Chapter 1

At twenty-two years old, Jade Vine let out a deep sigh of exhaustion. She had just finished her shift as a fruit picker, a job she had taken on in New Zealand to support herself and her three-year-old son, Crown. 

As she walked into the small apartment she called home, the weight of the day was heavy on her shoulders. The moment she stepped inside, she immediately sought comfort in the familiar faces around her.

"Thank you for taking care of my son, Beth," she said to the elderly woman sitting in her living room.

Beth, the babysitter and retired teacher, smiled warmly. "It's no trouble at all, Jade. Your little one is simple to take care of, as you know. He never cries, and it's almost like he understands your struggles."

Jade's heart swelled with gratitude. Beth had been a godsend, offering to watch over Crown whenever Jade was working. She was a kind-hearted woman, and, as a neighbor, she had volunteered to help without hesitation. The elderly woman had no family of her own and was more than pleased to lend a hand when she could.

"I'm truly thankful, Beth. You don't know how much this means to me," Jade said, her voice filled with emotion.

Beth's face softened with a smile. "Of course, dear. You've got enough on your plate already. Rest now. Take a break before you dive into your studies. I know you're in your last semester of college, and I'm proud of how diligently you're working. You'll be graduating soon."

Jade rubbed the back of her neck, a little embarrassed. She had been juggling her work, school, and motherhood for so long that she hadn't really had time to stop and breathe. But Beth's kind words meant the world to her.

The elderly woman stood up, slowly adjusting Crown's position on the couch, where he had fallen asleep after playing. "I'll leave you to rest, Jade. I've got some food from my daughter. You're welcome to join me, but don't push yourself. I know you're tired," Beth added, her voice gentle.

Jade smiled at her. "You're too kind, Beth. But I'll be fine. I went out earlier and grabbed some food. Let's share it, okay?"

Beth shook her head. "My daughter brought some supper. It's nothing fancy, but it'll do. And I have plenty to share with you."

Jade's face brightened, grateful for the offer. "I'll let you go, then. But thank you again for helping me today. You're a lifesaver."

Beth gave her a reassuring nod and headed for the door. Jade followed her outside, locking the door behind her before returning to the living room.

She collapsed onto the couch besides Crown, feeling her exhaustion take over her body. She worked long hours, starting at six in the morning for her job and then heading to school by three in the afternoon. 

She had a packed college schedule, with two major classes from three to five on Mondays and Tuesdays and an internship from three to six from Wednesday through Friday. She dedicated her weekends to Crown, her top priority in life.

Despite the weariness, Jade found solace in the thought that her graduation was just a month away. She had worked hard to get to this point, managing to put aside enough money to pay for her tuition. 

Though her savings helped cover her college expenses, her true struggle was balancing the needs of her son and her daily responsibilities. She had learned to make sacrifices to ensure they had everything they needed.

"Thank God I paid the rent on this place for four years," she thought to herself. "At least the rent won't keep going up, not for me."

Jade had made a deal with her landlord, which provided some financial stability for her and Crown. They had good neighbors—people who understood her situation and supported her. In fact, Crown had become a little neighborhood sweetheart, always charming everyone he met with his adorable smile and innocent personality.

As Jade looked at her son, her heart filled with love and sadness all at once. He was her greatest joy, yet his existence was a reminder of the mistakes she had made. 

She had left the Philippines in a hurry, running from a life that had become too complicated and painful to face. She had made sure no one could trace her. She buried her past in the Philippines, uncertain if she would ever return.

"I should be content with having you, my love," she whispered, looking down at Crown as he slept peacefully. He was her world now.

Her love for him was unconditional. In spite of everything that had happened, her son was her reason for waking up each day, the one thing that kept her grounded.

Jade gently lifted Crown and tucked him into their bed, covering him with a soft blanket. She kissed his forehead, feeling a surge of maternal affection. Her exhaustion was palpable, but she knew she needed to freshen up and study for the upcoming final exams.

As she brushed her hair in front of the mirror, Jade couldn't help but notice how much she had changed over the years. She had intentionally dyed her hair blonde to change her appearance, feeling that it suited her fair complexion. 

Her lips, though thin, were naturally red, and her nose was sharp and elegant, complementing her angelic features. She was short, standing at five feet and two inches, but she carried herself with confidence. Her brown eyes were kind, and they reflected the inner strength that had kept her going despite the challenges she faced.

"Maybe I can forget about him now," she thought, her mind drifting to the man who had once been the love of her life. He was the one who had caused her heartbreak. "If anything, I'm proud of myself. I may have made mistakes, but I'm doing the best I can for Crown. He bears a striking resemblance to his father, but at least I now have my son."

She shook her head to clear the thoughts. After finishing her nighttime routine, she returned to Crown's side. Sitting down next to him, she opened her books to begin studying. She couldn't afford to waste any more time. The final exams were approaching fast, and she needed to pass them if she wanted to graduate.

She leant over and kissed Crown once more, whispering softly, "Good night, Crown. Sleep tight, baby. Mommy is always here."

As she opened her textbooks, she glanced at her son's peaceful face, a sense of calm washing over her. Despite everything that had happened in her life, Jade was certain that her son would always be her anchor, the one person who kept her going. 

And as she closed the book in front of her, she allowed herself a moment of quiet reflection, grateful for the little life she was building for herself and her son.

It wasn't perfect, and it never would be, but it was theirs. And that was enough.