"Rafael, I don't think I can involve you in my cafe," Maxime said quietly, trying to keep his composure."What do you mean, Max?" asked Rafael, his face showing confusion."I was going to tell you to work at my cafe, but Tjoe didn't agree with that," Maxime said, his voice firm but regretful.Rafael was silent for a moment, then his eyes lit up with disappointment. "So you'd take Tjoe's word over helping your own brother?" he asked bitterly.Maxime sighed heavily. "Rafael, this isn't about choosing Tjoe or you. It's about keeping our cafe that we've worked so hard to build. I can't take a risk that could destroy it all."Rafael smiled bitterly, nodding slowly. "I understand, Max. Maybe you're right. I'm the one who always brings trouble. I don't want to trouble you further."Maxime felt a wave of pain when he saw Rafael's expression. "Rafael, wait. It's not about being troublesome or not. We can find other ways to help you."But Rafael had already decided. "No need, Max. I'll just lea

Maxime nodded, wiping away his tears. "Yes, I'm Maxime.""There's someone who'd like to see you," the nurse said, pointing at an elderly man walking slowly towards them. Maxime recognized the man as Pak Budi, an old acquaintance of his family."Maxime," Mr. Budi greeted him in a husky yet warm voice."I heard about your father's condition. I came to see if there was anything I could do to help." Maxime was surprised and relieved at the same time."Mr. Budi, I'm very grateful. Our situation is very difficult right now. "Mr. Budi smiled wisely."I know, my son. Your father was a good friend of mine for many years. Although we don't always agree, I can't let him suffer without trying to help."Mr. Budi then took out an envelope from his jacket and handed it to Maxime."It's not a big amount, but I hope it can help a little." Maxime opened the envelope and found some money inside. Maxime's eyes filled with tears again, this time not from sadness, but from emotion and gratitude."Thank you

In the chaos, her father managed to remove the cloth gagging her mouth and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Help!!!" His desperate voice echoed, breaking the silence of the night and waking up the previously sleeping citizens.Maxime, who was lying on the floor with bruises on his face, heard his father's cry. His spirits rose instantly, replacing the pain in his body. With what was left of his strength, he got up slowly, trying to resist the dizziness that blurred his vision. He knew that he had to act quickly.Outside, the cries had aroused the residents' concern. One by one, the house lights began to come on, and within minutes, a crowd of people flocked to Maxime's house. They carried torches, sticks, and anything else they could use to protect themselves. The villagers knew very well that tonight they had to unite against the incoming threat.Rafael's men, who initially felt superior and untouchable, now began to panic at the wave of people approaching with determination. They r

Maxime returned to Neo's rented house to avenge his mother's pain on Neo. With his heart still filled with anger and resentment, he walked with firm steps towards the door. However, when he opened the door, Maxime was shocked and disgusted. Neo's body lay limply on the floor, covered in maggots and a pungent stench.Maxime's tears broke out seeing his father's terrible condition. All resentment and hatred instantly vanished, replaced by regret and deep sadness. "Dad..." he whispered bitterly. Carefully, he approached Neo and embraced his frail body."Tjoe used to come here to bring food and bathe Dad, but he hasn't come for a week now," Neo said in a weak and pained voice.Maxime's tears continued to flow as he carried his father's body to the bathroom. Lovingly, he cleaned Neo's body of disgusting dirt and maggots. Every time his hands touched his father's skin, Maxime felt a deep sense of guilt. "I'm sorry, Dad," he said repeatedly between sobs.After cleaning Neo's body, Maxime lai