Aric reveled in the recent developments. Knowing Jarod's impotence gave him an edge, and he intended to exploit it fully. Using his mother's network of spies, Aric carefully spread the news of Jarod's condition to Sylvia.
Initially, Sylvia dismissed the rumors. However, her concern grew when Jarod failed to answer her calls. This was uncharacteristic of him. She rationalized that he was likely engrossed in his cultivation, but the uncertainty gnawed at her.
Sylvia paced nervously in her room, biting her lip as she waited for a response from Jarod. The rumors of his impotence haunted her, and her mind raced with a mix of fear and doubt. She couldn't shake the nagging thought that something was terribly wrong.
She glanced at her phone, hoping for a message or a missed call, but there was nothing. Her heart ached with worry and frustration. Sylvia's family had been relentless, pressuring her to reconsider her relationship with Jarod and to get back with Aric. The constant nagging, combined with Jarod's sudden unavailability, made her feel trapped and overwhelmed.
Despite everything, Sylvia's love for Jarod remained strong. Yet, his lack of communication annoyed her, prompting her to take action. Determined to get to the bottom of things, Sylvia decided to meet Jarod in person. She knew she needed to see him, to hear the truth from his own lips.
She sent Jarod a secret invitation to meet, hoping to confront him directly.
The next morning, Sylvia dressed quickly in a simple yet elegant outfit, a long, flowing dress that covered her from neck to ankles, providing a sense of modesty and security. She wrapped a shawl around her shoulders, hiding her face with a wide-brimmed hat to avoid being recognized.
Sylvia chose a secluded spot far from the Lei and Song family estates. It was a quaint, hidden café in a quiet part of town, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers. The café was known for its privacy, with cozy nooks and crannies where patrons could have intimate conversations without fear of eavesdroppers.
As she arrived at the café, Sylvia found a secluded corner, away from prying eyes. The soft hum of conversation and the scent of fresh tea filled the air, creating a calming atmosphere. She ordered a cup of jasmine tea, hoping it would soothe her nerves, and settled into her seat, her eyes darting anxiously to the entrance every few seconds.
Her heart pounded as she waited, her thoughts racing. What if the rumors were true? What if Jarod was hiding something from her? The uncertainty gnawed at her, making the minutes feel like hours.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jarod arrived. He looked slightly flustered as he walked in, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Sylvia. He made his way over to her, his expression a mix of confusion and concern.
"So, you finally came?" Sylvia snapped, her voice tinged with anger and relief.
Jarod, slightly flustered, replied, "What do you mean? You called me, right?"
"I've been trying to reach you for days. What have you been doing?" Sylvia demanded, crossing her arms.
"I've been practicing, Sylvia. You know I have a fight with Aric," Jarod explained, trying to keep his composure.
"Practicing? You couldn't spare a moment to answer my calls?" Sylvia retorted, her frustration evident.
"Moreover," Jarod continued, "the family has turned our fight into a family competition. Instead of just fighting Aric, we have to compete against the entire younger generation."
"Isn't the family competition held every five years?" Sylvia asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes, but this time they preponed it by a couple of months. It will start with my match against Aric, and the winner of this competition will be declared the Holy Son of the Lei family," Jarod explained.
"What's this Holy Son? Aren't the main family members supposed to inherit the patriarch's position?" Sylvia inquired, confused.
"In our family, both Aric and I are sons of the patriarch. One of us will become the future patriarch. But the Holy Son title is for the strongest in the younger generation. They receive significant resources and have considerable influence within the family. The competition, held every five years, is open to members aged 16-30. This time, both Aric and I are eligible to compete along with many other. Not only that the current Holy Son is also participating. That's why I need to practice more," Jarod elaborated.
"So, that's why you were busy practicing. I thought you had become impotent and were hiding it," Sylvia sighed.
Jarod's expression darkened. "Who told you that? Me, impotent? Are you joking?"
"I heard rumors, but seeing your reaction, it seems like it might be true," Sylvia said, her tone serious.
"Sylvia, don't joke about such things. It's not funny," Jarod snapped, visibly angry.
Sylvia, taken aback, replied, "Why are you reacting like this? It sounds like you're actually impotent."
"Sylvia, don't make jokes about your future husband," Jarod said, his voice firm.
Sylvia blushed at the word "husband," her anger momentarily forgotten. But she quickly calmed herself.
"Then again, why are you getting so hyped up after hearing this rumor?" she inquired.
"If you want proof of my manhood, it can only be shown in private," Jarod lied, trying to maintain his composure.
Seeing Jarod's confidence, Sylvia felt that her worries might be unfounded. However, her phone buzzed with a new message, and she saw a video attachment with a note: "Watch it somewhere alone. It's about Jarod."
Sylvia excused herself and went to the washroom. She played the video, her hands trembling. The footage showed Jarod practicing, then suddenly stopping and shouting, "Who did this? Who made me impotent? Aric... Aric... It must be you.... I will kill you.. Ha ha ha!" Jarod's laughter was maniacal and filled with rage.
Seeing this video shocked Sylvia to her core. The man she loved was no longer the man she thought he was. She couldn't have a future with Jarod if the rumors were true. All her dreams of a family with him seemed to crumble.
Sylvia's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She felt devastated, betrayed, and confused. She had always believed in Jarod, but this video shattered her trust. She leaned against the washroom sink, her hands shaking as she tried to process what she had just seen.
"How could this be happening?" she whispered to herself, tears streaming down her face. "I loved him... I believed in him..."
Her thoughts spiraled further. "If Jarod is impotent, what does that mean for us? For our future? Can I really stand by him if he can't be the man I need him to be?"
She felt a deep sense of loss, not just for the future she had envisioned, but for the man she thought she knew. The video confirmed her worst fears, and she couldn't deny the truth any longer.
She no longer wants to see Jarod's face and she quietly left the place.