"Is this the place?" asked Gama, his voice a cautious whisper.Aristo did not answer. He walked closer to the building, scrutinizing every corner carefully. The darkness of night enveloped the place, but his instincts told him that this was the location they were looking for.Not long after, a man dressed in black emerged from the shadows and approached them. "Boss, they're not at the location. It looks like they've noticed our arrival," he explained, his face full of tension.Aristo furrowed his brow. "Ran away? That's not possible. They want me. By default, they must be waiting for my arrival.""So, where is Sierra now?" asked Gama in a worried tone.Aristo was silent for a moment, trying to find an answer to the situation at hand. "I think Sierra managed to escape and is now in pursuit," he said, "We need to find them now. Comb the entire forest." He continued, giving orders.Aristo's men immediately moved to search for Sierra's whereabouts, spreading throughout the forest with gre
"What are you talking about, Rony! You helped him from the river, so what's wrong with helping him again?" the mother said in a stern tone, looking at Rony with sharp eyes.Rony let out a long sigh, ruffling his hair in frustration. "Yeah, yeah, okay, I'm going!" he replied firmly, then rushed out of the simple house made of forest wood.Rony's pace quickened as he walked on the path that led to the next village. Beside him, his two companions followed faithfully."Maybe she needs more than just our simple care," muttered one of the men, whose name was Dhani."Haisss... Whatever she needs, I don't care. She's just really inconveniencing me," Rony replied indifferently, without slowing down his pace.His other partner, Aldy, smiled mischievously. "But if you look at her, she's pretty too, even prettier than Iren."Rony snorted. "No matter how pretty she is, I don't care.""Rony, what are you? You always avoid women who try to get close to you. What's not pretty about Iren?" asked Dhani
Their steps were steady despite the growing number of obstacles. Sharp branches and creeping tree roots seemed to be trying to block their journey. However, Gama and Ariston's determination was unwavering.Suddenly, they heard a faint sound in the distance. Gama stopped his steps and sharpened his hearing. "Did you hear that?" he whispered.Ariston nodded, squinting towards the source of the sound. "It sounds like someone talking," he replied, his voice barely audible.Cautiously, they approached the source of the sound. As they got closer, they could hear the conversation more clearly. Two male voices spoke in an anxious tone. Gama held his breath, trying to hear more clearly."We need to get out of here before they find us," said one of the voices in a panicked tone."Relax, we still have time. Sierra is already securely bound. We just need to wait for further instructions," replied another voice, quieter yet firm.Hearing Sierra's name mentioned, Gama felt a wave of emotion flow th
"No, what happened?" Rony, who had just returned home, was shocked to see a huge fire raging from his house. With his heart beating fast, he and his two colleagues rushed to the house. Seeing the burning house, he felt a deep sadness in his heart.The village head who was already at the scene approached Rony with a face full of regret. "Rony, I'm sorry. I couldn't save your mother," said the village chief in a hoarse voice."What? That's not possible... Mom..." Rony fell to the ground, tears streaming down his face. The pain and loss overwhelmed him. His colleagues tried to comfort him, but their words could not erase the sadness Rony felt. "We came too late, Rony. They left before we could do anything," one of his colleagues said regretfully.Rony stared at the ruins of his house, which were still billowing smoke. "Who did this? Why?" he shouted angrily and sadly.The village chief took a deep breath. "They were looking for a woman who was inside your house. I don't know why, but the
"How is Sierra?" asked Audie upon arriving at the hospital where Sierra was being treated."She is fine and just needs to undergo treatment for recovery," replied Gama calmly. I was looking at the sleeping Sierra."Thank goodness for that. Now you better go home and get some rest. I will look after Sierra here," Audie suggested."No, ma'am. I'll take care of her until she recovers. I don't want anything bad to happen to her again," Gama replied firmly."That won't happen. Don't worry about it," Audie tried to reassure.But Gama didn't care and continued to look after Sierra. "I won't go. Don't force me, mom.""Fine if that's what you want. I won't force you. I know how you feel too," Audie said with a sigh.Gama continued to sit by Sierra's bedside, looking at her weak yet calm face. Memories of the time she found Sierra in a state of agony flashed back into her mind. Audie left the room, giving Gama room to reflect. Gama held Sierra's hand gently, feeling the warmth that still exist
"Gama," Jordan called in a low voice. They were both in the same hospital.Hearing his name being called, Gama turned his head with an indifferent look. Without saying a word, he walked away, ignoring Jordan."Gama, wait!" Jordan tried to stop him.Gama stopped for a moment, but didn't turn around. "What else, Jordan?" he asked in a cold tone."I know you're angry. I know I was wrong. But, please, listen to me first. You know this is all beyond my knowledge, right?" Jordan said, his voice full of hope and regret."Does saying sorry make everything okay again?" Gama replied, his tone holding back his anger."Of course not, but at least I can rest easy without feeling guilty," Jordan replied.Gama took a deep breath, trying to contain his emotions. "So what about Sierra? Did she deserve something bad like that?""Of course not. But I didn't know things would turn out like this either. Now tell me what can I do to earn your forgiveness? Tell me about Mira? Yes, I'll do that for you."Gama
"What right do you have to talk like that?" Those sharp words took Gama by surprise. He immediately turned his body around and saw Ariston standing behind him."Ariston? You, since when have you been standing there?" asked Gama, his face awkward and full of guilt for commenting on Ariston."Why? Are you hoping I won't overhear your conversation with my daughter?" Ariston gave Gama a sharp look.Gama took a deep breath, then stood straight, looking at Ariston with a sarcastic smile. "Your daughter?" Gama looked in disbelief at Ariston's words."Sierra doesn't have a father like you, you must understand that. Have you forgotten that you abandoned her? You handed her over to the one who raised her all these years. So... Do you still deserve to be called a father? Whatever your reason, defending yourself is not the right course of action.""You don't know anything, so you better shut up and don't...""Don't what?" she cut him off firmly, "You're going to ask me not to interfere? That's rid
"I'm sorry, I can't," Jordan said in a firm voice before turning and leaving Mira.Mira could only cry, her voice hoarse calling out to Jordan who had completely ignored her. She tried to chase after him, but her footsteps felt heavy, as if the world was crumbling around her."Jordan, please! Don't leave me!" she cried in a hysterical voice, tears streaming down her cheeks.However, Jordan continued walking without looking back, his steps steady and without hesitation. Every step he took seemed to break Mira's heart even deeper. Mira fell to her knees in the hospital corridor, her body shaking violently from uncontrollable crying. She felt as if her entire world was collapsing, and there was nothing else she could do to stop Jordan from leaving. Only sobs and cries of despair rang through the air, echoing all around them.Passersby could only stare with pity, but no one dared to approach or try to calm Mira down. They were only silent witnesses to the heartbreak of a woman who had jus
Sierra looked at her mother with teary eyes. "But, Mom..."Audie shook her head. "There is no but, Sierra. I know your heart is broken, but I also know that Gama loves you. We've all made mistakes, but what matters is how we fix them."Sierra took a deep breath, feeling calmer in her mother's presence. "Alright, mom. But I need time to digest all this."Audie smiled gently and rubbed Sierra's head. "I understand, dear. I'll call Gama. Give her a chance to explain and make things right."Audie walked out of the room with calm but confident steps, leaving Sierra with her thoughts. Moments later, Gama came back in, her eyes still red and regretful."Sierra, I know I've let you down," he said hoarsely. "But I promise I will do everything I can to make things right. I love you more than anything in the world."Sierra looked up at Gama, seeing the sincerity and guilt in his eyes. She knew their journey to restore trust and love would not be easy, but she was confident they could get through
Clarissa turned her head, turned her wheelchair, and looked at Vicky softly. "Vicky, are you coming?""Yes, I'm coming. I want to accompany you for treatment," Vicky replied, her voice full of sincerity."Really? I'm glad to hear that. But I don't think it's necessary. I still have my mom to accompany me," Clarissa replied with a faint smile. Soon, Audie arrived, carrying their flight files."But, Clarissa-""No, Vicky," Clarissa cut in, her voice trembling. "I apologize for being selfish with you. You're right; someone like me doesn't deserve you. I'm just a disabled woman who has little chance of recovery. You deserve to live happily with the woman you love, Lopiuy."Vicky leaned closer, grasping Clarissa's hand gently. "No, I chose you, Clarissa. Not because I felt sorry or forced to, but because I love you."Tears began to well up in Clarissa's eyes. "But Vicky, life with me will be difficult. I don't want to be a burden to you.""Clarissa, you're not a burden. You are my reason fo
Rony looked boldly at Jordan. "Yes, my future wife. And I won't let anyone bother her."Jordan looked confused and angry. She let go of Lopiuy's hand reluctantly, but her angry gaze remained fixed on Rony. "Lopiuy, is it true what he said?" she asked in an incredulous tone.Lopiuy looked at Rony in confusion, but before he could answer, Rony said firmly, "Yes, it's true.""Lopiuy, I can prove it to you," Rony continued without giving Lopiuy a chance to speak. He pulled Lopiuy back into the car and drove off. Seeing that, Jordan did not remain silent, he followed them wherever they went.On the way, Lopiuy repeatedly asked, "Where are we going? What did you mean by that?" But Rony didn't answer at all. He continued to drive until he arrived at the district court."Rony, what are we going to do here?" asked Lopiuy in confusion."Get married," Rony replied briefly."Marry? To whom?" Lopiuy looked even more confused.Rony did not answer. He just looked at Lopiuy gently and took his hand. "
At this moment, Sierra and Gama were enjoying breakfast together. Not long after, the waiter came to announce the arrival of a guest."Madam, we have a guest.""Who?" asked Sierra."Mr. Rony," replied the waiter."Rony? Why is he here so early? Just kick him out," replied Gama in an annoyed tone."Gama, don't be like that. Just let him in," Sierra pleaded calmly."Yes ma'am," the servant replied, and left to carry out Sierra's orders. Not long after, Rony came to meet them."Good morning," Rony said kindly. However, Gama's look of dislike made Rony feel uncomfortable and bowed his head."Sorry, I...""Rony, why are you here?" Lopiuy suddenly arrived, immediately grabbed Rony's hand and led her away."Sorry, young lady, for disturbing you," Lopiuy said before the two of them left."Lopiuy, wait, let her-" Sierra tried to stop Lopiuy, but her voice was cut off by Gama."Honey, let it go. We'll talk about this tomorrow. We have to go now," Gama said as she gently took Sierra's hand.Sierr
However, Rony's laughter came to an abrupt halt when the car Lopiuy was traveling in came to a sudden stop. Lopiuy hit the brakes hard, causing their bodies to jerk forward. "What's wrong?" asked Rony, confused.Lopiuy turned sharply to him, his face showing the anger he had been holding back. "Can't you stop talking? I'm sick of hearing your nonsense. Now you better get out of my car."Rony was surprised to hear Lopiuy's cold and sharp tone. "But, Lopiuy...."Lopiuy didn't want to hear any excuses. "Get out!" he exclaimed in a voice that could not be denied.With a heavy heart, Rony opened the car door and got out, standing on the side of the road while Lopiuy immediately drove away without a word. Rony could only watch the car disappear in the distance, feeling a mixture of confusion, disappointment, and a little regret for perhaps pushing too hard on Lopiuy. However, underneath it all, he still hoped there would be another chance to get to know Lopiuy better, someday.Rony stood on
"Lopiuy," Jordan called in a voice that sounded desperate."What else? Please stop bothering me. How many times do I have to tell you this?" replied Lopiuy in an angry tone, trying to control her emotions.They were in the lobby of the apartment, Lopiuy tried to get away but Jordan kept urging her to come back with him. Jordan looked desperate, trying to grab Lopiuy's hand but was firmly rejected."Lopiuy, please listen to me. I still love you. I know I've made a lot of mistakes, but I'm willing to fix them," Jordan said with a trembling voice.Lopiuy let out a long breath, trying to control her anger. "Jordan, you've hurt me so many times. I can't go on like this. I need space and time for myself. You must understand that.""But, Lopiuy, we can fix things together. I can't imagine life without you," Jordan continued, her voice growing more distressed."No, Jordan. You have to understand that this isn't about us anymore. It's about me having to move on with my life. I need freedom and
"Rony? Why are you here? And how do you know my apartment room?" asked Lopiuy, surprised to see Rony standing at the door."Is it a miracle that I found your room? I don't think so. Because we're still in the same building. I can still explore the forest, how much more this place?" replied Rony casually."Alright, I understand. Now tell me quickly, what's wrong?" asked Lopiuy in a worried tone."Don't you want to offer to let me in? My legs are tired from standing all the time," Rony complained as he glanced at Lopiuy's apartment.Lopiuy sighed. "No, I...""OK, thanks," Rony cut in quickly, just walked in and sat down on the sofa. "I'm thirsty, don't you have anything to eat and drink?"Lopiuy closed the door irritably. "Rony, you can't just walk into someone's apartment without permission. This is my private place."Rony just smiled broadly. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But we're friends, right? So, I feel comfortable here."Lopiuy shook his head and walked into the kitchen. He picked up a b
"Ricky, you... you're still here?" asked Lopiuy in surprise when he saw that the man was still in the office. The meeting had ended two hours ago, and now, as Lopiuy prepared to leave, he still saw Ricky there."Yes, I was waiting for you to come home. I want to take you home together. Do you want to?" Ricky asked in an expectant tone."Go home together?" Lopiuy repeated his words, confused."Yeah, I wanted to ask you earlier, but I know we're still talking about work, so we shouldn't be talking about anything other than work. So, do you want to go home with me?" Ricky tried to explain.Lopiuy hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "Sorry, I can't, I..."Ricky stopped him with a pleading look. "Lopiuy, please, just this once. I promise after this I won't force you to go out with me again. We'll just have dinner, that's all. Nothing more."Lopiuy looked at Ricky, seeing the earnestness in his eyes. He knew that Ricky wasn't lying. Although his heart was still in doubt,
After traveling for a few minutes, the car driven by Lopiuy finally arrived at its destination. They both got out of the car and headed to the apartment where Rony would be living.Rony looked at the towering apartment building with a mixture of awe and anxiety. This was a new beginning for him, and although he felt grateful, there was also a sense of uncertainty that haunted him."This is the place," Lopiuy said nonchalantly. "The apartment is quite cozy and in a great location. You'll feel at home here. I also live here, I'm on the top floor, Apartment Suite Room."Rony nodded as he looked around. The neighborhood looked clean and organized, with green trees giving it a beautiful feel. "Thank you, Lopiuy. I really appreciate all your help.""Don't hesitate, Rony. Sierra and Gama want to make sure you have the best after all that has happened," Lopiuy replied with a smile. "Come, I'll show you to your room."The two of them then entered the apartment building. A spacious lobby with m