Wolf shook Zoe's shoulders, finally seeing her eyes focus again, but only for a moment."What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Wolf asked.Zoe shook her head and sighed, trying to calm herself. But the crying sound persisted. Zoe covered her ears and shook her head."Zoe? What do you hear?" Wolf tried to pull her hand down. It was because the crying sound stopped as soon as Clay got up. A few seconds after he ascended, the crying stopped. Zoe shouldn't hear anything other than Wolf's questions. But Zoe still heard it. The sound was still in her head.Stumbling, Zoe took steps to find the way out. She wanted to distance herself from that sound."Where are you going?" Wolf reached out, but his hand was too slow. Zoe ran, not choosing the front door. The first thing Zoe saw was the side door, so she rushed towards the light."ZOE!" Wolf chased after her, relieved to see that Zoe didn't run far. But the situation wasn't good. Zoe now stood by the pool, crouching and covering her ears.She still he
"Wow!"Wolf muttered as he observed how Zoe cursed without a pause. He was accustomed to swearing, but mostly in his mind. What he was witnessing now was truly remarkable. Zoe continued to curse loudly for about a minute. Being a singer, her vocal strength and breath endurance were impressive.Wolf was relieved they weren't in a densely populated area. Otherwise, neighbors might have called the police complaining about the noise. Zoe's curses echoed around the open pool area."HEY! ARE YOU NUTS?! Why are you screaming here?!"Wolf heard a shout and looked up. A head with an angry face peeked out from a window. Clearly, Zoe's yelling disturbed someone. Wolf initially thought it was Clay, but then realized Clay couldn't have turned young again. It was Dustin, Clay's eldest son."Sorry."Wolf waved at him, and Dustin sneered before slamming the window shut. Zoe had screamed right under his bedroom window, so he must have heard every curse.Wolf looked back at Zoe, who was now standing st
"Mmm... I'm sorry about earlier... He's studying for an exam," Clay awkwardly sought understanding. Meanwhile, Dustin scoffed from above.Although Zoe was at fault here for shouting and crying aimlessly in someone else's house, Clay still wanted to apologize because his son's reprimand could be considered quite rude."No. I'm sorry. I should apologize, Clay. I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll apologize to him later." Zoe quickly shook her head, her face turning red in embarrassment."No need. Dustin is always like that; he doesn't...""It's not his fault. Really. I'm a guest... Oh? I'm talking..." Zoe turned to look at Wolf, who was still smiling. He watched and felt satisfied to see Zoe speak smoothly to Clay."Yes, you're talking. A lot and fluently," Wolf nodded."Oh, my God! Wait..." Zoe wanted to cheer but held back her emotions, not wanting to be too disappointed if she couldn't speak anymore."Sing for me," Wolf requested.Zoe swallowed hard, her hands sweating. Afraid that the
"What are you doing to her?!" Sara snapped as soon as she heard the report from Wolf about Zoe fainting. Accusing without hesitation."Focus on the positive, Sara! I got her to talk! Zoe can talk and sing now. That should be your focus. Now explain to me what made her faint." Wolf demanded back."Do you think I have some superpower that allows me to see Zoe's condition from thousands of miles away? You took her to the hospital, didn't you? Ask the doctor there, not me!" Sara retorted, sounding irritated because Wolf was entirely unreasonable.Wolf sighed. He was well aware that the question was absurd. But his mind could only produce such absurd thoughts at the moment. It was too chaotic."Now tell me what happened, and don't leave anything out. Everything!" Sara hissed threateningly."Mmm... Upon hearing a baby crying, Zoe became disturbed and covered her ears, even though we were outside. I asked her to calm down, and suddenly she screamed about what Max did, using harsh and long cu
"Wolf explained to Zoe, who had just opened her eyes, 'The doctor said you're just tired and can go home after this.'Zoe tried to gather her thoughts, realizing that what Wolf said wasn't important. There were other things they needed to discuss, not just when she would be leaving the hospital.After this, there will be many plans waiting. I will be your trainer and your vocal coach. And I have another good plan. I know the right way to quickly get your exposure, but the pressure on you will be greater.'Wolf explained all the plans once again that Zoe didn't want to hear."Whether you want to hear it or not?" Wolf asked, pulling his chair closer to the bed.Zoe looked at him and snorted. 'You're such a coward,' she muttered."You... What did you call me?!"Wolf was initially relieved to hear Zoe speak again, not withdrawing like Sara. But hearing the term 'coward,' Wolf was infuriated."I called you a coward. But we don't need to discuss it. You can talk about your plans." Zoe no lo
"Do you want to choose a color? Red? Black? Brunette? Or maybe a brighter blonde? I actually like your current hair color. It's a shame you want to cover it up."Albert pointed to the array of wigs beside him, asking Zoe to choose. His salon had perfectly accommodated Zoe's request. Zoe could freely choose from about thirty different hair styles in various colors."Hmm... red is too bright," Zoe murmured. She didn't want Iris to remember the incident with the gym friend who spilled a drink on her shoulder."Okay, eliminate that." Albert removed all the red colors, leaving around twenty options."Your hair is beautiful and healthy; do we really have to do this?" Albert asked. It was the umpteenth time he had said it. He still didn't want to cover it up.But Zoe couldn't appear with blonde hair, as blonde hair was what made her look like Zoe Anderson. Zoe didn't want to wear heavy makeup and risk going unrecognized, like when she disguised herself as Iris's gym friend. She still wanted
"This is for you." Wolf said, handing over a brown envelope.They were back home, discussing the next steps Zoe would take the day after tomorrow. It would be the first time Zoe would appear in public."What's this?" Zoe opened the long brown envelope and found her new identity—an ID card, driver's license, passport, and credit cards—all under the name Loria Moreau. Zoe's new name.Zoe looked at the photos on all the identification cards and felt satisfied. After choosing a wig with Albert, Zoe took the pictures and was pleased with how realistic her hair looked.The face in those photos was still Zoe but, at the same time, different. It still carried the essence of Zoe, as she desired."Is this all?" Zoe asked, putting all her new documents back into the envelope."Yes, is there anything else needed?" Wolf asked, pulling an ashtray from the table to hold the cigarette ash in his hand."Our divorce papers. Shouldn't I sign them now? I'll be leaving this house tomorrow."Zoe said it ca
"You look like shit! Are you a vampire or something?"Clay honestly assessed Wolf's appearance as he approached. Despite being in the middle of a golf course, basking in the sunlight, Wolf stood out in his all-black attire—a black jacket, black pants, black shoes, and black sunglasses. His face looked pale, adding a vampiric touch to his ensemble."When was the last time you took a shower?" Clay asked, examining Wolf once again. It turned out that Wolf looked disheveled beyond imagination.Wolf just shrugged, then sat on the golf cart Clay was driving, leaning against one of its posts."Are you hungover or something?" Clay inquired.Wolf groaned. His head was indeed pounding from excessive drinking, but he was coherent enough to understand what Clay was saying. He had managed to drag his own body this far onto the golf course, so physically, Wolf wasn't weak. His disheveled appearance was more of a psychological issue."You said you wanted to meet, and now you show up like this?" Clay
"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,