Louis exhaled deeply as Vivian and Ben's voices finally faded.He reached for his phone as it buzzed. The screen lit up with "Terminator X" calling."Hello?"“I hope I’m not interrupting your evening, Sir.”Louis raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. “Not at all. In fact, I was about to call you myself. I heard you’ll be on Neckor Island next week. I’m guessing it was meant to be a surprise?”There was a pause on the other end, followed by an awkward chuckle. “Indeed, Sir, you’re always one step ahead.” “I was planning a grand welcome, but now ... I suspect you’d rather I kept things simple?”“Spot on,” Louis replied with a slight smile. “I appreciate the gesture, but a low-key meeting is more my style.”“Consider it done, Sir.” Terminator X said respectfully.“And one more thing, Sir. Your ex-wife’s fiance had booked a wedding on Neckor Island a week later. Should I cancel it as a little ‘lesson’? It’d be no trouble at all.”“No need.”Louis shook his head. He didn’t want to was
“Haha, maybe we have met when we were kids and forgot all about it!”“You're so funny! Seriously though, talking to you feels so... familiar. Safe, somehow.”He smiled sadly at her words, wishing he could tell her everything – how she'd saved his life, how he'd carried that gratitude all these years.“That's one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me.”“You bring out the honest side in me. I can't explain it, but I'm so glad we're friends.”“Me too, Juliet.”As he typed those words, Louis made a silent promise to himself. He'd find a way to repay her kindness, even if she never knew the full story. Sometimes, he reflected, the best way to honor the past was to protect the present.The morning sun glinted off Necker Island's pristine dock as luxury yachts bobbed gently in the crystal-clear waters. Louis adjusted his casual linen shirt, taking in the extravagant wedding decorations that transformed the already stunning venue into something magical."Well, well, well. Look what
However, Victoria stepped closer, her voice venomous. "Listen here, you worthless—""No, you listen," Louis interrupted calmly without stopping or looking backward. "Enjoy your standing here making assumptions and learn to shut up.” “Even better, why don't you watch and learn how a real entrance is made?"Jackson laughed mockingly. "Oh, this I've got to see. The great Louis about to be humiliated!"Watching Louis’s receding figure, Jackson couldn’t help but laughed out loud.Without an invitation, Louis would surely be humiliated.And he couldn’t wait to see that good show."Watch this circus show. He's about to get the humiliation he deserves." Victoria whispered.Her red lips curling into a cruel smile. Meanwhile, Louis continued walking, his steps measured and sure.Approached the checkpoint, Louis could feel the blatantly malicious gaze, but he remained unmoved.Twelve armed sentinels stood at attention, their black uniforms and reflective sunglasses creating an imposing ba
Hanging up the phone, Louis walked along the island’s unique scenic path, following the iconic crytal-stone path.Everything was just like before, which made Louis feel as if he had returned to the past.Before he knew it, Louis had already passed through the tropical gardens.Soon, the path wound through tropical gardens until the wedding venue appeared – a masterpiece of crystal and precious gems catching the sunlight in rainbow prisms."And now, ..." Just then, the officiant's voice carried through the structure."By the words of God and the witnesses, I now pronounce the groom, Ben Gutsby, and the bride, Vivian Howard, as husband and wife. You may kiss...”Outside the transparent wedding chapel made of crystal and gems, Louis heard Vivian’s name and glanced in that direction.There, he saw Vivian in her bridal gown, her makeup heavy, her smile broad.However, Louis’s gaze didn’t linger on her for the least bit.Instead, his gaze shifted to Juliet, who stood not far away, wearing
How could the gentle, supportive Louis be the same person Vivian called 'the biggest mistake of her life'?"What's your plan this time?" Vivian demanded. angrily "Try to win me back? Make some dramatic scene? Beg for another chance like the desperate dog you are?""He's probably hoping to get his picture in the society pages," Jackson called from the back. "Still trying to climb that social ladder!""You disgust me," Vivian continued, her voice echoing off the crystal walls."Mom was right about everything – you're nothing but a calculated fraud who fooled me once. Never again!"The guests shifted uncomfortably, some already posting to social media, others recording the confrontation with barely concealed excitement.Juliet felt her world tilting sideways. The Louis who defended my family's honor... is the same man they're calling a social-climbing fraud?How could that be?Something must be wrong, right?"Security!" Vivian screamed again. "Get this piece of garbage out of my si
Unlike the others, she saw no humor in this public humiliation."He probably practiced this entrance in the mirror," a young socialite giggled. "Rehearsed his little dramatic moment!""Should we call animal control?" someone joked cruelly. "Seems we have a stray that needs removing!"Vivian basked in the mockery. "See, Louis? Everyone knows exactly what you are – a desperate nobody who can't accept rejection."The crystal walls seemed to amplify every cutting laugh, every whispered insult. Only Juliet remained silent, her mind wrestling with the contradiction between the Louis she knew and the one being portrayed."Security's taking their time," a groomsman called out."Maybe he bribed them too!""Wouldn't put it past him," Vivian sneered. "He always was good at crawling his way into places he doesn't belong.""What's wrong, Louis?" Vivian taunted. "No clever comebacks? Finally realizing your place in the world?"Everyone laughed as if Louis was a joker and trying to humiliate h
The entire ceremony fell silent with Louis’s wordsWhat the fuck?This nobody made a random call to who-knows-whom and said the wedding was cancelled?Who did he think he was?Just then, Vivian burst into a loud laugh."Oh my God! You’re really hilarious! You think you can simply cancel it? Who do you think you are?" Vivian's voice rose hysterically."Have you lost your mind?"“Exactly! Does he think he’s the island owner or something?”"You have ten minutes," Louis continued calmly. "After that, security will escort you out.""You can't—" Ben started."I can," Louis cut him off. Vivian's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.She didn’t understand why Louis was this bold."This is impossible! You're nothing! A nobody!"The gathered crowd fell into stunned silence as Louis thumbed another number on his phone."Security?" he spoke clearly. "Please begin the evacuation procedures. Anyone not on the approved list needs to leave within the hour."Juliet watched in amazement
"I propose we teach our uninvited guest a lesson about respect. “Anyone who helps ensure this... person," he spat the word like poison."... never works in Apple City again will have the full support of the Gutsby Family.""The Gutsby Family?" several voices murmured with interest. The name carried weight, and everyone knew it."That's right," Ben continued, straightening his designer suit. "As you all know, my family's influence runs deep in this city. Anyone who stands with me today won't regret it. The Gutsby Family never forgets its friends."Vivian clutched Ben's arm, her diamond bracelet catching the light. "Darling, you're too kind offering help to these people just to deal with this... nobody."She shot Louis a venomous look."Though he certainly deserves whatever's coming to him.""Oh, honey," Ben kissed her cheek, "anything for you. And besides, ..." He turned back to the crowd, "do you know where we are? This is Neckor Island's premier wedding venue. Do you think just
Terminator X, their intel specialist, stood at the center of the room, his eyes glued to the holographic display.The rest of the team, including Louis and Juliet, circled around him, waiting for the latest update.“So, what’s the news?” Louis asked, his voice low but sharp.Terminator X didn’t turn away from the display but nodded slightly.“We’ve just intercepted a transmission from The Seer’s faction. They’re developing a new weapon—an energy cannon. It’s powered by the remnants of the Mirror.”Juliet’s brow furrowed.“The Mirror? But that’s—”“Yeah,” Terminator X cut her off.“It’s dangerous, and they’ve somehow managed to harness its power. The cannon is aimed straight at Apple City. If it’s what I think it is, we’re in serious trouble.”Louis crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “How serious?”“The cannon’s power could rival the Heart itself,” Edward’s weak voice called from the corner.The group turned to see him sitting in a chair, looking far from his usual self.He was rec
Juliet placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm despite her weakened state.“She sacrificed a lot to protect you, Louis. She didn’t want you burdened by her past.”Louis’s jaw tightened.“But now it’s my burden. And I won’t let her sacrifices be in vain.”Before Juliet could respond, a low rumble shook the chamber.Dust and debris rained down from the ceiling.“What was that?” she asked, alarmed.Louis’s eyes darted around the room.“The water reservoir above us—it must be leaking. We need to get out of here now.”Another tremor rocked the ground, and the sound of rushing water echoed through the tunnels.“Go,” Louis urged, grabbing Juliet’s arm to steady her.“I’ll hold the water back.”“Don’t be ridiculous,” she snapped, wincing as she moved.“We both get out, or neither of us does.”“Juliet, you’re injured!”“And you’re not leaving me behind,” she shot back, her tone brooking no argument. “Now move!”Together, they raced through the narrow corridors, the sound of water growing
The air in the underground chamber was stale and heavy, lit only by the faint glow of Louis’s hands as his powers reacted to the ancient artifacts around them.Juliet leaned against the cold, damp wall, wincing as she clutched her side where blood seeped through her torn shirt.Despite her injuries, her gaze was sharp, scanning the room for any signs of danger.“Louis,” she said, her voice strained but firm.“Whatever we came here to find, we need to make it quick. This place feels like it’s holding its breath.”Louis nodded, his golden eyes flickering with determination.“I know. But look at this.”He pointed to a pedestal in the center of the room.Resting atop it was a broken amulet, its fragments faintly glowing.As he approached, the light grew brighter, pulsating in rhythm with his own energy.Juliet straightened, ignoring the sharp pain that shot through her side. “What is that?”“I think it’s from the Eternals—their earliest days,” Louis murmured. His hand hovered over the ar
The technician hesitated."Edward’s betrayal… it wasn’t entirely his choice. The Eternals had leverage on him. Blackmail."X’s eyes narrowed."What kind of leverage?""Years ago, they took his wife. Threatened to kill her unless he cooperated. From what we can tell, he’s been their pawn ever since."X slammed a fist into the wall."Damn it, Edward. Why didn’t you tell us?"The technician shifted uncomfortably."Sir, there’s more. The Eternals knew about Louis long before any of us did. They’ve been planning this for years."X’s jaw tightened. "Then we’re even more behind than we thought."Back at the estate, Louis and Juliet found themselves cornered in a crumbling hall. Juliet leaned heavily against the wall, her wound slowing her down."I… can’t… keep going," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Louis knelt beside her, his face etched with guilt."I’m sorry. This is all my fault."Juliet shook her head."Don’t. We’re in this together. But you need to control that shard, L
"This way!" Louis hissed, pulling Juliet into a narrow passage.Juliet winced, clutching her side. "I… I’m fine. Keep going."He glanced at her, noticing the blood seeping through her jacket. "You’re hurt. Let me—""No time!" she snapped, cutting him off. "If we stop, they’ll catch us."The sound of boots echoed from behind them. Louis’s jaw tightened as he scanned their surroundings. "There’s got to be another way out."Juliet leaned against the wall, trying to steady herself. "You’ve been here before, haven’t you? Think, Louis. Where would they not look?"Louis closed his eyes, forcing himself to remember. The estate’s layout was a distant memory, buried beneath years of trauma and abandonment. Then it hit him."The east wing," he said. "It’s partially collapsed. They’ll assume we’d avoid it."Juliet nodded. "Lead the way."As they navigated the debris-filled passage, the voices of their pursuers grew louder. Louis’s frustration bubbled over."Why won’t they give up?" he muttered, h
The symbols on the vault door pulsed rhythmically, as though responding to Louis’s touch.He closed his eyes, feeling the energy within him resonate with the glowing inscriptions.Juliet’s voice broke the silence."What’s happening, Louis?""I… I can feel it," he murmured, his hand trembling against the cool surface of the door."It’s like the Heart is guiding me."The humming grew louder, and with a final, resonant tone, the door split apart, revealing a chamber bathed in a soft, ethereal glow.Juliet stepped forward cautiously."What is this place?"Louis walked into the room, his eyes scanning the treasures within: stacks of ancient documents, maps adorned with cryptic symbols, and strange artifacts displayed on pedestals.But what caught his attention most was a crystalline shard resting on a black velvet cushion, glowing faintly with an inner light.Juliet followed his gaze."That… that looks like it’s alive."Louis hesitated before reaching out to touch the shard.The moment his
The Kindsor family’s ancestral estate loomed before them, its grandeur reduced to crumbling stone and overgrown vines.Louis hesitated at the wrought-iron gate, his hand lingering on the cold metal."You don’t have to do this alone," Juliet said, stepping beside him.Louis glanced at her."This place… it’s filled with ghosts. Memories I’ve spent years trying to forget.""Which is exactly why you shouldn’t face it by yourself," Juliet countered, her tone resolute. "Whatever’s waiting in there, we’ll face it together.""Juliet…" He sighed, running a hand through his hair."It’s dangerous. You’ve seen what the Heart’s power can do. I can’t guarantee your safety."She crossed her arms, a familiar stubbornness in her gaze."I’m not asking for guarantees. I’m asking to stand by you."Louis finally nodded, pushing the gate open with a creak."Stay close."Inside the estate, nature had reclaimed much of the grand halls and sprawling corridors.Leaves rustled in the breeze through broken wind
The sterile white of the medical facility’s ceiling greeted Louis as he opened his eyes.His entire body ached, and the familiar hum of advanced machinery surrounded him.Juliet’s face appeared above him, her relief evident."You’re awake," she said softly, squeezing his hand."Where… where am I?" Louis’s voice was hoarse, barely audible."We’re in a secure facility," Terminator X’s modulated voice replied from the corner of the room."You passed out after the Citadel collapsed. It’s been three days."Louis blinked, his mind racing to catch up."The Seer… the Heart… what happened?"Juliet’s expression darkened."The Seer escaped. The Mirror fragment was destroyed, but… not entirely.""What do you mean?" Louis tried to sit up, but the pain forced him back down."Fragments of the Mirror were smuggled out of the ruins," Terminator X explained."An unknown figure retrieved them before we secured the area."Louis groaned, frustration bubbling beneath the surface."So it’s not over. Not eve
As the three struggled toward the exit, Terminator X worked to clear a path, his reinforced frame absorbing hits from falling rubble.The tremors grew stronger, and a deafening roar signaled the Citadel’s imminent collapse.Just as they reached the threshold of the main hall, a massive beam fell, pinning Edward’s leg.He cried out in pain, collapsing to the ground. Juliet turned back, her expression torn."Leave me!" Edward shouted."Get Louis out of here!"Louis stopped, his body trembling as he looked at his father. The Heart’s energy surged again, reacting to his turmoil."No. I won’t abandon you.""You have to!" Edward yelled."The Heart is killing you! You can’t save me and yourself."Juliet grabbed Louis’s arm, desperation in her voice."Louis, we’re running out of time!"For a moment, everything seemed to freeze.The collapsing Citadel, the roaring energy, Juliet’s pleading eyes, and Edward’s resignation—all of it blurred as Louis made his decision.With a scream of effort, he