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Song of the Quiet Flame Chapter 29
Stephen's Side StoryElaine never knew that Stephen had laid eyes on her long before that.The first time Stephen saw Elaine, she was a high school freshman, struggling with her grades but always wearing a bright, carefree smile.He was a year ahead of her in school.She always got called into the teacher's office for a scolding.Sometimes, she had to write an apology or explanation for her behavior.Stephen would often see her looking upset, trying hard to come up with the right words for her written statement.Then, she would ask for his help."Hey, can you check this for me? Do you think it'll make the cut?""Sure."Stephen had helped her a couple of times, and eventually, she just stopped remembering to ask.Later, she was not the teacher's office regular anymore; she was Jasper's girl.Stephen never tried to reconnect with her. He left the country after his senior year of high school.He attended four years of college and three years of grad school.He spent seven ye
Song of the Quiet Flame Chapter 28
Elaine had moved on from whatever had been between them.She greeted him coolly, saying, "It's been a while."Jasper's response was equally composed, as if they were just old friends who had lost touch. "It has been a while."With the pleasantries exchanged, there was not much left to say.Ready to leave with her child in tow, Elaine took a step forward.However, Jasper stopped her. "Do you have time for a meal?"What a coincidence that was.Elaine hesitated, then turned him down. "Sorry. I'm off to the amusement park with the little one."Jasper gave a nod of understanding, then his gaze fell on the little girl in Elaine's arms. Her round face, fair and soft, was utterly adorable."Your daughter?"Elaine nodded, then with a hint of irony, she said, "And your niece."She was indeed his niece, at least in name.However, Jasper, the uncle, had not bothered to send her a single gift in years.The Carters never outright ignored the kid; Stephen's word carried too much clout fo
Song of the Quiet Flame Chapter 27
Then, Jasper only caught snippets about her through the grapevine.At times, he felt utterly foolish for ending up like that.It was all on him.There was no one else to blame.Suddenly, the drink in Jasper's hand lost its flavor, and the room's vibe felt suffocating. He stood up, his face a blank slate. "Enjoy your drinks. I'm out of here."Once he was gone, the rest exchanged puzzled looks."You had to say the wrong thing.""No way. I thought Jasper had moved on from Elaine ages ago. She really did a number on him.""And Jasper's not exactly lonely; he seemed to really like that girl he showed up with recently."A young, pretty girl who had it together, someone who was way better than the one he got sick of back home.Someone else snapped, "You don't get it. Jasper's not over her. Let's not talk about Elaine again. It's just bad vibes."Elaine and Jasper had not crossed paths in ages.Elaine had not set foot in the Carter family estate again, not even after her marriage t
Song of the Quiet Flame Chapter 26
The buzz about Elaine and Jasper's split was the talk of the town, but what really set tongues wagging was her whirlwind marriage to Stephen. Even more so, the shocker that Stephen had signed over all his shares to her. In their elite circles, that was unprecedented.Folks were left scratching their heads, wondering what kind of spell Elaine had cast to enchant a man like Stephen, who was once the epitome of self-restraint. They doubted the romance would last, expecting a breakup or another divorce announcement any day.However, a few months later, word got out that Elaine had a baby girl, a real cutie pie. Stephen threw a grand celebration for their daughter's one-month milestone, sparing no expense. He proudly paraded Elaine at the party, introducing her to his nearest and dearest.Elaine was still Mrs. Carter, but then she had a devoted husband and a darling daughter to call her own.On the other hand, Jasper seemed to be faring well enough. He was never short on fleeting romanc
Song of the Quiet Flame Chapter 25
It was like a colossal stone plummeting into a lake already rippling with unrest, stirring up a whirlwind of chaos.Elaine felt her heart plummet.The details of what happened next were a blur.She only clearly remembered seeing Jasper again in the company of their lawyers.They sat opposite each other at an office desk.Elaine's stomach was slightly rounded, and the gentle swell was not quite obvious.Jasper fixed her with a look. "Are you sure about the divorce? Think about it carefully."Elaine locked eyes with Jasper, the man she had poured years of love into, then calmly hashing out the end of their marriage. Life sure had a twisted sense of humor."I've made up my mind."Jasper, it's time we freed each other."They had tied the knot out of love.Then, with love faded, parting was the kindest cut."We don't have to end it like this."I can act like the child never happened."Ellie, it's been a decade."She had known him for ten years, from their high school days to
Song of the Quiet Flame Chapter 24
The moment she said those words, there were at least a few minutes of silence on the other end of the line.Then came a shriek—completely unrestrained. Mandy's voice sounded like she was shaking. "What did you just say?! Elaine, what did you say?!"Elaine reckoned that she had nothing left to hide with everything out in the open between her and Jasper."Mom, there's no need to make a scene."Jasper's side piece is pregnant too, so you're still on track to be a grandmother. The Carter legacy's safe."Then, Elaine ended the call, indifferent to whatever hurricane of emotions she had left swirling on the other end.Stephen shot her a meaningful look from the corner of his eye.Caught under his intense gaze, Elaine squirmed but kept her calm. "I never planned on returning to the Carters, but it looks like I've got to clear the air."It was time to drag all the dirty laundry out into the open, every last bit of it.Stephen gave a noncommittal grunt, his hand finding hers in a quiet
Song of the Quiet Flame Chapter 23
Elaine did not look back as she walked out of the hospital.Meanwhile, Lucy lingered, hiding in a corner of the hospital, afraid to breathe too loudly.She had never experienced such harshness from Jasper, and then fear gripped her. She took a deep breath and mustered the courage to say, "Mr. Carter, I really am..."Pregnant.She was not lying.There were no games, no tricks.The surprise of the pregnancy had hit her at the hospital, and since there had been no one else but Jasper, the baby was undoubtedly his."It's true, I'm pregnant."You were my first, you know that, and this child..."Her words came out slowly, her head bowed.Jasper's response was even more detached than she had anticipated. "You're really pregnant?"She nodded, her face a picture of uncertainty and vulnerability, as tears brimmed in her eyes.Jasper let out a scornful laugh. "Well then, have the baby."Lucy was more stunned than elated. She had never imagined Jasper would agree so quickly to let her
Song of the Quiet Flame Chapter 22
Lucy stood frozen, Jasper's words hitting her like a cold slap. She felt like she was looking at a stranger, not the man she thought she knew.She was silent as tears streamed down her face, as delicate as a weeping pear blossom in the rain.She inhaled sharply. "I'm...I'm pregnant."Her face was the picture of innocence as she gazed at Jasper, searching for a response.Lucy was no naive undergrad. She had her sights set on Jasper, well aware that he and his wife had been childless despite years of marriage.With his status and his age, he would surely want a child.Lucy had bet everything on the prestige that motherhood could bring, and she had decided to play her hand that day.Elaine watched the scene unfold, her face a mix of emotions. She felt a laugh bubbling up, but she could not quite let it out.She glanced at Jasper, her voice tinged with sarcasm as she said, "Well, Jasper, your mom's going to be over the moon."Then, she turned to walk away.However, Jasper, on imp
Song of the Quiet Flame Chapter 21
The one most desperate to hear the news was Mandy.Even before the test results were out, she kept calling them repeatedly.It was no different after that.Once Jasper had told her the child had to go, Mandy was on the phone instantly.Elaine did not keep it a secret. "Mom, I'm pregnant."Mandy was overjoyed, offering her thanks to the heavens.Then she said, "You must move into the family estate tomorrow. We have a nanny there, so you'll be well taken care of."Mandy's joy was tinged with a fair share of gripes. "This is Jasper's first kid, and it hasn't been easy. You've got to be extra careful now. Remember, your body isn't just yours anymore. The baby comes first in everything you do."Elaine, gripping the phone tighter, could barely suppress a scoff.Mandy went on, her voice taking on a scolding tone. "We're aware of the troubles between you and Jasper, and we've heard plenty about the messes you've made in public. I'll be straight with you—some things are better left ign
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