FIRE AND ICE 🔥~~~~~~EPISODE 20
A while later, Jeslyn put down her cutlery and blurted out instinctively, "Riya, get the plates out."
Maya knitted her brows in confusion. She was the only one here, so who is Riya?
Jeslyn looked up at Maya and said without a smile or the usual softness in her voice. "Riya.... I'll call you Riya from now on."
Maya smiled after her puzzlement had been cleared. "Yes, ma'am," the maid curtsied before stepping forward to get the dishes.
"Uhm... Riya, is the young master back?"
"Young master Rex doesn't live here, ma'am."
"I meant your master's son."
The dishes made a clicking sound as the maid's hands shook and accidentally hit the dishes together.
"M–ma'am, why are you asking about little master Valen?" The maid asked with a tinge of uncertainty in her voice.
"Oh, it's nothing. I've been hearing about him quite a lot, so I thought of seeing him in person."
"Oh... That's right. Little master Valen is popular in country M but no one knows him."
"What do you mean?"
"He doesn't go public. The Lu family hides him from sight, so no one knows him."
"D–did you say, Lu family?!" Jeslyn subconsciously screamed in terror.
"Y–yes, ma'am. Didn't you know?" The maid frowned a little.
In country M, there are a few families that are on the ladder of success. The Lu family, the Yu family, and the Xu family.
Those three families are the top dogs in the country that must not be provoked and their names are known throughout the world.
There are two branches of the Lu family. Maverick, Valen, and Rex makes one, while the other relatives make the other. (Maverick's branch is the second branch he formed on his own.)
The second branch of the Lu family tends to keep a low profile. Although, the second branch of the Lu family has been keeping a low profile, people from country M still know who the young masters are.
Their names are unique to them alone, and that was why when Jeslyn asked like she was surprised, Maya felt suspicious.
If Jeslyn was connected to Maverick, she is supposed to know the household he's from, right?
As the maid's face was turning ugly with every weird thought that crossed her mind, Jeslyn suddenly chuckled.
"You are really fun to be with. Your expression was priceless. I think I like you... Just a little," Jeslyn beamed.
She just realized that her reaction didn't go well with Maya, so she decided to act smart.
The maid smiled. She was happy that her master's guest liked her to the extent of playing around with her, albeit, a little.
However, that means a lot to someone like her. It means she might get noticed by the master soon.
After all, for the master to bring home a guest means that he has a considerable amount of likeness for them as an acquaintance.
"So, Riya, have a seat, I have some questions for you."
Hearing that, Riya took a step back and her temperament changed.
Seeing this, Jeslyn sighed. In country M, a person doesn't randomly call another, especially a stranger to sit for some question and answer sections.
Asking or answering such questions might result in a person's misfortune and worse case, the annihilation of their family.
Especially when the question is related to the three top dogs of the country.
Every time, the cops dress as normal citizens and roam around fishing for information to pin down the evildoers. They also use other people too, including children.
They might scheme for a child to be adopted by their target and use that child to fish out information regarding the families they had their eyes on.
So that's why the citizens don't trust anyone who wants to ask them questions. Especially on the three top families.
Maya doesn't want to offend the Lu family even though it's by mistake. Because offending the Lu brothers is the same as calling for a tribulation thunder on oneself and their family.
Which is what Maya was trying to prevent.
"Hey, don't be like that. I know the rules of the country, so I'm not going to ask you for secrets. Besides, what would you know about your master anyway?" Jeslyn rolled her eyes.
That's right. Maya doesn't know anything about Maverick or Rex, but she certainly knows about Valen.
Maya sighed, "Ma'am, I don't really know anything about the family. My work is to serve the masters and tidy the house, please pardon me and do not be angry, I'm sorry I lack sufficient knowledge."
Jeslyn waved her hand. "That's fine, that's fine, you don't have to cry."
She sighed and rested her jaw on her palms with her elbows on the table.
"If only I glanced through the contract... Sigh..." she sighed again.
"Riya, you should leave now. I believe it's already late into the night."
"No, ma'am, I was asked to wait on you."
Jeslyn shook her head. "I just woke up a while ago and might not be going to sleep until morning."
"B– but, what do I tell the butler? He'll be angry."
"Tell him I chased you away. You can leave now."
"Yes, ma'am." Maya bowed before she left with the dishes.
After the maid left, Jeslyn got up and did some exercise to aid digestion. Done with the activity, she became bored and started to miss her phone.
She sighed one more time. "I don't even know what is going on outside and what those fickle 300,000 fans of mine are saying about me. I bet I only have 50,000 fans left."
While talking to herself, her eyes roamed the room and zoomed in on a laptop placed on top of her bed.
"Is that a laptop? Why didn't I see it when I woke up?" She hurried to the bed and climbed into it before grabbing the flat and weightless laptop.
"Wow... So Impressive. Lightweight and cream color. I like this." She opened it and powered it on.
The laptop had nothing on it which means it was brand new.
She configured the laptop and logged into her Chatme app– the top social media app used in most of the countries.
Logging into her account, Jeslyn gasped at the massive inbox, comments, and tags she saw.
Even the number of her fans was dwindling. From 300,000, they have dwindled to 2,000+ and she was sure that the next time she comes back, they should have reduced to 0.
After a while of staring speechlessly at the numbers, she clicked her tongue.
"Tch, my manager couldn't even handle my account. What a wonderful company."
She scrolled through her page and occasionally stopped to read a few headlines and comments.
[ Breaking News!
Uprising singer, Jeslyn Lee, killed her grandfather! ]
[ News Flash!
D-list singer Jeslyn Lee abandoned her fiance of 5 years on the altar! ]
[ New Discoveries!
Young master Ray betrayed singer, Jeslyn Lee! ]
[ Unbelievable!
Jeslyn proved innocent!
Jeslyn ordered her husband to run innocent sister, Christine Wales down with his car! ]
"Ha, media... It's a pity the car didn't run her over though, I wish it did." Jeslyn clicked on the comment. Reading the people's take on it, she sighed.
'Cold-blooded murderer!'
'Jeslyn, get out of the entertainment industry!'
'I used to be her fan, but at this point, I have had enough! I'm no longer her fan anymore!'
'Bypass Jeslyn and her music!'
'I second that!'
'+2'
'+1000'
'Where the hell is she? Why isn't she coming out to talk to us?'
'What does she have to say? I'm starting to believe that she really killed her grandfather because he willed all his properties to Christine. Then she made her assistant take the blame.'
'That makes sense. These days, we no longer know what's true and what's a lie. Poor Maya.'
'I knew from the start of her debut that Jeslyn was a snake under the green grass. She only looks innocent and cute on the surface, but her heart is dark!'
Jeslyn closed the comment section and went to her inbox... 50,000+ messages.
"Wooo...take it easy on my account you hateful b!tches! That's more than my true fans already!"
She clicked open the messages. As she already knew, most of them were threats and malicious messages from people.
"Christine, you did a remarkable job. You know your assignment." Jeslyn said through gritted teeth when she saw that the few tens of messages she read were about her 'running' Christine over.
"Are these people blind? Who did the car run her over? She wasn't even standing in front of the car… or is there another meaning to 'run' over someone?"
She scrolled through a few of the messages in annoyance like she had a particular message in mind.
The minute she spotted the name, she blurted, "got ya!"
Manager Miles, her manager at Delly entertainment for four years and a half. They used to be good friends and she was waiting to see her take on this matter.
'Jeslyn, I'm so disappointed in you. If your grandfather's case was a setup, how about Christine's matter? You almost killed Christine! I saw the video, so don't you dare lie to me!
Christine did all of that for your sake, yet you had the heart to do that to her. I had thought I could remain your friend even after the company dissolved your contract, but as it is now, I feel disgusted even dropping this message for you.
Sign the contract termination I sent to your email and send me a copy. Don't bother showing your face to the company, no one wants to see you. Enjoy your life in hiding, good day!'
Jeslyn sighed and rubbed her temple with her fingers. "What a friend, indeed."
As she was about to scroll again, she caught sight of…
"Ray? What does he want?"
She opened the message out of pure curiosity and suddenly laughed out loud. Her voice was filled with hurt, she sniffed back her tears and opened the message.
'Jeslyn, where are you?'
"Eh?"
Jeslyn stared at the message for a long while without answering. It caught her by surprise that Ray of all people was asking her this.
Just when she was about to close the chat, another message was sent.
'I have searched everywhere for you... Are you with that contracted wild man?'
Jeslyn stared at the message without any intention to respond.
He was online and his status shows he was busy typing.
'I know you are there. Jeslyn, come back home, we need to talk.'
'I know that you are mad at me, well... I did all that because... Anyway, forget it.'
'You have reciprocated by abandoning me on the altar and marrying a wild man.'
'About your grandpa Lee, I think I should apologize.'
At this junction, Jeslyn tapped the keyboard. Her facial expression was as clear as a calm lake. There was absolutely nothing to make one think she was mad or happy, however with the force she was hitting the keyboard, a passerby would understand that the lady was a step away from killing someone.
'This should be the last time I hear you talk or see you write about my grandfather. You want me to come back? Sure, I will, but after I have handmade your coffin'.
With that, she hit the send button and closed his chat to prevent seeing his response.
Jeslyn scrolled over the other messages and saw two notifications she didn't expect to see. They were messages from Emma and Ava.
Those girls weren't her friends but they had stopped her a few times to warn her about Ray, but she paid no heed.
"Are you two going to rub it on my face? How bad can it be? Let me just read."
She opened Emma's message and what she saw left her flabbergasted.
'Hey, Jeslyn, sorry I didn't come for the trial and all, I was out of the country for a tour.
I'm not surprised about Ray though, but your sister, Christine, I was caught off guard.
Anyway, that's not what I'm here to say. Sorry about your grandfather. Please accept my condolences and stay strong. Where ever you are right now, think of your well-being and don't do stupid things. Those people have to pay and you are the only one fit to ruin them.
I'm a DM away if you need my help with anything'.
Jeslyn felt a sting in her eyes. How could a stranger she detested be this nice to her whereas her family...
She opened Ava's message and just like Emma, Ava was also sympathizing with her and wishing her the best.
'I never thought you'd be given such massive blows all at once. I'm so sorry for not showing up at the court. My manager forbade me to have anything to do with you. You know how the masses are.
However, I heard that Christine has been making plans with your manager for a few years now to be a signed artist under her.
It also seems she was one of those newbies the company was training in secret and it left me wide-eyed that they kept that hidden too.
Anyway, I intend to tell you that aside from the little I can do for you if you ever need me, I'll be helping you 'take care' of that bitchy sister of yours until you are mentally and emotionally alright to take over.
I also hope this would serve as a great lesson to you.
Please be fine. Reply to me when you see this, it would make me feel less worried'.
"Hahahaha…" Jeslyn wiped the tear from under her left eye. She wasn't expecting this from the girls she never looked at twice.
"That's right. Being too nice has taught me a bitter lesson. Though, I'm not sure if being evil or a little smarter could have helped anyway since the scheme was so deep. But I'll be more careful now.
Also, I'm perfectly fine, I have cried all I should and would be stepping out of the limelight for a while. Thank you so much, Ava. I'm grateful.
However, about Christine, don't do anything to her. She has a strong backing and you might suffer in the long run. Let her ride the horse for now, soon, I'll take it back."
After she typed the reply, she hit the send button and watched as the message was ticked with a blue mark before she left the chat while ignoring the incessant messages coming from Ray.
She logged out of Chatme and went to check her company's website to see the news.
As expected, news of her leaving Delly entertainment, and their cutting all ties with her filled everywhere.
The one that caught her attention aside from her news was the one relating to Christine.
[ To our lovely fans,
Christine Wales has been signed by Delly entertainment. Her talent is exceptional and her debut date will be further communicated to you all. Please support her on her new journey.
Management. ]
Jeslyn stared at the news for a while before she chuckled and then burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter mixed with hot tears.
She cried silently for a while and lay on her bed with her back while looking at the white ceiling, thinking of what to do next and how to start.
"One year, just one year," She murmured to herself.
WATCHOUT FOR EPISODE 21
PLEASE LIKE OR COMMENT IF YOU ENJOYED THE STORY
Maya knitted her brows in confusion. She was the only one here, so who is Riya?
Jeslyn looked up at Maya and said without a smile or the usual softness in her voice. "Riya.... I'll call you Riya from now on."
Maya smiled after her puzzlement had been cleared. "Yes, ma'am," the maid curtsied before stepping forward to get the dishes.
"Uhm... Riya, is the young master back?"
"Young master Rex doesn't live here, ma'am."
"I meant your master's son."
The dishes made a clicking sound as the maid's hands shook and accidentally hit the dishes together.
"M–ma'am, why are you asking about little master Valen?" The maid asked with a tinge of uncertainty in her voice.
"Oh, it's nothing. I've been hearing about him quite a lot, so I thought of seeing him in person."
"Oh... That's right. Little master Valen is popular in country M but no one knows him."
"What do you mean?"
"He doesn't go public. The Lu family hides him from sight, so no one knows him."
"D–did you say, Lu family?!" Jeslyn subconsciously screamed in terror.
"Y–yes, ma'am. Didn't you know?" The maid frowned a little.
In country M, there are a few families that are on the ladder of success. The Lu family, the Yu family, and the Xu family.
Those three families are the top dogs in the country that must not be provoked and their names are known throughout the world.
There are two branches of the Lu family. Maverick, Valen, and Rex makes one, while the other relatives make the other. (Maverick's branch is the second branch he formed on his own.)
The second branch of the Lu family tends to keep a low profile. Although, the second branch of the Lu family has been keeping a low profile, people from country M still know who the young masters are.
Their names are unique to them alone, and that was why when Jeslyn asked like she was surprised, Maya felt suspicious.
If Jeslyn was connected to Maverick, she is supposed to know the household he's from, right?
As the maid's face was turning ugly with every weird thought that crossed her mind, Jeslyn suddenly chuckled.
"You are really fun to be with. Your expression was priceless. I think I like you... Just a little," Jeslyn beamed.
She just realized that her reaction didn't go well with Maya, so she decided to act smart.
The maid smiled. She was happy that her master's guest liked her to the extent of playing around with her, albeit, a little.
However, that means a lot to someone like her. It means she might get noticed by the master soon.
After all, for the master to bring home a guest means that he has a considerable amount of likeness for them as an acquaintance.
"So, Riya, have a seat, I have some questions for you."
Hearing that, Riya took a step back and her temperament changed.
Seeing this, Jeslyn sighed. In country M, a person doesn't randomly call another, especially a stranger to sit for some question and answer sections.
Asking or answering such questions might result in a person's misfortune and worse case, the annihilation of their family.
Especially when the question is related to the three top dogs of the country.
Every time, the cops dress as normal citizens and roam around fishing for information to pin down the evildoers. They also use other people too, including children.
They might scheme for a child to be adopted by their target and use that child to fish out information regarding the families they had their eyes on.
So that's why the citizens don't trust anyone who wants to ask them questions. Especially on the three top families.
Maya doesn't want to offend the Lu family even though it's by mistake. Because offending the Lu brothers is the same as calling for a tribulation thunder on oneself and their family.
Which is what Maya was trying to prevent.
"Hey, don't be like that. I know the rules of the country, so I'm not going to ask you for secrets. Besides, what would you know about your master anyway?" Jeslyn rolled her eyes.
That's right. Maya doesn't know anything about Maverick or Rex, but she certainly knows about Valen.
Maya sighed, "Ma'am, I don't really know anything about the family. My work is to serve the masters and tidy the house, please pardon me and do not be angry, I'm sorry I lack sufficient knowledge."
Jeslyn waved her hand. "That's fine, that's fine, you don't have to cry."
She sighed and rested her jaw on her palms with her elbows on the table.
"If only I glanced through the contract... Sigh..." she sighed again.
"Riya, you should leave now. I believe it's already late into the night."
"No, ma'am, I was asked to wait on you."
Jeslyn shook her head. "I just woke up a while ago and might not be going to sleep until morning."
"B– but, what do I tell the butler? He'll be angry."
"Tell him I chased you away. You can leave now."
"Yes, ma'am." Maya bowed before she left with the dishes.
After the maid left, Jeslyn got up and did some exercise to aid digestion. Done with the activity, she became bored and started to miss her phone.
She sighed one more time. "I don't even know what is going on outside and what those fickle 300,000 fans of mine are saying about me. I bet I only have 50,000 fans left."
While talking to herself, her eyes roamed the room and zoomed in on a laptop placed on top of her bed.
"Is that a laptop? Why didn't I see it when I woke up?" She hurried to the bed and climbed into it before grabbing the flat and weightless laptop.
"Wow... So Impressive. Lightweight and cream color. I like this." She opened it and powered it on.
The laptop had nothing on it which means it was brand new.
She configured the laptop and logged into her Chatme app– the top social media app used in most of the countries.
Logging into her account, Jeslyn gasped at the massive inbox, comments, and tags she saw.
Even the number of her fans was dwindling. From 300,000, they have dwindled to 2,000+ and she was sure that the next time she comes back, they should have reduced to 0.
After a while of staring speechlessly at the numbers, she clicked her tongue.
"Tch, my manager couldn't even handle my account. What a wonderful company."
She scrolled through her page and occasionally stopped to read a few headlines and comments.
[ Breaking News!
Uprising singer, Jeslyn Lee, killed her grandfather! ]
[ News Flash!
D-list singer Jeslyn Lee abandoned her fiance of 5 years on the altar! ]
[ New Discoveries!
Young master Ray betrayed singer, Jeslyn Lee! ]
[ Unbelievable!
Jeslyn proved innocent!
Jeslyn ordered her husband to run innocent sister, Christine Wales down with his car! ]
"Ha, media... It's a pity the car didn't run her over though, I wish it did." Jeslyn clicked on the comment. Reading the people's take on it, she sighed.
'Cold-blooded murderer!'
'Jeslyn, get out of the entertainment industry!'
'I used to be her fan, but at this point, I have had enough! I'm no longer her fan anymore!'
'Bypass Jeslyn and her music!'
'I second that!'
'+2'
'+1000'
'Where the hell is she? Why isn't she coming out to talk to us?'
'What does she have to say? I'm starting to believe that she really killed her grandfather because he willed all his properties to Christine. Then she made her assistant take the blame.'
'That makes sense. These days, we no longer know what's true and what's a lie. Poor Maya.'
'I knew from the start of her debut that Jeslyn was a snake under the green grass. She only looks innocent and cute on the surface, but her heart is dark!'
Jeslyn closed the comment section and went to her inbox... 50,000+ messages.
"Wooo...take it easy on my account you hateful b!tches! That's more than my true fans already!"
She clicked open the messages. As she already knew, most of them were threats and malicious messages from people.
"Christine, you did a remarkable job. You know your assignment." Jeslyn said through gritted teeth when she saw that the few tens of messages she read were about her 'running' Christine over.
"Are these people blind? Who did the car run her over? She wasn't even standing in front of the car… or is there another meaning to 'run' over someone?"
She scrolled through a few of the messages in annoyance like she had a particular message in mind.
The minute she spotted the name, she blurted, "got ya!"
Manager Miles, her manager at Delly entertainment for four years and a half. They used to be good friends and she was waiting to see her take on this matter.
'Jeslyn, I'm so disappointed in you. If your grandfather's case was a setup, how about Christine's matter? You almost killed Christine! I saw the video, so don't you dare lie to me!
Christine did all of that for your sake, yet you had the heart to do that to her. I had thought I could remain your friend even after the company dissolved your contract, but as it is now, I feel disgusted even dropping this message for you.
Sign the contract termination I sent to your email and send me a copy. Don't bother showing your face to the company, no one wants to see you. Enjoy your life in hiding, good day!'
Jeslyn sighed and rubbed her temple with her fingers. "What a friend, indeed."
As she was about to scroll again, she caught sight of…
"Ray? What does he want?"
She opened the message out of pure curiosity and suddenly laughed out loud. Her voice was filled with hurt, she sniffed back her tears and opened the message.
'Jeslyn, where are you?'
"Eh?"
Jeslyn stared at the message for a long while without answering. It caught her by surprise that Ray of all people was asking her this.
Just when she was about to close the chat, another message was sent.
'I have searched everywhere for you... Are you with that contracted wild man?'
Jeslyn stared at the message without any intention to respond.
He was online and his status shows he was busy typing.
'I know you are there. Jeslyn, come back home, we need to talk.'
'I know that you are mad at me, well... I did all that because... Anyway, forget it.'
'You have reciprocated by abandoning me on the altar and marrying a wild man.'
'About your grandpa Lee, I think I should apologize.'
At this junction, Jeslyn tapped the keyboard. Her facial expression was as clear as a calm lake. There was absolutely nothing to make one think she was mad or happy, however with the force she was hitting the keyboard, a passerby would understand that the lady was a step away from killing someone.
'This should be the last time I hear you talk or see you write about my grandfather. You want me to come back? Sure, I will, but after I have handmade your coffin'.
With that, she hit the send button and closed his chat to prevent seeing his response.
Jeslyn scrolled over the other messages and saw two notifications she didn't expect to see. They were messages from Emma and Ava.
Those girls weren't her friends but they had stopped her a few times to warn her about Ray, but she paid no heed.
"Are you two going to rub it on my face? How bad can it be? Let me just read."
She opened Emma's message and what she saw left her flabbergasted.
'Hey, Jeslyn, sorry I didn't come for the trial and all, I was out of the country for a tour.
I'm not surprised about Ray though, but your sister, Christine, I was caught off guard.
Anyway, that's not what I'm here to say. Sorry about your grandfather. Please accept my condolences and stay strong. Where ever you are right now, think of your well-being and don't do stupid things. Those people have to pay and you are the only one fit to ruin them.
I'm a DM away if you need my help with anything'.
Jeslyn felt a sting in her eyes. How could a stranger she detested be this nice to her whereas her family...
She opened Ava's message and just like Emma, Ava was also sympathizing with her and wishing her the best.
'I never thought you'd be given such massive blows all at once. I'm so sorry for not showing up at the court. My manager forbade me to have anything to do with you. You know how the masses are.
However, I heard that Christine has been making plans with your manager for a few years now to be a signed artist under her.
It also seems she was one of those newbies the company was training in secret and it left me wide-eyed that they kept that hidden too.
Anyway, I intend to tell you that aside from the little I can do for you if you ever need me, I'll be helping you 'take care' of that bitchy sister of yours until you are mentally and emotionally alright to take over.
I also hope this would serve as a great lesson to you.
Please be fine. Reply to me when you see this, it would make me feel less worried'.
"Hahahaha…" Jeslyn wiped the tear from under her left eye. She wasn't expecting this from the girls she never looked at twice.
"That's right. Being too nice has taught me a bitter lesson. Though, I'm not sure if being evil or a little smarter could have helped anyway since the scheme was so deep. But I'll be more careful now.
Also, I'm perfectly fine, I have cried all I should and would be stepping out of the limelight for a while. Thank you so much, Ava. I'm grateful.
However, about Christine, don't do anything to her. She has a strong backing and you might suffer in the long run. Let her ride the horse for now, soon, I'll take it back."
After she typed the reply, she hit the send button and watched as the message was ticked with a blue mark before she left the chat while ignoring the incessant messages coming from Ray.
She logged out of Chatme and went to check her company's website to see the news.
As expected, news of her leaving Delly entertainment, and their cutting all ties with her filled everywhere.
The one that caught her attention aside from her news was the one relating to Christine.
[ To our lovely fans,
Christine Wales has been signed by Delly entertainment. Her talent is exceptional and her debut date will be further communicated to you all. Please support her on her new journey.
Management. ]
Jeslyn stared at the news for a while before she chuckled and then burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter mixed with hot tears.
She cried silently for a while and lay on her bed with her back while looking at the white ceiling, thinking of what to do next and how to start.
"One year, just one year," She murmured to herself.
WATCHOUT FOR EPISODE 21
PLEASE LIKE OR COMMENT IF YOU ENJOYED THE STORY
