Rita, who joined Wilda and Elice, couldn't help but be amazed as Garrett's car pulled into the Morales residence. The grandeur she was seeing for the first time made her swallow several times. Next to her, Wilda gave her younger sister a little pat on the thigh. Rita immediately grinned and quickly tried to keep her composure, not wanting Wilda to slap her harder.Wilda brought her focus back to the front, and deep inside she felt a pang of envy for her sister. Hoping to get even a little of the relaxation that Rita possessed. Perhaps it would be better for her if her thoughts were focused on the fact that Garrett did indeed come from a wealthy background rather than the current nervousness. Unfortunately, when she realized that, her nervousness immediately increased.Would they accept Elice? Would Elice be okay?These worries quickly consumed Wilda. Even more quickly, they brought back memories of the past and occupied her mind. Memories of what Elice
For a while, Elice seemed to experience what people often describe as the world standing still. Time stopped. Her world stopped. In a moment, she realized that sometimes fate can offer more than she dared to hope for.Elice never expected that one day a man would kneel before her. Armed with a beautiful ring. With a question full of desire and hope."G-Garrett...."Elice's tongue could no longer find words. She could barely speak. Instead of being able to express her thoughts, she found her body almost non-functional now.Elice froze. Immersed in a tension she couldn't prevent from enveloping her. All over her body. From top to bottom. And if she could shake off the stiffness in the next moment, it was the visible trembling.Garrett looked at Elice. Just as the woman had suspected. In a look like a dimmed sun. Appearing calm. And he waited. Though the answer he would get was already certain.But Garrett needed confirmation. In the form of a
Dressed in a golden-colored gown, Elice looked exceptionally elegant that evening. She was beautiful and clearly able to captivate all eyes that looked at her, especially when it was Garrett looking at her.A step was taken when the engagement event between Elice and Garrett took place that night. It was held in one of the most prestigious hotels in Ashford City. In a luxurious and classy concept, The Arka certainly did not disappoint the trust of the Morales family.Two rings were placed on different fingers, with the same purpose: as the first bond that would unite two people.In the focus of the lens and the camera, happiness was captured again and again. As if to make sure that this joyful moment would be perfectly recorded and remembered as history. Something that should not be forgotten by anyone. Because when it came to the name of the Morales heir, it became something to be remembered for all time."Congratulations to you both. May everything go s
Wilda couldn't contain herself. The day after the engagement party, she decided to ask Elice directly. She had to make sure that what Farrah had said that night wasn't true. That the woman was just bragging again. Just looking for a way to embarrass her. Just..."I'm sorry, Ma."Wilda fell silent. One sentence from Elice made her hopes vanish. Disappeared without a trace."W-what did you say, Elice?" Wilda asked. "So, everything Farrah said is true?"It felt like an invisible pair of hands were strangling Wilda's throat at that moment. It almost made it hard for her to breathe. Especially when she saw how Elice lowered her face, making the air seem even more reluctant to enter her lungs."Garrett and Ariel... are cousins? They're family?"Elice didn't want to admit that reality, but what could she do? It was something no one could deny."Yes, Ma," Elice finally replied. "They are cousins. They are family."Suddenly, Wilda's eye
"What did you say? Ariel took over Lostic?"Daphne couldn't believe what she heard and directed her question at Carolus. With a cup of tea in front of her, she looked at her personal assistant. She found a nod as the beginning of his answer."Yes, madam. As of today, Lostic is under the direct control of Mr. Ariel."Daphne decided to take a sip of her tea first. She needed to savor the slightly bitter and sweet taste. Then she let out a small sigh and said, "He must not be interested in managing Lostic; I know. Ariel's real goal is to sabotage Garrett."Carolus had already thought of that, which was why he hadn't delayed meeting Daphne that morning."Is there anything I should do?"Daphne shook her head after a moment's thought. "For now, nothing. Let Ariel do what he wants. But stay alert. If anything suspicious happens, you know what to do.""Alright, madam."Putting the cup of tea and its saucer back on the table, Daphne the
Ariel walked with firm and measured steps, his gaze straight ahead and his back wide. He radiated an aura of confidence as he looked at each person in the meeting room. As he took his seat, those who had been standing sat down.It was the event of the power transition in Lostic. The day when Ariel was officially introduced as the new leader, ousting Mahardika, who had been in charge for three years, in a very short span of time.This, of course, caused a stir here and there, raising doubts about the reasons for the seemingly forced change. Even when there was a specific reason, citing the company's inability to capitalize on the turmoil at a rival company, it seemed insufficient. In the end, sales were down, but the change felt very sudden. Without warning, Kurt called a shareholders' meeting, and there was Ariel.Enjoying the sensation of the CEO chair for a few seconds, Ariel scanned the room, taking in every face. At each board member and other important figu
Elice did not answer right away. Instead, she quenched her thirst."My mom informed me that they're moving today," Elice replied and closed the bottle. She turned around with a surprised look on her face. "It happened so fast. I really didn't think it would be that fast.""Garrett chuckled once. "It wasn't me. It was Nana. And it's reasonable that it's all done in a few days. Nana doesn't like her wishes to go unfulfilled. Mr. Carolus knows that for sure."Listening to this, Elice could only nod once. Unwillingly, her mind wandered to the fact that Daphne had been visiting her often lately. It was clear evidence of Daphne's displeasure when her wishes were not granted."Oh yes. Since your family is moving today, it might be a good idea for you to tell them that you no longer live in your old apartment."Elice blinked when Garrett looked at her again."I guess you haven't told them yet, have you?"The guess was correct. Of course.
If she could refuse, Elice would certainly refuse the task Hollis had assigned her. Even though in the eyes of the public she and Ariel would be bound by a family relationship due to her impending marriage to Garrett, deep in her heart Elice did not feel that way. To her, Ariel was now nothing more than a stranger.But Elice could not refuse. For there was no reason she could give. And without a reason, the refusal would certainly not be accepted."Are you sure?" Garrett's voice on the evening phone call sounded worried, mirroring what Elice was feeling right now."I'm sure," Elice replied.She took a deep breath and tried to strengthen herself. And with Garrett's voice in her ear, it became easier."What time are you going to interview Ariel? At Lostic's office?"Garrett's question made Elice suspect the reason behind his furrowed brow. A little hesitant, but the possibility sounded reasonable."You're not planning on coming, are you
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