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Return
Last Updated:
2024-08-24 07:14:16
MinJeeThis chapter shows Lana's struggle as she returns to her hometown after fifteen years in Granata, dealing with conflicting emotions from the possibility of uncovering something painful. The long flight reflects her emotional state, and Jason's support brings comfort but also painful memories. Jason’s concern hints at deeper feelings, adding complexity to their relationship and wonders about his true intentions. Confronting her memories, this chapter sets the stage for what could either be healing or more heartache as her journey unfolds.
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The road to Moon Valley Hill’s town felt longer than I remembered. The winding paths, situated along the rolling hills, were familiar, yet distant—like fragments of a memory just out of reach. Jason drove in silence, his fingers occasionally tapping the steering wheel. He didn’t say much, which was unusual. I stared out the window, watching as the landscape shifted into small, hilly streets lined with old shop houses and modest homes.The town had changed.Some of the old shop houses were now renovated, fresh paint gleaming where decay once was. New buildings stood where empty lots used to be, and the alley that had once felt desolate was now buzzing with life.Still, beneath it all, the place stirred something uneasy in me—a strange mix of nostalgia and dread.Naomi’s house loomed ahead, perched at the top of a set of stone steps. Jason followed me as I climbed the stairs, my heart racing with anticipation. The house looked old, the once-red gate now dulled and rusted, but it didn’t
Last Updated : 2024-09-08The Girl He Promised to Protect Dilemma: I
The drive up to Moon Valley felt like walking into a storm. Jason gripped the steering wheel, following Lana's directions as she pointed out the way, her voice tinged with excitement and something more—hope. He wished he could share that feeling, but the truth sat heavy on his chest, weighing him down.He had never been to Naomi's house. He hadn't needed to go, not after what happened. The stories, the whispers about Naomi and what she had done, were enough. And now here he was, driving Lana toward a past she had long buried—a past that he knew would break her all over again.Jason's thoughts churned as they neared the small, hilly town. He glanced at Lana, who stared out the window with a look of distant nostalgia. She was so eager, so convinced that Naomi was still here, still alive. Part of him wanted to turn the car around, to stop her from opening old wounds. But Lana was stubborn, and if he didn't come with her, she would have come alone. At least this way, he could be there to s
Last Updated : 2024-09-09The Girl He Promised to Protect Dilemma: II
Jason walked further down the path, his phone already in hand, thumb hovering over Jerry's contact. He hit the dial, anxiety gnawing at him. It had been years since the tragedy with Naomi, and Jason wasn't sure how much longer he could protect Lana from the truth.The phone rang once, twice, before Jerry's familiar voice cut through. "Jason. What's up?""Hey, Jerry," Jason's voice was low, controlled. "I need your help. It's about Lana."The other end was silent for a beat, then Jerry's voice came through, soft with concern. "Lana? Is she back in town?""Yeah. She was back yesterday." Jason paused, feeling the weight of the situation pressing harder. "She doesn't remember, Jerry. She's acting like Naomi's still… here."Jason heard Jerry's sharp intake of breath. "She has totally no hint of memories of the incident?""Completely," Jason said. "It's like that day never happened to her. And now she's convinced she'll find Naomi, like everything's normal."Another pause. Jason could almos
Last Updated : 2024-09-12The Girl He Promised to Protect Rooftop
The nightmare came back that night. I was on the rooftop of the school again, the sky a suffocating blanket of darkness pressing down on me. Naomi stood there, her face a twisted mask of anger and fear. Her eyes locked onto mine, cold and unyielding. Behind her, I could see Samuel, standing at the edge, his back turned to us, as if he couldn't hear the chaos. I screamed for him, but my voice was swallowed by the wind.Naomi lunged at me, her hands cold. I tried to break free, but her grip was like iron. Her voice, sharp and accusing, echoed in my ears, "It should have been you, Lana!"I woke up with a start, drenched in sweat, my heart hammering against my chest. I couldn't take it anymore. I needed answers—answers I wouldn't find with Jason hovering over me, trying to protect me from my own memories.The decision was made.I would go back to the school.Alone.* * *The morning sun felt harsh as the hailing service drop me at my high school, its brightness starkly contrasting the gl
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The clinic was a modest building, with pale blue walls and a quiet waiting room that felt oddly comforting. The familiarity of it all soothed some of my nerves. It was hard to believe that the boy I once knew now had his own clinic, treating people who were probably far more broken than I felt.Jerry greeted us at the door, his smile still as warm and charming as I remembered from high school. He looked much the same, just that time had matured him, yet his eyes still carried that same kindness I remembered from our school days."Lana," he greeted, his smile growing as he stepped forward. "It's been way too long.""Jerry," I replied, feeling a genuine smile tug at the corners of my lips. "I didn't expect to see you again after all these years."He gave a light chuckle. "I didn't either, to be honest. But life has a funny way of bringing people back together, doesn't it?"I nodded, my gaze shifting briefly to Jason, who remained silent, his eyes betraying how deeply worried he was."Ho
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Sam shouted my name.I remember his voice, urgent, panicked. He was running toward me. I could almost see his face, eyes wild with fear. But the scene kept shifting, morphing into something I couldn't fully grasp. Behind him, the rooftop of our old school loomed, shadowy and distant.Why? Why was it always there, haunting the edges of my memories?My heart started to race, and I felt a jolt of panic rising in my chest.Sam, Naomi, and the rooftop...It didn't make sense. I couldn't piece it together, but the flashes kept coming.I flinched, my body tensing, and suddenly I wasn't in that quiet room anymore. I was back there, on the edge of something I couldn't comprehend."Lana, you're safe. Breathe. I'm going to bring you back now." Jerry's voice snapped me out of it.I gasped, opening my eyes, my breath shaky as if I'd just run miles. The dimly lit room swam into focus, and I blinked, disoriented. My body was cold with sweat, my heart pounding. I felt embarrassed, almost ashamed, bu
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Jerry watched as Lana's breathing grew slow and steady, her body finally surrendering to the deep sleep. The tension that had been carved into her face softened as she slipped away into rest, and he quietly draped a blanket over her, ensuring she was warm and comfortable.For a moment, he just stood there, his eyes lingering on her. It had been years since he'd seen Lana, and he never expected that the memories of what had happened would still haunt her so deeply.With a soft sigh, Jerry stepped away from her and motioned to Jason, who had been sitting quietly in the corner of the room, watching over Lana with an intensity that hadn't wavered since they'd arrived. Jason rose, and they both silently left the room, careful not to wake her.Once they were in the hallway, Jerry closed the door behind them and turned to Jason. His expression, usually calm and professional, was now tinged with something heavier. There was a question in his eyes, one that had been building ever since Lana ha
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It was around 2 a.m. when I woke up, drenched in sweat, my heart pounding in my chest.Another nightmare.The same one, again and again.Samuel, the rooftop, his voice screaming my name, and then… darkness. I couldn't escape it, no matter how hard I tried. The nightmares had been getting worse since I came back.After the session with Jerry, I swore I wouldn't see him again. He meant well, but I couldn't stand how he looked at me, like I was some kind of patient to be treated. He kept trying to calm me down, offering hypnotherapy, medication.But that wasn't what I wanted.I wanted answers.I threw off the blanket and sat on the edge of my bed, my feet touching the cold floor. The room was quiet, but my mind was loud. Flashes of memories continued to swirl. Samuel, Naomi, the rooftop… but tonight, a memory I had nearly buried deep within the recesses of my mind emerged.I remembered the fear, the raw terror that had gripped me that rainy day. His rough hands, reaching for me, had sent
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The winding road felt endless, the hum of Nelson's motorcycle filling the silence between us. The city's glow had long since faded, replaced by the barren fields and a sky bloated with stars, an emptiness of the countryside.Trees lined the path, their shadows stretching ominously under the pale moonlight. My grip on Nelson's jacket tightened as the bike slowed, its headlight glaring at a wrought-iron gate.Nelson pulled off his helmet and reached for his phone. With a quick call, he muttered something I couldn't hear. Moments later, the gates creaked open, revealing a long driveway framed by hedges trimmed to razor-perfect lines casted by a soft golden glow of bulbs.The house at the end of the path loomed, grand yet secluded, with its aged wood and stone exterior.We rolled forward slowly, the bike's engine a low rumble that echoed in the still night. A figure waited by the entrance, an elderly woman, her posture straight and her hands clasped neatly in front of her. She had a calm
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I had been waiting for him.The moment the motorcycle roared into the car park, I knew Nelson had come. Relief swept over me, momentarily silencing the chaos around me.When Nelson dismounted his bike, pulling off his helmet, his eyes locked onto mine, unwavering and steady. "I'm here," he said simply, his voice firm but calm.I took a shaky breath, the decision already made long before he arrived. "Thank you," I whispered.I took a step toward him, my heart racing, but Jason's voice broke through the stillness, trembling and soft, like a whisper cracking under pressure."This isn't your business, Nelson." Jason snapped.Nelson tilted his head, an almost amused expression crossing his face. "Isn't it? But Lana asked me to help, Jason."Jerry, sensing the brewing storm, interfered, his voice calm but firm. "Let's not do this here."Nelson's expression hardened, his gaze locking on Jason. "I didn't come here to fight. But, Lana had asked for help."Jason's head snapped up, his face a mas
The Girl He Promised to Protect Edge
The cold concrete of the car park pressed up through my soles as if trying to root me in place, but my body moved forward, and the weight of unspoken words pressing down on my chest.Jason walked slightly ahead, his hand gripping my arm as though he feared I might slip away.Not tightly, but firm enough to remind me that, he was in control.Each step echoed the conflict in my heart.The medication effect had begun to fade, but I remained deliberately slow, dragging my feet as if the weight of my hesitation could anchor me in place.I glanced toward Jerry, who walked beside us with his medical bag slung over his shoulder, his face calm but watchful. His presence was the only tether holding me together, his earlier assurance repeating in my mind.Trust me. Stay calm.I wanted to stop, to refuse to take another step. But the pieces of my past clawed their way to the surface, dragging me back to my final year in medical school at Granata.Back then, I'd been trapped in a relationship with
The Girl He Promised to Protect Staying awake
The first thing I noticed was the soft golden light filtering through the curtains. It was late morning—much later than I ever slept. My body felt heavy, every movement sluggish, as if weighed down by invisible chains.Then Jason's voice broke through the fog."Lana," he called gently. His tone was soothing, warm, yet it grated on my nerves. I blinked, struggling to focus on his face. He sat beside me, leaning slightly forward, a faint smile curving his lips."There you are," he murmured, his fingers brushing my arm. "How are you feeling? Jerry medication helped you rest?"Medication. The word tugged at my hazy memories, the events before I'd drifted off felt distant, like a half-remembered dream.I tried to sit up, but the effort sent a wave of dizziness through me. Jason was quick to steady me, his hand firm on my shoulder."Easy," he coaxed. "No need to rush."I swallowed hard, my throat dry. "Jerry…" I croaked, the name slipping out before I could stop myself.Jason's expression di
The Girl He Promised to Protect Finally, a truth...
The next day arrived with an overcast sky, casting dull shadows over the apartment. I sat by the window, absently tracing the edge of my bandage, the throbbing wound a dull reminder of my fractured state. My mind buzzed with static, unable to focus on the passing hours.The soft chime of doorbell, shattering the silence. Jason, who had been typing away on his laptop, stood and moved to answer it. His footsteps were steady, calculated, as always."Jerry," Jason greeted warmly, opening the door wide. "Right on time."Jerry stepped in, carrying his medical bag, his expression carefully neutral. He nodded at Jason before his eyes sought me out across the room."Lana," Jerry greeted, his voice soft. "How are you feeling?"I mustered a faint smile, though it didn't reach my eyes. "I'm fine."Jason gestured toward me, his tone brisk. "She's been good, but check her thoroughly. We're flying back to Granata tomorrow."Jerry's eyes flickered at Jason's words, but he said nothing, only offering a
The Girl He Promised to Protect The flight
The apartment was cloaked in a cruel, suffocating silence after Jason left the room. I sat frozen on the couch, my eyes fixed on the empty space he had occupied moments ago. My skin crawled as if his touch still lingered, a phantom weight pressing down on me, feeding my fear.The faint creak of a door opening broke through my thoughts. My breath hitched, heart pounding as Jason emerged from the kitchen, carrying a tray. Steam wafted from a small bowl of porridge, the delicate aroma mingling with something I couldn't place.A bitterness that made my stomach churn."I thought you might need something light," he said, his tone almost cheerful as he set the tray on the coffee table. His eyes flicked to me, dark and unreadable. "You didn't eat much earlier."I swallowed hard, my pulse hammering in my ears. "Thank you," I murmured, forcing the words out.Jason stepped closer, his gaze studying me with unnerving precision. "How are you feeling, Lana?""I'm fine," I replied quickly, too quickl
The Girl He Promised to Protect Behind his smile
The silence that followed was oppressive, thick with unspoken intent.Jason leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as if settling into a position of control. His movements were measured, deliberate, each one calculated to remind me the ground I stood on.“I told them you were fine,” he said finally, his voice a velvet blade. His lips curled into a faint smile, the kind that promised nothing good. “But they want to hear from you.” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over me like a heavy shroud. “It’s been days, Lana.”The air felt suffocating, Jason’s calm demeanour amplifying the tension. His gaze pinned me in place, sharp and knowing, as if he could already anticipate my every move.He slid the phone closer to me, the screen lighting up as if it, too, was waiting for my response.Daring me to pick it up.Before I could respond, he picked up my phone. My pulse quickened as he studied it, his thumb gliding over the screen like a predator sizing up its prey.“Call
The Girl He Promised to Protect The offer
The haze lifted slowly, my mind wading through the fog and my body was leaden, limbs weighed down by some invisible force. My throat was parched, and my head throbbed with a dull ache.The muted light of the room seemed to pulse against the drawn curtains, pressing in with an almost suffocating weight. As I stirred, the room felt different. Stale yet eerily pristine. My eyes landed on the bedside clock. The time was familiar, but the date... it didn't make sense.Had I really been out that long?My chest tightened as fragments of the last time I was awake flitted through my mind. Nelson.How will he save me?I shifted carefully, every muscle screaming in protest as I pushed myself upright. The effort made me dizzy, but I was desperate to move, to feel alive again. My eyes fell on my arms, wrapped tightly in bandages. A shower.I needed to scrub away the staleness clinging to my skin, the invisible grime that made my skin crawl.But the bandages...Slowly, I swung my legs over the edg
