"I mean it, Caroline." Jared said seriously. He looked at Caroline with a deep look in his eyes. Caroline, who had been laughing, suddenly fell silent and put on a flat face. "Are you serious?" She asked incredulously. Jared just shut up. He didn't need to repeat the same sentence a second time. The look on his face and the look in his eyes said it all. He never messed with his words. "Don't ask me to do anything silly. You know my relationship with Jake isn't going well. You're his uncle, we can never have any kind of relationship. I'm no longer interested in men." Caroline emphasized. She didn't want to give anyone any hope, so she was blunt. Fuck if Jared was going to fire her, she didn't care. Jared was silent. He was staring at Caroline intently. Caroline felt uncomfortable, she grabbed her bag and was about to get up from her seat. However, Jared immediately held back. "Don't go. Let's just say I never said anything, I didn't mean it. Maybe I overreacted, so you becam
"Don't equate me with her. I would never sell my pride for money." Caroline said it firmly. She stared intently at Jake, while her hands were clenched in irritation."Obviously you're not Emily's equal." Jake replied with emphasis. He tightened his embrace around Emily's waist to make Caroline even angrier with jealousy. He smiled sarcastically, feeling superior for having managed to hurt Caroline's pride."I brought her here." Jared replied haughtily. There was no relationship like there used to be. Jared used to think of Jake as a dear nephew, but not anymore. Jake was no longer the little boy who needed to be lavished with affection and spoiled with money."Uncle, you have to be careful with her. She could spend your money without you knowing; she's just a worthless piece of trash." Jake emphasized. He wanted to make Caroline lose her self-esteem even more.Jared held his chin high, looking so confident. He put his arm around Caroline's waist, just as Jake had put his arm around Em
"You go in first; I'll catch up." Jared said after they arrived at the hotel where the party would be held. The man walked off into the middle of nowhere, with Thalius and Donny trailing behind.Caroline looked so awkward stepping alone into the party venue. She rubbed the back of her neck, looking left and right. There were many invited guests in super-luxurious and expensive clothes. She didn't recognize any of them."Show me your invitation card." One of the guards stopped Caroline when she was about to step inside."I have to use an invitation card?" Caroline looked confused, as she had not received an invitation. She wouldn't have come if Jared hadn't asked."Only people with invitation cards can enter." The man said it firmly. Doing his job as ordered."But Mr. Madison invited me here." Caroline tried to explain."We're just following protocol. We couldn't let you in without a letter of invitation."Caroline looked even more confused. She bit her lower lip to reduce her nervousn
"Let go, Jake! I can get out myself!" Caroline rebelled; she squeezed Jake's hand until the man's grip loosened."Caroline, I know you love me very much. But try to realize yourself; you don't deserve me. You're beautiful, but you'll only be a burden to me." Jake said it confidently."How many times do I have to tell you I hate you? Don't you know the meaning of the word hate?""You don't have to deny it; I know you love me very much.""Whatever you say, What is certain is that I will never want to deal with the Corner family again." Caroline said it firmly. She took off the necklace around her neck and handed it to Jake. "Give this to Uncle Jared. Tell him I'll be submitting my resignation soon."Jake was silent as the necklace passed into his hands. He stared at Caroline as she walked away from the party, feeling upset. Whether he should act happy or not, he didn't know. However, he felt a little satisfied when he saw the annoyed look on Caroline's beautiful face.Just as Jake was a
Caroline was shocked when she woke up in the morning and no longer found Jared in her apartment. The sofa where Jared had slept last night was now empty. There were only pillows and blankets folded neatly on the sofa. It looked like Jared had left early in the morning, or even that he had left when Caroline entered the room last night.Caroline froze when she saw a necklace lying on the table. Her brow furrowed. She approached and grabbed the necklace with a feeling and mind filled with confusion. She looked at the necklace carefully. She had given it to Jake last night, but why was it suddenly here?"Did Uncle Jared bring it?" Caroline seemed to be talking to herself.The ringing of her cell phone forced Caroline to get up and go back into the room. She reached for her cell phone to see who was calling at this early hour. The boss's name was listed there.That confused Caroline even more. She didn't know what happened after she left the party last night. She also didn't know why Jare
Caroline grumbled as she moved her belongings to her new workspace. Her position was now downgraded from assistant to CEO to secretary to manager. She didn't mind the demotion, but she was upset that she had to work for Jake. How could she? How could she possibly survive one day working in the same room with someone she hated so much? Especially if she had to spend her entire working life doing it.Caroline cleared her desk, then sat down in a chair to await the arrival of her new boss. She sighed harshly. One minute of waiting for Jake felt like hours. The thing she hated the most was when her heart was beating so fast and her chest was pounding. She hated it when she realized that there was a glimmer of happiness when she was about to meet Jake."I hate this situation. Control your heart and mind, Caroline!" Caroline told herself.There were footsteps at the door of the room. Caroline rose to her feet, greeting Jake with a sour face."Good morning by noon," Caroline said in an unfri
"I'll take you home." Jake said as he approached Caroline's desk when it was time to go home.Caroline stared with narrowed eyes. Her brow furrowed as she stared at the man. Didn't they hate each other? Why was Jake suddenly kind enough to take her home? What other plans were he making?"I can do it myself." Caroline refused."I'll still take you home." Jake insisted."Mind your own business.""I don't want you to go back to flirting with Uncle Jared, so I need to make sure you don't go home with him this afternoon.""He and I have nothing more to do, so why should I go home with him?" Caroline was adamant that she didn't want a ride home. She would take a taxi home so that her life could be a little more peaceful.The cell phone on the table chimed, an incoming message from Jared.Jared: I'll be waiting in the parking lot; I'll take you home.Caroline sighed after skimming the message. She didn't reply to it, and she didn't want to respond to Jared's words at all. She was determined
Jake left for work early in the morning. His car was parked in the courtyard of Caroline's apartment before Jared got there. He didn't want to lose the head start because he didn't want Caroline to leave for work with his uncle.Caroline left for work earlier than usual. She thought she could take a taxi this morning, so she wouldn't have to spend her energy arguing with someone she hated. Seeing Jake's car parked out front, she turned around and quickly ordered an online taxi to get going.Jake waited for a long time, but he never saw Caroline come out of her apartment. Jared's car arrived and was parked not far from where Jake had parked his car.Seeing that his uncle had arrived, Jake got out of the car and approached his uncle with sure steps. He tapped on the window to speak to him directly."Uncle, you go ahead. Caroline has an appointment with me this morning." Jake lied to trick his uncle.Jared didn't believe him. He took out his cell phone and dialed Caroline's number."You
"Yes! We'll leave as soon as possible. I'm really looking forward to spending time with you on the beach and enjoying all the beauty of Bali," Caroline said, feeling equally happy."Me too! Ever since we got here, I've missed you so much. It feels like something is missing without you," Aalya replied, her tone full of emotion."And we can mend our broken relationship," Caroline continued, recalling all the tensions they had experienced. "I want us to turn over a new leaf.""That's right! We'll talk about everything and fix what can be fixed. I'm so excited!" Aalya replied, her voice full of excitement. "When do we leave?""We leave tomorrow morning! Jared has organized everything. We'll fly out early in the morning and be in Bali by noon," Caroline explained, feeling a little less anxious."Wow, that's fast! I'll prepare everything that needs to be brought. What should I prepare?" asked Aalya, eager to welcome her sister."Bring all the beach clothes you have! We'll have fun in the se
After arriving at the car, Jared started the engine and drove the car towards home. On the way, he envisioned the evening he had planned. Caroline must have prepared something special. When he arrived home, Jared opened the door and was greeted with silence. "Caroline?" he shouted, hoping to find his wife in the living room. "Over here, baby!" came Caroline's voice from the kitchen. Jared rushed towards the voice, and when he entered, he saw Caroline standing in the kitchen, wearing an apron, while stirring something in a pot. She smiled when she saw her husband. "You're finally home! I've been waiting," Caroline said, stepping closer. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Caro. It's been a busy day," Jared said, leaning his back against the table. Caroline looked at him understandingly, but there was a hint of longing in her eyes. "I know, but I missed you so much. Dinner is ready; let's eat," she said, trying to cover her sadness with a smile. They sat down at the dining table, and wh
Jared sighed, sensing the sadness in Caroline's heart. He understood how important the relationship between the sisters was. "I know, Carol. But we'll see each other again soon. They're only gone for a week," he said, trying to comfort."And you know how it is. Everyone around me is having fun while I'm here," Caroline said in a tone full of unfulfilled expectations."Don't worry, I have a plan," Jared said, trying to distract Caroline. "I'm taking you to a fancy restaurant tonight. We can enjoy some uninterrupted alone time.""A fancy restaurant?" Caroline looked over, a little surprised. "You had it planned?""Yes. It's time for us to indulge ourselves. Don't think about Aalya now; let yourself have fun," Jared replied with a confident smile."Okay." Caroline nodded slowly, though her heart was still heavy. She knew Jared was trying to make her happy, and she appreciated every effort he made.After a few minutes of driving, their car finally arrived in front of a fancy restaurant wi
Aalya was annoyed and dismayed by Brian's nosy attitude. "Do you want me to walk naked on the beach? I don't want to be a crowd pleaser!" she replied, frowning.Brian stifled a laugh, further amused by Aalya's reaction. "Ah, but only I can look at you! Only I can look at you that way," he said as he stepped closer.Aalya felt her cheeks heat up at Brian's words. "Stop making this up! This isn't about that!" she exclaimed, trying to push Brian's body out of the way."Well, I just want to see you glowing on the beach," Brian said, still hugging Aalya. "Imagine how beautiful you'll look in these clothes in the sun!"Aalya tried to push Brian further, but she couldn't help but laugh. "You're so naughty, Brian! This is no time for jokes," she said, shaking her head, but couldn't avoid the smile on her face."So, why not be a little more daring? We're in Bali, baby!" Brian replied in a teasing tone, continuing to put his arm around her."Well, maybe I can add a more revealing shirt or two,"
Jared looked at Caroline and Aalya with pride. "I'm glad to see you two getting along. This is what I expected from the beginning," he said. "And if we all go to Bali, we'll make wonderful new memories."Caroline nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's time we focus on happiness and the future. No more jealousy or hatred. We are a family now, and we need to support each other."Brian, who had started to feel more comfortable in this family, added, "And I promise to take good care of Aalya while we are in Bali. We'll travel around, explore the island, and make beautiful memories."Aalya looked at Brian with sparkling eyes. "I am so lucky to have you by my side. This is a new beginning for all of us.""Let's make this moment special. We can explore the beach, try the local food, and maybe bike around the island," Caroline said, her spirits rising."And don't forget the surf! We have to learn to surf!" Aalya adds, eager to imagine the adventures they will have.They all laughed together, sharing
It was a sunny day in Perth. Inside the Madison family mansion, Caroline was preparing dinner in the kitchen. She sang her favorite song while stirring the pasta, a smile never leaving her face. Aalya, who was now closer to Caroline, helped by chopping vegetables."Ouch, Aalya, don't cut them too big! It'll be hard to eat," Caroline said with a laugh."I know, I know! Is it small enough?" replied Aalya in a joking tone, showing the cut vegetables that didn't quite meet Caroline's criteria."Yes, yes, good. I just remembered we have to prepare dessert. Do you want to make brownies or chocolate cake?" Caroline asked, getting excited."Brownies! I love brownies! Let's make them!" Aalya replied cheerfully. Their voices filled the kitchen, creating a warm atmosphere in the house.Meanwhile, in the living room, Jared was talking to Brian. Jared looked very serious, while Brian looked a little worried."Brian, I've been thinking about our relationship. Ever since you came back to Aalya, thin
"I can't believe Brian finally did it," Caroline murmured with a smile. Memories of when Brian and Aalya first met flashed through her mind. Although Aalya didn't believe in their relationship at first, Brian patiently proved how sincere and loyal he was. Caroline felt proud to see her brother finally find his true love.Caroline turned on her cell phone and decided to call Aalya. She knew how happy her sister was when she accepted Brian's proposal. After a few ringtones, Aalya answered in a cheerful voice."Caroline! How are you?" Aalya sounded very excited, her voice full of joy that flowed into every word."I'm fine, sis. I just heard from Brian, and I'm so happy for you!" Caroline couldn't hide the smile on her face.Aalya chuckled. "Oh, thank you! This is a very special moment for me. Brian really moved me. He proposed to me in the park where we used to spend time together.""Wow, that's so romantic! I know Brian must have planned it well. You deserve that happiness, sis," Caroli
Caroline's eyes lit up. She knew that Aalya's statement was not just empty words. She saw the commitment on Aalya's face, and it made her feel optimistic. "I want us to be able to repair our relationship, Aalya. We can start from here. We can support and help each other."Aalya smiled, feeling new hope in their relationship. "Thank you, Caroline. I promise I will try hard to be a better sister. I won't let jealousy get the better of me anymore. I will support you, no matter what."Days passed, and Aalya began to show a marked change in attitude. She spent more time with Caroline, helping her sister in the recovery process. Aalya learned to listen to and appreciate Caroline's feelings, which she had previously ignored. They talked more openly, shared stories, and planned for a better future.Aalya also started looking for ways to improve herself. She went to support groups, trying to work through the emotional issues that had plagued her life. She learned to love herself and let go of
After a dark period that almost took Caroline's life, she is now lying in a comfortable hospital bed, surrounded by modern medical equipment and the pungent smell of antiseptics. However, within the room, there is one thing that gives her peace of mind: the presence of Jared beside her.Jared sat in a chair next to the bed, his eyes never leaving Caroline's face. He looked tired, but his passion for caring for his wife kept him strong. Every day, Jared arrived early, bringing fresh flowers and a warm smile, despite the weight on his shoulders."How are you feeling today, dear?" asked Jared gently, stroking Caroline's bandaged hand.Caroline smiled faintly, trying to hold back the pain that was still in her chest. "I feel better, but I'm still tired," she replied, her voice soft. "You're always here, Jared. Thank you."Jared nodded, his eyes full of love. "I'm not going anywhere. You are everything to me, Caroline. I will always be here for you," he said firmly. The pain Caroline was e