An hour before Mirna and Yori's arrival at the Nakia building.“Mom, are you sure we should go back to see Helena?” asked Yori as she ate the instant noodles she bought at the supermarket near her rental house. For the past few days, she and her mother had eaten only the bare minimum. It was hard to earn money at a time like this.Many of her friends and acquaintances stayed away and often looked down on her as if they were dirt and viruses to be avoided. Whereas if Yori remembered, they were familiar enough to share a table with various delicious dishes and gossip here and there about one of their colleagues who seemed annoying. It happened over and over again every time they got together. And Yori was the one who made the situation more interesting.But why after Yori experienced this, did they antagonize her. Expelling Yori if there is a meeting among them, as if Yori was not part of them before. Yori was very upset, wanted to get angry but they acted as if they didn't know Yori. E
What Wilna said was true. I don't know where Wilna's knowledge came from about the movement of reporters who never wanted to miss the news about Helena, some of them were already in the lobby of the Nakia building. Waiting patiently for Helena's whereabouts. The news that the woman appeared some time ago was very shocking.Naturally, many reporters wanted to get more information about it. Apart from the reporters who were paid by Thomas to continue to make news about Tan and Jacob's family always get attention. And because of this, several journalists from various media were provoked to follow how the latest trial involving Tiara Jacob's name.“I've asked Mr. Tommy to clean up any mess,” Helena said after a long talk with Tommy Andreas. For Helena, Tommy Andreas was a person who could be trusted to find a lot of information and make sure his steps and plans were in line with her wishes.“And?” asked Wilna.“You're right, there are some reporters waiting for me downstairs. And as you m
First day of trialThat day, the atmosphere in the court was bustling. Helena had been preparing since morning and was bracing herself that this trial would be far more dramatic than the previous one. But no matter, Helena would face it. She would drag Tiara in and make her feel what she felt. She had prepared everything, everything related to the accident case that had happened to her in the past. Most of which were not presented during the previous trial, whether it might be a game that Tiara did on purpose. To get the case closed quickly without any further rebuttal, especially from the victims; Helena and Michael.In the courthouse that Helena was finally familiar with, many people had gathered. Journalists had filled the courtyard since morning, ready with their cameras and microphones. Helena arrived early with Albert and his legal team. She was dressed in dark formal attire that gave her a stern yet graceful impression. Her expression was even, leaving no room for speculation or
“How did this happen?” muttered Tiara in a trembling tone. She repeatedly squeezed her hands together and her eyes were no longer focused on the trial. “Why did that man enter the courtroom?”Hendry, who knew that Tiara was panic-stricken, tried to calm her down. If Tiara's anxiety was seen, it would definitely be taken advantage of by Helena's side. He immediately tapped her shoulder, making her turn her head. “Calm down,” Hendry said.Tiara immediately realized her mistake. She tried to quickly normalize her shock. “You're right.” She immediately grabbed the mineral bottle in front of her. She gulped down half of it and refocused herself on the proceedings.Sean's problem would be taken care of soon, but right now he had to follow the trial properly and listen to all the nonsense Helena had to say in front of the judge. He must not miss a single thing.Sean's presence in the courtroom was a blow to Tiara. All this time, the man's whereabouts had been an enigma, and now he stood befo
“What a trial this was,” Albert said with a satisfied tone. This was immediately met with words of approval from his team. Helena, who was walking beside Albert, chuckled.“You're right. I also feel the same way as you, Mr. Albert. And thank you, you did your best for the trial this time.”Albert shook off his hand but the blush on the man's face could not be hidden. A hue of pride and a feeling of being relied upon by Helena, his important client. Albert was used to handling the Edison family's various legal matters, especially those related to contracts. But to handle the case that Helena was experiencing, was the first time in the Edison family. That's what made him feel he had to work as hard as possible to win this case.“You're overreacting, Miss Helena,” Albert said. “But I think this trial will take a long time.”“No problem. As long as I get the result, Tiara ends up in prison. Separated from her son so that he can feel what I feel.”Albert nodded immediately. “I'll try my be
“We'd better avoid the crowd of reporters, Miss Tiara,” Hendry advised. Before they walked down the connecting corridor to the area where their cars were parked. There were already a lot of journalists waiting there so that they could find bits of information that could be immediately disseminated to the online media.Even the results of the trial, which have not yet been confirmed, have been spread everywhere. The public response also continued to speculate about whether Tiara Jacob had actually masterminded Helena's accident. Tiara was reluctant to open her cell phone because the first news that appeared on the main search page was her case.“Is there a shortcut that doesn't have to go through them?” asked Tiara with great reluctance. “Huh... I'm like someone who's already been named a suspect.”Hendry didn't know how to respond other than to keep his smile and start thinking about which way to go so they wouldn't run into reporters.“Do you mind if we detour a little?” asked Hendry
“Damn it,” muttered Tiara who couldn't contain the annoyance and disappointment in her heart. Oh, her annoyance was nothing compared to all the disappointment and heartbreak Tiara had just felt. She didn't expect her husband to say that to her. In fact, Tiara had expected this to happen but didn't expect it to be so soon.“Arslan is an asshole,” she cursed under her breath. She tried to stay on her feet even though she was staggering a bit. The series of events today made her feel dizzy.After Arslan left her, Tiara stood in the corner of the room. Her body felt weak as if it was powerless to support the burden of her emotions. Everything that happened in her life with Arslan, one after another, flashed in her mind. Starting from the beginning of the introduction to the point where Tiara felt she had Arslan completely.How Tiara was very happy when Arslan removed the only barrier in her love life. They ended up happily at the wedding altar despite a little incident. But it seemed, sin
“Ma'am, would you like something to eat?” asked one of the waiters who looked worried because the owner of the house-Tiara Jacob-had been in a very bad mood for the past few days. She often skipped her meals. Only spending time in the study for hours on end, then with Andy never for long either.Tiara's face also looked depressed as if what had happened to her had really frustrated her.“I don't know, I want to get some fresh air.” It seemed like Tiara really needed a different atmosphere from her home.While at home, most of her activities were monitoring social media, which was suddenly filled with her name. At first, there were only a few stories about Tiara Jacob's life, but as time went on, the news pressured Tiara more and more, especially in relation to her case.The news of Tiara Jacob's alleged role as the main perpetrator of Helena's accident continued to make headlines in various media outlets. The news seemed to be relentless, attacking every aspect of Tiara's life. From t
The school hall was filled with the noise of the students who were busy preparing for Olin's farewell event. That day, Olin stood in the center of the hall in his neat school uniform. Although he tried to smile, the heaviness of leaving this place was clear on his face.“Lin, are you sure you want to go?” Jihan stood beside him, her eyes glazed over. “You know we're all not willing to let you go.”Olin took a deep breath, then looked at his best friend. “Jihan, I have to go. I can't stay here.”“Why not? We can face this together. You don't have to run away from everything.”Olin smiled, but didn't answer. He knew this decision was the best for him and for his family.One by one, his friends came up to Olin, saying goodbye. Adel, Maria, and Rihanna had been crying since the beginning of the show.“We'll miss your chatty voice in class,” Adel said as she wiped away her tears.
“Dad, I need to talk,” Olin's voice was soft but full of anxiety. She stood in the doorway of her father's study. Michael, who was busy reading a document, looked at his daughter. There was something in her tone of voice that made Michael immediately close the document and wave a hand, inviting her in.“Sure, honey. What's wrong? Sit here,” he said, pointing to the chair in front of him.Olin stepped in slowly, sitting with her back straight but her face downcast. She clutched the hem of her sweater tightly, a clear sign that she was agitated.“Pa... I'm confused. I don't know where to start,” she said finally, her voice trembling.Michael smiled a little, trying to offer some comfort. “Try starting with what's bothering you, Lin. Papa is here to listen.”Olin lifted his head, looking up at his father with teary eyes. “It's about Andy, Pa. And about what Mama said yesterday at the festival.&rdqu
“Olin, what's wrong? You're not usually like this,” Jihan opened the conversation in a quiet but worried voice. They were sitting on a bench in the school garden during recess. Olin just sighed, his eyes fixed on the grass in front of him.“I'm fine, Ji,” Olin replied briefly, without turning his head.Adel, who was sitting beside him, rolled her eyes. “It's okay? Seriously, Lin? If you're okay, why do you look like you've lost something? Even your voice isn't as loud as usual.”“Yeah, Lin,” Maria added as she leaned forward, trying to find Olin's gaze. “You didn't even respond when we teased Rihana earlier. You're usually the most excited when there's something to joke about.”Rihana nodded in agreement, though she was a little disturbed by the discussion. “That's right, Lin. You didn't even laugh when I almost fell earlier. Are you sick? Or... something wrong at home?”Olin s
All the way home, Helena chose to remain silent. The atmosphere in the car was eerily quiet, filled only by the sound of tires rustling across the road. Occasionally, Olin glanced at her mother, hoping for an explanation, but Helena kept her eyes straight ahead, focused on the road stretching out in front of her.Helena was being deliberate. She knew that if this conversation took place in the car, she would not be able to convey everything calmly. The mixed feelings she had been bottling up for so long were now coming back to the surface, hitting her hard ever since that encounter at the festival.“What are you really thinking, Helena?” she muttered to herself. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, while her mind went back to the past that she wanted to forget.Helena knew the look Andy had given Olin earlier. It wasn't just a friend's look. There was something there-a feeling she recognized all too well. It made her chest tight, not because
“Olin, are you ready?” Jihan's voice broke the silence in the preparation room. She looked up at her best friend sitting at the piano, seemingly practicing the last notes.Olin let out a long breath, trying to compose himself. “Not sure, Jihan. I don't know why our homeroom teacher chose me to perform. There are many others who are better.”Jihan chuckled and sat next to him. “Olin, you're really good. They chose you because you're the best. Besides, you're not alone. We're all here to support you.”“But my family will come,” Olin rolled his eyes. “I told them that Mama was enough. If they all came, I'd be even more nervous.”“Your family is fun,” Jihan patted his shoulder. “Think of them as hard-core fans.”Meanwhile, on the main stage, Andy stood in the center of the crowd, monitoring the festival. His face serious, he occasionally spoke into a walkie-talkie to ma
“Who are you looking at, Lin?” Jihan's voice suddenly broke the silence in the cafeteria, making Olin startle and almost choke on the orange juice he had just gulped down.“Huh? Who?” Olin hurriedly turned to Jihan with a panicked face, trying to hide his nervousness.Jihan narrowed her eyes, giving Olin a probing look. “Don't pretend, I saw you just now looking at Andy from a distance. What's wrong, huh?”Olin let out a long breath, then shook his head quickly. “Nothing, Jihan. You saw it wrong.”However, Adel, who was sitting next to Jihan, immediately chimed in. “Oh? Andy? Isn't he that cold guy who rarely talks? How can you be interested, Lin?”“I'm not interested! Gosh, what's wrong with you guys?” Olin tried to deny it, even though his face was starting to turn red. He knew Jihan wouldn't let go of this topic easily.Vina, who was usually more reserved, suddenly ch
“Helena, you look a little tense,” Michael said in a soft tone as they sat in the living room after dinner. He looked at his wife, who sat staring blankly out the window, her eyes seemingly glazed over.Helena took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “I'm fine, Michael. It's just... earlier, when I met Jacob's family, I felt that there was something evocative of the past. Especially with that young man present... I feel anxious.”Michael looked at his wife with concern. “Are you feeling anxious because of him? Or is it something else?”Helena shook her head slowly. “Not because of him, Michael. It's more about the complicated past... which is long forgotten, but not completely gone. I know I've forgiven everyone, including Tiara and Arslan. But seeing their son, seeing him next to Luna... it's like I'm reminded of everything that happened.”Michael sighed and sat closer, taking Helena's hand gently. &l
“Ah, Olin, you finally came too!” Vera greeted Olin with a warm hug, her eyes shining with excitement. “Grandma's been waiting a long time.”Olin smiled and returned the hug. “Yes, Grandma, I'm sorry I couldn't make it. I had a little business earlier.”Helena, his mother, greeted Vera with a warm smile. “Thank you for inviting us, Vera. We're glad we could make it.”Meanwhile, Michael, Olin's father, who was rather quiet, just smiled and greeted Tomy who was busy in the kitchen. “Grandpa, how are you?” he said as he sat down at the dining table.“Ah, Michael! I'm fine, my son. Come, sit, sit. Lunch is ready,” Tomy said with a big smile, his eyes radiating warmth.Olin nodded, followed him into the dining room, and sat next to Vera. Vera immediately grasped his hand with great concern. “Come on, sit down first, son. I want to hear how you're doing.”Olin smil
Andy sat on the living room sofa, scrolling through his phone without really paying attention to the screen. His lips formed a small smile, recalling the moment when Olin bravely chased after his cell phone thief. The girl was completely different from his first image-there was no fear, only genuine courage.However, her smile did not go unnoticed by Luna Jacob, her grandmother who was knitting in a rocking chair not far from her. The old woman knew her grandson all too well. Andy, who was usually serious and quiet, was often seen smiling to himself these days.“What's wrong, Andy?” Luna's soft voice broke the silence.Andy looked up, a little surprised. “What, Grandma?”Luna stopped knitting, looking up at her grandson with concerned eyes. “You seem different lately. Is there something you want to tell me?”Andy smiled slightly, trying to distract her grandmother. “Nothing, Grandma. Probably just a lot on