Chapter 1
After hanging up the phone, Abel White picked up a photograph from the coffee table. It was a striking image of a handsome man in a black suit, sitting silently in a chair. His prominent fingers clasped a ledger, and he was deeply engrossed in reading it. Abel had secretly taken this photo six years ago with his phone, and the print had faded a bit over time. One corner was slightly bent, signs of those years gone by. On the back of the photo were numbers that Abel had written down in his longing, tracing them repeatedly with his fingertips, yet he never found the courage to call. “Adelaide White, did you really call your dad?” he asked, glancing over at his daughter. Adelaide White, looking like an innocent young rabbit, nodded beside him. For six years, Abel had found himself caught between wanting Jasper Blackwood to find her and hoping he wouldn't. Five years ago, the news of his engagement to another woman had been splashed across the papers. The thought of their daughter meeting Jasper Blackwood had always felt wrong. Taking a deep breath, Abel placed a hand on Adelaide's shoulder. “Adelaide, we’re moving tomorrow.” “Mom, why are we moving?” she asked, her innocent eyes widening with confusion. Seeing her puzzled expression tightened something in Abel's chest. He gently pulled her into an embrace and whispered, “Because I want to take you on an adventure.” “Mom, do you not want me to see Dad?” Adelaide's gaze was unwavering as she looked up at Abel. “How could I stop you from seeing your dad?” Abel assured her, though her persistence caught him off guard. “Mom, you always say Dad works far away and can’t come back to see us. But I’m six now. I miss him. And the parent-teacher conference is coming up... I want both my parents to be there.” Abel's heart sank as he held Adelaide's tiny hand. The concern in her eyes gnawed at him. How could he tell her that she was a child of a complicated past? He looked down, feeling helpless. “Okay, in a few days, both your dad and I will go. Don’t worry, sweetheart.” He ruffled her hair, his mind racing. It was time he found someone to fill the father's role in Adelaide's life. Adelaide looked up, her innocent face brightening with a spark of disbelief. “Mom, are you serious?” “Of course, sweetie.” Abel stroked her cheek; he watched her face flutter with excitement, almost overwhelmed. At that moment, Nurse Clara came over, interrupting their private moment. “Ma’am, there’s a stranger outside wanting to speak to you,” she said. “A stranger?” Abel felt a wave of confusion wash over him. “What kind of man?” “Tall, muscular, wearing a sleek black suit.” “Could it be Dad?” Before Abel could react, Adelaide squealed with joy and dashed out the door. Abel sighed, unable to catch her, and hurriedly followed. “Adelaide!” As he raced outside, he quickly spotted a man standing by the iron gate. Abel froze, his heart thumping in disbelief; the man before her was none other than Gareth Highfield! “Dad!” Adelaide called out without hesitation, but Abel swiftly covered her mouth, feeling a rush of embarrassment. She was shouting the name in the open, and Abel quickly turned her away, her heart pounding with confusion. “Yvette Wynd,” Gareth spoke, surprise etched across his face upon seeing Abel.
Chapter 2
Gareth Highfield couldn’t believe his eyes. Standing in the office of his boss, he had a clear view of the former CEO. And beside this old figure, he noticed a strikingly handsome child. The child, slender and delicate, had a pair of deep, expressive dark eyes that seemed to hold a world of emotion. The sight of those eyes sent Gareth’s mind racing back to someone he thought he’d long since left behind. Noticing Gareth’s reaction, Abel White felt an instinctive urge to protect. “Get behind me, Adelaide,” he urged, stepping in front of the child and staring directly at Gareth. “Gareth Highfield, it’s been a while. What brings you here?” Gareth pulled his gaze away, replying coolly, “I’m just looking to confirm a phone number.” Abel’s heart raced. “You’ve got the wrong address. I don’t have any numbers here.” With that, he quickly ushered Adelaide back into the office. “Mom, isn’t that Dad?” the child asked. “Absolutely not,” Abel snapped, framing his words for clarity. Gareth stood rooted at the doorway, overhearing the exchange between the boy and Abel, filled with questions. He shook his head at the bewildering turn of events before stepping back into his car parked on the street, gripping the wheel tightly as he sped off towards Harmony Guild. The sun blazed overhead, casting vibrant colors across the gilded lettering of "Harmony Guild" at its entrance. On the twenty-third floor, another set of dark eyes fixated on a folder labeled Winston, while his profound voice echoed through the room. “Good,” he said with finality. The assistant, Bella Green, handed him a pen, and Jasper Blackwood scrawled his name in a commanding flourish on the folder. “Thank you, sir,” Bella nodded. “Bella, please see Seraphina Young out,” he instructed. “Yes, sir,” she replied dutifully. As Bella escorted Seraphina from the room, Gareth entered, catching Jasper’s attention. Jasper, still focused on paperwork, merely nodded, “Yvette Wynd?” Gareth flashed a smile. “You’re impressively sharp, Boss.” Gareth’s demeanor grew serious as Jasper fixed his gaze on him. “What have you figured out?” “Just that the number I’m tracing connects to Yvette Wynd Young's residence. Apparently, it was her child who called. Looks around five or six years old.” Silence blanketed the room as Jasper’s face turned cold. He had not realized that six years had passed since Yvette had left him for someone else. Understanding washed over him; it explained her brisk finality during their last conversation. “I didn’t see her myself,” Gareth continued cautiously, “But when I stood at her door, her child thought I was his father.” “Did you see Yvette's husband?” Jasper's voice was chilly. “No. Boss, I have something I’m unsure about mentioning.” “Well, spit it out.” Gareth chuckled shyly, “The kid… he bears a resemblance to you, I think. Just my gut feeling.” Jasper’s expression shifted abruptly; he hadn’t anticipated that a child could carry echoes of his own likeness. The poignant memory of that night six years ago flooded back, stirring his heart unnervingly. “Gareth, head over to Charles Brightman’s. I want all the details on Yvette Wynd’s family.” “Boss, since when do you take an interest in Yvette Wynd?” Jasper mused on that day six years ago, recalling how he had frozen in heartbreak as Yvette walked away, but inexplicably, he was now failing to shield himself from re-engaging with her story. It was a jumbled cacophony of emotions he hadn’t expected to face, and responsibility dawned on him.
Chapter 3
“Gareth Highfield, how long have you been working with me?” Gareth paused for a moment, lost in thought before responding, “Six years.” “Have you ever received a raise?” A flicker of concern crossed Gareth's face as he instinctively bent over. “Boss, I get it. Please don’t dock my pay. I just need to check on Charles and Yvette Wynd.” As Gareth strode out of the office, Jack the Boldwood set aside the Winston file, ready to dig into Yvette Wynd's case. Back when the Harmony Guild was in turmoil, he had found Yvette and had her impersonate his deceased sister to inherit her shares in the company. That move ensured the Boldwood family remained the largest stakeholders in the Guild. Although Jack worked behind the scenes, he had Yvette manage the Guild’s day-to-day affairs, while he advised her discreetly on how to navigate the complexities of the business. After a year working together, Yvette helped him uncover the murderer of Eamon Zane and put them behind bars. With the support of several long-time shareholders, Jack took the reins from Yvette. “This is your reward,” he had said, placing a check in front of Yvette. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she accepted it, but when she glanced back at him, her enthusiasm dimmed slightly. “So, I’m really leaving today, am I?” “You could choose to stay.” Yvette seemed momentarily stunned by his words. “If you liked me, you wouldn't have to leave.” But to his surprise, she waved him off. “Are you kidding? Why would I have feelings for a shady businessman like you? After spending a year with you, I can’t even count how many times I’ve faced life-threatening situations.” He felt anger boiling within him. Throughout that year, he'd believed her kindness meant there was something more between them. Instead, his feelings had been mere wishful thinking. That night, after drinking too much, Yvette had tried to sober him up, but the more she urged him to stop, the more he indulged. All he could vaguely recall was being drunk and acting violently towards her. “Let go of me! Jack, this is assault! I could sue you!” “Yvette, if you want to sue, go ahead. No one can stop me tonight!” Underneath his usually stoic facade, Jack unleashed a wild side that night. His intoxicating murmurs echoed in Yvette's ears as he aggressively tore at her clothing. As Abel White reflected on those memories, he closed his eyes. Tagore once said, “Do not place your Amelia on the edge of a cliff; it’s too Gareth.” But the chasm separating Abel White and Jack was far greater than a simple cliff. Before he encountered Jack, Abel had been an ordinary store clerk. He lived a simple life, earning barely enough to scrape by, often teaming up with friends to snatch up limited-time deals. Life was routine—a predictable rhythm, never chaotic. Sure, he had fantasized about winning the lottery and finding overnight wealth, but when the opportunity for financial gain finally approached him, it ushered in six years of regret. “Mom, what are you thinking about?” Adelaide White trotted over, clutching her pillow, clad in her favorite cat pajamas, her tiny feet pattering on the floor. “Jack, it’s ten o'clock! Why aren’t you in bed yet?” “Mom, I want to hear a story.” “Go to your room; I’ll be there soon.” “Okay!” Obediently, Adelaide dashed to her room. As Abel watched her lively figure disappear, he reflected on his day spent with the young scribe. “Sigh…” Abel let out a weary breath as he headed toward Adelaide's room.
Chapter 4
As dawn broke, Abel White was still wrapped in a blissful slumber, holding his daughter, Adelaide, close. Suddenly, the sound of the doorbell pierced through the quiet of the early morning. Aunt Margery, still bleary-eyed, hastily pulled on a sweater before hurrying to answer the door. Seeing the visitor from the previous morning through the peephole sprang Aunt Margery to full alertness. She raced up to the second floor. “Ma’am!” Aunt Margery yelled while knocking on Abel's door. The ringing of the doorbell was soon followed by the sound of Aunt Margery's urgent knocks. With a groggy disorientation, Abel dragged himself out of bed and opened the door. “Aunt Margery, what’s going on?” he asked, stifling a yawn. “Sir, that man from yesterday morning is back outside our house!” In an instant, Abel felt a jolt of adrenaline course through him, washing away any lingering sleepiness. He rushed downstairs and, upon peering through the peephole, confirmed that it was indeed Gareth Highfield standing by the front of their home. Panic surged within him. Why would Gareth come back? Did the locals know that he had just welcomed Adelaide into the world? No! Abel bit his nails, forcing himself to keep calm. “Aunt Margery, is he dangerous? Should I call the police?” Aunt Margery was already striding toward the phone. “Aunt Margery, wait!” Abel quickly peeked over Aunt Margery’s shoulder at the doorway again. Initially, the sight of Gareth had sent him into a spin of anxiety, but now, observing more carefully, he noticed that Gareth seemed to be alone. That realization offered a sense of relief. “Aunt Margery, he’s not a bad man, just an old friend of mine. But I’d really prefer if you could ask him to leave. If he refuses, call the police to scare him off.” Aunt Margery, her face resolute, nodded and stepped outside with a broom in hand. Abel watched as she swung open the door, ready to confront Gareth. “Why are you ringing the bell so early?! Don’t you know people are trying to sleep?” Gareth, who generally came off as mild-mannered, attempted a conciliatory smile as he gazed at Aunt Margery clutching the broom. “Uh, Aunt Margery, you’ve got it all wrong. I’m here urgently to speak with Miss Yvette!” Aunt Margery wasn’t swayed by his charms. “My lady doesn’t go by Yvette! If you have nothing to discuss, don’t keep bothering us, or I swear I’ll call the cops!” Abel breathed a sigh of relief; luckily, he hadn’t revealed his real name to Gareth, who still mistakenly believed him to be Yvette Wynd. “Wait, Aunt Margery, I’m not a bad guy!” Gareth insisted. “I’m a friend of your lady’s! I just need to see her for a moment.” “She left yesterday, so you should leave. Now!” That was clever, Aunt Margery. Abel couldn't help but smile; he hadn’t expected Aunt Margery to come up with a story like that. “Then why is your fancy car still parked out front?” A voice interrupted, cutting through the tension. A striking figure appeared at the edge of the doorframe, half-shadowed in the early light. “Gareth, is this a game we’re playing?” Cecilia Frost’s cool presence demanded attention, her aura formidable enough to physically sweep into the room. Abel felt a mix of awe and alarm rush through him, prompting him to quickly shut the door and make his way back upstairs. Could it be? Just one phone call yesterday, and now they were at his door? “Sir, do keep it down. I told you my lady isn't here; if you persist in this ruckus, I’ll actually have to call the police!” Aunt Margery stated firmly to Gareth and Cecilia.
Chapter 5
“Alfred, we really shouldn’t…” Gareth Highfield was trying earnestly to explain to Aunt Margery, but before he could finish his thought, Jasper Blackwood interrupted him, turning away and striding toward the car. “Gareth Highfield, we’re heading back.” “Boss, don’t you want to see Yvette Wynd?” Gareth protested. Jasper glanced over his shoulder, casting a look at the exquisitely polished car nearby. His dark eyes held a depth tinged with a hint of amusement that was almost imperceptible. “There will be other chances,” he replied coolly. With a resigned sigh, Gareth could only nod and follow him. As she watched the two men walk away, Aunt Margery let out a breath of relief. Gripping her broom, she turned to tidy up, only to catch sight of Abel White standing at the doorway. Her gaze lingered on the sleek black car as it faded into the distance, a note of regret passing through her. After the car disappeared around the corner, Abel gathered his thoughts and approached Aunt Margery. “Thank you for your help, Aunt Margery.” “Of course, young man,” she said, her tone warm. “Aunt Margery, I’ll be taking Jasper on a trip for a few days, so I’ll need your assistance at the Homestead while we’re gone.” “Just how long will you be away?” Aunt Margery inquired, a hint of curiosity in her voice. “I’m not sure,” Abel admitted, a touch of melancholy creeping into his words. Aunt Margery chose not to press further. Over the years, working at the Homestead as Nurse Clara had earned her respectable treatment, yet her heart ached watching Abel, so young, bearing the weight of singlehandedly raising a child without ever mentioning Eamon Zane, the father. The age gap between them was barely noticeable, and it stirred a mix of sympathy and concern in Aunt Margery. “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of the place,” she reassured him. Abel nodded appreciatively before stepping inside. Evading Jasper was the only option available. It had been six years since she and Eamon’s child had shown up. Now, how would she face Jasper Blackwood if they crossed paths? It had started as a mistake, one that had grown into a reality when Abel unexpectedly gave birth to Jasper's child. She wondered whether Jasper had any feelings left for her. It seemed unlikely. If he were to find her now, it would likely be to claim what belonged to him—his child. In that case, she would lose everything she held dear. Clutching the train ticket tightly in her hands, a sense of trepidation washed over her, the looming shadow of Jasper’s somber expression intensifying her discomfort. The Blackwood family was influential, while Abel alone had her daughter, Adelaide White. “Mom, why are you crying?” Adelaide asked, her innocent curiosity breaking through Abel’s thoughts. “Sweetheart, it’s just happiness. We’re going to Grandma’s house; how does that sound to you?” “Sounds great!” Adelaide chirped excitedly. Abel smiled, comforted by her daughter’s natural kindness. Abel's hometown was located on an island called Windward Isle, a place laden with cherished memories. Each year, she took Adelaide back for family gatherings, but unplanned visits were rare. Embracing the ocean breeze after a three-hour journey, she and Adelaide finally arrived at Windward Isle. Since the Harbor and the Homestead were fairly close, Abel dragged her suitcase along while holding onto her daughter's hand as they made their way home. Greeting a few familiar faces along the way, she felt shy but was grateful that the island seemed to welcome her back. Navigating familiar paths, she approached her childhood home: the Red Cottage, enclosed by a large yard. As she drew near, the sounds of laughter and excitement reached her ears.
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