Ice and Fire novel Chapter 424

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 a great friend in Derek, but, one day, if it's possible, I wish you to count me in among your friends, like when we were kids."

Jackson nodded and smiled, "We will be good friends."

Stephen said firmly, "Yes, yes we will! Take good care of Cherry. She's invaluable and will never let you down."

Jackson nodded again.

As Jackson watched Stephen walk away, he was struck suddenly with images of things that happened when he was a little boy.

Back then, the military residential compound was always a busy place during the day. It was even more active in the evenings when kids were outside playing games and having fun. Jackson was standing in the middle, there was a kid to his left, who was Stephen, and another on his right, that was Derek. Sally and Selina were standing behind the three boys. The five of them were the perfect team and were recognized by everyone at the military residential compound. The five of them were close friends, and the three boys promised they would be there to share in each other's happiness and troubles. They vowed to keep their promise, and the girls, in their innocent, pinky swore to be wed in a double wedding with the other. The girls swore they'd wear the most beautiful gowns and only accept marriage to a guy they truly, deeply loved. That was when childhood was wonderful, and dreams were simple.

Then, the nightmare began. Everything changed, the sworn brothers were no longer friends, and girls turned on each other. Jackson found one small detail out, unintentionally and he was afraid the love of his life would be destroyed. All he wanted to do was protect Cherry and he swore he would protect her at any cost. That was how Jackson was, the arrogant descendant of the Chu Family. He wanted everything in his way and became bossy to make it happen.

It was noon when Jackson finally left the cafe.

When he got in his car, he called Cherry.

Cherry was ready to go for lunch with Wilson when she heard her phone ringing. She answered it immediately, smiling, when she saw it was Jackson.

Cherry purred, "Jackson! Hi!"

Jackson asked, "What are you doing?"

Cherry told him, "I'm going to lunch with my brother. Why? Is something wrong? Where are you?"

Jackson quickly informed her, "I'll come to you. Do me a favor, book us a private room at the restaurant and wait for me. I'll be there soon."

"Okay." Cherry said before clicking to end the call.

Wilson was curious about what just happened, so he asked, "What is it? Is there anything wrong, Cherry?"

Cherry shook her head, looking at Wilson and said, "No, no. Wilson, Jackson is joining us, and he just wanted to tell me to book a private room and wait for him."

Wilson said, "Okay. Is he headed over now?"

"Yes, he's on his way." Cherry let him know.

Cherry and Wilson were waiting in the private room for a half an hour before Jackson showed up.

Cherry asked, "Why were you headed to the H King Group today?" She observed Jackson, he seemed calm and she didn't know what he was thinking. She knew he must be here for specific reason though.