"Are you running away?" asked Ethan, starting the conversation between them.Lately, they hadn't communicated online at all, let alone met in person. Ethan hadn't expected that God would write such a fate for him and Citra.It was visible how the woman also felt awkward, stretching out her hand, scratching the back of her neck which wasn't itchy at all.She looked at Ethan intently, flashing a smile that was difficult to decipher the meaning behind."Yeah... something like that. I just don't like it when I go out and have to be watched and controlled by him. So, I tried to escape from Martin's men, but they ended up threatening to do something bad to me, as you saw earlier. I really hate them all," muttered Citra, making Ethan sigh.That woman's behavior was something else these days."Hm... wouldn't it be better if you just drop me off here? I'm afraid... those people will report to Martin, and you'll end up getting dragged into this too," Citra said again, with worry evident in her
Professor Malik appeared to be trying to calm the anger of the woman with him.Amel's face was filled with a sour expression, indicating how the woman did not accept what the man in front of her had done.She stared at the man sharply, tears slowly starting to fall from the corners of her eyes.With difficulty, the woman tried to swallow her saliva, but it was clear that the man would not change his decision at all.Professor Malik seemed not to care about the expression Amel was clearly showing at that moment."I understand how you feel about not agreeing to come here, Amel. However, I want you to meet Richard first. He asked me to bring you with him. I don't have any other choice now. He threatened me," said Professor Malik, who would clearly obey what Richard had asked.That man was his brother. No matter how bad a sibling might be, of course, no one would fulfill that sibling's wishes except their own blood relative."So? Do you have to obey him and trap me here? You've really los
"Thank you for everything. Today, you bought all my favorites. I promise I'll pay you back for everything you bought me," said Citra, feeling guilty at that moment.How could she not? She was truly shameless, taking so many books - several analogy books, motivational books, novels, and comics that probably numbered in the dozens.It seemed Citra was indeed a book lover, which explained why she collected so many books.Ethan let out a long sigh. He didn't mind at all how much money he had to spend on this woman.In fact, there was a special joy in Ethan's heart when he could give her anything she wanted. It made him feel much more at peace.A sweet smile now appeared perfectly at the corner of Ethan's lips. He shook his head while reaching out to touch the top of the woman's head. It had been a long time since he had stroked Citra's head.Citra froze at that moment. She wasn't at all prepared for Ethan to suddenly touch the top of her head like that.She felt her heartbeat racing uncon
Ethan quickly parked his car in the driveway of Leona's house.He hurried, closing the car door and rushing into the house as fast as possible.Fortunately, the house wasn't locked, allowing Ethan to immediately climb the stairs, certain that Leona was on the upper floor."Miss Leona! Where are you?"Ethan called out, trying to locate the woman.Faintly, Ethan could hear a familiar whimpering sound. He immediately entered, approaching the source of the sound.His eyes widened in shock when he found a woman sitting weakly, blood flowing profusely.There were even parts of her arms that seemed to indicate dried wounds."Oh my God, Miss Leona?! What happened to you?! Why are your hands... bleeding so much? You..."Ethan cut off his words, not wanting to cause the woman more pain."Let me help you stand up, Miss," Ethan said, changing the subject.He quickly helped the woman to her feet, allowing himself to support her as he brought her back to sit on her bed.A sweet smile now appeared p
Professor Malik turned to look at the woman beside him, seeing how Amel was still sitting in her place.Professor Malik's brow furrowed in confusion. He wondered why the woman hadn't gotten out yet, even though they had clearly arrived at their destination.A long sigh escaped Professor Malik's mouth. It seemed he would have to make an extra effort to get the woman's attention again."Come on, get out! There are lots of fruits here. Don't worry, you can pick as many as you like. I'll pay the entrance fee. You've never been to a place like this before, right?"The man's guess hit the mark.Amel then turned to look at the man, who responded with a confused look, as if questioning the meaning behind Amel's gaze."I don't understand your thinking at all. What's the meaning of all this? Why are you looking at me like that?" asked Professor Malik, feeling unsure how to respond to the woman anymore.Amel rolled her eyes lazily. It was clear she no longer regarded Professor Malik, who was obv
Amel, now stuck in traffic with Professor Malik, sighed repeatedly.She was unsure what to tell Ethan after this. Unfortunately, Amel had forgotten to let her brother know where she was.Playing with Professor Malik in the fruit orchard had made Amel forget to inform Ethan of her whereabouts until her phone had already died."Oh no... Ethan must be worried about where I am now," Amel thought to herself.She was really concerned about that man. Amel was afraid her brother might start thinking the worst.Amel was at a loss for what to say now. Everything seemed to have vanished from her mind.Ethan let out a long sigh. He had no idea what to say at that moment."Ugh... what should I do now? Why did the road have to get jammed? It's not usually like this," Amel monologued to herself.Amel could be seen occasionally glancing out her car window, trying to figure out why the road had suddenly become so congested."Is everything okay, Amel? It looks like there was an accident up ahead. Peopl
"Ethan!" Amel called out when she spotted Ethan standing silently, lost in thought.The man was standing on the balcony of his room. Amel, sensing something was wrong, approached him.At first, Ethan barely noticed the woman's presence. He then managed a small smile when he saw his sister."You're not asleep yet?" Ethan asked, to which the woman shook her head.How could she sleep soundly when something was clearly troubling her brother? It was difficult for her to act indifferent towards him, especially considering that everything that had happened to Ethan was partly her fault.The breakup between Ethan and Citra wouldn't have happened if Amel hadn't acted foolishly and gotten trapped in the situation created by Martin.Feeling sorry for what had happened to her brother, Amel moved closer to him. She smiled softly and hugged Ethan tightly."I'm sorry, bro," Amel mumbled as she embraced him.She let out a long sigh. If only she had been braver, perhaps Ethan wouldn't be experiencing
"Have you had breakfast?" Martin asked, trying to make small talk with the woman.Citra was staring straight ahead, arms folded across her chest as she shot a sharp glance at the man."What do you think? I just woke up and you're already at my house. You didn't even make an appointment first. Do you think my life revolves only around you?"Citra rolled her eyes, clenching her fists tightly.She looked ready to give the man in front of her a solid punch.A long sigh escaped Citra's lips; she had no other choice now.It was clear she could only resign herself to the situation.There was nothing else the woman could do now, she was completely at his mercy.A wide smile now spread across Martin's lips; he felt very satisfied seeing Citra unable to resist him at all."If you'd said you weren't ready, I would have waited until you finished getting ready, Citra. You should have just said if there was a problem or anything," Martin said, making Citra shake her head firmly.The sooner her busi