"You came!" Iris exclaimed in relief as she saw Max walk into the house they lived in together.
"I've been waiting all night." Iris stood with unsteady steps—due to being drunk—and approached Max, hugging him."Do you know what happened? This isn't fair! Wolf suddenly kicked me out, even though the girl was at fault."Iris complained while crying, not caring that Max's hands hadn't been responding to hug or comfort her for a while."Iris, you were the one who splashed her with water first."That reply eventually made Iris realize that there was a change in Max's attitude. The man who would usually sweetly respond to her complaints in any situation.Listening to the details until the end and still mentioning things that would make her happier. Although he was not offering any solutions, at least Max would console her."Max, did you just defend that slutty girl?" Iris stepped back, looking at Max's now smile-less face more closely.""Good afternoon."After greeting politely, Wolf sat facing two people who looked sour and angry.They were Brown and Maynard. They came as representatives of shareholders, as they were the largest shareholders of Wolf. They were the ones who could 'reprimand' Wolf."What kind of news is this?!"Maynard, older, with wavy and perfectly white hair, asked rudely as he threw an entertainment newspaper with the top headline about Iris no longer being part of Wolf. It wasn't Sanchez's writing, but the content was more or less similar to what Sanchez requested, although not in detail."The news is accurate. I terminated Iris's contract last night. But don't worry; I will personally pay the compensation for that contract. Using my own money," Wolf replied. He mentioned money to reassure them. The cancellation of the contract would not disturb the company's income."It's not about the compensation, Mr. Wolf! It's about the revenue!" Brown, slightly younger and th
PLAK!Max held his cheek in surprise. The slap was unexpected because he didn't feel like he had done anything wrong."Why..." Max was at a loss for words and looked at Billy with anger. He still couldn't understand why he got hit."That's to knock some sense into you! How could you suddenly be with Iris?! And you didn't say anything to me beforehand?!" Billy shouted."Because it was obvious to me! What Iris did yesterday was outrageous! And don't you see the consequences now? I can't be with her anymore! I'd be dragged down with her if we were still together!"Max fought back fiercely this time because he felt he was right. He couldn't sacrifice himself and go down with Iris. Max was actually relieved because he announced that his relationship with Iris was over one day after the incident.And Billy, who was abroad at the time, had no idea. He only returned today, two days later.PAK!Billy hit Max on the head with the document in his hand.
The police immediately brought Iris to sit down and called their colleague—the female police officer—to approach her and whisper about what she wanted to do.Her friend nodded and sat next to Iris, taking her hand with a sympathetic gesture. Holding it."We'll listen to whatever it is. Please, what do you want to report? There's no need to rush; just calm down." The female police officer persuaded her gently, according to procedure."The incident happened several years ago. I remained silent all this time because my feelings blinded me, but I should have spoken up sooner. I regret it so much... I was afraid at that time..." Iris covered her face again and cried."It's okay; calm down first. There's no need to be afraid anymore. Everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay. Everyone deserves time to gather the strength to say something difficult."The police officer gently patted Iris's thigh."A few years ago, the man I loved tried to kill someone
"Ah... yeah. I forgot you still have to work, huh? Okay, then, some other time."Sara thought Zoe hesitated only because she didn't have time, not because she felt she didn't need to hear the complaint. Sara was still cheerful as she hugged Zoe and waved goodbye as Zoe headed towards the main road. Sara needed to find a taxi since she didn't bring a car like Zoe."I didn't know you knew Doctor Sara."Zoe turned around and saw Darcy walking towards them. Darcy had left earlier to take Zoe's belongings to the car, and she apparently saw Sara."I've been in a not-so-healthy state of mind before," Zoe said, completely unashamed to admit it.Darcy nodded understandingly and patted Zoe's arm. "I'm glad you're okay now. I hope Iris dares to take steps like you did before it gets worse," Darcy said, shaking her head. Everyone now believes that Iris should also be Sara's patient."At least I'm relieved she can't bother you anymore."Of course, it wasn't jus
Zoe instantly had a bad feeling upon hearing that name, and her intuition proved correct a few seconds later when the woman called by Grayford turned around.Emily, Wolf's stepmother, was known to Zoe. A stepmother who is even crueler than Cinderella's. Her face, already quite beautiful yesterday, became even more beautiful with exquisite makeup and a stunning dress.With a sweet smile, the woman walked toward her. Zoe groaned inwardly, regretting being so happy to get the extra payment. Apparently, the job she was doing today really had to be extra special—there was a new burden because she had to meet the insane psychopathic woman."Hello, let me introduce myself. I'm Emily. I'm your fan!"Emily cheerfully extended her hand, and of course, Zoe accepted it with an equally cheerful face."Hello, thank you for being such a loyal fan." Zoe used the template response she used every time she met a fan—who claimed to have been a fan for a long time.
Zoe had to walk with heavy steps to reach her apartment. She wasn't tired physically, but mentally.Of course, the devilish woman was responsible. Zoe was increasingly certain that the nickname was specifically for Emily. Zoe still didn't know what to do.Fortunately, that party was her last job of the day. Zoe wouldn't have to work hard anymore. She just had to make small talk and smile; no more singing afterward.Now Zoe understood why Clay said it was important for her to learn acting. Revenge or not, as an artist, at the very least she should be able to act—look normal in public.Zoe also understood why Sara mentioned that many artists actually suffer from severe depression but don't show it. And she understood why Wolf provided Sara and suggested his artists regularly consult with her.Zoe liked her job because it was what she had wanted since she was a child, but it was the first time she didn't want to smile or sing. Only once did she do her job
"I like the surprise. Really, really happy!" Zoe exclaimed joyfully. It's a bit too cheerful, though, hiding the issue."Oh... okay, okay..." Wolf was certainly surprised by her reaction—more than he had anticipated—but he hugged her with great satisfaction. The surprise's purpose had been achieved."I'm disappointed that I couldn't show this off, but it's still good that you're happy." Wolf removed the hat from his head. His attempt to greet Zoe with as colorful clothing as possible had failed, but the result was still the same."How long did you prepare for this?" Zoe asked. According to Wolf's somewhat disappointed reaction, it appeared that he had taken the surprise concept seriously."A few weeks. I really racked my brain to give you an epic surprise. Well, it's decent. Even though half of it failed, you still accepted it. So..."Wolf paused, and Zoe silenced him by putting her finger on his lips. She then grabbed the maracas on the table an
Of course, they are greeted by the sun. Zoe stepped off the plane in Vallarta. The city is located about five hundred kilometers east of Mexico City. Zoe regrets not bringing sunglasses, ignoring Wolf's advice.Now she could only squint as she moved from the plane into the car. Zoe now understands why they needed sombreros here. The hat was perfect for blocking out the sun.Zoe didn't mind embracing the sun, hoping to get a little color for her skin, but the sun made her dizzy as she tried to stare at the bright blue sky and soft clouds."Because of the difference in our face sizes, this may be too large for you, but it's preferable to you constantly squinting like that."Wolf placed sunglasses on Zoe's face, instantly making her feel like the weather had turned cloudy. She didn't rebuke, even though it was clear that her difficulty was the result of Zoe being stubborn about not wanting to get tan lines around her eyes due to the sun."What about you?" Zoe a
"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,