Woodstock, 16 years ago Bam! A punch hit a chubby boy and knocked him down. The chubby kid clearly couldn't be faced by his opponent, a ninth-grader, along with his three companions. The boy was lying on the ground, his face bruised. "Let's go, guys!" shouted a taller and bigger kid to his three friends. "Next time, don't be cocky, or we'll finish you!" threatened the tall kid. The four ninth-graders left the chubby boy struggling to sit up. The boy's name was Ares, and he was currently in seventh grade and attending a rural school in Woodstock. Ares spat on the ground, his mouth tasting salty. His spit was mixed with blood. Damn! Ares thought they could beat him up in a group just because he was in seventh grade. Coward ninth-graders! Ares sat down, his head aching. His grandmother would worry if he went home with dirty clothes and a bruised face like this. Ares sighed. He didn't fit in here. Anger always seemed like a vast wave that kept rolling inside his heart. Ares didn't
"Gi, why do you want to go to the cemetery? Did someone you know pass away?" Yara asked, following Ares' nimble steps as he leaped over the sides of graves full of grass. The cemetery was built very clean and tidy, but the overwhelming silence made the place feel scary. "No," Ares replied, turning to Yara, who was scared, looking around the cemetery. The little girl's eyes wandered around. Although it was still daytime, being in a graveyard was scary. "So, why go to the cemetery?" Yara asked again when Ares reached out to help Yara pass a tombstone. "Because dead people are not noisy. They won't disturb us even if we stand here," Ares replied with a smile. "Who says so? What if there are zombies or ghosts?" Yara asked, standing and beginning to shiver with fear. "If there are zombies, we'll run away," Ares laughed. Seeing this little girl pretending to be brave but scared was funny. Yara looked confused, her eyes showing fear but also determination. Ares felt sorry for continuou
Ares always remembered that memory. He and the little girl with a bunny-toothed smile grew up together. They sometimes spent time together. They went to the same school. In that small town, there was only one school, JK School.Then the incident happened.The little girl he called Yara looked sad and ran out of the school hallway. Ares was leaving class to transfer when he was surprised by Yara passing by."Yara!" Ares immediately grabbed Yara's hand, stopping the bespectacled girl. "What's wrong?" Ares asked anxiously. The girl's eyes looked watery.Keyara shook her head and tried to run, but from the hallway, three people appeared. They were one level above Yara and were laughing at her."Look, in the eyes of four. Do your four eyes have the power to see beyond?" taunted a tall, blonde boy.Ares looked towards the three boys, his face turning red. Ares seemed to immediately understand why Keyara ran with eyes that seemed about to cry.Then, without realizing it, Ares walked towards
Grey looked hesitant; he glanced toward the doctor, his mouth moving anxiously. The doctor seemed to understand and waited for Grey to gather the courage to ask."Are there any injuries or anything dangerous on my wife's intimate organs?" Grey asked with an uncomfortable tone.The doctor nodded. "There were signs of violence and bruising, but it will heal independently. As I mentioned, the external wounds will disappear over time. Still, the trauma from the rape she suffered is what will leave a lasting impact."Grey held his breath. It was suffocating to hear the doctor's words. With a heavy heart, Grey nodded weakly, "Thank you, doc."The doctor nodded and left the VIP room where Keyara was being treated. Grey sat down. He wanted to ask about Keyara's torn hymen. Still, he decided against it as it might raise questions with the doctor. How could his wife, who was supposed to be a virgin, be raped by another man?Grey then stood up and approached his wife's bed. He watched as Keyara
Ms. Mia appeared flustered as she arrived with her husband and Nick at the hospital. After the phone call, Mr. Oliver's tense expression quickly turned to one of urgency as he grabbed the keys and instructed them to rush to the hospital where Kyeara was being treated. Anxiety engulfed the family.When they arrived at the hospital, Ms. Mia was the most impatient. Since hearing the news of Kyeara's disappearance from the hospital, Kyeara's mother was the first to feel anxious and foreboding. The middle-aged woman's heart raced with anxiety.As Ms. Mia spotted Grey standing in the hospital lobby, she ran towards him and hugged him."How is Key?" Mama asked after releasing her embrace from her son-in-law."She's okay, sleeping at the moment," Grey replied. From the start, he tried to restrain himself from showing panic and anxiety. Grey didn't know what to do except to act like everything was under control.Ms. Mia seemed slightly relieved, but the dark circles under her eyes indicated to
Nick looked down the hallway and saw a beautiful blonde nurse passing by. Intrigued, he quickened his pace to catch up with her. Little did he know that a terrible incident was happening in his sister's hospital room."Rape?!" Ms. Mia and Mr. Oliver exclaimed simultaneously. Their eyes widened in disbelief. For a moment, their legs wobbled, and they took a step back. Grey's words felt like a Thor hammer pounding on their hearts.Ms. Mia felt her legs weaken, and she quickly grabbed Oliver's hand to steady herself. The truth seemed to drain all her strength and melt her heart.Grey nodded and carefully recounted the chronology of Keyara's kidnapping. He chose not to name the perpetrator or mention Ares' reasons for doing this to Keyara.Ms. Mia burst into tears and immediately rushed into her husband's arms, sobbing. Mr. Oliver tried to speak, but his mouth went silent, and his eyes closed as he lowered his head. His hand gripped so tightly that it hurt.Grey wanted to speak, but his t
Mr. Oliver and Ms. Mia were seen sitting in front of the doctor's office. Near them, Grey stood with his hands folded in front of him.Doctor Alice, the physician responsible for Keyara, was facing them and explaining Keyara's condition to her parents."Mr. Johnson, Ms. Johnson, after observing your daughter's condition, I recommend taking her to a psychiatric hospital. I have also suggested this to Mr. Reed," the doctor explained."Doctor, are you saying my daughter should be taken to a psychiatric hospital like other crazy people?" Ms. Mia appeared shocked upon hearing the doctor's suggestion.Dr. Alice sighed, then tried to clarify her statement. "During Keyara's week here, her mental condition has worsened. Her physical wounds heal slowly, but her emotional state isn't improving. She often refuses to eat, daydreams, and sometimes screams and cries at night. She needs expert care to help her overcome the trauma she has experienced. In some cases, face-to-face therapy sessions combi
Ares felt misheard, so he repeated his words, " psychiatric hospital, you mean?"Berry nodded, "I have searched and gathered information as you requested. I discovered she could be transferred to psychiatric hospital. hospital, but according to my sources, she often screams and reportedly cries in the middle of the night. So, the doctor caring for her suggested taking her to a mental hospital. Almost all the nurses who are responsible for her care know about this proposal," Berry explained systematically, reading the data he had successfully collected.Berry worked diligently, managing to gather the required data for his boss. It took time, but he accomplished his mission.Ares stopped what he was doing. He placed his hand on his forehead and lowered his head. He never expected that the situation would lead to the woman he loved being admitted to psychiatric hospital.Ares' eyes welled up with tears. Fortunately, he was looking down, worried that if he sat up straight, Berry would not
Keyara felt almost choked up seeing Grey arrive. She hadn't expected Grey to come at all. How did he come? Keyara looked towards her father, her eyes betraying curiosity. Seeing Mr. Oliver's gaze, Keyara knew that Mr. Oliver must have been the one to inform Grey that he should come.Grey burst in, then swiftly pulled Keyara's body out of the chair and embraced her tightly. Keyara even found it difficult to breathe for a moment."I'm grateful you're back, I truly had no idea where else to look for you!" Grey exclaimed with joy.Keyara tried to hold her breath as Grey continued to hold her tightly, but at the thirtieth second, she couldn't bear it any longer. She attempted to convey to Grey that she was having trouble breathing in such a tight embrace.Grey quickly released his embrace. He smiled with happiness."Ah, now that Grey is here. Grey should also take a seat," Keyara said.Grey nodded and promptly took a seat on their sofa."Where have you been, Key? What have you been doing,
Keyara was startled, quickly gripping Ares' hand and then leaning over, getting closer to his face."Ares... you awake?!" Keyara asked with a mixture of anxiousness and joy.Ares' initial response was just a slow movement of his fingers, then his mouth moved gradually. Seeing Ares' lips moving, Keyara leaned in closer, placing her ear nearby. She could hear a faint and gentle voice."Yara..."Keyara immediately tightened her grip on Ares' hand. "Yes, I'm here...""Yara..." Ares' voice sounded weak. "Water..." He uttered, prompting Keyara to press the button to call the nurse.A few moments later, several nurses and doctors entered the ICU room. Keyara stepped back against the side wall, watching as the doctors busied themselves examining Ares, ensuring his condition, checking his vital signs, and his consciousness.Berry, standing behind the large glass window, looked on with joyful eyes. He was thankful that his boss had awakened from his coma.After a while, the doctor turned to fac
Grey was seen fixing his tie and then admiring himself in the mirror. Today wasn't Sunday; he had rearranged his schedule and would arrive around noon. His plan for the day was to visit Keyara, take her out for a while, and then return to the office.Grey decided to take it slow, considering that Keyara hadn't regained her memories yet. It must have been quite a shock, but Grey was confident that if he reassured Keyara, their marriage could be restored.Thus, Grey whistled happily, imagining all the positive things in his mind. As he descended the stairs, his cheerful demeanor caught the attention of his mother, Ms. Maple."Grey, why do you look so delighted? Is there something pleasing you?" Ms. Maple inquired upon seeing Grey's joyful attitude.Ah, Grey smirked and realized he hadn't shared the joyful news of Keyara's return with his parents yet."Well, you could say that," Grey replied, then approached and joyfully kissed his mother's cheek."Oh, are you going to share it with me?"
"Miss..." Berry tried to gently pull Keyara back to prevent her from falling."Now, where is he?" Keyara asked, her voice trembling. Tears had already started streaming down her cheeks."Mr. Ares is currently at the hospital," Berry replied.Keyara clenched her fists, her hands pressed against her lips in distress. "Bring me there, Berry. I need to see him," Keyara said, her voice quivering as she fought back tears.Berry nodded. He would do just that. Berry guided Keyara towards his car, where the headlights still illuminated them. He opened the back door for her to make it easier for her to get in. Keyara looked uneasy as she got in, sitting down with shallow breaths.For the first time, Keyara felt as if her heart had plunged into a dark swamp. Upon hearing the news of Ares being in a coma, she felt like quicksand was pulling her down and ready to swallow her.Berry drove with occasional glances back through the rearview mirror. He saw Keyara's pale face. Berry was actually relieve
Keyara held her breath. She had accidentally stepped outside her room, intending to go downstairs for a drink, but the conversation between her parents was audible from where she stood. Her heart felt wounded. Even though they were her parents, hearing them say that the child she had given birth to was unwanted hurt deeply. Keyara slowly retreated and then re-entered her room.Keyara curled up on the bed, burying her face in her knees. Her feelings were crushed. While she knew the truth about Ares and Lion, who were considered her birth parents, were unremembered entities to her. Even Grey. Although Keyara had once been infatuated with Grey and thought about him, her memories of Grey were limited to their meeting in Spain.Keyara felt like she didn't belong here. She didn't recognize this room. Despite her many photos displayed on the walls, she didn't know any of those faces.Keyara pressed her face into her knees, drowning her confusion and sadness.It seemed like just yesterday her
Keyara fell silent in her room, tears streaming down her face. Her memories hadn't returned yet, but the recent events had hit her heart hard. She had been deceived, for a very long time.Keyara suddenly bit her lip, how could she have been in love with Ares back then? Letting that man claim her, while he had already committed a grave wrong against her.Keyara still seemed visibly shaken. Trying to process all the new information was like attempting to digest an overwhelming wave. She felt the need to be alone, closing and locking her door. Though her surroundings felt unfamiliar due to her memory issues, she recognized that this was her room.From behind the closed door, a knocking sound reached her ears. Keyara hastily wiped her tears away. Clearing the traces of her emotions that were still lingering."Who is it?" Keyara asked, her voice slightly louder than usual."Key, it's me..." Grey's voice sounded.Keyara fell silent, her face now pale. The barrage of incoming information fel
Ares wiped his nose. The thick, red liquid streaked across his hand. He remembered a time in junior high when he had bled, back when he faced bullying. But Ares wasn't one to back down when confronted by oppressors. He fought back, leaving his tormentors with broken bones and a call to their parents. Ares never stopped fighting.Afterward, he never allowed anyone to make him bleed again. He delved into boxing, karate, and marksmanship. He fortified his body to ensure no one dared lay a hand on him again.And now, someone had made his nose bleed again. It was the man who had been his friend in the past, now turned into an enemy and a rival for Keyara's love. Ares was in his worst state. He couldn't even muster a punch against Grey, not with the emotional turmoil, he felt, akin to a churning black hole.Grey seemed unsatisfied; he wanted to hurt Ares even more. Making Ares realize that Grey, standing before him, was the man rightfully in possession of Keyara. Ares had audaciously propos
Ares removed his helmet. Then he opened the gate. The house appeared deserted. He hesitated slightly. Bringing Keyara to this place, what now?Initially, he wanted to step back, but something in his heart urged him to move forward again. Now or never.His feet, which were initially uncertain, took another step. The open door revealed no one. He proceeded with caution. Ares entered the house without permission.Grey's eyes widened when he saw a figure entering the living room. Quickly, Grey stood up."You!" Grey exclaimed, rising to his feet.Mr. Oliver turned around, equally surprised by the middle-aged man's presence.Ares stepped into the separate family room, formed by a partition that resembled a door."How did you get here?!" Grey demanded.Mr. Oliver stood up. Then unexpectedly, the middle-aged man approached and slapped Ares' face. The man who appeared out of nowhere was now taken aback.Ares held his stinging cheek. His eyes squinted in bewilderment."You dare to come here aft
Ares continued to stare at Doctor David. His eyes were intense, laden with pressure, while Doctor David seemed to try to remain composed.Ares smiled, "Even if Grey were to know, logically, no one else should know. Especially not an outsider like you, knowing about Keyara's situation. Unless... you were the one who leaked the information to Grey himself. Am I wrong in my suspicion?" Ares turned around now, finding Doctor David pale in place.Ares seemed to clench his fists, then he asked again, "How much were you paid to provide that information to Grey?"Doctor David shook his head, "No... it's not like that...""HOW MUCH WERE YOU PAID!!" Ares raised his voice.Anyone who heard Ares' escalated tone would surely feel fear. Ares always managed to instill horror and fear when he bared his angry fangs."On... One hundred thousand..." Doctor David stuttered in reply.Ares growled, then he turned to Berry, "Call the security, then toss this bastard onto the streets!""Mr. Ares... but... yo