Verania's Point of ViewWhy does it feel like this, huh? I didn't do anything wrong to her. In fact, I'm not at fault for her breakup with Ares, so why do I carry this sense of guilt? Why does the burden of blame weigh on me, even when I haven't done anything to harm her?"Why not consider rekindling your relationship?" Olivia's voice softened as she inquired.Once again, they fell into silence, but I kept my gaze trained on Ares. I was determined not to let my eyes waver from them, despite the itchiness compelling me to glance at Clara."Why shouldn't I consider it?" Clara echoed Olivia's question."I don't know, she's moved on. She's set her sights on someone else," Olivia explained, prompting my itchy eyes to return to Clara.Her eyes were fixated on Ares and Bernice. Clara forced a smile to grace her lips, yet it seemed like a mere facade. The undertone of sadness was hard to miss, a layer of hidden emotions beneath that strained smile. "That isn’t the girl I thought that Ares li
Verania's Point of ViewEven in Clara's absence, I find myself unable to attain serenity, and the reasons for this disquiet elude me, casting shadows upon my contemplations.Undoubtedly, my current state is partially a consequence of acquiescing to Clara's desires. Truth be told, I am reluctant to assist her, for I anticipate another wave of Ares' ire crashing upon me. I have grown accustomed to his vexation, but should I proceed with Clara's request, I am certain Ares' fury will reach unparalleled heights.A sigh escapes my thoughts, burdened by the weight of consideration. It is undeniably stressful, for I recognize the immense help my compliance could be to Clara, yet my conscience restrains me relentlessly."Are you alright?" I was nearly startled at Ares' sudden appearance by my side."Huh? Y-Yes, of course!" I reply, my response accompanied by a hand instinctively pressed to my chest. "Did I startle you?" he inquires, a smile playing on his lips.I quickly nod in response, atte
Verania’s Point of ViewWe were currently on the road when I spoke up again."Why do you refuse to hear my answers?""I know what they are. They're all indirect rejections," he responded seriously, raising an eyebrow."Then that must be a sign for you to stop your feelings for me.""Is that a joke?" he asked, still serious."Nope. Did it sound like it was a joke?" I queried him while my eyes were fixed on the road."It's not like avoiding love is easy," he retorted, and I glanced at him for a moment.Well, maybe it's not, but if he tries, I think he can manage it. His feelings for me are still fresh, and I know that once he finds someone better, he'll immediately forget about me."By the way, what are your plans for the wedding?" he suddenly asked, opening up a new topic that made me quiet for a moment.A few minutes passed before I could come up with my answer."I don't really think about it," I stated, and we fell silent once more. I took the wheel once more, aiming to divert my at
Verania's Point of ViewDays have drifted since Ares agreed to give it another whirl with Clara, and wouldn't you know it? He singled out this very day to pay Clara a visit at her abode.As per Ares, I'm unsure where he dug up his intel, but according to him, Clara won't be clocking in for work today—thus, he seized the opportune moment.Here I am, casually leaning against the door of the flower shop we strolled by earlier, the place Ares is currently sifting through for blossoms."Which flower do you reckon is the epitome of beauty?" Ares queried while perusing.My eyes canvassed the array of choices right beside me."A flower, you said?" I echoed, to which he nodded, then redirected his gaze towards me."This one," I replied, a grin playing on my lips, pointing at myself."Tss, you're not a flower. You're stunning, but not a flower," he replied with a certain gravitas, prompting me to purse my lips and avert my gaze. I found myself in a quandary, uncertain if his response should el
Verania's PerspectiveAfter our brief conversation, I followed Alder as he headed straight to Clara's dining table for lunch. The household staff had prepared our meals, and we began devouring the dishes on the table.I was in the middle of eating when Alder struck up a conversation."It's good that you're going out. Isn't it dangerous?" he asked."It's not far, and it's a specific location with not too many people.""That's true, it's safe here," he said, nodding, and continued eating.I kept eating, not paying much attention to Ares and Clara who seemed engrossed in their own conversation. They were seated in front of me, so my eyes were focused on my plate.When I raised my head, my gaze immediately met Ares'."You have rice here," he said, pointing to the side of his lips, making me nearly choke.I searched for it using one hand, but I couldn't find it."Let me," Ares was about to stand up to come over, but Alder beat him to it."Like a child," Alder chuckled, and I playfully slap
Gabriella's Point of View"Hi!" I greeted enthusiastically as I took my seat right at the front of the bartender."A cocktail, please," I said with a grin, adjusting my beret."Noted, Ma'am!"While waiting for my order, I let my gaze roam around the bar."This seat is a good choice," I whispered to myself as my eyes continued to scan the area.I'm here to observe my surroundings. This is the place that Captain Victorino instructed me to investigate. He wants me to look for Armando del Prado, another person who contested against Mayor Stanley in the last election.He might also be a member of the group aiming to eliminate the Mayor and his son, Ares.When the bartender placed the ordered cocktail in front of me, I immediately tasted it and, of course, enjoyed the flavor. I then returned my eyes to the surroundings, observing carefully. My eyes narrowed as I noticed a group that seemed rather unusual and suspicious. There were three men seated closely together at a table, and their man
Gabriella's Point of View"You barely know me, Cristoforo.""So what? Does that mean I should stand by and let you get into trouble?"I pressed my lips together, taking in his words. Could this be a sign that he cares? Just kidding.I couldn't let my body act impulsively now; I had work to do. I couldn't afford to let Cristoforo's concern distract me."I won't be in trouble," I assured him."You sure?" He had a teasing tone, making me frown slightly."I'll head back inside," I stated, and he gave me a questioning look."Go, see for yourself," he urged, his gaze locked on mine."I will."I swiftly went back inside, my eyes closing as I witnessed a scuffle between two men. There was someone trying to break it up, so I refrained from stepping in.With no time to waste, I returned to Cristoforo, still standing where I left him, his gaze fixed on me."So?" he inquired as I approached. "You're right, I'm leaving," I stated, carefully taking off my beret."Then let me take you home."His wo
Verania's Point of ViewSandra informed me that Alder has a free day from work tomorrow, so I decided to meet with him today.It's quite late, already midnight, but this timing is more suitable for our conversation. It's serene, free from distractions, and almost everyone in the vicinity is already asleep.I picked the park, not too far from Ares' residence. I ensured it wasn't a long distance so I wouldn't need to bring a vehicle. I chose not to inform anyone about my departure.Uncle Stan and Aunt Charlotte weren't at home, Olivia was also out, only Ares was there, but I knew he was safe as Gabriella and others were with him to provide protection.Arriving at the park, I settled into a swing, waiting quietly for Alder.The surroundings were well-illuminated by the park's lampposts."Alder!" I called out as my eyes found him. He walked towards me and gently wrapped his arm around me."Good Midnight," he whispered, eliciting a chuckle from me."Have a seat," I said, pointing to the ot