c7 - Lost Forever.

What if she told him she was Jay, and she wanted him to repay her by letting her keep custody of Zia? Would he call her selfish?

Could she bear hearing such an insult from the man she loved?

“Ms. Collins, if I have it my way, this won’t end well,” he warned coldly.

Jade lifted her gaze and met his icy eyes.

In the end, she realized — she didn’t want to use her past kindness to him as a bargaining chip now. She helped him back then because helping others came naturally to her, not because she expected something in return.

Just like when she found Zaira again. Zaira had been penniless, desperate, and with no means to afford safe childbirth. Jade had done everything she could — fought with everything she had. But in the end, it hadn't been enough. Zaira’s condition had been too severe, and there wasn’t enough time.

Thankfully, Zia had survived, though she had spent months in the NICU, fighting for her life.

Jade’s life had stalled several times because she chose others’ lives over her own. And yet, after everything, was she destined to be separated from the people she had fought so hard for?

First was Zane. Even though it had been her decision to leave him, she knew in her heart she wasn’t wrong. Now, he was happy with Catherine.

Then Zaira, her best friend, whom she tried to save but lost to death.

And now, Zia — Zaira’s daughter, her daughter in every way that mattered — might be taken from her too.

“I’m asking you again," Zane said, his voice cutting through her spiraling thoughts. "Do you know my sister?”

Jade swallowed hard. There was no use lying now.

“If your sister is Zaira Taylor, then yes, Mr. Frost. I know your sister,” she answered, keeping her voice steady despite the ache inside her.

“Taylor? That was her surname?” Zane’s voice was barely above a whisper.

Zaira had been able to keep her name because of the necklace she always wore — a small pendant etched with her name.

Why the powerful Frost family had never found her, Jade didn’t know.

“Where is she now? Could you take me to her?” he asked, hope flickering desperately in his eyes.

Jade looked away. How could she tell him the truth? How could she shatter that fragile hope?

“Ms. Collins, where is my sister?” His voice broke slightly.

“Mr. Frost...” she said gently, forcing herself to meet his gaze. “I’m afraid you’re three years too late.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, the color draining from his face.

Jade tried to hold his gaze, but the pain in his eyes was unbearable.

“She died three years ago,” she said softly.

“What?” Zane laughed dryly, the sound hollow and disbelieving, as if mocking himself for daring to hope.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Frost,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

She truly was sorry.

If they had known earlier that Zaira was a Frost, maybe her life could have been saved. Maybe she would have received better care. Maybe both Zaira and Zia could have survived.

Tears streamed down Jade’s cheeks. The memory of losing Zaira — a friend, a sister — still cut deep. But she had braved the loss, for Zia’s sake, stepping into the role of mother without hesitation.

“If...” She clenched her fists, forcing the painful words out. “If it would make you feel better... She left behind a child. She’s with me. Zia,” she said, her voice breaking at the end.

Before she could change her mind, the truth was out.

She prayed Zia would never hate her for what she might have to do.

The Frost family could give Zia a life Jade could only dream of providing — no matter how many jobs she worked, no matter how many years she struggled.

“I have only one request, Mr. Frost,” she said, bowing her head low, her pride stripped away.

“Please... give me enough time to say goodbye properly to my daughter. I mean... to Zaira’s daughter. Your niece.”

—

Jade waited anxiously as Zane struggled to calm himself.

She knew he was in deep pain after learning that the sister he had longed to find was lost forever.

He had asked her to step out of the office earlier, and now, she could only hope that he wouldn’t make things harder for her — or for Zia.

She hadn’t lied to him. She had told him the truth, even though it meant risking everything, even though it meant losing Zia.

“Ms. Collins,” Ryan called to her gently, bringing her out of her thoughts. “You may go inside now.”

“Thank you,” she murmured.

Jade nearly stumbled as she stood. It felt as if all the strength had drained from her body, her legs barely able to hold her up.

Still, she forced herself to move forward.

When she entered the office, she found Zane standing by the window, his back turned to her.

“I’ve thought about it,” he began, his voice steady but distant. “You and Zia should move into the Frost mansion as soon as possible.”

Jade froze, stunned.

She had imagined countless scenarios, prepared herself for the worst — but not for this.

“It’s my way of repaying you,” Zane continued, still facing away. “After all, Zia doesn’t have her parents even if she comes back to the Frosts.”

Overwhelmed, Jade broke down in tears.

This time, they were tears of gratitude, not grief.

When Zane finally turned to face her and saw her wiping at her wet cheeks, he frowned slightly.

“Why are you crying?” he asked. “Did you want to give up on Zia?”

“No,” Jade answered quickly, shaking her head. “No, Mr. Frost. I’m just... surprised you didn’t ask me to leave her.”

She tried to smile through her uncontrollable sobs. “Thank you, Mr. Frost. Thank you so much.”

“It’s the least I can offer you,” he said, his tone softer now.

“But this is just me speaking. I don’t know how my grandmother will react when she finds out. Still, I promise you — your kindness won’t be ignored this time.”

Jade was too overwhelmed with happiness to notice the quiet weight behind his last words. She simply nodded eagerly, tears of gratitude continuing to spill down her cheeks.

“Thank you, Ms. Collins, for looking after Zaira and Zia all this time.”