It was a peaceful morning. Elice, feeling refreshed, decided to work. Garrett did not mind, but he made sure to remind Elice not to push herself too hard.With Elice and Garrett out of the house, only Norah, Wilda and Farrah remained. Three middle-aged women who could never sit together for long. So, it was not surprising when Farrah soon appeared, leaving Norah and Wilda behind.Alone, Farrah did not seem like her usual self at that moment. Something was on her mind, and Farrah knew exactly what it was."What am I going to do? Elice and Garrett clearly suspect me."Farrah should not be surprised that Elice and Garrett suspected her. She could not keep a straight face in front of them. Besides, her high ego often caused her to lose control, sometimes unconsciously expressing sarcastic remarks or attitudes."I'm sure Teddy can handle Elice. But I need to know what's going on in this house. And after Yocelyn failed, who else can I trust?"Farrah walked slowly, trying to find a way out.
"How was it?"Garrett received a direct question as he opened the door, and Elice greeted his arrival with a visibly uncomfortable expression.Not at the Morales residence, Garrett and Elice were in the apartment. It had been Elice's home before she officially became Garrett's wife.Garrett closed the door and motioned for Elice to sit down. He could feel her hands trembling and sweat dampening his palms.Garrett took a deep breath and looked at Elice. He nodded, anticipating the answer Elice had already guessed."Just as we suspected. Aunt Farrah bugged our house."Elice had indeed suspected something was up, especially when Garrett came to her office and invited her to lunch. It wasn't just an ordinary lunch invitation. Instead, Garrett had deliberately arranged a meeting, making sure they would meet at the apartment after she returned home.While Elice suspected something was up, she didn't expect her house to be bugged. Elice had never imagined Farrah would go to such lengths."So
"How's Nana's accident case coming along?"Carolus answered Garrett's morning call with some unexpected news. "So far, the most likely possibility is that the driver will only be charged with negligent driving, sir," Carolus replied. "We haven't found any concrete evidence of a relationship between Mrs. Farrah and the driver."Garrett winced and stared at Carolus in pain. "Not even a little?"Carolus shook his head. "I apologize, sir."Garrett closed his eyes. He had not expected much from the beginning. After all, if Farrah could get away with it, didn't that prove she was clean? She could not have had a direct relationship with the driver.Of course not. She must have had an intermediary.There was a moment of silence. Garrett took a deep breath and reminded himself to stay calm. Acting hastily would only complicate the situation. He had to take a broader view of the situation. Try to find every possible loophole."Have you checked out the driver's family?""Not yet, sir," Carolus r
"Do you remember that orphanage visit you made with Nana and Mama before?""Yes. What about that?""It seems there's a similar event coming up soon. Do you know about it?""The opening of a new orphanage?""Exactly. But Amber told me this afternoon that the official invitation arrived at the office. And perhaps tomorrow or the day after, Mr. Carolus will meet with you."Oh dear. An orphanage. A charity event? Why were they discussing something so unimportant?It was Farrah who, before going back to sleep, reviewed the results of the day's conversation. At first, she thought she would learn something important. But what?"Elice? Why are you silent?""I-I..."Farrah's eyes widened dramatically as she faintly heard Elice's sobs from the other side. She sighed lazily."I remember Nana, Garrett. You know? When we visited the Harmony House orphanage, Nana told me."Farrah's body tensed. She wondered.What did Mama tell Elice?Strangely enough, Garrett was asking a similar question."What di
"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
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