"Where is the young master, Ale?"
Hema's voice could faintly be heard from outside. The square glass box was almost soundproof. Even if I hadn't raised my head after seeing the shadow of someone's footprints, I probably wouldn't have noticed Hema's presence after a few minutes of Axe's departure.Hema seemed to be preparing by rechecking some of the weapons on his body.There it was!A key, exactly the same as the one Axe had requested from Alessandro earlier, was on the head of Hema's pants, hanging on the right side.This is a great opportunity for me to get out and go after Axe. It's useless for him to dress me up like a tough woman if I end up being treated like an onion. I wanted to know how he was doing now. How far he's traveled. Is he still safe? I hope so."Open the door!" I called as I knocked repeatedly on the glass wall.Alessandro was hopeless, maybe Hema would help me."Open the door, Hem!"I could see Hema glancing at Alessandro a"Done, Sir."The walkie talkie audio died before Alessandro's information could be answered. Unusual. I knew Axe would praise, if only with one word 'good' when his workers gave satisfactory answers. Is he so busy that he's forgotten his habits? I hope so, I thought as I closed my eyes trying to suppress the sudden anxiety."It's alright, Miss. Sir will be here 5 minutes early before the bomb goes off."Bomb?What does that mean?"I don't know what you mean, Ale. What's that mean... bomb?""The master asked me to blow up the place 30 minutes from now, Miss."My mouth dropped open at his explanation. Bombs were so dangerous, why were they so desperate to play with them. What if the explosion set this forest on fire, who would be responsible later? Or worse, what if Axe and Hema don't arrive five minutes early?"How are you sure Axe will arrive 5 minutes before the bomb explodes?""The master has managed to free the captives, Miss. They're on their
"How is the lady?"The faint sound of two people talking forced my eyes open. I blinked to neutralize the influx of light that was slowly blinding my vision. My head felt heavy remembering the remnants of the incident that took away my consciousness. Where am I now? Oh, still in the same place.Axe... What about him, is he safe?The questions in my head activated the motor system in my body. I spontaneously moved to change my position to sitting.The first thing I noticed was that Hema was near me, while Alessandro seemed to have just returned-I don't know from where, his appearance looked different from the last time he was with me. Wait, where are the freed prisoners? They don't seem to be in every corner of this glass room. Did Alessandro just take them away?"You're awake, Miss. How do you feel?"It was Hema's question that drew me to look at the man in surprise. There was relief in his green eyes. I don't know why he was so anxious, the look he gave
"We should wait for help to arrive to search for the master, Miss. I've already contacted the search and rescue team."Alessandro's voice pulled me to look at him. He was already beside me as it turned out."It's taking too long, I want to hurry.""It's useless, Miss. We won't be able to find the master without help. 10 percent of this forest is a ravine. I don't want anything unpleasant to happen to you.""Understand, Miss."I shook my head in indifference.The ruins were far more interesting than hearing his words. Alright, I might be able to indulge Alessandro to wait for the sar team. But staying in the glass room, I honestly couldn't. While waiting, I should go see the condition of Axe's necklace like Hema said. How destroyed was the sapphire gem?"Show me where Axe's necklace is."There was surprise in Alessandro's eyes, he hesitated. But couldn't help but nod when I gave him the sharp gaze of a hawk. He walked first, while I followed behind him
My gaze was straight, staring meaninglessly at several team-shaped people scattering to the various destroyed sides of the building. For almost two hours, they hadn't found Axe's whereabouts. I don't know if they searched all over the ruins or not. While the night was getting late, it would be difficult to search.There were a few things that made the team argue, one of which was the hand I found. Most of them were of the opinion that the rest of Axe's body was scattered, difficult to identify. But others, especially me, still believed there were pieces of Axe's body because of the explosion.They actually found two or three skeletons, belonging to other people. Hema said that some of Uncle Danial's bodyguards were on the third floor enjoying the party. Perhaps the skeletons belonged to them."We didn't find anything here."The team from camp A shouted, probably tired - working for nothing. As they said, there was nothing there. Not only that, the B team also said the same thing."Sor
"That's sir, Miss. He's still alive."The relief behind Alessandro's voice made me believe even more. Axe was really alive, he hadn't abandoned me. Axe came back to me. I wanted to run and hug him, but my legs were frozen, I could only stand there watching him get closer even though Alessandro had already caught up with Axe. Taking over the teenage girl's body from Axe's hands.Alessandro walked quickly to take the girl away. Her condition is quite severe, it must be treated immediately. Besides Axe, Alessandro himself had already passed by my body. He headed towards the crowd of several teams that were still waiting.I'm grateful that the desire to stay here brought him to me. What if I'd said yes to Alessandro's invitation and we'd gone straight? A second or two sooner, maybe I wouldn't have seen Axe. Now he's getting closer, shuffling along. I think he's injured his leg. I fight myself with all my might. I sprinted as soon as my body responded.I immediately
Axelle's side....The heterochormic eyes coated in soft contact lenses stared intently at the side of the towering building before him. There were three floors, each one heavily guarded. It was also maze-like with winding paths and some dead ends. For someone who was unfamiliar, they might get lost in that place.Before entering, Axe had to make sure the guard at the front door was off guard so he could attack from behind. His feet stepped slowly. He craned his head slightly, looking for the most opportune time to cock the soundproof weapon in hand. Not just yet. The two guards there were still alertly smoking their cigars and puffing the smoke into the air. Axe would wait for one of them to enter, to attack the other. He didn't want to cause a stir on the outside. Attacking one by one was the right choice.As long as the action hadn't started yet. Axe should have thought his plan through. But all he did was twirl the ring on his ring finger. Mem
A caress felt rough, pulling back the soul that had been lost from the body. I blinked, opening my eyes slowly. The place that should have been the outdoors was replaced by white-washed walls. I felt like I was in a room with the ceiling decorated with yellow lights. A question jolted through my head. Who brought me here? "You're finally awake." The hoarse voice drew my attention to the side. Him... Why am I with him? "You're getting prettier and fuller. I really like it." A satisfied tone came from the raspy voice of a man I had met a few times. It was almost my husband, Arthur. "You're surprised to see me. Why. Scared?" Arthur chuckled. The hand that reached out to stroke my head was caught in mid-air as I moved quickly, inching away from him. What did he want to bring me to a place like this? I asked as I stared warily at the cruel grin on Arthur's face. He was so different from the last time we were together. There was no genuine smile that I had ever seen. Let alone th
"I told you not to try to escape from me!" A cold voice and the clomping of someone's feet made me turn around. Arthur was seen grinning cruelly with his gaze drawn deep. He was completely different from anyone I had ever known. "I've given you a choice. Obey if you want me to be nice!" Arthur gripped my jaw so tightly that I looked up to stare into his dark beads. He changed after the unwanted wedding into a big battle. I knew he was a victim of Axe's game. But, did it have to be this way? "Why did you kidnap me all the way here?" I forced myself to stare at the man in camouflage. There was no meaningful answer from him. He just smiled crookedly bringing my face closer. "Let go, Arthur. I have a husband," I said, pushing quite hard on his face. "I should be your husband." Arthur smiled bitterly. There was so much hatred in his eyes. He was right. He should have... He should have been my husband. But fat
Several months later... I was staring at Axe with an infected hand, next to him was Oracle, walking towards me. He had a baby in his arms. His head kept lowering to watch our daughter's face endlessly. A perfect smile completed Axe's happiness. His efforts to serve me when I was craving for something had paid off, as he was finally reunited with his child in person. I remember forcing Axe to make me roti canai, an Asian specialty, with his own hands. Axe could cook, but had no idea about that kind of food, but at the crack of dawn, I kept pushing him to get up to be an impromptu chef for his daugther's wish. It was a struggle to wake Axe up when he was exhausted after touching me relentlessly. It's his own fault for never being satisfied. Little did I know that his son would suddenly want something. Even though he had to, Axe did his duty. That time, with his eyes half open. He reached for the cell phone on the nightstand, digging into
I gazed at the ring that was placed back on my hand with a smile of emotion and happiness. The sacred promise in Axe's name had been made. There was one more to go, but Axe never did. He just looked at me with his eyes sparkling with happiness, like an idiot who suddenly became a millionaire. What was he waiting for? Until I started first? Seriously! "You're making everyone wait too long for you," I said softly and almost in a whisper. "Sure?" asked Axe in confirmation. He raised one eyebrow at me suspiciously. "Are they or are you actually getting impatient?" he continued with a teasing smile. "Suit yourself, Axe." I turned to look at the faces there. The important people in my life were gathered in one frame. There was Oracle, mom, dad, my father and mother-in-law, and Rose who was so beautiful in a black dress. Next to her was Theo who always stalked Rose wherever she went. I think Axe's question at that time was very appropriate. What is the relationship between them,
"You didn't mean your threat, did you, baby girl?"I didn't respond to Axe's question the whole way. Even from the time Oracle kept babbling until he was now sound asleep, I didn't respond to him. Earlier, after Rose and Oracle's hug was over. I immediately said goodbye to Rose and left Axe alone. Stepping quickly into the car with Oracle. He followed later with a face that seemed to be in deep thought, perhaps he was thinking about how to persuade me. Let it go. Let him know what kind of position I was in when I apologized to him. Being ignored doesn't feel good. Now let Axe get a taste."Bridgette," he called again.There's no answer for a moment, so I choose to close my eyes to join the Oracle on my lap. I'd rather sleep."Let me ask you, what's your friend got to do with that silly bastard? I saw him hiding in Rose's room and watching all of us."My eyes flew wide open. What did Axe mean and who could get inside Rose's apartment besides us?"Who
Do you know what's wrong with roses falling? Because when it first blooms, it's too beautiful. -Theodore Witson -------------------------------- "Rose, thank you again. I don't know what my life would be like without your help." I hugged tightly the body of the beautiful woman, who was currently returning my warmth."You're welcome," Rose whispered as she gently rubbed up and down my shoulders. "In what way should I repay your kindness?"I couldn't help but make sure my voice sounded bitter. I couldn't bear to take the Oracle away from Rose. But what should I do? If I let Oracle be with Rose, that child would lose a complete family figure. Axe definitely wouldn't let that happen. He's been separated from Oracle since Oracle himself was still in the womb, how could that man ever want to give Oracle up. And if I'm being honest, I want Oracle too. Although the guilt for Rose would be much greater. "You paid me enough with your happiness. Don't be sad anymore, do you understand?" Ros
"She's in the back like a chick," Axe replied. He suddenly moved away, no longer providing protection. "Hi, Rose." I smiled stiffly as Rose stifled a giggle at my ridiculous behavior. Just watch out for her! "Hi, Oracle." This time I turned to Oracle, he was looking at me deeply. There was a tension on his face that I didn't understand. Why, did my presence scare him? I shook my head faintly with an unfocused look, looking at the three people in front of me in turn. The Oracle could not accept my presence yet, that much I knew. I'd better get going. Yes, my legs slowly lifted backwards. Feeling that it was not enough, I turned my body quickly. Run! That's what my brain told me to do. But my movement was halted by a greeting from behind. "Hello, Mommy Bri." Mommy Bri... My head echoed at the Oracle's call. He called me mommy
"Ready?" I turned my head to the side at Axe's question. From the Canadian airport, we drove straight to Rose's apartment. Axe and I were still in the car parked in the basement. He asked me if I was ready...my answer was no. I couldn't take Oracle's rejection when he saw me in front of him. As Axe had said back then, he would take me to pick Oracle up after everything was done. Yes, it was over as Axe's revenge was three weeks old. Uncle Danial was finally found guilty and sentenced to 35 years in prison. The prime minister's protection of him did not apply, because the evidence was in sight. Moreover, Uncle Danial was further aggravated by the presence of the prisoners that Axe released as witnesses in court. At that time, the trial lasted for about two weeks. No denials and no appeals made it all over quickly. I still remember the first and second trials. It was strange to sit in the opposite camp between dad and mom. Although
"Damn kid! Where have you been all night, why do you have this bruise on your face?" We just arrived at Mr. O'Connor's residence, suddenly Axe was immediately questioned by his father. The explosion in the forest yesterday, no one had dared to tell my father-in-law about Axe's condition via voice call before the man was found. Mr. O'Connor is temperamental. He would have gone berserk knowing Axe was in danger. That's why Hema asked Alessandro and I to wait for the right time to tell him, which turned out to be the case even after I was gone, they still didn't tell Mr. O'Connor about Axe's condition. "Just a bruise." Axe chuckled in displeasure, continuing to avoid having Mr. O'Connor's hand on his face. "Really?" Mr. O'Connor gave Axe an incredulous look, then turned to glare at me. "What did Xelle do last night, Bridgette?" he asked, obviously knowing I wouldn't lie. I didn't do much. I just sighed and occasionally glanced at Axe, w
"Watch out, Axe!" Bang! I hugged Axe as tightly as I could, making my body a shield for him. He once let a bullet bite into his body because of my mistake. Now I wanted to do the same, sacrificing myself for the one I loved. The sound of gunfire gave me pause to breathe. I should have felt the heat spread by the bullet. But until now everything still felt safe. I don't understand, my body is fine for no reason. "Don't do this next time. Don't protect me. I can take care of myself. What will happen to you if I don't hurry?" My body was forcibly released and I realized Axe's weapon was emitting smoke as he lowered his hand. What have I missed? I quickly turned around. It was a little unbelievable to find Arthur lying on the floor with his eyes open and a bullet stuck right in his forehead. "I don't want to kill. But letting yourself get shot is the most fatal mistake." Axe stroked my face briefly, then tucked the gun in his hand behind his body. "Don't do that again. Do you un
"I told you not to try to escape from me!" A cold voice and the clomping of someone's feet made me turn around. Arthur was seen grinning cruelly with his gaze drawn deep. He was completely different from anyone I had ever known. "I've given you a choice. Obey if you want me to be nice!" Arthur gripped my jaw so tightly that I looked up to stare into his dark beads. He changed after the unwanted wedding into a big battle. I knew he was a victim of Axe's game. But, did it have to be this way? "Why did you kidnap me all the way here?" I forced myself to stare at the man in camouflage. There was no meaningful answer from him. He just smiled crookedly bringing my face closer. "Let go, Arthur. I have a husband," I said, pushing quite hard on his face. "I should be your husband." Arthur smiled bitterly. There was so much hatred in his eyes. He was right. He should have... He should have been my husband. But fat