CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE — I AM NOT YOUR MOTHER.

Chapter 21.I AM NOT YOUR MOTHER.Nora's POV.I bent down, and held Natalie's hand.“I know this is a lot for you right now.” I said, looking into her eyes. “But that's not truth.”“Yes, it is. I heard it all.” she said with tears in her eyes. “You don't want to have anything to do with me.” “No, Natalie. There must have been a misunderstanding.” I said, shaking my head. “You don't understand. I'm not—” I stopped talking as I felt Kyle's gaze boring into my face. I looked at him. He shook his head, asking me not to say the words. But how could I not? She had already gotten the wrong idea of things by thinking that I was her mother, and I abandoned her. I would never do that to my child. I sighed, and lowered my head for a minute. “I didn't abandon you, Natalie.” I lifted my face to her. “The truth is that I'm not your mother.” As I said those words, Kyle dropped his head as if I'd disappointed him. I didn't have a choice. Apologizing to the little girl for something I didn't do w

Last Updated : 2026-08-14

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO — I KNOW WHAT I SAW.

Chapter 22.I KNOW WHAT I SAW.Julian's POV.“Mr Ashwin.” Claudia Jones walked into my office, and held out a hand to me. “It is good to see you again.” “Claudia Jones.” I shook her hand with a smile. “You didn't inform me that you were coming.” “Oh, I'm so sorry about that.” she apologized. “Mr Kimura wanted me to come down here. I thought he would have called to let you know that I was on my way.” “No, he—” the rest of the words faded on my lips as I looked at my phone, and realized that I'd missed his calls. “I am sorry. It was my fault. He called.” Perhaps, he must have called when I was kissing Evie. I must have been deafened by my emotions that I failed to hear my phone ring. Meanwhile, Evie buried her face in her hair as she walked past us, and exited my office. If anything, I could only hope that Claudia didn't see a thing when the door was opened. She looked over her shoulder as Evie walked past her. “Uh, is there a problem?” I asked. “No, not really.” she replied with

Last Updated : 2026-08-14

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE — GOOD WISHES.

Chapter 23.GOOD WISHES.Nora's POV.“I guess this is it.” Julian said, lowering his head a little as he stared at the mansion in front of us through the windshield.“I guess so too.” I drew in a deep, calming breath.“So much for a deal.” he mumbled the words.“Did you just say something?” I asked, raising a brow as I turned to face him.“No, no. I didn't. We should go in.” he shook his head, and turned off the engine of car. He opened the door, and got down from the car. However, I remained in the car for a few more seconds, staring at the mansion. Although, it was just dinner, but it seemed like I'd come for an interview. I didn't know what to expect in there. Of course, Kimura would have questions. The problem was that I didn't think I'd the answers to his questions. Buried in my thoughts, Julian tapped on the partition with a finger, and ducked his head to the side, asking to come out. “Come on, Lily.” I turned back to face her. “We are here.” She opened the door, and got dow

Last Updated : 2026-08-16

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR — A GUEST.

Chapter 24.A GUEST.Nora's POV.“Do we really have to leave?” I asked, stroking Lily's hair as we sat in the back seat of the car. “Do you have something important to do?” I wasn't against his decision for us to leave. I mean, the whole contract was his idea, and I wouldn't be here without him. But then again, I just felt he could have given Lily some more time to get along with Hana even though she wasn't his child. Five more minutes wouldn't hurt. Besides, kimura wanted us to stay some more. He could have just showed some respect, and decided to stay. “I have other things to do.” he said, looking at me through the rearview mirror. “So, we have to leave.” “Alright then.” I sighed, and glanced at the origami crane in Lily's hand. How thoughtful of Hana to have given Lily something like that. But I knew it was all Kimura's doing. Meanwhile, he should have noticed the weirdness between Julian and I. Perhaps, he did. But refused to say a word because he didn't want to ruin the mood.

Last Updated : 2026-08-18

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE — A MEMORY.

Chapter 25.A MEMORYJulian's POV.The door creaked as I opened it, and walked into the chapel. I found someone whom I believed was Victoria sitting on one of the chairs in the front row. Of all the places we could have met, she chose the chapel. Besides, was there really any need to meet? What exactly was she trying to do?I closed the door, and then began to walk forward. As she heard the sound of my footsteps approaching, she got up from the chair, and turned to face me. “I didn't think you would come.” she said with a smile. “Do you remember this place?” “What are you trying to do?” I asked as I stopped walking. “Why do you ask for us to meet here?” “See? Loosen up a bit Julian.” she made a face. “You are always serious. Always thinking that I'm going to hurt you.” “Well, if that's not what you plan on doing then why did you ask for us to meet here?” I raised a furrowed brow. “I don't have the luxury of time to talk to you. So be quick about whatever it is you want to say to m