A Love to Forget novel Chapter 1

"Hello, I'm here to apply for immigration!" Esme Shepherd stood at the counter, handing over her carefully prepared documents to the staff on the other side of the window.

The staff quickly stamped the necessary forms before sliding a paper back to her, saying, "Ma'am, your application will be processed in 15 days. Please be patient."

Esme nodded and turned to leave, but faint whispers from behind stopped her in her tracks.

"Am I seeing things? Why would Mrs. Jabs apply for immigration? Did she have a fight with Mr. Jabs?"

"Even if they fought, isn't this a bit extreme? Everyone knows Mr. Jabs spoils her like crazy. What could possibly make Mrs. Jabs this determined to leave?"

Someone chimed in, "Exactly! Five years ago, their wedding made global headlines, and even I—someone who barely follows the news—heard about it.

"Then, three years ago, she got into that car accident, and when the hospital ran out of blood, Mr. Jabs didn't hesitate to donate most of his own, saving her life. And just last year, she disappeared for an hour, and he mobilized every media outlet to search for her. Now she's leaving him like this? He's going to lose his mind!"

Esme smiled bitterly as she walked away, their voices faded behind her. Yes, everyone knew how deeply Isaiah Jabs loved her.

It was practically a legend—Isaiah Jabs, CEO of Jabs Group, ruthless and decisive in the business world, famous for his cold and aloof personal life, and utterly indifferent to women. No one dared to get within three feet of him.

That was, until that fateful gala where he met Esme.

He fell for her at first sight and pursued her relentlessly. Mansions, luxury cars, and priceless jewelry seemed like small tokens to him. He even lit up the night sky with fireworks for three days straight to declare his love.

Once, she casually mentioned missing a rare chestnut cake that had been out of production for years. That same night, in the middle of a snowstorm, he drove through three cities to find it and returned soaked to the bone, holding the still-warm dessert in his hands.

However, what truly moved Esme was the day her parents tragically passed away in a car crash. Even though Isaiah was miles away on an important business trip, he abandoned a billion-dollar deal without hesitation to rush back to her side.

When he finally arrived, disheveled and sleep-deprived, his eyes bloodshot, he wrapped her in his arms with nothing but tenderness.

"Essie, sweetheart, you still have me. I'll always be here for you."

The depth of his love was written all over his face, and her heart skipped a beat. She told herself he was the one back then.

Sadly, this man, who once had eyes only for her, could not resist temptation three months ago. He gave in and had an affair with the younger sister of his so-called best friend, who was staying at their house.

The evidence was everywhere—the living room couch, the kitchen, even their bed—tainted by the betrayal. Isaiah thought he had hidden it well, but no secret stays buried forever.

When Esme uncovered the truth, it shattered her. She cried, despaired, and doubted everything, but eventually, she accepted the cruel reality. In the end, she decided to leave him for good.

The Jabs family had a strict tradition spanning three generations. Everyone, including Isaiah, was bound to serve their country and forbidden from leaving it. Once she left the country, he would never be able to find her again.

Esme tucked her immigration documents into her bag, hailed a cab, and headed for Harmony Manor. As soon as she entered the villa, the scent of blooming privet filled her nose. Then, she saw two people decorating the wall and turned at the sound of her footsteps.

Isaiah froze for a moment before his expression softened, his eyes brimming with warmth as he approached and gently took her hand.

He asked, "Baby, why are you dressed so lightly? Are you cold? Didn't you say you were meeting your friends? How come you're back so soon? I was still preparing a surprise for you."

Esme looked up at Isaiah, puzzled. However, her eyes lingered on his neck. There, barely hidden, was a cluster of unmistakable hickeys.

Her eyelashes trembled slightly as she struggled to suppress the stabbing pain in her chest. When she did not respond, Audrey Coleman let out a soft, deliberate laugh and strolled over.

"Esme, Isaiah is just so in love with you. He's gone all out for your anniversary of when you first met..." Audrey paused theatrically, then gestured toward the couch piled high with gifts. She exclaimed, "Look at these! All of them are from Isaiah, just for you."

Esme followed Audrey's gaze, but her attention was immediately drawn to the darkened stain spreading beneath the gifts.

In that moment, it felt like lightning struck her. The scent she had noticed earlier, combined with this unmistakable evidence, confirmed the horrifying truth she had suspected.