couldn''t make a call, he soon realized because the connection showed a stop sign, looking up again he found his broken sim cards in her hands. "I''m very thorough, this mother of yours, you can''t use your phone right now," as though on cue, several armed men walked into the room blocking the exit. "You may have waltzed in here on your own terms but you can''t leave just yet either."


    Jason''s head hung low before laughter began to wrack his frame, looking up at his mother with crazy eyes he fisted his palms and walked towards her, so fiercely that even Celeste felt her heart skip beats as he approached. "Who is it? What exactly are you doing?!"


    She began to laugh as well, "oh son, I do not intend on ruining your surprise-" her statement was caught by the cold metal pressing into her belly. Wide eyes she stared at Jason, "my you really have grown, are you really my son? I did not raise you to be as insolate as pointing a gun at your mother!"


    With a twisted smile and crazed eyes he grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him, spinning her around so her back faced his front he held her close to his body as he pointed the gun at her temple. "You won''t kill me." Celeste spat at him.


    "I won''t but I''ll do much worse to get out of here so call them off!"


    ***************************


    Jason sped out of the paradise building with Celeste still in his car, tied up and annoyed. "I did not have to come along, you already made it out!"


    "Like I could trust you to actually let me go" He spat back.


    "I wouldn''t kill me own son, whom I''ve been grooming all these years to take over from me just like that." She replied matter of factly.


    Jason laughed, "like I would want any part of this twisted organization you''ve created, you''re sick."


    Celeste suddenly screamed causing the car to come to a screeching halt, "but you already began to head it and beautifully might I add, all of a sudden you are too good?" She scoffed, "don''t kid yourself, you are only what I created! And you were beautiful, the perfect successor, after fifteen years you had become exactly what I wanted, a sadistic jerk that cared for no one but himself, and your desire for power was thrilling to watch. But then that bitch had to come and ruin all of my hard work!"


    Jason stared at his mother in shock, "what?"


    "Don''t look too shocked Jason" she stretched her bound arms to push his hair backwards "you were such a soft bastard, always smiling and running after me, worse you cared about others. I was honestly surprised and disappointed in myself, how did I manage to give birth to such a child? I knew what I needed to do then, to mold my successor." She laughed to herself.


    "So you faked your death and allowed a sadistic jerk like my father raise me." He finished.


    "And it worked, it was perfect until you began to spend more time away from your duties becoming -god help me- a better man." She gagged.


    And suddenly the question in Jason''s mind was answered. Why would she keep me here? Who around me is a target to her?


    "I always wondered why mothers hated their sons girlfriends, stupid conniving bitches that ruin plans they are" She spat mercilessly.


    "Where is she?" Jason voice was calm but the rage and emotion beneath was heavier than the car there were in.


    ''"By now? Gone."

 Chapter 350 - 350. Less Than Human

    The room was silent save for the quiet crying coming from the traumatised elder sister who had to watch as her even more traumatised younger sister be sedated in order for her to sleep. Suddenly that silence wasn''t silent anymore, not when Jason came through through the door with the force that he did.


    He didn''t have to ask to know what happened, but even more it annoyed him to hell that he was the last to find out, even Paul was sitting on a couch in his common area when he walked in. Krystal''s eyes held both accusation and hate for the man standing before her and before she could control herself she walked up to Jason and as though they moved on her own her and moved towards his cheek but he was quicker, quicker and angrier.


    "I would be very careful right now if I were you." He stated in a chilling voice, his eyes sending terrifying burns everywhere he set his gaze and now it laid on Krystal. Every malice she felt evaporated as fear settled in it''s place, and before long she broke down into hysterics again. Feeling too helpless and powerless to do anything.


    "Stop bullying her, she''s just worried about Jessie." Jonathan said sending a similar glare towards Jason, placed his hands protectively on her shoulder and she turned around to cry into his shirt as he embraced her, rubbing her back soothingly.


    Jason frowned, "I need you to stop crying, we need to know what happened to Jessie exactly" Paul stated.


    Krystal looked up and wiped her eyes, "Karen didn''t come back from school the normal time. And when I mentioned it to Jessie almost immediately she got a call from George, he said he had Karen and if she didn''t come he would make sure she- she... spent the rest of her life naked and tied to a bed. He gave her an hour to get to him and he gave her the address as well. We called you guys but nobody was responding." Krystal explained as both brothers hung their heads in guilt and shame.


    Sending her own glare towards Jason she added "she never stopped calling you, but you wouldn''t answer. Was the secret she kept more important than her life? Are you really so selfish and so heartless? She didn''t mean to hurt you even if she did, she did it because she was trying to protect you!" Krystal screamed admist the attempts to stop her she said one final thing. "Her life was already difficult, but loving you was the worst thing that ever happened to her!"


    The room was silent again and every one watched Jason, especially Paul and Kathrine, who just walked in from sedating Karen. Walking towards Krystal whom Jonathan put behind him protectively, aganist her own will he grabbed glass vase that sat on top the table and as Kathrine opened her mouth to protest he smashed in into the ground causing Krystal to shriek. Walking forward again he picked up another vase, this time ceramic, turning around he smashed it violently aganist the wall. Panting heavily he put his hand into his jacket, removing his phone he threw it at her, but less violently as he did the vases and without another word he left the room.


    *************************************


    Jessie struggled in the van where she sat, what the fuck kind of day was this? Did George really do all that just to give her away to his henchmen to do what ever they wanted with her? Fuck this and fuck him. Clamping down her jaw at the bastard that groped her she gave a sadistic smile as he yelped. Groaning loudly as her head was pushed violently at an awkward angle, she raised her head staring daggers at the fool that just slapped her. Licking her lips she winced when she felt the sting of her skin spilt open, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth.


    Grabbing her hair forcefully she was forced to endure his less than appealing face be so close to hers that his breath fanned her face. "You sick bitch, I''m going to have fun with you." The man said, unknown to both of them the van had stopped and before she even had the chance to reply, his head and it''s contents were suddenly all over her.


    She fell backwards when his lifeless hands loosened their grip on her hair and his heavy body fell on hers as a river of red soaked her clothes. Bile fought it''s way up her throat and there was nothing she could do to stop it, she felt horrible but everything she ate and it felt like it was everything she ever ate came out, out on the bleeding corpse of her tormentor.


    But that wasn''t the end of the death, the hand that held the gun continued to fire until all the men in the van that brought her were dead, she didn''t even know she was screaming until soft hands covered the ones currently pressing into her ears to stop her hysterics.


    Jessie swallowed as she looked up at the grim reaper, she would never forget the expression that sat on his face, that sick smile of pleasure. While she was the one that looked like death because she was surrounded, coated even by it there was no mistakening who was the killer by the look in his eyes.


    His excuse? "I ordered them to bring you to me, not touch you. The only person allowed to touch you is me, am I clear?"


    At first she was lost of what to say but as he carried her out of the van she noticed that he was warning the other men that stood waiting outside.


    "Can you walk?" He asked. And though she would rather be anywhere else in the world but his arms she would not lie to herself, "no" her barely audible reply came.


    He didn''t say anything but kept carrying, didn''t even winced or flinch by the amount of blood that dripped off of her as he continued to walk. Jessie had never felt so frightened before, never in her life had she felt this terror she was shaking. Tears fell down her eyes in horror as realisation began to dawn on her.


    Was this really going to be the end for her? It was more than possible for George to keep her here forever, he didn''t even bother blindfolding her as he brought her here. And with the ruthless way he casually just ended the lives of four men told her that he was less than human. He scared her before but this was a whole other level.


    ''Jason please come for me, please!''

 Chapter 351 - 351. Submission

    After the initial shock a long searing shower and a lot of sleep, Jessie finally calmed down enough to understand her situation, although the realization of the entire thing came crashing down earlier. Frightened awake by a very graphic, very terrifying nightmare she deemed the best thing would be to flee from the scene of her haunting. Leaving the room with as much caution a special forces soldier, the atmosphere was quiet it was way too suspicious.


    Looking side to side she progressed past the threshold of her door, walking with precision and a hunched frame, ever leaning so her eyes could sight danger and enable her flight to occur with more precison.


    After walking past so many doors, through many rooms, her tension eased considerably, her feet had flattened aganist the floor when she noticed that both on her tip toes and on her entire feet the marble floors concealed the sound of her weight on the ground. Her hunched back had straightened and she knew she was alone. Looking up she noticed that further ahead the lighting in that room was much more that it was in the other rooms she had encountered, like moth to flame she walked in direction of the flame and to her biggest surprise, there in the middle of the lush white leather covered furnishings and as though to clear her suspicion the white chiffon curtain fluttered with grace as warm breeze hit Jessie''s warm skin, it was open. Without further encouragement she ran forward and ahead, feeling a large sense of relief and freedom once cooling heat from the regressing sun hit her features. But that feeling came to a crashing halt once she saw the drop, and like Deja vu she let out a loud sigh.


    Ofcourse it wouldn''t be that easy, if she couldn''t even escape from Jason the first time why the hell even though for a second think she could run from George?


    "I thought you''d appreciate fresh air, you looked so pale earlier."


    She didn''t need to turn around to know who was standing right behind her, but was creeped her out was the fact that he was wearing a pair of navy blue broogs yet she heard or sensed nothing as he so casually approached.


    "And you think fresh air would do the trick?" She asked, tilting her head at him.


    His eyes scanned her frame and Jessie felt the urge to hurl herself down the balcony regardless, but she didn''t. Instead wrapping her arm around her body felt like the only amour she could wear against his lecherous eyes. "You look so beautiful in that dress, so pure, so perfect." He smiled.


    Jessie frowned, this dress was the only one that sat in the wardrobe when she came out, it was white and flowy, with a light transparent material that fell all the way in soft caresses all the way down to her ankles. Even now as breeze blew from the balcony the dress continued to dance aganist her frame. She thought it was lovely, but now she hated it.


    "Are you ever going to let me go?" She asked.


    His smile grew wider, "why should I do that? I''m benefitting too much from having you here, not only do I have you all to myself. I get to watch your boyfriend rip apart the city in search of you." He stated firmly, with that annoying smirk on his devilishly handsome face.


    At the mention of Jason, Jessie heart constricted painfully and she felt winded all of a sudden, damn she missed him, she missed him so bad.


    "He''s going to find me, eventually" she said "and your going to get everything that''s coming for you, just like Patricia."


    "Patricia was careless and too emotional, but even then she still hasn''t been caught has she? Besides everything goes away with you gone. I''m sure you''ve realized it, your the only living witness without you testimony everything might as well never have happened." George chuckled at her obvious ire.


    "You won''t win, you might think you have but you won''t win." She spat viciously.


    George''s brow rose and his smile only grew sicker as he walked towards her with a predatory gaze, she wanted to flee but his eyes wouldn''t let her. As though he held her down with his gaze, the hairs on her body rising in both anticipation and fear. It seemed like forever, but forever wasn''t enough when he reached her his cold hands snaking around her neck to cup her nape. He leaned down until his forehead touched hers then he answered.


    "Having you with me and not watching from afar, being able to touch you, having right here in my arms" he whispered, his breath fanning her face. Abruptly his other hand snaked around her waist and settled at the roof of her derriere pushing her forward to meet his own eager body.


    Placing her hands in front of her to prevent his plan from working completely, but in her fight to put distance between them she left her beautiful face unattended. And before she realised what was happening his lips were already on hers in a hot passionate kiss.


    Alarmed, her eyes widened and she struggled to her free. But he was far stronger than she, more skilled to. He managed to prison her rising knee from reaching his little boys, whilst pinning her hands above her head.


    Tears bit the sides of her eyes at her hopeless solution and when she noticed that he wouldn''t be letting her go she bit down with all she had, catching his lips between her teeth until she tasted the warm metallic liquid, and when she did a heavy force on her torso forced her to the ground and though his face was calm his eyes screamed murder.


    Pulling the bleeding lip into his mouth he gave her a wicked smile, in a flash he grabbed her upper right arm painfully, dragging her up and along with him as he marched her past various rooms, some of which she was earlier in.


    "Let go! Let me go you bastard!" She screamed as he forced her along with him. Fresh terror began to fill her when they began to walk down a series of dark steps in a darker hallway.


    "Where are you taking me?" She asked, her voice softer than she needed it to be.


    "To teach you how to behave, since you clearly do not understand your situation" his words cut deep into her already crumbling resolve.


    "So what? You''re going to torture me to submission?" She spat.


    "Even better, I''m going to guilt you into submission." He replied as they came to a halt in front of a metal door that her adjusted eyes where able to make out.


    "What could you possibly have on me to make me guilty?" She scoffed.


    He stared at her as the door beeped open, a gasp escaping from her throat the moment she saw what was inside. "You are a monster!"


    "

 Chapter 352 - 352. Never Be The Same.

    In that dark deary room sat four young girls the oldest couldn''t be more than twenty, and what was worse the sat there in the most scantily clad lingerie that covered nothiing that they might practically be naked. Jessie couldn''t tell if they where scared or cold with the way they shivered, she concluded that it was probably both of them.


    "Even minors? You traffic even minors?" Jessie asked retorically, her answer, answers where sitting right in front of her. "But your auction house was raided!" She screamed in frustration.


    "That''s right, you really have cost me a lot haven''t you?" His voice remained cold and emotionless but his eyes on her reveiled his every emotion to her, turning to her he walked her backwards until she couldn''t move any further, caged between the wall and his powerful frame. Leaning downwards Jessie felt overwhelmed by the emotion she noticed in his eyes. "Perhaps I might really be mad to still want you after everything you''ve done, but somehow I can''t bring myself to kill you. You wil probably refuse this but it wouldn''t hurt to ask."


    Jessie breathing hitched the moment his forehead touched her and he looked straight into her eyes with those dark ones of his. "You will never leave this place, you will never see Jason or anyone that you love." He began and Jessie bit her lips in anger and frustration at his words but she was shut silent by his imposing yet deep gaze striking straight into her soul. "Why don''t you love me, be loyal to me and I swear you would want for nothing, I would make you happy as happy as you would make me. Then no one has to get hurt, not me, not you and not those girls."


    Swallowing she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him backwards "and if I don''t?"


    He smiled again, she hated that smile. "You would make it difficult for yourself and those girls."


    "And you?"


    "Regardless I''ll get what I want, weather you love me or not, I will have you. In my arms, in my bed, screaming my name over and over, day after day." He said matter of factly and even though she knew why she was here, hearing him say it brought tears to her eyes. She was screwed.


    "Fuck  you! Fuck this! I don''t give two shits what happens to those girls, you won''t control me, I won''t let you?!" She screamed tears dropping from her eyes as she shoved aganist him, strugglimg aganist his firm grip.


    His grip only got tighter as he pulled her into the room and pressed the buzzer on the wall so she could hear what went on behind the sound proof glass. A man dressed in a black suit walked in and she saw the terror in the girls eyes as he walked to them. Pressing down on a button with Jessie still in his grip he gave orders.


    "Pick the youngest one." He said and a girl of not more than eighteen was grabbed and pulled aside, shoved out of the room to another one. And immediately light came on at Jessie''s side and she turned instinctively only to see the man dragging the little girl.


    "What are you doing? What is he doing?"


    "AHHH!!!!"


    The girl screeched as he bent her over a table pushing her legs apart with his he unzipped his pant and pushed her down, holding her down with his hands gripping her neck tightly. Jessie saw the hopeless broken look in the girl''s eyes. She looked lost, distant and tired, she had given up. She didn''t even struggle.


    "Wait! Stop!! Please, stop!" She scrreamed banging on the glass, turning to Jason she ran to him, grabbing his arms she cried desparetly, fear taking over her rationality she begged. "George please, please tell him to stop I''m begging you please!" She cried desperately, but he said nothing, did nothing.


    "I''ll do anything, I swear I''ll do anything you want from me, please just let her go, let her go!!" She screamed at the top of her voice.


    "Ofcourse you would do anything" he stated confidently, "now turn around and watch what you caused by daring to punch me, pushing me away, not kissing me back, biting down on my lip. Turn around and watch!" He yelled causing Jessie to crumble to floor in an undignified hip.


    And like a signature move he grabbed her by the hair and pulled her up, ignoring her scream of pain. Turning her to look at the glass he held her to himself, supporting her weight. Leaning forward to whisper into her ear, "you better keep your eyes open if you do not want to watch this happen to another girl."


    And look she did, never in her life had she felt this way before, she couldn''t even understand it, she couldn''t comprehend it and as if the girl was looking directly at her Jessie couldn''t move. It was as if she felt all the girl felt and more. At this point her hatred for the man holding her up was insignificant at the moment. Jessie knew that no matter what happened she would not leave this place with her sanity intact. She would never be okay after this.


    It felt like forever but it was finally over, but it seemed to Jessie that it had only begun. The girl was too weak  she had to be carried out of the room but not by the same man. The bastard walked away the moment he got of his sexual high, discarding her like a piece of paper.


    Only after that did George let her go and the moment her feet touched the ground she staggered, pale from terror, weakened by her own overwhelming emotions caused by this terrifying trauma. She caused that, she did that to that girl. If only she had kissed him back, if only she didn''t shove at him. That girl wouldn''t have had to go through such devastating trauma. If only, if only, if-


    "Hey!" George yelled reaching forward to catch her before she hit the floor, her limp body falling into his arms as darkness stole her.

 Chapter 353 - 353. Im Not About To Give Up.

    Paul was startled no doubt by the loud banging on his door, it was 3:02 am and it was raining cats and dogs. He already concluded that it couldn''t be anything good when he grabbed the lamp of it''s stand as he headed to the door. Turning off the lights in his apartment he decided it would handicap the intruder. Hesitating for a bit he grabbed the handle and pulled it open ready to attack but a very familiar a very disturbing shriek stop him mid way, before he could inflict any damage. His gaze settled on a very wet, shivering and skinny frame. He would never mistake who it was but he was beyond surprised at the state of the woman who stood with a pool of water surronding her feet.


    "Kat-" his words where cut short by her lips on his. His eyes widened and his hands sat limp beside her for a moment he couldn''t do anything, this was not happening, this was a dream he told himself but soon it was over, too soon. She staggered back a few steps and finally he met her eyes. Her glistening, red and tear filled eyes and he knew what he needed to do. He had a million questions but they would have to wait, grabbing her hand he tugged her back to his body and slammed his lips onto hers, his searing kiss heating up her warm body. His hands cupping each side of her face delicately he spun her around without breaking contact and walked her backwards into his apartment. Kicking the door shut behind him he proceeded to take off her wet clothes, plop! Her dripping jacket was the first to go. But she helped him, she kicked off her boots and the moment she was done his hands snaked down her thin frame, down below her ass and with one fluid movement her hoisted her up, Kathrine wrapped her legs around his slender torso their lips began to move aganist each other.


    His tongue plunging into her mouth with such frevency encouraging and nugding her to so same, she adhered and soon her body met with a hard surface and soon his hands where free to roam. Snaking beneath the wet fabric of her sweat shirt he pushed it up and they seperated breifly to get it out of the way. As she sat before him with only the thin fabric of her white t-shirt between them Paul suddenly regretted turning off the lights. But Katherine wasn''t leaving any room for thinking, when she pulled him back to her welcoming him with an open kiss.


    A soft moan escaped her lips as shivers ran up and down her spine as his warm fingers met with the naked skin on her stomach. She instinctively flinched away when his hands met with her naked sides causing Paul to halt and look up into her hooded eyes. This really was Kathrine in his arms no mistake, she was always ticklish, apparently a sexual high didn''t dampen that. And as much as he was enjoying this it was too good to be true, too fast, too intense. If he ventured any further he didn''t know how much more self control he could display.


    "Katherine, what the hell is going on?" He asked softly, his hands cupping her nape bringing her forehead down to meet his. His eyes looking straight into hers, even with the poor lighting he could see her pain. She was not okay.


    Pushing him backwards she reached down to grab the hem of his shirt, "I didn''t come here to talk" she whispered aganist his lips pushing up his shirt.


    *************************************


    "Seriously not going to speak to me?" Paul yelled as he ran after Katherine, trying to keep up with the loud thump thump of her heels aganist the gravel. Not once did she turn around, with a forward ever strut she headed straight past the labryinth of cars in the underground parking lot and headed for the black sedan that sat in a corner. Until her strut was interuptted by Paul''s strong grip on her wrist, spinning her around.


    "Let go!"


    "No, not until you speak to me, gosh I''m losing my mind, speak to me Katherine. I can deal with anything but silence from you." Paul pleaded.


    "I don''t have anything else to say Paul, just... let me go and I mean that both literally and totally." She stated bluntly.


    Paul let go of her arm, combing his hair backwards he looked everywhere but her, till he looked at only her. "You know I can''t do that, especially not now, not when I know what I''m feeling. I love you, I love you does that mean nothing to you?"


    Katherine''s eyes narrowed into slits,  and she pushed aganist his chest. "So what?"


    Paul face scrunched into confusion and he sighed in frustration, "So what?! Is that all you have to say?''


    "What do you want me to say? Your not the only one who has been in love, you''ve been in love with me for what? Three weeks? I loved you for twenty years, what do you say about that? Like a fool, everyday... everytime" she paused, swallowing she shut her eyes for a moment, blinking open she continued. "I would let you hurt me, with your ignorance and naivety. But I would tell you this right now, I didn''t tell you I loved you so you would love me back, I was ending every form of emotional attachment with you" she said.


    "Katherine-"


    "I was done being hurt by you" she interrupted. "I am done being hurt by you. I''m ready to live my life as a free woman, because goodness knows I''ve been hurt enough by you. So I could care less about you love for me. Now if you would excuse me, I just finished a fifteen hour surgery and I need sleep ." She finished snatching her hand out of his and walking away. Leaving a dejected man behind her, but Paul wasn''t one to give up.


    "Fine, punish me for my stupidity, I was stupid to repress my feelings for you all this while, but I know you don''t mean that. I know you still love me." He said as she walked away. "You waited for twenty years, I would wait for you till I die because I am madly in love with you Katherine.. And I''m not about to give up."

 Chapter 354 - 354. Because You Are My Best Friend.

    Nothing hurt more than this, no one could understand what it felt like, to feel such fear, such pain, such anxiety. They say when you fall in love, you begin to live. Everything becomes beautiful, everything becomes clearer, suddenly you can see the world, truly see it. You get to learn and understand, have compassion and relate to the chaotic actions people take for irresponsible and illogical reasons. It wasn''t as though Jason had not realised all of this, it wasn''t as though this was his first hurt, but he felt it all. The beauty he saw that, the world he lived in that. The feeling of completion he felt that. But with that magic comes a mind boggling pain, unspeakable and indescribable, it hurt, it broke, it destroyed.


    Yes, love was beautiful. But it was also a door to intensity, you feel everything more intensely when you are in love. Especially when it comes to the source of such happiness. Correct, it only makes sense that the person that give you so much joy, so much happiness would also be responsible for such... hurt. If he could he would die right now just to make it end. He felt so much it was too much. It was too much, even now as he sat in her empty room, filled with all her things, her smell lingered everly, it was as though she never left. It was so full of her yet so empty at the same time. How could he be content with just stuff?


    He felt like his anger was eating him from the inside out, his rage consumed each second she remained far from him, he was livid. He hated how he ended things with her, he hated that he continued to hurt her like this. He hated that even though she cried so much because of him still... he would never want to let her go.


    Looking around his face gave nothing of his internal turmoil away, nothing, not until the tears began to fall. How could he lie to his heart? He missed her so much and more than that he was angry and livid at the situation. He was scared, he was so afraid that George would cause her irreparable pain, how the hell was he supposed to face her after that? He was supposed to protect her, he was supposed to keep her safe and happy. He made her cry, and now? She was in trouble and even after setting the city on literal fire he got no closer to finding her. He pulled his knees closer to his chest and placed his head on his folded arms as for the first time in years he let himself cry. If he didn''t so this, he feared he would die of the fire that seared so furiously in his chest.


    "Just where the hell are you, Jessie?"


    ********************************************************************


    "It was a mistake to come here" Katherine muttered, pushing against Paul''s strong chest in her struggle to get of his kitchen counter but he wouldn''t let her go. "What are you doing? Move!"


    Her eyes widened at his blatant refusal, his tightening grip.


    "You''re not going to move?! Get out of my way!" She yelled, pushing violently against his chest.


    Raising his head to meet her eyes he shook his head, "what is going on?" He asked again, his tone as soft as the first time he asked the question.


    But it did nothing to calm the fury that burned in the other parties heart, "how is that any of your business? Who are you to care about my personal life!" She screamed, shoving against his chest but his hands only moved to her waist to hold her place.


    "Why isn''t it my business?! Why shouldn''t I know? About you, what is bothering you, of all people. You are my-"


    "What? I''m your what? Best friend?" She laughed in rue "that''s what you were going to say isn''t it? Gosh I hate that word" she spat viciously, blinking back the tears that dampened her lashes.


    "I wasn''t going to say that" Paul replied quietly.


    Katherine expression morphed, from anger to pain, pain and sadness, pain that nurtured and grew, mature and big. Her smile broke his heart, "liar." Was all she said. "Even now, even after that kiss I''m still a friend. Tch... how unfortunate must I be?"


    "Why is that unfortunate? Why is being my friend unfortunate? Because you are my friend I love you, because you are my best friend I am willing to walk through hell to have you. Because you are my best friend..." he stopped and said nothing as they both stared into each other eyes, he said nothing until she prompted him.


    "What?"


    "Because you are my best friend, I can see how scared you are, I can tell how hurt you''ve been. I know more than anything today, Katherine that you are not okay." He stated firmly, his words curt but his eyes sincere, how could she resist? She hated him, she hated him for hurting her for so long. For making her suffer for so long like that, for not realising her feelings. But most especially she hated him for making her confess her feelings first. But she couldn''t even deny it, she only hated him because she loved him.


    "Don''t change the topic, sure I messed up. And I have plans to make up for it as long as I live but more than anything because you are my best friend I want to comfort you. Even if you won''t accept heart right now for the sake of our twenty years, please let me be at least a friend to you." He said.


    "You are the last person I want as a friend." She replied frankly, "but I have no one else to go to, so apparently you are my best friend right now, my only friend."


    "Devon?" He asked, actually unsure and afraid she would blow up again, but he couldn''t help himself he needed to know.


    "We broke up."


    He was happy, happier but he was her friend so he also comforted her. "Why did you break up? Did he hurt you?"


    Katherine shook her head, "it''s actually the other way around, I hurt him. The first man to acknowledge me as a woman, I hurt him, like trash I broke his heart." Her words condemned her, she was truly sorry. "I tried, I tried to be happy with him but as annoying as it is to realise" she sniffled, looking up at the ceiling to blink back her tears. "You don''t exactly give or take hearts, it just comes to you. Just as my heart has come to you and refused to return."


    Paul blinked slowly, watching her quietly as she spoke, she confirmed her love for him. But as happy as it made him, she never said she was willing to he with him, either. "Then? What really is bothering you?"


    "Honestly, that. But there''s a bigger issue but I''m worried about that the most. Hurting Devon and coming to realise that it would always be you. I hate to admit it but it would always be you, my heart would always go to you" She whispered.


    "Katherine-" he reached for her, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. Oblivious to the incoming bomb, but he didn''t remain so for long, not after her next statement.


    "I found my father, no, he found me.." She stated.

 Chapter 355 - 355. Selfish Love.

    The atmosphere was tense and there was no sound to be heard, two people standing a few feet apart stood in this suffocating situation, staring so differently towards each other. One parties'' eyes held such hatred and detest, eyes that held murder yet glimpses of fear poured out in waves and torrents as well. And the other? Held desire and wicked intent, they held promise of pain and destruction,


    As though time stood still, they looked so differently yet the intensity of each emotion expressed was matched evenly and that was the moment Jessie knew she was fucked. If he desired her with as much intensity as she hated him the she was helplessly fucked.


    This man standing before her, requesting a part of her as casually as asking for an extra pen. This man here that used human compassion and responsibility to inflict a moral chain and shackle her to his demands. If he was so inept, so quick she lost all hope that she would be saved. No way anyone would find her, anytime soon at least.


    If she wasn''t sure of her freedom in the near future or in the future at all, then certainly no one would save her in the next three minutes. She truly, really absolutely was fucked.


    Sure it was just sex, but she had never tasted the pain and emptiness of casual sex, worse one that was psychologically and emotionally coerced. She felt like a sheep that was about to be slaughtered, standing there in nothing but a bath robe and a towel wrapping her wet head. She was covered up but she felt naked under his piercing gaze.


    "You''re not going to do it?" His deep evil voice, could a voice be evil? His was, it echoed straight into her heart, slashing past her barrier of flesh. "Take off the robe."


    Jessie trembled and she continuously scrunched her toes in terror. "I''ve nothing beneath" she muttered. "I literally just finished showering, get out. I''m tired."


    He didn''t move an inch, "You also just literally just woke up, you don''t get to do that, not today Jessie."


    "If not today then when? I arrived here to- yesterday, either way it has only been a few hours, how dare you ask me to sleep with you? Are you even human?" She spat back, unable to stop her trembling, she was unable to hide her fear so she stopped trying. She just stopped trying as let all her emotions show, at this point she had nothing to lose.


    "Don''t make this unpleasant for yourself Jessie, don''t add a body to the rape that you just witnessed, I know you know that I''m not bluffing, I can see it in your eyes. Take it off." The tears began to fall down her eyes at this point and she struggled to keep her legs working. Should she beg? She thought, no... it wouldn''t work, he wanted her he would stop at nothing to have her.


    With those thoughts her hands moved on their own and she held onto the tie in her front, the belt that provided her last shield agnist this man. With disgust visible on her features she began to pull the robe apart as she watched the look of victory, the look of pleasure. And she had given up until she remembered him, his beautiful hair, his obnoxious yet oddly calming smile. She suddenly remembered the feel of his warm hands on her naked skin, caressing and kneading, his hot mouth leaving searing kisses all over her body, claming and marking her as his. Gosh, she missed him and with renewed fervour her eyes shut and she pulled on the belt with a final tug.


    "Is that your decision?" George asked.


    "Fuck you!" She spat back, stepping backward. "Do your worst, why should I care about people I do not know? Do whatever you want I don''t care!" She screamed. "I choose myself, do your worst but I won''t take this off."


    There was a pause of uncertainty at first, then all of a sudden, in the blink of an eye quite literally he was right in front of her.


    "It seems you don''t fear me enough, you don''t rate me enough." He said with curt words but this was the most emotion Jessie had ever seen in his eyes. She recognized that look because she had seen it before, she had caused it before. How could she not? Jason had that look in his eyes the last time she saw him, no way! He couldn''t be in love with her right?


    "You''re thinking of him aren''t you? I can tell, how dare you think of him whilst I''m right in front of you?" His words didn''t have any change in their sound or stress but he was livid, he was angry.


    "Sue me, but even though I am honestly terrified and shocked I won''t say sorry. The anger you feel for not having my full attention, is the anger I have that you have stolen me from the only person whose presence allows me to breathe so easily!" She screamed in reply, her fear and anger leaking out of her features.


    "Then forget about breathing easily for the rest of your life, you''re mine now." He growled grabbing her nape forcefully, he brought her so close their lips where basically touching. The look in his eyes crazy, frantic, it shocked Jessie to see this emotions on him but there was no mistake. This was more than an obsession.


    Before long he closed the remaining distance between them, and as she struggled to push him off his arm wrapped around her thin frame and he shoved her unto the bed, causing her belt to loosen, creamy pale skin of her chest partially exposed. Her long thin and curvy legs on display.


    Without time to cover herself he pounced. Holding both her arms above her head, his kisses lower each time his lips met with her body. Jessie shivered, trembled beneath him, her thrashing and screaming did nothing to deter him.


    When he looked back at her, his eyes searching, searching she begged. He loved her, would that be a loophole or a kryptonite?


    "Don''t do this I beg you, please don''t do this." She begged, tears streaming down her eyes.


    "I''m sorry but I won''t stop." Those words decided her fate, and she knew his love for her only made her situation dire, his love was wicked and possessive. It was not sacrificing but self seeking. He only did what he wanted, what made him happy. And all the more she continued to compare him to Jason, Jason who never as much as held her inappropriately if she didn''t allow it. He owned her, quite literally he paid the price for her and even though he was a jerk, he never, would never ever do such a thing. He was even willing to let her go, take her in when she had no where else to go.


    So whilst he groped and nibbled, abused her body as he wished, Jessie laid on that bed struggling, screaming, thrashing thinking about only one person. Why did she lie to him? Why did she hurt him like that? Was this her punishment?


    "Please!" She screamed as he peeled her robe of her, leaving her with nothing, no protection anymore. But he wasn''t listening anymore, leaving marks that would stain black, purple and red by the morning. Was this it? Was she going to get raped?


    As he unzipped his pants with his hands whilst pinning her down with the other, a sudden pain seized her, causing her to flinch in response. This was it, he was wasn''t stopping, he was going all the way.


    "Ah! Ow!" She screamed in pain, her lower back and stomach churned painfully. And all of a sudden he looked at her, looked down at her entrance then back at her weeping eyes. And just like that the weight was gone, he was gone.


    Pushing herself off the bed, she fell to the ground in a thump, sobs wracking her frame as she crawled into the bathroom, turning on the bathtub she pulled herself into it. Clutching her painful stomach she just sat there and cried. This was a painful memory, this would always be a painful memory she comforted herself.. It would one day be a painful memory, but who knew her horrible period would be the one to save her again.

 Chapter 356 - 356. Mighty.

    "You what? He found you?" Paul asked, his grip on her arm becoming firm he lifted her chin up and looked deep into her eyes. "Who is it?"


    *************************************************


    "What hell do you think you are? What the hell are you doing?!" Katherine screamed at the men making a ruckus in the waiting room of the hospital. Walking up to one she shoved him away from a waiting paitent and prmoptly apologised. Turning around with a flick of her straight lushous dark hair she glared at them.


    "Are you Dr. Park? If you aren''t then go and get her we are not moving an inch from here until you get her." One of them apparently the leader spoke.


    Her heart reacted violently, what did this men want with her? "You musn''t tell them who you are Doctor" Her assistant intern whispered into her ears but she wasn''t quiet enough.


    "Ahh so are her" he smiled, shocking everyone in the room he bowed promptly. "You must come with us at this moment."


    "Why? She''s not going anywhere with the likes of you?" The intern spat from behind Katherine''s frame and when he stepped towards she shrank back making sure Katherines'' body shielded her perfectly. Looking behind at the cowardly new intern she sighed and spoke instead.


    "I have two surgeries scheduled today, I cannot go with you and I cannot reschdule them, people''s lives are at stake." She said firmly.


    The man looked away briefly before looking back up at her. "Are you sure you don''t want to come with us doctor? Rumour has it that you have been searching for you father."


    Her heart reacted violently again but in a different kind of way. "What the hell do you mean?"


    "What do I mean?" He laughed in a mocking manner looking at his other men, "Hey are you sure you really are a doctor? Doctor, what I mean is that your father has asked us to bring you."


    Katherine''s heart skipped a beat and she didn''t realise she had stopped breathing until her intern pushed her from behind, clearing her throat she looked around her surrounding. Trust humans to be so concentrated when they listened to someone else''s business. "What type of man is he to send thugs to disrupt his daughter workplace?"


    The man scoffed, "that is none of our concern, we weren''t paid to tell you any of that so before we continue to cause problems for you, you had better take off that labcoat and come with us."


    "I have sick people to treat!" She yelled, "he never thought to look for me before he can wait a few more hours." Katherine knew she was being passive agressive but she didn''t care, what kind of man birthed her? Walking up to the man she glared striaght at him. "You should remember that I am the child of the man who has paid you to come here and if I know anything about low life scum like you, you are usually afraid of you boss. Bother a single person in here and I swear I will make you pay!"


    And true to their words a few hours later she was in car headed to meet the man she had been looking for so long. But why did this path fell oddly familiar? Gosh her heart was thumping so hard and had to place her palm aganist it to stop the pain.


    Katherine could swear she been here before, but for some reason she could not seem to remember it. Once the car came to a stop and her door was held open she could only alight.


    Walking behind the man she spoke to earlier, he lead her through a large and exquisite manor. It seemed even more beautiful that Jason''s manor, the house reminded her of only one thing, old money. Immediately she began to wrack her head for families in this city that could afford this type of house. For someone who always had an inferiority complex when it came to money she was quickly able to go through all the rich and influential families and she had at one point meet someone from that family. Her father couldn''t possibly from any, and besides this house with the grecian walls and the dark age gothic statues. Even the grass didn''t look fake that must be expensive to maintain, and how many water fountains had she counted since arriving? This house screamed money, it wasn''t loud or extraordinarily extravagant but with the architecture of the grand house and the sculptural elements, there were only a hand full of families that had the history and money to purchase an expanse of land like this in this city.


    "Which family is this?" She could not help but ask.


    "Patience miss, we are already here. A few moments you will come face to face with the man you''re looking for, you''ll get your answer then."


    The inside was even more exquisite, on first look one might simply think it''s just furniture or just architecture but on closer look the delicacy and detail of the design and arrangement spoke measures.


    Katherine didn''t utter another word, she simply followed until they came to a stop at the front of two oak doors, designed with golden trimmings around it edges and carvings.


    The man in front of her reached for the handle and although there was no hesitation from his end Katherine felt as though everything was five times slower. She could hear the ''lub dub'' of her heart so clearly, so loud in her ears. He stepped aside and gestured for her to walk into the room, and with a body that currently didn''t feel like hers she walked in, one step at a time. Her silky black pony tail bouncing with each step as she tugged on the sleeve of her baby blue chiffon blouse. Her sneakers doing their best to lighten the sound of her feet on the marble floors she entered. Nothing in her life prepared her for the shock she received when she saw the man in that room leaning on a walking stick that she recognized. Suddenly every came back, she remembered when she had been in this house.


    "Hello child."


    *****************************************


    "What? Your father is-"


    "Xavier Lee. George Lee is my half brother and Patricia Lee" she paused dramatically, gagging "Patricia is my neice. I''m apparently a Lee. Isn''t that mighty?" She spat bitterly, sarcasm lacing her words.


    "Damn."

 Chapter 357 - 357. Your Life In Her Hands.

    Although she unttered no words, the world did al the talking and even that withstanding her mind wouldn''t stop! Should she go? Should she not go? Sitting at the terminal adjacent to her gate she listened as the invisible voice called people to attention, her included. Even now right at this moment she was being called to attention. Her flight was currently boarding and the fake alias by which she was travelling resounded through out the airport, but even that didn''t dare overshadow the sound of the internal battle. Should she go? Should she not go? If she left right now then wasn''t the entire reason for the last eight months pointless? Jessie would win if she just disappeared, that thought alone caused her to grit her teeth clenching her teeth in annoyance. She, Patricia Lee wouldn''t give up so easily.


    ************************************


    "Are you sure you watched her get into the airplane?" George low voice remained steady and serious as his gaze and focus completely on the sleeping frame a few paces before him.


    "Very well, I''ll go to the old man later today. No not right now, later, I have much exciting things to take care off right now." With that the phone call was over. Taking curt, long and determined steps in no time at all he was standing so close he could reach out and touch the warm soft body covering majority of his couch at the moment. Gently, he moved, situating himself right beside Jessie''s sleeping body and leaned into the couch. His left arm bent at the elbow to support his resting head, he watched her.


    He watched uneventfully as she slept, at first. Then a soft whimper escaped her lips, causing him to start. Leaning even closer he gave in to the urge and ever so lightly, he traced the outline of her face. Her eye brows, the bridge of her pointed raised nose. Her long lashes that framed the edge of her closed eyes. Her defined slightly red cheek bones, glassy and shiny skin. And those plush pink lips, as his fingers came in contact with them she let out another whimper.


    It caused him to smile. Leaning forward his finger traced downwards, down her jaw the outline of her slender neck all the way to her nape. For the first time he was hesitant, he was unaware as to why? But he was, yet even in his hesitation he leaned further still, eyes on her soft beautiful features. Eventually, his lips came in contact with hers and it was like an explosion of colours. He didn''t understand it but no other kiss ever felt this... right.


    He expected so many reactions but never for her to lean into his kiss, he never expected her to kiss him back. Shutting his eyes he deepened the kiss, slanting his lips aganist hers he pulled her bottom lip into his mouth. Sucking gently, before letting go to caress the other in the same manner. Suddenly another whimper, this one louder and more sensual. She was enjoying this! That was all the encouragement he needed to fuel his already blazing hunger. Letting his hands moved lower, in soft caresses until his grip became firmer and he squeezed her ass tightly, pulling her aganist his body, inching her even closer. In her daze and sleep hazed mind her hooded eyes felt like heaven to George, but that came crashing down when the words left her swollen lips.


    "I missed you, Jason."


    It was as if someone took a bucket of ice cold water and dumped it on him, suddenly he snapped and his actions, his ministrations turned wicked. On hand cupping her nape, the other gripping her ass his touch was no longer kind, he turned vicious. Grabbing the hair at the back of her head he pulled it down violently, digging his fingers into the mounds of flesh at her back.


    The sleep was gone and in that quick instant she realized where she was, that was when the struggle began. Pushing aganist his chest she struggled to pry herself out of his demanding kisses, his violent hands. But he was far too strong, and she was just come to the realization of how truly weak compared to him she was.


    "Goerge! Let go, let go!" She screamed, pushing and wriggling, but in one swift move his hands went behind her bent knees. He hoisted himself up skillfully, tugging her legs towards him Jessie found her self laying beneath his body. Both hands pinned beside her head by his two arms.


    Eyes widened in fright, she struggled against his hot, painful kiss on the skin of her neck. "Let go, please!" She cried. "Let me go. Hey! You jerk! Let go!" She cursed.


    Seizing his assault he looked into her eyes, "why? You seemed to be enjoying it a while ago" he spat, his words dripping with sacarsm and ire.


    "That was because I thought you were someone else, no, I hoped you were someone else. How utterly disgusting, I found out it was you dirty touches my skin was enduring!" She spat back, and sooner did the words leave her mouth that her head was sent flying to the opposite side by the force of his palms on her cheeks.


    It shocked her at first, she would not lie she did not expect that. But after the initial shock pain and anger settled in the pit of her stomach like fat that wouldn''t go away. Turning back to glare at him, she smiled. Her features morphed into one that even though slightly still unsettled Goerge. She was smiling but the vicious glare in her eyes towards George, the hatred swirling in those broken irises made her look like an asura.


    "I guess that the most you could do, it''s too bad i will never say your name in pleasure like that. I imagine Jason''s touch and even just seeing me sends my body blazing in hunger and desire. You touch me and I shudder in disgust, fighting bile from spilling out of my lips." George lifted his hand to strike her again and as she braved herself for the impact of his blow it never came.


    Instead he pulled her of the couch and dragged her out of the room. "What are you doing? Where are you taking me!" She screamed in horror when they began to head down a familiar set of dark stairs. Jessie began to struggle with him but in on movement it wasn''t her hand he was holding on to anymore. This time she had no choice but to follow, not unless she didn''t want to have any strands left on her head.


    "It appears you think you have a choice, apparently yesterday''s display was insufficient to convince you of your situation here." He said curtly.


    In a moment she was on her knees and hands, before several frightened, skinny and worn out girls. The girls began to whimper some even began to scream the moment they saw Goerge. Jessie heart thumped madly in her chest the moment she saw the terror they had towards him.


    "Look at her, she has your lives in her hands. Weather any of men touches you depends on her, if you get food or water it''s all on her." He said, walki g forward he grabbed another girl, the same one from yesterday. She didn''t utter a word but Jessie saw the tears streaming down her face. She didn''t struggle either both she never stopped looking at Jessie. And Jessie at her.


    Pulling out a gun he held it to her head and unlocked it. The ''click'' sounding like thunder in the room silenced by shock. Immediately springing to action Jessie grabbed George''s arm, begging screaming for him to stop.


    "I will do anything please, please just spare her" she cried.


    With cold eyes Goerge looked at her, keeping contact with her eyes, he pulled the trigger. She shouldn''t have looked, but she did. She saw the light go out in those sad and devastating eyes. She saw the body drop to the floor like nothing but a lifeless sack. She looked at the blood splattered on the other girls as they stared in horror.


    "This was for last night and this morning, if you want to save anymore girls then behave." His voice pierced into the depth of her cracking soul. "Get up" he ordered but in a daze she remained on the floor. The click of the gun sounded again and the girls all huddled away from them, "is that a no?"


    "No, I''ll get up." She stated, looking at the dead body leaking Scarlett liquid all over the floor, the moment she stood it felt as if all that liquid rushed to her head and she was swooning again. But before George''s hands touched her on of the girls supported her.


    Jessie eyes widened briefly but she composed herself and muttered a thank you and a sorry before dashing out of the room.

 Chapter 358 - 358. Harder Jason Harder.

    "What smells so nice?" Jessie''s sweet voice filled the room, and he couldn''t help the smile that graced his handsome features. "You''re cooking?" She almost squeaked when she walked into the kitchen.


    Turning back slightly he frowned, "why do you sound so surprised?" He asked. "I''m I not allowed to cook? In my own house?"


    "Wow... it just surprising to see you do this, it''s... unexpected." She smiled. Walking past the kitchens island to where he stood by the stove, with those long legs on display. In his shirt that fell down to her mid-thighs. His smile widened and he couldn''t explain the burst of emotion in his heart, it seemed like forever she was in his clothes. Since they moved to the manor she hadn''t worn his clothes, and until now he didn''t realize how much he wanted her to keep wearing doing do. Her hands snaking around his torso she hugged his back as he skillfully stirred the sauce.


    "Although I have to say, I''m not sure if it would be any good." She added.


    "Oh? There''s only one bad cook in this kitchen, and it''s not the person cooking." He teased, waiting for the statement to sink in. Laughing when he felt the sting of her slap on his back he turned off the stove.


    Turning to face her he was the one snaking his arms around her waist, pulling her to himself. "Are you really mad?" He asked noticing her deep frown "really?"


    Snacking him again Jessie pouted, "why won''t you tell me? I already know I can''t cook to save my life but I thought I was getting better, tch what''s all the fuss about even." She pouted again.


    "Do you really want to know how to cook?"


    "Well I mean, everyone is also making such a big deal about it, and they always look down on me behind my back it''s frustrating." She hissed, remembering a painful memory of a cooking show. Come to think of it, that was where she met that Chef that Jason hired and fired. How long ago was that?


    "Who dares  look down on my girlfriend?" Jason stated in playful seriousness.


    Jessie scoffed, "before you begin to take revenge you should look at the mirror yourself, I heard you and Matt the other day." She huffed and Jason''s eyes widened in both shame and surprise.


    Scratching the back of his neck like a schoolboy caught stealing he laughed. "Sorry sorry, fine, I''ll take any punishment you give."


    "Oh? But I don''t want to punish you, I want to be rewarded instead. It''s no easy feat to listen to your boyfriend and his secretary make fun of you without saying anything." She laughed, touching her lips.


    Jason brow rose, "I should insult your cooking more often then." He laughed when he realized what she wanted from him.


    Smacking his chest again she shut her eyes and puckered her lips in anticipation but she was waiting a while, squinting she opened one eye to see Jason just stand there smiling at her. "What are you doing?"


    "Wondering how I got so lucky, wondering how I became so happy." He stated bluntly, watching the red crawl all the way from her ears to her cheeks, he was caught off guard by her shove he accidentally hit the sauce causing the spoon to fly into a projectile motion. Unable to stop it in time the spoon grazed Jessie''s jaw and hit the island behind her.


    "Ow!" She flinched, raising the back of her arms to wipe away the burning sauce until Jason stopped her hand.


    "I''ll do it." He explained when her wide questioning eyes met his, "close your eyes" he whispered softly causing. Leaning forward his lips met the soft skin of her jaw, ever skillfully, ever softly he licked away the sauce. The contact of his tongue on her skin caused her to throw her head backward to give him more access. When all the sauce was gone and he lifted his eyes to see her desired hooded eyes she pulled him closer this time taking initiative for the kiss she desired.


    "There''s a bit of sauce beside your lip" she whispered stopping his arm this time, "I''ll get it." Wrapping her arms around his neck she stood on her tiptoes and kissed the sides of his lips. Leaning back to look into his eyes, "no fair, you''re too good at this. Why does this taste so good?" She asked with smiling eyes.


    "I know something that''s sweeter." He replied.


    "What?" She asked genuinely confused.


    "You."


    The words were barely out of his lips when he cupped her nape and brought her lips to his, kissing her with the fervency and ferocity of his growing feelings. Holding on possessively to her slim waist, trying to understand how her body could fit so perfectly in his arms, as though she was molded for him specifically. Slanting his lips aganist her he pulled her lower lips into his mouth, biting, sucking. And she returned his passion with intensity of hers, the flavour of his sauce exploding through the kiss. She explored his mouth the way he did hers. Tongues stroking each other, nibbling, sucking, biting. Until her eyes shot open in surprise when she felt him aganist her belly.


    "I''m taking you back to bed now." His whispered hoarsely aganist her lips. "I hope your not still sore, I have no intention of being gentle."


    Pulling back she looked into his eyes, and he couldn''t understand the emotion in her eyes. "This wasn''t my intention, I just wanted a kiss."


    "Well, you get your kiss and more" he smirked slyly, his hands crawling to her butt he hoisted her up forcing her to wrap her legs around his waist. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked again.


    She smiled, "yes. Take me as wish, I''m yours."


    "You''ll regret saying that" he whispered into his kisses on her neck.


    "Then make me regret it."


    "Damn Jessie, stop talking, your words can destroy a man. The only thing I want to hear is you screaming my name begging me to stop."


    Pulling his face backwards she laughed, "well I''m sorry to say you won''t be hearing me say that, I''ll say this instead. Harder Jason, harder"  watching him struggle with his throbbing desire she laughed harder, squealing as he hoisted her up on his shoulders in his race to to the bedroom.


    **********************************


    "Wake up... hey, wake up Jason." Jason frowned in his sleep, shaking his head he tried to shut his eyes again but his disturbance was even more determined.


    "Hey! You punk, wake up!" Paul yelled and Jason''s eyes flew open.


    "Until when are you going to keep doing this? You have a luxury suite in the middle of nowhere, a massive manor that has so many room it can house almost the entire city with rooms to spare and the a penthouse at the most expensive building yet you sleep in your office?" He threw his arms in the air waiting for an answer but the only thing that left Jason''s lips was a frustrated sigh.


    "Fuck... it was a dream?" Jason cursed, running his hands through his messy hair he leaned backwards. Dark circles circling around his eyes, stubble layering his strong jaw line he looked absolutely pale and exactly like man whose girlfriend has been kidnapped by a serial rapist. "Any news?"


    "Huh?" Paul frowned wondering what he meant until someone began to speak behind him.


    "No... nothing yet and Paradise is refusing to cooperate." Matt replied behind Paul.


    Jason laughed, "I swear I''m gonna kill that bitch." He spat viciously. Looking up at Paul he finally spoke, "she''s been everywhere but now she isn''t, I can''t go home unless I''m taking her with me." Getting up he grabbed his coat and walked out of the room with Paul and Matt hot on his heels.


    "Where the hell is he going?" Paul asked but Jason drowned out the sound.


    Focusing on her, letting the beautiful memories he had shape and lead him. Letting her kisses and her caresses, the feel of her soft skin and softer body guide him pour all that emotion into his heart. She wasn''t here with him, he couldn''t watch her laugh, he even missed fighting with her, he missed enjoying her in his clothes. All that and more he poured it into his heart, he had become lazy, he had become complacent. All he had in his life had been given to him.


    His enormous wealth, the protection from Paradise, and now he didn''t have Paradise to get him his swift results he had been lost. But no longer, he let all that emotion, all that love turned hate and burning fury guide him. They underestimated him, both his parents, but he would prove to them that he was a product of them both.


    He would get her back, and after that he would kill his mother for trying to steal his happiness for the second time. She seemed to have a knack for pulling the rug out from under him.


    ********************************************


    "Hello son" her clam smile taunted him, but he didn''t let it unnerve him.. He would get his answer today.

 Chapter 359 - 359. Solo

    "Hello son" Celeste smiled sweetly at the frowning man standing before her. "How nice of you to come visit your mother."


    "Cut the bullshit, where is she?" He spat viciously, walking forward to stand before her with his hands in his coat.


    Celeste smiled widened whilst Jason''s frown deepened, "so this is what it takes to get you to come to me, made the right call holding Jessie hostage" a few words and Jason was about to lose it, she was goading him, he realized it but he struggled to resist.


    "Where is she?" He asked again, for fiercely this time.


    Celeste, smiling as she shrugged, "I have no idea."


    It was for a second, a second that Jason caught it and finally he had his own chance of a small victory even if it was only for a second. Holding a gun was not something he expected to be doing more so towards his own mother but at the end of the day she brought this own herself. She looked calm now, barely shaken she stared straight into his eyes the smile on her face but a memory. Folding her arms she maintained eye contact, "seriously? A gun? I hope you''d learn better than this, you are not going to shoot your mother for some girl are you?"


    Jason scoffed, "it''s the way you keep referring to yourself as my mother, the audacity amuses me."


    Celeste stiffened but yet she remained composed, jutting out her chin she continued on "if I''m not your mother then who am I?"


    "I don''t give two fucks"


    "Mind you language boy!" She commanded and Jason smiled, tilting his head he spoke again.


    "Fuck, fuck fuck."


    "How childish." She retorted causing him to only widen his smile.


    "I don''t care if it is childish, anything that makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable I am willing to do, I mean I am more than willing to pull this bullet and watch your sick brain decorate the furniture and those oak floors." He stated bluntly, looking her straight in the eyes.


    "Go ahead, it''s still not going to change the fact that I have no idea about that girl." She scoffed not feeling as confident as she should have, but Jason could never know that. Noticing him fidgeting, she couldn''t predict how this would go, he wouldn''t actually shoot her would he?


    But that question was answered immediately when a loud sound stopped both her heart and her breathing, she felt the impact of the bullet even though she felt no pain. He didn''t actually shot her? She thought as she mentally examined herself for the pain.


    "Why are you looking at me like that? You thought I couldn''t do it right? Well mother, I choose Jessie. There is nothing I can''t do to find her. And there is nothing you won''t do to find her as well, I''ll be back. So you better get me my information and best believe next time I won''t miss." He spat viciously walking out of the room.


    In her anger and shock it took a few moments to realise that her phone was ringing on her desk right behind her, "Where are you?!" She yelled into the phone. "Where is she?"


    "What the hell are you asking me that for? What do you mean she escaped? What the hell were you doing?!!" She screamed. "Jason had better not find her before you do, I swear I will kill you with own hands."


    *****************************


    "She what? How did you find out?" Paul eyes widened at the words that just left his best friends mouth. Honestly he wasn''t expecting it, for someone that knew a bit about the kind of person George was, he already expected that Jessie would naked and chained in a cold dark basement. Ofcourse he couldn''t say that to Jason but it was always better to face reality, now after keeping him in suspense forever he finally said this?


    He should really give Jessie more credit.


    "I would hire just anyone but I thought I should come here" he continued looking at the other party in the room. "You have authority now don''t you? This is useful information, we have to find her first, what do you say?" He asked the grim looking man sitting across from him behind a table.


    For the second time Paul was shocked, but he said nothing because it might actually be such a good idea. "Come on now Jamie, we''re burning daylight over here, are you in or not?" Paul asked.


    "Ofcourse I''m in, the only reason I''m even sitting here is because I''ve been assigned to find about George''s auction house." Jamie spoke, leaning forward with his fingers linked on the table.


    "I thought you did already" Paul commented.


    "I did but there are about eight girls left unaccounted for, we are speculating that they are where he is keeping Jessie." Jamie replied, "do you know if they escaped as well?"


    Jason shook his head, "I only heard about Jessie."


    "Heard? From whom?" Jamie asked and Paul leaned forward finally getting answer to his initial question.


    "I overheard my mother talking after I left her office.."


    Paul and Jamie shared a look. "Um... I hate to say this but Jason you mother is very capable to have been talking to somebody else, no offense but she seems like she is involved in a whole lot more kidnappings than Jessie''s." Paul stated cautiously.


    Jason frowned, looking between the two men and analysing the unique looks they both gave him he sighed, "I''m sure about this."


    "She could have been talking to anyone Jason" Jamie added.


    "Well she wasn''t, because I heard her say George and I heard her say he should find her before I did, isn''t that prove enough?" He almost growled. "Look I''m going to do this with or without either of you, I hope i can do it with both if i have to i don''t mind going Solo." He added, more calmly this time, more seriously.


    "So what''s it gonna be?"

 Chapter 360 - 360. Youre An Obsession

    Happy new year!!! It has been a journey with Sold? Oh please. I have promised and failed, sorry for that. Cheers to a new year with regular updates at least daily till I finally complete the story. I am honestly grateful for all your support really I never expected this, guys. The constant votes, from constant voters, meant so much to me they did. I am so grateful to the people that have supported this book thanks a lot.


    I started a new book please continue to support this author by giving that some love and support as well. You can find it in my profile, hopefully, this would be the last time I will promise the end, so look forward to it. Love you so much and have a wonderful 2022.


    PS: It''s part of my year resolution to be more engaging on social media so feel free to contact me anywhere I have been told I am a really good listener. Also I will be replying to my comments now so have any questions tell me.


    Run.


    That was the only thought that exploded through Jessie''s head as her feet hit the grass with hard impacts, her breath coming out her mouth in short puffs.


    Faster.


    She pushed herself dragging along the girls that followed behind her. Her chest burned her eyes red from the cold air that scrapped through them as she ran, and her skin glistened with fluid that stuck cloth to the body. What had she gotten herself into? She thought, was this really the right decision to make? No, it was, she can''t start questioning herself right now. George was going to take her tonight, and he was going to do it and then sleep with another one of these girls again. She couldn''t bear the thought, so she kept pulling them along and running even though it felt like forever.


    A few hours ago


    "You should be done with your period now." His simple words pulled Jessie out of her mind and caused her to look up at him, she had learned and mastered the technique of being bodily present but consciously absent whenever she was with him. Lost in her thoughts, allowing a scrap of sliver against china be her hypnotist ticking clock.


    Jessie turned to face him, the windows to their souls fixed on one another yet they revealed nothing at all, lifting her fork she placed the cut piece of carrot on her tongue and rolled it around her mouth. Chewing slowly, her gaze still on him she swallowed.


    His lips pulled up into a tight line and he leaned forward on the table "I''ll take that as a yes."


    Still, she said nothing, just chewing and staring, there wasn''t even any hate in her eyes just cold and distant. But unlike George thought with his narrowing eyes or the hardening of his jaw. Jessie was paying attention, intact her tongue had frozen and her mind went numb. This was different from the other times. She was detaching herself, she was trapped.


    "You know I want to be kind" he began, his presence hounding her. He was here one moment and there the next. The sound of his dress shoes added theatrics to his cruel words. "But you... you make it so hard, do you know you have a natural talent of making a man lose control?" He said, causing her to squirm by the proximity of his body to hers. "Whether it be by their temper or their sense of reasoning, you Jessie are an obsession. And I will have my sweet time with you, with this breathtaking body." He leaned down to whisper in her ear "I promise it will be slow, because I will taste every inch of your body, every single inch, while I revel in your hate despair and you screams for mercy."


    "Oh I won''t be screaming" she finally said, her back rigid and straight and her bottom lip trembling she repeated herself. "I won''t be screaming, it''s just sex" she added turning to face him again. "I will be a perfectly stagnant good girl I will lay there just like a sack of potatoes" the words barely out of her mouth when the hard impact, the strong force forced her head to the opposite direction.


    Sighing heavily, Jessies'' throat burned with an unshed sob and her insides churned with such intensity she was surprised she hadn''t exploded. But that wasn''t all apparently, grabbing her smarting jaw he turned her head to face him. "Oh, I will make you scream I promise, look forward to it." His lips met hers in a forceful kiss and the sob bubbled up in her throat and hot tears flowed down her cheeks leaving scalding caresses as they fell. Fortunately for her, he was gone just as fast as he was there, with a promise of hell to come.


    There was calm within this storm, the storm that raged on her insides, she sat in the silence unmoving, "it''s not just sex" a soft voice tore to that outward peace and hurled the words straight at the hurricane in her heart. Jessie turned to the voice and she saw a face she recognized, one she desperately wished she didn''t because that face wasn''t associated with anything good. It was the girl George raped because of her.


    "It''s never just sex with him, he is like a grim reaper a succubus taking a piece of you every time his skin comes in contact with yours. And he is aware of this effect, he lives for it" She continued but soon stopped when she heard the gentle sobs.


    Jessie''s knuckles turned white from the force at which she clutched the table''s edge, hot and painfilled tears flowed down her cheeks, extending their flow all the way down to her collar bone. "Do you think I am not aware? I don''t know what will happen to me after this night but I know it will be bad, I know I can never be the same about it. From the moment I stepped into this place, I haven''t slept a wink. Thinking that he might come for me at night, dreaming that he did come for me at night."


    "I am so terrified, I can''t even fight. My entire body freezes up when he is around and my throat burns from all the words I want to say but can''t because my instinctive response to George is absolute terror." Pushing her fingers through the rough locks on her head, she finds herself unable to stop the sobs that wrack through her entire frame.


    "Then escape."


    "What?"


    "Escape, don''t give him the satisfaction of getting what he wants, run away from here."


    Jessie wiped the under of her nose without giving care to how disgusting it looked at that moment, "I should run away from here? I''m sorry I don''t understand what you mean. How can I leave this place?"


    "It''s pretty easy actually, you were probably too scared to try we all were. It''s part of his mind game, you would expect that he has this amazing security in place to make this place a fortress but he likes to be in control of things by himself. He hates it when other men are around his supposed women" she stated.


    Swallowing, with her tear-stained cheeks, "are you serious? If it was so easy why haven''t you escaped since? Why haven''t you all?"


    "I can''t escape alone, I know how it sounds but that is just how I am. I need someone else to help me open that door, it''s a two people job but they never free more than one of us at a time. But you are here now, and I have no idea why he lets you walk around freely but I know you are more on our side than his."


    "Ew, I was never on his side."


    "Yeah, sorry, it was an easy assumption for us to make since he never kept you tied up our starved you or you know basically did all he did to us to you. Besides he has never punished another girl for someone else''s mistake." her last words hit Jessie in the gut leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.


    "You don''t need to apologize, the only thing you can do to make it up to me is to ensure we get out of here and never come back."


    ***************************************


    "Everyone down!" Jessie exclaimed quickly, crouching low they moved with stealth using the tall grasses as camouflages to hide their presence. When? Just when would they be able to get out of this expanse of land and forest?


    "Over there, it''s the road!" Jocelyn the master mind behind the plan pointed and all the girls ran towards it until Jessie stopped them.


    "Don''t! We''ll be easier to spot if we get on the road, let''s just follow along through those woods. I''m sure we are close to the city."


    "Are we safe in the city? The city is full of eyes, and I can bet that some of those eyes belong to him" another girl said.


    "If we can get to the Kang empire building or any Song hospital I swear we''ll have protection" Jessie informed them. "Look we''ll have to split up when we get to the city so just look for these two places"


    "But there are multiple Song Hospitals, which one do we go to?"


    "The main branch is always better but if you find any just go into it and ask for Paul Song, tell them, beg them, do whatever you can to get them to let you can to get him to speak to you. Then tell him Jessie Marin sent you." Jessie said.


    "And the Kang empire?"


    The words brought tears to Jessie''s eyes, the thought of him left a heaviness in her chest. "Ask for Matt, the chief of staff. Tell him the same thing, tell them both to hide you and in the case, I am not there tell them where you last saw me. Okay?"


    "Okay."

 Chapter 361 - 361. A Place They Will Never Expect.

    Daylight had refused to side with the figures darting through the woods, and as the frequency of cars on the road increased they began to separate, into groups of four. Two people in each group and three in the last, their running had slowed into a paced jog and they were no longer trying to conserve their oxygen. Too tired to care the sound of heavy panting moved as they did, disturbing the atmosphere.


    "Okay we are at the outskirts, we are going to have to go in different directions, remember what I said to go?" Jessie asked, her hands on her knees her breathing went in and out of her body in short puffs.


    "Yeah, we do. Grace and I will head to the Song hospital beside the park, it not very far from here." Alice, one of the younger girls spoke, they let them go to the closest branch because it was obvious from how haggard they looked that they wouldn''t be able to continue on much longer.


    "Melissa, second Grace and Faye you headed in the direction of the main Song hospital go there and ask for Paul directly. Make a scene do anything to get him to come down. Then make him go get Grace and Alice okay?" Then five nodded and began the run again.


    "I chose you two to go the Kang building because you not from around here and it should be the easiest place to find. It''s right in the middle of the city, a massive building, and it says Kang and co right on the building. Ask around to get there if you are confused okay?" Jessie said to the last group apart from hers and they nodded.


    "And us?" Jocelyn asked. "Can''t we just go with them to your boyfriend''s office? It would be more effective if they are asking for him with you present."


    Jessie shook her head, "that''s the first place George would go to look for me."


    "And you sent the girls there?!"


    "They won''t be looking for them there, trust me. He would never expect anyone else but me to go to Jason, I just feel like I would be walking into a trap going there." She stated, "there and my house."


    "So? Where to now?"


    "A place they will never expect."


    ********************************


    As the familiar sound of the door bell resounded through Lenora''s apartment her fingers froze and she picked up her laptop and set it on the table before her. Getting up she walked to the door and clicked on the camera hooked unto the wall.


    Her eyes widened and she almost laughed when she saw who stood behind her closed door. "Why the hell is a hostage standing outside my house?"


    "Oh save it, that high and mighty thing you''ve got going on. I need you help."


    "My help? What could I possibly do for you? I watched you on the news just now why did you come here?" Lenora insisted.


    "You''re the only person I could come to... shockingly, and you are going to help me."


    "I don''t get you, why did you come back? Weren''t you supposed to leave the country? What is keeping you here, you already lost what are you thinking?"


    "Revenge, Jessie Marin ruined my life and Goerge was supposed to ruin hers but he lost her. How could I leave knowing that bitch is still alive?"


    "Wow... you really have lost it. You ruined her life first, and now Karma catches up and your bitter?"


    "Save the lecture it doesn''t suit you, now get out of the way and let me in." Patricia huffed, pushing past Lenora and walking into her apartment.


    "Get out before I call the cops, you and I don''t have hat kind of relationship, I won''t ruin my life for you." Without turning around and stepped away from the door and  to let the trash out.


    "Oh sweet naive Lenora, you think I am that helpless don''t you?" Patricia asked her soft foot steps coming closer.


    Lenora turned to face her, "you are that helpless, you wouldn''t come here otherwise."


    "You will help me Lenora but you would not like doing it" Patricia said, her eyes narrowing and her head raised high.


    ******************************************


    "Sir? Sir, are you listening to me?"


    Jonathan blinked and turned to look at the petite woman standing beside him, "sorry I wasn''t what did you want?"


    She frowned and looked forward, clutching the files close to her bosom she avoided eye contact. "I know the proposal was problematic, I have been explaining it for days now but everyone zones out on me."


    Jonathan sighed, hooking his index finger around his tie he loosened it. "Say it again, let me hear it it might not be bad."


    "Stop patronizing me, I already presented it twice and you zoned out twice. Even if anyone does this you never do but now? Oh it''s hopeless!"


    "Now now, Silvia, it wasn''t because of your proposal I promise"


    "Hey! Hey! Karen get back here!" Loud screaming pulled their attention as the door to the elevator opened, Jonathan attention was once again stolen as he came face to face to the surly teenager.


    "Karen!" He exclaimed.


    "Are you getting off? I need to go down" she said totally ignoring her yelling sister and the concerned Jonathan.


    "Bu-" before he could finish his sentence she walked around him and pressed the button, she looked away as the door closed and it was already too late by the time Krystal got to the door she was already gone.


    "Silvia I''ll talk with you later" Jonathan informed the other woman, his fingers wrapped around Krystal''s upper arm "you, come with me."


    "What was that?" Jonathan asked once they were in the safety of his office. Krystal looked everywhere but at him, unable to stop fidgeting she bit her nail. "You''re not going to talk to me either? Until when are you going to keep this up?"


    Her eyes shot to his for a brief moment before she looked away, disregarding him. "Krystal!" He yelled, a soft gasp escaped her lips, his loud voice illicting a shiver that ran down her spine and cause her to stiffen. "This has to stop, I get you are mad and emotional right now but treating me like I''m invisible isn''t going to solve anything... it''s not going to bring Jessie back."


    "Of course it isn''t, you didn''t even have the ability to prevent this how can you fix it?"


    Jonathan eyes darkened and his jaw tightened, "that''s not fair Krystal I didn''t know."


    Her eyes remained on him as a stray tear rolled down her cheek, one which she didn''t let run it full course cutting it short the moment it began it''s descent. Blinking hard she bit her lip and lowered her head, "you''re right, I''m sorry it''s just... it''s been hard."


    "For both Karen and I, she still has nightmares and I don''t know what to do. I know it wasn''t our fault but I can''t help but feel guilty about Jessie, who knows what that psychopath is doing to her right now. It''s been more than a week, and she still hasn''t been found, what if she is really dead?" Krsytal choked out through a sob and in an instant she was engulfed by Jonathan. His scent filling her nostrils, the scent calming her and the choked sobs that restricted her breathing easing up to let her breathe.


    "It''s not your fault, you did what you had to. If anything Jessie is the reason Karen was taken like that, don''t blame yourself okay?" Jonathan whispered, rubbing slow circles around her back.


    Pulling away slightly she met his eyes another gasp escaping her lips but this one was different. Her tortured heart beating a different rhythm and she struggled to control her senses. His gaze caressed her face leaving such contrasting sensations she was confused which to feel. She bit back the sound that pushed up her throat when his eyes lowered and settled on her parted lips, was he? Would she let him?


    Why would she stop him?


    As though asking for permission his gaze went back to her eyes, and she gave it to him as her eyes fluttered shut. It felt like ages, her stomach churning in anticipation, the feel of his lips on hers. She had an idea of what a kiss should be but the moment his lips met with hers she wasn''t sure what she knew anymore.


    The kiss wasn''t anything dramatic or fiery but it lit her up, she couldn''t explain nothing felt so new and so overwhelming even in the softness of his touch. She felt like she was reborn again underneath his touch and the moment his mouth moved aganist hers, her body defied the resistance and she let the moan out.


    Jonathan hands lifted to cupped the side of her face, tilting her head he deepened the kiss, their mouths moving in sync with one another. What kept him from this? From her.


    A sharp knock to the door broke them from each other and before he could dismiss whoever the newly unemployed person it was Silvia brown head poked in through the door. "About that proposal" her words cut short and her gaze darting from one to the other. Even with the space between them she could still make out their make out.


    "Sorry for interrupting, I had no idea this was what that scene at the elevator was about." She said stepping back before her head poked back in almost immediately. "Although I have to say you guys just won my a hundred bucks, I always knew this would happen. Thanks for finally getting it on!"


    "Hey!"

 Chapter 362 - 362. You Put Yourself First, Just Like Me, Just Like Jessie.

    Paul fought hard to follow Jason but once he began to lose direction and his eyes lulled to a dizzying extent he decided to speak up. "Cops are out looking for her everywhere, they''ll find her trust, Jamie."


    "And if Goerge gets to her first? What then?" Jason asked ignoring Paul''s advice he continued to pace.


    Paul opened his mouth but no words came forth so he just sighed and leaned back into the chair. This was honestly getting frustrating, it was never a calm moment with these two something always had to be happening. As soon as his head touch the soft couch his phone vibrated in his pocket, without caring to look at who it was he answered and put it to his ear.


    "Hello?"


    "What?! Did you just say, Jessie Marin?" Paul sat up and Jason''s pace finally came to a screeching halt. "I''m on my way, take them somewhere safe start a check-up I''m on my way." He stated, grabbing his coat he staggered to his feet.


    "What? Is that Jessie?" Jason asked, his eyes wide and his voice shaky.


    "I don''t think so, two girls just got to Song hospital, the highway branch saying that Jessie sent them."


    "And Jessie?"


    "She wasn''t there, I''m going over now to find you-" his phone rang in his grasp again. Quickly answering his brows furrowed and Jason tapped his feet as he waited for the call to be over.


    "There are saying that there are two girls in the head Song branch looking for me... from Jessie."


    "The girls! The ones that Jamie mentioned were still missing from the auction house." Jason replied and with a snap of his finger, Paul added, "does that mean they also escaped? Perhaps she is sending g them to the hospitals to get treatment?"


    "What about her? She needs treatment as well" Jason exasperated. "I''ll come with you."


    "Wait I''ll call Jamie first, the cops need to be there as well," Paul replied as he dialed the number. "Hello, Jamie?"


    "Mr. Song? How can I help you? If you called to ask about Jessie Marin please inform Mr. Kang that he will still be the first to know when we get any information." Jamie said through the phone and Paul glanced at Jason with a sigh.


    "I''m putting you on speakerphone and I am not calling for information, wait... I am just not your information I have information for you." He rambled and in an instant, the phone was out of his grip.


    "The girls you said were missing from the auction house have started turning up" Jason stated curtly.


    "What?"


    "Jason that''s not- Jamie it''s not confirmed yet but four girls have turned up to both my hospitals asking to see me with the news that Jessie sent them."


    "And can you send me pictures?"


    "I am not there physically but I could make some calls, I am headed to the main branch right now though"


    "I''m coming with you" Jason cut in.


    "No!" Jamie exclaimed through the phone.


    "Don''t even think of stop-"


    "I know what you want to say but it''s not the best idea for you to leave. If these girls are turning up at Paul''s hospitals she might be planning to come to you. There must have split up to make it harder for George to find them." Jamie stated, "I understand how desperate you are but stay put Jessie might come to find you. You don''t want to be missing when she does."


    "I promise to call you the moment I get to the hospital okay?" Paul stated, dashing out of the office. "I''m going to the main hospital."


    "Then I''ll go to the branch located around the highway" Jamie replied.


    ***********************************


    "You are going to get me to George''s bunker without being seen," Patricia said, both women sending threatening glares at one another as they stood a distance apart.


    "You still haven''t told me why I should help you?"


    "Twelve years ago, you worked for a secret organization called Paradise, stealing information and hiding it as well."


    "And?" Lenora hissed.


    "Look at this" Patricia said handing Lenora a piece of old and worn paper, "do you remember that?"


    Lenora to the paper from Patricia with hesitance, staring at her then back at the paper she read through it, "yes, about the cop caught for stealing and selling police information. What does this have to do with me?"


    "That cop was the IT expert of the police and he was framed for stealing police information eight years ago, you were only seventeen. The principal time you stole information for paradise, he was fired and sentenced to ten years in prison, but he died in a prison riot. You know prisons are never safe places for cops, coincidentally that cop is your boyfriend''s father." Patricia said, smiling as it began to dawn on Lenora.


    "What are you saying," Lenora asked, her voice trembling.


    "I''m saying Lenora that it''s time to break up with that boyfriend of yours, you have to admit you are just too toxic for him," Patricia said.


    "You''re lying, It''s not true I never did anything like this, I didn''t frame anyone!"


    "You didn''t but your employers did, my goodness you are such a good liar. Acting all innocent and naive when you acted like you just found out about paradise. I mean you could give both Jessie and me a run for our money."


    Lenora clutched the paper in her hands in disbelief, her hands trembling as tears burned her eyes. what the hell? Just as she was trying to be good, your past does catch up to you, doesn''t it?


    "I could just tell him myself, what would you do then?"


    Patricia shook her head, "You won''t, you are not a good person Lenora. You are selfish and you put yourself first, just like me, just like Jessie and there is nothing wrong with it. I don''t see any other way to live. You need Jamie in your life, you love him too much to have me hate you and if you tell him you are responsible for his father''s death he will hate you."


    "Shut up!" She screamed clutching her ears but Patricia was not done.


    "So you would rather lie and be by his side, which is wonderful for me because now you will do anything and everything I ask of you to be sure I won''t just send him such an explosive package."


    "But you do not have any proof I worked with Paradise do you?"


    "You and I both know I don''t need any, you have betrayed him too much for him to not believe this" clapping her hands Patricia shrugged off her coat and walked to the couch, sitting on it she leaned back and crossed her legs. "Now what''s the plan to get me to George''s bunker? I will inform you that I have no idea where it is."


    ********************************


    Dirt, dust and sweat coated the two women moving through busy streets with stealth and speed, moving as fast as their fatigued limbs took them. "How much farther? The sun has almost set" Jocelyn asked as they walked past a cafe, doing their best to belong even though they stuck out like sore thumbs.


    "It should be around here, I just need to find the building" Jessie replied, looking around frantically, Jocelyn was right, the last thing they wanted to do was be in the street when the moon came out. Like sheep to the slaughter, "over there, it''s a cop car we should go ask for help." Jessie pointed walking towards it until Jocelyn grabbed her back.


    "What the hell do you think you are doing?!" Jocelyn said in a harsh whisper, "you can''t go to the cops! They are corrupt and probably working for George, haven''t you noticed how many cop cars have been out on patrol today?"


    "But that could be for any reason" Jessie insisted.


    "It too much of a coincidence to be dismissed, I did not make it out this far to go back. By all means, we have to avoid the cops, now concentrate on finding the house we are supposed to go to." Jocelyn said and Jessie sighed, long and hard. As annoying to admit she was right.


    She even went to prison because of police corruption, just what was this country turning to? You couldn''t even ask for help from the people that were supposed to offer it. "What if we borrow a phone and I call Jason? I can''t seem to find the house" Jessie suggested after a while of fruitless walking.


    "You had this in your pocket all along and you didn''t say so?" Jocelyn spat, too weak to yell.


    "I know his number but I am not sure of some numbers, you see the only thing I can cram is my lines, nothing else sticks. And the only number I have managed to cram is-"


    "Yours?"


    "No, it''s-" Jessie froze, shaking off the painful memory "never mind. Look over there, let''s ask the guy selling hotdogs for his phone."


    They hurried to the guy but as they walked Jocelyn''s cry started Jessie and she spun around to see Jocelyn on the ground as well as another person.


    "I am so sorry, are you okay?" Jocelyn asked.


    "I''m fine, are you?" Jocelyn nodded.


    "Lenora?"


    "Jessie?!"


    "Oh thank goodness, Jocelyn she is the one I was looking for, oh Lenora you have no idea what we''ve been through looking for your place. Get up we''re going home with her."


    "What?!"

 Chapter 363 - 363. George Is Waiting For You.

    "Why the hell are you against me coming to your home? I mean, didn''t you hear about my situation?" Jessie asked her eyes shooting fire as she and Lenora fought against her partially open door. Pausing for a while she thought before nodding knowingly "I know-"


    "You do?" Lenora asked with widened eyes.


    "Yes, you might not have heard, sorry I''m so used to people knowing about my private life it''s hard to adjust to telling you about my life myself. I was kidnapped, by George Lee, and I need your help please."


    "Look I know..."


    "No, you don''t. I know we aren''t exactly the chummiest, but you can''t be as bad to actually send me away in this situation right?" She asked with a frown, her brows furrowing as she spoke.


    "Jessie the situation right now isn''t exactly the-"


    "Just a day, I just need somewhere I know George would not look for me to call Jason."


    "Then go to the cops, Jamie has men all over the city looking for you."


    "Step aside lady!" Jocelyn yelled, helping Jessie pull the door open. Storming into the apartment ignoring Lenira screams otherwise. Running after them the three women burst into the apartment and Jessie huffed turning to face Lenora she sighed.


    "Well did that kill you?" She said.


    "You cannot be here! Gosh anywhere but here, I can hide you in my office or just take you to Jamie or Jason! You miss him don''t you? Anywhere but here" Lenora insisted. "Look I-"


    Both Jessie and Jocelyn stared at each other, "is she just going to stop speaking? Is she usually a dramatic person?" Jocelyn asked.


    "Why do you ask?"


    "She might be stopping for a dramatic flair, don''t you think?"


    "You watch too many movies."


    "Fine... stay, but I have only one room available" Lenora said.


    Jessie turned around partially counting the doors again, "then what is that room?"


    "None of your business, don''t go in there okay?" She said walking away "it''s an office, my office and I prefer to keep it private." She stopped, looking back, "I know you would probably go there if I didn''t tell you, especially you" she pointed her finger at Jocelyn.


    "Of course I would, do you know how many times I have escaped from George? Do you know how many people have betrayed me? I need to know I am safe."


    Lenora laughed softly, but there was no amusement on her features, "Well too bad, you''re here now."


    ***********************************


    "I am slowly going crazy from all the waiting, hey, Jamie what are your men doing? How hard is it to find two probably tired women?" Paul sighed, pushing his hand through his brown locks he ruffled it just before he pulled away.


    "Apparently harder than you think, the only thing that keeps coming to mind is that they are avoiding the cops" Jamie replied.


    "Why would they do that?"


    "Because till now the police belonged to the Lees, I asked the girl in you highway branch why she didn''t go to the police instead, she said this ''why would I do that? I should just rather go back to him''" Jamie said. "I haven''t found her because she doesn''t want to be found."


    "So what now? Are we just going to sit here on our asses? At the end of the day I believe doing what Jason is doing is the best option we have right now" Paul said, "George cannot find her before he does, he is going to literally kill someone."


    "I''ll call Lenora and see is she can put this on the news, it would be better if she has more friends than foes out there."


    "Is that a good idea?" Paul asked, "it just puts her at risk of exposure."


    "Exposure is good for both parties, let''s just hope that it works for us."


    *******************************


    "Wow what a surprise" Patricia laughed as she paced back and forth the darkroom, "and you wanted to deprive me of this opportunity?" she shot a glare at Lenora. "Give me your phone"


    "Why?"


    "Give it now, or this will go viral right now." Patricia threatened, collecting Lenora''s cellphone she pulled hers out and dialed a number. "Hello uncle"


    "What the hell are you doing?!" Lenora yelled but the determined look in Patricia''s eyes stopped Lenora in her tracks.


    "What do you mean you don''t have time to talk to your favorite niece?" Patricia said, a wicked smile playing on her lips. "Oh? you must be busy searching for Jessie am I right? I can''t believe you lost her, pitiful uncle I am really disappointed."


    "What do you mean what am I still doing in the country? How could I leave when you are messing things up? How could you lose her?!"


    "I mean you should be thankful I am here because she would have wagged her tail all the way back to Jason."


    "Yes exactly what you think, I know where Jessie is, in fact, I am with her right now."


    Lenora watched helplessly as Patricia spoke to George, a heavyweight settled on her chest pressing down on her hard. She needed to do something, talk to Jamie, anything but what could she do? How could she communicate without her phone? She could send an email from her laptop, yes! That was what she would do. Stepping backward she made a move to get out of the room but Patricia was faster.


    "Not so fast dear Lenora," Patricia said, "are you just going to leave without your cell?" She smiled, Lenora''s eyes widened but her question was soon answered when Patricia walked straight to the window, pushed it up, and tossed the phone out.


    "What the hell are you doing?!" Lenora screamed but Patricia had her pinned against the wall in an instant, Lenora''s eyes watering at the force that pushed against her neck, shutting her air supply.


    "I''m just taking the necessary precaution, where''s your router? I should destroy that as well, after all even if you weren''t a tech genius there are other means of communicating I wasn''t born yesterday," Patricia said.


    "Let go of me! My goodness, you are a bitch, and I am nothing like you, neither is Jessie. We would never do what you just did to another woman."


    Patricia sighed, "fine, I am a bitch, a bad woman and I did what I did, it''s not my fault I was raised that way. This isn''t anything to me, that is just how I am."


    "Yes, it''s how you are but you not the only one with sad a sad family story, Jessie has one and so do I, and yes we put ourselves first we aren''t the most righteous but we would never go as far as sending another woman to a whore house, to prison, and to captivity. And after all, she has been through you think it is unfair that you are the one being punished?"


    "Get over yourself Patricia, you might be a superstar but the world does not revolve around you, you do bad things and bad things happen to you as well."


    "Why only me? Why does it always have to be me?" She cried.


    "Who said it was only you? Do you think Jessie getting kidnapped was a good thing? Or the annoying fact that you are here with a stupid adolescent mistake threatening to destroy the relationship that I have struggled so hard for? We were all punished and you haven''t even suffered a scratch of what I have, what Jessie has. And we aren''t as bad you are, you will pay for what you have just done Patricia."


    Patricia looked away for a brief moment, wiping the tear from her cheek, looking back at Lenora "if I must be punished, if this is my end then we must all go down together. Now where the hell is that router?"


    ***************************************


    "Jessie, Jessie wake up."


    Lenora tapped Jessie, the unease she felt in her heart shown with the urgency at which she touched her. "Hmm? What is going on? Is Jason here?"


    Lenora sighed, "of course, you would be thinking about him, I keep thinking about Jamie to but no you have to go, now!"


    "What? Why?" Jessie answered sitting up, she looked over to where Jocelyn lay beside her but there was no one there.


    "What is going on, where is Jocelyn?!" Jessie exclaimed her voice shaky and in panic.


    "She''s gone" Lenora stated matter of factly.


    "She''s what? When? Where? Lenora tell me what is going on?!" Jessie cried, jumping out of bed.


    "You have to leave now, It isn''t safe anymore, George is coming here."


    Jessie''s heart skipped a beat at the sound of that name and her lips parted in shock, "Who? How the hell did he find me here?" Jessie asked "you sick bitch! You called him?!"


    "I didn''t," Lenora said, "but I might as well have."


    "What does that even mean?"


    "I''m sorry Jessie I really am but I am also in an uncomfortable situation as well and I couldn''t help it."


    Jessie sighed heavily, her body began to tremble and she couldn''t stop the tears that flowed out of her eyes. "Then why are you helping me?"


    "Because even though I am a horrible person, I refuse to be as bad as Patricia."


    "I thought I heard my name, hello Jessie."


    "Patricia"


    "Ooh you look like you want to kill me, you probably do too. But you should pause that thought first, Jocelyn has something to say to you" Patricia said stretching her arm into the room as both women''s faces morphed into does of horror as they listened to the innocent girls screaming.. "George is waiting for you, lets get going then."

 Chapter 364 - 364. Jessie Please Be Okay.

    "Why do you look so surprised to see me? Is it really that shocking that we would come to the same person for help? Though I''d have to say that our circle is quite small." Patricia said smiling at Jessie retreating frame.


    "What is he doing to her?" Jessie asked, ignoring the sting on her plams caused by her nails.


    "Whay do you think? He is pretty certain is was her idea to run away, apparently she is a repeat offender" Jessie scoffed at the statement, her lips parted as she stared at Patricia straight face. "And he is coming for you next."


    "Well he won''t get to her" said Lenora, "because Jason will get here first... with the police." She added bluntly.


    "What the hell do you think you are doing?" Patricia spat her eyes narrowing. "Do you not care about your life?"


    "I''m doing this because I do care, more than you know, so if I were you I would get the hell out of here before the cops come get you."


    "You will pay for this I swear, trust me" Patricia said, turning around to walk away, "this isn''t the last you are going to see of me."


    Lenora bit her lower lip and nodded "hmm... normally I would say bring it on, but I think this is it. You should go."


    After Patricia surprisingly undramatic exit Jessie placed her hand on Lenora shoulder, "are you sure?"


    "I am, I think I finally understand what Jamie really deserves, not the woman that would do despicable things to be with him but one who would sacrifice her happiness for the better of others" she said.


    Jessie sighed, "who are you and what have you done with Lenora?"


    "Skip the crap, you do realize that I was bluffing earlier when I said I called Jason right?"


    Jessie inhaled sharply, "you what?!"


    "Look we can still go out and find a phone because that bitch destroyed mine and my laptop too. But I will be Frank with you, George will probably get to you first."


    "Lenora" Jessie breathed out her voice shaky, shutting he eyes she let all the fear that filled her mind flow away, now was not the time to be scared. "I need to help Jocelyn, she doesn''t deserve what she is getting, she''s been in there so long she thought I was still dead."


    "Take this" Lenora handed a black ball to Jessie and she reached over and took it.


    "What is this?" Jessie asked.


    "A bug, the moment you get somewhere with wifi it will record everything that happens around you, audio record."


    "Ahhh, why are you giving this to me?" Jessie asked.


    "Incase, just incase George gets to you first. The whole world would hear everything that happens to you, getting rid of you then would not be able to help them in court." Lenora stated bluntly,  "the evidence would be to big and too large to ignore."


    A small smile.played across Jessie''s lips, "we can bring down the entire Lee corporation with this."


    "Exactly."


    "But do not get caught Jessie, no matter what, do not get caught. We would hear everything that happens to you but I cannot assure your safety, if he finds that he will kill you."


    "I''m scared Lenora, I am honestly terrified, and there is nothing I want more than to just see Jason. Even if it''s just a glimpse anything, I just want to see him." Jessie replied combing through her hair she sighed in exparation.


    "Then go to him, I will tell him you are coming so go to him."


    "Thank you Lenora, and I have no idea what Patricia has aganist you but thank you for doing this. You are brave, I don''t think if Jasom was on the line I would be able to make the sacrifice you are making."


    "You would, because you are a better person than I am."


    "Bye."


    ***************************************


    "What the hell are you doing?!" Katherine screamed into darkness, thrashing and struggling she threw her legs everywhere and nowhere with no sense of direction. She knew she was in a moving vehicle, a very fast one at that, with how often she was jerked from side to side she was probably moving g way past the road restrictions. The last thing she remembered was walking out of her car in the parking lot of the hospital and next thing everything went black and she was tossed into this vehicle. "Let me go" she screamed, trying to jerk her hands free from the binds behind her back.


    "Who are you? Who sent you? Do you know how big a mistake you just made? I have really rich and influential friends that will definitely look for me if I am missing!" She threatened, "no answer? You''re not answering me? Bastard!"


    "Fine, let me go right now and  I won''t go to the cops I promise, I will be as quiet and as normal as I was before this happened. Hmm? Let me go already, you won''t let me go? Let me go right now!" She yelled again, huffing and puffing.


    Suddenly there was a firm grip on her upper arm and although she couldn''t see a thing her feet touched ground and she was pulled along the ground, she couldn''t tell anything or make out her situation. There was no noise, her captors had said absolutely nothing since they kidnapped her.


    She was silent as she walked, they was not point struggling now, she was probably heading to the culprit soon so she would have her answers then. But wrecking her mind she couldn''t place anyone at all, who would do this to her?


    "Ooof! Be careful will you!" She hissed as she was sat rather harshly on what was a very cushy seat.


    The black bag that sat on top her head all the way was yanked away and she squinted as her eyes got used to all the sudden light flooding her eye balls.


    "Hello Katherine."


    With a scoff she sat back, rubbing her recently freed wrists. "I should have known, I blame myself for being to naive, of course this is the way you do things."


    "Why am I here? Mr. Lee?"


    **************************************


    "Jason! Where the hell have you been? I have been so worried come back to the office already my weak heart can''t take this?" Paul whined into his phone.


    "Have you seen the news?"


    "Jessie has been found?" Paul asked, his voice full of hope.


    "Tch... I wish, it''s not about Jessie but Katherine."


    "Katherine? Why is Katherine on the news?"


    "Xavier Lee is giving her he''s entire wealth, the companies, the money all his property he is giving it all to her." Jason replied.


    "What? Like he is announcing her his heir?"


    "No, it''s worse than that, he is giving it all to her, there is not being an heir first, he is just leaving everything to her."


    "Shit have-"


    "I have to go, I''m getting another call, thanks for everything but you should go to her now" Jason stated cutting of the call.


    "Hello?"


    "Jason? I''m I speaking to Jason Kang?"


    "Yes, who us this?"


    "Lenora, Lenora Hastings the reporter for last time."


    "Ahh, yes can I help you?"


    "Actually I can help you, I know where Jessie is and I already sent Jamie the-"


    "Is she with you?!" Jason interrupted.


    "No-"


    "Then where is she?"


    "If you just stop interrupting me I will tell you" Lenora replied through gritted teeth.


    "... sorry, go on."


    "She was in my house a few moments ago, and so was Patricia, just listen. She is in danger because George.already knew she was here like an hour ago so he has a head start but he doesn''t know where she is going. She said to tell you to meet her at the place where she was the most heartbroken, her manager Tony''s grave." Lenora said. "It''s not very far from my house so you should go there as soon as possible."


    "Shit, shit I am on my way, you said George was already on his way to you?"


    "Yeah, but Patricia would have told him that Jessie is no longer here so it basically just a race to get to her at this point. It''s better for you since you know where she is headed to just go there. Alright?"


    "Sure thing thanks a lot, I am on my way." Jason said turning uis car around in a screech.


    "Just be okay Jessie please be okay!"


    **************************************************


    With her hair whipping around her head violently Jessie struggled to keep going she had to get away from here and to the cemetery as fast as she could. Her steps slowed as she began to tire out and she struggled with her breathing but even whilst her chest burned she refused to stop moving. She didn''t suffer all this while to be sent back to George, somehow at the back of her mind she had a perfect picture of what would be happening to her if George got to her first and the thought was horrifying enough to keep her moving.


    Soon her hurried steps took her farther and farther from people until she was no longer around civilization. Just the creeping of the sun, as the dark sky began to lighten giving her new hope for freedom.


    "Ahhhh!!" She screamed as a car rammed into her, sending her to the ground with a heavy thud. She was confident when she ran into the road, she hadn''t been expecting cars at this hour. "Owww" she exclaimed as she sat up whilst rubbing her elbow.. The driver quickly getting out to run to her, but another door opened and someone else got out of the car as well, it took a moment but after a few blinks her vision cleared, there was no mistake, "oh my god."

 Chapter 365 - 365. He Got To Her First.

    "I don''t want to be here, tell them to let me go!" Katherine yelled at the aged man sitting like royalty before her. What the hell was going on today? This was getting increasingly annoying and frustrating. She needed to be anywhere but here today gosh what the hell was this situation? Her heart was already beating like crazy and her emotions spouting all over the place she did not need this right now, she absolutely did not.


    "You should be here though, it''s safer that way. Your house must be crawling with reporters" Xavier Lee stated bluntly, smacking his cane on the hard ground.


    "Reporters? Why would they be reporters at my house?"


    "Because of this," he said, gesturing to the man standing beside him, he walked forward and placed a large envelope on the oak table in front of her. Looking at the envelope she looked back at him with a small frown playing at her lips, she leaned forward and played with the texture of the envelope on her skin, folding the edges she opened it and pulled out a bunch of papers held together by hardcover paper file.


    Inheritance contract... it read. Her gaze lifted to his once more and she opened the file. Her large eyes scanned the content of the book. "What is this?" She asked holding out the file.


    "It is surprising you ask this after you have read the contents of the contract" he replied.


    "I know right? Because the contents of that file are too mindblowing to be normal, so what the hell do you mean by I am inheriting your net worth? How much is that even?" She asked.


    "Oh child you wound me"


    "Do not call me that, I am not you child."


    "Our DNA begs to differ, 2.3 trillion-"


    "2.3 trillion?!" She exclaimed, looking side to side at the other participants in the room, her body jerked forward at the news, eyes wide and lips parted. "2.3 trillion, I thought the richest person in the world was only worth 270 billion or something?"


    "Oh you are pretty naive, how can you think that there aren''t richer people? Even both the Kang and Song families have more than 270 billion and you are so shocked?" He sighed sharply "perhaps it was a bad idea giving everything to her" he added quietly but Katherine could barely care what he was thinking this was big news! Sure she knew that she had an inferiority complex but she didn''t expect so much money to exist around her. She should be jumping for joy at the news of finally catching up to those two but she didn''t feel happy at all, besides who in their right mind would want to have anything thing to do with a family as toxic and explosive as the Lee family?


    "Do you not have a carbon copy grandson? Why the hell are you giving your money to me? I am a doctor, not a business person. I don''t know the first thing about running a business."


    "Which is why you have professionals, hire the best from the best schools, you a rich it''s what you do when you are. It''s what the song family is doing to you, using such a talented doctor to grow their wealth."


    Katherine stilled, this was beyond anything she had expected, in fact, the past few weeks had exceeded her honest expectations. Seriously? 2.3 trillion? She felt both overwhelmed at swayed at the same time. This was life-changing "you do not have to make your decision right away although I should inform you it would be for the best that you do not waste any time. The news is already out there and it is dangerous to  drag out your decision."


    "How long do I have?"


    "I need an answer by tomorrow morning."


    "What?! Tomorrow morning why the hell did you give me a chance to think if I only have twenty-four hours?" She exclaimed.


    "Because that would be your life now, you can leave if you want to, or stay either way get thinking."


    ***************************************************


    "Oh my god" Jessie breathed out, staggering up to her feet, the shaky legs began to move one unbalanced step at a time... backward. Her heart thumped violently against her ribs and her lungs were lost for air, her head spun with both the impact of her prior accident and also by the overwhelming feelings she was experiencing as she watched him approach her. It was futile, she knew but what did say about human survival?


    She knew she wasn''t getting anywhere but she thought she would still make it hard for him, only she did not consider that even though neither of them got any sleep last night, he was still in a car while she was on foot. The only person that anything was hard for still her, her body shook with the violent weight of his strong body against her, stuck in between him and the hard road she fought to breathe.


    And in an instant, she was no longer face down in the road but looking into the angry eyes of her captor. "Got you."


    *************************************************


    Drive faster, drive faster, drive faster! That was the only thought on Jason''s mind as he drove to Tony''s grave, parking the car, well if leaving it diagonal in the middle of the road was considered parking then parking the car, he pushed his door open and ran out of the vehicle.


    "Jessie! Jessie!" He yelled.


    Running to Tony''s tombstone, his breathing began to catch when he saw that there was no one there. He couldn''t have gotten to her first, please please he couldn''t have gotten to her first.


    His phone began to ring in his pocket and he pulled it out, placing it by his ear. "Yes?"


    "... I''m sorry Jason" were the first words he heard and they were mind-numbing and heart-wrenching. "He got to her first."


    Swallowing hard, he shut his eyes and tried to keep his trembling body at bay, "how do you know?"


    "I gave her a bug, I''ll send the feed to you, the audios files are life," Lenora said over the phone and his phone chimed as the link entered his phone. "It will take a while to get her location but it will happen only I don''t know how long that might take."


    "How long do you estimate?"


    "More than twenty-four hours," she said and Jason''s grip on his phone tightened.


    *********************************************************


    "Where the hell are you Kat?" Paul mumbled to himself as he stood outside Katherine''s apartment. He had visited all the places he thought she might be, even went to the Lee building as well but nothing. After that very annoying conversation with Devon, he was more than fed up about now.


    "I can''t find her if she doesn''t want to be found."


    Jamie''s words filled his head suddenly, and the thought entered his mind, perhaps she didn''t want to be found. Guilt like never before filled his senses and he began to regret every decision he made concerning Katherine. Honestly, he didn''t deserve her, he didn''t deserve to want her right now. Not after hurting her the way he did, good golly was he a stupid person! how could she have loved him for so long and he wouldn''t have known? He didn''t deserve her yet he still wanted her, she didn''t want to be found? Too bad he would be finding her either way. In the meantime, though he pulled  out his phone he called Jason "hey how- wait what?!" He exclaimed, "wait right there I''m on my way."


    *********************************************************


    Jason''s breaths came out in short and heavy puffs, his lips parted as he huffed and huffed. His heart thundered in his chest throbbing painfully he struggled with the oxygen entering his lungs. Both hands were placed on top of his head and his eyes remained fixed in one direction. He couldn''t believe it, he lost her, again.


    Soon the air supply became shorter and harder as his lungs collapsed in his chest, "Jason!" Paul yelled running to his friend, "Hey! Get a hold of yourself!" Paul yelled catching him before he hit the ground. "Jason, Jason listen to me, hey! Breathe already, damn. Call an ambulance!" Paul yelled eyeing his friend''s pale and blue face, what the heck was happening?


    Jason forgot to breathe, he forgot how. Suddenly something so instinctive and easy, something that happened naturally and unconsciously became too difficult and tasking. He didn''t know what to feel besides the excruciating pain of his failure and insufficiency.


    "Jeez! You scared me there, get it together already man, you can''t break down now, Jessie needs you."


    "What is this Paul? What is this heaviness? This uncontrollable emptiness still weighs on me, what is this feeling that I can''t describe? This desire to burn down the entire world and destroy everyone in it because no one matters anymore?" Jason stated looking into nothingness, his gaze was settled neither here nor there yet there carried such fury, such rage. Right deep in his brown pupils settled this intense wrath that threatened the extinction of the world.


    "I will kill him I swear I will!!"