In the dim, pre-dawn light, the deserted area near the water's edge was eerily quiet, save for the gentle lapping of the waves. The silhouettes of weathered wooden fishing boats dotted the shoreline, their nets hanging loosely like ghosts in the mist.The air was thick with the scent of salt and decay, a reminder of the ocean’s harshness.A small chattering was heard from afar as three fishermen approached to set their traps for the morning, their footsteps crunched on the gravelly shore. Suddenly, one of them froze, pointing to a dark figure lying motionless on the ground. “Look! A body!”Antonio lay sprawled on his back lifeless. Blood soaked through his shirt, staining the ground beneath him, a stark contrast to the pale, damp sand.The fishermen exchanged uneasy glances, scared and at the same time worried about the whole scene.“He is not from here”.Another said quietly.One was brave enough to get closer.He looked older and more experienced than the other two.He knelt down
“Hey! Get your hands off me! I need to speak with Damon right now!” Courtney snapped, struggling against the Montero's guards' grip.“We're sorry, Lady Courtney. We're under strict orders not to let anyone in without permission from Master Damon,” one of the guards said sternly, his face set in an impassive mask.Courtney was pissed at that statement."Listen, I don't care what your orders are, I need to talk to him NOW! He's responsible for Antonio's arrest, and I will not stand and watch him ruin Antonio's life and reputation. Also, Damon is not your master!Antonio is! I can't believe you let him manipulate you all. Wake up, you fools! He is a traitor!”The guard's face stiffened.“With all due respect. The Montero's Mansion is no longer available for you. We will be forced to take action if you insist on staying here”.Courtney's face was flushed with anger, her fists clenched at her sides. "I will not leave until I've spoken with Damon. If you don't let me in, then I'll make
Antonio’s eyes flutter open, squinting against the harsh fluorescent lights overhead.His mind is a blank slate, empty of the familiar memories that should be rushing back to him.A sudden dull ache pulsed in his head . However, the pain was a minor issue. He was more concerned about the emptiness in his mind and brain, especially the part where his identity should be.He blinked and tried to focus, but everything felt so strange and unfamiliar. Where is he? Who is he?A soft rustling of fabric drew his attention, and he turned his head to see a doctor standing by his bedside.She’s a woman, possibly in her forties, with kind eyes behind her glasses and a gentle expression. Her white coat is crisp and clean, and she holds a clipboard in one hand, making notes as she observes him.“Good, you’re awake”.The doctor smiled, her voice soft and friendly. She stepped closer to his bedside. “How are you feeling?”Antonio opened his mouth to speak, but hesitated, his thoughts were a jumble
Antonio was standing at the window of his hospital room watching the sights of children playing football, still unable to remember or understand anything.The doctor said he might remember gradually, but what if he never recovers his memories?Antonio sighed and went back to his bed. He was about to lie down when the door cracked open.A middle-aged man stepped into the room, his weathered face lined with concern. His clothes, though clean, bore the unmistakable signs of a life spent at sea—faded denim and a heavy flannel shirt, the sleeves rolled up to reveal forearms tanned by years under the sun.Beside him stood a woman, his wife, her expression a mixture of worry and curiosity. She clutched a worn leather handbag to her chest, her fingers fidgeting with the strap.“How are you doing, dearest?”She asked Antonio.Who was alerted by the sudden entrance of these strangers.He was a bit tense but managed to force a smile.“My head still hurts a little… sorry do I know you?”He asked
For now, all he could do was wait for the memories to return, or for the truth to find him.Just as Lucas and his wife were about to leave, Gabrielle paused, turning back to Antonio with a look of quiet determination. There was something maternal affection in her gaze.“What is it, Gabi?”Her husband whispered.She turned to him and smiled with her eyes glistening wet, they were saying something to him.Mr. Lucas knew his wife quite well to understand that inaudible request. It was something he expected, not after his wife had been worrying over his well-being ever since the day they got him to the village clinic.He sighed.“Are you sure about that?”Gabrielle nodded with a smile.“Okay”.Lucas shrugged.Gabi hugged her husband and quickly went back to Antonio.“Before we go,” she began, her voice gentle but eager.“We wanted to offer you something.”Mr. Lucas nodded, stepping closer to his wife, as if to lend his support to what she was about to say. “It’s clear you don’t have any
“Loser, Loser… Major Loser… A jerk! Ahhhh I can’t believe this is supposed to be the best club in Tokyo!”Yuki remarked over Angela’s shoulder as she checked out the men in the club.They were either at the bar or standing around staring at women, cat calling and making creepy perverted jokes. Nothing has changed. It was still the same old story.“I know what you must be thinking isn’t Japan supposed to be this conservative country, where men and women live a life of fairy tale romance…”Angela cuts in with a hand raised.“Actually… I am not here to find a man, Yuki. I am here because you wanted to dance so why don’t you?”“Oh Angela, you really think I asked you to come along to the club with me so you can watch me dance? Of course, you are not here to find a man, but I will certainly find one for you. There has to be one man in this place that will be right for you. Even if he wasn’t Mr. right, he could be a start”.Angela slapped her forehead.“Please Yuki. We are not going through
Yuki came out from the club, her heavily pregnant belly preceded her.Despite the late hour and the chilly winter air, her radiant smile and sparkling eyes shone brightly, illuminating the snowy scene around her.“Angela, wait!” Yuki called out, her voice husky from the club's loud music and her exhaustion. She waddled quickly towards Angela, her black, high-waisted leggings and fitted, white tunic struggling to contain her swollen belly.A bright pink, faux-fur trimmed jacket was wrapped snugly around her shoulders, adding a pop of color to the monochromatic winter landscape. Angela stopped and waited for her patiently.As Yuki approached Angela, her brow furrowed in concern.“I am sorry if I made you so mad. Don't worry about the gentleman, I just thought you two might hit it off, but forget it if you're not ready.”Angela shook her head, fighting back her tears.“I am the one to apologize, Yuki,” Angela said, her voice laced with regret. “I didn't mean to freak out on you like t
The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air as Doris kneaded dough at the counter, her hands moving with ease that shows her years of experience. The morning sun streamed through the bakery’s windows, casting a warm glow over the rows of pastries and cakes. She placed a tray of croissants into the oven, and went back to the table.It's been years, and she had managed her family's bakery single-handedly.Younger sister married, Doris, of course, was happy for her sister. However, she seems to be unlucky with relationships.The last one, in fact she was engaged yet nothing to show for it.She had to put everything relationship on a pause for the moment.The doorbell rang signalling the arrival of a new customer.Doris looked up and froze. Standing in the doorway was Kerry, her eyes red and swollen, her face pale and drawn. It had been five years since Doris last saw her and from her appeared she looked terrible and sleep-deprived.“Kerry?” Doris said, her voice hesitant. She wip