2025-01-01 22:45:28
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The payback of Jeremy Xavier 29
Jeremy took a deep breath, his hand lingered on the doorknob as he contemplated his next move. The house seemed quieter than usual despite the preparations for the wedding downstairs. The faint hum of conversations and the occasional sound of laughter floated up, which was a stark contrast to the turmoil in his chest. He couldn’t do this. Not without talking to Hope. Sliding on a pair of soft loafers, Jeremy made his way down the grand staircase, dodging staff and family members along the way. Everyone seemed too preoccupied to notice him—or maybe they were just giving him space, sensing the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. Hope was still standing in the corner of the ballroom when he found her. She looked radiant in a custom-made gown, the delicate lace sleeves and beaded bodice catching the light in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. But it wasn’t her beauty that stopped him in his tracks—it was the look in her eyes. She was nervous “Hope,” he called softly. S
The payback of Jeremy Xavier 30
Jeremy furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued but wary of what Hope could mean. “A surprise for Hailey?” he asked cautiously. “What are you talking about?” Hope's mischievous smile widened as she leaned against the edge of the desk with her fingers tapping idly on the wood. “Let’s just say... I’m good at handling loose ends. Hailey’s one of them.” Jeremy stiffened with a mix of apprehension and disbelief flickering across his face. “Hope, whatever you’re planning….” She raised a hand to stop him, her expression softening. “Relax, Jer. It’s nothing dramatic. I’m not sending her a box of snakes or anything.” She chuckled lightly, but her gaze held a sharp edge. “I just wanted her to understand that you’ve moved on. That you’re building something better—something real—with someone else. Even though this might be a business for now.” Jeremy stared at her, momentarily clearly at a loss for words. He hadn’t expected Hope to be so... bold. “Hope, I appreciate the sentiment, but Hail
The payback of Jeremy Xavier 31
Hailey sat in the corner of the cafe shop, she held the invitation letter as she keot looking at the spot where Hope had left, the weight and event felt overwhelming to her.She stared at the envelope, Her mind raced, she had just being invited by the famous and rich Hope?Tyler, sensing her discomfort, glanced over at her, his voice soft. “You alright? You’ve been quiet for a while.”Hailey exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself. “I don’t know... it just feels like too much, you know? Like a world I left behind is suddenly right in front of me again.”Tyler reached over, his hand warm and reassuring on hers. “I get it. But hey, think about it—this could be an opportunity. I mean, there’s going to be a ton of influential people there. It could help with the business. We could meet some people who might make a difference.”Hailey looked at him, his optimism both comforting and distant. She knew the world they were stepping into, the world where wealth and power made all the rules. Bu
The payback of Jeremy Xavier 32
The D- Day was finally here. Today Jeremy and Hope was going to get married. Vivian paced the room, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. As Jeremy’s mother, today was one of the most significant days of her life, and though she was happy for her son, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the day was about to change everything, regardless of the fact that it was a business marriage.She glanced at the clock again. The ceremony was about to start, and everything had been meticulously planned. Guests had arrived, the garden was perfectly set up, and Hope was about to become part of their family. Yet, Vivian found herself lost in her thoughts, her emotions battling between pride, her only son, she had been absent away from his life most of his life and now….he was getting married. He was no longer the little boy who had come running to her for comfort. He was now a man, ready to start his own life with Hope. Taking a deep breath, she turned to look at herself in the mir
The payback of Jeremy Xavier 33
As the program was about to begin, Vivian, along with the other guests, took her seat in the open garden. The gentle hum of conversation filled the air as everyone settled in, the soft rustle of leaves providing a serene backdrop. At the far corner of the garden, Tyler and Hailey quietly slipped into their seats. Their movements were subtle, calculated to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Yet, a few heads turned their way, ...curiosity evident in their glances. Tyler's reputation often preceded him, and Hailey's striking presence added to the intrigue. Vivian noticed the stir but chose not to look directly, focusing instead on the stage where the program host was now stepping up. The host, a middle-aged man with an easy smile and a resonant voice, welcomed everyone warmly, his words flowing effortlessly. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate not just the art of storytelling but also the power it holds to bring us together." Jeremy immediately sighte
The payback of Jeremy Xavier 34
The tension in the garden was palpable. Every eye was on Jeremy, Tyler, and Hailey. The program's calm, almost celebratory ambiance had transformed into something electric, charged with unresolved emotions and unspoken truths. Hope's gaze shifted between the three, her expression a mix of determination and vulnerability. She had orchestrated this moment, knowing it could either shatter what remained of their connection or begin to piece it back together. Jeremy’s presence was the catalyst, but her words would be the glue—or the final wedge. "Jeremy," Tyler finally said, his voice low but steady, "what is this really about? Is it about us, or is it about you proving a point?" Jeremy’s lips curved into a wry smile. "Maybe a little of both," he admitted, his tone cutting. "But mostly, it’s about closure. For all of us." Hailey, her hand still gripping Tyler’s, shook her head. "Closure? After all these years, you think a public spectacle is the way to go?" "It’s not just about yo
The payback of Jeremy Xavier 35
Jeremy's words hung in the air, cryptic and heavy, leaving everyone in stunned silence. Hope's eyes narrowed, trying to decipher the meaning behind his declaration. Tyler and Hailey exchanged a tense glance, their shared unease palpable. "Someone else?" Hope's voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of her confusion. "What do you mean, Jeremy?" Jeremy let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "You think this is all about you three? About some tangled love triangle from years ago?" His gaze swept over the group, his expression both accusing and deeply pained. "It’s bigger than that. There’s someone else who’s been caught in this mess, someone who’s been just as affected as I have." "Who, Jeremy?" Tyler's voice was sharp now, his patience clearly wearing thin. "If you’ve got something to say, say it." Jeremy hesitated, his jaw tightening as if wrestling with the decision to speak. Finally, he exhaled and said a name that hit the group like a thunderclap. "Vivan”
The payback of Jeremy Xavier 36
Jeremy took a deep breath, his hand lingered on the doorknob as he contemplated his next move. The house seemed quieter than usual despite the bustling preparations for the wedding downstairs. The faint hum of conversations and the occasional sound of laughter floated up, a stark contrast to the turmoil in his chest. He couldn’t do this. Not without talking to Hope. Sliding on a pair of soft loafers, Jeremy made his way down the grand staircase, dodging staff and family members along the way. Everyone seemed too preoccupied to notice him—or maybe they were just giving him space, sensing the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. Hope was still standing in the corner of the ballroom when he found her. She looked radiant in a custom-made gown, the delicate lace sleeves and beaded bodice catching the light in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. But it wasn’t her beauty that stopped him in his tracks—it was the look in her eyes. She was nervous “Hope,” he called softly. S
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"This is quite the cozy little celebration," A voice said as it dripped with sarcasm. Jeremy and Vivian turned immediately to see Ethan standing there with his tie loosened and his face full of rage. "Ethan," Jeremy said as he rose to his feet, “What the heck did you think you were doing?” Ethan chuckled bitterly as he stepped closer. "Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just disappear?" Vivian chuckled as she rooted to her feet in shock, understanding what was going on. "What you mean, Ethan?" she said, her voice steady but firm. Ethan ignored her as he kept his focus on Jeremy, “If you think that you can keep me locked behind bars, then you are wrong.” Ethan said as he took a step closer. Jeremy slowly walked in front of Vivan protectively, trying to make Ethan and Vivan meet. Ethan let out a bitter chuckle as he stepped further into the room. “Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just vanish like I never existed?” Vivian
58
"This is quite the cozy little celebration," A voice said as it dripped with sarcasm. Jeremy and Vivian turned immediately to see Ethan standing there with his tie loosened and his face full of rage. "Ethan," Jeremy said as he rose to his feet, “What the heck did you think you were doing?” Ethan chuckled bitterly as he stepped closer. "Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just disappear?" Vivian chuckled as she rooted to her feet in shock, understanding what was going on. "What you mean, Ethan?" she said, her voice steady but firm. Ethan ignored her as he kept his focus on Jeremy, “If you think that you can keep me locked behind bars, then you are wrong.” Ethan said as he took a step closer. Jeremy slowly walked in front of Vivan protectively, trying to make Ethan and Vivan meet. Ethan let out a bitter chuckle as he stepped further into the room. “Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just vanish like I never existed?” Vivian
57
"This is quite the cozy little celebration," A voice said as it dripped with sarcasm. Jeremy and Vivian turned immediately to see Ethan standing there with his tie loosened and his face full of rage. "Ethan," Jeremy said as he rose to his feet, “What the heck did you think you were doing?” Ethan chuckled bitterly as he stepped closer. "Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just disappear?" Vivian chuckled as she rooted to her feet in shock, understanding what was going on. "What you mean, Ethan?" she said, her voice steady but firm. Ethan ignored her as he kept his focus on Jeremy, “If you think that you can keep me locked behind bars, then you are wrong.” Ethan said as he took a step closer. Jeremy slowly walked in front of Vivan protectively, trying to make Ethan and Vivan meet. Ethan let out a bitter chuckle as he stepped further into the room. “Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just vanish like I never existed?” Vivian
56
"This is quite the cozy little celebration," A voice said as it dripped with sarcasm. Jeremy and Vivian turned immediately to see Ethan standing there with his tie loosened and his face full of rage. "Ethan," Jeremy said as he rose to his feet, “What the heck did you think you were doing?” Ethan chuckled bitterly as he stepped closer. "Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just disappear?" Vivian chuckled as she rooted to her feet in shock, understanding what was going on. "What you mean, Ethan?" she said, her voice steady but firm. Ethan ignored her as he kept his focus on Jeremy, “If you think that you can keep me locked behind bars, then you are wrong.” Ethan said as he took a step closer. Jeremy slowly walked in front of Vivan protectively, trying to make Ethan and Vivan meet. Ethan let out a bitter chuckle as he stepped further into the room. “Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just vanish like I never existed?” Vivian
55
"This is quite the cozy little celebration," A voice said as it dripped with sarcasm. Jeremy and Vivian turned immediately to see Ethan standing there with his tie loosened and his face full of rage. "Ethan," Jeremy said as he rose to his feet, “What the heck did you think you were doing?” Ethan chuckled bitterly as he stepped closer. "Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just disappear?" Vivian chuckled as she rooted to her feet in shock, understanding what was going on. "What you mean, Ethan?" she said, her voice steady but firm. Ethan ignored her as he kept his focus on Jeremy, “If you think that you can keep me locked behind bars, then you are wrong.” Ethan said as he took a step closer. Jeremy slowly walked in front of Vivan protectively, trying to make Ethan and Vivan meet. Ethan let out a bitter chuckle as he stepped further into the room. “Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just vanish like I never existed?” Vivian
54
"This is quite the cozy little celebration," A voice said as it dripped with sarcasm. Jeremy and Vivian turned immediately to see Ethan standing there with his tie loosened and his face full of rage. "Ethan," Jeremy said as he rose to his feet, “What the heck did you think you were doing?” Ethan chuckled bitterly as he stepped closer. "Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just disappear?" Vivian chuckled as she rooted to her feet in shock, understanding what was going on. "What you mean, Ethan?" she said, her voice steady but firm. Ethan ignored her as he kept his focus on Jeremy, “If you think that you can keep me locked behind bars, then you are wrong.” Ethan said as he took a step closer. Jeremy slowly walked in front of Vivan protectively, trying to make Ethan and Vivan meet. Ethan let out a bitter chuckle as he stepped further into the room. “Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just vanish like I never existed?” Vivian
53
"This is quite the cozy little celebration," A voice said as it dripped with sarcasm. Jeremy and Vivian turned immediately to see Ethan standing there with his tie loosened and his face full of rage. "Ethan," Jeremy said as he rose to his feet, “What the heck did you think you were doing?” Ethan chuckled bitterly as he stepped closer. "Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just disappear?" Vivian chuckled as she rooted to her feet in shock, understanding what was going on. "What you mean, Ethan?" she said, her voice steady but firm. Ethan ignored her as he kept his focus on Jeremy, “If you think that you can keep me locked behind bars, then you are wrong.” Ethan said as he took a step closer. Jeremy slowly walked in front of Vivan protectively, trying to make Ethan and Vivan meet. Ethan let out a bitter chuckle as he stepped further into the room. “Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just vanish like I never existed?” Vivian
52
"This is quite the cozy little celebration," A voice said as it dripped with sarcasm. Jeremy and Vivian turned immediately to see Ethan standing there with his tie loosened and his face full of rage. "Ethan," Jeremy said as he rose to his feet, “What the heck did you think you were doing?” Ethan chuckled bitterly as he stepped closer. "Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just disappear?" Vivian chuckled as she rooted to her feet in shock, understanding what was going on. "What you mean, Ethan?" she said, her voice steady but firm. Ethan ignored her as he kept his focus on Jeremy, “If you think that you can keep me locked behind bars, then you are wrong.” Ethan said as he took a step closer. Jeremy slowly walked in front of Vivan protectively, trying to make Ethan and Vivan meet. Ethan let out a bitter chuckle as he stepped further into the room. “Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just vanish like I never existed?” Vivian
51
"This is quite the cozy little celebration," A voice said as it dripped with sarcasm. Jeremy and Vivian turned immediately to see Ethan standing there with his tie loosened and his face full of rage. "Ethan," Jeremy said as he rose to his feet, “What the heck did you think you were doing?” Ethan chuckled bitterly as he stepped closer. "Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just disappear?" Vivian chuckled as she rooted to her feet in shock, understanding what was going on. "What you mean, Ethan?" she said, her voice steady but firm. Ethan ignored her as he kept his focus on Jeremy, “If you think that you can keep me locked behind bars, then you are wrong.” Ethan said as he took a step closer. Jeremy slowly walked in front of Vivan protectively, trying to make Ethan and Vivan meet. Ethan let out a bitter chuckle as he stepped further into the room. “Oh, come on. Did you think you could kick me out and I’d just vanish like I never existed?” Vivian
