In a moment of silence, sensing that Ethan was eagerly awaiting an explanation, Donna immediately spoke:"Have you done terrible things to Ula just because Ula is a substitute for Mila?"Ethan was momentarily taken aback by Donna's sharp question. For some reason, Ethan felt a strong resemblance between Ula and Donna. Both seemed to share the same thoughts about what Ethan had done. Suddenly, Ethan wondered whether he should admit the real reason for his actions, which was that he believed Ula was actually Mila. Additionally, Ethan had not confirmed whether Ula was complicit in Mila's wrongdoing."What is your real purpose for being here?" But instead, Ethan asked coldly, attempting to conceal his anxiety and the well-founded suspicions of Donna. At the same time, he wanted to quickly clarify his doubts."Last night, Ula came to me in a very distressing state. She had to endure six hours of walking in the rain." Donna unexpectedly shared, making Ethan feel sympathy and overwhelming gu
While Mrs. Donna was on her way to meet Ethan, Ula was still deeply asleep. Time passed in an instant, and Ula hadn't woken up yet until there was a loud noise like the sound of a door being broken, causing Ula to jolt awake. Before Ula could confirm what was happening, she was shocked by the appearance of a mysterious group of people in her bedroom."Who are you? How did you get in here?" Ula asked in fear, then urgently called out, "Grandma, where are you?"There was no response to Ula's words, making her heart burn with anxiety. She hoped her grandmother was safe and decided to try calling again."Grandma, who are these people? Are they bad people?"Still, no one answered Ula. Convinced that her grandmother wasn't at home, Ula immediately shouted louder, "Is anyone there? Please help me.""Shut your mouth. If you don't, I'll cut your tongue," one of the strangers threatened, holding a knife in hand, trying to intimidate Ula and prevent her from taking any action. Faced with the bol
Ethan couldn't sit still and wait for the police to handle the situation. He was afraid the investigation would take too long. So, after much hesitation and contemplation, he firmly held his mobile phone and decided to contact the judge, begging for assistance. Ethan was trying every possible way to find Ula as soon as possible.Before Ethan's sincerity, the judge decided to help him. Leveraging his personal connections, the judge quickly mobilized a large police force to join the case.And so, the search for Ula began rapidly and urgently. Ethan knew he had to find the girl before it was too late. His heart raced with each passing moment, and he felt the pressure increasing, but he was determined never to give up....Ula slowly regained consciousness, slightly panicked to find herself locked in an unfamiliar room. In a dazed state, the strong smell of cigarette smoke assaulted her nostrils, making her feel nauseated and uncomfortable."You've finally come to," a woman's voice rang o
Time has flowed quietly since Jade left the room, leaving Ula alone. Since then, nothing could compare to the deep thoughts flooding Ula's soul.Ula had carefully contemplated her conversation with Jade and the life she had been living. She recalled the tremendous pressures and difficulties she had endured, the numerous sacrifices she had made for others, as well as the injustices and disadvantages she had faced. Ula also thought about the path she considered the right choice and suddenly felt like she had missed an essential part of herself, and it was time for her to make a change.But did she have the courage to do so? To change the course of her life, a path that, according to Ula, was full of temptations and dangers. Ula didn't know and couldn't find the most accurate answer. However, Ula was aware that she needed to confront her current fears and anxieties. That was what Jade had reminded her of. Faced with two extremely difficult and cruel choices, Ula could only pray that luck
The silence was shattered as Mr. Sam forcefully slammed the gavel onto the table, creating a resonating sound in the emotionally charged space. The sound of the gavel awakened both Uri and Ula, bringing them back to the harsh reality of this auction."Congratulations to the winning bidder of our most special auction this evening," Mr. Sam declared with authority, his voice emphasizing the significance of this decision. "Miss Ula, you have found a new owner. I'd like to invite the gentleman who secured the victory to step onto the stage."All eyes focused on Uri as he began to step onto the stage, each of his strides leaving a deep imprint in everyone's minds. Uri not only possessed a striking appearance but also exuded an air of pride and authority. At a glance, it was clear that Uri was a wealthy individual, possibly an heir or scion of a prominent and affluent family. As Uri moved, Ula felt a mix of excitement and tension, unable to help but observe every powerful movement of the ma
"Ula, what do you want to say to me?" Jade didn't want to waste any more time; she wanted to end the conversation with Ula as quickly as possible. Not knowing Ula's motives, Jade decided to probe first and adapt to the situation accordingly.Seeing Jade's impatience, Ula also didn't prolong the conversation. She went straight to the point. Ula wanted to quickly go home to her grandmother, fearing that her grandmother might be worried about her."Jade, please give me back the debt paper," Ula requested seriously, holding out her hand towards Jade as if she were waiting.Both Jade and Uri were once again surprised by Ula's boldness and courage. Jade couldn't believe it. Where did Ula get such great confidence? Additionally, Jade felt a bit tense due to the pressure Ula was exerting. Jade unconsciously swallowed something Uri could easily notice. Clearly, Ula had just launched a direct attack that had destructive power over Jade. It felt like Ula was blocking the development of Jade's wi
"Alright, both of you. Can you please listen to me?" Sensing the tension, Uri decided to intervene, or rather, step in to help Ula. Uri did so out of concern that Jade might bring her people in and cancel the auction result, then possibly expel him from here. By then, Uri couldn't save Ula but would be embarrassed instead. As for Ula, she would naturally continue to be imprisoned here, possibly forever.Immediately, the two women turned to Uri, showing anticipation and hoping that his opinion would at least help their situation. Without further ado, Uri put his hand in his pocket and pulled out another ATM card, getting straight to the point."There's $5 million here. I believe this amount will satisfy you." Uri handed the ATM card to Jade and added persuasively, "You should agree to this because, as Ula said, she's entitled to half of the money from selling her virginity. Moreover, according to the regulations here, this brokerage fee is entirely reasonable. If you insist on complica
Ethan relied on intuition, whispers of prayer, and continuous hope as he hurriedly ran to the largest and most renowned hotel in the city, his heart filled with anticipation of finding Ula.Luck truly smiled upon Ethan the moment he stepped into the hotel. He spotted Ula standing next to a man he could not recognize yet, waiting for the elevator. Ethan was overjoyed to the point of forgetting to breathe in that moment. Inside, he felt his heart vibrate violently, his gaze fixed solely on the woman he loved."Ula Cox," Ethan called out courageously, but Ula seemed lost in thought, not hearing Ethan's voice amidst her confusion. And Uri appeared equally oblivious to his surroundings, unaware of someone searching for Ula.Feeling disappointed and crestfallen at Ula's lack of response, Ethan's feet immediately carried him towards the girl.As Ethan approached Ula, the elevator doors opened, and Uri swiftly stepped inside, Ula following suit. However, just before Ula could fully enter the
Afterward, Ethan helped Ula stand up and led her back home. However, unexpectedly, something happened. A sudden rain shower drenched them quickly. Under the darkening evening sky and raindrops falling like pearls from the heavens, Ethan carried Ula step by step through the dense forest path. Their hearts beat strongly, resonating with the serene atmosphere of the forest. Each step was a beat, an effort traded for worries and difficulties. Outside, the rain sparkled like the world's sorrow, but within Ethan's arms, he carried belief, hope, and warmth for Ula. Unable to reach home due to the challenging path, they stumbled upon a wooden house in the middle of the forest. The house was often used by nature lovers for a tranquil retreat. Sheltered beneath the roof, the door opened into a cozy space. With the nightfall behind the door and gentle light streaming into the room, in the painting of silence, Ethan gently placed her on the wide bed. "Take off your wet clothes, Ula, or you'll c
"Isn't it that you need Ethan's money? I can give it to you. Would that be satisfactory?" Ula asks with a sarcastic and mocking tone."It's my parents who want it, not me. I just want to live with Ethan. I love Ethan." Anne continues to pretend, thinking that Ula is a weak person, and after her grandmother's death, Ula's mental state is unstable. Anne believes that she can exploit Ula's vulnerability to win. Unexpectedly, Ula surprises Anne by displaying a challenging attitude."What if I don't agree?""Then we won't easily forgive Ethan." The woman, considered Anne's mother, speaks up sharply. , "I will make both you and Ethan regret that decision. I will let the whole world know that Ethan is a despicable man who abandoned his own child. Ethan's career and reputation will be ruined."Realizing that arguing with criminals is unwise, as it only tires oneself and wastes time, Ula decides to stop. After all, she already understands what has been happening. What she needs to do is let Et
"Ula, I'm really exhausted. Please, let me go," Mrs. Donna continued, her voice pleading. She knew it would be very difficult for Ula to accept her death, so Mrs. Donna wanted to implore Ula to grant her this request. As both Mrs. Donna and Ethan predicted, Ula shook her head frantically, adamantly refusing to accept the cruel and harsh reality."I don't want you to die; I can't live without you. Please don't abandon me," Ula pleaded desperately."Ula, everyone will eventually die," Mrs. Donna calmly reassured her. "I have lived long enough. It's time for me to go. I am leaving because I want to, because God loves me more, not because I'm afraid of burdening you.""But I... I haven't been able to repay your kindness; I haven't given you a life of full enjoyment. I..." Ula sobbed, blaming herself. "I'm truly useless.""Ula, no one wishes for what has happened, including death. Everything is arranged by God, and He knows what He's doing with each of us. Most importantly, I don't expect
Quickly, as requested by Ethan, Ula underwent a thorough health examination by the doctor. The examination took longer than Ethan had imagined, involving many steps that left his mind in turmoil, anxiety enveloping his inner world. In the midst of tension and suspense, the sound of the door opening caught Ethan's attention, making him startle."How is she, doctor?" Ethan stood up from his chair anxiously, hastily asking as the doctor emerged from Ula's room."Based on the preliminary examination, the patient shows signs of physical exhaustion. The cause could be irregular eating habits or prolonged mental stress leading to a general decline in health." The doctor looked at the report in the file and briefed Ethan on Ula's condition.The result truly shocked Ethan. He hadn't thought that Ula had endured and faced so many difficulties. Suddenly, Ethan self-blamed. Over the past, he has been too indifferent, harboring unjustified anger towards Ula."May I know what happened to her?" The
On the way, Ethan reflected. To avoid unwanted complications, and does not affect anyone. Ethan decided to change the meeting location with Jade to a coffee shop near her home. When Ethan arrived, Jade was already waiting. Without hesitation, Ethan quickly briefed Jade on the situation so she could grasp more details."Jade, the situation is really bad," Ethan warned. "This person is threatening to disclose my personal information if Ula doesn't pay a large sum of money to them. What should I do now?""Don't worry, Ethan," Jade reassured. "We'll deal with this issue. Let me see the phone number that the blackmailer used to contact Ula."Ethan handed his phone to Jade, and she quickly copied the number, sending a message to A, a professional hacker, to trace the owner of that number. While waiting for a response, they began planning a trap for the extortionist."Ethan, here's the plan. You'll agree to pay the amount the blackmailer demands, and on the way to the meeting point, we'll ha
Now, Ethan understands everything Ula says, as well as her attitude and behavior. It all stems from Ula's lack of confidence and insecurity. Knowing this, Ethan feels angry, but not with her but with himself, because he lacks empathy to understand Ula's simple and unique personality. Ula is not like other girls seeking attention. She lives a secluded life and always thinks of others. This is what makes Ethan love her. However, Ethan did not expect that these personality traits of Ula would almost lead to the end of their relationship before it even started. Perhaps in the future, Ethan will need to pay more attention to Ula's emotions, not letting her bear negative thoughts alone. He may even need to try his best to help Ula eliminate those harmful thoughts and trust in their love."I won't be like that, Ula. Trust me," Ethan asserts, gently embracing her. He comforts and soothes her through emotional turmoil. "Please give me a chance to prove that.""But, Ethan, someday I might make
"Ethan," Ula called, her voice suddenly becoming soft, contributing to soothing Ethan's heavy emotions but at the same time making him wary. Before Ula could continue, Ethan quickly interjected, fearing that Ula might choose to evade the conversation. Ethan was exhausted, so this time, he was determined to resolve this misunderstanding with Ula and not let the situation drag on any longer."Ula, what do you want to say? First, honestly answer my questions. Don't think about avoiding or delaying anymore. I'm really at my limit. Please don't torture me any longer."Faced with Ethan's urgent and persistent plea, Ula's initial intention failed. Moreover, Ula felt exhausted herself, realizing that prolonging this dark, tedious, and distressing emotional state was not a wise choice. Ula was not only tormenting Ethan but also herself. Therefore, Ula had no choice but to comply with Ethan's wishes and confront the issue between them. Taking a deep breath, Ula slowly expressed her feelings to
Ethan walked quickly into the hospital, and luck smiled on him when he immediately spotted Ula walking ahead. In fact, Ula had just arrived a little earlier than Ethan, as she had chosen to take the bus to save money, and the bus was slower than a car. This time, not wanting any randomness to be an obstacle, he approached her just before anything special happened."Ula," Ethan called as he stood in front of her, his breath heavy from the sprint and tension."Ethan, why are you here? What's going on?" Ula was momentarily flustered by Ethan's unexpected appearance, but she managed to stay calm. She couldn't believe the thoughts racing through her mind right now—Ethan had followed her to the hospital."You left your phone," Ethan explained, handing his phone to Ula. "I brought it for you."Looking down at the phone in Ethan's hand, she smiled with understanding and sincerity, saying, "Thank you; you've gone through trouble for me.""It's nothing.""Is there anything else?" Ula asked bold
Ula had walked a distance away from Ethan's house when she suddenly stopped. She had just remembered an important matter she hadn't taken care of yet, so she needed to turn back.On her way back, Ula's mobile phone vibrated unexpectedly. The young girl looked down at the screen, and a familiar name appeared. Hesitant for a moment, Ula decided to answer."Grandma, I'm listening." Her voice was filled with a calmness tinged with a hint of coldness."Ula, when are you coming here?" Mrs. Donna's voice was weak, conveying a sense of frailty to Ula. That indicated Mrs. Donna's health was deteriorating day by day, causing Ula to be increasingly worried and heartbroken."I'm getting a taxi. It'll be about fifteen minutes before I reach your place," Ula replied, trying to keep her voice from revealing worry and abnormality. She was concealing her lie with her actual plan to go to the hospital by bus. However, at the moment, she had no money on her, not even a dollar. Therefore, she needed to g