"The route is making it harder for me to breathe," Franklin muttered.Franklin resigned himself. He went to the parking lot and drove the red sports car according to Clara's directions. This time, the destination was an elite area that Franklin had never visited before.Although it was an elite area, getting there was quite a test of his adrenaline. It was a luxurious place, but Franklin knew it was the center of one of the major cartels in his country.Clara [I'm sure you can use a weapon. Choose one, there are some behind the steering wheel.]Franklin's eyes widened as he read Clara's message. That woman always surprised him in every way. Now, she was even asking Franklin to involve weapons in the green tea delivery operation.Clara [All those weapons are officially certified. Don't worry, Franklin.][What's your plan? Why didn't you tell me about this?]Franklin wondered, while driving he was using his phone to exchange messages with Clara. The woman began frequently directing Fran
Drugs, one word that made Franklin unable to breathe easily. The man who always stayed in his comfort zone, now had to taste the glitz of life surrounded by threats and risks.The man went to the apartment of the woman who had thrown him into the dark world. Cold sweat poured down his entire body. His legs walked weakly into the elevator and down the hallway to the apartment unit on the high floor.As before, Clara knew when Franklin would come. Before the man rang the bell, Clara would open the door with a beaming smile."Hi, Franklin!" Clara greeted again.Franklin handed over Clara's car keys. With a drooping face and slouching shoulders, it made Clara furrow her brows.She immediately asked, "What's wrong? I heard they've accepted the tea from you.""You know, the weapons in the car were used according to the conditions there," Franklin revealed. "I didn't expect that I could do it."Clara smiled, but Franklin spoke again and managed to silence her again."Someone there said there
As promised, Franklin took Vina to a super complete supermarket in their city. This was the first time Franklin and Vina had been there. Vina, the girl, pushed the cart in front of Franklin and looked excited.Tonight, Franklin handed over all the needs to Vina. The man had been working too much outside, so he knew nothing about household matters."From now on, we'll go grocery shopping once a week."Vina turned around, her hand about to grab a pack of spaghetti pasta when she looked at Franklin. Vina thought this shopping trip was just because Franklin got a bonus from his job as a courier.However, it turned out Vina was mistaken. From now on and next week, she would often visit the supermarket for groceries."Really, Bro?"Franklin nodded, while taking several boxes of cheese, he answered, "Yes, so take what we need for one week. We can come back if all the household supplies run out."Without thinking twice, Vina took instant foods that were easy to cook. The girl didn't really ma
Months had passed, Franklin balanced his work as a package courier and drug courier well. During this time, Carla gave him jobs during the hours after his main job was finished.Franklin's life slowly changed. His sickly mother who often struggled with treatment was gradually getting better. Vina was also like other teenagers who were given money to spend time with friends.However, Franklin's financial changes were certainly an important question for his mother. His mother had asked several times, but the answer was always the same."There are fewer couriers at the shipping office, Mom. So I have to handle a lot of packages. The good news is, I'm working well even though I have to bear a heavier burden than before. And that's what makes Boss Tio willingly give me a bonus," Franklin said, as usual.His mother no longer asked questions. Franklin was consistent with that answer and didn't make his mother suspicious. However, Franklin was anxious, afraid of being found out that his side
Franklin took a deep breath. When he thought something bad had happened to Clara, it turned out the woman was actually crying because of another unexpected thing. When Franklin managed to get in, a dramatic themed movie was being played. And that was the reason Clara was crying."Sorry, I did have a job for you. But, since yesterday I've been spending time watching the movie." Clara said after understanding Franklin's annoyance."I thought something bad had happened to you again."Clara immediately turned her head. She nodded, not expecting Franklin to still remember the horrible incident that had happened to her at that time."No. I'm fine. Just lacking rest," Clara answered as she wiped away the remnants of her tears.The woman sitting on the floor finally shifted up to the couch. Following Franklin who had already sat comfortably there."Why do you have that expression?" Clara seemed disturbed by Franklin's facial expression.However, the one being asked shook his head slowly. He s
Franklin did not expect his mother's long-dormant illness to become aggressive again. In fact, this morning his mother was suddenly rushed to the hospital just as Franklin arrived at the shipping office.The man revved his motorcycle, speeding off at a high velocity. Franklin could no longer remain calm, even when requesting leave from Mr. Tio, he was in a hurry. Fortunately, this time the man who was his boss allowed Franklin to go.Franklin ran quickly down the hospital corridor where his mother was being treated. A doctor was already attending to his mother inside. However, Franklin's heart could not be at ease after receiving the news about his mother."Good heavens, did mother not take her medicine?" Franklin wondered.He was very sure that their financial situation had improved significantly, so there should be no reason for his mother to delay taking her medication like before when she had to wait for Franklin to have money.After an hour passed, two doctors and two nurses met
Franklin was dumbfounded as he listened to Clara's explanation about her other illegal businesses. In fact, questions about Clara's true life arose in his mind."It seems your life is full of challenges," Franklin remarked. "Danger lurks from all sides, doesn't it?"Clara agreed, "Of course. In a business like that, many people don't like me. And the competition is also very fierce.""Are you..." Franklin seemed hesitant to continue his words. "Are you also part of a major cartel in this country, Clara?"Clara squinted, staring into Franklin's eyes for a long time. The two looked at each other suspiciously, especially Franklin, who felt he was getting closer to the bright spot in the woman's life in front of him."Ah, no." Clara shook her head, immediately sitting back in her waiting chair. "You should know, Franklin, not all cartels accept a small woman like me."Franklin laughed softly, he didn't immediately believe Clara's words. In fact, Franklin felt that Clara had many personali
Franklin's name was no stranger among the dark businessmen and their customers. Even Franklin was also known by enemies who actually had problems with Clara. It was not uncommon for someone to tail the man while he was working. And on the way home, Franklin had to face various sudden attacks. Before he became skilled with knives or other weapons, Franklin saved himself by flooring the gas pedal, sometimes having to crash around and destroy Clara's car.However, now he was more skilled. Franklin was able to dodge all the obstacles set by his enemies. Still, his adrenaline always raced when working alone.Tonight, Vina was on duty guarding her mother who was still in the hospital. Meanwhile, Franklin had to deliver weapons to a cartel that would be rebelling the day after tomorrow. Franklin drove fast, even though there was a high cliff wall on his right side and the open sea on his left, Franklin kept increasing his speed. He was only worried about the heavy rain that seemed about
Franklin was finally allowed to go home after a few weeks in the hospital. His condition was improving, and although he was still tired, Franklin was relieved to be back home. Clara, who faithfully accompanied him during his recovery, prepared to take Franklin home.Just as Franklin was ready to be discharged, the hospital room door suddenly opened and Selena appeared. She was carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers in her hand. She smiled when she saw Franklin, "Hi, Franklin. I'm glad to see you're better. I came to see you."Franklin smiled slightly and nodded, "Thank you, Selena. I'm glad to be home too."Clara, who was standing beside Franklin, felt something strange when she saw Selena. Although she tried hard not to show her feelings, her heart was filled with jealousy. Selena always seemed to be close to Franklin, and even though they were just friends, Clara couldn't help but feel uncomfortable every time she saw their closeness.Seeing the change in Clara's expression, Sarah, who
Charles felt increasingly desperate. Despite all his efforts to separate Clara and Franklin, he couldn't accept the reality that Franklin would remain in Clara's life. The long-suppressed jealousy and hatred in his heart reached a boiling point, finally pushing him to take more drastic action.That night, Charles entered the hospital with cautious steps. He hid his evil intentions behind a calm facade. After ensuring the hallway where Franklin was being treated was empty of nurses or visitors, he approached Franklin's room door.With trembling hands, Charles opened the door and saw Franklin lying weakly in the hospital bed. His face looked peaceful, seemingly unaware of the deadly threat approaching him. Charles walked slowly to the bedside, trying to calm his mind filled with various considerations. However, one thought kept dominating him—that Franklin must be eliminated so Clara would no longer be bound to him.Charles reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pillow. He was c
After waking up, Sarah felt dizzy and confused. The world seemed to be spinning around her, and it took a while for her to realize where she was. Slowly, the memory of Franklin's accident hit her again. Suddenly, her heart was filled with deep worry, and she immediately asked to be escorted to the hospital, where Franklin was being treated.When Sarah arrived at the hospital, she found it very quiet. Family and neighbors sat anxiously in the waiting room. As her eyes fell on Clara, who sat quietly by Franklin's bedside with eyes puffy with tears, Sarah felt something different in her heart.All this time, Sarah had always objected to Franklin and Clara's relationship. Not because of Clara, but because of the dark past, where Clara's brother Charles was allegedly involved in the death of her husband, Franklin's father. The wound was still too deep for Sarah to heal, and it made it difficult for her to fully accept Clara.However, now, seeing Clara faithfully stand by Franklin's side, h
That morning, the atmosphere in Franklin's house was calm and peaceful. After going through the trials that almost separated him from Clara, Franklin was feeling more optimistic about his future. Although there was still a lot to sort out, especially in his relationship with his family, Franklin was confident that he could get through this with Clara.He got ready to go to the office as usual. As he left the house, Clara walked him to his car with a gentle smile. "Be careful on the road, Franklin. I'll be waiting for you at home," Clara said as she kissed his cheek.Franklin smiled back and closed the car door. No bad thoughts crossed his mind as he started the engine of his car and started driving down the highway. However, what Franklin didn't know was that Charles and Ronald had executed their latest plan to ruin Franklin's car.Somewhere hidden, Charles and Ronald were watching from a distance. They had sabotaged the brakes of Franklin's car, ensuring that the accident would happe
Charles sat in his magnificent study, with a large window overlooking his back garden. However, the beautiful view outside the window could not ease his anger. His face was tense, and his mind was filled with plans on how to separate Franklin from Clara. To Charles, Franklin was a threat he couldn't ignore, especially since Clara loved the man so much.Just then, the door to his study opened slowly. Ronald, his best friend and ally, entered with steady steps. Charles looked at him with eyes that implied tension, then invited him to sit down."Ronald, I can no longer allow Clara to be with Franklin," Charles began in a flat, but firm tone. "We have to separate them, no matter what we have to do."Ronald nodded slowly, although in his heart there was hesitation. He understood that Charles had personal reasons to hate Franklin, but Ronald also knew that Clara was a strong woman and not easy to manipulate. However, his feelings of love for Clara made him willing to do whatever it took to
A few days had passed since the last conversation between Franklin and Clara. Although they had decided to distance themselves from each other, their feelings still bubbled beneath the surface. Franklin felt lonely and restless. Every night, his mind was filled with images of Clara, wondering if the decision to stay away was the right one. However, doubts and insecurities continue to plague his mind, the result of Charles' manipulations poisoning his mind more and more.Meanwhile, Clara cannot fully accept the fact that her relationship with Franklin has been fractured. In the midst of her turmoil, she realizes that there are many things that Franklin doesn't know, and that makes her feel even more guilty. However, she knew that she was not guilty in any way. Clara tried to focus on her work, but the feeling of missing Franklin always loomed over her.One afternoon, Clara received a call from one of her men, Toni. Toni was the person she trusted to investigate more about what happened
Charles and Ronald were both upset to hear the news that Franklin was back. For Charles, Franklin's return was a nightmare that shouldn't have happened. He feels that Franklin is an obstacle in his quest to control everything, including Clara's relationship. Meanwhile, Ronald, who has long harbored feelings for Clara, is now burning with jealousy. Franklin's return means Clara will refocus on her lover, making Ronald feel even more distant from her expectations.At a café, Charles and Ronald meet to discuss their next plans. Charles sipped his coffee with a serious face, his eyes staring straight ahead, trying to devise a strategy."We can't let this continue," Charles said, his voice low but determined. "Franklin needs to get out of Clara's life, or at the very least, Clara needs to get out of Franklin's life."Ronald nodded, though inwardly he felt anxious. "But how? They seem so close now, especially after this incident."Charles furrowed his brow, thinking hard. "We'll have to sep
After a long and tense journey, Clara finally arrived in front of the Franklin family home. She glanced at Franklin in the passenger seat, who still looked tired and shaken by all the events they had just gone through. Although Franklin was trying to remain calm, there was obvious worry in his eyes. They had just escaped Amanda's clutches, but what awaited at home might be no less nerve-wracking."Franklin, we're here," Clara said softly, breaking the silence. Franklin nodded, trying to compose himself for a moment before getting out of the car.When Franklin and Clara got out of the car, the front door of the house was wide open. Sarah, Franklin's mother, and Vina, his younger sister, stood in the doorway. Their faces instantly changed from shocked to full of emotion when they saw Franklin. Vina immediately ran to her brother, hugging him tightly."Brother Franklin! You're alive! We thought you were...," Vina's voice was cut off by the sobs she couldn't contain. She had been devastat
Franklin stood still when he saw Clara in front of him. His face was filled with shock, as if he couldn't believe that Clara was really here, in this remote village. After everything that had happened, this meeting felt like a miracle. Meanwhile, Clara looked at Franklin with a mixture of relief, anger, and anxiety. The tears she had been holding back now began to well up in her eyes."Franklin... Are you okay?" Clara's voice sounded hoarse, full of emotion. She came closer, almost wanting to hug Franklin, but something held her back. Maybe it was the feeling that this was too surreal, or maybe it was the haunting sense of dread.Franklin nodded slowly, still rooted to the spot. "I... I didn't expect us to meet here. Clara, I really don't know how to explain everything. It's like a nightmare."Clara reached out and took Franklin's arm. "We'll get through this together, Franklin. I won't let anyone hurt you again."However, the moment was suddenly interrupted by a rustling sound around