Zoe felt relieved that her emotionless, zombie-like appearance didn't lead to her elimination, but she couldn't be certain about her luck for the following week.Lili waved her hand dismissively. "What nonsense is that? I always watch every episode on TV, so I know your abilities. I've seen others, too. So don't underestimate yourself. You'll make it to the finals! I'll prepare your dress for the final right now," said Lili confidently, hands on her hips.Zoe laughed and was amused to have someone who believed in her so much—besides Wolf."Thanks for the confidence and also for the dress. I'm sure it will be beautiful." Zoe extended her arms, and Lili hugged her tightly with a wide smile.Lili's camaraderie brought Zoe great enjoyment. Clay's wife was warm and very resilient. Lili was younger, but Zoe knew from Wolf that Lili's journey to be where she is now wasn't easy. Zoe already knew what brought Lili close to Dr. Howard. That struggle alone made Zoe realize that Lili could be som
"Every Time You Kiss Me? Is this your next choice?"Wolf raised an eyebrow while reading the title of Zoe's song choice for the upcoming week. Zoe granted Lili's request and selected a song for the next episode—with more confidence. Wolf agreed but questioned the song choice when reading its title."Well, is there something wrong?" Zoe, who was listening to another song for the next week, looked up.Zoe had to choose a somewhat old song because the theme for the next week was a tribute to a music legend. According to Zoe, the song suited her. The song still matched her vocal range, despite being sung by a male artist."Not wrong, but are you mocking me?" Wolf asked, squinting his eyes.As the title suggests, the song discusses kissing. More precisely, it describes the feelings someone has after a kiss. The text describes the sweet, tingling sensation, the feeling of the world stopping spinning, and other details.Of course, Wolf felt mocked. It was as if Zoe was pointing out his weakn
Zoe opened the mirror she had taken from her bag and checked the connection of the wig to her forehead. It blended seamlessly with her makeup, looking natural. Zoe intentionally braided the long black wig to give her appearance a slight variation, and she also made sure her contact lenses were perfectly in place before tucking that mirror back.Today's meeting was supposed to be casual, but all the extra preparation is needed."Thank you." Zoe handed the fare to the taxi driver and then got out at the address Max had given her yesterday.Zoe would ask to meet elsewhere in case Max provided the address of a studio in Billy's building, but it turned out Max gave her the address of a studio that was likely his own, as it seamlessly merged into a luxurious house.Zoe snorted as she looked at the luxurious house. She still remembered how they used to talk about dreams of owning a home that was integrated with a studio.Back then, Zoe thought Max was talking about a future that would includ
"I really love this award. I created the song in less than an hour, but it turned out to be very successful. I wasn't sure it would be good."Max pointed to one of the certificates on the wall. He sensed Zoe's silence as interest and began to narrate how he earned each of those awards."Oh, that's cool!" Zoe pushed aside memories of her foolishness and widened her eyes in admiration. It was a completely new facial expression she hadn't learned from Clay.But Max, now excited and boastful, no longer cared about Zoe's half-hearted reactions and continued to share the details of his achievements.Zoe felt overwhelmed. She had never learned so much about someone's life in such a short period of time, especially when it came with a boastful tone. It made her slightly nauseous."Please, have a seat."Zoe was grateful when Max finally invited her to sit on the sofa in his studio, as it signaled the end of his storytelling.Zoe worried that Max would sit next to her—the sofa was big enough fo
Zoe walked towards her apartment building, carrying a paper bag filled with items. She was tired and just wanted to get home quickly. Her encounter with Max had left her hungry and weary. She didn't pay much attention as a man stepped out of a car, quickly catching up and matching her steps."I want to have the key to your apartment."Of course, Zoe cursed and almost dropped the paper bag containing her groceries. Fortunately, Wolf had quick reflexes and caught the bag before it fell."Don't scare me!" Zoe playfully hit Wolf's arm.Although her apartment's surroundings were not considered dangerous, that didn't mean there was zero crime. And with the darkening sky, Wolf's sudden appearance made her feel uneasy."Okay, I won't do it again. But I still want to ask for the key to your apartment. I hate waiting outside for too long," complained Wolf while opening the main door of Zoe's apartment building—inviting Zoe to enter—and then they went upstairs. Zoe's apartment was on the second
"I hate having to wait for you when I want to do this..." Wolf whispered, easily unhooking the clasp on Zoe's back."You don't want me to stop, do you?" Wolf asked again in a husky voice as his lips gently touched Zoe's shoulder, pushing the straps of Zoe's dress off her shoulders. The dress hung askew before Wolf pulled the other side, causing it to cascade down, covering Zoe's legs.Zoe's response couldn't be clear. She just sighs and bites her lips. Warm and ticklish sensations emanated from Zoe's back as Wolf swept lightly with his fingertips.Creeping and squeezing, flowing along the spine, then tracing Zoe's ribs towards the front."Wolf..." Zoe moaned. She was unable to resist Wolf's teasing any longer. Not directly touching, but circling around the soft parts before touching the hardened tip that signaled his desire.Wolf chuckled softly, feeling Zoe's body melt in his embrace, almost unable to stand without holding onto the kitchen table."I've always loved it when you finall
"That looks... amazing on you," Wolf complimented, stumbling over his words as Zoe's beauty was truly mesmerizing. The blue and white dress looked even more stunning after Zoe adorned it with complete makeup."Thank you." Zoe expressed gratitude while glancing around in panic. She was already at the TV station, a place where Wolf shouldn't be. Wolf didn't send messages this time; he came in person before the broadcast.“Why did you come?” Zoe asked while ensuring the closure of the emergency exit door."Because I wanted to see you, of course," Wolf said, holding back a smile."But you don't usually show up here! What if someone sees you?"“Why are you more worried about me?” Wolf teased, enjoying Zoe's panic."I don't want you to become entangled in gossip, and I don't want to become entangled in it either! What if someone sees you?" Zoe fretted.If Wolf had come in a normal way—without meeting her—Zoe wouldn't be this panicked. But clearly, Wolf had walked into the area where contest
Zoe saw Max bowing down from the stage with his head lowered, seemingly relishing the aftermath of yesterday's news.Journalists and music commentators were harshly critical of his performance. They understood that Max was unwell, but they hoped he would choose not to perform if his condition was that bad. It was embarrassing to witness a musician's poor performance at a music awards show.Sickness was the reason Max provided after the event—Nova's representative gave a press statement. It was clear to Zoe that the reason Max provided, sickness, was undoubtedly a lie. Zoe knew exactly what had happened. Max would never see those socks again, and perhaps they were now in another state, following the flow of a river.Zoe was relieved that Max's trust in that foolish superstition remained the same when she found it yesterday. Max would likely recover and wouldn't depend on his lucky socks after today. But Zoe had successfully stained his career, and the impact would disturb his performan
"LORIA MOREAU!"Zoe froze. She heard her name, but couldn't believe it was hers."Wake up, baby. And smile. It’s yours."Wolf's whisper finally stirred emotions in Zoe. She blushed with emotion, only able to stand when Wolf helped her. Unfortunately, Wolf couldn't escort her to the stage.Luckily, Syanne's hand was there to assist her, followed by Jacob, who was closest to the stage, helping her navigate the stairs to reach the top.Zoe expressed her gratitude several times to the person presenting her award before finally standing in front of the microphone to deliver her speech.Zoe took a few deep breaths, wiping away tears, before finally being able to address the camera and the patiently waiting audience."This is something I never dreamed of, standing here and receiving this." Zoe glanced down at the trophy in her hands once more and smiled."I... I once buried this dream. I no longer hoped to sing, let alone receive this. Not long
Zoe did something that Wolf would not like. She wouldn't lie, but she would inform him later, once the task was complete. Zoe wants to handle this herself without anyone else's interference.Of course, it's not easy. She walks with an anxious heart. Zoe adjusts her sunglasses several times on her nose, while her other hand carries a beautiful pink flower and gift box.Zoe feels anxious, knowing that people will recognize her when she enters later. But she's resigned. It's not possible to hide her identity now, considering the person she's going to meet.Approaching the counter after filling out a form with the prisoner's name and number, Zoe submits it."Please wait over there. We'll call you," says the prison guard behind the counter.He stares at Zoe several times as another guard checks Zoe's belongings—making sure no contraband is smuggled, glancing to confirm—even reading her name on the form but doesn't comment.Relieved—because
"Here." Wolf handed the cup to Zoe.Zoe wanted to take it, but her hands were still busy responding to messages on her phone."Cliff really doesn't have a girlfriend, does he?" Zoe asked."Hm? Why are you asking?" Wolf asked suspiciously."For Sara. She wanted to confirm this because she doesn't believe someone like Cliff is still single.Zoe sighed, showing the message Sara sent to her. Showing that she wasn't lying. She was indeed asking for Sara, not for herself."Not yet. According to Clay, he used to have one—a journalist or an MC, if I'm not mistaken. But they broke up when Cliff was about to move here. Either he moved and then they broke up, or they broke up and then he moved."Wolf just repeated Clay's words, of course. And now Zoe repeated them in the form of a message to Sara and sent it to reassure her."How do you know these details?" After sending the message and taking her cup, Zoe asked in amazement. The knowle
"Should have been in jail..."Max denied reality once again. For him, Loria still couldn't possibly be Zoe because she should have been in jail."You're endlessly foolish!" Billy slammed the table and went berserk.He grabbed Max by the collar with his handcuffs. Of course, chaos ensued immediately, and shouts erupted as the police guarding the area rushed in to subdue Billy, pinning him to the ground.But evidently, Billy was truly furious with Max, as he continued to resist and curse at Max even while being held down."YOUR STUPIDITY KNOWS NO BOUNDS!""SILENCE!"The judge's thundering voice overshadowed Billy's outburst. Not only Billy fell silent, but also the journalists and spectators who were making noise."Once again, if anyone disturbs me, I will reschedule this trial! UNDERSTOOD?!"The silence in the room signified that they all understood."Take him out. Mr. Dacosta, I'll make sure your charges include this incident. Assaul
The prosecutor began with standard questions, asking about Sara's background—education, how long she had been a psychiatrist, and so on. Only after that did she mention Zoe."Since when has Ms. Zoe Anderson been your patient?" the prosecutor asked."For over a year," Sara replied clearly. Gone was the cheerful demeanor she usually wore when facing patients."Can you explain Ms. Anderson's condition at that time?""Zoe came with a desire to heal because she suffered severe trauma that was very visible and prevented her from leading a normal life.""Could you please explain more about that trauma?"Sara nodded calmly because everything matched the expectations given by Cliff."Zoe came in a state where she couldn't speak, but medical examinations showed that Zoe didn't have any physical injuries anymore. The absence of any disturbances in her nerves confirmed that her inability to speak was a result of PTSD. Severe trauma due to a bad incident
"That's... Strange. You must be kidding!" Iris shook her head vigorously while staring at Zoe from head to toe, trying to recognize her as the same person she saw before with Max."Have I ever joked when talking to you?" Wolf replied flatly, pulling a chair for Zoe. The chair is furthest from Iris. She was still at a loss for words and kept staring at Zoe."Are you really Zoe Anderson?" Iris continued to stare at Zoe."Yes, before I changed my name to Loria Moreau, that was also my name." Zoe replied calmly. The apprehension that had plagued her earlier had vanished.The meeting with Iris might have been unexpected and almost annoying, but Zoe felt empowered, knowing that she was currently in control.Seeing Iris's surprise, Zoe felt satisfaction. A victory for successfully showing her new self to Iris. Zoe was no longer the disheveled individual she had encountered, who garnered disdain due to her perceived inferiority."That's impossible! You don't lo
Zoe smoothed her cream-colored skirt and blazer. Darcy's choice, so Zoe wouldn't appear intimidating or grim.She felt nervous, as she could see from a distance how journalists were crowding in front of the courthouse. They were undoubtedly waiting for the enigmatic figure of Zoe Anderson. There were no images of Zoe in the news because there was no documentation of Zoe's case.Due to her prior injuries and hospitalization, Zoe did not attend the trial as a suspect. No one recorded her face or bothered to find out at the hospital because the case clearly made her a suspect.Zoe also ran her fingers through her hair, which was back to being blonde. She wasn't wearing a wig today. It was the first time she would appear without her black hair, and honestly, it made Zoe even more nervous. It felt like she was removing the mask that had protected her. Zoe would be Zoe in front of everyone, no longer Loria.Wolf, who had been observing Zoe's nervousness, said, "Your be
"He's trying to save himself! So cunning!" Wolf hissed irritably.It was clear from Iris's statement that she only wanted to save herself by blaming Max and Billy."She made them look like she was under pressure to hide the truth about Zoe. Iris then used that pressure as an excuse to justify all her strange actions. She hid from her mistakes by using mental health as an excuse." Sara shook her head, looking annoyed. She was obviously upset when someone used mental health as a lie."She managed to escape using a lifeboat before her ship really sank." Cliff looked at Iris, who continued to sob and cry amidst her words."It doesn't matter. Let it be," Zoe said, folding her arms and staring at the television without blinking."What do you mean, let it be? She's lying again!" Wolf also pointed to the television with a disapproving face."At least she has been honest, especially about me. Whatever she said makes things right; just let it be," Zoe repeated.
"Why so fast?" Zoe stared at the summons she had received in panic.When Benson mentioned that she would receive a summons to attend court, Zoe assumed the trial would take place maybe around one or two months later, but it turned out to be only three days later and effective in two days."I think Benson waited until his file was complete before calling you. That's why now he just has to submit it to the court, and the schedule comes down immediately," Cliff explained. He took the letter from her hand to examine it."I only have to come once, right?"Zoe asked to confirm, as she really didn't want to attend the trial multiple times."Yes, that's why I asked to meet with the psychiatrist who treated you. I need to ask them to answer questions about your condition well. They have to give the right answers for the judge to grant the request," Cliff explained today's plan."I think they'll be here soon. She said they still had a patient earlier,