THE BEGINNING OF THE END VCharles's POV ❤️Bianca was wheeled out of the surgery room, and as the doctor said earlier, she needed rest. The nurses moved her carefully, guiding the stretcher down the brightly lit corridor toward the recovery ward. My heart ached with each step they took— she looked so fragile, so small, and I could tell she was fighting for her life even now.I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Relief that she was alive flooded me, but it was tangled with fear. Would she be okay? Truly okay? No matter what happened, no matter how much the future scared me, I vowed to stand by her. She didn’t just make me happy; she was my happiness.The sound of the stretcher wheels squeaking echoed in the quiet hallway. Kumiko and Zac walked behind me, their expressions grim, the weight of the day etched on their faces. Kumiko rubbed her arms, restless and visibly drained, while Zac stuck close to her side, glancing at her with concern every now and then.When we reached Bianca’s new ro
HELLO, GOODBYE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN Jason's POV ❤️I paced about the hospital room, my steps echoing faintly in the silence. My mind was a tangle of worry, prayers, and guilt, as I silently prayed for Bianca. She was in surgery, and things could either go south or smoothly. I couldn’t stop myself from hoping— no, begging— that everything would turn out fine.The nurses barely gave me anything to work with earlier. I wasn’t family or anyone with the right to know much about her condition. I was lucky one of them even acknowledged me when I asked.“She’s in surgery,” the nurse had said, her tone clipped.That was hours ago, and there was still no news.Bianca is in surgery. Charles was probably there with her, along with her best friend. They were closer to her than I had ever been. They would be worried sick too, probably more worried than I was. What would I even do if I went there? Stand in a corner like a ghost? It would only make things awkward if I went there.Finally, I sat
HOPE, AND THE START OF SOMETHING NEW!JASON'S POV ❤️The nurse led me through the dimly lit hospital corridor to the room where Bianca was staying. Each step I took felt heavier, as if my guilt was weighing me down. The soft shuffle of her shoes against the tiles echoed faintly, but all I could focus on was the growing tightness in my chest.When we arrived, I hesitated outside the door. She stopped beside me, her expression urging me to go in, but I only nodded in gratitude, too afraid that speaking might somehow disturb Bianca.The door was left slightly ajar, enough for me to see inside. There she was, lying pale and fragile on the hospital bed, her pale face illuminated by the dim glow of the bedside monitor. The sight made my stomach churn— she looked so fragile, so unlike the Bianca I knew.Charles was there beside her, murmuring softly. His expression was a mixture of sorrow and hope as he held her hand. His hands clutching hers as if letting go would shatter her, mostly him. F
THE MEETUP Bianca's POV ❤️'SAVE THE FOREST! SAVE THE FOREST!' The chanting, screams and shouts of the protesters could be heard from a distance. I smirked, feeling a little bit proud of myself for coming this far. I wouldn't have done it without him.The sign finally indicated for a pedestrian crossing. I swiftly crossed the road and their screams got even louder now. Yep. I was definitely proud of myself.I looked around wanting to see that familiar physique. There he is, my boyfriend. To be honest, I wouldn't have done anything if not for his words of encouragement. Not like I wasn't ever going to, but I needed a slight push and someone who would be there for me no matter what and I couldn't be more glad that it was him. I could see those shoulders,wide and broad and his jet-black hair, those features that I could easily recognize anytime, any day.I smiled as I made my way towards him and went ahead to tap him on the shoulder. He was stunned at first but when he realized I was
THE SLAP Bianca's POV ❤️The pressure became more intense as he kept on walking towards my direction, still staring at me."How much do you want?" His voice sounded deep, monotone, whatever you want to call it. It commanded respect and authority. I looked back just to be sure who he was talking to. It wasn't me right? There's no way it's me."I don't like repeating myself. Tell me your price immediately, I've better things to do." He was staring at me giving me a hint that I was the one he was talking to. What price? Is he trying to buy our silence? There's no way that would ever happen."You're not going to talk?" Obviously block head."You're really wasting my time." Then fucking leave. "I'll give you an offer. Five million dollars."Everyone turned their heads immediately to look at me. Five million dollars? Is he crazy? There was so much I could do with that, I could finally... I cleared all thoughts in my head. I'm sure everyone was expecting me to accept the offer and
BROKEN EXPECTATIONS Bianca's POV ❤️I watched Charles' silhouette fade away into the building. What have I done? Everyone turned their heads and stared at me, I could see the expressions on their faces, they were disappointed in me.They started coming closer, each of them wearing angry looks on their faces. I was really scared. Suddenly, everyone turned against me because of money. I was now the hunted. "Why would you do that?" One of them spoke and everyone seemed to agree with him. I was confused. Were they talking about the slap or the money I rejected? "I can't believe this. You guys will abandon your pride just because of money?" I retorted angrily with my hands on my hips like an angry mother scolding her children."I agree I shouldn't have slapped him but he had it coming. He called us poor and there is no way I'll fold my arms and watch that forest fall." No way was I ever going to let that happen."That's enough!" A middle-aged woman with black hair tied in a messy bu
AS COLD AS SNOW Bianca's POV ❤️The ride back home was silent, so so silent. I kept on glancing at Jason with the side of my eyes every now and then. I wanted to say something, I wanted to ease the tension but I feel like saying something will only make it worse.Halfway through the journey home, I decided to speak up. This silence was killing me. After so much attempts to get the words to come out and not stay stuck in my throat,I looked at him and made attempts to touch him and I finally did."Jason..." I called out to him in a very low voice.He didn't say anything and totally ignored me, maybe I wasn't loud enough. I called out to him again, louder this time and he turned on the radio and kept on changing the stations to find his choice."Good morning wonderful citizens of Nashview City, today is another day of..." I couldn't care less about what she was talking about, my only concern was how to make my boyfriend speak to me again. He was giving me the silent treatment and it fe
THE REGRETBianca's POV ❤️After waiting several minutes for my ride to arrive, he finally did and I felt so exhausted. My mind was trying to grasp everything that had happened so far. Everything just happened so fast. This was not how I pictured my day happening at all. It was a complete disaster.In my head, it went like this - I was going to have a blast at the protest, and make Charles Bandra listen to my demands and do whatever I asked of him, save the forest, and we all live happily ever after. The end. But none of that happened, not even one. Instead, I lost my boyfriend and my respect from people. I guess not everything you wish for happens, that is just how life is.My head was spinning from all these information, from me trying to fit the pieces together to fit. This was too overwhelming for me. I couldn't believe my own boyfriend could do that to me. I felt betrayed. I tried my best to control my emotions and not go bursting out in tears. I could sense the driver's gaz
HOPE, AND THE START OF SOMETHING NEW!JASON'S POV ❤️The nurse led me through the dimly lit hospital corridor to the room where Bianca was staying. Each step I took felt heavier, as if my guilt was weighing me down. The soft shuffle of her shoes against the tiles echoed faintly, but all I could focus on was the growing tightness in my chest.When we arrived, I hesitated outside the door. She stopped beside me, her expression urging me to go in, but I only nodded in gratitude, too afraid that speaking might somehow disturb Bianca.The door was left slightly ajar, enough for me to see inside. There she was, lying pale and fragile on the hospital bed, her pale face illuminated by the dim glow of the bedside monitor. The sight made my stomach churn— she looked so fragile, so unlike the Bianca I knew.Charles was there beside her, murmuring softly. His expression was a mixture of sorrow and hope as he held her hand. His hands clutching hers as if letting go would shatter her, mostly him. F
HELLO, GOODBYE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN Jason's POV ❤️I paced about the hospital room, my steps echoing faintly in the silence. My mind was a tangle of worry, prayers, and guilt, as I silently prayed for Bianca. She was in surgery, and things could either go south or smoothly. I couldn’t stop myself from hoping— no, begging— that everything would turn out fine.The nurses barely gave me anything to work with earlier. I wasn’t family or anyone with the right to know much about her condition. I was lucky one of them even acknowledged me when I asked.“She’s in surgery,” the nurse had said, her tone clipped.That was hours ago, and there was still no news.Bianca is in surgery. Charles was probably there with her, along with her best friend. They were closer to her than I had ever been. They would be worried sick too, probably more worried than I was. What would I even do if I went there? Stand in a corner like a ghost? It would only make things awkward if I went there.Finally, I sat
THE BEGINNING OF THE END VCharles's POV ❤️Bianca was wheeled out of the surgery room, and as the doctor said earlier, she needed rest. The nurses moved her carefully, guiding the stretcher down the brightly lit corridor toward the recovery ward. My heart ached with each step they took— she looked so fragile, so small, and I could tell she was fighting for her life even now.I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Relief that she was alive flooded me, but it was tangled with fear. Would she be okay? Truly okay? No matter what happened, no matter how much the future scared me, I vowed to stand by her. She didn’t just make me happy; she was my happiness.The sound of the stretcher wheels squeaking echoed in the quiet hallway. Kumiko and Zac walked behind me, their expressions grim, the weight of the day etched on their faces. Kumiko rubbed her arms, restless and visibly drained, while Zac stuck close to her side, glancing at her with concern every now and then.When we reached Bianca’s new ro
WHEN RELIEF FEELS HEAVY Charles's POV ❤️ I left the police station with a heavy heart, driving back to the hospital with a storm of emotions brewing inside me. I drove back to the hospital, my mind a chaotic swirl of emotions after seeing Axel. The revelation about the fire was a relief, yes, but it was tangled with a fresh wave of anger and sadness. For years, I carried that guilt— therapy sessions, sleepless nights, replaying every moment in my mind. And to learn it was Axel all along? I didn’t know whether to feel liberated or crushed. Tears blurred my vision as I gripped the steering wheel. I let them fall this time, the weight of everything pressing against me. Axel’s betrayal, Bianca’s condition— it felt as though I couldn’t catch my breath. Should I be relieved? Heartbroken? It was all too much. By the time I reached the hospital, I had managed to wipe my face and steel my nerves. Now wasn’t the time to break down. Bianca needed me. We both needed me to stay strong. I neede
GOODBYE, AXEL!Charles's POV ❤️I was torn between staying at the hospital with Bianca and going to the police station to confront Axel. Every fiber of my being wanted to stay by her side, but I needed answers. I needed to know why my brother did what he did. I needed answers.The drive to the station was nerve-wracking. My hands tightened on the steering wheel as countless scenarios played in my head. Would he show remorse? Would he admit to everything? My chest ached just thinking about it.The police station loomed ahead, its dull gray exterior reflecting my mood. Inside, the air felt cold, sterile. Every step I took seemed heavier, and I could feel the stares from officers as I walked past. Their whispers were faint but unmistakable: “That’s him… the brother.” Shame and anger burned in my chest. This was not how I ever imagined coming here. Heck! I never even planned on visiting a police station, ever.Of course, the news hadn’t spread yet, but it was only a matter of time before
THE UNEXPECTED TWIST AND THE START OF SOMETHING NEW Jason's POV ❤️Time felt like it had stopped. Everything around me was dark and quiet— eerily quiet. The only light came from a faint glow in the room, flickering as if it might disappear any second. It looked like Axel, Jane, and the rest had left. If they were still here, they’d have noticed even the smallest movement I was making.I was alive, but barely. Breathing was a struggle, each gasp sharp and shallow, each beat of my heart weaker than the last. How I was still alive was a mystery. How was I still here after the shots fired, after the pain that ripped through my body?I could still hear it all. I could still hear the gunshot echoing in my ears, the sharp crack of the pistol playing on a loop in my mind. Jane’s screams still haunted me, too, blending with the relentless pain from the bullet wound.The cold, sticky pool beneath me felt endless. Every attempt to move was agony, but staying still wasn’t an option. I dragged mys
THE BEGINNING OF THE END IVCharles's POV ❤️I stormed into the hospital, my arms cradling Bianca as though the tighter I held her, the stronger her heartbeat might become. The hospital lobby buzzed with activity—nurses rushing past, the echo of carts wheeling down tiled halls— but all of it blurred into a distant hum as I carried Bianca in my arms. Her body was limp against mine, her breaths shallow, each one slower than the last.“Move! Make way!” Zac’s sharp voice cut through the murmur of the crowded hall, drawing startled looks from the crowd, their eyes darting between us and the limp figure in my arms as he cleared our path.I didn’t stop, didn’t hesitate. My only focus was the fragile woman in my arms, the one I couldn’t lose.A doctor rushed forward, two nurses trailing behind him with a stretcher. “What happened?” he asked, his eyes darting to Bianca.“She collapsed,” I choked out, my voice barely holding together. Gently, I placed her on the stretcher, though my hands hove
MY KNIGHT IN SHINY ARMOR Bianca's POV ❤️I pressed my hand tightly against my wounded thigh, trying to stop the bleeding. My breathing was ragged, every inhale catching as pain shot up my leg. The metallic smell of blood filled the air, mixing with the lingering fumes of the gasoline on the table. She paced in front of me, a satisfied smirk on her face. She looked triumphant, as if she had just won some twisted game. "You’re tougher than I thought," she said, casually tossing the knife back onto the table. "But don’t get any ideas. That little stunt was just a warning. Next time, I won’t miss something vital. I will make sure to break every single piece of bones in your body."I stared at her, the anger in my chest bubbling to the surface. I wanted to scream, to fight back, but my body betrayed me. I was weak, trembling from fear and blood loss. “Why are you doing this?” I managed to croak. “What do you want from me?” Her smile faltered for a moment, her eyes flickering with
THE BEGINNING OF THE END IIIBianca’s POV ❤️I woke up to a throbbing pain in my head and the suffocating sense of movement. The rumble beneath me felt like a car in motion. Darkness pressed in all around. I opened my eyes— or at least, I thought I did —but nothing changed. It was pitch black. I tried to speak, but my throat was parched. The words got stuck, scraping against the dryness, and no sound came out. I coughed weakly, but even that felt like a struggle. What is happening? I reached for my mouth— or I tried to. That’s when I realized I couldn’t move. My hands were tied behind me, the ropes digging into my wrists. How hadn’t I noticed this sooner? My pulse quickened. 'Bianca, think. We’re not that stupid.' I thought to myself.I twisted and pulled at the restraints, my shoulders screaming in protest, but the knots wouldn’t budge. Panic clawed at my chest. How did I end up here? Charles…? Is anyone there?And then, a voice broke the silence. “Oh, you’re finally awake,” i