Peter Smith entered the house, loosening his tie after a long day. But the moment he stepped into Jennifer's room, his heart clenched. His beloved daughter sat by the window, her eyes red from crying, her face pale, her hands clasped around a handkerchief.
Peter's voice softened. "Jenny-girl... what's this? A cloud in my sunshine's sky?"
Jennifer quickly wiped her tears. "It's nothing, Dad."
He walked closer, sitting beside her. His large, worn hands gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Don't lie to me, little dove. I know when my daughter's heart is heavy. And I know who it's for."
Jennifer lowered her eyes, unable to answer.
Peter suddenly stood and cleared his throat. "You know... when you frown, you remind me of your mother. Katherine had the same way of sulking-like the whole world had turned against her."
Jennifer blinked up at him.
He spread his arms dramatically and began to sing in a playful baritone, the same silly tune he used to sing when she was a child. "Ohhh, the Smith ladies have the power to break a man's heart with just one glance..."
Jennifer burst into a weak laugh despite her tears. "Dad, stop... you're terrible!"
Peter smiled, victorious. He pulled her into his embrace. "There it is. That smile. You've no idea how much it means to me." His voice lowered, more serious now. "You are your mother's image, Jenny. Her grace, her stubbornness, her fire... everything lives in you. When I first met Katherine, she wasn't the most dazzling woman in the room. But she had a way of making a house feel like a sanctuary. She made me believe in peace, in family. And now... I see her in you."
Jennifer's eyes softened, her heart warming under his words.
Peter cupped her face tenderly. "That is why I love you the most, Jennifer. Because every day, I see both my daughter and the woman who saved me."
Jennifer leaned her head on his chest, comforted.
After a long silence, Peter spoke again, carefully. "And because I love you, I want to see you happy... safe. There's a young man, Christopher Davenport. From a noble family, fine education, impeccable manners. He's been spoken of as... a worthy match for you."
Jennifer's smile faltered, her hands tightening.
Peter kissed her forehead. "It would make me immensely happy to see you in good hands, Jenny-girl. Think of it as my one request as a father."
Jennifer swallowed, forcing a smile. "Dad... you know I would do anything for you."
Peter smiled, satisfied, believing her heart was lighter.
But when he left her alone, Jennifer pressed her palms together tightly, tears filling her eyes again. She bowed her head, her lips trembling in a whisper only God could hear.
"Adrian... please come back to me. Please... just once, come back."
The night swallowed her prayer, leaving only the echo of her longing.
Meanwhile at Adrian's Office – Late Night.
The glass walls of Adrian's office reflected the dim city lights. Files and blueprints were scattered across his desk, the glowing screen of his laptop illuminating his sharp features. His eyes scanned the documents, but his mind kept drifting elsewhere.
For the first time that night, he leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. The memory of Jennifer's trembling hands on his chest came back unbidden-her warmth, her fragrance, the way her eyes pleaded for him to stay. His chest tightened.
Adrian clenched his jaw. Damn it. Why can't I erase her?
He opened his eyes sharply, pushing the thought away. "No... no distractions," he muttered under his breath. "Not when I'm this close."
At that moment, his assistant Charles entered, holding a thick folder. "Sir, the final bids for the Metro Project were announced. You might want to see this."
Adrian snatched the file, flipping through the pages. The numbers glared back at him-his company's bid had undercut every competitor, and the government had selected Hale Group as the project lead.
A slow, victorious smile spread across his face. "We did it. Peter Smith is out."
Charles allowed himself a rare grin. "Smith & Sons fought hard. But they didn't stand a chance against your strategy."
Adrian's smile faltered, replaced by a shadow of satisfaction mixed with something darker. He rose from his chair, pacing toward the window, staring at the city skyline.
"Do you know why I wanted this project so badly, Charles?" His voice was low, almost dangerous.
Charles hesitated. "...Because of your mother, sir."
Adrian's fists tightened at his sides. "Because Peter Smith ruined her. And now, I'll ruin him-piece by piece, project by project, until he knows what it feels like to lose everything."
The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the hum of the city below.
But even in triumph, Adrian's chest felt hollow. His phone lay on the desk, dozens of missed calls from Jennifer staring back at him.
He pressed his fingers to his temple. Her voice still echoed in his mind. Her touch still haunted him.
Why does she not leave me?
Instead of answering, he poured himself a glass of whiskey, his lips curving into a bitter smirk.
"Let her cry," he whispered coldly. "I don't need her. All I need is revenge."
But as he stared into the amber glass, the ache for Jennifer lingered-unyielding, unforgotten.