"Ula, where are you going?" Mrs. Donna asked, concerned, as Ula suddenly behaved strangely, creating a tense atmosphere that frightened Mrs. Donna."Grandma..." Ula turned to look at her grandmother, her voice faltering, unsure of how to respond appropriately. She was torn between whether to reveal her intentions to her paternal grandmother or not. Mrs. Donna sensed that something was amiss and grew even more anxious and uneasy."Ula, tell me what you're planning to do. You're not considering something reckless, are you?" Mrs. Donna pressed, eager to understand Ula's attitude, but Ula just chuckled softly, her eyes cold yet filled with determination."Oh, Grandma, I have to meet someone important. Please wait for me here; I'll be back soon," Ula said, her tone decisive, placing a warm hand on Mrs. Donna's shoulder before stepping out of the door."Ula, please tell me what you intend to do. You shouldn't act hastily without thinking. If there's something you want, discuss it with me,"
Mrs. Donna noticed Ula's contemplative demeanor, sensing that she was pondering her choices. Fearing that Ula might stubbornly stick to her decision impulsively without careful consideration, Mrs. Donna speaks persuasively:"Ula, right now, we have no home to return to and nowhere else to go. We can temporarily stay here; Ethan Thomas has agreed to it. Don't dwell on it any longer; just follow my arrangements.""No," Ula countered with determination, brushing away the tears that had gathered. "I've made up my mind. I will end the fake marriage with Ethan Thomas, and we'll leave here." Ula turned her attention back to packing her clothes, ignoring Mrs. Donna's disappointed and dissenting expression."Do you not understand what I'm saying, Ula? We can't return to that house anymore," Mrs. Donna argued incredulously. Ula remained defiant: "Not to mention, we don't have the money to repay Ethan. I don't want you to suffer and worry about taking care of me. Ula, please reconsider.""It's a
As Ethan went to see the doctor to discuss Mrs. Donna's condition, Ula felt the need for some personal space to contemplate and ease her mind. She decided to go to the flower garden outside the hospital to enjoy the fresh air and relieve her current stress.Lost in thought, Ula entered the garden without noticing that someone was following her from behind. Suddenly, a voice caught Ula's attention:"You need money and want to sell your kidney, don't you?"Ula immediately turned around and saw a woman standing behind her. Ula was surprised and wondered how this person knew about her situation. As if reading Ula's thoughts, the woman kindly explained:"I happened to overhear your conversation and know that you need money for your grandmother's surgery. So, I want to help you."It turned out that this woman had coincidentally witnessed the conversation between Ula and the doctor outside the emergency room. Taking advantage of Ula's desire to have money to save her grandmother's life, this
"Ula, can you explain to me why you decided to go with that woman?" Ethan spoke up, breaking the silence. He couldn't bear the discomfort any longer, even though he had already learned about the situation from the criminals' confessions and the woman who had lured Ula. But he wanted Ula to share everything with him, from her thoughts to her personal perspective and decisions."Which woman?" Ula snapped out of her thoughts, looking at Ethan, feigning innocence.Ethan realized that Ula was pretending to be clueless, especially to avoid addressing the issue that had occurred. In Ethan's opinion, Ula might feel ashamed of her foolish actions, or perhaps she didn't trust him. Regardless of how Ula felt, Ethan still wanted her to open up to him. That's why he made a calculated move to breach her defenses."The woman I happened to see you talking to in the garden and then willingly following her to her car."Upon hearing Ethan's revelation, Ula was briefly surprised, wondering how Ethan knew
After Ethan left, Ula didn't want to lie in bed for too long, so she decided to leave the room and find her grandmother. When Ula arrived, she saw doctors in Mrs. Donna's room. They looked very urgent as they examined her. Ula felt worried and scared, wanting to go in with Mrs. Donna, but the nurse tried hard to stop her. They didn't want Ula to disturb the doctors. In the end, Ula had to stand outside, waiting in tension and anxiety."Oh God, please have mercy on my grandmother," Ula prayed silently, her restlessness making her pace back and forth, unable to stay still.The door opening caught Ula's attention. Immediately, she turned to look at the door with anticipation."Doctor, how is my grandmother? What's going on that you all are so urgent?" Ula hurriedly asked as the doctor in charge of Mrs. Donna's treatment stepped out of the room."The patient needs to undergo surgery as soon as possible. The cancer cells have started spreading more widely," the doctor replied gravely. "We
"Ula, you're very skilled in your behavior and eloquent," Jade praised. After a moment of joy from Ula's compliments, Jade returned to a serious tone with a candid comment: "I believe with these qualities, customers will definitely be satisfied with you.""Thank you for trusting me, Jade," Ula sincerely replied. "But to make the most of my abilities, I need your help a lot. Please help me get a chance to be chosen by the customers tonight.""I will do my best," Jade assured."I will also try not to disappoint you," Ula politely responded."How many times have you slept with him? Do you have much experience?" Jade changed the subject, knowing the question was delicate, but she needed more information for negotiations to proceed smoothly. Additionally, if necessary, Jade was ready to offer Ula useful advice or tricks to cater to the customer and make them happy."I haven't slept with him," Ula stated firmly, as if understanding the implied question from Jade. "Up to this point, I'm stil
Ethan shook his head vigorously in disbelief. His reaction at this time was a new experience for Jade, making her feel bad for him. She also felt sorry for Ula's bitter decision. Ultimately, why did Ula and Ethan end up in such a situation?"What you're saying can't be true," Ethan vehemently denied."As I said, Ula was completely serious about her choice when she came to find me." Jade affirmed Ula's decision and determination. "Although I don't know the details of what happened between the two of you, it seems like there is no reconciliation, right? Ula showed a strong dislike when she mentioned you. What happened between you two?" Jane made an observation accompanied by growing curiosity."Now, where is Ula? Is she entertaining guests there? I want to talk to her," Ethan asked insistently, trying to regain his composure. Once again, Jane felt irritated at being ignored."She's gone," Jade responded indifferently in the face of Ethan's impatience."Gone where? Is Ula avoiding me, or
Under the dim lights, Ethan could not hide his feelings of sorrow and pity for Ula. Why did Ula end up in this state? Wasn't it simply her fate? Not quite. Ethan felt it was his fault, and he blamed himself for contributing to Ula's suffering. If Ethan had not acted foolishly, out of control, and with insane jealousy, Ula would not hate him so much that she would rather self-destruct than humble herself to beg for his help. Or, if Ethan had not come to the hotel to look for Ula, she would have received Uri's dedicated help. Although Ethan did not like the idea of Ula being grateful to and being with Uri, it would have been better if it were so. Everything would not have been as bad as it is now. After all, everything started with a misunderstanding, but Ethan could not help but feel guilty and aware of the responsibility he had toward Ula. Not only because of what he had done to her, but also because he loved her. Truly, love is a damnable emotion that makes Ethan, the arrogant and d
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