"I don't know what happened. But if I get here ...." Jolina bit her lip, pretending to be worried. "Could something have happened between us?"Jolina held her head, pretending to be dizzy in their presence. Caroline couldn't think straight. Couldn't digest whether this was just a misunderstanding or a harsh reality she had to accept. All she knew was the pain that shook her entire body, drowning her in a wave of suffocating emotions. Her hands gripped the sides of the door, trying to keep her balance as her body began to tremble. Jolina still wore a confused and frightened expression, but Caroline could no longer care less. Her gaze was locked on Ben, the man who had always made her feel safe, who had always been patient and gentle with her. And now, there he was, unconscious, with another woman in his arms.Her eyes began to burn, tears welling up in her eyes, but Caroline tried to hold them back. She didn't want to look weak in front of everyone. However, the more she tried to hold
Ben tried to stand up, but his body wasn't fully recovered. Glenn quickly held him up. Meanwhile, Jolina just watched them silently."Don't force your body yet. I've called Poppy's doctor over here," Glenn said, worried about him."But Caroline-""Andrew is with her. I'm sure he won't just let Caroline go.""I need to talk to her. She must have misunderstood." Ben pressed his temples, frustrated and panicked at the thought of Caroline leaving.But Ben didn't care. His panic was getting the better of him. He couldn't let Caroline think that he had betrayed her. Not after all they had been through together.Ben remembered something. A faint image came back into his mind, the woman's face, her soft voice as she delivered the champagne earlier. Ben only remembered that incident, the rest he couldn't remember anything."You delivered the champagne earlier, right?" Ben's eyes narrowed and realized something."Yes... I delivered the champagne. But I don't know how I ended up here, sir." Joli
When Doctor Poppy was on her way to Ben's place, her car was immediately intercepted by a group of masked men. She immediately stopped the car for a moment. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw them. Trembling hands gripped the steering wheel and her mind raced to find a way to get out of this situation."Get out," One of the masked men tapped the windshield with the butt of a gun.Doctor Poppy gulped. Having no other choice, she slowly opened the car door and got out with her hands raised. She was very afraid of them. However, a woman suddenly appeared from another car. Doctor Poppy's eyes widened when she saw Sophia approaching her."Hi, Doctor Poppy. How are you? It's been a long time since we've seen each other," asked Sophia, pretending to be nice."What do you want? Are they your goons?" Doctor Poppy had expected it and saw the masked men."Doctor Poppy, you must be a smart woman. I don't want anything to happen to your sweet daughter. So, make sure you do not mention anything
Ben stepped out of the gala venue with firm steps, even though his body had not fully recovered. His head still felt heavy and the pain in his chest made his breathing a little labored. However, none of that deterred him. Caroline was out there, hurt and alone. He would not let her think that he had betrayed her.Behind him, Glenn hurried to catch up. Glenn looked frustrated, unable to let his boss act rashly like this. Ben opened the door of his sports car-Aston Martin DBS Superleggera-without hesitation, then started the engine with one heavy breath. Glenn approached him and tried to stop him once again."Sir, let me drive," Glenn said."No, you stay out of it!"He knew that Ben was stubborn like this. The car sped out of the gala area and left a rumbling sound behind. Glenn could only curse while clenching his fists. After all, Andrew still had no news about Caroline.Meanwhile, Ben was driving at high speed on the night road. His heart was beating fast, not only because his body w
Caroline didn't think twice. As soon as she saw Ben, she ran and got into his car without hesitation. Her hands were shaking as she pulled the door shut."Caroline! Get out of that car right now!" snapped Johan.Although his condition had not fully recovered, Ben would take Caroline to a safe place first. He wasn't going to his house but to his private apartment."Don't try to touch her again," Ben's voice sounded cold and threatening.Ben didn't look back. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his gaze straight ahead. The car sped off, leaving Johan standing in the middle of the road in a fury.Inside the car, Caroline sat still and her body was still trembling. Her breathing was labored and her hands gripped her dress tightly. She didn't even dare to turn her head to the side, despite knowing that Ben was stealing glances at her.Silence enveloped them. The sound of a car engine driving down the night road was the only thing to be heard. Caroline still felt the traces of Joh
"I know you're angry. I look like a jerk in your eyes," Ben's voice sounded heavy. "But I didn't do that knowingly, Caroline. I was set up-"Caroline could only shake her head. How many times had Ben said the same thing? However, she now found it hard to believe him. She saw clearly that Ben was sleeping with another woman while the gala was still going on.When Ben was about to grab her wrist, Caroline immediately turned away. She didn't want to look at Ben right now."Caroline ....""Don't touch me!" Caroline gave Ben some distance.Ben froze in place. Caroline's voice full of firmness and pain pierced straight into his heart. His hand that was about to touch Caroline stopped in mid-air before he slowly pulled it back. Ben rubbed his face and felt frustrated. He wanted Caroline to believe him, wanted to explain everything, but how could he? Caroline had seen it so clearly herself. No matter how hard he explained that it was all a trap, the images etched into Caroline's memory would
Jolina was intrigued by Glenn at the gala. She wondered, what exactly made Glenn so different. Her curiosity grew about him. Sophia kept asking, even thinking that Jolina liked Ben."Or perhaps... do you actually like Ben?" Sophia scrutinized Jolina's expression."Ben? Oh, come on, Sophia." She placed her wine glass on the table, giving Sophia a bored look. "I did sleep with him that night at least, that's what Caroline thinks. But it was just part of the plan and I don't have the slightest feelings for him."Jolina sipped her wine slowly, her mind still revolving around Glenn. Glenn didn't seem like the type of man who would easily fall under her spell and that made Jolina even more curious.Jolina recalled her meeting with Glenn during the gala event. The man always seemed calm, unlike other men who were mesmerized by her in seconds. Glenn had a piercing gaze that seemed to read her mind, making her feel challenged."Do you like Glenn? Ben's subordinate?" Sophia asked."Glenn is dif
"Are you still angry with me?" Ben asked in a soft voice, looking attentively at Caroline who was still in his arms.Caroline still remembered the incident at the gala event, she slowly let go of his embrace. She was disappointed with Ben who had betrayed her.Ben felt the change in Caroline's attitude as she slowly pulled away from his embrace. His heart sank when he saw Caroline's expression-not only sadness, but also deep disappointment."Caroline ...." Ben tried to take her hand again, but Caroline shied away, looking at him with eyes that were now filled with suppressed emotion."I'm still disappointed in you, Ben." Caroline kept her distance from Ben.Ben was silent. Those words hurt much more than the anger Caroline was showing. He tried to get closer again."But at the gala, you let a woman sleep with you." Caroline's voice trembled and still remembered vividly the scene that Ben had created with another woman on the bed."Caroline, listen to me," Ben tried to explain again. "
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
"No way." Caroline tried to keep her tone down to avoid sounding panicked. "She was at the party. She was wearing a waitress uniform and brought drinks for me and Ben.""I don't know who you're referring to, Miss." The receptionist was getting confused.Caroline was stunned. If Jolina wasn't hotel staff, then who was she? Was she just pretending to be a waitress to get close to Ben? Wasn't the security at the hotel usually so tight, why would anyone be able to sneak in unnoticed?Caroline swallowed. Her mind was spinning wildly, trying to put all the pieces together. If Jolina could disguise herself so easily, then she had access or someone to help her get into the party. But who, and for what purpose? She clenched her hands into fists on the reception desk, trying to remain calm despite the anxiety surrounding her."Can I see the event manager or whoever is in charge of the night, then?" Caroline said firmly."Please wait a moment, Miss. I will contact the management." The receptioni