“You’re finally back… and had resigned. Looks like you are prepared to resume your role as the eldest daughter of Su…” Jazzlyn’s father, Dato Su Xiang Chuan, a well-known cardiologist in his glory era, greeted her, though still wearing an upset look at her attire.

  “I have never mentioned anything about returning to this family…” Jazzlyn replied flatly, which agitated her father instantly.

  “Wei Wei, don’t behave this way. You haven’t been home for a long time. Keep your manners. Besides, we have guests.” Her mother reprimanded her as she glared back at her.

  “Dato Kang, you didn’t have to hurry right after being discharged. You need plenty of rest.” Dato Su addressed him as Jazzlyn squinted her eyes at her father.

  Fake… She could not help but judge him.

  “I should… I should. I owe your daughter for saving my life. She is definitely without a doubt an outstanding doctor. It’s a shame such talent is not valued properly. How is it that she is still not with Su’s private hospital?” Dato Kang questioned as the family chuckled politely, except Jazzlyn.

  “Time will tell. She had just resigned, too… Let’s let her rest for a bit.” Dato Su acknowledged his concerns.

  “We didn’t want to rush things. We also know that previously, our only son was dating your precious daughter. We didn’t teach him well that they split, but given now that they both had resigned and maybe will be working for Su’s private hospital, I was thinking if we could potentially progress with the previous arranged marriage agreement we had for both of them?” Dato Kang was straightforward, which took Jazzlyn by surprise. The revelation confirmed her suspicions that there was an arranged marriage after all, which made her very furious with her parents.

  “We didn’t forget about that. We knew the day would come for the children to finally return to business. Since the Kang family had always been supportive of Su’s business, it would only be right for the children to carry on the legacy. What better way would it be if not to get them married? I’m sure they both would be able to work things out.” Dato Su spoke courteously, which made Jazzlyn mock him with a look.

  Jazzlyn was desperately holding in her temper till Benjamin spoke.

  “We will try our best, Uncle Su.” Benjamin’s statement disgusted Jazzlyn so much that she stood abruptly.

  “I didn’t agree to any of this! I wasn’t born when this was arranged! I had left the family long ago! Who are you to impose this on me?!” She spoke directly to her father.

  “Wei Wei, listen we need…” She refused to listen to his explanation.

  “If you dare interfere with my life, I swear I will return tenfold.” She threatened her father before turning to Dato Kang.

  “Uncle Kang, saving you was my duty, but obliging to your gratitude is against my principle. This marriage cannot happen and will never happen. I’m sorry.” She spoke sternly with him as Dato Kang could only sigh in frustration.

  Benjamin stood to hold her, which she refused. “You… Haven’t I made myself clear? Don’t ever take my words for granted!” She warned before making her way out of the house, leaving everyone in frustration as Datin Su made everyone resume dinner and promised to talk Jazzlyn out of her rebellion.

  Benjamin did not want to give up as he chased after her to the park.

  “Jazz! Wait up! Jazz!” He was close to her when he pulled her by her arms as she stared back furiously at him, full of anguish.

  “Who are you to walk in and out of my life as you like, as though I'm trash?!” She glared at him as he blinked, taken aback at how angered she was.

  “We were here to thank you…” He began explaining calmly.

  “Then why bring up the marriage?! After so many years, you didn’t come back and find me! You didn’t even bother to explain! You left me there hanging every single fucking day hoping for you to at least look my way only to be treated like stranger! And then what now?! Now?! Of all fucking times I have decided to resign and here you are appearing again back in my life?! Who the fuck do you think you are for me to take you back into my life?!” Jazzlyn fumed, stifling her tears as she combed her hair with her fingers, half grabbing it in frustration.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Isla could hear the couple bickering while pacing in front of the gate after being restless sitting in the car for an hour or so. She quickly stepped closer to them and eavesdropped.

  “Then why did you not keep pestering me all these years?! Why did you decide to resign without telling me?! Is it because of that doctor who is resigning too?!” Benjamin vented which made Jazzlyn even more convinced with her decisions.

  “Just look at you… You never change, do you? Go and look at the mirror and reflect on the questions you just asked me! Does it even make any sense?! Who are you to me that I need to tell you? Why should I pester when you clearly don’t care? You have never loved me, haven’t you?” Jazzlyn decided to skip his last question cause she never wanted to drag Ethan into any of this.

  “Jazz, I’m sorry… I could make it up to you this time...” Benjamin was still calm, which made Jazzlyn know something was brewing or rather he must have had backing.

  She scoffed and mockingly laughed at him as tears welled in her eyes, disappointed at who he had become.

  “My father promised you a surgeon position in the hospital, isn’t it?” Jazzlyn guesses.

  “Jazz, they are also opening a position for you. We could…” Benjamin wanted to explain, only to have Jazzlyn fume again.

  “After so many scenarios played through my mind of ever speaking with you again, this… Why did you choose this?! Benjamin, do you know what you're worth to me now?” Jazzlyn glared at him as he looked away guiltily.

  “You’re worse than the trash in the drain… If this is how you want us to get back together, I'd rather rot in hell.” She mocked him again, but he was still calm.

  “We would never… I repeat and emphasise. NEVER getting back to where we are or even back together again. Mark my words. I will return tenfold the sufferings you all imposed on me.” Jazzlyn threatened as her vision blurred with tears.

  She turns around, ignoring Benjamin calling out to her. He stopped midway when Isla revealed herself and held onto Jazzlyn who was half holding on to her but had also let her first flow of tears rolled down her cheeks. He could only vent his anger by punching a tree trunk till his knuckles bleed but that did not stop his will from pursuing Jazzlyn die just yet. He was more determined about it than ever cause he wanted the position in Su’s hospital so badly for his career progression.

  Isla knew better to ask anything as she quickly drove Jazzlyn away from her house. Instead they headed to the nearby recreation park and she let Jazzlyn cried by her side while updating Ethan of their location. Ellie was at ease that Isla was with company before resting again after recovering from her fever.

  They took a walk by the huge lake at the park to help Jazzlyn feel a little better.

  “It’s fine… I’m here. I am always here for you.” Isla comforted as she held onto Jazzlyn’s hand.

  “Isla… I should be burning bridges at this rate.” Jazzlyn decided after calming down a little.

  “Not so fast. Let them be for now. You have just started your career again. You also just began something lovely after so long. Get them sorted and settled down. At least, those can become your backbone to fight your family, other than me or Ellie.” Isla reminded her as she blinked, realising about Ethan.

  “Right… Ethan… “ She mumbled under her breath.

  “He flew in earlier. On the way here. Should be soon anytime…” Isla updated as Jazzlyn shook her head.

  “No… He’s too tired…” Jazzlyn mumbled as Isla smiled noticing how caring she was about him already.

  “Then accompany him and look after him. He cares for you very much, Jazz…” Jazzlyn teared up again as Isla hugged her.

  “Hey… It’s alright…” Isla comforted.

  “Isla, my family wants me to marry Benjamin… If this were years ago, I would have stupidly agreed, but after all that… He never loved me, Isla. He…” Jazzlyn broke down, unable to continue explaining as Isla understood the rest.

  Isla gently patted her back. “I know… You have gone through so much. You did well and should not give in.”

  “I can’t, but I don’t want to hurt Ethan. He shouldn’t be implicated by all these…” Jazzlyn let go of Isla as Isla helped her to wipe her wet cheeks.

  “Let me decide if I want to be implicated or not…” A man’s voice was heard from behind them.

  The sight of Ethan made Isla smile at ease as Jazzyln turned around, feeling guilty to face him. Isla held Jazzlyn’s hand and gave it to Ethan.

  “I trust you to sort things out and support her,” Isla said, meeting with Ethan’s confident gaze as he nodded.

  “We will be out of town for a bit. If that’s alright?” Ethan updated as he had decided it was time to reveal to Jazzlyn about his secrets he had been keeping before Isla left.

  “Suit yourself. Keep us updated on both of your safety from time to time will do.” Isla said as Ethan nodded.

  “Thank you, Isla. Let me treat all of you to a meal some other day.” Ethan said sincerely.

  “Thank you, Ethan. See you then!” Isla smiled before making her way back to her car.