After the emergency work, both Ethan and Jazzlyn helped out the entire day at the landslide’s area. They both headed back to the hotel, exhausted. They instantly went to change their muddy and drenched clothing and showered. When Ethan, who was making them each hot tea at the pantry, saw Jazzlyn step out in the bathroom robe, he was confused.

  “Don’t get me wrong… Isla may have packed my clothes, but none of them were suitable…” She shyly looked away as he chuckled and went to rummage for his t-shirt and a baggy pants for her.

  “Try on… Might be a little too big, but that’s fine. We shall head somewhere to get you some clothing…” He said without wanting to tease any further since her cheeks were rosy.

  “Thank you…” She chirped before hurriedly going to change.

  When she returned they sat facing each other tired. Jazzlyn dragged herself up wanting to talk with Ethan as she walked over to his side and he embraced her.

  “Thank you for volunteering, though you didn’t have to…” He said as she smiled, stealing a kiss from his cheek. It made him flabbergasted as he began to pull her in for a slow kiss.

  When they broke, Jazzlyn recalled her reality.

  “About us… There’s something I should tell you…” She wanted to explain about her family situation, but a doorbell interrupted them.

  He went to answer the door only to be asked for Ms. Su. When Jazzlyn saw the two men, she knew it was from her family. She walked over apologetically before turning her stern side on.

  “Why are you here? How did you know I was here?” It was Ethan’s first time seeing how Jazzlyn was so hostile.

  “Old Master Su requires you to return to the family house.” One of the buffer bodyguards informed her. Jazzlyn sighed knowing it must be related to her resignation news.

  “Let me get dressed.” She closed the door and dragged Ethan back into the room, furiously but slowly began to struggle, not breaking down.

  “Hey… It’s alright…” Ethan tried comforting her as she was fighting her tears and fuming in anger that she eased into his hug not wanting to leave but she knew she had to else those guards would not barge.

  “Let me head back with them to KL first. I will explain to you as soon as I can…” Her eyes pleaded with him when their gaze met.

  “It’s fine. Go. I will wait.” Ethan comforted her as he wiped her tears away.

  “I’m sorry…” She apologised as Ethan shook his head and kissed her forehead.

  “I understand. Now, do you have something to change into?” He asked, and she was reminded of her seductive clothes and closed her eyes as she shook her head.

  “Wear this. At least it keeps you warm. I will see you tomorrow in KL and bring you somewhere thereafter.” Ethan gave her something to look forward to.

  “I will update you again… Rest well. Stay another day or two. It’s a long drive.” Jazzlyn reminded him as he hugged her for a moment before he let her leave.

  It made Ethan feel a little uneasy as he resorted to informing Isla.

  Ethan: There were guards from the Su family who escorted Jazzlyn back. Any idea what’s going on?

  Isla was about to place an order for her dinner over the delivery app when she saw the message and felt strange. She quickly gave Ethan a call.

  “Hey Ethan… What happened? I thought she was there with you on vacation?” Isla asked urgently.

  “Hello Isla, sorry for disturbing you. It’s an emergency mission to help out the landslide victims.” Ethan said.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “Oh no…” Isla lamented realising she had packed the wrong attire for her. “Have the guards left with Jazz?” Isla asked.

  “Yes… Why … What’s going on, I mean, is there something urgent happening in her family? She didn’t look very willing to go with them.” Ethan asked worriedly.

  “Hasn’t she spoken to you about the entire situation she is in with her family?” Isla questioned and could not help but raise an eyebrow.

  “We were supposed to talk, but with the emergency and the sudden guards' appearance, we didn’t manage to yet. If there weren’t an emergency, I doubt she would be willing to head home given the rumours that she had a fallout with her family. That’s why she was not working for Su's private hospital?” Ethan questioned as Isla checked her messages, but nothing from the Su family side.

  “Ethan, something is going on, and I’m not sure what it is. I will be staying close by her family's house to watch over her. I will let her tell you that part of the story. In short, yes, she is not on good terms with her family.” Isla said in a rush as she went to get dressed.

  “I will head down and join you. Send me the address.” Ethan instructed.

  “Ethan, you should rest. It’s a long drive, and now it’s peak hours. It’s going to take you longer than their limousine.” Isla advises against it.

  “I will fly…” Ethan decided instead.

  “Suit yourself. Just ensure you’re not overworked.” Isla is too occupied to argue with him as they hang up and send him the address.

  She grabbed her car keys to drive all the way to the Su family’s house in one of the richest KL areas, Desa City Park City.

  Isla sent a message to the girls’ group chat.

  Isla: Jazz. I know what’s going on. Keep us posted. I will be outside your house waiting for you. Whatever it is, be patient.

  Ellie: ?? What’s going on?

  Isla: SOS. Princess is summoned home

  Ellie: I will come by with you, Isla.

  Isla: It's alright. Aren’t you still recovering from fever?. I will keep you updated. Get some rest, Ellie. Jazz, keep us updated

  Despite being on the way, Isla still felt uneasy as Jazzlyn had not returned her calls nor replied to their messages. She grabbed a “Ramly burger” from the roadside on the way to the house and had a quick dinner in her car while parking by the Su’s family's house corner while receiving a flight update from Ethan.

  Before she could respond, she noticed the guard’s car finally drove in after waiting for an hour. She knew how efficiently these guards could fly the car from Pahang in less than two hours. She felt it must be urgent only to see a familiar figure in another car entering the residence, Benjamin.

  Benjamin, what the heck is going on?! Isla’s frantic mind told her she needed to keep her cool in the car if she wanted to ensure Jazzlyn’s well-being later.

  Isla texted directly to Ellie.

  Isla: I saw Benjamin entering. Not going to be well.

  Ellie: !!! Dang! That nuisance can never leave her alone, is it?

  Isla: Let’s wait and see…

  Ellie: Ethan should be reaching soon?

  Isla: He is reaching much later. His flight is at 8pm, reaching almost 10 pm since he needed to hail a taxi an hour from the airport. By then, I think the princess should be out. It’s fine. We need him to comfort her later and not be anxious like me now.

  Ellie: Good… Stay patient

  Isla: I will!

  Inside the Su’s residence, Jazzlyn was agitated to be summoned that way, and her mother was furious at her dressing as she quickly urged Jazzlyn to freshen up and change her clothes in her old room.

  It was a bittersweet feeling being back in an old familiar place, but also a place she resented. She walked around feeling the familiar furniture and surroundings, but then none of it felt like they belong to her anymore. None of it ever made her feel at home. She went to check on the dress prepared for her to change into.

  Whenever it was formal attire, she knew they were expecting guests, and she felt very uneasy about the arrangement. She was tempted to rebel and wear Ethan’s clothes instead as she took them off and headed into the shower, letting her rebellion conquer her.

  After a good half hour of refreshing herself, she finally went down and sat at the dining table with her mother, unable to reprimand her for wearing her shabby clothes. The familiar smell of various Chinese delicacies made her hungry, but her throat was so tight with anger that she had no intention of even touching the food or eating. The faces on the table were all staring back with judgments and fake smiles, but she did not care as she put on her notorious black face.

  Her eyes finally recognised their guests seated with them; the Kang’s family with Dato Kang sitting in a wheelchair, looking still fragile, while Datin Kang was looking a little pale. Benjamin was the only lively one, but he was also haggard from lack of sleep.

  What the heck are these people doing here? Jazzlyn could not help but think to herself.