This mountain was formerly inhabited by Aboriginals. Some of them were accustomed to living on the mountain, hence they kept their initial living environment and habits. However, most of those who stayed up here were elders who did not speak English and were very hostile to outsiders. Understanding the background, Thaddeus became more nervous. Even so, he did not stop walking. Finally, he reached the top of the mountain before dark panting from exhaustion. He looked at the dangerous winding path below him and thought of the several small landslides he encountered on the way up. He was lucky to not have been buried here. ‘Please, god, keep up my good luck so that I can find my beloved wife and go home together.’ Thaddeus rested his feet for a while and continued deeper. There was a dense forest ahead, and further inside was where the Aboriginals lived. He took out a flashlight from his backpack and flipped the switch. After struggling forward in the faint light, he finally found
“Given that I rescued her from the sea and brought her here, we have an unordinary relationship,” the man answered. Thaddeus was uncomfortable hearing that. “Unordinary?” “It’s the kind of relationship where I can put my life on the line to make sure she’s safe and sound.” The man took out a semi-circular badge from his pocket. Thaddeus narrowed his eyes and looked at it, feeling it looked familiar. “This was given to Mona by Master Fontaine. Seeing this badge is the same as being given an order. Since Mona has it, we must listen to her orders. We won’t hesitate even if we have to protect her with our lives.” Thaddeus studied the badge. He had found it in his grandpa’s treasure chest when he was young. At that time, he was puzzled because the badge did not look like it belonged to an army. It turned out that it was used to command the bandit army on this mountain. He snorted and looked up at the man as he asked, “Is this all there is to your team?” The man who was ridiculed
“You’re not allowed to do something like this without my permission again. I won’t allow you to put yourself in such a dangerous situation. Do you understand?” Thaddeus said to Mona. He pulled her into his arms and kept repeating that phrase in his heart, but he would never say it out loud. Thaddeus could not bear the pain of losing Mona. If she was gone, he would make arrangements for their children’s future and die with her. Mona rested her chin on Thaddeus’ shoulder, and the two held each other close. Something felt different about him. “Thaddeus, what’s wrong…?” She lifted her hand and touched the back of Thaddeus’ head. “What do you mean?” Thaddeus’ voice was muffled. Suddenly feeling as if something was wrong, Mona pushed his shoulders away to look and was shocked. Thaddeus’ eyes were red with tears. He was as vulnerable and sensitive as a big boy. Mona did not think that he was in a sorry state. Instead, she could feel the love and concern he had for her. The fac
“Soka.” Mona felt somewhat embarrassed. She walked over, looked at the two bags he was holding, and asked, “What do you have in your hands?” “These are small gifts for your children. The moms and aunts in our village got up early and made some specialties for them as snacks.” “Thank you.” Mona accepted the gift and turned to happily give them to Thaddeus. She said, “Keep these thoughtful gifts well.” The man named Soka snickered. Thaddeus was like a lackey in front of Mona. Thaddeus placed the handful of things on the bed with a dark face. He stood next to Mona and pulled her into his arms to emphasize his dignity and sovereignty as a man. Mona smiled at Soka, seemingly helpless about Thaddeus. However, she leaned into Thaddeus’ arms and smiled sweetly like a little woman. “Tsk, tsk. Are you showing off this early in the morning?” Soka shook his head. “Forget it. I’d better go boxing. I can’t stand seeing you two deep in love—it stings my eyes!” “Hey, Soka.” Mona suddenly
Mona vaguely remembered Thaddeus’ assistant coming over and telling him that Ginny would pick them up from the private airport. As soon as they returned to this city, Mona’s troubles surfaced again. Ginny was a thorn in her heart at the moment. She felt insecure because Thaddeus was hiding something from her but could not give her a reason. “Yes. While you were asleep, my assistant told me that Ginny arranged a car to pick us up. She’s probably waiting down there right now.” Thaddeus spoke carelessly, but he looked at Mona and secretly observed her reaction. Mona gave a slight exclamation and pretended to be calm. Thaddeus said that Ginny was there to pick them up, so what else could Mona say? She could not blame her for being thoughtful and considerate, could she? It would accentuate her lack of generosity. Nevertheless, she let go of Thaddeus’ arm and drew distance from him. She turned to look at the dark night scene outside the window, her dissatisfaction clearly reflect
‘I see…’ After listening to Thaddeus’ explanation, the thorn in Mona’s heart seemed to have been instantly removed. It turned out that Thaddeus had been avoiding this topic because he had to undergo surgery. However, without the unhappiness and troubles before it, Mona’s heart was now wrenched for another reason. “You said the surgery has a low success rate. What happens if it fails?” Thaddeus rubbed Mona’s head and said calmly, “There are no consequences. It’ll just be the worst-case scenario.” Mona froze. She felt oppressed and suffocated. She could not accept the feeling of losing another important person in her life. The pain would be unbearable! “Listen. I’ve planned everything out.” Thaddeus seemed carefree. “Once I enter the operating room, my assistant will give you some documents. You just need to sign them.” He had hesitated and thought for a long time whether or not he would undergo surgery. Finally, he had made up his mind. Mona held his hand, feeling some
“I’m a family member. Can’t I stay with him?” Mona asked. “No. It’s respect to the doctors and staff.” Ginny glanced at Mona indifferently. She looked tense as well. “I don’t mean to target you on purpose, but Mrs. Fontaine, I hope you can cooperate at such a critical time.” Thaddeus squeezed Mona’s hand and coaxed her softly, “Be good and wait outside. My assistant will be with you.” Mona looked down. Tears suddenly streamed down her face. Thaddeus’ heart tightened. He took her waist and pulled her into his arms. “Don’t cry. You’ll make me worried.” Mona controlled her emotions and suppressed them. She clung to Thaddeus as she was reluctant to leave him. “Then promise me you’ll come out. Don’t make me wait too long.” “I promise.” Mona buried her face in Thaddeus’ arms. She calmed down and finally let go of her hand. Afterward, she looked up at him and said, “Thaddeus, go in without any worries. I’ll be here as your support while you fight and win the battle.” “You’re
Mona got up and began to feel restless. ‘Thaddeus, oh Thaddeus, are you making funeral arrangements? I won’t accept it. I don’t care about how much money I get! I only want you to come back to me safely.’ “Mrs. Fontaine…” The assistant looked at the documents that were thrown all over the floor and instantly felt troubled. Mr. Fontaine had specifically instructed him to ask Mona to sign the documents. Nonetheless, Thaddeus also left a way out and foresaw that Mona might not be able to accept it suddenly. Therefore, he made a will in advance to give all his assets to Mona. Time passed bit by bit. It was dead silent outside the operating room, leaving Mona to be tormented on her own. Mona rounded her back and covered her face with both hands. She looked exhausted as if she was in a trace. After waiting for an unknown time, someone appeared in front of her. When she looked up, she saw that it was Jennifer. Jennifer was holding a thermos in her hand. She said worriedly, “Mona,