All Chapters of Song of the Quiet Flame: Chapter 21 - Chapter 29

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

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

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

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