"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you, sis?" I poked my head into my sister's room as she was getting ready for the party. "Woah... You look incredible. Is this really my sister?" I teased, making her toss her comb, which hit me in the chest. "Ouch!" I pretended to be in pain. "Remember, you have to be nice when he arrives. Don't ruin my perfect night!" my sister threatened with a stern look. "And no, Bash will pick me up in his limousine." "Are you sure about him? Don't you despise him? Since when did you become someone who prefers to compromise your principles?" I entered her room and sat on her bed as she adjusted her dress. Admire herself in the mirror. My earlier compliment wasn't exaggerated. Helen, my sister, looked stunning. Her light blue satin A-line dress with lace accents on the open back was a showstopper. She looked no less glamorous than the celebrities on television. "You know, sometimes love is just confusing. I don't even know why I'm so crazy about Bash, e

"Danzel Harrington!" The prison guard called my name as he knocked loudly on my cell door, then opened it without waiting for my response. I was in the middle of folding the blanket and tidying up the bed. "Harrington, pack your belongings and get out of here. I hope we never meet again," commanded the guard, and I stood up to grab my worn-out black duffel bag, containing my worthless possessions. After ten long years, I finally breathed the fresh air of freedom. My steps halted in front of the prison gate, staring in awe at the changes that had taken place outside. Where should I go from here? My entire family is gone. Should I visit their graves? I clenched my fists tightly, suppressing the pain in my chest. Armed with the meager funds I received from the prison and a piece of paper with the address of a motel designated for ex-convicts like me who wanted to start a new life, I boarded a bus that stopped at a nearby bus stop. The bus took me to the city center, which had change

"So, do you have a personal grudge against Tom Merrick?" "Tom Merrick or Merrick Corp, whatever it is. Because what is Tom if not for Merrick Corp, right?" I nodded. Alright, if that's the case, then we have a common adversary. The enemy of your enemy is your friend, that's the proverb I know. "What do you know about their treatment of my parents?" "I don't know the details, but the way he treats his opponents is very consistent. Let me show you something." Mr. Burrow now led me to his office, which appeared even more cluttered than the other rooms. Piles of leftover food wrappers were stacked, emitting an unpleasant odor. The scent of nicotine was heavy, casting a yellowish hue across the room. The shotgun he had earlier rested on a long table behind his desk. Then he pulled out a file from the drawer, a thick file. He tossed the stack of files onto the table, creating a resounding thud. Then, enthusiastically, he spread out some of his own investigative findings that he had co

"Let her handle your luggage, Mr. Rupert," Mr. Rocky instructed Anne to take my belongings, but I declined. "I'm sorry, I prefer to carry it myself," I politely refused, as the documents I carried were very valuable. "Very well then, we welcome you, and we're pleased you've chosen our inn. We'll provide the best service possible. Allow me to assist you with the check-in process," Anne gestured gracefully, inviting me to the counter displaying “information and receptionist” inside. Anne sat in front of her computer, her fingers agilely pressing the keyboard. The summer season had made the air warmer; I noticed the fan at the counter was broken, with screws and bolts scattered to the side. Sweat trickled down Anne's forehead, and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. Perhaps unable to bear the heat, she then gathered her long wavy hair atop her head, revealing her slender and graceful neck. The image of my fingers slipping down that neck, pulling her into a passionate kiss, i

[Of course not, silly.] I observed Anne, who remained motionless as the system responded to my question. "So, it's not her." [Don't get your hope up, then you won't be disappointed.] "Haha," I chuckled, leaving them both looking at me with surprise. "Oh, hello Anne," I replied hesitantly to Anne's greeting. "We witnessed how you escaped from their riverside cabin, Mr. Harrington." "Please, call me Danzel. I couldn't do much when facing Terry and Lyan simultaneously. They turned out to be incredibly strong." "Yes, Danzel. We're not making fun of you. It was the most rational decision you could have made if you wanted to survive. We're thankful you made it back safely. Right now, we need a little help from someone we can rely on." Anne responded with her wide-eyed gaze directed at me. I smiled at her, and she returned the gesture. In the midst of my crumbling world, her smile felt like a glimmer of hope. "Did you know that Tom is running for mayor? This is a project he plans to