"Get rid of?"When Ariel repeated the one-word Ruben had said, he suppressed a grin. His eyes showed disbelief, for it still seemed highly unlikely that Ariel would believe such information. That his mother had ordered the head of his household guards to kill Elice.Ruben lowered his head again and gave a slight nod that Ariel could barely see."Yes, sir."Ariel couldn't hold on any longer. His legs completely lost their strength and he fell onto the chair. Ruben lifted Ariel's face and the shock on the man's face was truly pitiful.For a moment no one spoke. Both Ariel and Ruben were silent. Ariel closed his eyes and felt his heart pounding inside of him. Heat and sweat immediately enveloped his entire body.Elice. No. Not Elice.Because Ariel would never forget what Farrah could and had done to Elice before. Farrah hadn't hesitated to intimidate Elice when she was pregnant with her baby. Not even the presence of the innocent creature in Elice's womb could soften Farrah's heart. And
Reluctantly, Elice had to make a decision. It seemed difficult for her to balance her job and responsibilities while caring for the Morales family. Something had to give between the two. And it didn't take Elice long to make her decision.It might seem a bit unprofessional, considering that Elice was very new to Metro. Especially since she had just taken over the position of editor-in-chief. But unfortunately, Elice had no choice. She had to put aside the discomfort and guilt that was growing in her heart. She was forced to squander the trust Hollis had placed in her. The middle-aged man, who had been her mother's friend, had used his authority at Metro to facilitate Elice's work all along. This made Elice uncomfortable not only as a subordinate and a superior, but also for more personal reasons."I've made my decision, Garrett."As Elice helped Garrett straighten his tie that morning, she said it."What have you decided?" Garrett asked, lifting his face slightly to give Elice room to
Elice felt her body shake as she finished reading the message. Ariel? She had never expected this man to contact her again. After days of peaceful existence without Ariel's name, why should she receive another call and message from him?Momentarily stunned, Elice jumped in surprise when her phone rang again. As it showed the same number as before, it was undoubtedly Ariel calling Elice again.Would Elice answer the call? Reply to his message? Or even accept his invitation to meet?The answer was, of course, no.Because moments later, Elice took a deep breath. And without hesitation, she rejected the call. And without a second thought, she blocked Ariel's number.*Just like the last few days, Garrett couldn't concentrate on his work. At least not until he met Carolus, as usual. Hoping to get some good news. But what he got was just the opposite."I'm still trying, sir. But it seems Mrs. Farrah has anticipated all of this."Farrah was no newcomer to the dirty and cruel game. She had be
When Garrett returned home from the office that afternoon, he found his wife standing by the window. Elice looked lost in thought, holding her phone in one hand.Closing the door behind him, perhaps because of Garrett's footsteps, finally jolted Elice out of her reverie. She turned to see Garrett's arrival and greeted him.Garrett looked down at the phone in Elice's hand. Somehow Garrett's instincts told him there was something there.Fortunately, it didn't take Garrett long to satisfy his curiosity. Without being asked, Elice showed Garrett her phone a moment later."This morning Ariel contacted me."Prefacing her explanation with this sentence proved to be effective in changing Garrett's expression. Surprise was clearly visible in Garrett's eyes."Ariel?" Garrett asked, making sure Elice hadn't accidentally mentioned someone else's name. "He contacted you?"Elice sighed deeply and nodded. She let Garrett take the phone and continued."He tried to contact me over twenty times. I happ
It had been a few minutes since Ariel had left the office, but Farrah was still stunned by the questions that filled her mind."What's wrong with Ariel? He's never been like this before, has he? It's not like Ariel to visit his parents' house so often."The more Farrah thought about it, the more strange she felt. Especially since Ariel's recent visits coincided with her conversations with Teddy."Is he planning something?"Farrah wondered again; her thoughts interrupted by a knock at the door."Come in."It was Teddy, who had returned to meet Farrah. Seeing Farrah's troubled expression, Teddy asked, "What is it, madam?""It's nothing," Farrah replied quietly, shaking her head. "I'm just confused about Ariel's recent behavior."Since this was Farrah's only child, Teddy refrained from speaking. He remained silent until Farrah spoke again."I feel there's something strange about Ariel.""Strange?" Teddy asked, unsure. "Does that mean we need to change our plans, madam?"Farrah was silent
As usual, Elice waited for Garrett's return. After meeting Carolus, she noticed that the sky outside had darkened. But it was strange because Garrett had not arrived yet.Descending each step with a restless feeling, Elice could faintly hear sounds of activity behind her. She moved towards the source of the noise. In the dining room, to be exact. Where some domestic helpers were preparing meals.Garrett came home late. That was the conclusion Elice came to quickly. So, she did not think twice. She went back to her room and grabbed her cell phone.Elice immediately tried to call Garrett. But her call did not go through. Her husband's phone was off. And instantly, her anxiety turned to worry."Garrett."Elice tried to calm herself. But the flashes of what had happened to Garrett made it impossible for her to relax. The worry escalated. It urged her to contact Amber."Good evening, madam."Trying to suppress some of the increasingly confusing worry, Elice sat down. She answered the greet
It was Ariel. So, Garrett decided to go to the toilet. To follow the man. Because with that look, Ariel seemed to be sending him a message.The toilet was empty. There was only one figure. Standing at the sink. Turning on the tap. And staring at Garrett's presence through the reflection in the mirror."Ariel."Ariel pulled his hand away from the running water. He deliberately let the water continue to flow, glancing briefly at Garrett standing beside him.The face behind the mask was hardened. You could tell by the bulging veins on his forehead. Along with the red tint to his eyes. As if a great battle was going on in his mind."I'm not going to beat around the bush, Garrett."Even Ariel's voice was shaking. A clear sign that this was a very difficult decision for him. Torn between anger towards the person he hated and concern for the person he loved. Ariel did not have many choices."Mom is suspicious of you and Elice."Garrett's head throbbed. Maybe from the accident earlier. But he
Elice hated going to the hospital. Even more so when Garrett was the reason for her visit.Feelings of worry and fear mixed together. Mixed and clouded Elice's mind. She couldn't be calm. Not until she met Garrett."Garrett."When Elice entered the hospital room and found Garrett lying in bed without any injuries, relief came. The tension left Elice. Almost along with what little energy she had left."Elice."Elice's body nearly collapsed. But Rosaline, who came with her, acted quickly. She caught Elice's body just in time.Elice looked desperate. If before her legs had been able to kick strongly to catch Garrett as quickly as possible, now it was the opposite. Her legs felt shaky and weak as she walked.Elice approached Garrett. Her hand was raised. It landed on Garrett's cheek. And a tear fell down his cheek."I'm sorry."Rosaline made sure Elice could stand on her own. She bowed her head politely. Then, understandingly, she decided to leave. Closing the door from the outside. Leave
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