"What?" Andre froze when the driver signaled through his eyes. "What's happening?" he asked, turning to look behind, followed by the lawyer and Lara. They clearly saw two black cars seemingly tailing them."It seems we're being followed, Mr. Andre. I'll try to evade them.""Check it first! Are we really being followed?"The driver nodded. He then tried to accelerate the vehicle and turned the signal to the right as if changing lanes. Sure enough, the two cars behind them also moved to the right, instead of overtaking them."Damn it!" The driver then turned on the left signal and slowly steered towards the left lane. He would drive the vehicle as fast as possible to avoid the radar of those two suspicious cars.The two cars took the left lane again as before. They were truly following the movements of Andre and Lara's vehicle in front of them."Ndre... I'm scared," Lara gripped Andre's arm tightly. She was reminded of the accident she had with Mahya some time ago."Calm down, Lara. We'
SCREECH! The sound of a harsh collision made their car shake. Andre, Lara, the lawyer, and the driver were startled by the sudden event."What's happening?!" Andre exclaimed, trying to understand the situation."We've been hit, Sir!" the driver replied, gasping for breath. Instead of stopping and confronting the driver behind, the driver accelerated the vehicle again.However, unfortunately, his efforts were in vain. The car behind them deliberately crashed into them again... SCREECH!"Argh!" All the passengers were almost thrown out if they hadn't been wearing seat belts."Hold on!" The driver yelled as Andre's car almost tipped over due to the intense impact!Swiftly, the driver managed to take control of the situation. He immediately stabilized the vehicle and accelerated it again at high speed."Watch out!" The lawyer, who was sitting beside the driver, shouted with a pounding heart as there was a road barrier ahead of them."Shit!" The driver skillfully turned the steering wheel
The muzzle of the gun was pointed towards Andre's head, instantly the doctor tried to remain calm because... Lara was right behind him!"Whoa... calm down, buddy!" Andre shouted, trying to suppress the fear that was starting to creep through his body. His life was hanging by a thread, with just one pull of the trigger, a small hole in his head would end his life instantly."Hurry up!" The man didn't want to talk anymore. He really wanted to end this cat-and-mouse chase quickly. He put his glasses back on. And now he moved closer to Andre and Lara."Andre! Just give it, Andre!" Lara pleaded, tears streaming down her face. She didn't want the life of someone she cared about so much to be in danger.Who could guarantee that the man was not just bluffing? The deserted road conditions were also very unfavorable for them. The day had already darkened. It was impossible for anyone to witness this terrible incident, let alone report it to the authorities.Andre glanced at the lawyer out of th
"Andre! Nooo!" Lara screamed as the gunshot echoed along the road.The sound of the pistol shot tore through the stillness of the night, blending with the pounding of their hearts beating faster. The atmosphere became chaotic as the shots started to ring out. The foul smell of gunpowder smoke immediately filled their noses with the scent of death. Andre watched in horror as one of the men in suits fell with a gunshot wound to his chest."I'm fine, Ra! Th-they're the ones dead!" Andre said, making sure that not only one man fell before them, but all four of them.Lara, silent as she held her breath. She didn't know how to react. Tears started to well up in her eyes as she saw the men lose their lives."What happened?" Lara wondered as their enemies were killed without warning. A voice suddenly startled them."Oh, my unfortunate Lara...""W-who is it?" Lara turned towards the source of the voice. There, a woman in a black robe with a burning cigarette was walking towards them. The glar
For two days, Lara and her entourage spent their time in the old building owned by her mother. Now, with better preparation than before, she returned to court to attend the continuation of the trial.The evidence obtained in the old building truly became a turning point in Lara's case. This time, their lawyer could confidently win the lawsuit against their opponent!"Mrs. Lara, please step forward to the witness stand," called the judge, glaring sharply at her sitting anxiously on the long bench."You can do it, darling," Andre said, holding Lara's hand. The woman nodded while swallowing her saliva as she heard the call from the judge."Pray for me, okay," she whispered to Andre, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart."Of course, you can do it," Andre reassured her, raising his fist in the air to encourage his beloved. Lara nodded, then stood up and walked towards the witness stand in the crowded courtroom.As she sat down, Lara looked around. Seno. Her ex-husband and opponent appe
Mahya looked beautiful with her natural makeup and glossy lips. However, of course, one strange thing made Lara feel sorry. Mahya was now in a wheelchair."Miss me?" Mahya asked, winking one eye. Lara nodded, tears streaming down her face. She then rushed towards her friend and hugged her tightly."Damn yes! How are you?" Lara asked hoarsely. Mahya just smiled and patted Lara's back gently."I'm fine, as you can see? The important thing is I woke up from a coma, right?" Mahya said with a smile. Lara loosened her hug and examined every part of her friend's body. Right. Mahya had regained consciousness, and only her legs still couldn't walk properly."This is just temporary, right?" Lara asked worriedly."Of course. I'm a wild horse, you know! How could I lose just like that," Mahya joked proudly, showing off her bicep muscles. Lara just laughed. Her gaze shifted to two other people on Mahya's left and right. "James, Carol," Lara greeted with a nod.James and Carol—those two siblings—sm
Andre squinted his eyes as his sister's name appeared on his phone screen. Why would his sister call him at a time like this? It's not like her."Hello?""Andre! It's urgent! You have to come here right now!" his sister exclaimed, breathless."Wait! Come where?" Andre was confused because it was impossible for him to go to Canada in such a short time, just like changing lanes on a minibus. He didn't understand why his sister was so hurried and panicked like that."To the hospital! Not to Canada, Ndre! To your hospital! The director's office! Now!""Sister—"Click. The phone call was cut off. His sister could always win a contest for 'who can make people curious the most?' Andre ruffled his hair roughly. He was puzzled about how to deal with his sister's request, especially since Lara and Mahya were just enjoying the beauty of the beach in northern Jakarta. Should they go back?"What's wrong, Ndre?" Seeing her boyfriend's troubled face, Lara certainly wanted to ask what made his mood w
"Explain what, Ndre?" Shanon asked, raising an eyebrow. Andre just sighed heavily. He knew that his sister's interference would only complicate the situation."How do you know all about this?" Andre was still puzzled. "Why did you deceive me? What's so urgent?""Andre! Oh, Andre! What don't you know? Especially after marrying this great man? Even ants whispering I can hear!" Shanon crossed her arms while looking at Andre with a strange gaze. Andre should know that Shanon wouldn't let her only sibling suffer, especially after experiencing the ups and downs of their lives that shook their world."Hhh… Like, whatever. This isn't a big deal. The problem is almost solved. The hospital's CCTV footage is already in the hands of the prosecutor," said Andre, glancing towards Miriam, who looked astonished."Ho—how could that be?" Miriam's eyes widened. She was very sure that the CCTV footage had been destroyed by her, or… someone had lied to her blatantly!"Who do you think gave that CCTV foota
Shanon still lay weakly, Mia and Tomi were already in the waiting room. The doctor still couldn't allow them to visit because they weren't family members."How's the director?" Mia asked as Darren finally emerged from the inpatient room. "She's recovering, although she's still unconscious," he said softly. His eyes looked weary, very different from when they met before this tragic incident occurred."Mia, tell me anything I might have missed," Darren asked for clues. He would soon get Ian and Miriam arrested, but Darren wanted to uncover the truth that had been hidden all this time."Ian and Miriam have been playing both of you. We only found out after catching Alice," Mia said, with Tomi nodding in agreement."Their internal lackeys are being interrogated by investigators. We've reported Ian and Miriam, but it seems they've already fled, Sir," Tomi sighed. It seemed their actions were too late. Somehow, Ian and Miriam had managed to escape so quickly."So, what did they take?""For n
"Darling!" Darren shot forward, embracing Shanon whom sprawled on the carpet. Ian and Miriam watched from behind the door. The threat wasn't over."Hand over your car keys!" Ian barked. Darren didn't even hear the thin man's shout. He was busy checking Shanon's pulse and breathing. Every vital area he could ensure to make sure Shanon was still alive."Call an ambulance!" Darren yelled while carrying Shanon in his arms."We're not your maids. Can't you see? We're the villains here." Ian scoffed, making Darren's anger reach its boiling point."What have you done to her?!""We were just playing around with her a bit. Not our fault if she struggled and ended up like that."Darren's eyes reddened. He immediately dashed towards the door to take Shanon to the nearest hospital, but Ian stopped him."Hey! You can't go anywhere!" Ian grabbed Darren's collar and pulled him back."I need to get to the hospital! Shanon is dying!""Hey, where do you think you're going? Aren't you leaving her behind
Shanon collapsed with a bloody leg. Miriam immediately grabbed her hair and dragged her out of the warehouse to get to a brighter light. Shanon's blood smelled metallic and scattered along the floor as Miriam changed the location of her torture."Let me go!!" Shanon screamed in pain. The stinging sensation and anger piled up inside her. How could she be tortured in her own home?"I already told you, didn't I? Stop acting up! It will only hurt you even more," Miriam scolded. Ian staggered behind them. After successfully removing the bloody pen, he quickly wrapped the wound with a scarf he took from the warehouse."Bastard!" he cursed, groaning in pain as the burning sensation pierced his skin. Shanon's stab wounds were deep, but he didn't have time to treat it. They needed to get that signature quickly."Get it done real quick! Sign that fucking document and we will call an ambulance to take care of you! We don't want your life. What's so hard about it?!" Ian shouted, and Shanon now tr
Shanon narrowed her eyes; she clearly recognized him. The man was ...."Ian?" Shanon's voice caught, as there was someone else standing beside Ian. The woman was very familiar to Shanon. "Miriam? So ... it's all your doing?" Shanon screamed. Angry. But Ian quickly darted towards her and hit the back of her neck.Shanon passed out.In the darkness. She could still imagine her lover's face. Darren. Oh, if only the figure welcoming her behind the darkness was her husband. Miriam would be very happy.Sadly, it's not him.Darren would never be there. Not anymore.***"Urgh...." Shanon groaned. She was awake now. It seemed she had been unconscious for several hours. Her hands couldn't move, nor could her feet. Even the sound that came out was just a whimper. She couldn't speak. Black tape bound her perfectly."You're awake, it seems," Miriam exclaimed from behind the door, which now gave Shanon some clues about her whereabouts. She was in the back warehouse, near the stairs. Why were they k
Tomi was stunned, unable to believe what he had just heard. His eyes shifted from Shanon's devastated face to Mia, who was trying to hide her anxiety."I'm sorry, Mrs. Shanon, I don't know what to say," Tomi said, his voice trembling. He had known Shanon and Darren for quite some time. Their relationship seemed strong, solid, and full of love. Even Tomi, who only interacted minimally with the couple, could feel the positive vibes of their bond."What do you think, Tomi?" Mia asked, her voice sounding fragile. She was also shocked by the news, but she didn't want to exacerbate the situation. Mia wanted to hear the legal solutions regarding this divorce lawsuit from the expert.Shanon simply bowed her head, trying to hold back the tears that kept flowing. Her heart was shattered into pieces. Shanon felt like she was in the middle of an endless storm. Problems upon problems hit her without permission. No matter how hard she tried to hold on, she wouldn't be able to push away her feelings
Shanon ended the board meeting with determined steps, albeit somewhat forced. She couldn't afford to be careless. If even one more unintentional mistake surfaced, her position would truly be in jeopardy!"Great job, Ma'am! We can call it a day." Mia said, patting her boss on the shoulder. The work hours were over, and now their relationship transcended mere colleagues; they were more like friends fighting hard to navigate the crisis in the company."Thank you, Mia. I'm really tired," Shanon replied, her face pale. Mia felt concerned, especially since she knew that Shanon's conflict wasn't just about this video issue, but also about her separation from her beloved husband."I'm sure you'll become stronger and more resilient facing all these challenges, Ma'am. Trust me, God will provide a way," Mia reassured, embracing Shanon tightly. She could feel her friend's heartache. Shanon wasn't expressive enough, and that only made Mia feel more sorry for her. If only she could cry like most wo
The scheduled press conference finally occurred. Though not in her prime state, Shanon came with her usual aura: resolute, menacing, and also captivating. Her long hair was left loose but styled with transparent pomade, giving off a sleek impression. Shanon was ready to conquer her enemies behind the mask of her firmness."Mrs. Shanon, is it true that the circulating scandalous video involves you with a male friend?" A journalist's question pierced Shanon's heart. Despite preparing herself, experiencing the sting of accusations was indeed painful."That's not true," Shanon quickly replied. She didn't appear nervous or trembling. Tomi had warned her to appear normal. This lie had to be an eternal secret for their team."What about your husband's reaction? Is he not bothered?" Another question slipped, successfully almost crumbling Shanon's attempted defense.The blonde woman fell silent for a moment. Shanon tried to gather strength, but... her tears fell unexpectedly."Ah... I'm sorry.
Shanon and Mia walked side by side to the legal office on the 10th floor. The hospital, with its 12 floors, was quite efficient, and the management offices were located on the top two floors."Mrs. Shanon! We've been waiting for your arrival," Legal Manager, Tomi Winarta, extended his hand for a handshake. Shannon accepted it gracefully, though she can no hide her vulnerability. Shannon suffered from a severe shock. She couldn't deny it."What's the situation?" the blonde-haired woman asked with a worried expression. Tomi just nodded and gestured to his assistant. Unfortunately, the assistant only shook his head, saying, "It's bad, Ma'am. Several articles related to this scandal have been released, and we've received numerous complaints from the PR team."Shanon's heart felt torn apart. She never imagined that her problems wouldn't end with the argument with Darren but would involve her ex-lover as well."I should have sensed something suspicious from Ian! Damn it!" Shannon growled an
Shanon was completely asleep and hadn't had a chance to move to the bed. The golden-haired woman could only crawl to the sofa and curl up there until the next morning.“What the–” Shanon exclaimed as a barrage of messages flooded her phone screen. All from… Ian! “What is this?” Shanon trembled after receiving an unwanted video… a video of their kiss!‘Honey, I could easily release this video to the public and ruin your reputation, but I won't do it. Last night a nasty rat has captured our intimate moment, and I've beaten him to a pulp. You know what you should do.’“Fuck!” Shanon immediately called Ian amidst the pounding headache. How could she stay calm? And… what should she do? “Ian?”“Shanon ... darling! How are you?” Ian answered with a smooth voice. Instead of feeling pressured after such an unpleasant incident, Ian seemed to be on cloud nine.“What should I do, Ian? This video must not leak anywhere!” Shanon insisted. She didn't want Darren to hate her even more, especially his