Ethan’s heart grew bitter as he watched the sun set and darkness fall. His mind was restless, as every night he had to sleep in an abandoned building with no doors. He wants to hurry up and get back to his little room, where he was temporarily staying. He had been delayed at work because some equipment needed repairs, and as the cleaner, he was required to stay and clean up the mess. He was saving up to get a better one-room apartment in a normal area, once his savings were sufficient. By the time he reached the old, abandoned house where he resided, it was already 1:45 a.m. After a long day at work, he still had to walk nearly two hours to get there. As he approached the old house, he noticed bright lights shining from within. His heart raced as he walked toward the building. When he got closer, he saw his tattered bags and small bed lying outside. Panicking, Ethan rushed to check his briefcase, where he had been saving his money, but it was nowhere to be found. To his shock, th

“I just need you to sign a contract with me,” Sophia explained, her gaze firmly fixed on Ethan. “My dad isn’t in good health, and he’s asked me to find a husband he can trust to manage his properties. I’m not ready for marriage, nor do I want the properties, but since it’s his wish, I have to take care of these things. That’s why I want us to get married.”Ethan frowned, his confusion evident. “So, that’s your plan? We just met today, and the first thing you think of is marriage? I don’t understand. Do you want James to come after me? Look, I get that your dad is pressuring you, but I’m not ready for marriage either. I can’t fake a relationship—let alone a marriage. I’m sorry, but if this is why you brought me here, I’d rather leave.” He stood abruptly, his frustration clear.Sophia remained calm. “I only asked a question, Ethan. You’re free to say no. And, for the record, this has nothing to do with me bringing you here. It just crossed my mind, so I asked. That’s all. Sit down; it’s

Ethan quickly stepped away from the wall when he noticed someone approaching from behind. His heart raced, but he maintained his composure, pulling out his phone to text Sophia about what he had overheard as he walked back toward the cleaner’s room. Text: “Sophia, I need to tell you something urgent. James sent Paul—someone I used to trust—to get information from me. I thought Paul was still the friend I knew, so I told him about everything you’ve done for me. But I just found out he’s working for James now. James is furious about your help and from his words I clearly heard him say he would ruin both of us. I don’t know what exactly he meant, but I don’t want you to face trouble because of me. Maybe you should take back the apartment key.” After sending the message, Ethan let out a shaky breath. His mind raced with doubt and regret. In just two days, Sophia had completely changed his life. He thought about the way she had treated him to an expensive meal just to apologize for how

Ethan stood in the shower, lost in thought as the warm water cascaded over him. Could Mr. Caldwell really be responsible for the death of Philip Reynolds? The question felt heavy, like a stone sinking in his chest. His mind raced, but no answers came.A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Quickly grabbing his trousers, Ethan dressed and opened the door to find Sophia standing there, her face lit up with her usual warmth.“Good morning, Ethan. How was your night?” she asked, her bright smile softening his mood.“Morning, Sophia. My night was fine. And yours?” Ethan replied, his gaze lingering on her. He couldn’t help but notice her new hairstyle; it suited her perfectly.“My night was good too,” she said, stepping closer, her expression growing serious. “Ethan, can I ask you something? What’s your story? I’ve never heard you talk about your family, and… my parents are going to ask. I just need to know.” Her voice softened as she studied his face, uncertain how he’d react.E

About twenty minutes into the robbery, chaos reigned inside the Caldwell estate while the police worked frantically to contain the situation. A loudspeaker blared from outside the building, “This is the police! Drop your weapons and surrender immediately. You’re surrounded—there’s no way out.”Despite their commands, the officers struggled to breach the premises. A bomb squad reported that a powerful explosive had been planted at the entrance. According to the bomb experts, the device was potent enough to demolish the entire building, requiring at least five hours to defuse. The police had no choice but to exercise caution. With several high-profile figures inside, any misstep could spell disaster. The robbers had already warned that if provoked, they would kill everyone, including themselves.Inside the building, Sophia’s piercing screams echoed as one of the masked men violated her. The cold, cruel satisfaction on the man’s face sent waves of helpless rage through Mr. Caldwell. He s