His Forbidden Desire

As Jade Vine made her way down the grand staircase, every eye in the room turned towards her. She smiled gracefully, but she could feel the weight of their gazes following her every step. There was something almost surreal about the moment-she was the center of attention, but all she could focus on was her appearance and how it might look to others.

She paused for a moment to take in her reflection. The long black and gold tulle ball gown she wore shimmered under the lights, a perfect combination of elegance and luxury, and she felt a rush of pride. However, a persistent nervousness quickly eclipsed her pride.

The theme of the night was black and gold, fitting for her debut, a celebration of her stepping into adulthood. Similar attire from the guests further enhanced the formal and refined atmosphere. The host of the party introduced her, along with her parents, and Jade scanned the room with curious eyes, hoping to spot someone in particular.

Today, of all days, she longed to see one specific person-someone who had captured her heart for what seemed like forever.

As she made her way into the ballroom, she whispered to herself, giving herself the encouragement she needed: "Battle on, Jade. Tell him the truth now, before it's too late!" She tried to push down the anxiety building up inside her.

And then she saw him. Ceynol Tarragon. He stood at the edge of the crowd, his strong build and handsome features accentuated by his black tuxedo. There was an air of confidence and power about him, a presence that demanded attention.

To Jade, he seemed like the perfect mix of mystery and masculinity. Every time their eyes briefly met, she found herself drawn to him, her heart racing.

In her mind, Jade cursed her feelings. "Damn! Ceynol Tarragon is one sexy man. I own him! Keep your eyes away from him!"* she thought, frustrated that even in the midst of a room full of guests, she couldn't stop focusing on him.

But Ceynol remained distant, as always. His cold, almost impervious demeanor made it clear that he didn't want anyone to intrude on his personal space. He didn't crack a smile, not even for a second. His expression was always serious, intense, and unapproachable.

Jade couldn't help but feel like she was floating on air as she descended the stairs. Nothing else in the world, not even the grand celebration in her honour, seemed to matter in that moment.

As the host's voice rang out, announcing her arrival, she barely even registered the words. "Let's welcome the debutante and her eighteen dances!" The words washed over her as she continued to fixate on Ceynol. She had no idea what was happening around her, completely lost in the thrill of being near him.

If Jade had her way, the only person she'd be dancing with that night would be him. But instead, she danced with the sons and daughters of her father's business partners, as well as her classmates-none of whom held her interest.

When it was time to dance with her father, Jade felt a mix of emotions. Her father was so proud of her, and the smile on his face filled her heart with joy, but there was still a part of her that was preoccupied with what was going on inside her heart. One more dance with Ceynol was needed before dancing with her father.

As she saw him approaching, her nerves skyrocketed. Her throat felt dry, and her heart pounded in her chest. Ceynol's presence was overwhelming, and as soon as their hands touched, she felt like she might collapse.

They locked eyes, and in that moment, everything else disappeared. There was nothing but the two of them, suspended in time. She tried to steady her breathing as they moved to the rhythm of the music, but every second felt like an eternity.

Finally, summoning all the courage she had, Jade spoke, her voice slightly trembling. "I need to talk to you about something. Can we talk in the garden after this?"

Ceynol didn't respond immediately, and for a long moment, Jade's heart seemed to stop. Then, after a small pause, he simply nodded. Relieved, Jade exhaled. She wasn't sure what his answer meant-he could just be agreeing to avoid an awkward moment-but she still hoped it was a positive sign.

Her father was her last dance partner, and she smiled broadly as he pulled her into a tight embrace. He was beaming with happiness. "If I ever make a big mistake, Daddy, will you still forgive me?" Jade suddenly asked, the question slipping from her lips without warning.

Her father's brow furrowed in confusion. "It depends, Jade. If the mistake isn't forgivable, I will try to find reasons to forgive you, even if the others don't," he answered with a sincere tone.

Jade couldn't find the right words to respond. There was something about her father's answer that made her think deeper. She finished the dance with him in silence, lost in thought.

As the last song ended, Jade thanked her father and the guests, her heart still racing from the earlier exchange with Ceynol. She excused herself from the ballroom, hoping that no one noticed her hasty departure.

Her heart beat faster as she caught sight of the garden through the large windows. She whispered to herself, "I hope he's there." Her gown, heavy with layers of tulle, seemed to weigh her down, but her determination to speak to Ceynol made her ignore it.

She scanned the room for any signs that someone was watching her, but there was no time to care. She rushed to the garden, her mind focused only on the conversation she was about to have.

When she stepped outside, she saw him. Ceynol stood in the center of the garden; his icy blue eyes fixed on her. Her body went cold with nerves, but she took a deep breath and approached him.

"Hey," she said, her voice a little shaky. But Ceynol didn't return the greeting. Instead, he looked at her with a directness that sent shivers down her spine.

"What do you want to say, Jade?" His voice was low and commanding, a tone that almost made her knees give way. She paused, gathering her courage.

She had mentally practiced this moment countless times, yet as it finally arrived, her words appeared to stutter. She could feel the fear creeping up inside her, but she pushed it aside.

"I love you, Ceynol," she said, her voice steady and clear. She gazed into his eyes, her heart laid bare for him to see.

For a brief moment, Ceynol's expression softened, but then something flickered in his eyes, and he shook his head. "It's just a crush, puppy love, or whatever childish thing it is, Jade," he replied coldly, the words stinging like ice.

Jade's heart shattered in that instant, and anger flared inside her. "It is love! Damn it! Didn't you see it, Ceynol? I've loved you all this time! I know you feel something for me too!" Her voice grew louder, and she didn't care who heard her. She had built up the courage to speak her truth, and now she wasn't going to hold back.

Ceynol avoided her gaze, his face set in a stern expression. "I love you, Ceynol. Can you see it? Can you feel it in your heart that my words are real?" She asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

But Ceynol shook his head again, this time more forcefully. "Fuck! You're a child! You're like a daughter to me with your age!" His words hit her like a slap in the face, and Jade staggered backwards, her chest tightening with hurt.

"Age has nothing to do with this! It's my feelings that matter!" She screamed, tears welling up in her eyes. "Tell me, don't you feel anything for me?"

Ceynol didn't respond. He just stood there, his eyes filled with discomfort and regret. Jade reached out, taking his hands in hers. She kissed him-gently, softly, as if she were trying to pour every ounce of her love into that kiss. But when she pulled back, the pain in her chest was still there.

"Tell me, do you feel the same way about me?" She repeated her question, desperate for any response.

She felt her heart tearing apart as she waited for him to speak. When he finally opened his mouth, his words crushed her.

"I'm sorry, Jade. I can't gamble my feelings for you and my friendship with your dad."

Jade felt as if the ground had been pulled out from under her. Her vision blurred with tears, and the ache in her chest was almost unbearable. She stood there, frozen, as Ceynol turned away from her, his footsteps heavy as he walked off into the distance.

Her heart broke with every step he took, and she felt her body trembling with the weight of his rejection. She whispered through clenched teeth, "You are a coward, Ceynol. If only you had just been honest with me."

At twenty-two years old, Jade Vine let out a deep sigh of exhaustion. She had just finished her shift as a fruit picker, a job she had taken on in New Zealand to support herself and her three-year-old son, Crown.

As she walked into the small apartment she called home, the weight of the day was heavy on her shoulders. The moment she stepped inside, she immediately sought comfort in the familiar faces around her.

"Thank you for taking care of my son, Beth," she said to the elderly woman sitting in her living room.

Beth, the babysitter and retired teacher, smiled warmly. "It's no trouble at all, Jade. Your little one is simple to take care of, as you know. He never cries, and it's almost like he understands your struggles."

Jade's heart swelled with gratitude. Beth had been a godsend, offering to watch over Crown whenever Jade was working. She was a kind-hearted woman, and, as a neighbor, she had volunteered to help without hesitation. The elderly woman had no family of her own and was more than pleased to lend a hand when she could.

"I'm truly thankful, Beth. You don't know how much this means to me," Jade said, her voice filled with emotion.

Beth's face softened with a smile. "Of course, dear. You've got enough on your plate already. Rest now. Take a break before you dive into your studies. I know you're in your last semester of college, and I'm proud of how diligently you're working. You'll be graduating soon."

Jade rubbed the back of her neck, a little embarrassed. She had been juggling her work, school, and motherhood for so long that she hadn't really had time to stop and breathe. But Beth's kind words meant the world to her.

The elderly woman stood up, slowly adjusting Crown's position on the couch, where he had fallen asleep after playing. "I'll leave you to rest, Jade. I've got some food from my daughter. You're welcome to join me, but don't push yourself. I know you're tired," Beth added, her voice gentle.

Jade smiled at her. "You're too kind, Beth. But I'll be fine. I went out earlier and grabbed some food. Let's share it, okay?"

Beth shook her head. "My daughter brought some supper. It's nothing fancy, but it'll do. And I have plenty to share with you."

Jade's face brightened, grateful for the offer. "I'll let you go, then. But thank you again for helping me today. You're a lifesaver."

Beth gave her a reassuring nod and headed for the door. Jade followed her outside, locking the door behind her before returning to the living room.

She collapsed onto the couch besides Crown, feeling her exhaustion take over her body. She worked long hours, starting at six in the morning for her job and then heading to school by three in the afternoon.

She had a packed college schedule, with two major classes from three to five on Mondays and Tuesdays and an internship from three to six from Wednesday through Friday. She dedicated her weekends to Crown, her top priority in life.

Despite the weariness, Jade found solace in the thought that her graduation was just a month away. She had worked hard to get to this point, managing to put aside enough money to pay for her tuition.

Though her savings helped cover her college expenses, her true struggle was balancing the needs of her son and her daily responsibilities. She had learned to make sacrifices to ensure they had everything they needed.

"Thank God I paid the rent on this place for four years," she thought to herself. "At least the rent won't keep going up, not for me."

Jade had made a deal with her landlord, which provided some financial stability for her and Crown. They had good neighbors-people who understood her situation and supported her. In fact, Crown had become a little neighborhood sweetheart, always charming everyone he met with his adorable smile and innocent personality.

As Jade looked at her son, her heart filled with love and sadness all at once. He was her greatest joy, yet his existence was a reminder of the mistakes she had made.

She had left the Philippines in a hurry, running from a life that had become too complicated and painful to face. She had made sure no one could trace her. She buried her past in the Philippines, uncertain if she would ever return.

"I should be content with having you, my love," she whispered, looking down at Crown as he slept peacefully. He was her world now.

Her love for him was unconditional. In spite of everything that had happened, her son was her reason for waking up each day, the one thing that kept her grounded.

Jade gently lifted Crown and tucked him into their bed, covering him with a soft blanket. She kissed his forehead, feeling a surge of maternal affection. Her exhaustion was palpable, but she knew she needed to freshen up and study for the upcoming final exams.

As she brushed her hair in front of the mirror, Jade couldn't help but notice how much she had changed over the years. She had intentionally dyed her hair blonde to change her appearance, feeling that it suited her fair complexion.

Her lips, though thin, were naturally red, and her nose was sharp and elegant, complementing her angelic features. She was short, standing at five feet and two inches, but she carried herself with confidence. Her brown eyes were kind, and they reflected the inner strength that had kept her going despite the challenges she faced.

"Maybe I can forget about him now," she thought, her mind drifting to the man who had once been the love of her life. He was the one who had caused her heartbreak. "If anything, I'm proud of myself. I may have made mistakes, but I'm doing the best I can for Crown. He bears a striking resemblance to his father, but at least I now have my son."

She shook her head to clear the thoughts. After finishing her nighttime routine, she returned to Crown's side. Sitting down next to him, she opened her books to begin studying. She couldn't afford to waste any more time. The final exams were approaching fast, and she needed to pass them if she wanted to graduate.

She leant over and kissed Crown once more, whispering softly, "Good night, Crown. Sleep tight, baby. Mommy is always here."

As she opened her textbooks, she glanced at her son's peaceful face, a sense of calm washing over her. Despite everything that had happened in her life, Jade was certain that her son would always be her anchor, the one person who kept her going.

And as she closed the book in front of her, she allowed herself a moment of quiet reflection, grateful for the little life she was building for herself and her son.

It wasn't perfect, and it never would be, but it was theirs. And that was enough.

At forty, Ceynol Tarragon's life bore the marks of success and influence. His name resonated in business circles, a beacon of triumph in a world where fortune eluded many. Yet, for all his accomplishments, a persistent shadow loomed over him-a frustration born not of material lack but of emotional void. A labyrinth of longing gripped his heart, as he sought something, or rather someone, that remained elusive.

Ceynol had devoted much of his adulthood to building an empire. His businesses flourished, reflecting the discipline and determination of a man with clear goals. Yet, amidst boardrooms and balance sheets, he harbored a yearning that could not be satisfied by wealth alone. He searched for the woman who had captured his heart-a love he had long carried but never fulfilled.

As he sat down in his office, a confrontation he had grown tired of enduring interrupted his thoughts. He was reviewing contracts.

"Get out, Lily!" His voice was sharp, laced with finality. "How many times must I tell you? I will not take you back. For years, you have pursued me, but my answer remains the same-you and I are impossible. Period."

His piercing gaze bore into the woman standing before him. Lily had been pushing the limits of his tolerance for years. However, despite her persistent advances, his heart remained impervious to her. Something else consumed his thoughts.

"You're delusional, Ceynol! If she ever comes back, she won't love you anymore. She'll end up with me instead!" Lily's voice trembled with anger, her defiance unwavering.

Ceynol's expression hardened. "That will never happen. Even if she no longer loves me, I will do everything to win her back," he replied coldly.

Lily's eyes flared with anger, and she opened her mouth to retaliate. Before she could speak, Ceynol hurled a pen in her direction-not to harm her but to punctuate his command.

"Leave at once!" His voice echoed through the office, resonating even beyond its walls. "I've made amends for any pain I caused you, and I owe you nothing more. Your so-called love for me was never genuine-it was my wealth you were after!"

Lily's face turned pale, her bravado crumbling under his rage. Ceynol rose from his seat, the tension in his jaw evident as he reached for a chair, ready to throw it if necessary. Terrified, Lily fled, slamming the door behind her.

Left alone, Ceynol rubbed his temples in frustration. His professional life thrived, but his personal world was a storm of turmoil and longing. The question echoed in his mind: How do you find someone who doesn't want to be found?

He had secretly assembled a team to search for her-the woman who haunted his dreams, the one he had lost but never stopped loving, Jade.

Jade's image was seared into his consciousness, an angelic visage that brought equal parts joy and torment. Memories of her smile, her laugh, and the light in her eyes plagued his waking moments and haunted his dreams.

"Leave, Jade," he had once implored her. "You make everything so difficult for me."

But Jade had been resolute. "I won't stop until I make you mine, Ceynol," she declared, her voice firm, her will unyielding.

And yet, there she was again, standing before him in his office, as if summoned by his longing. This time, her presence was different. She wasn't the innocent girl he remembered. She had undergone a transformation, radiating a confidence and allure that left him speechless.

The scarlet halter dress she wore clung to her figure, a vivid reminder of her undeniable beauty. Ceynol's throat tightened, and he swallowed hard, his mind warring against his desires.

"Jade, you're tormenting me," he rasped, turning away. "You're too young, too pure for me to corrupt with my desires."

But Jade was undeterred. "You've taught me what love is, Ceynol," she whispered, her voice laced with seduction. "Refraining from adoring me will be impossible-for both of us."

She moved closer, perching herself on his lap, her hips swaying in a rhythm designed to drive him mad. Her hands rested on his shoulders, and she leaned in, her breath warm against his neck.

"Jade, please," he begged, his voice trembling with desperation. "This isn't right."

But Jade ignored his protests. Her lips brushed against his neck, her touch igniting a fire within him that he struggled to control. His body betrayed him, responding to her closeness despite his resolve.

"Think of your father," he gasped, a final plea to her conscience.

"I don't care," she replied, her lips moving closer to his.

It was then that the image of her father-a man he respected, a man who had trusted him-flashed in his mind. With a strength born of sheer will, Ceynol gently but firmly pushed Jade away.

"Please, leave, Jade," he whispered, his voice heavy with regret. "I can't do this. I won't betray your father."

Jade stared at him, stunned and hurt. But even in her pain, her determination did not waver. "I'll never stop loving you, Ceynol," she vowed. "And I'll never stop fighting for you."

Ceynol watched her leave, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. The ache in his chest was almost unbearable, but he knew he had done the right thing. Still, the question lingered: Does she still love me after all these years?

He turned to the window, his reflection staring back at him. At forty, he had aged gracefully. His physique remained strong, his hair untouched by gray, his features still striking. However, all of this would be insignificant if he failed to reunite with the one woman who had always held his heart.

For years, he had lived in fear-fear that Jade no longer loved him, fear that he had lost his chance to be with her forever. But fear would no longer hold him back.

"If I ever find her again," he vowed to himself, "I will beg for her love. I will fight for her, no matter the cost. Jade is mine."

And with that, Ceynol Tarragon, a man of power and influence, resolved to reclaim the one thing he had always wanted but never fought for-Jade's heart.