"Wolf?""Hm?" Wolf removed the headphones from his head. Becca waved her hand in front of his face to get his attention."What's up?" Wolf hissed. He didn't like interruptions when he was working in the studio, especially during the final stages of deciding whether a song was ready for release or not.This process took time because Wolf was very meticulous—not hesitant to ask for re-recordings or remixing if he wasn't satisfied. Wolf demanded high concentration and despised interruptions halfway through.For almost a week now, Wolf hasn't left the studio, conducting a marathon quality check of many songs scheduled for release next month. His patience was at an all-time low."That Bitch is here."Becca felt no remorse for the interruption; in fact, she cursed whoever it was that came, as anyone earning that nickname was someone she despised."Which Bitch?"However, Wolf couldn't comprehend, as Becca had a long list of people earning that title. Even Iris had called her that when she wa
Sara snorted."If that's her only trauma, she wouldn't be mute. It's another psychological issue. If it's just falling down the stairs, she'll probably be afraid of heights or never climb stairs again in her life. Her muteness isn't because she fell down the stairs. It represents another kind of pain, probably related to a man. Shit! I shouldn't have told you that!"Sara is sharing too much. She shouldn't have mentioned the possibility of a man hurting Zoe."What kind of man?" Wolf, of course, didn't understand. Sara waved her hand, not wanting Wolf to bring up the topic of men again."Look. I just want to say that Zoe's issues might not be easy to handle because she won't open up to me. But that's the core of the problem. She's holding something in, keeping the pain or whatever it is inside her. I won't be able to help her unless she starts opening up herself.""And you're giving up?" Wolf would be disappointed if Sara was truly giving up."I am not giving up, but I need your help. S
Zoe complained because the recording she took a few days ago required a lot of editing. In addition to cutting Max's voice to keep Iris calm, there were also many other voices of people present in the gym at that time.Due to being too focused on Iris, Zoe didn't really notice the presence of many people gathering because of the incident. They were mostly whispering, and of course, it was disturbing because the phone's microphone would pick up all the surrounding sounds. There was a part where Cleo dispersed them, but it was after the final part.Zoe wanted to clarify Iris's voice and remove other voices to make it clearer, but she didn't have the ability to do that. Before Billy found them, Zoe's experience using social media to promote Max and herself allowed her to use video editing to blur faces. But for the voice part, it's usually Max's job. Zoe regretted not participating in working on that part, so she had little knowledge now.Zoe leaned back, supporting her cheek with her ha
"Okay, what confuses you?" Clay asked while sipping the newly delivered blue cocktail.As requested by Clay, they were at the most ordinary bar, where the patrons were genuinely there for company and diverse cocktail offerings. They sat in a corner with a sofa for a more relaxed conversation."How do you make a woman comfortable?" Wolf asked.This time, Clay really spit out the drink he was sipping, causing Wolf to grimace as some droplets landed on the back of his hand."That's disgusting, Clay!" he complained."You dragged me here just to ask that?" Clay used a tissue to clean his lips and clothes."Yeah, you know the answer, right? I want specific details. I don't want broad strokes. Attention and understanding—I don't want answers like that. I want clear examples!" Wolf demanded specificity because if it was just a global answer, Sara had already covered everything earlier. Wolf wanted clear examples.Clay stared at Wolf in amazement. He never imagined such a question would come f
Zoe squirmed as she threw the blanket she wore carelessly, causing it to fall off the bed. It was indeed her habit. She tousled her messy hair, as last night she was too sleepy to comb it, so she just let it air-dry after a shower.Yawning widely, she stretched to straighten her back as she lowered her feet. She was still sleepy from staying up late trying to edit Iris's recording. It just didn't work.Today, Zoe planned to seek knowledge on the internet again. To find more precise tutorials so she could accomplish it. It wasn't convincing, as her findings yesterday didn't meet her expectations, but what else could she do?Zoe lazily walked to the bathroom while suppressing a yawn."What makes you stay up late at night and sleepy?""AH!"Zoe, of course, screamed very loudly upon hearing that. Her eyes widened as she turned around, looking around.Then she spotted Wolf, sitting with his legs crossed, holding a cup of coffee. Staring at her with sharp eyes. Observing, but maybe a bit to
Zoe returned to rubbing her chest absentmindedly. Wolf showed no sign of acknowledging her presence. Zoe finally entered the luxurious kitchen that usually sparkled, holding her phone."How did you know I was coming?" Zoe asked."I heard your footsteps," Wolf replied.Zoe widened her eyes. "I'm not wearing any shoes!""Just because you're not wearing shoes doesn't mean I can't hear you. My ears are accustomed to picking up sounds more clearly. And your eavesdropping distance wasn't far, Zoe." The kitchen wasn't too large, as Wolf knew he wouldn't use it often.Zoe nodded, remembering that Wolf's primary job as a producer was to have a keen sense of hearing."Eat," Wolf said, placing two fully loaded plates on the counter. There were high stools for dining; there was no need for a dining table.Zoe looked at the perfectly arranged meal. Two slices of toast, crispy bacon, and sunny-side-up eggs with the perfect level of doneness. The yellow yolk glistened, just halfway cooked. Saliva ga
Zoe stared in awe at the equipment in Wolf's studio. It couldn't be compared to the rental studio she used to share with Max, with just a few hours available to create demo songs. Even the mixing equipment here was more comprehensive than in Billy's studio in Nova. Wolf even had a professional, soundproof recording room.The closed room next to Wolf's workspace turned out to hide an area that made Zoe feel like she had discovered a secret treasure trove."Sit down." Wolf shifted another chair so Zoe could sit next to him after turning on the computer there."I'll start with the basics. The programs you can use to layer a song and also..."Zoe patted Wolf's arm, asking him to slow down a bit with the explanations, as she couldn't follow how quickly the screen on Wolf's computer was changing.[Can't you explain using a simpler program? I mean something more straightforward.]"Why are you using this note again?" Wolf asked, taking the cat-shaped sticky note Zoe handed it to him, sticking
"Zoe?!" Wolf stretched his head to get a clearer view but couldn't find her."Zoe!" Finally, Wolf got up and opened the recording room door."You..." Wolf, seeing Zoe huddled near the wall, certainly wanted to address her, but then he realized that Zoe was trembling."Zoe? Are you sick?" Wolf wanted to pull Zoe to stand, but as he moved her away from the wall, he heard faint sobs and tears dripping onto the carpet.Wolf became even more panicked after seeing that. Wolf became even more panicked after seeing that. His suggestion for Zoe to sing had actually made her uncomfortable, but it turned out to be worse as it made her cry."Why... wait..."Wolf let Zoe continue to huddle while he rubbed her head in confusion."What should I do?!" The panicked murmurs were very soft, but enough to startle Zoe. She tried to wipe away her tears.Wolf, still thinking hard about everything he had learned instantly since meeting Sara, observed how Zoe wiped away her tears.Wolf searched the room but f
"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,