LOGINShare
Return
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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.
Related chapters
The Girl He Promised to Protect Secrets
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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The Girl He Promised to Protect Reunion: 1
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
The Girl He Promised to Protect Reunion: 2
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
The Girl He Promised to Protect Confrontation
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
The Girl He Promised to Protect Unraveling
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
Latest chapter
The Girl He Promised to Protect Keeping her
The room felt heavy with unspoken tension, the kind that seeped into the walls and lingered like a storm waiting to break. Jason stood near the window, his hands clasped tightly behind his back, gazing out at the city skyline. The glittering lights mocked him, a chaotic reflection of the battle raging inside. His jaw tightened as he exhaled slowly, the sound barely audible over the hum of the air conditioning.Behind him, Jerry sat at the table, methodically sorting through his medical bag. The precise clink of glass vials against one another was the only sound, a steady rhythm in the charged silence.“Jerry,” Jason began, his voice low, almost a growl. “I need your help.”He didn’t look up immediately, but Jason noticed the subtle stiffening of his shoulders. When Jerry finally met his gaze, his expression was guarded, his movements deliberate as he closed the bag.“I’m already helping you, Jason,” Jerry said coldly. “More than I should.”Jason turned, his expression dark. “We’re not
The Girl He Promised to Protect Help!
I lay motionless, every inch of my body weighed down by exhaustion. Outside the bedroom door, I could hear them.Jason and Jerry, discussing my condition in hushed tones.I strained to catch snippets of their conversation, words like "dosage" and "observing" drifting through the crack. They sounded calm and steady, but to me, it felt more like they were plotting my imprisonment.Then I noticed it.Jason's phone rested on the seat where he usually sat while keeping watch over me. The screen glowed, a recent message half-typed, abandoned in his haste to follow Jerry. My heart thundered in my chest, adrenaline surging through my veins.This was my chance.Ignoring the throbbing pain in my stitched hand, I dragged myself to the edge of the bed, fingers outstretched toward the phone. I trembled, fighting to steady my breath.My mind raced as I navigated to the contacts list.Nelson.He was my only hope. After the heated argument with Jason days ago, I clung to the belief that Nelson would n
The Girl He Promised to Protect Route to Freedom
For the next two days, the walls seemed to close in, inch by inch, and despair began to creep into my bones. I had hoped that playing the part, feigning obedience, would give me some space—maybe a chance. But Jason didn't leave the apartment.Still, he stayed, his presence shadowing me with its quiet, unnerving calm.Most meals arrived at the door, delivered with barely a sound, a silent reminder that I was cut off from the outside world. Jason set up his laptop on the counter, working without a word. Though he gave me the freedom to roam the living room, even watch TV, it felt orchestrated. As if he wanted me to feel relaxed enough to drop my guard.I tried to distract myself with the television, flipping through channels for anything that could pull me from this claustrophobic existence, but nothing caught my interest. Every laugh track, every news anchor's voice felt hollow, echoing against the surrounding silence.There was no way out. Every door locked from the inside, every windo
The Girl He Promised to Protect Her Guardian
Jason stepped out of the shower, his movements relaxed as he wrapped a towel around his waist, droplets of water clinging to his skin. He noticed immediately that Lana was not in her room, but it only deepened his calm. He knew that there was no possible way for her to get out.He had seen to it. She was safely contained, her every means of connection to the outside world secured or removed. He'd thought through each scenario, each potential escape, and he knew with certainty that the only way she was leaving was with him, to Granata.As he dried his hair in his room across from Lana's, Jason glanced at the clock on the living room wall. The time was nearly up. He needed to change her bandage. He draped the towel around his shoulders, with a steady breath, he padded toward the kitchen, a small smile curving as he found her there, sipping a glass of water. She turned at the sound of his approach, her expression calm but distant, masking the tension he knew was hiding underneath."I hope
The Girl He Promised to Protect Cage
My arm throbbed lightly, a raw, stinging reminder of the wound left from yesterday. I winced, testing the movement, but relief washed over me when I realized it wasn't deep enough to slow me down.I needed to move fast, to be quiet. The shower hissed from behind the closed bathroom door, the only sound in the apartment. I took a quick, steadying breath.If there was ever a time to get out, it was now.I padded across the living room, feeling every muscle tense with purpose. When I reached the front door, my fingers went to the lock.I froze.That unyielding panel of numbers stared back at me, unmovable and impassive. I punched in the only codes I thought might work. Birthdays, common combinations, even random sequences. But each attempt ended with a sharp, unforgiving beep. My heart hammered in my chest. He had activated the security locked down system, blinking red with each failed entry.With growing dread, I tore my eyes from the door and cast a frantic glance around the apartment.
The Girl He Promised to Protect Obsession
I blinked awake, my eyes adjusting to the dim light as I took in the soft shadows of the room. My hand throbbed slightly, wrapped in a fresh bandage.The antiseptic smell lingered, a reminder of how closely Jason had hovered over me. It felt like a weight pressing on my chest, this feeling of being caged. I needed to get away, away from his grip that seemed to tighten with every passing day.I shifted on the bed, letting out a quiet sigh. A warm hand squeezed my shoulder, gentle yet firm. Jason's voice reached me through the haze, soft and careful. "Hey, you’re waking up. I’m here.”Blinking, I opened my eyes, struggling to bring the world around me into focus. My mind felt heavy, muddled, and it took a moment to recognize where I was. Jason’s face hovered over me, a faint, reassuring smile on his face.The sunlight seeped through the blinds, casting soft, crisscrossed shadows over the room, grounding me slightly in its warmth. As I looked around, my eyes caught on the IV bag, nearly d
The Girl He Promised to Protect Apology
Lana began to stir, Jason felt a flicker of hope. He gently squeezed her shoulder, his voice low and soothing. "Hey, you're waking up. I'm here." Her eyes fluttered open, revealing a mix of confusion and fatigue. He smiled reassuringly, hoping to ease the disorientation that seemed to cling to her.The sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting soft shadows throughout the room. He glanced at the IV line, noting that the bag was nearly empty. The remnants of the medication administered by Jerry would soon be out of her system, and he hoped that would bring Lana back to herself."Here, drink this," he said, pouring warm water into a glass. He carefully raised it to her lips, watching as she took small sips. "You need more restful sleep." He added, wanted to ensure she felt comfortable and cared for."Jerry came by to check on you earlier," Jason explained, keeping his tone gentle. "He set up the IV to help you recover. It's almost done now." He gestured toward the line on her arm. "He
The Girl He Promised to Protect Here, with me.
Jason eased Lana onto the bed, taking care to settle her comfortably before pulling the blankets up snugly around her, cocooning her in warmth.He brushed his fingers gently through her hair, smoothing out any strands that had strayed, letting them slip like silk through his fingertips.A mix of tenderness and guilt deep within him stirred, he lingered a moment longer, his gaze tracing her face as she slept, realizing just how far he had gone to keep her close, even if it meant crossing lines he'd once vowed never to cross.Making sure she was settled comfortably, Jason moved to close the blinds, casting the room into darkness, softening the edges of reality.The dim light created a quiet cocoon around them, shielding her from the world beyond those walls. He lowered himself onto the mattress beside her, the mattress creaking slightly under his weight.He observed closely as the tension in her expression eased, her brow softening as the pain began to recede. Her bandaged hand lay limp
The Girl He Promised to Protect Leaving
I sat on the edge of the bed, gathered my belongings with trembling hands, stuffing clothes and a few personal items into a suitcase. I promised myself I would return once things were stable. I can't stay here any longer. Not after everything that had happened, not after the mess we were in.Jason had been kind, too kind, but everything had spiraled out of control. I couldn't face him. Not after what he'd done, after the lines he crossed.The guilt gnawed at me, and I couldn't tell where my own sense of shame ended and his manipulation began. I needed to get out.I needed to breathe.As I zipped the suitcase shut, a wave of panic tightened around my chest. What would Jason say? What would he do? My mind flashed back to our last confrontation, the way his eyes had burned with hurt and anger.I took a deep breath and opened the bedroom door, cautiously stepping into the hallway. The living room was empty.No sign of Jason.Maybe he'd gone out. Keeping my steps light, I wheeled my suitca
