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54 Ella
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Ella's POV
The plane I have boarded soars high through the dark skies the following morning. It took a hard argument before Zed conceded to let me travel alone. I was supposed to give in, but those recent photos of Yen and him kissing made me stand firm with my decision. It hurts like hell.
Perhaps, Mr. D is right to think that I am melancholic. That I choose to be with the person who can never be entirely mine. I may have his body, but there is, and there will always be Yen in the deep recesses of his mind. If I am going to marry him, I will have to accept that part of him. She will always be the lurking shadow that haunts us forever.
Later, a gentle tap on my shoulder has my eyes flutter open. A warm smile from a beautiful stewardess greets me. I realize I have slept off my painful thoughts away.
"We're already here in Narita International Airport, ma'am. I hate to wake you up, but you might have an important appointment. Your phone h
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SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 55
“James!” I mutter, choking in the sudden lump that stuck in my throat.My voice comes out hoarse in that sensation, my chest tightening as I force myself to smile. Looking into his lifeless eyes, I can no longer stop my tears from gliding into my face. He’s no longer the carefree James I had known and made love to. Gone is the luster in his eyes and the striking aura that marks his physique. His hair is disheveled, and his prison-issued shirt crumpled.“Don’t cry. I’m still alive,” James says as he settles on a chair across from me. The metal from his handcuff screeches against the chair’s surface as he straightens up his back.I suddenly can’t grasp some words to tell him. I don’t know anymore if it’s right to ask how he is doing because I know the answer. It will only hurt him.“Are you just going to stare at me?” he chuckles; perhaps seeing how I open my mouth several times b
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 56 Ella
I order Java Chip Frappuccino to boost me up. I always love the taste of mocha and coffee blend, along with its creamy and nutty goodness. Of course, if Zed is here with me, there's no way I would be allowed to cheat. It has caffeine that may be a teratogen to my baby, but I badly need one now. I'm so exhausted in all aspects, but I can't allow myself to rest unless I'll have my questions answered.While I amsipping my frap leisurely, I saw a woman walking in my direction. She wears a skimpy black dress, revealing her cleavage and two-thirds of her thighs. In her hand is a silver purse that matches her glittering pumps. It looks like she's going to a party rather than meeting me in a coffee shop swarmed with college students and medical interns.I look up when I see her through my peripheral vision, standing across from me. I rise to my feet and extend a hand for a handshake."Thanks for coming," I say, smiling weakly at her. I gesture for her to take the
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 57 Zed
Zed's POV"What do you mean by that?" I roar from the doorway when I see her packing her things into a suitcase. All my nerves seem to quiver at the thought of her leaving me. I have already prepared my mind for this, but I realize I will never be ready.She scrambles to her feet – fear, worry, and anger seem to flash in rapid succession in her reaction."Zed, I'm sorry," she glances for a second, then returns to what she's doing.I slowly stride towards the back of the sofa. From there, I can look at her closely since it sits across the bed where her things are scattered."Just like this, Ella? Don't I deserve an explanation or a few words before you leave?" My shoulders drop as I throw her a frustrated look. My voice isn't loud, but its wave is enough to tell her I am hurting."If there's someone who should be explaining here, it should be you. Not me," she tells me, her voice starting to crack
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 58 Ella
Ella's POV I take one last look around the house that has been my home for a few months — the house thatcradles my happy and unforgettable memories with Zed. I don't know if someday, I can still seethis place. Our situation is such a mess. And I can no longer foresee a future for both Zed and me. A pang of pain seizes my heart as I remember the day I danced with Zed. But somehow, I smile at the thought. He's so stunning, taking my breath away every time I set my eyes on him. I felt more like a girldreaming of a knight or the leading female character of a novel who finally meets her man. I drag my reluctant legs into the car I have rented until the one I've bought is ready to use. Gripping at the steering wheel, I still stare at the glass walls of thehouse, wishing to catch a glimpse of Zed. But not even a shadow of him is there. My eyes sting at just the thought of his indifferenc
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 59 Ella
"Look, Mr. D," I tell him, trying to convince him that my proposal is about myself. "My father had high expectations from me. He's been a businessman all his life, and he left a legacy that he expects will thrive under my care." I hold my breath, praying he won't be difficult to deal with. I just had a hard time convincing him to get into the discussion again. "Mr. D, has it ever occurred to you that you can lead a company of your own with that talent of yours? All you need is money, and I have that. You can't be an employer forever – you're wasting your time to become the country's next most outstanding business magnate. Look, Mr. Kim Mori is the one getting wealthier and wealthier because of your talent." Mr. D looks up, and his expression has softened. My heart immediately wells up, thinking of my soon victory. "Are you going to just pay or buy my rights? You're into business, and you know it's not wise. Money disappears even before you know it." He keeps tapping his pen on the
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 60 Ella
I glance at the man meaningfully, and he walks away. I'm glad he gets the message without saying it to his face that I need privacy in answering James' call. "James, how do you get into a phone?" A chuckle rumbles from the other line. "Someone lets me. Don't worry." "Can I talk about something confidential?" I furrow my brows, half expecting he'd say no. "Of course, dear." "Who is this man that brings this phone over?" "One of my trusted men." I run my eyes around, looking for the man. My eyes finally rested on his silhouette through the glass walls. He's standing outside, his back facing me. I also look around me, checking for somebody's presence to be sure. I just can't allow anyone to eavesdrop on me. Sitting on the end corner and facing both the exit door and the interior of the café, I have the advantage. I can easily spot intruders. "James, I have talked to Mr. D. He's only willing to take my offer if he can be a shareholder." "What did you tell him?" comes his reply rig
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 61
I feel my strength leaves me the moment I step into my room. I can’t almost make it to bed. My legs are trembling, and raising them to plant a step forward seems too difficult. My mind is a total mess, and I don’t know what’s right anymore. Placing my phone and bag on the bedside table, I slowly remove my clothes and throw them on the floor. Then, forgetting about washing my face or brushing my teeth, I lift the covers and drag my heavy body inside, whispering a prayer that I may get a deep sleep. Instead, however, I see Zed when I close my eyes. How is he now? How is he coping? Is he lamenting over my loss just as he did with Yen? Is he having sleep difficulties because I’m gone? Is he thinking of me? I blink several times, but still, his gentle and tender looks at the back of my mind plague me with longing to see him again. But I can’t. I must stand firm in the decision I make. I should not show any sign of weakness. My parents didn’t raise me to be independent just for me to crum
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 62 Ella
“What kind of paintings are these?” Ara’s big mouth starts popping open as soon as she sees the withered rose and the arrow-and-rock-crushed heart paintings on my office walls. I requested Yen to let Ara come and visit me at the office. At least, it’s safe that way. I’m not sure if I’m being bugged, or somebody is following me because of that incident with Mr. Greg. How did he know I was in that coffee shop? Or, is he sent together with Maezy to monitor me? But those questions are something I could not ask Mr. Greg. I don’t want him or James to create a negative impression on me. “Don’t you like them?” I ask, smiling at Ara as I stand behind her. She spins around and looks at me right in the eye. “Why are they sad and tragic? It seems like those paintings have hidden meanings, or stories waiting to be told.” I nod. Even if Mr. D told me that those paintings are about me and my melancholic tendencies, I still feel otherwise. I feel those speak about hi
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SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 87 The Epilogue
Zed's POV I stare at the charcoal portraits of two little kids. One painting shows them holding hands, another shows them eating together, and another shows them chasing happily. Those portraits depict my longing to be with the brother I had never met. I don't realize that my tears are already brimming as I recall those days. Those days when I sent those paintings to the orphanage together with my father's monthly allocation for him. I wonder if dad had noticed that I also painted a portrait every month and made sure I finished them before it was time to send them to him. "You keep them," I say, lifting my teary eyes to Dennis. Dennis rolls his eyes. "You made me so poor back then. All the money that daddy sent went to the expensive frames I bought for those portraits." Ella laughs but tears pool at the corners of her beautiful eyes. She looks so divine in her bridal gown; her angelic face matches the glitters of those thousands of diamonds that Den adorned on her wedding dress.
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 86 Special Episode 9 ( Ara's POV)
My brows furrow as I look at the woman whose voice rings loud and clear inside the room. She looks like she is in her mid-fifties, but a strong and domineering aura emanates from her. Her presence speaks of authority, and the lift of her chin and fiery gaze is enough to tell she holds a high position that even James bows down in respect. “My queen! Why are you here?” exclaims James, his previous arrogant look melts down against the power and authority of this woman. “Put down your weapons!” she orders, moving her eyes around. The three burly men instantly bend down and put their guns on the floor. I look at James and also find him conceding. He raises his hands in a gesture of surrender, then bows down, placing his gun on the floor. “Surrender all the weapons, not only those in your hands!” My eyes grow wide at her command, and my gaze darts toward the men pulling the pistols and knives hidden inside their jackets. I also watch James disengage an oliv
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 85 Special Episode 8 : (Ara's POV)
"Very well," James raises his hands and claps slowly but loudly. He stands at the doorway, slowly pacing towards us. Following behind him are three burly-looking men who quickly spread apart, covering the room's corners. However, his claps are not to applaud but to mock. James is devilishly a handsome man in his mid-thirties but doesn't have the aura of domineering and stunning CEOs. He has gold piercings on his ears, messy bangs that he keeps pushing to the side, and tattoos painting his entire arms. He stands tall in a pair of signature rubber shoes and bleached denim jeans, coupled with a button-up shirt that lays open down to the center of his chest. His figure better fits the definition of a mobster. James looks at Zed and says, "I always know you would come to play the role of a knight in shining armor, saving a damsel in distress." I glance at Zed, now sitting beside Ella and holding her hand. He looks back at James, his eyes keen and watchful.
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 84 Special Episode 7 : (Ara's POV)
I feel my fear sucking the air out of me. If I have to see myself in the mirror, I must already be as pale as death’s shade. Zed glances at me worriedly, but his expression is worse than mine. I know very well that he’s not scared for himself but us. Every minute that ticks by feels like taking away some years from my life.“Where are we now?” Mitch asks, her eyes moving around fast. She’s as scared as me!“We’re going uphill,” says Zed. He looks now at Ella, who is now fast asleep due to the sedative that Mitch administered to her. Because of my fear, I didn’t even notice before that an intravenous solution was dripping above her.“Will the baby be alright?” He’s sleeping soundly on the stroller beside the stretcher. I can’t help noticing how Ella has prepared for this.“She must be. I have been able to prepare her needs ahead.”The ambulance then skids to a turn. Mitch and I hurriedly peer through the slits of the curtains and see that we’re entering a wide gate. Zed also peeks out,
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 83 Special Episode 6 : (Ara's POV)
"What are we going to do now?" I whisper, but my eyes dart wide in fear. Mitch and Ella also look back at me with freezing gazes, massive glints of fear and shock ruling their expressions. "Where are we heading?" Ella asks, her gaze shifting among the three of us. "I'll call a backup." Zed pulls out his phone from his back pocket without wasting a second. "Sir, we screwed up. When we reached the clinic, Ella was already in an ambulance. But an enemy has taken the driver's place." "Whose ambulance?" "From the hospital where her OB-Gyne is affiliated." "Where's Monster?" "At the clinic. But the key is with me." I realize that the monster they are talking about is the car we used in coming to the clinic. But, perhaps, it got that name because it is heavily tinted and bullet-proofed, aside from the ammunition loaded inside. "No worries. I have spare keys." "You're following?" Zed asks. "Yes."
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 82 Special Episode 5 (Ara's POV)
Zed moves straight ahead instead of turning to the left as initially planned. So I start presuming that Zed has changed his mind about picking up Ella himself. But then he turns right, and soon, we enter a black gate. “What are we doing here?” I ask Zed. Seeing him unfastening his seatbelt, I also do mine. “Hurry, Ar. We need to change the vehicle, a bullet-proof one.” “Who is living here?” “One of my teams.” Zed jumps down from the car and runs towards my side to open the door for me. But before he reaches me, I have already stepped one foot out. “Ara, just stay here. You will be safe here. This area is heavily guarded, and the security is high. I will pick you up once everything is over. But in case I can’t, my team knows what to do with you,” Zed speaks in utmost tenderness. His face even paints his gratefulness and worry for me. But I don’t like him saying goodbye. I may not be of any help to him, but I want to accompany him until
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 81 Special Episode 4: (Ara's POV)
"Ara, close your eyes and tighten your seatbelt!" I scream even before I see Zed's next move. He then looks over his right shoulder, places his right hand on the top of the steering wheel, then eases off his foot abruptly from the brake pedal. I scream again as the car reverses andaccelerates backward, missing the car that speeds next to us narrowly. "Slow down, Zed! I'm not ready to die yet!" I shout from the top of my lungs as our car is about to collide with another vehicle. And the torture doesn't end. Cars after cars come closer by a thread's width, but luckily, Zed swerves away just in time! Damn, Kim! I wouldn't be in death's mouth if it were not because of him! Is he siding now with James? "Scream as loud as you can, Ar! It eases your fear. Haven't I told you? Kim's kindness is just a show-off?" Zed yell in my left ear, jolting me off from my seat. "My goodness, Zedrick! I don't expect this side of you. How can you fly a
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 80 Special Episode 3 : (Ara's POV)
"You're seeking more trouble, Zed. Do you think James will give you peace?" I am already shaking in anger. Zed is just too stubborn. Just where does this man get his courage from? If he relies on his previous investigation team, I don't believe they're more powerful than the assassin's group. They have been delving into James' case for several years already. They would have solved the case long ago if they were that good. "Let him do what he wants." Zed doesn't look like he is kidding. His eyes are on the road, but his sharp gaze reflects his determination. Silence envelopes inside the car, giving me more time to look left and right, scared that a convoy of vehicles will suddenly overtake and block our way. I am fond of watching suspense movies, and finally, I have become the leading character in my life's drama. My phone suddenly vibrates, and I immediately presume it comes from a bomb planted under my seat. I scream, and Zed s
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 79 Special Episode 2: (Ara's POV)
“Made from finest silk fabrics, this gown is embellished with 1000 diamonds. But this is not the most expensive wedding gown. Kate Middleton’s sparkling wedding tiara alone had 1000 diamonds.” Zed’s face pulls into a stern frown. “Are you meeting me just to show that off? Damn you, Dennis! I admit I can never afford a lavish bridal gown as you do, but believe me, the beauty of the wedding lies not in the expensive gown a bride wears, but the weight of the affection she carries in her heart.” I raise my head this time and peer at these men squarely. I may not have met Dennis yet, the one they call Mr. D, but I heard many things about him from Yen. She even calls him eccentric. And judging from what I am seeing now, he looks far more bizarre than how Yen describes him. How can a man in his right mind calls an ex-fiancé just to show off? “I’m seeing you because I want to ask for your suggestion.” Mr. D shrugs like he doesn’t care about Zed’s reaction. I
