"Don't divert your gaze from the screen! This is going to be an interesting and super exclusive show!" commanded Roesli to Hazel and Irina.The two women exchanged glances, neither confirming nor rejecting Roesli's command.Roesli didn't care; he knew his captives would follow his orders because even without his order, they would undoubtedly witness the upcoming spectacle."Hey, you! Fetch me some popcorn! This is going to be an exciting watch; oh, I can't wait." Roesli instructed one of his guards to get what he asked for.The guard then went to the pantry and shortly returned with a large bowl of popcorn. The tempting scent of roasted corn filled the air, and Roesli and Nareen began enjoying it.After that, the screen, initially dark, lit up, revealing at least twenty men dressed in black and wearing face coverings circling the Smith mansion, evenly spreading fuel on its walls."Oh!" exclaimed Irina, standing up from her seat, but a guard restrained her shoulder, keeping her seated.
"Oh, no!!" Arthur shouted with a shocked expression, looking towards the mansion. His helicopter arrived just as Roesli pushed his three victims towards the heavily burned-down mansion.Glenn acted swiftly; having already put on the parachute container, he leapt quickly towards the two women floating in the air."Oh! Glenn!!" Arthur yelled as he saw his son following suit. Shocking incidents keep occurring in close proximity this evening, giving his heart a great shock. He couldn't imagine losing them both.The heat of the fire below made the wind gusts hot and the air pressure high. With both hands, Glenn caught his Mother and Hazel."Mother, pull my riser!" Glenn commanded Irina to help him pull the flight line, allowing his parachute to deploy.Quick thinking, Irina obeyed Glenn's command and quickly pulled the riser. Glenn's parachute inflated perfectly and applied upward thrust to it, making them float in the air."Hey! What's that! Damn!" Roesli shouted, pointing at Glenn's hero
Glenn returned home, where he met his father, who had also landed. His father looked worried as he observed the wounds on his son's shoulder. "Go, the helicopter is ready to take you, mother, and Hazel to the hospital," requested his father. "I can't calm down yet, father. If I don't know the fate of those inside, let mother and Hazel go first," Glenn firmly rejected. Realizing Glenn's determination, Arthur gave in. He released Hazel and Irina to be taken to their family's hospital. "Uncle Arthur, I'm fine. I can stay here and help the needed," Hazel suggested politely, her eyes glancing at Glenn's bleeding shoulder. "You know, you could lose that shoulder if you keep pretending to be so strong," Hazel remarked to Glenn. Irina and Arthur exchanged glances, while Glenn briefly glanced at Hazel and ignored her comment. "Glenn, what Hazel said has some truth to it. At least, we should assess how severe the injury is," his mother advised, supporting Hazel's remark. Glenn was about
"You bastard! Die!" cursed Amber with determination aimed to stab Jason's eyes as he lay beneath her.Nothing could hold her back from suppressing her anger; her love and affection for Jason had completely vanished. The man had treated her unfairly. She realized Jason's attitude towards her was not out of love.For the sake of money, the man willingly sacrificed her repeatedly. She was also angry at herself for being too foolish to see Jason's true nature objectively all this time towards her."Shit!" cursed Jason, holding off the pen's tip with his arm.The pen pierced through his hand and stopped upon hitting his bone. Jason howled in pain and cursed.Amber quickly withdrew the pen, and blood gushed from Jason's arm. Despite this, Amber was determined to strike Jason, but with his uninjured arm, Jason restrained Amber's right hand.Amber tried to pull her hand from Jason's grip, but he held it tightly. "Let go! You have to die by my hands! You piece of shit!"*Spit*Amber raged whil
"Amber! Help me! You can't leave me!" Jason screamed in fear, dragging his body closer to Amber and reaching out for her hand, his eyes filled with terror.Amber recoiled at Jason's touch with disgust."Get your hands off me! I don't care about you anymore. See, this is not about money. It's about how you can get yourself out of this situation and save your own life," challenged Amber, pointing her finger towards Jason's face."That's still not fair, Amber. You're still at the benefit. Look at my condition now," Jason pointed to his two legs."The condition you're in is a result of your own actions. Didn't you tell me that's life? You do the deeds, and you bear the consequences!" Amber gave no room for Jason to exploit the situation, not this time, not when they were on the brink of life and death.The fire was spreading rapidly, and there were no signs of rescue efforts."Damn! This luxurious building, yet the sprinklers aren't functioning? What bad luck!" cursed Amber.She tried to
The deafening ringing sound, followed by an excruciating pain in his head, made Glenn groan as he covered both of his ears and struggled to rise from his lying position.The world felt dizzy, and he seemed unable to find his sense of gravity."Glenn! You're awake!" exclaimed his mother, shocked to see her son, who had briefly stopped breathing, suddenly awakening."Glenn! Thank God, son!" praised his father from the front seat beside the pilot, attempting to reach Glenn by extending his hand backwards, but the seatbelt hindered his efforts.Glenn slowly opened his eyes, finding himself in the same connected sequence of visions he had seen in his strange dream."Mother... What happened?" asked Glenn.His mother then recounted the details exactly as he had witnessed them on the large screen in his vision.Glenn wanted to deny that what he had experienced was just a dream and irrational, but it couldn't be dismissed as unreal. Returning to this moment, twelve years before his attempted m
When Neil felt the hoist tighten and the helicopter tilted slightly to the left, he quickly activated the pull lever.Both Irina and Arthur gasped in relief as they saw Glenn emerge through thick smoke, holding his two earlier targets in both hands.They didn’t realize they had been holding their breaths all along, watching their son descend and disappear into the thick smoke while the building collapsed in flames.When Glenn and his two acquaintances reached a sufficient height, Neil flew the helicopter towards a neighboring building and lowered them there.Glenn released his grip on the two seemingly unconscious individuals from the earlier fall and analyzed them. He observed Jason in an extremely critical condition.He suspected that the two had a fierce fight before. This made Glenn snort in annoyance.‘Look, if they die because of their own actions, why should I bear the burden?’ Glenn protested in his thought.‘How unfair is that? What was his intention in bringing me back here?
‘Uh-huh? What did he say? Wait, my ears must be betraying my brain; he must be teasing me just to lighten the mood.’ Hazel cautioned herself not to get too carried away.Especially since she didn't know how her dad would react; she didn't want any drama today, especially after what happened last night."Hahaha, he must be rambling because the anesthesia hasn't completely worn off yet," Hazel commented with a forced laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, looking a bit awkward."Oh! Yes, that must be it, right? Because I distinctly remember when you rejected my daughter back then. Phew... such a humiliation for me," Mr. Lucas responded, still recovering from his surprise.Both he and Miriam exchanged meaningful glances. Meanwhile, Glenn felt like sinking and merging with the hospital bed. His efforts to win over Hazel seemed to be going nowhere.He glanced at Hazel, who was also stealing glances at him.‘I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling this, right? Her childhood feelings
As time passed, Glenn and Hazel enjoyed peaceful days while awaiting the birth of their baby. In the month of their baby’s due date, Glenn received the surprising news that Yvonne and Victor were getting married. “Glenn, hurry up!” Hazel hurriedly put on her earrings as they were almost late for Victor and Yvonne’s wedding ceremony. Glenn quickly grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair and hugged Hazel from behind. Seeing Hazel with her big belly made him fall in love with her even more. “Not now,” Hazel grumbled, annoyed. The more Hazel was irritable, the more Glenn enjoyed teasing her. They stepped out of the house and got into the car. Glenn drove at a moderate speed, occasionally reaching for Hazel’s hand and kissing it gently. Hazel felt incredibly happy, showered with love from her husband. When they arrived at the church, the doors were almost closing as the ceremony was about to begin. Glenn and Hazel entered, accompanied by the quiet laughter of the attendees. They
“Mei!” Hazel immediately hugged her friend, whom she hadn't seen for months.Mr. Zhang’s daughter had decided to visit Hazel in Eagertown after the situation in Yuhan had stabilized. She brought a lot of gifts for Hazel, thinking Hazel would want to try some unique treats from Yuhan.“Sorry I came so late, I’ve been incredibly busy in Yuhan,” Mei said.“It’s okay. I know you had a lot to take care of.”They walked through the corridor and into the living room. Glenn, who had just come out of his office, joined them. They all sat comfortably on the sofa.“How does it feel to be expecting a baby?” Mei asked with a giggle.Hazel was due in four months. Time had flown by, and her belly was already showing significantly.“I feel ugly,” Hazel complained.“Ugly? You look so beautiful, Hazel. I’m even jealous of you,” Mei replied. “Being a mother is a privilege not every woman gets.”“I don’t know… I feel so emotionally unstable.” Hazel pouted.Glenn reached for Hazel’s shoulder and hugged he
The effects of the COVID-19 virus had completely vanished in Eagertown, and everyone had returned to their normal activities without worry. Glenn’s company had become more renowned, producing vaccines not only for COVID-19 but for other diseases as well. Glenn was very busy, but he always made time for Hazel.Glenn had just left the hospital after accompanying Hazel for a pregnancy checkup, when they happened to run into Beatrice. Apparently, Beatrice had just arrived there.“Mrs. Zimmerman, what are you doing here? Are you sick?” Hazel asked.“Oh, I’m not sick, Hazel. I have a meeting with some doctors here to discuss sending medical aid to remote areas in Latin America.” Beatrice chuckled softly.“You’re really busy,” commented Glenn. “Take care of your health, Mrs. Zimmerman.”Beatrice nodded. “Thank you for your concern, Glenn.”Then she continued, “Since I happened to run into you here, Glenn, there’s something I’d like to talk about. I need your help.”Glenn was momentarily tak
“Where’s Glenn?” Yvonne asked as she and Victor approached Hazel, who was already sitting and waiting at the café where they had arranged to meet.“He’s taking Sean and his grandmother to Ms. Eugene’s place.”Yvonne only nodded briefly, then took a seat. Victor immediately started flipping through the menu, feeling very hungry.“They’re going to stay there? It seems Eagertown isn’t suitable for Sean,” Victor commented.Hazel sighed softly. “It might be too noisy here.”“Some people just don’t feel comfortable living in the city, Hazel. It doesn’t mean they don’t like being with you.”“I know.” Hazel only nodded wearily.Hazel felt dizzy and her stomach was uneasy, but she forced herself to meet Yvonne and Victor because she wanted to discuss the charity. Yvonne was going to provide a report on the funds that had been allocated and where they had been sent, including to Ms. Eugene’s place.However, Hazel didn’t want to talk about that at all; she just wanted to lie down in bed.“Hazel?
The atmosphere there was busy, as everyone was hard at work building the town. Glenn got out of the car along with Sean and Grandma Mari. As Glenn expected, it seemed that Sean and the grandmother were immediately captivated. Both of them looked at Glenn.“This is a very nice place, Glenn,” praised Sean.From the crowd, Ms. Eugene emerged with a wide smile. She immediately greeted Glenn, Sean, and Grandma Mari.“This must be Sean and Grandma Mari,” nodded Ms. Eugene. “Mr. Glenn has called me, and I am really delighted if you want to stay here.”Grandma Mari agreed. “Of course. I feel at home already.”“You can look around if you like,” offered Ms. Eugene.Sean and the grandmother held hands, and they soon mingled with the people busy at work. Meanwhile, Glenn and Ms. Eugene watched over the bustling activity.“You’re very busy here?” asked Glenn.Ms. Eugene chuckled. “We got a lot of help from Mrs. Zimmerman’s charity and Miss Yvonne.”“Oh, really?”It turned out that the charity ment
A week after Mason's funeral, Beatrice visited Glenn's office. According to Mason's mandate, the company acquired by Glenn would still provide Beatrice with the remaining funds. It was no small amount since Glenn had bought Mason’s company at a fair price.Beatrice had signed the documents and handed them to Glenn. She looked very composed, though her heart had been broken twice after losing Mason forever.“It’s all done, Glenn. Thank you for your cooperation,” Beatrice said.“Once again, my deepest condolences, Mrs. Zimmerman.”A faint smile appeared on Beatrice’s lips. “What happened to Mason did break my heart. But in the end, he tried to be a good person, and I am still proud of him.”There was a light in Beatrice’s eyes, indicating she had come to terms with everything. Even when Mason returned, he was the Mason she had once known.“He will be remembered as a good man. I will make sure of that,” Glenn nodded.“Thank you, you are very kind.”“So, what are your plans moving forwa
Eleanor brought a cup of hot coffee, and though she had changed her clothes, her face still looked disheveled. She smiled sweetly as she placed the coffee on the table, then sat next to Mason. She tried to touch him, but Mason gently moved her hand to the sofa.“Once again, I’m sorry, Eleanor. But I can’t continue our relationship,” Mason said.“You’re going back to Beatrice, aren’t you?”“No. But we’ve made peace, and I know she doesn’t want me anymore.”“Then why? Why are you going back to her?” Eleanor asked, her eyes sad. “Stay here with me.”Mason gave a faint smile, his face looking sorrowful. He felt like the most despicable person in the world, having hurt both Beatrice and now Eleanor. They both deserved happiness, something Mason couldn’t offer.When Beatrice decided to keep their relationship as friends for now, Mason accepted it. He felt he had to be fair, which meant Eleanor also needed to find her own happiness.“You need to find your own happiness, Eleanor.” Mason kisse
Mason and Beatrice's arrival at Glenn's office caused quite a stir, as no one expected the former rival to show up there. Beatrice, looking calm, went to see Irina and Hazel, who happened to be in Glenn's office. Meanwhile, Mason headed straight for the elevator.Hazel, Irina, and Beatrice gathered in the meeting room. Irina and Hazel seemed eager to hear what had brought Beatrice and Mason together to Glenn’s office.“Did you make up?” Irina asked.Beatrice nodded. “As friends, I think. I can’t just accept Mason’s feelings, I don’t know… I don’t want to force myself.”“Yes, of course, Mrs. Zimmerman. Even though you're his wife, you have the right to find your own happiness. If it’s better to be friends, then that’s what you should do. But if your feelings say otherwise...” Hazel began, but Irina interrupted her.“No! Don’t go back to him. I can’t imagine it. Just stay friends, Beatrice,” Irina said firmly.Beatrice chuckled. “Yes, I’ll just follow wherever our story leads.”“He cam
The foggy memories slowly became clearer as Mason stepped onto the porch of the house he had long abandoned. Dark thoughts crept into his mind—if he knocked on the door, would he be welcomed? Or would everything be different?Mason took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell of the seemingly deserted house.Several minutes passed, and Mason continued to stand there, waiting. Finally, the front door opened, and Beatrice appeared. Despite looking older, her face was bright. She had found her own peace.However, the arrival of Mason seemed to shatter that peace instantly.“Mason?” Beatrice looked at him in disbelief.“I’d like to talk to you, Bea. May I? That is, if you’re willing.”Beatrice’s eyes remained fixed on Mason’s pitiful figure. Whatever had happened, something terrible must have hit Mason hard. Was this something Beatrice should celebrate?Regardless of Mason’s current troubles, maybe he had fought with Eleanor and decided to come back home.Beatrice’s ego raged inside her. A