Chapter 424 His Leaving

Stephen continued sharing, "But I was worried. My intention of getting close to her at first was to get back at you. So I'm afraid that Cherry would discover that, and she would be so mad at me that she would never speak to me again." While he spoke, Stephen got emotional, "All this time it upsets me, and leaves me wondering how Cherry will treat me when she learns the truth."

Jackson took in everything Stephen said and after a long silence told him, "Stephen, leave the city. If she isn't aware of this information, then you need to bury them. Forget what has happened and make a fresh start in a new city."

Stephen gave a curt nod, "I planned to leave even if you didn't suggest it. Actually, I have already packed to leave. I'm flying out in two days. My childhood memories will remain buried here. This time, I wanted to let everything go, and take a long vacation. Maybe..." He paused for a second, "Maybe I won't return, ever."

Jackson stared at Stephen silently thinking. Before meeting with Stephen today, he wouldn't have believed they could sit and have an amicable talk together. He was astonished by Stephen's thought. He never expected that Stephen should give everything up so easily and completely.

Stephen saw the contemplative look in Jackson's eyes and smiled, "What is this? Are you worried about me? Take it easy, and don't fret, I've planned for everything. So many years have passed, but we all live under that shadow. I know everyone is unhappy. I'll leave, and you should be able to relax a little. Take care of Cherry and teach your son. Joe is brilliant."

Jackson nodded his head and he would keep in mind all things Stephen said. He believed that he should be satisfied that he could talk to Stephen quietly. If that accident hadn't happened, Stephen would be a second Derek to Jackson, instead of turning his back against him.

Stephen thought of something, "What about Sally and Mond?"

Jackson told him, "Don't worry, I'll handle them." To be honest, he'd never treated Mond like a real enemy, and deep down, he didn't think Sally would do anything 'crazy'.

Stephen worried still though, "You need to take extra precautions. I don't worry as much about Mond. I would be worried about what Sally might do though."

Stephen's warning confused Jackson. He was under the impression that Sally was under Mond's orders. Was Stephen implying Sally to act without Mond's permission or knowledge?

Stephen went on, "You and Mond are a very alike, and after Andrew's death, Mond has changed his mind a little. So, you needn't to be too worried. He isn't full of bloodlust as he once was. He won't do anything to bring harm to Cherry or Joe. But Sally? She's is different. I can't fathom what she might do next. You should know better than anyone how crazy she is."

Jackson nodded, understanding what Stephen meant.

Stephen stood up, and looked at Jackson while he said calmly, "Well, I have said and done what I wanted. I sincerely hope you lead the city's entertainment business forward to a brighter future."

Jackson stood too. Facing Stephen, he reached out to shake his hand and simply said, "Thanks."

Stephen smiled. As he took Jackson's hand shaking it, he replied, "Jackson, I know you have

“Let's go and register our marriage on your birthday!”

Marrying Daniel should have been her best birthday gift, but everything was ruined the moment when she caught him sleeping with another woman on the day before her birthday.

“He’s going to marry that woman! She... was my best friend!"

had a look of surprise as she stared back at Jackson. She wondered what happened between the two men.

Jackson share what happened with Cherry, "This morning Derek called and told me Stephen would sign over the entertainment assets, but, first he wanted to talk to me in person. So, we met at the coffee shop and he gave me all his assets, and told me he's leaving the city in two days."

Cherry was astonished, "Leaving the city? Where will he go?"

Jackson replied, "Maybe he will go abroad. The city reminds him of things that happened in the past." He didn't know where Stephen would go; he only knew Stephen had decided to leave the city.

Cherry pushed for more details, "But? He has no relatives. Where can he go?" Cherry was worried. Since acquainted with Stephen, he had been lonely. He had no relatives and very few friends. He handed all his assets over to Jackson. Then where could he go?

Jackson held her hand and gently said, "Honey, Stephen has planned and taken steps so he is able to do whatever he wants."

Cherry relaxed after listening to Jackson, but she was still concerned. So she asked, "Jackson, what about the problems between the two of you?" ...

She knew there had been problems between Stephen and Jackson. Though she didn't know the reason behind their problems, she believed it was related to their families. She no longer needed to know the exact reasons. After going through so much lately, she wasn't the same naive woman she had been a short time ago, and she had no desire anymore to understand everything that confused her.

Jackson said determinedly, "We're friends now." The look in his eyes told her, he wasn't kidding.

This news astonished Cherry and she questioned, "You two are friends now?"

Jackson replied, "Yes, we are. Maybe, his decision will be good for both of us. The best way to forget past hurts is to let it go of them, and not let them take root in one's heart."

Cherry looked at Jackson calmly as she thought. Maybe, it was a happy ending for Jackson and Stephen.

Cherry asked, "Jackson, may I see Stephen off when he leaves?"

Looking in Cherry's eyes, Jackson nodded in agreement.