"I hope I can go back there someday. I will definitely miss Hawaii.”The sweet and unforgettable honeymoon is over. Marked by the landing of the jet that brought the newlywed’s home. Exactly at eight in the evening.Knowing for sure that she had returned to her home, Elice's lips moved reflexively. She expressed her heart's content and Garrett smiled."Luckily, I brought home a hula dancer."Elice glanced over and saw the amused look in her eyes. It seemed that the jokes about the impromptu hula dancer continue for the next few days. Elice obviously had to be prepared to hold back her laughter at every opportunity Garrett would tease her.Leaving the airport, Garrett, who kept Elice at his side, found Amber waiting for them. She took their luggage and greeted them warmly."Welcome, sir and madam."Previously, Elice had been addressed as Miss. To be called Madam now made her feel a little awkward. Especially since the address was given by someone older than her."Please."The couple fo
Finding different looks from her co-workers had become a common occurrence for Elice. She had experienced it even before she married Garrett. Back when she had just started working and had been given important assignments. Then, when there was an article about her love story. And now?This should be an improvement. The reason why I'm becoming more and more the center of attention should be noble, right?Elice didn't care anymore. As long as their conversations didn't cause her any real discomfort, she would ignore them. Even if she accidentally overheard them gossiping in the pantry, it didn't matter."Elice's fate is really something, huh? Just started working and already trusted to conduct interviews.""Close to the grandson of a conglomerate and married.""Now? Even her car is more expensive than the director's here.""I wouldn't be surprised if she had bodyguards following her."Elice took a deep breath and counted to three as the
"Saturday night, at the Azure Hotel. It's the annual charity event that I used to attend with Grandpa when he was alive. For the past few years, I have gone alone. But starting this year, it feels like you two can accompany me."Dinner went on as usual, with delicious food filling the table and light conversation in between. And as always, Daphne dominated the conversation."We've always been regular donors every year. And I hope it will always be a tradition that you will continue," Daphne added. She turned to Elice. "I'm sure you'll enjoy this event. There are many paintings and other artworks that will catch your attention."Truth be told, Elice had no interest in paintings or artwork of that sort. But it seemed that the lives of the upper class always revolved around such things. Now that she had become part of that upper class, whether she liked it or not, Elice would have to learn to adapt. She would try. Maybe she would learn to like it. Elice nodded.
"What's wrong, Farrah?"Kurt's voice caused Farrah to shift her gaze to her husband. Consciously, she knew she had been staring at the spot where Ariel had disappeared from view. She shook her head. "Nothing." Farrah replied.Kurt glanced at his wife briefly before returning his gaze to the phone. He sighed deeply."Ever since Ariel left earlier, you seem to be thinking about something," Kurt said. "What's going on?"Unaware that her husband was actually watching her, Farrah remained silent for a moment. Uncertain whether to answer her husband's question or vice versa. She hadn't answered the question because something had occurred to her."Ariel's behavior seems different than usual."As she said this, Farrah's forehead seemed to wrinkle slightly. Her hand rested on the dining table, fingers rubbing together. She seemed lost in thought."Different than usual?" Kurt asked, confused. "What do you mean, Farrah?""I mean..." Farra
Stanley James Mendoza and Megan Alexander are a married couple who hosted the charity event. Held at one of the most prestigious hotels in Ashford City, the Azure Hotel had the honor of hosting the annual event that the noble family has always held. Featuring various stunning artworks, the funds raised would be allocated to various humanitarian activities in the country.It was the first time that Garrett and Elice attended the event. They felt a little awkward, but Daphne's presence made everything go smoother. The guests, who held respect and awe for the elderly woman, politely welcomed their presence, including Norah, who seemed nervous.A table had been set for the Morales family. Prominently placed. So, when Stanley opened the event, he easily singled out Garrett's family for recognition. He introduced them to all the guests as one of the charity's regular donors.Garrett and Elice naturally received more attention. In addition to the prestigious family nam
"Is something bothering you lately, Garrett?"That night, as Garrett and Elice hid under the covers in the dim light of the remaining lamp in the room, the question sounded faint. It greeted Garrett's sense of hearing and made him turn to Elice. She shuffled closer, approaching him, and Garrett greeted her with outstretched arms. He let Elice rest her head on his arm and reflexively planted a kiss on her forehead. It was a gesture that had become habit without command."I always have something on my mind."Elice's eyes closed briefly, enjoying the gentle touch on her head. But when her eyes opened again, Elice's voice was back."That's not what I meant. I know you always have a lot to think about. But this feels different," Elice said, lifting her head slightly. She looked at Garrett. "Do you have a problem?"Could what Garrett was thinking about now be classified as a problem? To be honest, Garrett wasn't sure if he should even be thinking about it. Sometimes Garrett wondered what go
On the first Monday of the new month, Elice officially changed positions. No longer working behind colorful cubicles. Instead, she worked behind the door of her own room. Elice's feet kicked rhythmically, leading her to see the state of the room that was now her workplace. Ensuring her safety from the whispers of her colleagues. That was the good side Elice could get. Avoiding the gossip she could hear.In the room there was a desk with a chair. Different in size and design from the one she used before. There was a special cabinet for files, and there was also a set of couches. At least these were the furnishings that caught Elice's immediate attention when she first entered the room.Elice's room door was knocked. Her gaze immediately shifted there. The door opened and Hollis entered, both hands rubbing together."Mr. Hollis."Elice had not expected her mother's boss and good friend to come to her. It made Elice uncomfortable. She immediately said the middle-aged man's name with a st
Three o'clock in the afternoon was an unusual time for Garrett to leave his magnificent office. But an exception was made for this day. Especially since he was driving his own car. And without anyone to accompany him."Mr. Dirk will be expecting you. At half past three at Coastal Bistro Restaurant."Those were Amber's words that successfully made Garrett cancel his schedule until six in the evening. Anything that had to do with his work could wait. His schedule could still be rearranged. But meeting someone who knew for sure the facts behind his father's accident was clearly something that could not happen twice.Garrett impatiently parked his car in the lot. He almost hit a car next to him, but luckily he hit the brake pedal at the right time. He took a deep breath. He tried to calm down.When he entered the restaurant, Garrett immediately went to the table that Amber had reserved for their meeting. He sat down and checked his watch. It was still ten minutes before the appointed time
Amidst the drizzle of raindrops, there was a slender fingered hand that welcomed the droplets. Gathering them deliberately to feel the chill that accompanied the wetness against the skin.Chill. It made the body shiver slightly. But in truth, there was no intention of moving from there.To stand still. Allow the rain and the wind that accompanied it to bring even more coldness.For she needed to see with her own eyes. The shape of the promise that the universe would fulfill. That there would always be a time for every moment.There is a beginning. And there is an end. And for the chill that pervades now, it will end. Replaced by the returning warmth.Then she realized that the last raindrop had just fallen into her hand. No more drops to follow.The rain had stopped. So did the wind that accompanied it. So, it was the perfect time to raise her head.To look far into the distance. At the clouds that had appeared dark before and were now gradually fading. The gray color that had covered
Farrah fell silent. Her face hardened and remained unmoved as the sad question was directed at her."Are you satisfied now?" Kurt stared at Farrah, his face and eyes red. Tears dried on his cheeks. "Are you happy now?" Kurt asked again. "Will you be satisfied only when Ariel is dead?"Farrah's breath caught in her chest for a moment. Her chest rumbled. Was Kurt really going to accuse her like that?"Kurt."Kurt's hand gripped Farrah's upper arm. He squeezed it with the fury of a father who had lost his son. Anger and sadness collided in his eyes."I told you, Farrah. I told you repeatedly. And now you see the consequences of your actions?"Kurt's shoulders trembled with painful sobs. Regret quickly filled his heart and mind. If only he could have stopped his wife. If only he had stayed there. If only. If only. If only.But it was all too late. There was nothing more Kurt could do."You killed our son, Farrah. You killed Ariel!"Farrah blinked. A tear that had been there for who knew h
Day after day. In life, there will always be different shades at every turn of the changing times.White.Black.It's only a matter of time before they visit each individual's story. And this time it seems that gray is paying a visit.Not too dark. But certainly not light. It's a state in between. Between despair and hope. Standing on a thin thread. Falling or trying to be able to. Struggling to stay upright when the fear becomes more pressing.Exactly what they felt. Family and loved ones when they heard what happened to Elice. News that shattered common sense and elicited hysterical screams from everyone who heard it.Norah, Wilda and Rita walked fast. Navigating the corridors of the hospital. Cutting through the bustle of the medical staff. Making their way to a main ward, closely guarded by several personal guards.The door to the room opened. Norah, Wilda and Rita were welcomed to enter and find the figure of their concern.Elice lay on the hospital bed. Next to Garrett, who did
"Ariel. Ariel. I beg you, Ariel."Elice shook Ariel's body. But Ariel didn't move at all. Completely still."Ariel, please."Elice let go of Ariel's hand. Just to touch his face. Just to feel that there was no feeling there.Ariel's eyes opened. Unblinking. Unfocused. Those eyes had lost their light. Faded. Gone. Leaving behind a reality that made Elice's tears flow uncontrollably.There was no breath. No more pulse. No more heartbeat. All signs of life were gone. Just as the soul had finally left its body."Ariel!" Elice sobbed. She embraced Ariel's lifeless body. Holding it tight. "Ariel, please."No matter how hard Elice shook the body in her embrace, she received no response. The rigid body remained motionless. Crushing any hope Elice had clung to.Ending in a hug full of devastation that made Elice cry even harder. Allowing Ariel's blood and her tears to mix into one."Ariel."Elice's voice was filled with fear. A pain she had never imagined before. For in that moment, Ariel was
Ariel winced. Ignoring the pain in his stomach, he tried to stand up. But as soon as his body was lifted slightly from the ground, he fell again."Ariel!"Elice screamed when she saw Ariel's condition. He looked at her. He tried to speak."I-I'm okay."Elice shook her head. She knew for sure that Ariel wasn't okay right now. His condition was truly pitiful. But compared to that, there was something even more pitiful. That was her inability to do anything about it."Do you see that, Elice?" Farrah's voice made Elice turn around. The expression of hatred towards her was clearly overflowing. "Because of you," Farrah said in a trembling voice. "Ariel dares to defy me. His own mother."Elice shook her head. She tried to stand, but her legs felt completely powerless. Not to mention walking, even standing still was difficult for her."You are such a troublemaker, Elice. I should have gotten rid of you a long time ago."Farrah moved. She approached Teddy with an outstretched hand. The man qui
For a moment, darkness was all Elice could feel. Until voices touched her senses. Awakening her consciousness. Pushing her to open her eyes.Elice's eyelids fluttered. Blinking repeatedly. Trying to open. And a wrinkle formed on her forehead.The voice was familiar. Causing Elice's eyes to focus even more. To look around. The place where she was right now.Elice wasn't sure where she was right now. The place seemed untidy. Untouched by humans and neglected for a long time.Dirty. Dusty. And Elice's eyes widened when she realized where she was lying. On the cold floor full of footprints."Of course, I can do that, Ariel! I will do anything to achieve my goals. Anything. Even if I have to get rid of Elice!"Elice turned away. Trying to get up, but unable to, she could only look straight ahead. At the three human figures that seemed to be in conflict.It was Ariel, Farrah and... Elice's body froze with cold fear. She would never forget that face.Teddy. The man who claimed to be Randi's
Running his hands through his hair in escalating panic, Ariel prayed that he could get there in time. But the looming shadow of his own potential lateness drove him almost mad with fear.I have to stop Mama. I'll do anything to make sure Mama can't hurt Elice anymore.Ariel blinked. He realized something and immediately contacted two different people.The first was Garrett. Reluctantly, Ariel once again ignored all the arguments between them. None of it mattered when Elice's safety was at stake with every decision he made.However, contacting Garrett didn't immediately ease Ariel's mind. For Ariel knew exactly what Farrah was like. The middle-aged woman who was his biological mother would not hesitate to act again. To do anything to ensure that all her desires were fulfilled.Farrah wouldn't stop. No. Not until she had everything she wanted.Ariel wouldn't take that chance. So, he contacted the second person. And that was Ruben, his husband."Ruben, listen to me."Ariel took a deep br
When the car with Elice was already on the road, two other cars hurriedly followed. Together with the car Carolus was riding in, there were a total of four cars involved in the trip. Two cars with specially trained personal guards walked in front and behind to protect Elice and Carolus inside.The four vehicles moved in line at a regular and almost steady speed. Ready to take Elice and Carolus to their next destination. Namely, the boarding school under the care of the Morales Family Foundation.A bright day. As the sun began to roll toward the west, the weather was not as hot as it had been. It felt cooler."Are you thirsty, Madam?"Teddy's voice caught Elice's attention. Elice wanted to shake her head to answer the question, but instead she heard Teddy talking to her again."Maybe some water will soothe madam's throat."Elice looked at the bottle of mineral water. Somehow, she, who had not felt thirsty at all, suddenly felt the opposite. Suddenly, a feeling of dryness appeared and m
Ariel's eyes widened. The worry came back. Exactly the same as yesterday.Ariel could not ignore it. He suddenly stood up from his seat. An action so sudden that it immediately stopped Wijono's presentation.Everyone looked confused as they saw Ariel leave the meeting room without saying a word, causing whispers and panic among them.And as the secretary, Nikita could not say anything either. She could only reassure the meeting participants that everything was fine.Of course, it was not. Everything was far from okay. When Ariel returned to his room, he quickly turned on his laptop. He quickly put on his headphones and listened to another recording.A recording that Ariel had almost forgotten due to the euphoria of relief he had felt. Something he deeply regretted when he heard Farrah's words."Ariel tapped me?"Ariel dramatically closed his eyes. Farrah knew he was tapping on his mother. And Ariel knew for sure that it was a bad thing.Ariel's worries intensified. With every word Far