Sentosa Island, Singapore, in the year 2024
As the clock struck 19:00 GMT +8, numerous cars began arriving at a lounge bar location where Mr. Harris was hosting his wife's birthday party, inviting his business colleagues.
"Happy birthday, Cindy! You're 35 years old but you look like you're in your twenties," exclaimed the wives of Cindy Harris's colleagues, who were also her friends.
"You're flattering me too much, but thank you for taking the time to come," replied Cindy Harris with a small laugh.
While people were engaged in conversations and enjoying a glass of wine, Jocelin Thambrin, a young director from the IT Solutions company Win Pro, entered the party wearing a red dress that perfectly complemented her milk-white skin.
"Isn't she Jocelin Thambrin?"
"Was she invited to this party?"
"Lately, she's been involved in scandals."
All the whispers from people didn't affect Jocelin anymore. She hadn't received a direct invitation from Cindy Harris, but she came because she was invited by Anton Harris, Cindy Harris's husband.
"I thought you wouldn't come, Jocelin," Anton Harris remarked upon seeing Jocelin's arrival and approached her.
"How could I not come? I wouldn't want to miss out," Jocelin replied casually.
Anton Harris introduced Jocelin to Cindy. The three of them became the center of attention.
"Honey, meet Jocelin Thambrin. She's the IT director at Win Pro," Anton said, introducing Jocelin to Cindy.
"Hello, Jocelin. Nice to meet you. Anton often mentions you when discussing work matters, and here we are today," Cindy replied with a small smile as she shook hands with Jocelin.
Meanwhile, in a black Alphard car with extremely dark tinted windows, making it nearly impossible for anyone to see inside, a man in a black tuxedo glanced outside, noticing the increasing crowd at the party.
"How long are you going to sit here quietly? You've been late for over an hour just sitting and watching people get out of their cars and enter the party," Hardy, Jeremiah Halim's personal assistant, remarked.
"I just don't feel like being there," replied Jeremiah Halim.
"Come on, at least say hello for a moment, then you can leave right away. We came all this way, but you're not getting out of the car," Hardy nagged.
Jeremiah turned to Hardy with a sharp gaze, wondering how long Hardy had been nagging incessantly.
"If you keep nagging, your termination letter will be on your desk," Jeremiah said sharply, glancing at Hardy before opening the car door to get out.
Now the party was much livelier as the main event was about to begin. Nobody was chatting with Jocelin, perhaps due to the strange rumors circulating about her. Jocelin didn't care; she was there to fulfill her duties.
"Don't your ears burn from hearing all the whispers from people constantly talking about you?" Anton Harris asked, sipping his white wine.
"I don't care anymore. Besides, I know this is your way of drawing attention to me," Jocelin replied.
"I can help you restore your image if you tell me your goal with Dr. Verrel Gunawan," Anton offered.
"There's no need for you to meddle in my affairs. Besides, I'm tired of being here..." Jocelin said, adjusting Anton Harris's tie with a gentle smile, openly in front of many people.
"Oh my, did you see that?"
"She's truly a crazy woman with someone else's husband."
"Isn't she afraid to do that right in front of his wife?"
Cindy, seeing her husband being flirted with by Jocelin, immediately approached Jocelin and pushed her away from her husband. Cindy's expression showed annoyance, drawing everyone's attention with their phones starting to record.
"Don't you have any shame! How dare you flirt with someone else's husband right in front of his wife!" Cindy exclaimed, attempting to slap Jocelin.
A few seconds later, someone calmly restrained Cindy's hand. Everyone was surprised by the person who stopped Cindy. Jocelin, who had closed her eyes when she felt a hand about to slap her cheek, opened them when she didn't feel the impact.
"Who are you? Don't interfere in my business," Cindy tried to free herself from the grip of the person.
Jocelin Thambrin was shocked to see the person she recognized. The gaze of anger and resentment, unchanged since their last meeting, was always directed at her.
"Isn't he Jeremiah Halim? The CEO of Changipore Airline?"
"It's my first time seeing him in person."
"So the CEO of Changipore Airline is still young."
Jeremiah stepped into the event and immediately noticed the attention focused on one point. There, Jeremiah saw the woman he knew being dragged into another bad rumor. Jeremiah vividly remembered their last encounter, which still infuriated and irritated him when recalled.
"Isn't someone known for being friendly and polite tarnishing their own name when news spreads about Anton Harris's wife slapping a woman?" Jeremiah said, releasing Cindy's hand.
"People can also see and judge when their husband is being flirted with by another woman; they will understand that it's the right action as a wife," Cindy retorted in annoyance.
"Is that so? I'm curious about her real reaction. I hope you won't regret tarnishing your good image in front of many people," Jeremiah replied.
Jeremiah now looked directly at Jocelin, who had been staring at him since the beginning. She couldn't believe she was meeting Jeremiah again after so long, after a last meeting that left a deep impression on her.
"How come you're here?" Jocelin asked softly.
Jeremiah didn't answer Jocelin's question but instead grabbed her hand and led her out of the event. This caught everyone's attention as they didn't expect Jocelin to be acquainted with the CEO of Changipore Airlines, whom many businessmen there were eager to collaborate with.
Jeremiah took Jocelin out of the event. Once they were far from the crowd, he roughly released her hand.
"After all this time, you haven't changed at all. Was deceiving me not enough?" Jeremiah asked harshly.
Jocelin remained silent, continuously studying Jeremiah standing before her. She seemed utterly surprised.
"You're back. Are you okay? What about your illness?" Jocelin asked, showing concern about something else.
"No need to pretend to be kind. I won't fall for your lies this time," Jeremiah replied, turning away.
Jocelin, hearing this, felt a pang in her heart from Jeremiah's words.
"It's been five years, Jeremy. Can't you forgive me? Please, listen to my explanation first this time," Jocelin said softly.
"I will never forgive you for everything you've done. Meeting you then was my biggest regret," Jeremy replied firmly.
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The names of places, companies, and characters in this story are purely fictional.
"Hello, readers! I'm glad to be back and reconnect with all of you. After a long hiatus, I return to write a story with new elements. I hope this story entertains you, and I would greatly appreciate your positive feedback. Don't hesitate to interact through the comment section as I value positive feedback from all of you ✨"