The loud banging on the door woke Caroline up from her sleep. The woman looked so shocked that she paused for a moment to gather her wits and ascertain what had happened."Where is that damn woman?!" There was a man's voice that sounded so not familiar. His tone was filled with anger.Caroline frowned. She was so confused and surprised because this was so sudden. She was fast asleep, exhausted after a long day search of work. Now her sleep was ruined because she had been disturbed by a stranger."Who is it this time?" Caroline sighed in disgust. She couldn't stand it and felt very upset that her life had become so unsettled.Caroline was about to open the door, but it opened before she could touch the handle. Bonnie walked into Caroline's room with a face filled with panic."Let's hide." Bonnie tugged on her daughter's hand, slightly forcing Caroline to follow her to the bed and under it."What happened?" Caroline asked in confusion, as her mother had entered the room suddenly. Moreov
The apartment neighbors gathered in front of Caroline's room. A police line is now in place. The police finally arrived after one of the apartment residents reported what had happened. Meanwhile, Caroline was still hysterical. Her body was shaking violently; she could not control herself to calm down. Although some of her neighbors tried to calm her down and give her hugs, she still felt very shocked and severely traumatized. Because she was there when her mother was killed.Caroline could not answer when the police asked her what had happened and who was behind it all. There was no evidence of a gun there, just three bullet casings lying on the floor.Bonnie's body was taken to the hospital for an autopsy. Caroline was taken to the police station for questioning. However, no matter how many questions the officers asked, Caroline did not give an answer. She just remained silent with a blank stare. She was in complete shock."Do you know who is responsible for this incident?" The polic
After crying for a long time, Caroline finally fell asleep from exhaustion. Her face looked pale, and her body was hot at dawn. She was suddenly attacked by a fever. Luckily, she now had Jared by her side. Even though she had said bad things and hurt Jared with her punches, he couldn't hate her at all.Jared looked at Caroline's face for a long time. He felt sorry that he was unable to protect the woman he loved. He should have listened to Donny's advice. If he hadn't been so stubborn, Bonnie might still be there today.Jared looked devastated. Although he wasn't close to or familiar with Bonnie, he could feel the pain of loss that Caroline felt. Just as he had when he lost his parents a dozen years ago. He understood and understood what Caroline's mentality was like now. Especially now that Caroline no longer has anyone but Aalya. While her relationship with Aalya is so bad,.If Caroline was reunited with Aalya now, maybe Caroline would vent all her pain by finishing off Aalya. She l
Caroline woke up in the morning with a weakened body. She had not eaten or drunk since her mother died. Her body had no energy at all now. Her face was even paler. She couldn't even get out of bed because she really had no energy. All she could do was cry over her mother's death. She blamed herself for not being able to do anything. She should have died with Bonnie. She was a coward who saved himself.Jared entered the room feeling disoriented. His face looked disheveled, as he had not been able to sleep since Caroline had moved in. There were many fears attacking his heart. What he feared the most was when Caroline chose to follow Bonnie. He no longer wanted to feel the pain of losing a loved one."Here's the food, sir." A servant placed a tray of food and a glass of water on the nightstand."Thank you." Jared said weakly. He asked the servants to leave the room so he could be alone with Caroline. He was uncomfortable when there were so many people there.Caroline's cries sounded so
"Madam, Mr. Madison asked you to wear this. He's on his way from work and will be home shortly." One of the servants told her and handed Caroline a long-sleeve black dress. It was plain and looked very modest."I will help you to bathe and change." Another maid came and helped Caroline get up from the bed, as she was not fully recovered.Looking at the dress given to her, Caroline understood where Jared will taking her. The tomb. Jared had promised that this afternoon there would be a funeral for Bonnie.After taking a shower and putting on her clothes, Caroline was given a light makeover so as not to be too pale. When Jared arrived, Caroline was ready to leave for the funeral."How are you today? Are you better?" Jared asked with a sweet smile on his lips. The man's face looked so tired, and his eyes were so wide with sleep for the past two days. No matter how physically strong a man is, he will collapse if he is forced to continue guarding and working without pause."Uncle, it looks
"Mom! Mom!" Jake called out, half shouting, when he came to his parents' house this afternoon. His face was still covered in anger. His jaw was hardened, and his hands were clenched hard. His forehead was even twitching as he couldn't hold back the emotions that overcame him."Why are you yelling like that?" Delia approached. She was confused, as her son rarely came home if not asked. Usually, he would also come with Emily. However, this time he came alone. She was even more confused when she found out that her son was emotional."Do you know if Uncle Jared is getting married?" Jake immediately asked without preamble. Because he couldn't hold on to that information any longer."What did you say? Getting married? To whom? Everyone even knows that Jared has never been interested in women. Is he going to marry a man?" Delia looked very surprised. This news was so sudden. Jared hadn't even told her about it. If it wasn't for Jake, she would never have known that her brother was getting ma
"Madam, Mr. Madison asked if you would like to eat here or in the dining room." A woman in a maid uniform asked Caroline respectfully. Since the first day she stayed here, all of Jared's servants treated her very well, as if she were already the mistress there. "Where is she? Is she waiting for me to have dinner together?" Caroline asked to be sure. Because if Jared wasn't there, she would rather have dinner in her room. Because she was too lazy to walk through the corridor, then down the stairs, just to enter the dining room. "Sorry, ma'am. Mr. Madison just left for some important business outside; he said he would be back around ten in the evening." Caroline sighed harshly. She was a little disappointed, as she found out from the maid. Jared should have told her that he was going out on important business tonight. She wouldn't have forbidden it because she knew Jared was very busy. However, she wanted to know everything Jared was doing so that she would feel that she was valuab
"Good morning, Uncle." Caroline walked over to Jared, who was waiting for her in the dining chair to have breakfast together.This morning, Caroline looked very healthy; she was even smiling and starting to cheer up like before. Her lips were no longer as pale as before. Her eyes were no longer puffy from crying over her mother's death. Her body is no longer weak from a lack of energy. Now she looked as healthy as ever."It looks like you had a good dream last night. You're very happy this morning." Jared said with an annoyed face. After hearing Caroline call Jake's name in her sleep last night, Jared had become very upset until now. He couldn't hide his annoyance and jealousy. He wanted his name to be called Caroline, not Jake."I dreamt that you came into my room and kissed me last night. That's why I got so excited." Caroline responded."Are you sure it was me who came into your dream, not Jake?" Jared asked as he looked at Caroline very seriously. The look in his eyes showed great
"Yes! We'll leave as soon as possible. I'm really looking forward to spending time with you on the beach and enjoying all the beauty of Bali," Caroline said, feeling equally happy."Me too! Ever since we got here, I've missed you so much. It feels like something is missing without you," Aalya replied, her tone full of emotion."And we can mend our broken relationship," Caroline continued, recalling all the tensions they had experienced. "I want us to turn over a new leaf.""That's right! We'll talk about everything and fix what can be fixed. I'm so excited!" Aalya replied, her voice full of excitement. "When do we leave?""We leave tomorrow morning! Jared has organized everything. We'll fly out early in the morning and be in Bali by noon," Caroline explained, feeling a little less anxious."Wow, that's fast! I'll prepare everything that needs to be brought. What should I prepare?" asked Aalya, eager to welcome her sister."Bring all the beach clothes you have! We'll have fun in the se
After arriving at the car, Jared started the engine and drove the car towards home. On the way, he envisioned the evening he had planned. Caroline must have prepared something special. When he arrived home, Jared opened the door and was greeted with silence. "Caroline?" he shouted, hoping to find his wife in the living room. "Over here, baby!" came Caroline's voice from the kitchen. Jared rushed towards the voice, and when he entered, he saw Caroline standing in the kitchen, wearing an apron, while stirring something in a pot. She smiled when she saw her husband. "You're finally home! I've been waiting," Caroline said, stepping closer. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Caro. It's been a busy day," Jared said, leaning his back against the table. Caroline looked at him understandingly, but there was a hint of longing in her eyes. "I know, but I missed you so much. Dinner is ready; let's eat," she said, trying to cover her sadness with a smile. They sat down at the dining table, and wh
Jared sighed, sensing the sadness in Caroline's heart. He understood how important the relationship between the sisters was. "I know, Carol. But we'll see each other again soon. They're only gone for a week," he said, trying to comfort."And you know how it is. Everyone around me is having fun while I'm here," Caroline said in a tone full of unfulfilled expectations."Don't worry, I have a plan," Jared said, trying to distract Caroline. "I'm taking you to a fancy restaurant tonight. We can enjoy some uninterrupted alone time.""A fancy restaurant?" Caroline looked over, a little surprised. "You had it planned?""Yes. It's time for us to indulge ourselves. Don't think about Aalya now; let yourself have fun," Jared replied with a confident smile."Okay." Caroline nodded slowly, though her heart was still heavy. She knew Jared was trying to make her happy, and she appreciated every effort he made.After a few minutes of driving, their car finally arrived in front of a fancy restaurant wi
Aalya was annoyed and dismayed by Brian's nosy attitude. "Do you want me to walk naked on the beach? I don't want to be a crowd pleaser!" she replied, frowning.Brian stifled a laugh, further amused by Aalya's reaction. "Ah, but only I can look at you! Only I can look at you that way," he said as he stepped closer.Aalya felt her cheeks heat up at Brian's words. "Stop making this up! This isn't about that!" she exclaimed, trying to push Brian's body out of the way."Well, I just want to see you glowing on the beach," Brian said, still hugging Aalya. "Imagine how beautiful you'll look in these clothes in the sun!"Aalya tried to push Brian further, but she couldn't help but laugh. "You're so naughty, Brian! This is no time for jokes," she said, shaking her head, but couldn't avoid the smile on her face."So, why not be a little more daring? We're in Bali, baby!" Brian replied in a teasing tone, continuing to put his arm around her."Well, maybe I can add a more revealing shirt or two,"
Jared looked at Caroline and Aalya with pride. "I'm glad to see you two getting along. This is what I expected from the beginning," he said. "And if we all go to Bali, we'll make wonderful new memories."Caroline nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's time we focus on happiness and the future. No more jealousy or hatred. We are a family now, and we need to support each other."Brian, who had started to feel more comfortable in this family, added, "And I promise to take good care of Aalya while we are in Bali. We'll travel around, explore the island, and make beautiful memories."Aalya looked at Brian with sparkling eyes. "I am so lucky to have you by my side. This is a new beginning for all of us.""Let's make this moment special. We can explore the beach, try the local food, and maybe bike around the island," Caroline said, her spirits rising."And don't forget the surf! We have to learn to surf!" Aalya adds, eager to imagine the adventures they will have.They all laughed together, sharing
It was a sunny day in Perth. Inside the Madison family mansion, Caroline was preparing dinner in the kitchen. She sang her favorite song while stirring the pasta, a smile never leaving her face. Aalya, who was now closer to Caroline, helped by chopping vegetables."Ouch, Aalya, don't cut them too big! It'll be hard to eat," Caroline said with a laugh."I know, I know! Is it small enough?" replied Aalya in a joking tone, showing the cut vegetables that didn't quite meet Caroline's criteria."Yes, yes, good. I just remembered we have to prepare dessert. Do you want to make brownies or chocolate cake?" Caroline asked, getting excited."Brownies! I love brownies! Let's make them!" Aalya replied cheerfully. Their voices filled the kitchen, creating a warm atmosphere in the house.Meanwhile, in the living room, Jared was talking to Brian. Jared looked very serious, while Brian looked a little worried."Brian, I've been thinking about our relationship. Ever since you came back to Aalya, thin
"I can't believe Brian finally did it," Caroline murmured with a smile. Memories of when Brian and Aalya first met flashed through her mind. Although Aalya didn't believe in their relationship at first, Brian patiently proved how sincere and loyal he was. Caroline felt proud to see her brother finally find his true love.Caroline turned on her cell phone and decided to call Aalya. She knew how happy her sister was when she accepted Brian's proposal. After a few ringtones, Aalya answered in a cheerful voice."Caroline! How are you?" Aalya sounded very excited, her voice full of joy that flowed into every word."I'm fine, sis. I just heard from Brian, and I'm so happy for you!" Caroline couldn't hide the smile on her face.Aalya chuckled. "Oh, thank you! This is a very special moment for me. Brian really moved me. He proposed to me in the park where we used to spend time together.""Wow, that's so romantic! I know Brian must have planned it well. You deserve that happiness, sis," Caroli
Caroline's eyes lit up. She knew that Aalya's statement was not just empty words. She saw the commitment on Aalya's face, and it made her feel optimistic. "I want us to be able to repair our relationship, Aalya. We can start from here. We can support and help each other."Aalya smiled, feeling new hope in their relationship. "Thank you, Caroline. I promise I will try hard to be a better sister. I won't let jealousy get the better of me anymore. I will support you, no matter what."Days passed, and Aalya began to show a marked change in attitude. She spent more time with Caroline, helping her sister in the recovery process. Aalya learned to listen to and appreciate Caroline's feelings, which she had previously ignored. They talked more openly, shared stories, and planned for a better future.Aalya also started looking for ways to improve herself. She went to support groups, trying to work through the emotional issues that had plagued her life. She learned to love herself and let go of
After a dark period that almost took Caroline's life, she is now lying in a comfortable hospital bed, surrounded by modern medical equipment and the pungent smell of antiseptics. However, within the room, there is one thing that gives her peace of mind: the presence of Jared beside her.Jared sat in a chair next to the bed, his eyes never leaving Caroline's face. He looked tired, but his passion for caring for his wife kept him strong. Every day, Jared arrived early, bringing fresh flowers and a warm smile, despite the weight on his shoulders."How are you feeling today, dear?" asked Jared gently, stroking Caroline's bandaged hand.Caroline smiled faintly, trying to hold back the pain that was still in her chest. "I feel better, but I'm still tired," she replied, her voice soft. "You're always here, Jared. Thank you."Jared nodded, his eyes full of love. "I'm not going anywhere. You are everything to me, Caroline. I will always be here for you," he said firmly. The pain Caroline was e