Ch. 2831..2840

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2831

"Mom!" Lucius yelled at the top of his lungs, his eyes sweeping his surroundings for the sight of his mother. Unfortunately, all his desperate calls were left unanswered.

Meanwhile, Joan and Jake had already returned home. "Jake, do you think the kid really knows me?" She looked at Jake, who was sitting next to her on a sofa, with curious eyes.

Of course he does, he's your son! Jake assumed a casual expression and studied her face carefully in fear that she might regain her memories at any moment.

"He's actually my friend's son. His mom just passed away, and you happen to bear a resemblance to her. That's why he has mistaken you as his mom. Poor kid, he must miss her a lot," Jake continued his elaborate deception.

Upon hearing his convincing explanation, Joan heaved a sigh of relief.

Back home, Lucius flew into full-blown panic mode and kept recounting his encounter at the beach to Delilah.

"Lucius, please stop it. Your mom is dead. You've got to stop fooling yourself," Delilah comforted the distressed child while trying to prepare a meal in the kitchen.

But what I said was all true! Lucius grew more agitated at Delilah's response. "Grandma, I'm not lying! I'm serious, Mom is not dead. I saw her today at the beach!"

Nevertheless, it was difficult for Delilah to take a child's word for it without witnessing it herself.

"Grandma, why don't I take you to the beach tomorrow?" Lucius suggested, hoping that Delilah would believe what he said if she saw Joan in the flesh.

"I don't think so, Lucius." Delilah turned him down straight out. She was occupied by work and had no spare time to entertain what she believed to be a child's imagination.

Nonetheless, she finally gave in to Lucius' incessant begging and agreed to take him to the beach. When they were there, they waited a long time but saw no sign of Joan. It pained Delilah to see Lucius pin all his hopes on a stranger who might or might not show up.

This poor kid must have missed Joan so much he mistook a stranger for his mother.

"Okay, Lucius, it's getting late. We should head back now," Delilah stated while gesturing to the boy to leave.

"Grandma, can we please stay for a while longer? Mom must be somewhere nearby." Lucius became distraught again.

Well, he deserves one last attempt. Delilah could not bring herself to reject the child's desperate plea. She soon relented, and they continued to walk up and down the beach searching for a familiar figure. As night fell and their mission inevitably failed, the two took a cab home.

Back home, Lucius was filled with despondency as he lay on the sofa, deep in thought. I have no doubt the woman I saw was Mom.

"Alright now, you still have school tomorrow. Time for bed." Delilah rubbed gently on his head.

The child let out a resigned sigh and went into his bedroom. However, Lucius had no desire to sleep as he lay wide awake on his bed and gazed out at the moon outside the window.

Mom, why won't you come home?

Meanwhile, Joan let out a sneeze while staring at the clear moon from the yard.

Jake hurried over with a jacket and draped it over her shoulder. "Let's go inside before you catch a cold."

"I'm fine. Perhaps someone is missing me." Joan sniffled and let out a laugh. Could it be that kid? A flicker of sorrow flashed across her eyes at the thought of the child she met at the beach.

For some reason, the woman started to miss him. It was my first time seeing him, but when he leaned into me, his scent was just so familiar. Oh, I must be overthinking it.

She pinched her thigh in an attempt to shake off the strange feeling.

Jake said gently, "It's getting windy now. Let's head back inside." The couple then retreated into the living room.

As the night deepened, Joan stared at the withering flowers outside the window and became a little sorrowful.

"Joan, I think it's about time we start planning for our wedding." All of a sudden, Jake held onto the woman's hands and proposed in a serious tone.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2832

Jake had been wanting to bring this up with Joan. However, he had not been able to find the perfect time to. His patience was running thin, and he feared that she might disappear into thin air without a moment's notice.

Joan lowered her head, seemingly lost in thought.

Rubbing her hands against each other anxiously, she was at a loss of what to say to the man's sudden proposal. I know Jake is my boyfriend, but somehow, I don't feel the connection a couple is supposed to feel about each other. Sometimes when he tries to kiss me, I'll feel uncomfortable.

Joan's silent struggle was evident to Jake. Dejection filled his entire being. It's been so long. How has she not noticed how I feel about her? Or is she still thinking about Larry Norton? That's impossible! She has lost her memories. There's no trace of Larry left in her world!

Jake continued to fix his unwavering gaze on her.

"Jake, honestly, I'm not ready for this," Joan finally uttered.

What's there to be ready for? She doesn't need to lift a finger on everything else as long as she agrees to marry me! He pulled the woman into his arms tightly and seemed rather pitiful when he said, "Joan, as long as you say yes, I'll take care of everything. You only need to focus on being my bride, that's all."

Each of his words was sincere and desperate at the same time.

Joan did not doubt how Jake felt about her. However, the fuzzy image of a man who appeared in her mind intermittently made her think she had a unique connection to him. But she could not, for the life of her, remember who that person was.

"Jake, I'm tired. I'm going to bed now," Joan stated and walked toward the bedroom. No... I can't say yes to Jake's proposal. I can't betray my own feelings and lie to him!

As she slowly disappeared from his sight, a chilling glint flashed across Jake's eyes. What do I have to do to get her to marry me? Maybe I could knock her up?

Jake immediately slapped himself across his face at that thought. What am I thinking? How could I harbor such a malicious thought!

Meanwhile, Dustin and Abelyn had not given up their search for Joan. They had looked into every nook and cranny around the houses near the beach but to no avail.

"Dustin, are you sure you want to keep going?" Abelyn asked in between her shallow pants.

"Yes, we must continue." Dustin was resolute.

It doesn't seem like he is giving up anytime soon. Abelyn smacked her hand, trying to regain her focus. It had been a few days since the two had any quality sleep.

"Hey, young lady, there's a huge private villa over there. You can give it a crack." Suddenly, a middle-aged woman approached them and offered some advice.

A private villa? As though they had suddenly been fully recharged, Abelyn took Dustin's hand and barrelled down the street.

In no time, the two arrived in front of a villa. The villa was so big — it could easily pass for a small-sized manor. Abelyn was about to walk into the villa when Dustin grabbed onto her shoulder.

"What are you doing? You can't just barge into a private property like that! This looks to be home to a wealthy family," Dustin muttered next to her.

Abelyn was in awe to come across such an exquisite building in the country.

After the two gathered themselves at the door, they knocked on it politely.

"Who is it?" Joan asked lazily while stretching her back.

"I'm not sure. Let me check." Jake smiled and stroked her hair lovingly before walking to the door. He was in utter shock when he saw the image of the two persons in his security camera. How did they get here? I must keep Joan away from them!

"Joan, do you mind staying in the bedroom? It's my partner from work. It's kind of inconvenient with you around when we discuss business. Also, I'm afraid you'll be bored by our business conversations anyway," the man said while pulling Joan into the nearest bedroom, not giving her a chance to protest.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2833

What on earth is he doing! Why is he bringing his business partner home? Joan frowned but didn't dwell on it. She grabbed a book and started reading.

"What are you doing here?" Jake asked with displeasure in his tone as he answered the door.

When the two people at the door saw him, they were equally puzzled.

"It's your house?" Abelyn asked, evidently amazed.

"It is," replied Jake haughtily.

He's got taste, I'll give him that! Abelyn looked around, and a faint smile crept up on her face. This villa... It is indeed my cup of tea. It's a pity that Jake got ahead of me and bought it.

"Can we have a look inside?" Dustin asked all of a sudden.

"No." Jake turned down his request outright.

Dustin wasn't at all surprised by his reaction, but the same could not be said for Abelyn, who was standing next to him. She pursed her lips in indignation.

We just paid him a visit. Does he have to be so mean? She glared at the man before her with a tint of exasperation in her eyes.

"Jake, Abelyn is considering purchasing a villa similar to yours. That's why she's here for a visit," Dustin explained to him in a low voice.

However, what they said was totally inefficacious for Jake. He responded with a disdainful snort. As far as I remember, we're not that close.

"Please leave now. I don't want to see you."

Thud! The door was shut right in front of their eyes. Jake walked straight to the living room in a huff.

Abelyn and Dustin were left standing in front of the door with very awkward looks on their faces. Turning around, the woman prepared to leave, her expression stoic.

"Abelyn, calm down! There's no need to get angry at him. We're here to look for her," Dustin persuaded.

At the thought of that, Abelyn turned around and walked back to where Dustin was. Fawning, she said to him, "But he won't let us in."

A playful grin appeared on Dustin's face as he looked at the villa before his eyes.

"Let's go." With that, he yanked Abelyn and went to a nearby hotel.

Huh? Why are we going to a hotel Abelyn sized the man up suspiciously, feeling a little curious. He can't be having any special thoughts about me, can he?

But that can't be true. If he is indeed fond of me, how could he not make any moves after so many years? What is this jerk thinking?

"Let's wait here and keep watch on them. If Joan does stay in that villa, she'll definitely come out," laying next to her, Dustin said in a hushed voice.

So that's the reason. Phew. Abelyn patted her own chest and let out a breath of relief. Well, at least I can be sure that his brain works well...

The two of them prepared themselves for a protracted stay in order to surveil the villa.

If Jake hadn't declined their request to visit the villa, they might have already left. It was his denial that caught Dustin's attention.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, but not even once did the two of them see Joan. That made Dustin frustrated.

"Dustin, let's leave. We shouldn't waste more time here," Abelyn gave him a nudge and suggested.

Looking at the door of the villa, the faint ray of hope within Dustin seemed to have gone, too. Was I really mistaken?

In fact, it was because Jake had come fully prepared. To prevent any setbacks from happening, Joan was swayed by Jake every day to not go outside. Plus, she was submissive and always did what Jake told her to, so she had been staying home those few days.

The weather's so nice out! In the yard, Joan tilted her head toward the sky as she closed her eyes, enjoying the sunbake. She seemed very serene and calm. It would be perfect if I could have a walk outside. Smiling, Joan rushed back to her room and changed into another outfit.

"Ms. Watts, you're not supposed to go outside. Mr. Wilson doesn't allow that. Besides, you have just recovered. Why don't you stay home and rest?" To her dismay, one of the housemaids stood in her way.

"Oh, don't worry. I'm only going to take a walk around the beach. I haven't gone outside for several days now. Just let me go out and relax, alright? I promise; I'll only wander around here," Joan raised her hand and put them together, vowing with an earnest face.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2834

Meanwhile, in the hotel, impatience was written all over Dustin's face as the woman beside him continued to run her mouth.

"Alright, that's enough. Let's pack and leave! It's been so many days now, and if she's really in that villa, she should have come out by now," Abelyn prattled on as she packed her stuff.

Dustin sighed, feeling a little disappointed. She's right. With Joan's temper, she couldn't have been staying home all week. She has not come out for even once! Is she really not in that villa?

Finally, both of them finished packing their things and left the hotel. Little did they know that as they left, Joan had come out of the villa as well.

Upon arriving at the beach, Joan acted like a child who had just been allowed to go out and play after spending a long time doing homework at home. She ran and hopped around so excitedly; the housemaid who guarded her from a distance couldn't help but smile at the woman's silly behavior.

"Oh no!" Abelyn cried aloud in the car suddenly. "I left something at the hotel; it's a souvenir bought during my last trip."

Her voice grew softer and softer toward the end of her sentence.

"Well, it's just a souvenir, isn't it? You can't possibly get rich with it. Just leave it," Dustin continued driving after replying.

"No way!" Abelyn seemed desperate as she tugged on his arm and protested.

Isn't it just an ordinary souvenir? Does she have to behave in such a way? However, looking at how distressed and mad the woman next to him was, Dustin instantly made a U-turn. What a bratty woman... How irksome!

Very soon, the car stopped once again in front of the hotel.

Without a second thought, Abelyn rushed into the hotel while Dustin stood at the entrance, scrolling his phone out of boredom. Meanwhile, Joan was having fun at the beach right next to the hotel with some children. She laughed and played with them; she seemed to be really enjoying herself.

When Abelyn barged into the room she had been staying in, she hurriedly grabbed the souvenir her first love had gifted her. When she was ready to leave, she looked up suddenly and had her eyes fixated on a woman outside the window.

Isn't that... Joan? Am I seeing things now? She rubbed her eyes and kept them wide open as she focused her sight on the woman having fun at the beach.

She really is Joan! Goodness, I've finally found her!

"Dustin!" Abelyn rushed downstairs in a hurry.

"Joan, shall we rest for a while?" one of the children asked Joan softly at the beach.

"Sure, let's go. Let me buy you a drink." Joan took the child's hand and walked to a nearby shop.

"Dustin, hurry up. I saw Joan, come on!"

What on earth is happening to this woman? Is she hallucinating? Joan is here? How's that possible? We've stayed here surveilling for an entire week, and never once have we seen her. How is it possible that she suddenly shows up here?

"We couldn't find her after so many days. What are the odds that she suddenly appears now? Calm down, Abelyn. Have you found your souvenir? If you have, then let's leave." With that, Dustin turned, about to walk to the car.

"No! We have to go search for Joan. I saw her with my own eyes in the room just now!"

"Alright, alright, cut it out. Let's go! Weren't you the one who was impatient and couldn't wait to go back home just now?" Dustin started getting annoyed.

Impatient? I was panicked!

"Ahhh!" Dustin shrieked at the top of his lungs all of a sudden and gave a grimace of pain when Abelyn moved toward him,

You're such a jackass, Dustin. You're not listening to me, huh? Now watch me tweak you to death. Abelyn pinched Dustin's arms fiercely without holding back.

"Go, go, go... Let's go find her!" Eventually, the man compromised. Shooting daggers at Abelyn, he flung her arms off. How cruel can this woman be!

Nevertheless, the moment they arrived at the beach, Joan was nowhere to be seen.

Looking at the deserted beach, Abelyn was panic-stricken. Dustin let out a sigh as he saw the agitated expression on her face.

"I believe you should have given in this time, right? That's enough. We should hurry up and leave this place now." Taking her hand, he was about to yank her and leave.

"This can't be right. Dustin, you have to trust me. I really did see her standing here just now." Looking around, Abelyn was trying to spot and trace where Joan could have possibly headed to. Nonetheless, after a long time, the woman was still nowhere to be found.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2835

Was it really just an illusion? Abelyn felt lost all of a sudden.

At that moment, Joan was eating ice cream with the children in a shop nearby. Plain contentment was written all over her face.

"Joan, you haven't come out to play for a long time," one of the children uttered in a mischievous tone.

"Yeah, I haven't been feeling too well recently," she let out a small smile and replied.

She was acquainted with almost all the children staying around the beach. Hence, when she stayed at home for too long, she would really miss the naive and innocent children.

Very soon, a few kids seemed to have been re-energized after having their ice cream, and they left the shop one after another. Looking at the elated expression on their faces, Joan smiled contently.

"Ughh—" Out of the blue, Joan let out a cry.

"Joan, what's going on?" the children quickly gathered around her and asked anxiously.

"It's okay; I'm fine. I just need to take a rest. Why don't you guys go out and play first?" the woman waved at them and replied briefly.

What's happening to me? Why am I having a headache all of a sudden? Not only that, a blurred image of a little boy started appearing in her mind as well. Who's this boy?

Holding her head in her hands, she was in great agony.

Meanwhile, Dustin and Abelyn still couldn't seem to find Joan after a long search. Finally, Abelyn admitted defeat.

"Alright, let's go." With that, she turned around and was ready to leave.

"What's happening to Joan?" some distance away, a child asked another child abruptly.

"She's having a headache."

It was at that juncture that both Dustin and Abelyn paused in their tracks all at once. Turning to each other, both of them had a hopeful glint in their eyes.

"Abelyn, did you hear something just now?" Dustin asked tentatively.

"I heard someone calling Joan's name," the woman replied in an exhilarated tone.

Instantly, the two of them turned around and ran over to the bunch of children who were having fun with each other. Hunkering down, Dustin asked in a soft tone, "Little boy, can you tell me where's the 'Joan' you mentioned just now?"

"She's over there. She said she's having a headache, so you better not go and disturb her." The child who replied to their question pointed at a shop not too far away from them.

Without a second of hesitation, the two adults sped toward the shop in a flash.

Bam! People in the shop were greatly astounded when the door was kicked open, resulting in a deafening sound. Joan, who was sitting on a sofa in the corner, was breathing heavily with her eyes closed.

That's her back! Dustin walked slowly toward her with a gentle glow in his eyes.

Finally, when Abelyn and Dustin appeared before Joan, both of them were surprised. To be precise, they were pleasantly surprised. Abelyn was so moved tears streamed down her face. As with Dustin, he was so excited that he was at a loss for words.

"Joan," Dustin called out softly.

The woman in front of them looked up at the two strangers before her, feeling curious. "Who are you? How can I help you?"

Her voice sounded weary, and she looked haggard.

What's wrong with her? Is she sick? Dustin tensed up at the thought of that.

"Come, let me send you to the hospital." The man was ready to help her out.

"No! I don't want to go to the hospital!" Thinking of the medication she had previously had, Joan grew so upset that she shrugged off Dustin's arm all of a sudden.

"I'm only a little tired. I don't need to go to the hospital," she added.

Alright then. At that, Dustin sat down on the sofa across from her. Looking at the woman he loved, he felt somewhat dazed. After some time, Joan finally recovered from her headache. She grabbed her bag and got up to leave, totally ignoring the two people sitting across from her.

"Hey, Joan, where are you going?" Dustin held her arm tightly and asked.

"Home," she answered softly. She was so drained that she didn't even bother asking how the two people had gotten to know her name. At that moment, all she wanted was to return home as soon as possible. She knew Jake didn't like her wandering outside.

"We just reunited, and you're leaving?" A pleading note could be heard in Dustin's voice.

 

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2836

"I'm sorry, but I don't know you." Joan turned away directly after that.

In a state of intense agitation, Abelyn stood up and ran after Joan in a jiffy. Standing in her way, the woman sized her up with a dubious look in her eyes.

What's wrong with her? Did she really forget us? Has she lost her memory?

"Excuse me, Miss, please make way."

Abelyn's heart sank at the response of Joan. Miss? Miss? Did she really forget that I despise being called that?

Is she really even Joan? Abelyn started getting suspicious.

"Joan, don't you recognize us?" Dustin strode toward them, frowning as he asked.

"No, I don't," replied Joan firmly as she left.

Just as Abelyn was about to go after the woman again, Dustin held her by her arm and stopped her. "Calm down. Don't act rashly." They then went after Joan and tailed her until they reached Jake's villa. As soon as they saw the woman entering the villa, they were greatly exasperated.

Damn this Jake! How dare he shut Joan away! Abelyn bared her teeth, and a callous aura started wafting from her. Nevertheless, what they couldn't really understand was Joan's submissiveness toward Jake, which resulted in her staying in that villa without coming outside for such a long time. Could it be that she has also forgotten Larry?

Mmm, that seems to be the only reasonable explanation.

"What should we do?" Abelyn nudged the man next to her and asked, exasperation in her tone.

"We shall find Jake and discuss things with him tomorrow," Dustin replied in an icy tone, his eyes narrowing as he did so. He was exceedingly appalled at the discovery of what a despicable man Jake was. He actually concealed her past from her to keep her by his side. How shameless is he!

Just as planned, the duo went directly to Jake's company the next day.

Sitting in front of his desk, Jake started in a straightforward manner, "What are you two here for? As far as I'm concerned, there does not seem to be any business collaborations or projects between us."

This asshole! Who would even want to collaborate with him? Abelyn folded her arms and shot him a disdainful glare.

"Jake, why are you keeping Joan away?" Dustin asked directly.

Their sudden questioning did give Jake a shock, but he remained imperturbable. Hiding Joan away was something others would surely find out about someday, so he had been ready for it. It just never occurred to him that they would discover it so soon.

It looks like I have underestimated their capabilities.

"I'm not hiding anyone away," he stated in an unquestionable manner; there was not even a trace of hesitance in his tone.

Does he really think we're fools? Dustin paced over to him slowly and patted hard on his shoulder. He was noticeably outraged.

What's going on? Is he asking for a brawl? Jake shoved his arm away while a ruthless glint flashed across his eyes. Disgruntled, he boomed, "Please show some respect."

What a two-faced and deceitful hypocrite! Gritting her teeth, Abelyn tried to contain her wrath.

"Joan stays with me of her own free will. If you don't believe me, you can ask her yourself. My conscience is clear."

The two people before him were clearly dumbfounded by his words. We need to get to the bottom of this!

"Jake, what you just said better be true. Otherwise, I will inform Larry to come and take her away at once!" As soon as he finished speaking, Dustin yanked Abelyn out of the room with him and got in their car swiftly. Again, he drove towards Jake's villa.

In the meantime, Joan was lying down on the sofa in the living room, looking a little worn out.

Thud! Thud! Thud! The sudden knocking on the door was too loud to be ignored.

Disturbed, the woman got up and walked into the yard, wearing an irked expression. As soon as she opened the door and saw the two people outside, she kneaded her temples and asked impatiently, "What are you two doing here again?"

Is she feeling unwell?

Seeing as such, Dustin grabbed her wrist and took her pulse immediately.

"What are you doing? Let go! You two are way over the line!" Joan screamed and struggled.

"Enough screaming. He used to be a doctor. He's just taking your pulse," Abelyn quickly explained to her.

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Joan fell silent at once.

Jake seemed to be very assured of Joan's responses; he didn't even return home together with Dustin and Abelyn. That was exactly what the two desired.

"Please prepare some hot soup for her," Dustin said to the housemaid.

Seeing how serious the person before her was about her health, Joan let her guard down by degrees. What's their actual purpose coming here?

She couldn't stop studying the two people sitting together with her in the living room. As such, she started growing more inquisitive. Can it be that they are actually my old friends? Jake had told her previously that she had lived an unhappy life, and he had said that it was better for her to not remember anything. Nevertheless, she had encountered a number of people mistaking her for their friends or family lately, and that troubled her.

If it only happened once, she would not have been so bothered, but similar episodes had occurred twice, and she couldn't treat it as just a coincidence.

"Tell me, why are you looking for me?" she asked softly.

Gazing at the person before him, Dustin was a little upset. Has she really forgotten about all the memories she shared with me?`

"Joan, I'm Dustin, and this is Abelyn. We used to be best friends. Have you forgotten everything?" he asked anxiously.

Upon listening to his words, Joan looked up instantly. She sized them up, tilting her head on one side and trying to recall something from the past. However, she had not a single inkling of her past.

What actually happened? How did she end up losing all her memories? Dustin clenched his fist and was deeply concerned.

What about Larry? She should at least remember the man she loves most, right?

"Joan, do you remember Larry?" Dustin asked meticulously.

Larry? This name sounds particularly familiar to me... It's as though I've heard it somewhere. Nevertheless, Joan shook her head in response eventually.

Wow, she has even forgotten about the most significant man in her life. How is this even possible? Is it the scoundrel Jake trying to hamper us deliberately? Dustin had his guard up at once.

"I was injured previously, and it's Jake who has been taking care of me all this time. Hence, other than him, I don't remember anyone else," Joan explained softly.

Dustin and Abelyn gave each other a gaze, and realization dawned on them.

"What about now? What's your relationship with Jake?" Abelyn asked in apprehension.

"I'm his girlfriend now. To be precise, I'm his fiancée," replied the woman. Despite that, there was a helpless note in her tone.

In fact, she didn't love Jake as much as she thought she did. The man had been helping her, looking after her, and protecting her, yet, she had nothing to repay him with but her companionship. In truth, she didn't even discern if it was friendship or love between herself and the man. And it was because she couldn't even bear to ponder about it. She was afraid that one day when she figured out her true identity, she would end up hurting Jake's feelings.

"Joan, don't marry Jake. Please reconsider your decision, alright?" Dustin grabbed her arm and said in consternation.

He was reluctant at the prospect of the woman he loved making a regretful decision that she herself would grieve over later in life. I must divulge to her that Larry is the one man who loves her most. He's who she loves most in this world! What wicked ways did that scumbag Jake employ to make such a sucker out of Joan?

What was deemed as 'wicked ways' by Dustin was in actuality, only Jake's genuine devotion to Joan.

"Excuse me, can't you show some respect? Why can't I marry Jake? He's so good to me. He loves me, coddles me, takes good care of me, and he's the one person who treats me best on earth. Of course I will marry him." Joan's voice was filled with both a little frustration and a little anticipation. It was presumable that she must be conflicted and tangled at that particular juncture.

Abruptly, Abelyn asked from the side, "But do you love him?"

For a moment, Joan lowered her head. She couldn't seem to answer the question from Abelyn because she couldn't decide herself if she truly loved Jake or not. She only knew that he was very good to her; she couldn't let him down.

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"True love should be two-way, and the people involved should be genuinely in love with one another. If you can't be sure about your true feelings, take my advice—don't simply commit yourself," Abelyn added.

She's right. From the very beginning, it's Jake who has been actively taking the initiative to show me his love. Never once did I make the first move in doing the same. I don't know if I love him or not.

"My apologies. I'm exhausted, and I need to rest. Do see yourselves out," Joan stood up, preparing to go upstairs as she said that to them. Seeing as such, Dustin rose and stopped her in her tracks right away. Tension was all that was left on his face.

"Joan, tell me then. When are you going to get married?" Hurriedly, Abelyn asked.

Joan was flabbergasted. She didn't know the answer to that question because she didn't know when she would be able to accept Jake wholeheartedly. Perhaps, it's up to fate to take its course, and when the time comes, I'll get married to him.

"Joan, you can only marry Larry," Dustin uttered lowly yet resolutely.

Larry again? Puzzled, Joan sized the two people standing before her up. Maybe I can get some information about this Larry from these two here today.

"Who's Larry, and where is he now?"

Abelyn sighed over Joan's words. The two people who once loved each other most have now become strangers inadvertently.

"Larry is your ex-husband. You got divorced accidentally for some reason, but you two were extremely lovey-dovey," Dustin quickly explained.

Hold on, this is nothing like what Della told me the other day. Which of them is lying? In that instance, Joan was lost. She didn't know whom she could trust, and neither was she confident that she would recover her past memories.

After much deliberation, she resorted to giving in. No matter what happened in the past, I'm contented now, at the very least. That's all that matters. Besides, Jake has sacrificed a lot for me.

The three of them continued chatting for a little longer, but still, Dustin and Abelyn couldn't manage to persuade Joan. Their failure to do so disheartened them greatly.

It took them substantial effort to finally find the woman, and regrettably, she had lost her memory. Shaking her head, Abelyn heaved a sigh, looking very peeved.

"Should we tell Larry about this?" she asked Dustin.

"Let's wait a little longer." The man squinted as he looked up at the gloomy sky above him, falling into deep contemplation. His concern was very simple. In view of Joan losing all her memories, she had totally no impression of Larry whatsoever. If Larry intervened in the matter at that juncture, it would only complicate things further.

And that wasn't what Dustin had intended.

"Then what should we do?" Abelyn asked softly.

What else can we do? We can only wait.

Meanwhile, Joan was lying on the sofa in the living room again, waiting for someone to return home. It was unbeknown to her how much time had passed when Jake finally came home.

"Two people came to see me today," she told Jake. Flipping through a magazine, Joan didn't really pay any attention to it, instead, she couldn't help glancing at Jake from time to time, observing his expression.

And then? What's she trying to say? Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Jake took off his coat.

"Jake, did I know someone by the name of Larry before this?" she asked all of a sudden.

Jake was startled at that particular instant, but he reverted to his usual composure very quickly.

"What are you talking about? Larry is my friend, so of course you know him. It has been quite some time since the two of you last met each other, though."

Is that so? Still, Joan had a gut feeling that it wasn't as simple as what the man before her said.

"Alright, don't think so much about such irrelevant things. You should get some rest," Jake said as he helped her to the bedroom.

The woman lay in bed all night, tossing and turning around, but she couldn't seem to fall asleep. She was preoccupied with the name 'Larry.' This had happened before — more than once or twice. Something very significant must have happened. I just can't remember it...

She curled up in bed and clenched her fists tightly, looking exceedingly dejected. She was perturbed by the chances of her overlooking something crucial due to her loss of memory.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2839

After what seemed an eternity, she finally fell asleep. When she woke up the next day with the intention of asking Jake about Larry, she realized he had already left the villa. Why is he evading this matter? Sitting on the sofa, Joan appeared very concerned.

Joan losing her memory was doubtlessly good news to Della. And what excited her, even more, was that Jake had abducted Joan. Therefore, even if Larry was eager to find that woman, it would definitely take him a considerable amount of time.

"I want to see Larry!" Della yelled at the lobby with an overbearing tone.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Duff. Mr. Norton has specified earlier that those without an appointment shall not be allowed to enter," the receptionist stopped her and said.

Damn it, Larry! You actually came up with such a lousy trick against me? You're taking me too lightly! Do you really think you can stop me with this little skit? The woman snorted and straightened her clothes, glancing around as if she was waiting for something.

"Look, there's someone sneaking in over there!" She pointed at a man some distance away.

The receptionist turned around immediately upon hearing that, ready to call the security over the landline. Just as she turned around, Della ran in in a trice.

"Hey, Ms. Duff! You can't go in!" The receptionist’s tone was extremely remorseful.

Messing with me? You have a long way to go! Della put her hands together and walked into Larry's office.

"So, it seems you're quite clever, aren't you?" In the corridor, Caspian looked at her contemptibly and uttered lowly.

"Better than you, at least!" With that, Della walked past him.

"You!" Rooted to the spot, Caspian was infuriated.

Leaning back on the sofa in his office, Larry was taking a rest with his eyes closed; he was totally unaware of Della's arrival. The woman tiptoed over and hunkered down beside him, closely observing the face that got her daydreaming. Her lips curled into a gratified curve unwittingly.

Although he disliked her and even hated her sometimes, for some reason, her affection toward him wouldn't seem to diminish.

However, she wasn't aware that the feeling she had about Larry was not so much love as it was possessiveness.

Plausibly noticing something amiss, the man opened his eyes slowly while massaging his temples, trying to clear his hazy mind.

"What are you doing here?" with displeasure in his tone, he asked, getting up and pacing toward the desk.

"Larry, do you think I won't be able to come in just because you ordered your subordinates to stop me?" Della asked complacently.

Hmph! In fact, the man had never really expected that Della would be subjugated by the staff in his company. Hence, he wasn't surprised at all.

"What's the matter?" Larry yawned and asked.

Della sat on the sofa with her legs crossed, looking very relaxed as she said, "My Dad said to re-establish the cooperation with you."

Larry immediately shifted his gaze toward her with a cautious expression on his face. Is she trying to stir up some trouble again?

"I appreciate your dad's kindness. Please help me relay my message to him. Norton Corporation is doing very well at the moment."

What does he mean by that? Is he declining the offer? Della looked at him curiously, her eyes filled with bewilderment. Many know that there are numerous organizations and people who yearn to collaborate with our family, and yet, Larry is outright turning down our offer!

Della squeezed her fingers tightly. With much indignation and agitation, she started, "Larry, you were pleased to cooperate with us previously, weren't you?"

That was in the past.

He used to think that the woman before him would share his weal and woe and go through thick and thin with him. Nevertheless, she had betrayed him heartlessly. There's nothing that will always stay the same in this world. The human heart is the most fickle of all.

"Della, I truly appreciate the goodwill extended, but Norton Corporation has undergone restructuring, and it really isn't compatible to collaborate with your company. I'm sorry about that."

He was very straightforward, leaving no room for discussion. It was done intentionally — he didn't want to get another taste of being sold out by this woman.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2840

You can never get to the bottom of how the minds of women work. Della does seem innocent on the veneer, but underneath that facade is a guileful mind much slyer than anyone else's. Only God knows if she'll stab me in the back again.

"Larry, do you really have to be so stubborn?"

There was a hint of aggrievance in her voice, but Larry was completely unmoved. Regardless of how Della fawned and played the victim card, the man wouldn't compromise.

Bang! Panting, Caspian butted in with an exceedingly unnerved and wrought up spirit. "Larry, we're in trouble!"

This jackass never learns! He's been following me for so many years, yet he's still so impetuous. Just when Larry was about to admonish him, Caspian added, "Gabriella is here."

The former was immediately dumbstruck.

What is that skunk doing round here? Hasn't she left the country for treatment overseas? Damn it. Is she looking for trouble here?

"Let me in! I'm here to see Lars." Gabriella couldn't stop badgering at the lobby and was making an awful scene.

"I'm sorry, Miss. You can't enter without an appointment." The receptionist was very conscientious and followed Larry's instructions with no exception.

"Do you know who I am? I'm Gabriella! Just tell Larry Gabriella is here," the woman shouted at the top of her lungs with an icy air wafting from her as she flung the receptionist's arm off her and straightened her clothes.

If there's no appointment made beforehand, she's not allowed to enter, be it Gabriella or Aubriella. The receptionist stood in front of her, blocking her way. She then grabbed the receiver of the landline to make a call.

"Let her in." Out of the blue, Larry appeared before them.

The receptionist retreated immediately while Gabriella shot daggers at her. A barbarous aura emanated from her.

"It's not her fault. I gave her those instructions," Larry loosened his tie a little as he said to Gabriella.

"Lars, it's been so long. I missed you so much." As soon as she finished her sentence, Gabriella darted toward Larry and wrapped her arm around his, beaming.

The people around were all taken aback at the sight of that.

It was nothing new to everyone in the company that Gabriella was an admirer of Larry, but the man wasn't interested in her at all.

"Gabriella, please mind your manners." Just as Larry finished his words, he flung her arm off forcefully.

Watching the heartless expression on the man's face before her, Gabriella was a little disconsolate. Baring her teeth, she clenched onto the side of her shirt, obviously displeased. What's wrong? We just met! Is he really not going to leave me some dignity? What a jerk! Needless to say, he's all about Joan again!

Gabriella had been receiving treatment abroad, and her condition had also improved. Hence, when she received the news that Joan had gone missing, she rushed back immediately with great haste, trying to return to Larry's side. Having said that, the only person Larry held dearly to was Joan. Therefore, it went without saying that the man wouldn't accept her.

"Ms. Ward?" All of a sudden, Della came out and greeted her.

Why is she here? Gabriella looked at the woman standing across from her quizzically. The two of them had met each other before, but they were not close.

"Ms. Duff, are you here to discuss a business collaboration?" she asked deliberately.

Della chuckled with an indistinct provocative glint in her eyes, and she replied with faint sarcasm, "That's right. But it's a shame that Larry is turning his nose up at this small company of ours."

What? Larry declined a collaboration with her? He must have gone mad! Countless people are contending among each other just to have an opportunity to collaborate with Della, and he's giving it away?

Gabriella cast a bemused gaze at the two people; she couldn't get her head around the situation.

"Larry, I shall get going. Let's meet again some other day." With that, Della left, and when she passed by Gabriella, she shot her a disdainful look.

For some reason, the other woman felt extremely uneasy in that instance.

"Is there anything you need?" Larry asked Gabriella.