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2024-10-29 19:42:56Under the spray of water, Ryan looked at his hands.
They were full of blisters and callouses. Long, boney fingers that grasped at nothing. Yet, it felt heavy. As if he was dragged along an invisible burden by imaginary chains on his wrists.
He couldn’t forget.
There was blood everywhere.
On his hands, on his skin, and the road in front of him. Red liquid haunted his dream – a nightmare.
‘You son of a bitch.’
Someone said, and Ryan could only close his eyes in fear.
There was blood everywhere, and he couldn’t breathe. He could only look down at his tattered shoes, colored brown from overused mud. But he liked it better than red, which reminded him of blood.
It came like a geyser. Sprouting from under his skin. The after-effect of the older man’s hit against him.
Ryan whimpered, trying helplessly to stop the cry that threatened to burst. He shouldn’t cry. Boys don’t cry.
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The Revenger's System 44. I Don't Owe You Anything, Scum
It was the first time Ryan went to a hospital.He had no illness, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t injured. When he was injured, some unknown doctors would treat him. If not, he had to bear it and get on with his pitiful life.Furthermore, he had no one to visit. Or, to be precise, no one wanted him to visit.He almost went to a hospital when Violet’s grandfather was in his dying days, but his parents-in-law and Violet didn’t want him there. So, yes, it was the first time he ventured inside hospital walls.From some glimpse of the TV show he watched when he could, Ryan knew that hospital VIP rooms were as comfortable. He just didn’t know it could rival a five-star hotel.“Keep your mouth shut.”Standing on the other corner inside the elevator, Violet eyed him with annoyance. Apart from the scowl that made her look older than she was, Violet got a nasty glare every now and then.Ryan sighed. She
The Revenger's System 45. One Thousand Diamonds for Churros
The VIP hospital room felt stifling, as if twenty people were there, along with Ryan and the Crowne family. “I guess I have to remind you again,” Ryan said to Jared. His older brother-in-law looked puzzled, “Remind me?” Ryan didn’t bother to hide the sly smirk from them. “If you think you’re above me that you refuse to apologize, then I just have to bring you down.” Before he could leave, a knock resounded from the door. It opened to a couple of police officers, stern-looking but polite enough, in Ryan’s opinion. “Mr. Jared Crowne?” one of the officers said, introducing themselves and then telling what they were doing there. “If you are well enough, we would like to get your statement.” “Statement?” As usual, Marissa was the one who spoke first. “You don’t think my son did some crime, do you? Because I can guarantee that he’s innocent.” Ryan almost scoffs in disbelief at a mother’s blind love for their child. He didn’t understa
The Revenger's System 46. A Childhood Revelation He Always Wanted
After Violet bought all kinds of snacks sold in the stalls along the street, Ryan insisted they ride the London Eye.They sat in the passenger capsule, which he managed to buy so that the entire ride they would be by themselves. The view was enchanting, he smiled to himself. It was a first – everything seemed to be a first for him. He had a dreamy look on his face.However, what captivated his attention the most was how the blue and green interchanging lights of the Ferris wheel looked against Violet’s soft skin, shining back on the glow she had on. For all of her rejection, Violet at least enjoyed the view she had from there.As far as their eyes could go, the beauty of London sprawled before them. Big Ben, some castle he couldn’t name, and Thames smoothly submerged in the background, blending in the evening lights engulfing London beneath the orange setting hues of the sky.Noticing the lack of people in the other capsule, Violet gave
The Revenger's System 47. The Boy with the Missing Tooth
She saw a boy right across the tall wire fence in the small woods she played in the afternoon. He hid behind a tree, perhaps hoping she wouldn't notice him."I see you."The bush rustled beside the tree."Are you shy?""Why would I?"She heard him, but he still hid behind the tree, peeking to get a glimpse of her."Because you never saw a girl as pretty as me," she said, voice loud and clear, a little smugly, so he couldn't detect her nervousness.The boy laughed so hard, little hands clutching his stomach as he stepped away from the tree. She knew why he was shy then. He missed a tooth. "My teacher is prettier than you.""Oh, yeah? Clearly, you haven't met my little brother then!" She said, eager to tell him about the one-year-old baby in her home."I don't believe you.""Hmph!" She squinted her blue eyes, trying to get a good look at the boy.He had dark hair, contrasting her own blonde strands. She didn'
The Revenger's System 48. Ending Jared’s Company
The police continued to investigate Jared Crowne and the underground fighting club, Exhibit X. Still trending on number two in the UK, the operation involved several known investigators, but none of them couldn’t get far after a week.While watching an interview with Jared – who used the hospital as an excuse to make himself appear weak and innocent – Ryan lamented TEETS’ latest report.[You have failed Mission Heart-Thief.][You receive no reward.][Failed Mission: 1/3.]Ryan sat straighter on his kitchen stool, asking, “What do you mean by that?”[If Host fails 3 Mission, a punishment will be issued.]“Punishment?” Ryan asked, “How come you never told me about that?”[TEETS will only reveal information if it concerns Host’s current situation.]He grumbled, slumping on the kitchen island with his face on his folded arms. “What’s the punishment
The Revenger's System 49. Making A Commotion on the Plane
A fair-skinned woman was seen boarding an airplane to France wearing a bomber jacket and mid-thigh shorts. She looked like any other passenger, except if ones looked under her black hat, they’d find a beautiful blonde who often appears in Hollywood movies and series. Besides that, she’d easily blend with the crowd.Of course, what happened right now was not what she had in mind.“Ugh, why should we sit in business class?” a woman’s voice was heard, a little loud for the passengers three seats away from her.“They said all seats in first class are booked.” A man’s voice this time was also just as loud.“I mean, why do we have to fly now? I bet we can get first class in a later flight.”“Jared said we have to get out of London now before situation get worse.”“Worse? That’s the more reason we should stay here with him. Don’t you think so, Violet?”
The Revenger's System 50. For A Price They Wouldn't Pay
There was a boy who lived on the other side of the small woods behind her grandfather's house.Violet knew that, remembered that. She just didn't know who that boy was. The talk with Ryan a few days ago bothered her that much. He said he knew her and her late grandfather. He was the boy living in the other house behind the small woods.The boy with the missing tooth.The boy who she used to play with.Could it really be Ryan all along?But the name – Violet was sure it wasn't Ryan Wilder. The name tasted like an alien, it was foreign to her mind, and even her memory loss didn't erase that strangeness. Who could it be?Ryan refused to tell the name, the one he owned that only he knew.Perhaps her late grandfather knew.Oh, he must know about it. Why else would her grandfather ask her to marry a homeless man who lived by eating trash and sleeping with rats? Even if he saved her grandfather's life, then his gratitude shouldn
The Revenger's System 51. Florent, the Accusing Younger Brother-in-law
The first thing Ryan did when he arrived in Paris was to get a place to stay.‘Just a hotel room, okay?’ Ryan thought to himself. ‘I don’t want to accidentally acquire a whole hotel like last time.’[Understood.][Search for five-star hotels within 30 miles radius.]‘Too far. Search for 10 miles radius.’[Understood.][Hotel found.]‘Book for a week, no need for a presidential suit.’[Booking Palace of Venus for seven days on process.][Booking success.]“Good job.”“Who are you talking to?”Ryan turned his head sharply, not aware that he just talked to TEETS out loud. Violet was scrutinizing him, blue eyes narrowing almost like a glare. He cleared his throat, saying, “No one.”Violet didn’t believe him.“What, you think I never speak to myself before?” He feigned ignorance,
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156. Signing His Death Sentence
Ryan struggled to stay awake as he stared blankly at one of the bare white walls around him.The hum of the bright fluorescent lights above him flickered occasionally, breaking him in and out of his trance. There were no windows except for the small one at the door, which barely showed into the hallway.He had long lost count of the hours he had been held inside this room since he arrived. He felt tired and broken in more ways than one, but he was managing, and that is all he could do right now.He just needed to hold out a little longer.Just a little longer.Shifting his gaze at the paper before him, it did not take long to realize that no one here was ever on his side to begin with. Telling the truth did not matter. Everyone believed he was a murderer. He was guilty the moment he was arrested, and they made that very clear after trying to repeatedly beat him into signing the confession, making sure to avoid his face. Anything that his prison uniform did cover, they beat until they
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155. Turning Table is Not that Simple
The interrogation room was well air-conditioned, it was supposed to be cold. Yet, Ryan couldn’t feel anything but stifling heat from deep within his chest. He felt rage, more than fear or puzzlement at this point.There was only one person who could and would frame him, but getting everyone to believe was hard. Almost impossible, even.Leaning back in his chair, Detective Pierce continued, "Let me tell you the short version of what I think happened. You murdered Jorge and left Edric for dead. You left straight from the party to the airport, trying to flee the scene of the crime.""That's ridiculous.""Why else would you leave Seattle in such a hurry? Were you planning to leave the country next?"Glaring, Ryan griped out a resounding, "No, I simply went home. If I wanted to run, I'd go anywhere but there, wouldn't you think?""It's not far-fetched for you to gather your things and prepare to disappear for good. You wanted revenge for your father's death and you wanted to take down the
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154. Murder Interrogation
Still in shock, Ryan asked the police officer who told him to step forward. "Can I make a phone call?""You're not allowed.""What about an attorney?""The police will contact one on your behalf once you've been transferred.""Transferred?"The officer sighed, pushing him to move forward after a moment. "To Seattle's police jurisdiction. Now stop talking and walk."Following the orders to move, Ryan was taken to a small check-in station where an officer forcefully dipped each of his fingers in black ink, printing each digit on a white paper document.Once they were finished, he was escorted into another area, which was equipped with a digital camera and a large backdrop against the wall that was marked with varying heights. He inwardly sighed as he was given a small blackboard with his name to hold up.An officer instructed him to stand up straight and look towards the camera. He flinched as the flash sounded and wa
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153. Arrested in Cuffs
Opening the door, Ryan was alarmed at finding a couple of police officers standing on the other side. Glancing at the police car in the driveway, his face drained at wondering what the hell was going on."Are you Ryan Wilder?" one of the officers asked."…Yes."One of the men immediately took his hand and placed a handcuff around his wrist, pulling his other arm behind his back before adding another cuff.Another officer said, "Ryan Wilder, you are hereby under arrest on suspicion of murder."His mouth fell open in complete disbelief. "What?""You have the right to remain silent," the officer continued. "Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?"His knees felt weak. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. If this really was a dream after
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152. Running Away Together
Everything was a blur as Ryan rushed down the hall and burst through the door where they had last left Violet and Edric.What he had found on the other side was his worst nightmare realized.Kneeling down as he pulled Violet limply into his arms, he shakily touched the side of her draining face and gently shook her, finding no response. Choking out her name through cracked whispers over and over, he couldn't stop the sudden tears blurring his vision.Never in his life had Ryan ever felt so hurt and broken as he did now."G-God, no…" he whimpered. "Violet, please… please wake up."Every silent second that passed felt like eternity as his chest began to heave with broken sobs. His throat burned and his eyes clenched in anguish.Weakly picking himself up to see her face, he brushed back her bangs and froze when her blue eyes slowly fluttered open. Everything around him grew still like he was viewing a dream
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151. Fight Against Luck
Violet was ready to fight him. She had trained in several martial arts and mastered them for self-defense against harmful men like him. Rendering Edric useless was an easy task. She had almost done that months ago, when he was still playing with his old dog. Come to think of it, where was that old dog of his again? Violet’s blue eyes were focused as she shifted into a defensive stance, her lithe frame ready for action. On the other hand, Edric appeared remarkably nonchalant, sitting at a table with a book and a wide grin on his face as if he knew something Violet didn’t. The first move came from the infamous actress. Her movements were swift and precise, as she had aimed a roundhouse kick at Edric’s head. The red dress with high open slit at her tight created a beautiful motion picture, if one were to enjoy it. Sadly, the circumstance was not fit for such approval. However, just as Violet’s foot was about to connect with Edric’s head, a stack of books toppled over, and he stumble
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150. The Outbreak
"Pick it up," Edric haughtily repeated. Violet couldn't believe what she had done - even if he did deserve it. Her reputation was already in the mud lately, so it wasn’t her concern. She just didn’t believe that she punched Edric because of Ryan, the fucking scum. To hell with people still watching her nude scenes. She had made that choice in her younger days, so she didn’t want to regret it right now. However, to insult and humiliate Ryan for having such wife, crossed her line. Oh, how her world had turned upside down because of him. Not responding fast enough for his liking, as she stood frozen in place, he roughly grabbed her arm and nearly pushed her towards the floor before Ryan had cut in between them. "Don't you ever touch her again," Ryan furiously spat. "You'll fucking regret it." Before Edric could retort, the Head Butler of the Ashford family, Jorge, wedged between them, gently pushing them back by the shou
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149. To the Fundraiser
Right after breakfast, Thomas knocked on the penthouse door and asked if they were ready. Once they were, they left with Thomas, who had been waiting in the living room. He had been instructed to chauffeur them around Seattle today to find appropriate attire for the company's black tie fundraiser tonight.Although they were being forced to attend, Ryan surprised himself by enjoying their time together shopping for the event. Maybe it was because he got to see Violet try on dresses, or maybe it was just nice to do something normal. Before they return to the penthouse, Violet wants him to buy her a car. She would never ask him for such a thing, because even with all the wealth he had acquired, Violet could afford a car herself. Besides, she was too proud to ask for one. So, when she did ask him, Ryan easily agreed, and they bought one. Too bad, Violet didn’t let him see what the car she bought either, saying it was a surprise for him. Once they returned back to his penthouse after t
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148. His First Kiss
Street lamps flickered on one by one as Thomas drove him about an hour south from the Ashford Gorup's building headquarters to the city's international airport.As the car rolled to a stop, Thomas turned back from the driver's seat and said, "I'll go wait for Ms. Crowne and escort her here, Mr. Wilder."Already unbuckling his seat belt, Ryan lifted a hand up for him to remain in place. Opening the door, he said, "Not necessary. Just stay here and wait for us.""But-"Slamming the door shut, he reached into the inside of his suit jacket and pulled out a pair of sunglasses. He felt like an idiot wearing them, but they had helped with shielding his eyes from any sudden camera flashes. He doubted it would somehow cover his identity, but it served as a kind of protection from meeting someone's eyes directly.Familiar with where to go, Ryan placed his hands in his pockets and walked towards the terminal she would be arriving from.Once he heard Vi
