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Chapter 101
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2025-01-13 10:30:51Yumi answered on the second ring, her voice calm and professional even at such a late hour.
“Yumi, it’s Matthew. Masahiro—he’s been shot. Abdomen. I don’t think I should take him to a regular hospital. It’s… complicated.”
Yumi’s voice tightened, concern seeping through her composed tone. “Bring him to St. Haven’s Medical. It’s a private facility… we cater to cases where discretion is key. Nobody will ask questions. I’ll meet you at the emergency entrance. Drive safely and keep pressure on the wound.”
Matthew didn’t waste a second. He carefully lifted Masahiro into his car, securing him in the backseat with the towel still pressed to his abdomen. Masahiro’s breathing was shallow, but he was alive, and that was all that mattered.
St. Haven’s Medical, located on the outskirts of Middlesbrough, was an unassuming building—a nondescript facade tha
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Gold & Sand Chapter 102
Two days later, the news channels were buzzing with an unexpected shift in the narrative. Masahiro Payne, once accused of murdering his partner Lewis Howard, was now being hailed as a hero. The media spun a new story, painting him as a man who had been working undercover to expose a massive network of corruption and organized crime, with Lewis Howard as his loyal partner who had died in the line of duty. They claimed that Masahiro had been framed by the very people he had been trying to take down… Mr. K and his criminal empire.Reports claimed Masahiro had barely escaped an assassination attempt orchestrated by his enemies, and that he had been on the verge of uncovering explosive information before being betrayed. The narrative was being cleaned up, and the man who was once accused of being a murderer was now a martyr.Yumi stood at Masahiro’s bedside, her hands checking the monitors as she carefully adjusted the IV drip. The lights in the hospital room w
Last Updated : 2025-01-13Gold & Sand Chapter 103
The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of machines and the occasional soft rustle of fabric. Masahiro's eyes fluttered open, the dim light filtering through the half-closed blinds pricking at his senses. His body felt heavy, a dull ache radiating from his side. It took him a moment to register the familiar figure by the window… Yumi, her slender frame silhouetted against the soft morning light, holding a steaming cup of tea.Her movements were unhurried, calm, as if she had all the time in the world. She didn’t notice him at first, her focus elsewhere. Then, as if sensing a shift in the air, she turned. Their eyes met, and a faint smile flickered across her face as she approached, setting the mug gently on the bedside table.“You’re awake,” she said softly, her voice tinged with relief. She reached for his wrist, checking his pulse as her eyes scanned the monitors beside him.Masahiro’s throat felt dry as sand
Last Updated : 2025-01-14Gold & Sand Chapter 104
Masahiro moved toward them, his heart thudding against his ribs. As he reached the table, his voice came out strained, fighting against the panic rising in his throat. “Matthew,” he said, his tone sharp, demanding answers. “What the hell are you doing here? With him?”Matthew didn’t flinch. His eyes didn’t even widen in surprise. He just stared up at Masahiro with a coldness that felt like a slap in the face. No guilt. No warmth. Only an empty detachment that cut through him.Cassidy smirked, leaning back in the booth like he’d been waiting for this moment. “Well, well, look who’s come to join the party,” he drawled, his voice laced with mock amusement. “I didn’t think you’d be this predictable, detective.”Masahiro’s gaze stayed fixed on Matthew, searching for any sign of recognition, any trace of the man he once thought he knew. “Matthew,” his voice was tight,
Last Updated : 2025-01-14Gold & Sand Chapter 105
The morning light filtered through the blinds of Masahiro's apartment. The faint sounds of the city waking up were drowned out by the overwhelming weight of his thoughts. The gunshot, the betrayal, the loss… everything still felt surreal. Ten days had passed since the ambush, and he wasn’t sure how to deal with the aftermath. His body had healed, but his mind… his heart? That was another story.He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the floor, his hands loosely clasped together. The scars on his body were physical reminders of what had happened, but the ache inside ran deeper. He let out a slow breath, forcing himself to push the memories aside. Rising from the bed, he moved to the dresser, pulling out a crisp shirt.He slipped it on, smoothing the fabric as he turned to the mirror. The man staring back at him felt like a stranger… someone who had been through too much, someone with too many unanswered questions. Straightening his tie with
Last Updated : 2025-01-15Gold & Sand Chapter 106
Ten months laterThe rain tapped softly against the windowpane as Masahiro sat at his desk, fingers absently tapping on the keyboard of his PC. His office was meticulously organized, a testament to his efficient yet unyielding nature. Papers were stacked neatly, and his badge rested atop the desktop… a silent reminder of the responsibilities that came with his position as the head of the Narcotics Trafficking Department.It had been ten months since Matthew had walked out of his life, and nine months since Masahiro had taken up this new role in a different station. The distance between the past and present was palpable, yet the void left behind lingered, refusing to be ignored. His eyes stared blankly at the screen, the words before him blurred by a mind that wandered too often.The buzz of his mobile phone broke his trance. Masahiro glanced at the screen and saw the familiar name, Yumi. He picked up with a soft sigh, his tone warming.“Yumi,
Last Updated : 2025-01-15Gold & Sand Chapter 107
The soft hum of the office faded as the clock ticked toward the end of the day. Masahiro stood up from behind his desk, gathering his things in quiet precision, as always. The light outside had already begun to wane, casting a golden glow over the room. As he passed by the corner desk, his eyes flickered briefly toward Arthur, who was still focused on the stack of files in front of him. The young intern hadn’t left the office yet."Cooper, I’m leaving," Masahiro said, his voice smooth, though there was an undercurrent of weariness to it.Arthur looked up from his desk, the glow of his computer screen reflecting in his tired eyes. "Goodbye, sir," he replied, offering a polite nod.Masahiro gave a short nod of his own and walked out, the door clicking softly behind him.Arthur sighed, dropping his shoulders. The room felt oddly empty now, the hum of the fluorescent lights and the ticking of the clock the only sounds. He g
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Gold & Sand Chapter 108
Matthew was standing by the window in Cassidy’s apartment, staring out at the city lights with a heavy heart, lost in thought. His fingers gripped the cold glass, the coolness matching the emptiness inside of him.“Hey,” a voice broke through his reverie, cutting into the quiet. Cassidy. His steps were smooth and confident, the air around him buzzing with his presence. “You’ve been zoned out for ages, you know that?”Matthew didn't turn to face him, his jaw tight. He forced a neutral expression onto his face, masking the turmoil that churned inside. "Just thinking," he muttered, his gaze fixed on the distant lights.Cassidy’s tone shifted, becoming more pressing. "About what? It's been weeks. What's going on with you? You’ve been avoiding me."Matthew didn’t respond. The truth was, he was avoiding everything… his emotions, his thoughts, his memories. Especially Cassidy.Cassidy stepped cl
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Gold & Sand Chapter 109
The pulsing bass of the nightclub reverberated through Masahiro’s chest as he pushed through the crowded entrance of El Paradiso. The lights flashed in chaotic bursts of color, illuminating faces twisted in joy and desperation. For a moment, the energy of the crowd enveloped him, but as he stepped further inside, it became clear that this was not where he belonged.He wasn’t here for the drinks or the music; he was here to escape. But escaping from what? The ache of Matthew’s absence? The unrelenting pursuit of justice that had consumed him? Or perhaps the shadows of betrayal that lingered in his mind like a haunting melody?Masahiro leaned against the bar, nursing a drink that had long since gone warm. He scanned the room, searching for something… or someone… to pull him from the depths of his thoughts. But as he watched people laugh and dance, he felt more alone than ever. Matthew was everywhere and nowhere… the memories wrapped
Last Updated : 2025-01-17
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Gold & Sand Chapter 250
Clark stirred, blinked blearily, and smiled like a cat in sun."Oh good," he said, voice hoarse with whiskey and gall. "I was beginning to think you got lost on your way to your own kitchen.""Get out of my bed."Clark stretched like a man entirely too comfortable. "Mmm. Strong start. But could use more foreplay."Adam’s glare narrowed. "You’ve got your own room.""Do I?" Clark asked with mock surprise.Adam stepped forward. "Get. Out."Clark didn’t move. "Do you treat all your guests this warmly, or am I just special?"Adam reached down, grabbed the blanket, and yanked.Clark gave a low, protesting sound. "Easy, brute. You’ll wrinkle my shirt.""You’ll wrinkle my patience."Clark sat up, brushing his fingers through his hair like he was about to give a TED talk, not be evicted. "You’re very touchy for a man with shoulders that broad."Adam leaned in, voice low. "I swear, if you try one more line—"Clark tilted his head. "You’ll wh
Gold & Sand Chapter 249
Clark was on his fifth whiskey.Not a tasting flight. Not an indulgent double.Five.He sat hunched at the bar, sleeves rolled to the elbows, his glasses slightly crooked like even they were too tired to argue. His fingers drummed on the rim of his empty glass like it had personally betrayed him.Adam stood a few feet back, arms crossed, watching with the patience of a man who had once broken someone’s jaw for looking at him wrong—but currently didn’t feel like doing paperwork.“Didn’t you say you needed a drink?” Adam finally asked, voice dry.Clark didn’t look at him. Just raised a lazy hand and signaled for a sixth. “It’s called metaphor, Adam. Try it sometime.”Adam scoffed. “This ain’t metaphor. This is a cry for help in a ten-dollar glass.”“Then let me cry in peace.” Clark muttered, elbow on the bar, head in his hand.Adam stepped closer, looming just enough to annoy. “You’re done.”Clark turned his head slowly. His smile was razor-shar
Gold & Sand Chapter 248
One hour later, Matthew lay on his stomach, cheek pressed to a cool pillow, chest heaving like he’d just outrun a hit.Masahiro was beside him, upright, breathing only slightly harder—an infuriating show of stamina.“You’re cheating,” Matthew groaned. “No one’s this functional after round three. You’re not human.”Masahiro reached for the water on the nightstand, took a sip, then calmly replied, “Again.”Matthew turned his head so fast he nearly sprained his neck. “Excuse me?”Masahiro looked over at him. No smile. Just steady intent in those eyes. “Round four.”“Oh my God,” Matthew said, dragging a hand down his face. “You have the emotional expression of drywall and the libido of a demon.”“You kept moaning.”“Yeah, because you were trying to kill me through my pelvis.”Masahiro set the glass down. “You didn’t seem to mind.”Matthew buried his face into the pillow. “I’m going to die in this bed.”Masahiro moved closer, slipping under the
Gold & Sand Chapter 247
Mashiro drove in silence, one hand on the wheel, his focus laser-straight. The streetlights slid across the windshield in steady rhythm. Beside him, Matthew leaned against the window, gum in his mouth, jaw ticking with every thoughtful chew.In the backseat, Arthur sat stiffly, staring out his own window like the night sky had answers.The silence lasted a beat too long.Then Matthew spoke.“So...” he began, voice too casual to be innocent, “what exactly were you and Cassidy whispering about after we left?”Arthur blinked. “I– we weren’t— I mean—” He tripped over every syllable.Matthew grinned. “Wow. You’re really bad at lying.”Arthur sank a little in the seat.“So,” Matthew continued, stretching the word like elastic, “you two are still a thing? After all this? Adorable.”Arthur stayed quiet.Matthew glanced at Masahiro, as if expecting some reaction. None came. Of course.He turned just enough to glance over his shoulder, one brow lift
Gold & Sand Chapter 246
Cassidy stared at the ceiling for a beat, then turned his head slightly toward Arthur, who was still sitting where everyone had left him—half in the room, half ready to run.Cassidy watched Arthur, unreadable for once.“You’re doing the thing again,” he said after a pause.Arthur glanced up. “What thing?”“The brooding. The guilt. The wide-eyed ‘I didn’t mean for this to happen’ look.”Arthur crossed his arms, defensive. “You didn’t have to go after Hudson’s ring. That wasn’t your mess to clean.”Cassidy arched a brow. “You were in it. So it was mine.”“You got arrested,” Arthur snapped. “You’re in a hospital bed.”Cassidy smirked, slow. “Still alive. Not bad for a Tuesday.”Arthur’s jaw clenched. “This isn’t a joke.”“No,” Cassidy said, more quietly. “It’s not.”Silence again.Arthur glanced at the door, then back at Cassidy. His voice lowered, less angry. “They all think we’re... something.”Cassidy gave a lazy shrug. “Are we not
Gold & Sand Chapter 245
Matthew trailed behind Masahiro like a shadow with better cheekbones.He wasn’t subtle.“I’m just saying,” he muttered under his breath as they moved down the hallway, “people don’t just get bruises like that unless they’re either in a fight… or a very specific kind of entanglement.”Masahiro didn’t respond.Matthew kept going anyway. “And judging by Clark’s energy? I’m betting on entanglement."“Drop it.”Matthew grinned. “Can’t. It’s too fun.”Before he could push further, the surgery doors swung open.A doctor stepped out—tall, late forties, the kind of exhausted that came from saving lives and drinking too much vending machine coffee. He peeled off his gloves and looked straight at Masahiro.“You must be Yumi’s cousin, right?”Masahiro gave a stiff nod. “I am.”The doctor sighed, tugging the mask down from his face. “He’s stable. The stab wound missed the kidney by a few millimeters. No damage to the spinal nerves or major arteries. A
Gold & Sand Chapter 244
Masahiro’s voice snapped through the line like ice.“Matthew and I are heading to Blackridge Medical. Arthur’s already en route.”Blackridge. Of course. Private, off-grid, high-security — the kind of place they used when they couldn’t risk reporters or internal leaks.Clark was already on his feet. The cold air hit his skin like a slap, but he moved on instinct. He yanked open the drawer beside the bed and grabbed the first pair of slacks he saw, fingers trembling only slightly.“I’m coming,” he said, already pulling off his pajama pants.Masahiro didn’t argue. Just, “Hurry,” before the line went dead.Clark tossed the phone onto the bed and ripped his t-shirt over his head, reaching for the pressed button-up folded from hours ago. His body ached — not from sleep, but from bruises still healing — but he pushed past it. He didn’t care. Not now.Clark stepped out, fully dressed — dark shirt tucked into tailored trousers, sleek shoes hitting the hardwood wit
Gold & Sand Chapter 243
Clark stepped out of the bathroom, hair still damp, glasses fogging slightly as he adjusted them with one hand. A loose t-shirt clung to his frame, baggy pajama pants hanging low on his hips, flip flops slapping lightly against the hardwood as he moved.The scent hit him before he reached the living room—rosemary, garlic, a hint of something sweet. His stomach, traitorous as ever, growled on cue.Adam was at the stove, shirtless, a tea towel slung over his shoulder. The muscles in his back shifted with each movement, smooth and effortless as he stirred something in a pan.Clark hovered at the edge of the room. “You cook like that and still act surprised people want to fuck you.”Adam didn’t turn. “You flirt like that and still wonder why you end up bruised.”Clark smirked, stepping further in. “Touché.”Adam plated without a word, setting two dishes on the table like it was routine. Like they weren’t still bruised from each other in all the wrong ways.Clark raised an eyebrow. “Settin
Gold & Sand Chapter 242
The low hum of the television filled the living room. Adam sat sprawled on the couch, one arm draped lazily over the backrest, remote balanced loosely in his hand. Some news anchor droned on about the latest scandal, but Adam barely glanced at the screen. The sunlight filtering through the windows cast a warm glow over the space, though the tension clinging to the room remained as cold as ever.Clark stood near the kitchen counter, arms crossed, his fingers drumming impatiently against his elbow. He was still in yesterday’s clothes—the wrinkled shirt barely buttoned, the trousers creased from hours spent tangled in bed. He’d rolled up the sleeves at some point, exposing pale forearms that still bore faint impressions of Adam’s grip. Every mark, every ache, gnawed at him."I need to go home," Clark said flatly.Adam didn’t even flinch. His eyes remained on the screen, the glow of the TV reflecting faintly against his dark skin. "No."Clark's jaw clenched. "I wasn’t as
