"How is everything? Is everything settled?"Daphne took a moment to sip the tea in front of her, then directed the question to Yocelyn, the head servant who had been busy since the news of Elice's pregnancy spread."Everything is taken care of, madam," Yocelyn replied, nodding confidently. "I've taken care of the invitations and the hotel. Everything is taken care of. There's nothing for you to worry about."Daphne took a long breath. She set the teacup back on its coaster. Yocelyn's answer was what she had expected. But it took more than that to bring a smile to her face."What about Elice's dress? Is it ready?"Yocelyn nodded again. "Yes, madam.""Good. You may leave."Left alone in her room, Daphne reached for the tablet again. Thanks to Elice's pregnancy, it seemed that Daphne would not be separated from this communication device. To see various things related to the baby.Daphne smiled. Seeing the variety of baby items made her feel happy. So much so that she didn't realize she h
But for some reason, Elice felt that this wasn't an ordinary matter. Her instincts told her so. When she returned to her room and Garrett approached her, Elice mentioned it."Did you know that Nana is going to Crestdale tomorrow?"Garrett shook his head."Nana's going to Crestdale tomorrow. For two days. She said she has to take care of something."Elice's explanation silenced Garrett. A small furrow appeared on his forehead. And whatever was on Garrett's mind made him say:"Would you mind if I talked to Nana for a moment? There's something I need to talk to her about."Elice nodded. And Garrett left the room immediately to meet Daphne in her room.Garrett made sure it was not too late when he knocked on Daphne's door. It was almost nine o'clock. The right time to meet Daphne before the grandmother decided to rest.Once Garrett knocked on Daphne's door. When he entered, Daphne was sitting on the sofa. She was still holding the tablet.Daphne greeted Garrett's arrival with questioning
It was thirst that made Elice get out of bed. The water in the jug had run out. She forced herself to stand up.But just as Elice was about to turn and head for the stairs, something caught her attention. A soft sob and a whisper of warning. A sound that stopped Elice in her tracks. She looked around, scanning all sides of the large house.Perhaps it was because it was already night that the atmosphere seemed quiet. Especially since she was on the second floor, seemingly avoiding the hustle and bustle of some of the maids.But Elice's ears couldn't have been wrong. It came from behind the wall. Opposite her.Elice changed her destination. Instead of heading straight for the kitchen, as she had originally intended, she made her way to the source of the sound. With slow and stealthy steps."Is Master Garrett still in Madam's room?"The soft voice was audible. Elice was sure. It was Yocelyn. And to whom was she speaking?"H-he is."Regina was stunned. It was Regina. Elice wouldn't be wro
Daphne bowed her head. She looked at Regina with a look filled with hatred. The friendly face she always had when she was with her private nurse was gone. Replaced by a face full of rage."How dare you do this to me, Regina. I trusted you all this time."Regina's tears flowed even more. She trembled with regret that she couldn't put into words.For Daphne had indeed trusted Regina all this time. She considered the young girl not only as her private nurse but also as a confidante. They talked about many things all the time. Every day. And what had happened that night, Daphne really couldn't understand."Why did you do this to me, Regina? How could you be so cruel to me?"Regina closed her eyes. Her tears were uncontrollable. But truly, that was nothing compared to the remorse that consumed her heart."I am sorry, madam. Please forgive me."Ignoring Regina's apology, Daphne turned to Yocelyn a moment later. Unlike Regina, who seemed full of guilt, Yocelyn seemed calmer. To the point whe
"It's impossible for a man to survive alone for decades, Garrett. Impossible." Daphne collapsed into Garrett's chest and clung to the man's clothes with her eyes closed. She did not want to face reality, but the opposite was happening. The tighter she closed her eyes, the clearer the image became. It was a vivid picture of a past that would never fade, swallowed by time. Garrett was stunned, frozen in a stillness that immobilized him. He couldn't move an inch. "It is impossible for Allan to survive alone until death takes him, Garrett. It can't be." Not a word escaped Garrett's lips. Despite Daphne's revelations, he could only remain silent. As Daphne told Garrett everything, he seemed to be struck by a reality he had never expected. A reality he had never seen, even though it had been right in front of him all along. "Can you see it?" Daphne asked, her voice trembling through the flowing tears. "All his life there has never been another woman in Allan's life. Never anyone but Nor
Allowing the tears to flow freely down her relaxed cheeks, Daphne fought with all her might to stop the sobs. But with each passing second, the opposite seemed to be happening. The cries and the pain sank deeper into her heart."Forgive me. Forgive me, Allan."The remorse grew rapidly, spreading to every corner of Daphne's heart. It made her realize the promise she had been forced to break. By revealing everything that had happened to Garrett, her long-held fears would finally come true. Garrett would feel compelled to peel away the layers covering the truth. He would embark on a journey of revenge. And that would lead to one of Daphne's fears. Garrett would be threatened. Just like Allan had experienced.But Daphne felt she was at the same crossroads, each option carrying its own risks. Dishonesty would leave Garrett unaware of who he was really dealing with. On the other hand, honesty would make Garrett feel the pressure of accountability.All this time, Daphne had only been able to
And when the company was up and running again, Daphne found that Allan had to leave. It was a hard blow for Daphne. When she thought there was still someone standing tall with her, but in reality, her son was leaving her as well."What I was thinking at the time was you, Garrett. Trying to give in so that you and Norah could live in peace."Because it was painful to know, but that's what happened. Garrett and Norah were Allan and Daphne's happiness and also their weakest point."They're the last thing this family has."That's why Daphne tried so many things. To fulfill Allan's wishes for her family to be safe and happy. This included handing over some subsidiaries to her daughter. But greed is indeed a natural trait in every human being."Farrah wants something that is not rightfully hers," Daphne said, shaking her head. "And I can't give it to her."It was Pasific Energy. Because of Daphne and Allan's insistence on handing it over to Garrett, Allan ended up facing a gruesome death."
Like any typical funeral, the atmosphere was tinged with tears of sorrow. They came from those who took the time to accompany the deceased to their final resting place. Dressed in all black, their faces were filled with grief and tears flowed endlessly.Clearly engraved on the headstone was the name of Daphne Billings, who took her last breath at an age no longer considered young. She left behind a large family who seemed deeply affected by her departure. Resting forever beside her husband's grave, Daphne had completed her journey in this world. Gone for eternity, leaving her loved ones in a grief they had never imagined.No one had anticipated Daphne's swift departure. An elderly woman who seemed healthy and vibrant suddenly passed away without any sign of illness or discomfort. But isn't that the way fate always is? It arrives and snatches away loved ones without warning, as if to plant the most painful surprise deep in everyone's minds.Among those who never expected it was Garrett
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