Fated love: the unwanted bride

The bathroom quickly filled with white mist, gathering on the walls, the glass, the floor, permeating the air with its subtle presence.

Was the old man’s last name Childe?

Then Jasmine remembered something – Sylvan Cheney’s mother’s surname was also Childe, if she didn’t recall wrong—

Her name was Qiana Childe.

This was something she’d discovered by chance.

At the time, she had been a young girl of about nine years old, and hadn’t been in the Cheney Residence for too long.

One night, under the cover of darkness, she saw Sylvan Cheney leave. Out of curiosity, she secretly followed him.

He stopped at the hill, not far from the Cheney Residence.

In the middle of the night, Jasmine got a fright – this place was a graveyard!

In the stillness of the night, a graveyard!!

Jasmine was so scared, she nearly screamed out loud!

She covered her mouth, and, unnoticed by Sylvan, she sneaked away.

But she caught a glimpse of the words on the tomb — Loving Mother Qiana Childe.

Hot water streamed over Jasmine’s face, yet her mind was incredibly clear.

The old man today bore the last name Childe, and Chris Fern referred to him as grandfather. So, he must be Sylvan Cheney’s grandfather too, right?

Not a single individual in the Fern family is decent; the same goes for Sylvan Cheney.

An understanding suddenly dawned on Jasmine.

So many things made sense now.

She was but an outsider, yet she had been ensnared in their family’s power struggles.

She was simply a pawn, to be discarded when no longer needed.

Two trails of hot liquid coursed down her cheeks.

Jasmine couldn’t tell whether it was the scalding water or tears…

Those twelve years felt like a dream.

He once saved her life, and now, she ought to repay him. All things considered, it was only fair.

Sylvan Cheney never makes a losing trade.

But she’d like to know- were all his niceties towards her genuine?

Did he remember the words he once spoke? He had said that while he was around, no one would be allowed to bully her.

But now, she was on the verge of being bullied to death by him… would he cry if she died?

Why would he? He’s not her; she’s the one who is the crybaby.

She saved Yolanda Fern’s life, so they’re now even? But there will be no more “after” anymore.

Sylvan Cheney was her bond, but also her disaster.

She recalled their first meeting fifteen years ago—

The sunlight was brilliant, the sky cloudless, even the air seemed sweet.

The moment she opened her eyes, she saw his handsome face. With a lollipop in his hand, he smiled at her. She cheerfully bit the apple-flavored lollipop and eagerly followed him home.

Such a fool…

Why did you follow him home?

Jasmine sobbed quietly, finally unable to hold back her tears any longer.

The world wouldn’t change whether she was present or not.

Having lived fifteen borrowed years, she was already content.

She enjoyed a life of luxury and wealth for twelve years. What more could she ask for?

But she’d really like to know when did Sylvan Cheney find out that her heart was compatible with Yolanda Fern’s?

The first day he took her in? Or three years ago? Or perhaps just recently?

If it were the day he took her in, then should she… cry? Was all his affection towards her fake?

She feared being abandoned, being betrayed. She wasn’t as strong as people thought. She was just a self-conscious girl, a crybaby.

She really wanted to live peacefully in Sinkapore, but she’d only had three days of peace.

She loved this city, so it wouldn’t be so bad to die here, right?

Jasmine laughed amidst her tears.

Would Joe Heath come looking for her? He certainly would..