All Chapters of Two Worlds, Two Lives : Chapter 1
- Chapter 10
16 chapters
CHAPTER 1: Prologue (The Birth of Jones Walterson)
The grand chandelier cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished marble floor as the guests mingled and sipped champagne. The air was alive with the smooth and relaxed tempo, hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter.The art world elite had gathered to celebrate the latest exhibition from the enigmatic artist, Kai Won Alexander. A Korean American artist who draws inspiration for young artists. People always marveled at how he contrasted the human world with the world and past lives.A large canvas shrouded in velvet cloak, dominated the wall at the center of the room, drawn inward for people's view. The anticipation was palpable as the guests waited for the unveiling. Mia Allison stood at the podium, a microphone in hand, her eyes scanning the crowd with an air of quiet confidence."Good evening everyone Welcome to the grand gala of Kairos Art Space, join me as we make Welcome of the man of honor of tonight, Mr Kai Won Alexander"."Ladi
CHAPTER 2: Paint Brush
TWENTY-ONE YEARS AGOShe pushed the glass swing door of the grocery store open. Sarah stepped out into the bright sunlight, her arms laden with bags of fresh produce and pantry staples. She carefully navigated the sidewalk, her eyes fixed on the path ahead as she tried to avoid any obstacles.As she turned the corner, she didn't notice the elderly woman standing in front of her, lost in thought. Sarah's bags bumped into the woman, causing her to stumble slightly. The woman's eyes widened as she grasped Sarah's arm to steady herself."Oh, I'm so sorry!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes locking onto the woman's concerned face. "Are you okay?"The woman smiled and nodded, her eyes twinkling with kindness. "I'm fine, dear. Just a bit lost in thought. You're expecting a baby, aren't you?"Sarah's hands instinctively went to her belly, a smile spreading across her face. "Yes, I'm due in a few months. My first baby."The woman's face lit up with a warm smile. "Congratulations! Enjoy every moment, d
CHAPTER 3: Birth of Jones II
As the dawning light faded, dark night descended. The wind was cool, and thunder rumbled in the distance. The Walterson family said their prayers before dinner, the clinking of cutlery echoing loudly in the wind."I think it's going to rain," Martin said, his eyes fixed on the window."Yeah, I think so too," Sarah replied, getting up to get some water. "I'll go get us some water to drink."As she strode past her husband, he smacked her butt, making her giggle. "Seriously?" she said, laughing.When she got to the kitchen, the wild wind hit her face unexpectedly. She turned her face to grip the counter, her pregnant belly swaying precariously. She locked the window and went to get water from the refrigerator, but as she reached for the cups, her water broke without warning. The wine she had bought to celebrate Martin's promotion slipped from her hands, shattering on the floor.Martin rushed into the kitchen, his face etched with concern. "Sarah, oh no! Are you okay?"Sarah was already i
CHAPTER 4: Lost my Job
BACK TO THE PRESENT: BEFORE THE GALA As the bus stops at every road andstreet Jones's gaze never shifted. Frustration filled his eyes. He had mixed emotions. He lost his job and has no idea on what to do next with his life without a job. The job was his only surviving option, though the pay is low but it fits the bills and covers his mom's health insurance. The company was going bankrupt, possibly due to financial instability or because they crossed the wrong person. The release of a tape featuring Kai Won, a renowned artist, accusing him of counterfeit painting, all in the name of telling the "truth".The unemployment rate in New York city was higher than the employment rate. Youths are miserable, pushing them to commit crimes which also increases the crime rate of the country. The rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. Jones slammed his head hard against the window in anger. He felt a sharp pain, but it can't be quantified with the pain he's feeling about being
CHAPTER 5: Find a Job
I felt a tap on my back. I gently raised my head from my mom's embrace, rubbing my eyes. Dr. Julian and a nurse stood beside me, the nurse holding a clipboard. "Good morning," Dr. Julian said. "Morning, what do you want?" I replied. "We need to check her vitals," he said, his hand gesturing towards my mom.I stood up and left the room, watching Dr. Julian and the nurse through the door. After a few minutes, Dr. Julian came out, facing me. "How's she doing?" I asked, hoping for good news. "Her body isn't responding to treatment, and she needs a new heart urgently," he said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder."I'll go pay the bills," I said, trying to process the news. "Keep her stable and breathing until then." Dr. Julian nodded. "I'll go inside and let her know I'm leaving," I added. He nodded again, his hands on the door handle. "And please don't tell her," he said, turning back to me. "Okay, I won't," I replied.I kissed my mom's cheek, whispering, "I'm going to go search for
CHAPTER 6: Everything Was Over
The echoes of laughter drifted down the hallway, soft and fleeting, like a melody carried by the wind. Nurses and doctors passed by, stealing curious glances into the room where Marie and Sarah sat chatting.When I got the call from Dr. Julian — about Sarah, my boyfriend’s mother — being sick, my heart sank. I could only imagine how he must have been feeling. Without a second thought, I flew back to New York City, desperate to be there for him. It was disappointing not to find him at the hospital, but at least now I understood why he hadn’t answered my calls these past few days.As much as I had loved staying with my Halmoni in Korea, I couldn’t ignore the ache of missing him — his bad-boy charm, that mischievous smile with the deep dimples, the way his eyes softened when he looked at me. I missed everything about him. I was sure his mother’s illness had broken his heart into pieces.Still, his absence gave me something unexpected — the chance to grow closer to his mother, my future m
CHAPTER 7: Drunk in the Club
The priest stood before the mourners, his voice calm and steady as he spoke of peace and rest. Everyone wore black—faces drawn, eyes heavy with sorrow. The air itself seemed weighed down by grief.I stood still, barely breathing. Losing both my parents felt like the world had fallen away. I fought back the tears pressing at my eyes. Beside me, Max and Marie wept quietly. I understood. My mother had a heart big enough for everyone; she’d taken Max in and always called us brothers. It hurt knowing I’d never hear her voice again.When the priest closed his Bible, people stepped forward to lay flowers on her grave. When it was my turn, I knelt, my knees weak. Memories crashed over me like a storm, and tears finally broke free.“I... I love you,” I whispered, setting my flowers by her name. “I hope you and Dad are together now. I’ll make you proud. I promise.”When the crowd dispersed, Marie offered to stay, but I refused. Her parents didn’t know me, and I’d had enough of people trying to
CHAPTER 8: Studio
Jones woke to the dull throb of his heartbeat pounding behind his eyes. The room spun faintly as sunlight leaked through the blinds. His mouth was dry, the bitter taste of alcohol clinging to his tongue.He groaned, shifted — and froze.Someone was beside him.Marie.Her dark hair fanned across the pillow, soft against the sheets. For a long moment, he just stared, trying to remember how she’d ended up there.“Marie?” he rasped.She stirred, eyes fluttering open. “You’re awake,” she said softly, a trace of irritation beneath her calm tone.Jones rubbed his temples. “What… are you doing here?”“I came to your house last night,” she said. “You weren’t home. I was knocking when Max showed up — half-dragging you out of his car.”He blinked. “Max?”She nodded. “Yeah. You two went to a party. You got completely wasted. He brought you home.”Jones frowned, flashes of the night flickering — music, laughter, flashing lights, Max handing him another drink… then nothing.He exhaled. “I don’t rem
CHAPTER 9: Kairos Art Space
The glass doors of Kairos Art Space slid open as Marie and Jones stepped inside. Cool air greeted them, carrying the faint fragrance of jasmine mixed with the sharper scent of paint and varnish. The space was immaculate — a fusion of minimalism and warmth. From the sleek white floors that reflected the ceiling lights to the clean glass walls separating each exhibition wing, everything spoke of precision. Yet, despite its modern design, the place had a pulse — as if the art itself breathed.Almost immediately, the receptionist brightened. “Miss Marie! You’re here.”Marie smiled, her tone soft and familiar. “Hi, Clara.”Clara, a petite woman with a sharp bob and cheerful energy, leaned forward on the counter. “Your uncle will be thrilled. He’s been in since morning — something about preparing a private display for the upcoming exhibition.” She paused, her eyes flicking briefly to Jones before returning to Marie. “I’ll let him know right away.”“Thanks, Clara,” Marie said, brushing her h
CHAPTER 10: Dinner ?
Marie stepped into the elevator, her reflection flickering against the mirrored walls as it ascended. The hum of the gallery faded, replaced by soft instrumental music. When the doors opened, the scent of cedar and oil paint filled the hallway — the scent she’d always associated with her uncle’s workspace. She adjusted her blouse and knocked once before entering.“Marie,” a warm voice called.Her uncle, Kai Won, looked up from a canvas propped against the wall. Light from the tall windows caught the silver in his dark hair. But before she could greet him, another voice made her freeze.“Marie.”Her father.He sat across the room, hands clasped, expression calm but unreadable. Seeing him here — in Kairos Art Space, in her uncle’s office — made her pulse jump.“Dad? What are you doing here?” she asked.Kai Won smiled gently. “He stopped by for a visit. We were just talking about you.”Marie blinked. “About me?”Her father stood, smoothing his tie. “It’s been a while since you came home