The evening sky looked gray. Rain fell softly, creating a gentle drizzle against Joe’s bedroom window. The boy sat quietly on the edge of his bed, hugging his favorite stuffed dog while staring at the closed door. Beyond it, Damien’s voice was faintly heard—talking on the phone with someone, probably discussing the wedding with Joe’s mother.Joe closed his eyes.He didn’t know how to explain it, but ever since living in Damien’s big house, his heart never felt at ease. Everything seemed luxurious, complete, and beautiful. But empty. Cold. There was no laughter. No hugs like before when he lived with Hunter Jackson.Even though their old home was cramped and simple, his father’s hugs were always warm.Joe wiped his eyes. That day, he had overheard his mother and Damien’s conversation by accident. They were going to get married soon. And Joe—though just a little kid—understood that after that, his life would never be the same.He didn’t want to lose his father for real.Holding his brea
The city sky was overcast, the clouds hanging heavy as if sharing the weight of Hunter Jackson’s burdened heart. Meanwhile, behind the large glass window on the second floor of a luxurious building, a woman stood silently, staring at the street below with a gaze that was hard to decipher.Olivia.A successful CEO and owner of several major companies. Her appearance was, as always, elegant—her hair neatly pinned up, her lips painted a deep maroon. But today, her eyes were different. Not as sharp. There was a flicker of emotion every time her gaze fell on the figure stumbling along the sidewalk across the street.Hunter Jackson.Her ex-husband.---For the past few days, Olivia had been watching the man in silence. Each night, as luxury cars passed by and the city lights glittered, Hunter walked home on foot, wearing a worn-out jacket and tattered shoes. More than once, she had seen him pause on a park bench—just to catch his breath, or perhaps to hold back tears.What made Olivia’s hea
Hunter Jackson’s footsteps echoed softly on the narrow sidewalk, a crumpled sheet of paper clutched in his hand—a list of job openings torn from a public notice board. His once-fine shirt had lost its color, and the expensive leather shoes he used to wear now looked dull and cracked at the toes.Today, he had to get a job.Not a position worthy of a former director like himself. Just something that could earn him enough to eat, to survive.That morning, he applied at a small café on the corner of town.“We need a dishwasher,” the owner said bluntly. “Work starts at 3 PM, ends at midnight. Paid daily. Take it or leave it.”Hunter lowered his gaze, pride still clawing at his chest. But he knew hunger was far more painful than wounded pride.“I’ll take it,” he said quietly.---By late afternoon, Hunter was wearing an apron and standing in the steaming kitchen, hands busy scrubbing piles of dirty dishes. Soapy water ran fast, mixed with sweat and exhaustion.He hadn’t expected dishwashin
The midday sky was scorching. The sun hung directly overhead, baking the asphalt of the crowded city streets. Amid the hustle and bustle, a man staggered along the sidewalk—his face pale, his body frail. His clothes were tattered, his hair disheveled, and his eyes blank, as if he had lost all sense of direction in life.That man was Hunter Jackson.His steps were unsteady, like someone who had been drained of all will to live. His cheeks were hollow, his skin clammy with cold sweat. A few pedestrians turned to look at him, but not one stopped.Hunter hadn’t eaten properly in days. A stale piece of bread yesterday, sugarless coffee for the past week, and tap water to sustain his fading strength. The man who once stood tall now looked fragile. Dark circles rimmed his red eyes—whether from sleepless nights or too much crying, it was hard to tell.But the worst part wasn’t the hunger gnawing at his insides.It was the guilt that haunted his mind.He had destroyed Olivia—the woman who had
The sky was darkening as Hunter Jackson stood before the tall gates that separated him from the house of his past—a place that now felt like a stranger. The modern colonial home loomed with elegance in the center of a wide yard, its manicured gardens flawless and cold. Once, he had called this place home. But ever since he left with Shopia Joy, it had become a monument to everything he had thrown away.Hunter took a deep breath. His shirt was wrinkled, his pants faded. His once-polished leather shoes had lost their shine. Everything he owned vanished when Shopia left, and with her, so did his wealth.Now, he stood at the gates of his past, empty-handed, his heart weighed down with regret.Someone inside the house glanced at the CCTV camera. Seconds later, the gates opened automatically. Hunter stepped inside, his pace hesitant. Every inch of the property reminded him of Olivia—the woman who had stood by him when he had nothing, the woman he chose to betray.The large oak door slowly c
In the quiet of the hospital room, Shopia stared blankly out the window. Her heart churned, her mind a storm of thoughts. In just a few days, her life had turned upside down—from being a single mother struggling on her own, to a woman caught between two men, each with a past and ambitions of his own. But today, she had made her decision.Shopia took a deep breath. In her hand was a signed divorce document. Her fingers trembled as she waited for Hunter Jackson to arrive. This was the end of a long, exhausting chapter… and maybe the beginning of something new.The door creaked open. Hunter Jackson walked in, dressed simply, his face tired, yet carrying a faint trace of hope."You wanted to talk?" he asked quietly.Shopia stood and handed him the blue folder. “These… are the divorce papers.”Hunter stared at the folder for a long time, reluctant to take it. “So… this is your decision?”“I’ve spent too long clinging to the past, Hunter,” she said, trying to stay strong. “I need to do what
Morning at the hospital never truly felt peaceful.The hum of medical machines, the hurried footsteps of nurses, and the occasional cries of patients filled the air with an invisible pressure. But that morning felt heavier than usual for Shopia Joy.Joe was still asleep in the VIP ward, an IV drip attached to his small hand. His pale little face made Shopia’s heart sink every time she looked at him. She sat by his bedside, gripping his hand tightly. Most of her time since last night had been spent taking care of Joe, and the rest battling thoughts that kept circling back to Hunter Jackson.That embrace… those words…“I miss your warmth…”Shopia closed her eyes. She couldn’t allow herself to doubt again. Maybe Hunter regretted everything—or maybe he didn’t. But one thing was clear: he was no longer the man she could rely on.Before she could gather her thoughts, her phone rang. The name flashing on the screen made her body tense up instantly:Damien.She glanced at Joe, then stepped ou
Late at night, Shopia Joy finally stepped out of Joe’s hospital room.The cold air of the corridor bit at her skin, but she continued walking slowly toward the waiting area to buy a bottle of water. Her feet ached, but her mind was far more exhausted. Ever since Damian had shown up and revealed that he knew about Joe, her head hadn’t stopped spinning with the worst possible scenarios.But her steps came to a sudden halt when she saw Hunter Jackson sitting on one of the long benches. His head was bowed, fists clenched on his knees, as if he were battling something deep inside. He wore an old, faded jacket that looked as worn as his soul.Shopia intended to walk past him, but his quiet voice stopped her.“Shopia, wait a moment.”She sighed, turning slowly. “What now, Hunter?”He stood up, eyes red—either from exhaustion or emotions he could no longer contain.“We’re not divorced yet, Shopia Joy,” he said softly but firmly. “Legally, you’re still my wife.”Shopia frowned, cautious. “Don’
Rain poured relentlessly, drenching the windshield of Damian Arman's car parked in front of the hospital. The wipers had long stopped moving, letting the mist and rain blur his view. Still, his eyes remained fixed on a fifth-floor window—the room where Joe was being treated. The curtain had briefly swayed earlier, revealing the silhouette of Shopia and the child.Damian rubbed his temples. His anger hadn’t subsided since their earlier confrontation. Shopia’s words still echoed in his ears:“I will never give my child to you, Damian!”He wanted to laugh—and scream. That child was his flesh and blood, so why did everyone treat him like the enemy?Damian was about to step out of the car when an old vehicle pulled up at the hospital entrance. A man stepped out, wearing a faded uniform with the logo of a discount store on his chest. In his hand was a plastic bag with fast food and a pack of toilet paper.Damian narrowed his eyes. That face... it was still familiar.Hunter Jackson. A wareho