Sunday, October 11, 2020

LM CHAPTERS 939 - 944

LM 

CHAPTERS 939 - 944








939



His appearance had changed, so had his voice. However, his feelings for her had not changed at all, it was still as strong as before.


It was so strong that he could offend the whole world for her! Did she know that?


Jackie Leves looked at Serene Silas quietly. He could see his current face from her crystal clear and beautiful eyes that were filled with tears.


Yes, he admitted that his appearance had changed completely, and there was nothing similar to what he had looked like before.


After the surgery, the first time he took a look at the mirror, he was so frightened that he had smashed the mirror. It took him a long time to accept this face.


Even he himself couldn't accept this strange face in an instant, not to mention Serene who he had hurt with this face.


Serene was still conflicted internally, deciding if she could accept him, hence she doubted him after receiving a mere call from the fake "Jackie". He understood this and would not blame her.


"Are you really Jackie?" After a long time, Serene spoke again, asking the questions that she had repeatedly asked before.


She didn't know who she should believe, but her woman's sixth sense told her that she could believe what the man in front of her had said to her.


If she believed in the man in front of her, that would mean that she believed and admitted that the man in front of her was the real Jackie.


However, the voice of the man who called her was not only the same as that of Jackie's, but he also knew the things that only she and Jackie knew. That man might also be her Jackie.


It was difficult for her to make a decision to choose between a man whose voice was similar to Jackie's, or her intuition to trust the man who did not look like Jackie at all.


Because she could not make a choice between these two people, her heart was in a mess. She could only look at the man in front of her helplessly. She looked into his deep eyes and said, "Can, can I really trust you?"


"Yes!" At the same time when Jackie looked at her, he clenched her hand tightly and nodded heavily. "Serene, of course you can trust me!"


"But..." Serene was still worried. What if she trusted the wrong person and missed the real Jackie?


"Go ahead." He knew that she had something to say.


"I want to go and meet that man. I want to go and see for myself. I need to personally see him, then only can I rest assured." She bit her lip and said firmly.


"Okay, I'll go with you." She wanted to see the man and confirm it in person because she still had doubts about him. Jackie knew why she wanted to go for the meeting but he did not say it out loud.


At the same time, he also wanted to know who the mystery man was. This time, they would never let those scumbags who had hidden in the shadows get away.


"You want to go?" Serene didn't know what she was worried about. She just felt that it was not appropriate for him to meet that person with her.


"I have decided. I'll go with you." Jackie announced his decision overbearingly and did not give Serene a chance to object.


Serene, "....."


He used to be like this. For some things, he was so decisive and overbearing that he made a decision without discussing with her.


Jackie added, "Go back to your room and change your clothes. I'll go get ready. When I'm done sorting everything out, we'll go out and go to Luna Tower at South City."


"You... You know about the Luna Tower too!"


Although Serene was willing to believe that the man in front of him was the real Jackie, upon hearing the name of the place coming from his mouth, she felt much more reassured.


"Should I not know about it?" Jackie raised his eyebrows.


"No, I didn't mean that..." As a citizen of Coast City of Country A, it was not surprising for him to know about the Luna Tower. What made Serene feel at ease was that he knew that the place that the person on the phone was referring to was precisely this place!


The Luna Tower was not the highest tower in Coast City, but it had the longest history and was also the best place to enjoy the full moon.


The official name of this tower was the Luna Tower, but it had another name which was wider-known amongst the people, the Lovers Tower.


Most people were familiar with that name. Many young couples had gone there because it was famous and made their wishes together, hoping that they would stay together forever.


All those couples in love hoped that they would be able to hold on to each others' hands for a long time.


Jackie and Serene were no exception. They also held hands and made their wishes here, just as those couples did.


Therefore, this place had become the most common place for the two of them to go on their dates.


The person on the phone just asked Serene to meet at their 'usual place'. He must have been referring to the Luna Tower. There would be no other place.


While Serene was back in her room to change her clothes, Jackie dialled Nathaniel Cooper's number. "Those mastermind clowns are at it again. This time they are trying to be my impostor."


"Those people are finally unable to sit still. This time, we must catch them all, and no one can escape." Nathaniel's voice came from the phone. His voice was calm but at the same time deadly, it could send a chill down one's spine. "Since they want to be your impostor, then we'll let them. I'd like to see what kind of tricks they can play."


However, Jackie frowned and was not as calm as Nathaniel was. He said worriedly, "I‘m not worried about what they will do. I'm only worried that Serene will be deceived."


Because Serene still could not trust him completely. He was worried that she would fall into the enemy's trap and would no longer believe him.


He couldn't bear to think about the things that would happen to him if Serene no longer wanted to believe that he was Jackie...


Jackie was so worried, so Nathaniel hurriedly reassured him. "Jackie, if you think that Serene is a woman who can be deceived so easily, then you should spend more time with her to know her better."


Jackie was stunned. "What do you mean?"


Nathaniel added, "Because... she loves you, and so, she would never regard anyone else as you."


Also, for some unknown reason, Nathaniel was so determined to believe that Serene would be able to recognize who the real Jackie was.


Perhaps it was because Nathaniel's heart was fully occupied by one person. He loved Janell Joy Carter, so he would naturally know everything about her and of course, he would not regard anyone else as his lover, except for her.


Once you have fallen in love with someone, that person would be unique to you and would irreplaceable in your heart.


Even if his appearance had changed, she would still be able to recognize the man that she was familiar with. It would only take a short time for her to find out.


After listening to Nathaniel's words, Jackie felt relieved and said, "Someone had impersonated myself, and asked Serene to meet him at our 'usual place'. We will head there soon. You should arrange for some men to go to the Lovers tower to check it out."


Nathaniel said, "I'll send someone over right now. You two have to be careful as well. You can't expose the address that you're currently living at."


After all, Serene was still involved in a murder case. Before this matter was completely resolved, she could not appear in public.


It was the best way to protect her if she did not appear in public, and allow the public to forget about her for the time being.


Jackie nodded and said, "You don't have to worry about that."







940



To ensure Serene Silas' safety,what Jackie Leves had planned would not be any lesser than Nathaniel Cooper's.


The villa in North City was a gift given by Jackie's parents when he was 18 years old. Therefore, it was not under the Leves family's property, so almost no one knew that there was such a villa owned by the Leves family.


Because no one knew this, and it was located in the villa area away from town, so the place was well kept under wraps.


Therefore, before Serene was discharged from the hospital, Jackie had secretly communicated with Nathaniel. He asked Nathaniel to send Serene to live here, on his behalf.


Before Serene moved in, Jackie had already arranged for people to work on the security of the house to prevent any information from leaking out.


For anything related to Serene's safety, Jackie took it seriously. He could not let anything happen to her again and he could not let her get hurt under his care.


After Jackie had hung up the phone, Serene was also done changing her clothes and came out.


The temperature outside was quite low. She wore a red down jacket which wrapped her petite body tightly in it.


The red colour reflected on Serene's pale face, which made her pallid and haggard face look slightly better.


She asked, "Can we go now?"


Her complexion seemed better, which in turn made Jackie's mood better. He couldn't help but to raise his lips. He walked to her side and wrapped her with a scarf. "Let‘s go now."


They were now living in the villa area in North City. Serene and Jackie used to date at the Luna Tower in the South City.


It would take more than an hour for them to the Luna Tower in the South City from the villa area in North City.


After getting on the car, Jackie turned on the heater in the car and said, "It's going to be a long ride. You can take a short nap first. I'll wake you up when we are there."


Serene shook her head. "There's no need. I'm not sleepy."


The problem about the two Jackies made her so confused. How could she fall asleep at all? But fortunately, the person beside her could make her feel a little relieved.


Jackie personally drove the car, while Serene was sitting in the passenger's seat. Both of them looked ahead without saying anything to each other, both of them seemed to be deep in thought.


Jackie was thinking about how to lure those masterminds out and capture them all at once, while Serene's mind was full of that 'Jackie's‘ voice from the phone call earlier.


That man's voice was Jackie's voice. She would never be wrong about that... But it was alright if he had the same voice, what if the man also looked like Jackie? Then, which man should she trust?


Thinking of this serious problem, Serene looked at Jackie, who was driving.


She was unfamiliar with his face, and it was not as good-looking as Jackie's original face. However, he still had defined features, and he was still a handsome man.


To be frank, she had been secretly looking at him for several days. No matter how she looked at him, she still could not find any traces of Jackie on his strange face, but she still believed that he was Jackie.


Knowing that Serene was looking at him, Jackie turned his head to meet her eyes and said, "Staring at me like this? Do you want to drill a hole in my face with your eyes?"


As soon as Jackie said this, Serene's heart trembled. In the past, Jackie had also said the same words to her, and it was always in a flirtatious tone.


Back then, he said these words not long after she had agreed to his pursuit, it was when he had first asked her out.


Because she was so shy and did not dare to look at him, so she had to look at him quietly when he was not paying attention. When she was caught staring at him, those were the exact words that he had said to her.


That was right, in just a year's time, a person's appearance could change completely, but his character, tone, and manner of speech would be hard to change.


In terms of appearance, Serene couldn't find anything that was similar to Jackie on this face. But after getting along with him for a few days, he made her think that he was definitely her Jackie, because something in him had not changed at all.


He was Jackie! The real Jackie!


After concluding all of this in her thoughts, Serene breathed a sigh of relief and gradually relaxed her fists. As long as Jackie was with her, could there still be any problem that could not be solved?


The answer was-no!


But she didn't know who the person who called her with Jackie's voice was. What was his purpose?


Could he be the real murderer who had exterminated the Leves family that year?


"Mm, not speaking? Does that mean that you really want to stare at me until you make a hole in my face?" Seeing that she was only staring at him and did not speak, Jackie was a little flustered.


"No. I just want to look at you like this. I don't want to do anything else. Just looking at you makes me feel at ease." Serene gave him a little smile. It was just a little smile, but Jackie was so excited that he almost bumped into the car in front of him.


He turned at the corner and parked the car by the side of the road. Looking at the woman who was smiling in front of him, he couldn't help but to reach out and touch her beautiful cheeks. "Serene, do you know what you are talking about?"


This time, Serene did not avoid his touch. Instead, she reached out her hand and gently pressed in on the back of his hand. "I said, because you are by my side, looking at you, I feel safe."


"You..." Did this mean that she no longer had doubts in him? Did she forget about all the hurt that he had caused her? Would she able to accept him again?


So many questions rushed into Jackie's mind at the same time. He couldn't believe that it was Serene who was talking to him at this moment.


"Did I say something strange?" Serene pursed her lips into a smile and said, "Let's go. Let's go and see who the person on the phone is and what he wants to do."


"You don't have doubts in me anymore?" Jackie waited for her answer nervously.


"Yes, I believe in you." Serene nodded.


As soon as she said that, Jackie was so excited that his hands that were holding onto the steering wheel trembled a little.

He even smacked on the steering wheel a few times, causing the honk to make a whirring sound.


His Serene had finally come back! Finally, she returned to his side!


Seeing that he was as excited as a happy child, Serene shook her head helplessly and said, "Stop pressing on the honk. People will think that there is something wrong with our car.


"Okay, I will stop." Looking at her, Jackie smiled stupidly.


At this moment, Jackie's actions had reminded Serene of a scene from their past.


In the past, Jackie had confessed his love to her personally. After she had accepted his confession, his reaction was exactly the same as it was now. He was also so silly and a little adorable, like a child.


She added, "We still have to go to the Luna Tower."


He said, "Okay, okay... I'll drive there right away."


He said that he would go immediately, but he was still staring at her. The more he stared at her, the closer he got to her. When he was about to kiss her, Serene immediately stopped. "Stop!"


Jackie suddenly withdrew himself and looked at her reluctantly, just like a child begging for a reward.


Serene really wanted to rub his head and tell him to behave well and not cause any trouble!


But she couldn't do that. She added, "Let's get down to business first. After that, you can do whatever you want."







941


After completing this, he could do whatever he wanted!


Why did it feel like Serene Silas was hinting something else at him?


"Okay." He felt happy in his heart, and answered her briskly. Then, he drove away at the speed of light. He could only do the things he wanted to do after getting these matters out of the way.


It was about an hour's drive to get there, and they finally arrived at Luna Tower.


"Here we are." When the car stopped, Jackie immediately reached out and held Serene's hand. "Serene, wait in the car. I'll go and meet that person first."


"The person he wants to see is me. If I don‘t show up, he will certainly not show up." Serene smiled gently back at him. "Don't worry, I will be fine.”


She still wanted to be his Mrs. Leves, and she also wanted to raise a family with him. Before they could get these obstacles out of the way, she had to be brave and strong. She could no longer let others separate them. 


Jackie responded, "I just don't feel that it's safe."


Listening to his flustered voice, Serene thought he sounded funny and chuckled. "Jackie, there are so many people here. Do you think he can take me away?"


Jackie glared at her and said, "Just do as I say. Listen to me.“


He had turned domineering. He sounded like an emperor who demanded for obedience.


Serene shook her head helplessly. "No, listen to me this time. You wait for me in the car, and I'll go in and see him. If he sees me with you, he would not show up."


Both of them were stubborn. Since both of them did not want to take a step back, they would not be able to come to a conclusion. In the end, Jackie took a step back and said, "Okay, you go."


He asked her to enter the tower first, and then he would follow her. Anyway, she did not say that he couldn't follow her secretly.


"You are not allowed to follow me secretly." Serene added this line in time, and now Jackie lost his backup plan.


Jackie's face froze, and he secretly thought, "Does this woman know how to read minds?"


"Of course I don't know how to read minds." Serene easily saw through his thoughts again. Her lips were slightly raised and she Iet out a subtle smile.


Well, Jackie was her one true love, so she just needed to pry a little and she could already see through what he was thinking.


Now that she knew what he was thinking, Jackie's face appeared, but he was secretly excited. His Serene was finally back, and he would no longer need to sleep alone at night anymore


Serene opened the door and got out of the car. She turned back and smiled at him. "Jackie, trust me, I can handle this matter."


She spoke so confidently because she hadn't met the man yet. She didn't know what was waiting in store for her.


The weather was cold today, and the wind was strong. Luna Tower appeared isolated, and there were only a few cars scattered in the parking lot. Occasionally, couples, hugging each other, could be seen walking by.


There were not many tourists, so it would be easier to find the target. At the same time, they were also more likely to be discovered by the target. So after getting off the car, Serene went straight to the bottom of the tower.


Luna Tower was a very famous scenic spot in Coast City, but the entrance tickets were not expensive. It costed only 20 dollars to enter. After buying the ticket, Serene walked into the entrance of the tower.


It was a flve storey building, and there were spirals of ancient-looking stairs inside the building. The view looked prettier from the fifth floor onward.


Usually it would be very crowded. But today, due to the bad weather, there were very few visitors.


When she went upstairs, Serene only saw two couples heading downstairs, and she continued to walk up alone.


When she arrived at the fifth floor and she was catching her breath, she looked up and saw a man standing in front of her.


The man was tall and strong. He stood straight and was looking into the distance. His back was facing her...


His back was so similar to the back of the person she loved. If she hadn't known that Jackie was waiting for her in the car, she would have rushed over and hugged him.


"Serene..." When the familiar voice called her name out, the man turned to look at her. "You're finally here."


He smiled at her with the smile she was familiar with, he looked at her with the eyes she was familiar with, and talked to her with a familiar tone too.


In the past, when they were dating, whenever she was late, Jackie would also look back at her and say, "Serene, you‘re finally here."


However, Jackie would do one more thing. After he said that line, he would walk quickly to her and hold her in his arms to kiss her hard.


He would kiss her until she felt dizzy before he let her go.


Not only was this man's voice similar, his body, his face and every subtle change in his expression was the same as that of her Jackie!


Serene was stunned as she just looked at him blankly. She didn't know how to react.


Jackie! Jackie! Jackie!


That was the only name in her mind as she looked at him. She almost forgot that there was another "Jackie" in the parking lot under the tower.


"Serene, I'm sorry! I came back to you late! I know you have suffered a lot these days, and I’ll make it up to you from now on.” The man stepped towards Serene and got closer and closer.


When he was about to walk to her side, Serene finally reacted a little. She blinked her eyes hard to look at the man in front of her.


He had exactly the same face, the same voice and the way he walked was exactly the same as Jackie too. She could not find anything different.


It was too similar! But Serene knew that he was not her Jackie.


The man‘s disguise in front of her was almost perfect. It was so perfect that she could not find any flaws. But she was sure that this man was not Jackie.


However, she couldn't explain the reason. 


If she was forced to give an answer, she would give an extremely ridiculous answer, - a woman's intuition!


This man was too perfect a copy of Jackie. Every word he said and every action he did made her feel that he was deliberately disguising himself.


She was sure that he was not Jackie.


The man pulled Serene into his arms and hugged her tightly. He whispered, “Serene, I'm back. Aren't you happy?"


Although she knew that this man was not Jackie, Serene did not struggle. She nestled in his arms and said, " I am not unhappy. I am just afraid that I will be happy too quickly. This whole year, I have had more than a hundred of dreams like this. Every time I wake up, you will disappear."


She raised her head from his arms and stared at him lovingly. "Can I touch your face? I need to know that you are real."


The man nodded, he took the initiative to hold Serene's hand and let her touch his cheek. "Serene, can you feel it? I am really back."







942



It was Jackie Leves' voice.


However, there was more deliberation in his voice, and he lacked the affection he should have.


This face was almost identical to that of Jackie's original face. Serene Silas stared at him for a long time, but she couldn't see anything different.


She pinched him hard twice and also rubbed his face, leaving red marks as she did so, but she found no trace of plastic surgery.


Slap!


Before Serene could understand what was going on with this face that was exactly the same as Jackie's, she was suddenly dragged away with force.


She fell into another warm embrace, closely followed by a hard slap on the man's face that looked identical with Jackie's.


The slap was not enough to vent his anger. Jackie raised his hand swiftly to slap the man again, but Serene grabbed his hand tightly as soon as he swung his hand.


She shouted at him, "What are you doing?"


Jackie was trembling with anger. “Serene, look carefully. That man can't be Jackie Leves. He is definitely not the real deal."


How dare she stop him? Was she doubting him again? Before she came up, she told him that she believed in him.


Serene bit her lip and said, “If he is not Jackie Leves, then are you?"


Jackie was in dismay.


The fact was, it was this impostor who made Serene doubt him. He hugged Serene with one hand and launched his fist with his other hand towards the man again.


The man dodged Jackie's attack and asked, "Serene, who is this man?"


Serene glanced at Jackie who could go berserk at any time. If she were to say another word that would make him misunderstand, he might go crazy.


Serene knew Jackie's character very well. If he were to lose his mind, the consequences would be unimaginable.


She looked at the impostor opposite her again. It was obvious that the man was testing her to see if she had really believed that he was Jackie.


This man was obviously not Jackie, but he purposefully pretended to be Jackie. He definitely had an ulterior motive. Perhaps the mastermind behind all this was the one who exterminated the Leves family.


The people who wiped out the Leves family were also the people who ruined Jackie's face. The same people who caused Jackie and her to be separated for more than a year, she needed to find out who they were.


In the past, she had no way to do that and no clues. Now, such a big clue had presented itself to her, why wouldn't she seize the chance and continue to investigate.


Because Serene wanted to know who was behind this, she pretended to believe that the man who had the same face as Jackie was the real Jackie.


The most urgent thing now was to appease Jackie and let him know her thoughts. But she couldn't tell him verbally...


She raised her head and looked at him, just in time to meet his eyes. She quickly winked at him to reassure him.


" It doesn‘t matter who he is. What matters is that you are back." This was Serene's answer to the two men.


As soon as she said that. she heard Jackie's sharp inhale. His body trembled with fury. "Serene, you..."


Serene was also angry. "What about me?“ Jackie you stupid man!


She had hinted him via eye contact, but he didn't understand her hint. How could he be so stupid?


What if their children inherited his genes in the future, would they be as stupid as him?


Although she was despising him for being stupid, he was the one she liked. She couldn't leave him just because he was stupid. She discreetly pinched him again.


This time, if Jackie, this stupid man, still didn't understand what she meant, she swore that she would get angry.


Fortunately, Jackie was not as stupid as she thought. He seemed to understand her intentions after she discreetly pinched him.


Jackie was furious, which made the man opposite them very happy. Although he didn't smile, Serene caught the glint in his eyes.


He said, “Serene, come here, let's go.“


Serene nodded and looked at Jackie again, hoping that Jackie would understand her and let her go. However, Jackie did not do what she expected. He held her head and kissed her fiercely.


"Mm..." Serene felt a strong urge to kick this man, but she couldn't bear to hurt him. She could only let him hold her and continue to kiss her.


After kissing her fiercely, Jackie touched his moist lips and smiled smugly. "Serene, I'm very satisfied with your performance today."


Serene was so angry she rolled her eyes. This stupid man, what he did would ruin her plan.


Jackie ignored her contemptuous look, he was in a good mood. "Since you know that this man is an impostor, I'll take care of the rest. You don't have to worry about it."


Serene was so furious she was almost out of breath. "You..."


He really was stupid! Really stupid! Hopelessly stupid!


"Look, the impostor's face has darkened. He had already realized from Jackie's words that they knew about his false identity," Serene complained in her heart.


Serene was so angry that she raised her foot and stepped hard on Jackie‘s foot. She needed to teach this stupid man a lesson.


Jackie added, "Serene, I'm a man."


Of course she knew that he was a man, she had never doubted his ability. Why did he emphasize that he was a man at this moment?


Jackie said again, "Serene, you are a woman."


Of course she knew that she was a woman. She also had what a woman should have, plus her assets were more eye catching. She had never doubted her gender.


Jackie looked at her and asked, "Do you know?“


Serene raised her hands and surrendered. "I don't know. Please enlighten me!"


Jackie coughed and said in a serious manner, "I am a man, and you are my woman. Now that this impostor has pretended to be me, how can I hide behind you and let you protect me? Silly woman, listen to me, from now on, stand behind me and let me protect you."


Jackie was the one who came out with the idea to let Serene pretend to believe the impostor and play along with them to get into the enemy's base. This method was an easier way to expose the mastermind behind the scenes.


However, using this method would put her life on the line at any time. The risk was greater.


He would rather spend ten years to find out the person behind the scenes than let her take the risk. Even if it would only take ten days to expose the mastermind if she risked herself.


Jackie asked again, "Do you know now?"


The most romantic words in the world might not be "I love you", but instead "I am here, and I will protect you. Leave it all to me“.


Serene nodded. She was obviously very happy inside, but she couldn‘t help crying. "You, how can you say something like this right now?"


She wanted to help him. She wanted to expose the mastermind as soon as possible through this impostor. But she didn't expect this silly man to disrupt her plan.


"Silly woman, don't cry now! Save some strength, you can go home and have a good cry!" Jackie hugged her and turned to leave, completely ignoring the man who looked exactly like how he used to be.








943



"Serene..." The man turned sideways to block their way. "It's only been a year. Have you forgotten the promise between us?"


"Shut your f‘cking mouth!" Upon hearing another man calling Serene Silas' name so intimately, Jackie Leves really wanted to kick the man into the air if he could.


He protected Serene under his wing like an old hen protecting its little chick, preventing the impostor from getting close to her.


The man ignored Jackie and said to Serene, "Serene, I don‘t know who this man is and I don't know what he is talking about. I only know that no matter how long it has been, you are still in my heart."


Since he was here to be Jackie's impostor, of course, he would not give up their plan easily just because a man was here to ruin it.


A year ago, the Leves family was exterminated, and Jackie's life and death were unknown. At that time, he knew that he would have a chance to replace Jackie.


Not a lot of people knew of his existence after he had lived in the dark for more than 20 years. In fact, to the Leves family, he was just Jackie's shadow and he could only live under Jackie's shadow.


He was also a human being, and he also had the blood of the Leves Family. Because he was born two minutes later than Jackie, his fate was completely different from that of Jackie.


Jackie came to this world two minutes earlier than him. Within that mere two minutes, he was the pride of the family, the successor of the Leves family, and the hope of the Leves Family.


What about him? He didn't even have a name of his own. He was just Jackie's shadow, his substitute.


When Jackie was alive, he could only live in the dark and could never appear in the world of light.


If something happened to Jackie, he would have the chance to walk out of the dark and continue to live as Jackie.


He took away Jackie's identity, occupying everything that originally belonged to Jackie, including his work and his woman.


Because he was just a substitute, he couldn't have his own thoughts, let alone his own life. The education he received ever since he was a child was to imitate everything about Jackie.


He must like what Jackie liked; hate what Jackie hated; whether it was food or women, he must love what Jackie loved.


Having lived for more than 20 years, but never had he lived his own life. He woulk wake up at the same time as Jackie every single day and repeated everything that he had done.


Since many years ago, he had always wanted to get rid of Jackie. Only by doing that, he could use Jackie‘s identity to start a new life.


He wanted to replace Jackie.


However, it never occurred to him that the opportunity would come so soon. When he was not fully prepared, the Leves Family was exterminated and Jackie had disappeared.


He was excited, he was happy. He felt that he could finally get out of the dark and finally live the life he wanted.


However, he was too naive.


He had been imitating Jackie for more than 20 years. Once Jackie was not there for him to imitate, he did not know how to continue on with his own life.


Just when he didn't know how to replace Jackie and to continue walking on this path, someone found him. That person knew him more clearly than he did.


That man promised him that he could continue to live as Jackie, but he had to wait for a year.


He had been waiting for more than 20 years, he wouldn’t mind waiting for another year, so he agreed to that man's request and lived in the dark for another year.


A few days ago, the man finally reached out to him again and asked him to look for Serene using Jackie's identity...


He knew that Serene was the woman that Jackie loved.


He was Jackie's shadow so he must love what Jackie loved, and like what Jackie liked, so Serene had unconsciously occupied his whole heart.


He didn't know whether it was because of Jackie or the fact that Serene was a woman who could really make a man fall for her. Anyway, she touched his heart.


He knew clearly that he wanted that woman, and he wanted to make her his own. He wanted her to be his real woman.


So he came.


Without giving Serene a chance to speak, he said, "The Leves family was killed, and I was seriously injured. I laid in bed for more than half a year before I could get out of bed to walk... When I could walk, I came to you immediately. I didn't expect that you wouldn't be willing to reconcile with me."


What he told Serene was similar to what the real Jackie had experienced for the past year, which shocked Serene greatly. Was Jackie's life in the past year under their surveillance too?


Thinking about those people that were watching Jackie in the dark, it was very likely that they would do anything to harm Jackie again.


Serene held Jackie's hand tightly and her heart trembled with worry. "I won't let anything happen to you again. I won't let those people have the opportunity to hurt you again."


Jackie smiled and pinched the tip of her little nose, saying, "Little fool, i don't need you to protect me. I'll protect you from now on."


She was so weak, as if a gust of wind could blow her off, but she held his hand so tightly and wanted to stand in front of him to protect him.


This silly woman, her love for him was so obvious and undisguised, but he previously had suspected that she was the accomplice of the Leves family's murder because of some indefinite evidence.


The man said a lot, but Serene didn't seem to have listened to a single word. His eyes darkened and he said, "Serene, I thought our love could last forever, but I didn't expect that you would fall for someone else so soon."


With the information he had on hand, there was no other man around Serene. She had never forgotten Jackie and did not fall in love with any other man.


As long as Serene was still obsessed with Jackie and had not fallen for another person, she would be defenceless against the face which he had, which was exactly the same as Jackie's.


He had a face that was exactly the same as Jackie's. With this, he should be able to defeat all the opponents who wanted to pursue Serene in seconds.


However, he had never expected that Serene would be accompanied by a man, and he could see that Serene was in love with this man.


After listening to the man's words, Serene smiled and said, "Let me tell you something. My love for Jackie will never change."


Upon hearing her confession, Jackie grasped her hand and looked at the guy in front of him with a provocative look in his eyes. "Kid, even if you have a face like Jackie's, it's useless. My Serene is not a fool. You can never deceive her."


If it weren't for this familiar face, or the fact that this face belonged to him, Jackie really wanted to give that guy a good slap and make that guy stop thinking about his woman.


Jackie clapped his hands and said, "Come out, all of you. Bring this man back."


Nathaniel Cooper‘s men had arrived. If he let his men take this guy back and interrogate him, he would surely find out on many more interesting things.


What about him?


Of course, he would take his woman home and do what he wanted to do.







944



When coming here earlier, they felt the journey didn't take long to reach the destination.


But the journey back home seemed to take forever.


Jackie Leves accelerated the car several times, but it still felt like it was not fast enough.


He wished that his car could grow a pair of wings and fly home in an instant, so that he could hold Serene Silas in his arms and do what he had wanted to do.


The distance to home was getting closer. At the thought that he could soon hold Serene in his arms and do what he had wanted to do, the blood in Jackie's body began to boil, his desire rose.


He could already see his front gate ahead. Jackie once again sped up and rushed forward. With a sudden brake, the car stopped at the front door.


He unbuckled his seat belt and dashed out of the car. He couldn't wait to take Serene home. "Serene, hurry up, I can't wait any longer."


Serene blushed coyly. What on earth was this man thinking about?


Jackie couldn't be bothered so much and stretched out his hand to carry her.


Ring


A piercing ring from the phone interrupted Jackie's actions. He took out his phone with a dark face and answered, "What's the matter?"


Nathaniel Cooper was really his good brother. The phone call was neither too early nor too late but came in as soon as he arrived home. He was definitely doing this on purpose.


Jackie answered the call because it was Nathaniel on the line. If it were another person, not only would Jackie ignore the call, he might even smash his phone.


"I found out about something and I need to discuss it with you. Please come over," Nathaniel's voice sounded indifferent.


"What is it, just talk through the phone, I don't have time now." Jackie stared at Serene, his body growing impatient as his desire intensified. How would he have the mood to see Nathaniel?


"It's very important. You have to come over and discuss it." After saying this, Nathaniel hung up decisively.


Jackie was so angry that he wanted to smash the phone. " Nathaniel, you're doing this on purpose!"


Serene stopped him in time. “Jackie, I think for Nathaniel to call and ask you to come over, he must have something important to tell you. You'd better go first."


Serene knew what he wanted to do, but they had many opportunities in the future. It was better to settle other things first.


Jackie stared at her as if he was going to devour her. "Don't call him by his name anymore. It feels intimate and I don't like it. You should be addressing him as Mr. President!"


Serene said, "Okay, I'll listen to you. If you don't want me to, then I won't.”


This man was really childish. She didn't need to argue with him. Jackie added, "I don't want to see him."


Serene really had no way to deal with this man‘s occasional tantrums. She shook her head helplessly and said, "You go first. Get those things done. I promise to do whatever you want after that."


Jackie smiled wickedly and said, "Serene, you said it yourself. Don't go back on your words when the time comes.“


Seeing the wicked smile on Jackie's face, Serene suddenly regretted. She wanted to say something, but Jackie cut her off before she could. “That's a deal. I'm going now. I'll be back, wait for me at home."


Serene wanted to go back on her words, but after thinking for a while, she didn't say anything. The worst thing that could happen was for him to make love to her. It was not like he hadn't done it before. It was not a big deal.


When Jackie returned, he not only subdued Serene but also asked for other special services. She was so exhausted, she really regretted agreeing to it.


However, Jackie would never give her a chance to regret her choices.


………



"Brother Lucas, is something wrong?" After hanging up the phone, Nathaniel did not speak. His face was gloomy. Janell Joy Carter guessed that something had to have happened.


Hearing Janell Joy's voice, Nathaniel looked up at her, his face began to relax significantly. "Janell, come here."


"Brother Lucas, what's the matter?“ Janell Joy walked over to him. As soon as she reached him, he pulled her into his arms and held her in an embrace.


Nathaniel buried his head in her neck and sniffed. He murmured her name over and over again in a low voice, "Janell, Janell..."


Hearing him call her like this, Janell Joy felt a little uneasy. "Brother Lucas, what happened? Please don't scare me."


He hugged her and rubbed her head. "Nothing. I just want to hug you like this."


No matter how busy he was or how tired he was, every time he hugged her, all his exhaustion would dissipate in an instant, as if she had a magical effect on him.


Janell Joy also hugged him. ”If you feel better holding me like this, then hold me as long as you need."


Nathaniel opened his mouth and bit her ear. "My silly girl."


Janell Joy pouted and said, "I‘m not silly."


Nathaniel smiled and said, "Not silly?"


Janell Joy put her face on his face and rubbed it like a cat asking for love. "I'm not silly. Brother Lucas is."


Hearing her soft voice, Nathaniel's heart softened. He could not help but hold her head and kiss her passionately.


The two of them were so engrossed with the kiss that they didn‘t even notice that someone had entered the house and stood there for a long time.


"Ahem-"


After waiting for a long time, Nathaniel still hadn't realized he was there. Jackie coughed loudly to make Nathaniel notice him.


Nathaniel had called him over to discuss matters, preventing him from making out with his woman. However, Nathaniel was here with his woman in his arms. What an eye sore.


Hearing the cough, Janell Joy quickly escaped from Nathaniel's arms and said with a red face, "Brother Lucas, you guys go ahead. I‘ll wait for you next door."


She knew that Brother Lucas had something to discuss with Jackie, so she decided to leave.


As soon as Janell Joy left, Nathaniel's face instantly darkened. He handed a document to Jackie and said,"I received news from my people not long ago. Please have a look."


"What?" Jackie asked, but he proceeded to pick up the document and started flipping it.


"The information about your impostor and some clues about the person behind the scenes," Nathaniel said.


The snow continued to fall.


Everything the eyes could see was white, there were no traces of other colours.


Janell Joy sat by the window and watched the snowflakes drifting all over the sky. Her mind started to wander.


What on earth were Brother Lucas and Jackie discussing about?


Was it really necessary to talk for such a long time?


She waited for an hour, two hours, then three hours... But they were still talking, as if he had forgotten about her.


She knew that Brother Lucas had a lot of things to do, and she also understood his situation, so she tried not to create trouble for him. But she was bored to have to wait for so long.


Sigh... Janell Joy sighed and retracted her gaze.


She couldn't spend her days like this anymore. She had to find something to do so that she wouldn't overthink.


But what could she do?


The last time, she could serve as a volunteer with Yaya and the others, or she could go hiking with them...


Now the others were all preparing for their graduation the next year. All of them had gone for their internships with some companies. Janell Joy was the only one left and she could not do anything.


Saturday, October 10, 2020

LM CHAPTERS 933 - 938

LM 

CHAPTERS 933 - 938









933




"Andrew, what I am, has nothing to do with you!" Janell Joy Carter glared at him, opened the door and got out of the car.


Ignoring the snow that was still falling from the sky, she walked to the big rock nearby and sat down, looking at the falling snow in the distance.


"We are both from the same family. We share the same parents! How could you say that your matters have nothing to do with me?" 


Andrew Carter also got out of the car. He walked to Janell Joy and sat down beside her. Then he stretched out his hand and patted her on the shoulder. "Janell, have you ever heard of this story?"


"I don't want to listen to your story." Since they were little, the stories Andrew told her were all very gory stories. She was frightened twice when she was a child, and from there, she never wanted to hear him tell a story again.


Janell Joy didn't want to listen, but Andrew didn't shut up, instead he continued, "People often say that when a girl chooses her partner,she will rather choose a man who loves her more, instead of a man whom she loves more. Otherwise, she will definitely suffer in the future."


"Andrew, don't talk nonsense in front of me. Let me tell you, Brother Lucas loves me very much. He isn‘t like what you think." Andrew didn't refer to anyone, but Janell Joy instinctively placed Brother Lucas in that circumstance. All because she had too much uncertainties about their relationship.


She believed that Nathaniel Cooper loved her and cared for her very much, but she felt that he had too many people and matters in his heart. Therefore, he could not love her with all his heart. Yet what she wanted was his whole heart.


"Did I say that he doesn't care for you?" Andrew chuckled and said, "Janell, you were rushing to explain on his behalf, which proves that you are not confident about it too."


Janell Joy said, 'I..."


It certainly didn't feel good having her weakness pointed out. She had the urge to kick him down the cliff, so that no one could see through her thoughts.


Andrew followed Janell Joy and looked into the distance. He let out a long sigh and said, "Janell, can you be sure of the feelings both you and Nathaniel have for each other?"


Janell Joy was stunned. She withdrew her gaze and looked at him. "Andrew, just say what you wanted to say. Otherwise, I don't know what you are talking about."


Andrew smiled and said, "You're so smart. How can you not understand what I'm trying to say? Don't avoid it anymore. Just face it."


Yes, she knew what Andrew wanted to say, that‘s why she tried to avoid the subject and pretended not to understand.


Because Andrew's question hit the bull's eye on the matter she was most afraid and worried about. She was afraid that Brother Lucas doted on  her because he still regarded her as the three year-old child that she used to be. She was worried that he loved her like a sister more than lover.


What about her?


Sometimes she would wonder whether she was just dependent on Brother Lucas, or did she really fall in love with him?


She would wonder whether she really wanted to be Brother Lucas's life partner or she just needed the big boy who could protect her when she was a child.


Knowing that Janell Joy's heart was in a mess, Andrew continued to say, "Janell, think about your feelings for him carefully."


"I want to marry him and be his wife," Janell Joy gritted her teeth and said with conviction.


She had thought of marrying Brother Lucas and staying with him forever since she was a child. It was also her purpose of coming all the way here to find him.


Now she had found Brother Lucas and planned to surrender herself to him, yet she became hesitant and uncertain.


Andrew added, "You don't have to emphasize it to me. Feel your heart and ask yourself. It's more important to convince yourself than to convince others."


"Andrew, if you are really so idle, help Dad with his work. For a man, working hard is more attractive than gossiping about others every day." Janell Joy didn't want to expose her true feelings in front of Andrew, so she changed the subject.


Andrew smiled and said nothing more. He sat with Janell Joy quietly at the edge of the cliff and watched the white snowflakes flying everywhere in the sky.


When they arrived, it was already getting dark. After sitting here for a while, the sky had completely turned dark. Without the light from the car, they would not be able to see anything around them.


However, in such an environment, Janell Joy did not say that she wanted to go back, and Andrew did not urge her either. He just sat beside her and accompanied her. He was willing to do so even if it would be for a lifetime.


The sudden ringing of the mobile phone broke the silence in the mountains.


Although she felt wronged and depressed, Janell Joy still took out her mobile phone and answered, "Hello..."


The person on the other end of the phone did not speak.


Because the person on the other end did not speak, Janell Joy took away her mobile phone and looked at the phone number. After making sure that it was Brother Lucas's number, she asked again, "Brother Lucas, is that you?"


There was still no answer from the other end of the phone.


Not long ago, he asked her to stay away from him and to not let him hear her voice again. At this moment, he called her but did not speak. What on earth did he want?


The grievance in her heart continued to brew, and in the end, it expanded until Janell Joy could no longer suppress it. The pent up grievances turned into anger.


She shouted at the phone, "Nathaniel, why are you not talking?"


The person on the other side of the phone still didn't say a word.


Janell Joy was waiting for him to speak. However, after waiting for a long time, she still did not get what she wanted. She bit her lip hard and said, "Nathaniel, I don't want to live such an obscure life with you anymore. Let's break up."


"Break up?" The person on the other end of the phone finally spoke. His voice was cold, like a demon‘s voice from the depths of hell.


"Yes! Break up! I don't want to like you anymore! Never again!" After that, Janell Joy hung up the phone abruptly.


It didn‘t matter whether she was childish or not. Anyway, she just didn't want to feel wronged and hold back her feelings anymore.


Hanging up, the call out off the contact

between the two of them. As she watched her screen dim out, Janell Joy felt a surge of emotions. She was on the verge of crying.


Janell Joy raised her hand and threw her phone down the cliff. She tilted her head and forced back the tears. "Janell Joy! Why are you crying? He's just a man. Is he worth crying for?" She spoke to herself.


Andrew said, "Why are you crying so hard if he's not worth it?"


Janell Joy shouted at him, "It's none of your business."


Andrew took a piece of tissue and helped her wipe her tears. "If I don't care about you, are you going to sit here in the cold for the whole night?"


Janell Joy was speechless.


Andrew forcibly pulled Janell Joy up and patted away the snow on her head and back. "Come, let's go back. No matter what, we can't take our own health for granted."


Yes, Andrew was right. Her life was given to her by her parents. How could she mistreat herself because of a man?


However, just when she turned back, she saw a tall figure standing behind them.








934




He just stood there. The white snow flakes fell on his body, but he didn't move at all. His eyes fell on her, and he realized that he was glued to her, they were unable to shake each other off.


If they were to be separated forcibly, they had to first destroy the glue between them, and this would mean great harm to both of them.


Nathaniel Cooper and Janell Joy Carter looked at each other. Their gazes intertwined in the mid air, but no one spoke.


Janell Joy secretly hid her hands behind her back and pinched herself hard. Only then could she control the urge to throw herself into his arms and hold him tightly.


He had asked her to stay away from him and told her not to let him hear her voice again. So, she had to oblige. She was definitely not going to wait for him to push her away from him.


She obviously wanted to give him a cold look and tell him with practical actions that she would no longer like him. But her eyes had deceived her. She could not move her eyes away from his.


Andrew Carter also spotted the man who shouldn't have come, but he ignored him. He pulled Janell Joy forcibly to his side and said, "Janell, there's sleet on the ground, it's slippery, walk slowly."


"0h..." Janell Joy lowered her head and tried to escape to hide her emotions. She pretended not to see Nathaniel and was leaving with Andrew.


However, before she could move away, Nathaniel took two steps forward, grabbed her wrist, and tried to pull her back into his arms.


Nathaniel was fast, but Andrew was not slow either. He also held Janell Joy's hand and did not let her go. He said coldly, "Nathaniel, let go of your dirty hand, don't touch her!"


"You should be the one to let go!" Nathaniel held Janell Joy's wrist with one hand and launched his fist towards Andrew with the other hand.


Andrew didn't expect Nathaniel to attack him. When he reacted, he could already feel Nathaniel's fist heading towards him. He turned his face sideways to avoid the punch, merely missing Nathaniel's fist.


In the scuffle, Andrew held Janell Joy's wrist tightly as if he was protecting a precious treasure. He couldn't allow others to take her away from him. "Nathaniel, you broke her heart. How dare you take her away?"


Nathaniel was stunned. Did he break her heart?


When he came out of the bathroom after a cold shower, he found that Janell Joy was missing. After asking the guards outside, he knew that she had left alone. He then asked the person he had sent to protect her, and found out that she had left with Andrew.


He was angry because he knew that she had left with Andrew. When he arrived here and saw them together, he was even more furious.


No man could remain calm when he saw his beloved girl alone with another man, especially when that man had inordinate feelings for her. Therefore, he neglected the very reason why she left the North Palace.


At this time, after Andrew brought it up, Nathaniel had a rough idea, but he still didn't give much thought about it. This was because his attention was still on Janell Joy's mention of breaking up with him.


Two tall and strong men, one on the left and the other on the right, both holding Janell Joy's left and right wrists tightly. No one was willing to let go of her hand nor let her throw herself into the arms of the other man.


The two men looked at each other and the atmosphere grew more intense. They threw their punches at the same time, both dying to smash each other into pieces.


This time, the two of them punched simultaneously. When their fists met, neither of them had the upper hand.


Before Andrew could react, Nathaniel attacked again. This time, he moved faster and his punch landed on Andrew's face.


Andrew suffered the punch. His face darkened and his eyes flashed with a cold murderous intent. He lifted his leg and kicked at Nathaniel. But Nathaniel turned sideways and successfully dodged the attack.


After Nathaniel successfully dodged the attack, he immediately punched back. When he was about to hit Andrew, Andrew didn’t dodge this time. Instead, a smirk crept over the corner of his mouth.


Because when Andrew was about to dodge, there was a person who was faster than him.


Janell Joy stood in front of Andrew in a fiash.


If Nathaniel landed his fist, the person who would be injured this time would not be Andrew, but Janell Joy.


Seeing that the fist was about to land on Janell Joy's face, at the most critical moment, Nathaniel retrieved his fist in time.


He narrowed his eyes slightly and stared at Janell Joy's delicate and flawless face with complicated emotions.


The lovely, nifty and sensible girl... her various expressions flashed before Nathaniel‘s eyes, but he had never seen this face that she had at the moment, a cold face looking at him.


While Nathaniel was staring at Janell Joy, Andrew swung his fist and hit Nathaniel's on the chest heavily.


Nathaniel could have dodged it, but he didn't. He continued to look at Janell Joy and smiled. "Janell, are you contented now?"


Nathaniel didn't expect Janell Joy to block his fist for Andrew. The bitterness in his heart was more painful than being punched a hundred times.


If she wanted to protect Andrew, then Nathaniel would not touch the person she wanted to protect anymore. She wanted him to get injured, then he would gladly oblige.


If this could satisfy her and calm her down, it didn't matter how many punches he would take.


As long as she was happy!


Seeing that Nathaniel was injured, Janell Joy felt a squeeze in her heart. However, she bit her lip and did not speak.


What did he mean by that? How could she be contented with this? Did he really understand her? If he didn't understand her, why would he assume what she was feeling?


Andrew hated Nathaniel so much that he wanted him to disappear from this world.


Today, he finally had a chance to teach him a lesson and he didn't want to miss it. Andrew threw another punch at Nathaniel, this time aiming at Nathaniel's face, the same place where Nathaniel had punched him just now.


Andrew was speedy and Nathaniel didn't want to dodge it. At the same time, Janell Joy was still being misunderstood by Nathaniel and didn’t stop Andrew in time. Therefore, Nathaniel once again took the hit on his face from Andrew's punch.


Nathaniel was still smiling after being punched. He did not look at the person who punched him, but stared at Janell Joy and said, "What I did to him, he had returned the favour. Are you satisfied now? If you are not satisfied, let him hit me again until you are happy."


"Nathaniel, you bastard!" Janell Joy was angry and distressed. She was angry that he had never understood her true feelings, yet she was distressed that he was injured.


Nathaniel reached out and wiped the tears at the corner of her eyes. "Janell, don't cry. If you are not satisfied, let him continue to hit me. Let him beat me up until you stop crying, until you are satisfied."


"Nathaniel, why do you want to do this? Why do you want to make me sad?" He clearly knew that she didn't want him to get hurt, why would he hurt her in this way?







935




"Janell, how can I bear to make you sad?" Nathaniel Cooper was most afraid of Janell Joy Carter's tears.All he really wanted was to hold her in his arms and spoil her, to see her being happy and carefree always.


"You're obviously making me sad. I've told you not to let yourself get hurt again. You should take good care of yourself, but you just don't want to listen to me. In short, you just don't care about me because you never take my words to heart." Janell Joy wiped away her tears. She bit her lips, turned around and was about to leave. "Nathaniel, from now on, your matters have nothing to do with me anymore."


"Janell..." Nathaniel grabbed her again and quickly hugged Janell Joy in his arms. "I'm your Brother Lucas, and you're my Janell. How can I have nothing to do with you?"


Janell Joy struggled, "That's what it's going to be like from now on. I have nothing to do with you and you have nothing to do with me. There will be nothing between us. I will go back to New York and never see you again."


Janell Joy said these words because she was angry with him. She waited for him to come. She thought that he should realize the grievances in her heart, but he didn't understand. He even hurt himself and said things that made her sad.


Nathaniel's face fell, and his dark eyes smoldered in anger. "Janell, so whatever you say is right? What do you take me for?"


He was still yelling at her! He didn't even know what his mistake was, yet he was yelling at her!


Janell Joy bit her lip hard and said, "You're the President of Country A. I'm just a commoner and I can't be with you. We'll just go our separate ways from now on."


"Go our separate ways?" Nathaniel grabbed her hand and said in a low voice that was almost hoarse, "Janell, let me tell you this, you can never escape from me for the rest of your life!"


If he didn't show his power, did she take him for a weakling? She was teasing him, wanting him to let her know that there were many more facades to the Brother Lucas she knew.


Nathaniel's deep and hoarse voice made Janell Joy's heart shrink unwillingly. Her heart ached so much that she panicked and could not find a word to refute momentarily.


Seeing that Janell Joy was convinced by Nathaniel's words just like that, Andrew Carter immediately interrupted, "Nathaniel, what's the point of saying so much nonsense? If you really like her and really want to be with her, you shouldn't let her be with you so obscureiy. You said that your engagement with Serene Silas was just a contract. There is no love between you two, but does your people know about this?"


Nathaniel couldn't find his words. Because his people didn't know the truth, so he had to break off the relationship with Serene and then announce his relationship with Janell Joy. In other people's eyes, Janell Joy would be regarded as a homewrecker, a mistress.


Therefore, he could not rush to cancel the engagement with Serene and announce Janell Joy's identity. He needed to come up with the perfect plan. Otherwise, any mistake would make Janell Joy become the criticism of the people.


Nathaniel would absolutely not allow that to happen. So he was waiting for the right time and the right opportunity to do it.


When the time is ripe, he would make Janell Joy his rightful bride and receive the blessings from everyone.


Nathaniel did not speak. Andrew naturally thought that he felt guilty and said, "Nathaniel, your people doesn't know your true relationship with Serene. But once you publicly announced the cancellation of the engagement with Serene, what will those people think of the woman standing by your side? I believe that you should know very well without me telling you."


He continued, "Nathaniel, if you really love Janell, please think more to protect her interests. Don't let her feel wronged, let her continue to be a happy girl, instead of leading an anxious life by your side."


After listening to Andrew's words, Nathaniel curved his lips and a faint smile crept over his face. "I will take care of the matter between us. You don't need to worry about it."


Andrew sneered and said, "Janell is a part of the Carter family. My parents have asked me to take care of her. Of course, I will worry about her."


"If you really regard yourself as her brother, I will welcome you to worry about her, but for now, I am enough for her." Nathaniel left with these words, ignored Janell Joy's struggle and carried her on his shoulder, then he turned around and left.


After taking two steps, he felt a gust of wind behind him. Nathaniel did not need to see to know that Andrew would not let him leave that easily. He dodged and turned his head to look at Andrew. "Andrew, you are no match for me."


Before that, he willingly took the punches from Andrew twice because he wanted Janell Joy to worry about him. That way, she would return to his arms obediently.


But when he actually saw her worrying about him, his heart ached. Therefore, he would not let anyone hurt him again, nor would he let Andrew touch him.


Andrew was also assessing Nathaniel's real strengths, so he launched another attack.


After several attempts, Andrew knew that he was indeed no match for Nathaniel because he couldn't even touch Nathaniel even though he was carrying Janell Joy.


The outcome was obvious so Andrew stopped trying to attack him physically, but resorted to using his words, "Janell, are you really going to go with this man?"


Janell Joy struggled and said, "Nathanie|, put me down."


When Janell Joy said this, she did not expect Nathaniel would really release her. Andrew also did not put much hope that Nathaniel would let go of Janell Joy at all. However, Nathaniel went beyond everyone's expectation. He put Janell Joy on the ground.


Janell Joy had just found her footing when Nathaniel grabbed the back of her head and pulled her towards him. He lowered his head and kissed her madly.


"Mm..." Janell Joy stared at him with her eyes wide open. She could see his enlarged handsome face, his long eyelashes, and how he was kissing her so earnestly and domineeringly.


She had never thought of really ignoring him. She didn't know how to attract his attention, so she thought of this childish way with her close-to-zero experience in relationship


Nathaniel kissed her as if there was no one else around, and she responded to his kiss the same way. After a long time, he let go of her and said in a hoarse voice, "Janell, if you break up with me again when you are angry next time, I will teach you a good lesson."


Janell Joy couldn't refute.


Nathaniel caressed her lips and said softly, "Do you know your mistake?"


Janell Joy shook her head.


Nathaniel raised his eyebrows. "You really don‘t know what your mistake was?"


Janell Joy still shook her head and said, "I did nothing wrong. I just want to know what kind of affection you have for me when you say you like me. Do you like me as my three year old self, or do you like the me now?"


Ultimately, this was the key to Janell

 Joy's struggles.


She was both the child back then and her current self. No matter which one Nathaniel liked, she was herself. However,she needed to understand what kind of affection Nathaniel had towards her.








936





Before she figured this problem out, Janell Joy Carter couldn't feel at ease.


Hearing her question, Nathaniel Cooper laughed in a deep, low voice. Janell Joy pursed her lips. "What are you laughing at?"


What was so funny about her question? Could he be more serious?


Nathaniel kissed her again in his arms and said with a smile, "I am already kissing you like this. Who do you think I like? What kind of affection do you think I have for you?"


Janell Joy said sullenly, "How would I know if you don't tell me?"


Nathaniel held her hand in one hand and stroked her hair in front of her forehead with the other hand. Then he said, "My silly girl, I don't like you."


He didn't like her!


Janell Joy's heart sank as if she had fallen into an ice cellar. However. she then heard him say, "l don't like you, but I love you."


He loved her?


Janell Joy looked at him blankly. He said again, "l love you! I love the person who is standing in front of me. This is romantic love, between a man and a woman."


He loved her as a woman, not the love between a big brother and a little girl, which was what she had thought of.


Joy slowly crept across Janell Joy's face, and she smiled.


She wanted to scream at the valley and tell everyone that Brother Lucas had finally reciprocated her love.


She looked beautiful when she smiled. Her eyebrows were curved, and her eyes twinkled like millions of stars.


In Nathaniel's eyes, no one in the world could be as beautiful as his Janell when she smiled. When she smiled, everything else seemed to lose its colour.


Nathaniel rubbed her head, and then kissed her dainty head. "My silly girl, do you understand now?"


Janell Joy lowered her head with a red face and whispered like a child who had done something wrong, "Brother Lucas, I understand now. I won't make the same mistake again."


Nathaniel held her in his arms and patted her back gently. "Okay, good girl!"


Janell Joy snuggled in his arms and rubbed her dainty head against his chest.


Brother Lucas's embrace was still as warm. She nestled in his embrace. No matter how big the snow storm was, it felt like nothing to them.


The wind was still blowing, and the snow was getting heavier. However, Janell Joy didn't see all that. In her world now, she only saw bright sunshine and Brother Lucas who loved her.


Once again, Andrew Carter watched helplessly as Janell Joy was taken away by Nathaniel. Andrew clenched his fists so hard that the blue veins on his fists could be seen clearly.


It wouldn't take long.


……….



It was snowing heavily outside but inside the house, the heater was turned on. The temperature was rather high, so it warm even if one was just wearing thin clothing.


Serene Silas, who was wearing a set of pale blue lounge wear, knocked gently on the door of Jackie Leves‘ office with a cup of hot tea in her hand. After a few knocks, she finally heard him say, "Come in."


She opened the door and walked into the room with the cup of tea after getting his consent. Then she walked to Jackie's desk cautiously.


She walked so cautiously that she didn't even make a sound, for fear that she would disturb Jackie while he was working.


Jackie put down the work in his hand and looked up at her. When he noticed her cautious demeanor, he couldn't help frowning and said, "Are you still afraid of me?"


Hearing his words, Serene's hand which was holding the cup paused slightly, the cup in her hand almost slipped. But she pretended to be calm and denied, "How could that be?"


She didn't dare look at him straight in the eyes. When he looked at her, she would always avoid any eye contact. Only when he wasn't paying attention, then she would observe him quietly. Jackie knew all about this, but he didn't expose her.


The way he had hurt her, it was normal for her to be afraid of him. However, he still couldn't help but want to get close to her, hold her in his arms, and claim her in the most intimate way.


When Serene handed him the cup of tea, Jackie wanted to hold her hand, but she withdrew her hands immediately the moment he touched her fingertip. She stuttered, "Jackie, l, I... I'm not."


"Serene, I'm sorry!" He knew that she was still afraid of him and very resistant towards him. He shouldn't be so eager to touch her.


In her heart, she didn't resist his touch, but it was her body that responded. Every time he hugged her, she would tremble with fear.


When she heard him say sorry, she didn't know how to respond. She lowered her head and said nothing.


"Go about your business. You don't have to serve me all these drinks." She was afraid of his touch, so he didn't force her. He had to bear the consequences of his actions.


"I cooked the meal myself. Do you want to taste it together?" She looked at him and asked very carefully. She was afraid that he would refuse her because he was angry with her.


"OK," Jackie nodded. "You go ahead first. I'll come after I'm done with my work."


She stood motionless.


Jackie put down the work in his hand immediately and got up. "Let's go. I'll go with you.


He walked towards her, and she stepped back instantly to keep a distance from him.


Serene wanted to get close to him, but she couldn't control herself from rejecting him. She couldn't change this contradictory psychology in a short time.


They used to be the closest lovers. They were madly in love with each other, but now...


While she was deep in thoughts, Jackie suddenly held her hand. Serene instinctively wanted to pull out her hand, but at the same time, she yearned for the warmth of his palm. She was reluctant to retract her hand and wanted them to remain like this forever.


"Serene..." Jackie called her name in a deep voice.


"Hmm?" Hearing him calling her name, she tilted her head slightly to look at him. "What’s wrong?"


Jackie stood still and raised his hand to hold her head. Just as he was about to touch her, he stopped and didn't proceed further.


He smiled bitterly and said, "Let's go and eat." Serene nodded. "Okay."


He held her hand tightly as if he was holding his most important treasure.


She used to be his most important treasure. She was the apple of his eyes.


Thinking of this, Serene's body relaxed, and her heart slowly moved closer to him.


Because of a misunderstanding, he had hurt her. However, the torment was really not that important compared to losing him.


She added, "I made your favorite steak." 


He said, "You still remember?"


Serene nodded and said, "Of course. It's just that I haven't mastered my cooking skills. I hope you won't complain about my cooking."


Jackie smiled and said, "How could that be? Even if you gave me poison, I'll eat it without hesitation."


Hearing his words, Serene's face changed slightly. She pulled out her hand and took two steps back anxiously to distance herself from him.


"What's wrong?" Jackie did not realize that he had said something wrong.


"I won't! How could I hurt you!" Serene shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I will never do that!"






937




"I know! I've misunderstood you." Jackie Leves stretched out his hand, in an attempt to grab Serene Silas, but she stepped back again to prevent him from touching her.


Serene's face was pale. She tried to extend her hand to Jackie, but she could not bring herself to take the first step.


Indeed, it wasn't that she did not want to get close to Jackie. But the trauma that Jackie had caused her was so severe that it was impossible for her to face him again in such a short time like how she had used to.


She opened her mouth and wanted to explain, but she didn't know how to. So she lowered her head and bit her lip tightly.


"Serene..." Jackie called her.


"Hmm?" She still didn't want to raise her head and look at him. She was trying to avoid him.


"Let's go. Let's go and eat." Jackie gave up the idea of wanting to hold her hand, put down his hand and walked ahead of Serene towards the dining room. However, he would pay close attention to Serene, who was two steps behind him, to see if she was following him or not.


Although he did not have eyes at the back of his head and he could not see her, he could feel that when he wasn't looking at her, her eyes were on him.


These days, she would always look at him like this. Only when he didn't look at her, she would look at him boldly, as if she was assessing a stranger whom she had never met before.


Perhaps, she was still not very sure whether he was her Jackie or not.


Perhaps it was because he had hurt her so greatly in the past that she would no longer be able to love him like how she used to.


Thinking that she might not accept him anymore, Jackie's heart sank and his steps became heavier. At this moment, he wanted to turn around and pull her into his arms. But he couldn't do it because he would scare her.


In this life, he mustn't hurt her anymore, and he couldn't let her be afraid anymore.


He was the one who told her that he would protect her and would never let anyone hurt her. However, he was also the person who had really hurt her.


The two of them were eating sullenly at the dining table. No one opened their mouths to break the silence until the both of them simultaneously picked up the same piece of meat.


Serene quickly retracted her fork and said, "Um, I'm full... You can continue eating."


She only ate two mouthfuls of pasta, and left the food on the plate mostly untouched. She also didn't eat much of the meat. How could she be full?


Jackie put some meat onto her plate and said, “Eat some more with me."


"Oh, okay." Serene nodded and picked up the fork and took another two mouthfuls of pasta, but she didn't eat the meat that he gave her.


"Have some vegetables." Jackie put some vegetables onto her plate.


"Oh, okay." Serene nodded obediently again, and then picked up the vegetables that he gave her and put it into her mouth. She was so obedient that she looked like a puppet at the mercy of others.


Seeing her like this, Jackie was both angry and annoyed. He put down his cutlery and said, "Is it really so hard to eat with me?"


Serene shook her head.


Jackie sighed and said, "Then eat properly, have a proper meal with me."


"Okay." Serene nodded her head, straightened her body, picked up some vegetables and put them into her mouth. Then she ate another two mouthfuls of pasta.


After ensuring that she was eating properly, Jackie then picked up the cutlery again.


He took a piece of the meat that she cooked and put it in his mouth.


Serene knew that Jackie liked to eat meat, especially steak. In the past, the cook in the Leves family was particularly good at making this dish.


She had also learned how to grill the steak from the cook, but she was unsure if she was untalented or just stupid, because the steak that she made was never delicious.


In order to prepare this dish today, she had been secretly practicing her cooking skills for a few days. After wasting a few pieces of steaks, she thought that this one in front of her was not too bad.


When Serene saw how Jackie devoured on the piece of steak in one bite, she couldn't help but to reach out to cut him some more. "If it's nice, you should eat more."


"It's very tasty." Jackie looked at her and saw that her pale face was finally stained with a blush. He was suddenly in a good mood and ate two more pieces. "It's fatty but not greasy. You could pass as a professional chef soon."


"If you like it, I will cook it for you more often in the future." Serene had said the exact words before, but at that time, she was not as cautious as she was now. Back then, she had always said it in a flirtatious tone.


"Okay." Jackie could vaguely see the former Serene before him.


The background of the Silas family was very complicated and Serene's parents had passed away when she was very young. So, she only grew up with her grandfather and was an outcast in the Silas family.


At a very young age, she had learned how to hide her true emotions. Only when she was in front of him, she would show her true side. Only when she was with him, he would see a happy and carefree Serene.


But now, even when she was facing him, he could hardly see her real happy expression anymore.


After this conversation, the two of them did not speak again. The dining room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.


Ring... A phone call broke the silence.

It was Serene's phone ringing.


She smiled apologetically at Jackie and went to grab her phone. When she picked up the phone, she noticed that it was an unknown number. She didn't feel like answering it, but she was afraid that she would miss anything important, so she answered the phone politely, "Hello!"


"Serene, is that you?" A male voice came from the phone, it was a voice that Serene was very familiar with.


"Who are you?" This voice shocked and scared Serene. It sent her into a panic mode. She couldn't help but look up at the man who was sitting in front of her.


Jackie was sitting in front of her. "It's me," said the man again.


"Who exactly are you?" Serene was afraid. But she tried her best to control herself and suppress her fear. However, the hand that was holding the phone began to tremble uncontrollably. The trembling intensified rapidly.


"Serene, what's wrong?" Jackie saw her face had turned pale and reached out to grab her phone. However, Serene was startled and moved away from Jackie.


Her beautiful eyes looked at him with vigilance. "Tell me, who exactly are you?"


She was asking, but she didn't know if she was asking the person on the phone or the Jackie who was in front of her.


Jackie sensed something and tried to approach her to grab her phone. He wanted to know who the person on the other end of the phone was.


Why was she so scared all of a sudden?


However, as soon as he stepped forward, Serene immediately retreated.


"Serene, don't be afraid! Give me your phone. No matter what happens, let me deal with it, okay?" Seeing Serene's horrified and wary look, Jackie did not approach her again in an attempt to let her put down her guard against him first.


Serene shook her head and stepped back, screaming, "No matter who you are, don't come close to me, stay away from me."


Jackie was flustered. "Serene, what's going on?"


At the same time, the familiar male voice came from the phone. "Serene, it's me. Don't you recognize my voice anymore?"








938




Serene, it's me. Don't you recognize my voice anymore?


The impact of this sentence on Serene Silas was a hundred or even a few thousand times more powerful than an atomic bomb.


Before she had time to calm her mind down, a familiar male voice came from the phone again, "Serene, I'm back!"


"Serene, I'm back!"


Another blow blasted at Serene, making her confused on where she was, and what day it was. It took Serene a long time to recover from the shock. She took a deep breath and said, "Who are you exactly?"


Perhaps the person on the other end of the phone had the same voice as Jackie, or maybe someone had deliberately impersonated Jackie's voice, or maybe there were a lot of maybes...


In short, the man on the other end of the phone had nothing to do with her Jackie. The man in front of her was her Jackie.


Serene told herself this, but at the next moment, the familiar voice at the end of the phone gave Serene a very certain answer.


He said with a voice that Serene was very familiar with, "You once told me that you will definitely be Mrs. Leves in this life. I kept that in my heart. You better not forget that."


Yes, she had personally told Jackie that she would be Mrs. Leves for the rest of her life and marry him. She remembered it clearly.


She had always remembered it, even if the sky was falling and the earth was shattering, she would not forget what she had told him personally.


But how did the person on the other end of the phone know about it?


Only she and Jackie knew about this. Only they knew. How did the man with the same voice as Jackie knew about it?


Just as Serene's thoughts were in a mess, the person at the other end of the phone said, "Serene, l have come back alive. Are you happy?"


Serene: "....."


Of course, she was happy that her Jackie had come back alive, but at this very moment she also had 3 'Jackie' with her.


.Just as Serene was completely confused about the situation, Jackie's voice came from the phone again. "Serene, come out quickly. I will wait for you at the usual place. I'll not leave until you come."


After finishing his words, the man on the other end of the phone hung up the phone, not giving her any chance to speak or to refuse.


In the past, this was what Jackie would always do to her too.


Jackie would call her to ask her to come out and meet and never gave her a chance to refuse. As long as he called her to meet up, he would wait until she went to see him.


Moreover, Jackie would turn off his phone after he had hung up the phone, which was his way of avoiding her rejection.


Thinking of this, Serene immediately called back. As expected, the machine voice came from the phone- The phone you've dialed is unavailable, please call again later!


The voice, the past, and the way he called her, and the man on the phone were all in line with the Jackie that she remembered.


What was going on? Was she hallucinating? Wasn't Jackie standing right in front of her?


Why did a man with the same voice as Jackie appear on the other end of the phone? How did that Jackie know about things that only she and Jackie knew about?


Which one was the real Jackie?


Serene couldn't understand and was eager to see that person. She wanted to confirm whether that person was her Jackie or not.


She held her mobile phone and wanted to leave, but as soon as she took a step, she was pulled into Jackie's arms and was held tightly by him. "Serene, calm down. I will deal with what happened today."


"Let me go! You devil! I'm going to find my Jackie!" Serene pushed him and shouted, like a crazy person who had lost her mind.


This man was the devil who had hurt her. This man's face was completely different from Jackie's, and his voice was completely different from that of Jackie. He did not look like her Jackie at all so how could he be her Jackie?


He was the devil who did not care about her and raped her so viciously!


She might be thinking of Jackie until she had gone mad, so she had mistaken a man who had imprisoned her for Jackie.


"Serene, calm down!" Jackie roared in a deep voice.


Although this woman was thin and usually had no strength, but this time, she struggled so hard that she almost managed to break free from Jackie's arms.


"Let go of me! I‘m going to find my Jackie!" Serene picked up his hand and bit it hard.


Usually, she didn't have much strength, but the person she wanted to see might be the real Jackie, so her body suddenly had strength that was beyond her imagination.


Jackie let her bite his hand, but he still held her tightly with another hand. "Serene, listen to me. No matter who called you, no matter what that person had said to you, you have to calm down. I am back now, I will help you deal with it."


For the past year, he was not with her. She had lived a life full of anxiety every single day which had made her lose her sense of security. Now that he was back, he would never let her face those terrible situations alone.


Listening to Jackie's voice, Serene gradually came back to her senses. She looked up at Jackie and scrutinized him from head to toe.


After a long time, she murmured a few words from her mouth, "Who are you exactly?" 


Before Jackie could answer, she smiled again. "You would surely say you are also my Jackie."


"Serene..." Jackie said as he wrapped his arms around her. Seeing her losing her wits, his heart ached as if someone was whipping it fiercely with a whip. "I am Jackie Leves!"


"Ha ha... You obviously don‘t look like my Jackie at all. How can I believe that you are my Jackie? I must be crazy." Serene was mocking herself. 


"Do all of you really think that I'm living a good life? Why do all of you always come and try to mess with me?"


Jackie hugged her and patted her back gently. "No one will be able to mess with you again anymore, I won't let you disappear from my sight."


"Are you Jackie?" Serene asked again, and then gave herself an answer. "You are not Jackie. You don't look like Jackie at all. How can you be Jackie?" 


Jackie said in a deep voice, "I'm Jackie! I'm your Jackie!"


"You're Jackie?" She looked at him and couldn't see any traces of Jackie on his face. She couldn't find any traces of him, so she pushed him hard and said, "You're not Jackie. Let me go and let me find my Jackie. He's waiting for me. He won't leave if I don’t go and see him."


In the past,there was one time that Jackie had asked her out but she did not meet him on time because she was grounded by her grandfather. That day, Jackie waited for her for a day and a night, and finally, he climbed over the wall of the Silas house to look for her.


Everything of the past was still playing vividly in her mind, but now everything had changed. Even she herself could not tell who was the real one and who was the fake one!


Jackie grabbed Serene's hand and let her touch his face. "Serene, my face has changed, but my heart is still the same!"