Flo sat beside Caroline politely. Perhaps, she had something to tell her?"Flo, what's wrong with you, do you want to tell me?" Caroline held one of Flo's hands."Miss Caroline, do you have any love feelings for Mr. Charles?" asked Flo suddenly.She immediately smiled to herself when Flo talked about Ben. Caroline was still confused about her feelings. Could it be because they often meet and are close to each other can foster feelings of love? Flo was still waiting for an answer from her."If you do have feelings for Mr. Charles, I beg you not to hurt his feelings. Because Mr. Charles loves you very much. This is the first time I have seen him so interested and feel so comfortable with a woman and dare to risk anything for you," Flo replied in front of Caroline.She was speechless and just listened to Flo's words. Ben would do anything for her, even sacrifice his life. However, she did not want to rush to answer."I'm the only one Ben loves, is that it?" Caroline's eyebrows rose."Yes
Victoria greeted Johan and was surprised to see his bloody face. She immediately helped to treat her son's wound."Johan, why are you like this? You look so horrible! Did you fight with someone?" Victoria asked Johan and told him to sit down.Johan did not immediately answer his mother's question. He just walked to the sofa and complained of pain. Victoria quickly took the first aid kit box from the small cupboard in the corner of the room and returned with hasty steps."Yes, I fought with Ben and Andrew." Johan endured the pain and Victoria helped him to treat his wounds."Who were they?" asked a curious Victoria as she cleaned the cuts on Johan's face."Ben is Caroline's lover and Andrew is his subordinate."Hearing Caroline's name spoken by Johan, made Victoria stop to apply antiseptic medicine on her son's skin. Her eyes were wide and furious. Her gaze was fixed on Johan."So, it's all because of that woman?" asked a furious Victoria.Johan nodded, then looked at his mother's face
The front door was broken down by Johan's subordinates, making the atmosphere in the house even more tense. He came here to give Ben a punishment for daring to defy him. By taking Caroline hostage, Ben could do nothing and surrender without a fight. "Who are they?" asked Flo in a trembling voice, she was terrified to see several people trying to break down the door. Ben's remaining subordinates inside tried to fight off Johan's well-trained men. The sound of banging doors was getting louder, making Flo panic even more and immediately went upstairs to call Ben. Flo's hands trembled as she gripped the banister. Johan and his subordinates managed to get into the house. They attacked each other. However, Johan's subordinates managed to stop Ben's subordinates by using tranquilizer dart guns. "Mr. Charles, wake up, sir, it's an emergency!" Flo shouted and knocked loudly on Ben's bedroom door. However, there was no response from inside the room. The sound of footsteps approaching from be
Approximately five hours later, Andrew regained consciousness. However, his head still felt dizzy, his head felt like it was spinning violently. He saw that some of his friends had woken up and some were still unconscious although their vision was still blurry. He tried to stand up slowly while holding his head. Andrew immediately checked the condition of the house and worried about Ben's condition. Andrew almost fell, but he was lucky enough to lean against the wall. He tried to remember the last incident before fainting, but his mind still couldn't fully focus.The situation inside was so chaotic that he saw Flo running towards him while crying. Flo was still in shock after the incident and was staggering."Where is Mr. Charles?" asked Andrew while holding Flo's hand."He's in the room. Unconscious," Flo said with a sad look on her face."Where is Miss Caroline? Is she okay?" Andrew asked again.Flo just shook her head. She told Andrew that Caroline had been taken away by Johan. And
"Johan, I beg you, don't hurt Ben, let alone have evil plans to kill him. He is a good man." Caroline burst into tears in front of Johan and Victoria."You even begged for forgiveness for another man?" Johan looked at Caroline with a cold expression."He is the one who saved my life." Caroline still defended Ben because he was good to her.Victoria couldn't wait to kill Caroline, Johan was so wordy. Instead of hoping with Johan, it was better to do it herself. Victoria then took out a gun from her bag. She then pointed the gun at Caroline."Mom, where did you get that gun?" asked Johan who suddenly panicked. He tried to take the gun in his mother's hand."You're just beating around the bush, Johan! You still have feelings for Caroline, right? So you can't afford to kill her." Victoria fired one bullet from the gun.There was a loud gunshot and the bullet hit Caroline in the stomach. Johan couldn't believe that his mother could do something like this. Caroline's stomach was bleeding an
Victoria told the two men to look outside immediately. She was still watching Johan and Caroline. Even with her son, she could be reckless.'Is Ben here and ready to take Caroline home?'Johan muttered to himself. Maybe it was true that Ben had come. His plan from the beginning was to take Ben's life, but now he wanted Ben to take Caroline away safely. Meanwhile, Victoria looked so anxious."Why do you look so panicked, Mom? What are you afraid of?" asked Johan.Victoria didn't want to answer Johan's question. Outside the situation was more tense. Then, Johan tried to stand up and approach his mother. Even though his shoulder was shot, Johan wanted to try to see the situation outside."Johan, stay here, don't go outside. It's dangerous outside," Victoria said."I want to go outside for a while, Mom. You stay here with Caroline.""No! If I say no, you don't go out there!" Victoria held Johan's hand tightly, but Johan left his mother.It was getting noisy outside and a fight was breakin
Victoria's hand shook violently. The gun had fallen to the floor. In that gaze was the regret, anger and despair of a mother who had lost control. Johan had been shot by his mother."Ben, take Caroline away from this place." Johan's voice was low and disjointed, but Ben could still hear it.Then, Ben and Andrew immediately saved Caroline. Ben lifted Caroline's body and immediately carried her outside. The car was ready to go to the hospital. Andrew would drive the car, while Ben was in the back seat along with Caroline. "Andrew, hurry up." Ben panicked as he touched Caroline's cold body.He didn't want Caroline to die this quickly. Moreover, he still can't give the best for the person he loves. Andrew quickly drove the car but was alert and focused."Caroline, don't leave me." Ben checked Caroline's pulse which was getting weaker.***Upon arrival at the hospital, Caroline was immediately rushed to the Emergency room for immediate treatment. Doctors and nurses quickly checked her con
'The surgery was successful. The bullet was removed and the bleeding was stopped. However, her condition is still weak. She needs time to recover.'Ben was still reeling from the doctor's words. However, he was very grateful to God that Caroline's life could still be saved. He breathed a sigh of relief, although there was still some lingering worry. He grasped Caroline's hand carefully and put on sterile clothes. The room was quiet, with only the sound of medical equipment working to stabilize Caroline's body."I know you'll be strong, sweetheart."Ben sat beside Caroline's bed. His eyes did not leave Caroline's pale face. The oxygen tube was still in place and the bedside machine continued to monitor her vital signs. However, what relieved Ben the most was the soft sound of the heart rate monitor still beeping regularly. "You've been through worse than this," Ben whispered as he gripped Caroline's hand tighter. "So I'm sure you can get through this too." The ICU door opened sligh
Caroline wanted to go out for a while and get some fresh air outside. However, she couldn't go alone because Ben had assigned Andrew to always stand guard beside Caroline."Mr. Charles has given me the job of looking after you, taking you wherever you need to go. Just mention it, Miss." Caroline smiled slightly, although in her heart there was a slight sense of uneasiness at being watched. But she knew this was not about mistrust. It was about protection. And Ben, as always, knew how important safety was to her."I'd like to go to the park near the square," Caroline said softly."Yes, Miss. I'll take you two blocks, then we'll walk from there so as not to be too conspicuous. The car is ready."Caroline just nodded slowly, then went back inside for a moment. She picked up a thin gray scarf and a small bag from the table by the door. When she came back out, Andrew was already standing there opening the car door for her.The drive to the park was silent, and cozy in the quiet of the mor
After a long night with Ben, Caroline is still in his arms. She had given him everything, not just her body, but also her heart and her trust. Behind the warmth of their touching skin, there was a meaningful silence."Do you regret it?" Ben whispered in Caroline's ear."No." Caroline shook her head softly."Then I'll make sure you never regret choosing me." Ben kissed her forehead warmly.Caroline smiled, her eyes still closed as she buried her face into Ben's warm chest. Her fingers traced Ben's skin as if memorizing every inch of the man's body that was now a place to lean on. Ben caressed Caroline's bare back with a gentle touch.They were silent for a moment, letting each other's heartbeats do the talking. The room was filled with traces of love that had not completely disappeared from the air. Their sweat had dried up, but the warmth still lingered between the bodies that were no longer separated.Ben looked at Caroline's face resting on his chest. Gently, he brushed away the few
"Don't let her die now. I want her to live," Sophia ordered her subordinates.Jolina was already unconscious. The smell of blood wafted through the room. Her subordinates standing in the corner of the room just looked down. He knew very well that when Sophia wanted something, there was no room for error. Especially when Sophia said she still wanted Jolina's life, it was not mercy. Rather, it was a long unfinished threat."Take her to a safe place. Make sure she gets treatment, but keep an eye on her. I don't want anyone to find out about this matter too soon." Sophia gave orders to her subordinates.***The dim light from the lamp hung from the ceiling of the underground hospital room. There was no sound other than the slow beating of the heartbeat monitor.Jolina's body lay weakly on the iron bed, a white blanket covering her wounded body. Her face was pale with bandages wrapped around her head and abdomen. IVs pierced the backs of her hands and oxygen was attached to her nose. She w
Jolina was chained to a metal chair in the center of the room. Her hands and feet were immobilized. Her clothes were stained with blood and a masked man approached, circling her slowly. Suddenly the door opened slowly. Sophia stepped in, her dress so elegant and her gaze so coldly fixed on Jolina. She stopped right in front of Jolina who was still limp. Her eyes narrowed sharply as she looked at the face that had always smiled confidently it looked fragile, helpless."Get up bitch!"A hard slap landed on Jolina's cheek. That brought Jolina to her senses, opening her eyes slowly. Then she was shocked to be in a place like this and surrounded by Sophia's subordinates."Let go of me!" said Jolina.Jolina began to come to her senses. Fear spread quickly as she felt the cold iron on her wrists and how she couldn't move her body at all. "You met Glenn earlier, right? You must have spilled the beans!" Sophia scooped Jolina's face roughly."I didn't say anything," she whispered weakly."Don
Glenn stepped out of the living room with a flat face, but his eyes conveyed restrained annoyance. His steps were quick and he headed for the backyard. The cool night air greeted him, but not enough to ease the emotions that were beginning to warm up in his chest.In his hand was a full bottle of champagne - a bottle he took without saying a word. Andrew was lounging on a wooden chair, legs crossed, enjoying the evening as if nothing in the world mattered. When he heard Glenn's footsteps approaching, he turned his head and grinned."You don't seem to be in a good mood." Andrew raised an eyebrow."Mr. Charles and Miss Caroline were making fun of me," Glenn muttered as he sipped his drink slowly."You know he didn't mean any harm. It was his way of showing familiarity." Andrew laughed softly as he tapped Glenn on the shoulder. "Come on, Glenn. They're just joking."Glenn just glanced at him sharply, placing the champagne bottle on the small table. Then they got to talking."I just don't
Ben's reaction was very different from the others. There was no shock on his face, no sudden burst of anger. He just stared at Jolina with eyes that remained calm, as if the name had long been in his mind."You're not surprised?" Caroline turned to Ben."No, I'm not. I expected it from the beginning. This must be Sophia's game." Ben took a slow breath before letting it out, his eyes remaining focused on Jolina."You have five minutes, Jolina. Tell Mr. Charles and Miss Caroline everything." Glenn continued to press Jolina."Sophia told me to make sure your relationship with Caroline was fractured. She thinks if Caroline feels insecure with you, she will stay away from you." Jolina bit her lip, her eyes glancing at Caroline for a moment before returning her gaze to Ben."Sophia wants me to leave Ben?" Caroline clenched her hands at her sides."I'm just following her orders." Jolina looked down for a moment.Ben sighed, then glanced at Caroline who still looked angry. His hand reached ou
In the warm living room, Caroline sat comfortably on the sofa and leaned against Ben who sat beside her. The hot tea on the table had cooled slightly, forgotten as they were too engrossed in enjoying each other's company.Ben shifted his body a little closer, his hand coming up to tuck a strand of Caroline's hair behind her ear. The gesture was gentle, and caring, making Caroline look up at him with slightly sparkling eyes. They had both returned from Ben's apartment."You look beautiful tonight," Ben whispered into Caroline's ear."You say that as if I wasn't beautiful the other nights." Caroline blushed, a small smile etched on her face.Ben chuckled, then gently touched her chin, lifting Caroline's face to be level with his. Caroline looked intensely into Ben's eyes."You're always beautiful, but tonight... I feel like you look happier."Caroline was silent for a moment, feeling the warmth that Ben always gave her. She knew that this man always cared about her, not just physically,
With one swift movement, Glenn pulled Jolina into the narrow alley beside the café. It was quieter there, with only the sound of vehicles from the main road. Glenn leaned one hand against the wall, making it impossible for Jolina to move."You have to choose, Jolina," he said quietly, but with pressure. "Tell me who sent you or I'll drag you straight to Mr. Charles."Instead of feeling scared, Jolina felt excited to be this close to Glenn. She wanted to flirt with the man, but that didn't make Glenn interested in her. Jolina smiled a little, trying to shift the tension between them. She looked up slightly, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint."Why are you so serious, Glenn? You know, if you weren't so stiff, maybe I'd have an easier time talking," she whispered teasingly.However, Glenn's expression remained flat. His eyes didn't show the slightest interest. Instead, his jaw hardened, and his grip on Jolina's wrist tightened."Don't play games with me. I have no time for cheap
Arriving at the apartment, Ben opened the door and let Caroline in first. His steps remained calm. As soon as the door closed, Ben turned around and looked at her intently. His eyes were sharp, not with anger, but with deep concern."Caroline," Ben's voice was slightly hoarse. "I understand you want to find answers, but going off alone like that, I'm worried.""I didn't mean to worry you. I just felt I had to make sure of everything myself." Caroline bowed her head."Next time, don't do this alone. I'm here for you. Whatever you're looking for, we'll find it together." Ben let out a long sigh and stepped closer, his fingers lifting to touch the side of Caroline's face gently.Caroline nodded softly, her eyes beginning to feel warm with mixed emotions. Ben finally took off his jacket and placed it on the back of the sofa before sitting down. He was still staring anxiously at Caroline's face."Now, tell me everything from the beginning. What did you find at the hotel?" "Jolina wasn't o