I felt dizzy as I sensed something cold against my forehead. Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw a woman's face in front of me, causing my brow to furrow. She was gently wiping my forehead with a cold, wet towel, adding to my surprise. Where was I? What had happened?
"You're finally awake," she said, offering me a smile.
I gradually sat up and glanced around. This wasn't my room. The entire space was neat and tranquil. The decor was sleek, mostly black with hints of gray. The appliances and furniture looked luxurious, even the bed I was on. The ambiance, too, hinted at wealth. Clearly, this was a residence of affluent people.
"How are you feeling? Your body temperature is still low. You need plenty of rest," she continued.
I turned my attention back to her as she spoke. She
I stayed in that room for a few more hours until the door slammed again, and I quickly sat down. I thought it was that man again, but it was Elena who rushed into the room and hugged me."Oh my god, Ana! I thought something happened to you!" She exclaimed, looking at me."What the fuck!" She winced as she saw my cheek. I hadn't seen my reflection yet, but from her reaction, I knew it was really bad."What happened? Why? Damn it, Ana! Why did you get beaten up again?" She said hysterically, not knowing what to do.I grabbed her arm and forced a smile. "Ares... can I borrow your cell phone—”"Ares is also unreachable. I would've brought him here, but he left the office right when you suddenly disappeared. I can't ev
"Agatha is in the hospital. Someone beat her on her way home from university."The first thought that crossed my mind when Ares shared Agatha's condition was, "How did he know?" But that thought swiftly disappeared as I arrived at the hospital with Elena. Even she was curious about how Ares found out so quickly and where he had come from.But even as the girlfriend, I didn't have the answer. Furthermore, why would someone beat Agatha? From what I knew, she was one of the most feared and high-ranking students at her university. This was the first time such an incident had happened to her. Was she being bullied?"Are you okay? You've been quite silent. What room is it?" Elena asked, but I was lost in my thoughts.
"Don't be so selfish, Anastacia! Can't you see your sister's condition?" Mama scolded, and I turned to her, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness.I noticed Agatha looking at us and immediately turned my attention to Ares. I couldn't comprehend what was happening, and I felt like I didn't belong in that moment.I bit my lower lip and fought back tears."I'm not selfish," I surrendered and quickly turned my back on them, leaving the room. Elena followed me.As we left, we saw Matthew with a big black eye and a swollen lip. He didn't notice us, so Elena and I exchanged glances before heading out.I remained silent throughout the journey to Elena's condo, lost in thought. Once we arrived, I sat on the sofa and covered my
"Have you talked yet?" Elena asked me as soon as we got out of the building. I just looked at her and shook my head.After a short conversation earlier that ended in a misunderstanding, I never saw him again. I didn't even realize he had left his office. I tried calling him, but he wasn't answering.Then I also remembered that maybe that's why he didn't answer my call—he thought I was using Elena's cellphone. I still couldn't gather the courage to go home. Especially given today's situation."Didn't he say goodbye to you? I saw him leave earlier, seeming in a hurry," I heard Elena say again as we walked towards the parking lot.I just shrugged and quietly continued walking. Even the truth was bothering my mind. Before, the uneasiness would last only a few seconds e
"How are you? When do you plan to head home?" I inquired, and she responded with a smirk."I can head home today, Ana. Why not try apologizing to mom and going back to our place to get updated," she casually remarked.I nodded and brushed off her suggestion. Despite wanting to apologize and return home, my pride held me back, especially at this moment. It felt like they were against me, and I was at a loss about what to do."Where are you staying?" Ares asked me, chuckling as I looked at him."I thought you had no interest in asking that," I said bitterly, turning my gaze away. I noticed a frown forming on his forehead."I'm staying at Elena's place and came here to get my bruise checked. Just in case you're curious," I menti
As I glanced at my cell phone again, I saw the last message from that man.Unknown NumberText me once you get home. Please. Be safe.I bit my lower lip and realized I was typing a reply while my hands shook.To Unknown NumberThank you very much, Apollo.After sending it, I left that house completely. I hailed another taxi and headed to Elena's condo. My heavy heart added to the weight of my luggage.The rain was falling heavily again, darkening the sky. I no longer knew what to prioritize, whether it was Ares or my family. I felt utterly alone at that momen
"I'm planning to tell her right after our wedding, dad—""Marriage is sacred, son. Anastacia is part of our family now, especially you. You should include her in your decision-making," Donya Valentine said seriously, and I glanced at her. She offered me a small smile before averting her gaze, prompting me to look at Ares."Is there a problem, Ares?" I couldn't hold back my curiosity.When he looked at me, his forehead was already furrowed, and he seemed apologetic. Before he could answer, Don Damien spoke again."My son and I have an agreement, Ana. I will be transferring all my assets, including the Aragon Group of Companies, once he marries someone. That agreement has been long overdue, and I didn't expect that he would keep it."
"Ana, are you leaving?"I was almost startled when I heard that voice. I turned to find Lily, her hair still wet, standing there in front of me, a pleasant smile on her face as she continued to comb her hair."I'm sorry, Lily. I'm just going to head over to the Hacienda for a bit. I'll leave you with her for a while. Let me know if there's anything wrong," I explained, giving her a reassuring look before I left the room."It's alright. What about you? I'd love to go to the Hacienda too, but my mother would surely scold me. I saw Sir Anton and his business partners; they're all handsome!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement, and she seemed to be giddy. I couldn't help but chuckle.As I made my way towards the bathroom to change my clothes, I could still hear Lily's animated commentary. When I came out, she was still at it, so I couldn't resist joining in."Did you see them? Do you know who they are?" I asked as I adjusted my attire.She rushed to the window and gazed out at