Choosing the Path of Love

Cakra snatched irritably. He knew exactly what his stepfather meant. "I don't care about social status. The most important thing is whether you will help me, Papa. But I hope you won't refuse." Jonathan chuckled briefly. Well, rather than that woman being with Jayden which could likely ruin Jayden's future, it would be better if she was with Cakra who Jonathan could rely on. Cakra always obeyed his words, so he believed the man wouldn't tarnish the family's reputation. "Alright, I will plan something for you, Cakra. Wait for the results with full confidence."  *** Jonathan smirked slyly as he handed a handful of money and gold jewelry to Agatha. "Agatha, this is for you. You can have all of this with one condition, leave your job as Jayden's caregiver and stay away from him." Agatha stared in confusion. "What do you mean? I can't leave Jayden, Layla needs me." Jonathan responded coldly. "This is your golden opportunity, Agatha. Imagine a more comfortable life, all of this could be yours." Agatha firmly declined. "I will not leave Jayden for money and jewelry. I already consider them as family." Jonathan sneered. "Agatha, don't be a foolish woman. They won't care if you leave." Agatha asserted, "You don't know, they do care about me. So I will still refuse your offer." Jonathan sneered. "You will regret it, Agatha. Think carefully, this money can change everything." Agatha got up from her chair. "No, Mr. Jonathan. Money and jewelry cannot fully replace my life with them full of warmth." Jonathan, his face red with anger, said, "Agatha, you don't understand how fortunate you are to get this. I forbid you from being close to Jayden. Because you are a threat to his life!" Agatha remained calm. "I'm sorry, Mr. Jonathan, this is not about money or jewelry. Jayden needs me to provide motherly love to Layla. Jayden wants to make his daughter happy. And making Layla happy is my duty." Jonathan stared sharply. "Do you think you can give her a better life? A poor girl like you will never be able to give what I can give to her!" Agatha sighed softly. "Life is not just about wealth, Mr. Jonathan. We also need love and attention, not just material possessions." "I forbid you to approach Jayden! If you insist, I will make your life difficult!" Jonathan snapped. Agatha calmly replied with a peaceful smile, "I'm not afraid. I will protect Jayden and Layla with the love I have, not with wealth like yours that only brings hatred." Jonathan gritted his teeth. "You will regret it, Agatha! Just wait and see!" Agatha smiled sincerely. "I will not regret choosing love over the luxury you offer." "Live well and find a man out there who deserves you, Agatha! You will not be able to be with Jayden! You are of different classes! Don't you realize that, huh?" Agatha looked at Jonathan unaffected. "Social class is not a determinant of a relationship, Mr. Jonathan. I will not leave Jayden and Layla just because of that difference. Love and affection know no class boundaries." Jonathan scoffed, "You are only destroying your future. Jayden will never be able to be with a girl like you." Agatha shook her head firmly. "I don't just see Jayden from a social status. I see him as something you can't buy with wealth." Jonathan spoke cynically, "You will never understand the real world, Agatha. Choose your true path in life." Agatha smiled gently. "I choose the path of love, Mr. Jonathan. Something that perhaps you cannot understand." "You are truly insane! Wasting the opportunity I gave you!" snapped Jonathan. Agatha calmly replied, "For me, Jayden and Layla's happiness is more important than the opportunities you offer. I will not sacrifice my happiness just for the luxuries you can provide." "You are just a poor girl who doesn't understand this world. I gave you a chance, and you are rejecting it! How foolish!" Agatha smiled faintly. "The opportunity you gave imposes limitations on Jayden and Layla's happiness. I will remain by their side, no matter how many opportunities you offer." Jonathan left the cafe in anger, while Agatha remained steadfast in her decision to stay with Jayden. Jonathan himself didn't want to take further action because Jayden definitely wouldn't stay silent. He was actually quite lazy to deal with Cakra's request. He just wanted to try to help. After Jonathan left, Agatha felt drained. She sat in her chair, her eyes radiating exhaustion. Her breath was heavy, realizing how difficult it was to maintain the happiness of Jayden and Layla. "I thought there wouldn't be any more problems. It feels like something bad will happen soon after this." Her heart was restless, trying to predict a future full of uncertainty.  *** In the evening, Agatha sat with Jayden in their apartment. With a heavy heart, she recounted all the events of the afternoon, especially the moment when Jonathan offered money. Jayden listened attentively, his facial expression reflecting a mix of confusion, worry, and annoyance. Agatha explained all the details, sharing her feelings and reasons for rejecting the offer. Jayden, trying to understand, felt a mix of surprises and guilt for involving Agatha in his family matters. Agatha looked at Jayden with tired eyes. "Your dad tried to separate us by offering everything, including money and jewelry." Jayden frowned irritably. "But why, Agatha? What does that man want from you?" "He wants me to leave my job as your caregiver. It seems he doesn't like our relationship." Jayden's expression hardened. "Damn. That man really likes testing my emotions." Agatha held Jayden's clenched fist. "We will get through this together, Jayden. I believe there is a way." Jayden looked at Agatha with a pounding heart. "Certainly. I won't let you go, Agatha. We will face this together. No matter what happens." Agatha returned Jayden's gaze with full trust. "I trust you, Jayden." Jayden nodded. He gazed into Agatha's eyes. His feelings had erupted. He was sure he was falling in love. He wanted to protect Agatha and didn't want her to leave him. "I will always be with you both. I don't know what Layla would feel if you really left," Jayden blurted out from his heart. Agatha was stunned, then shook her head firmly. "Jayden, I know this is difficult for you. But remember, I will always be with you and Layla. We are already like a family, and we will go through this together." Jayden's gaze looked sincere. His lips formed a gentle smile. "Thank you, Agatha. I don't know what would happen if you really left. Layla will surely feel lost." "Ah, I would be sad too if I had to leave her." Jayden nodded. "I'm grateful to have you, Agatha."