"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you, sis?" I poked my head into my sister's room as she was getting ready for the party. "Woah... You look incredible. Is this really my sister?" I teased, making her toss her comb, which hit me in the chest. "Ouch!" I pretended to be in pain.
"Remember, you have to be nice when he arrives. Don't ruin my perfect night!" my sister threatened with a stern look. "And no, Bash will pick me up in his limousine."
"Are you sure about him? Don't you despise him? Since when did you become someone who prefers to compromise your principles?" I entered her room and sat on her bed as she adjusted her dress. Admire herself in the mirror.
My earlier compliment wasn't exaggerated. Helen, my sister, looked stunning. Her light blue satin A-line dress with lace accents on the open back was a showstopper. She looked no less glamorous than the celebrities on television.
"You know, sometimes love is just confusing. I don't even know why I'm so crazy about Bash, even though I used to think he was shallow and artificial. Ah, your coming here confuses me even more."
"Haha..." I grinned.
Honestly, in my heart, I couldn't help but find it strange how a guy like Bash Merrick suddenly took an interest in my sister, who usually had a simple and unassuming appearance. There was an odd feeling I couldn't shake off about how quickly their relationship had developed.
Bash Merrick was the son of our parents' employers. Dad worked as a gardener, and Mom as a cleaner for the Merrick family. I couldn't remember how long it had been, but our parents had worked for the Merricks since I was born.
My younger self and Helen were never allowed to play near the Merrick family's grand estate. In our small town of Dustown, they were the rulers because of their sprawling businesses, including real estate, food and beverage, hospitality, and other essential sectors.
They even founded The Merrick High School, for they were both celebrated and despised. It was common knowledge that all their business success came from corrupt lobbying of government officials.
Regardless, they also played a pivotal role in the local economy of this small town. For that, they were treated like royalty.
With all that reputation, how does a Bash Merrick behave? Well, he's definitely a piece of work. Arrogant, cruel, and downright insufferable. The school's bully, no less. Anyone can be his plaything, and no teacher dares to oppose him unless they want to be fired.
And getting fired means no chance of finding a job anywhere because their family controls nearly every field.
So, when I discovered that Bash had set his sights on my sister, my protective instincts kicked in. I didn't want her to be another pawn in the game of Bash and his lackeys, Terry and Lyan.
It was especially considering that I'd also recently become a victim of Bash's bullying. I couldn't bring myself to tell my sister what Bash had been doing to me at school.
"Sis, how did your university announcement go? I remember it was today, right?"
"Oh, right! I forgot because my attention was diverted preparing for this stupid event!" Helen slapped her forehead and hurried to her computer, frantically searching for her acceptance email.
I watched nervously as my sister's anxiety grew. It was a pivotal moment in her life. She'd been working hard for this scholarship ever since she entered high school, hoping to study for free and escape the confines of this small town.
"Aaaa!!!" my sister suddenly yelled. "I got in!"
"What?! What happened?!" Mom and Dad rushed in, their voices filled with concern.
"I got into Conroad University, guys! This letter states that we welcome you into our university's academic community... blah... blah..." Helen quoted the contents of the letter.
"Congratulations, dear... We're proud of you." Dad and Mom approached, hugging Helen. I stood up and joined in the embrace. I felt genuinely happy for her achievement.
"Thank you, Mom, Dad, and you too, little bro. This wouldn't have been possible without your prayers and support."
*BRUMM... BRUUMM...*
The sound of a revolving car engine from outside pierced our ears.
"That must be him! I'm heading out now, Mom, Dad. Goodnight!"
"Hey, where's his etiquette? Why didn't he come in and say goodbye properly to Mom and Dad, Sis?"
Helen just grinned and asked for understanding. Even without discussing it, we all understood that the ego of a Bash Merrick was too high to comprehend what etiquette meant.
"Yes, go ahead. Take care, dear," Dad granted his permission.
"You look so beautiful; may your night be as beautiful, my grown-up baby," Mom added while cupping Helen's face.
"Thank you, bye Mom, Dad, and you, little rascal!" Helen bid her farewell, waving as she disappeared through the front door.
I never expected that would be the last time I saw her smiling so radiantly.
***
*Drrt... Drrt...*
I was awakened from sleep by the vibrating sound of my cellphone, glancing at the green-glowing digital clock on the nightstand, which read 2:00 AM. Who could be calling at this hour?
I reached for the phone on the nightstand, but the number was unfamiliar. But I picked it up anyway. [Hello?] My voice sounded hoarse as I kicked the covers off me and sat on the edge of the bed.
[Dan! Help... Please help me!] It was my sister Helen's voice, filled with fear.
[[Hahaha...]] Laughter echoed loudly behind her, followed by Helen's increasingly terrified voice.
"What's happening, sis? Where are you?!"
[They... They forced me *sob*... Dan, they did it to me. All of them.]
"What?! Tell me now, where are you?!" I clenched my fist tightly, my fatigue disappearing instantly. I stood up, put on my pants, and prepared to get her.
[No... No, Dan, I know you'll just be another victim. Just tell Mom and Dad I love them both. And I lo-]
[Hey, who are you talking to on the phone?! That's my phone!] Bash's voice interrupted Helen's conversation, and Helen's panicked fear followed. I couldn't bear to imagine what was happening to my sister.
*Tuuut...*
The call was abruptly cut off.
"AARGH!!!" I yelled, punching the air.
Thinking quickly about where they might have taken Helen, only one answer popped into my head. It was a riverside cabin owned by the Merrick family, a place they used for relaxation after fishing trips.
Without thinking too long, I left my room and grabbed the keys to my old motorcycle—a payoff of my part-time job at the Merrick family’s fast-food joint - of course.
Just halfway to the cabin, I found Helen in a devastated state, lying by the side of a quiet road with nothing but forests. She was unconscious and without any clothes on.
I quickly exited the motorcycle and used my jacket to cover her naked body. Her condition was genuinely heartbreaking. After ensuring she was safe in the backseat, I clenched her hand onto mine and rushed her home.
I won’t even mention my parents’ reactions. That night went by so quickly. We took Helen to the hospital, where they confirmed that there had been a sexual assault. I couldn’t even imagine what they had done to my sister.
Seeing Helen lying unconscious with tubes and life support cables hanging all over her body, my anger suddenly boiled uncontrollably. I grabbed my motorcycle keys and jacket again, but Mom held my arm.
“Danzel, I understand your anger, and so does Dad. But I implore you to restrain yourself from acting recklessly. It's not that we don't care about your sister, but if you confront them, I fear you might become a victim too," Mom pleaded.
"Your mom is right, Danzel. I don't want another one of my children to end up the same way. We won't be able to bear it," Dad added sternly.
"I can't just let this go, Dad, Mom. They will become even more ruthless if we don't do something!" I protested.
"Not for now, Dan. I beg you. Stay here and support us, please," Mom's voice pleaded, making me sigh and relent.
They needed me at that moment.
*Drrt... Drrt...*
The sound of my cell phone rang again, and I saw that Lyra was calling.
"Hi, baby, I can't drive you to school today."
[Why? But I've been waiting for you for 5 minutes. If you had told me earlier, I could have asked someone else to pick me up], Lyra pouted.
“Sory baby, but this is about Helen, she-”
[What’s the big deal?! Your sister is such a hindrance! Never mind, I’ll go with Terry instead.]
*Click*
Lyra hung up abruptly; her nonchalant decision to go to school with another guy because I couldn’t drive her hurt me deeply. But because of my deep love for her, I brushed that feeling aside and focused on Helen’s condition and my family.
-
The next day at school, I arrived with an uneasy feeling. I looked around for Lyra. I was worried because I hadn’t been able to reach her since yesterday. I feared she might still be angry because I couldn’t drive her yesterday.
I searched for her all over the school until I heard the sound of her joyful laughter from the theatre room. As I was about to enter, I heard another sound that stopped me.
“Aw! You’re so naughty, Bash, stop it! Right there!” Lyra’s flirtatious voice called out... Bash?
“Hurry up bitch! Mine’s hard already!” Bash ordered.
My blood boiled as I peeked through the glass partition, witnessing Lyra on top of Bash's lap; her skirt had been lifted high, swaying so passionately.
“THUD”
The sound of the theatre door I burst open recklessly, “Lyra! What is the meaning of this?”
Instead of stopping, the woman I loved so much completely ignored my shout and continued their heat activity. They were moaning in pleasure with him until they reach their orgasm together. My world seems to shatter instantly.
“Oh, Danzel, don’t be heartbroken. You must have seen the situation here, right? I’m with Bash now. Because you know he can fulfil all of my desires, unlike you. What kind of a woman wants to go on a lame and boring dates all the time? Not me, ew... wake up from your dream ba-by, bye bye...”
“But I love you Lyra!”
“Pfft...” Bash laughed and yawned as if bored to my act.
"Danzel, you know it's not just you who loves me. I've been kind enough to be your "friend" for a few days out of compassion, but your dreamtime is over. It's time to face the real world, you poor man! Step aside; I want to spend time with a real man," Lyra pouted playfully at Bash, making me feel humiliated.
Ding! Ding! Ding! The cafeteria buzzed with the sound of notifications on everyone's phones during this crowded lunch break. Then, a voice cried out, "Stop! Aaaa... It hurts... Stop! Stop!!" The pained voice and desperate screams of a woman echoed in unison from all the students' phones. Startled gasps and sudden silence swept across the room. All pairs of eyes turned toward me as I stood there frozen, holding a lunch tray. Then, the familiar voice of the distressed woman, a voice I recognized all too well – what was happening? What had occurred? Ding! A message came through on my phone too, and as I saw it, my jaw dropped in disbelief. The tray in my hand slipped from my grip and crashed to the floor with a resounding clatter. Without a second thought, I sprinted with all my might toward Bash, Terry, and Lyan, who were sitting together, engrossed in a video on their phones. They saw me approaching with my fist clenched, and they quickly stood up, forming a protective barrier aroun
"Danzel Harrington!" The prison guard called my name as he knocked loudly on my cell door, then opened it without waiting for my response. I was in the middle of folding the blanket and tidying up the bed. "Harrington, pack your belongings and get out of here. I hope we never meet again," commanded the guard, and I stood up to grab my worn-out black duffel bag, containing my worthless possessions. After ten long years, I finally breathed the fresh air of freedom. My steps halted in front of the prison gate, staring in awe at the changes that had taken place outside. Where should I go from here? My entire family is gone. Should I visit their graves? I clenched my fists tightly, suppressing the pain in my chest. Armed with the meager funds I received from the prison and a piece of paper with the address of a motel designated for ex-convicts like me who wanted to start a new life, I boarded a bus that stopped at a nearby bus stop. The bus took me to the city center, which had change
[Throw your body backward when I give the signal.] 'What?' I responded, confused by the message. A moment later, a loud voice in my ear nearly deafened me. [Now!] Instinctively, I obeyed the voice, which coincided with the sound of a gunshot fired by one of Bash's henchmen. The bullet, missing its intended target, struck the leg of another of Bash's lackeys, causing him to cry out in pain and collapse. "Damn it!" shouted the shooter. "Hey, you're such an idiot!" Bash protested. "Do your job correctly, or you'll replace him as the fish's meal!" "Y-yes, boss!" [Kick!] the voice commanded again, and this time, I fully trusted it. With all my strength, I kicked the leg of the man holding the pistol from the side. There was a cracking sound as his knee joint buckled, followed by a cry of pain. Without wasting any time, I relied solely on my instincts and punched him in the side of the face, rendering him helpless. Seeing that both of his henchmen were now incapacitated, and with a
"So, do you have a personal grudge against Tom Merrick?" "Tom Merrick or Merrick Corp, whatever it is. Because what is Tom if not for Merrick Corp, right?" I nodded. Alright, if that's the case, then we have a common adversary. The enemy of your enemy is your friend, that's the proverb I know. "What do you know about their treatment of my parents?" "I don't know the details, but the way he treats his opponents is very consistent. Let me show you something." Mr. Burrow now led me to his office, which appeared even more cluttered than the other rooms. Piles of leftover food wrappers were stacked, emitting an unpleasant odor. The scent of nicotine was heavy, casting a yellowish hue across the room. The shotgun he had earlier rested on a long table behind his desk. Then he pulled out a file from the drawer, a thick file. He tossed the stack of files onto the table, creating a resounding thud. Then, enthusiastically, he spread out some of his own investigative findings that he had co
[These documents will be useful for your future purposes.] The system provided a suggestion without me asking after my frustration subsided. "Sir, may I take all these documents with me?" "Of course, take them with you. Perhaps all this information will be more useful if you have it." Mr. Burrow's gaze now drifted far out of his window, observing the procession of clouds in the sky that was about to bring rain. I knew that wasn't what caught his attention, as his pupils lacked vitality. However, since it was our first meeting, I didn't find Mr. Burrow's behavior strange. Instead, I thanked him for allowing me to carry such crucial information. I was certain he had gathered all of this with great effort. "I'll be leaving now, Sir. Is there anything else you need from me?" Mr. Burrow shook his head and gestured for me to leave the room. Without being prompted, I lightly patted his shoulder. "I will avenge them, Sir. I will make them fall into a pit of mud and not give them a cha
"Let her handle your luggage, Mr. Rupert," Mr. Rocky instructed Anne to take my belongings, but I declined. "I'm sorry, I prefer to carry it myself," I politely refused, as the documents I carried were very valuable. "Very well then, we welcome you, and we're pleased you've chosen our inn. We'll provide the best service possible. Allow me to assist you with the check-in process," Anne gestured gracefully, inviting me to the counter displaying “information and receptionist” inside. Anne sat in front of her computer, her fingers agilely pressing the keyboard. The summer season had made the air warmer; I noticed the fan at the counter was broken, with screws and bolts scattered to the side. Sweat trickled down Anne's forehead, and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. Perhaps unable to bear the heat, she then gathered her long wavy hair atop her head, revealing her slender and graceful neck. The image of my fingers slipping down that neck, pulling her into a passionate kiss, i
"Here," Dr. Bertha pointed to a newspaper clipping that reported a house fire in the city center, which happened 11 years ago.Memories of that event were triggered; at that time, I was still a freshman at Merrick High School. I lost a classmate, Jeanette. The second prettiest girl in my class after Lyra. She and Lyra were close friends, a pair of beautiful women who attracted attention wherever they went. Jeanette's tragic death brought me closer to Lyra, and we eventually started dating. Because I was there for her during the times of her depression over losing Jean."Jeanette was your daughter? I'm sorry for your loss, doctor. But what does this have to do with Merrick?""Do you know what she said the day before our house burned down? She was harassed by Bash and his lackeys. In the riverside cabin, just like your sister Helen... I went to their house to threaten them, telling them that if Bash wasn't imprisoned, I would expose the illegal organ trade that their hospital was involv
[Of course not, silly.] I observed Anne, who remained motionless as the system responded to my question. "So, it's not her." [Don't get your hope up, then you won't be disappointed.] "Haha," I chuckled, leaving them both looking at me with surprise. "Oh, hello Anne," I replied hesitantly to Anne's greeting. "We witnessed how you escaped from their riverside cabin, Mr. Harrington." "Please, call me Danzel. I couldn't do much when facing Terry and Lyan simultaneously. They turned out to be incredibly strong." "Yes, Danzel. We're not making fun of you. It was the most rational decision you could have made if you wanted to survive. We're thankful you made it back safely. Right now, we need a little help from someone we can rely on." Anne responded with her wide-eyed gaze directed at me. I smiled at her, and she returned the gesture. In the midst of my crumbling world, her smile felt like a glimmer of hope. "Did you know that Tom is running for mayor? This is a project he plans to
"Nobody move unless you want this bullet to pierce through this old man's skull!" Gatsby ordered, aiming the barrel of his pistol at the president's temple. The head of state instructed his men to comply with Gatsby's command."The four of you, follow me," Gatsby pointed at me, Elliot, Helen, and Kellan.Gatsby entered the City Hall and proceeded upstairs to Elliot's office, dragging the defenseless president along. Elliot grinned with satisfaction at the chaos caused by Gatsby. He knew he had been branded as a terrorist, especially since the one he was holding hostage was the president.He wouldn't live long after this, but he didn't want to fall alone. There had to be someone dragged along with him, someone responsible for his downfall, something he had fought for for years.That someone was Rupert, aka Danzel, and Helen Harrington, the siblings.Upon arriving at Elliot's room, Gatsby forced the president to sit in Elliot's desk chair, while Elliot gestured for me, Helen, and Kellan
Elliot never received any news about Alex's attack on Dustown Prison, nor did he want to inquire. His attention was occupied by the preparations for the President's visit, just a day away.As long as he didn't receive any notice from his aides regarding Dustown Prison, he would assume everything was fine. If there were even a hint of news about Dustown Prison, he'd be sure to know. But since Alex's request back then, there hadn't been any further requests. The atmosphere was completely calm without any issues. Elliot figured Alex might have backed off from attacking Dustown Prison knowing he was preoccupied with many matters."Kellan, have you found out who that mysterious donor is?" Elliot asked his secretary, having replaced his previous one because Sonia didn't approve.Kellan, his current secretary, shook his head. "No, Sir. He's truly mysterious. What should we do? He specifically requested to sit next to you. Should we still accommodate that request? Especially now that there's
Elliot's eyes widened as he discovered Rupert's hiding place. He chuckled dismissively, 'No wonder the police never found him all this time,' he thought. Then he recalled Erwin's presence, the young man who remained closed off and impenetrable to him. The only employee under his command whom he couldn't control. Yet, due to his good performance, he couldn't just dismiss him. 'Besides, he's not in a critical sector,' he reasoned, choosing to overlook Erwin, but his judgment back then was wrong. Unbeknownst to him, Erwin had been forging alliances there, a fact that escaped his notice. *** "[Elliot has discovered your connection with Erwin; he and Alex plan to attack Dustown Prison tonight,]" reported the system. "Anne is still in critical condition. Do something to prevent them from coming here tonight," I pleaded with the system. The doctors finished observing Anne, and she was moved to a treatment room, almost her entire body wrapped in bandages. The doctor also mentioned the res
Erwin drove us straight to Dustown Prison. Anne was still unconscious, and I supported her head in the back seat. Her condition was truly alarming, I couldn't bear to hold her body, afraid she'd feel more pain. Erwin called Ralph and ordered him to prepare competent doctors at the prison. Every second felt like a crossroads for me, constantly monitoring Anne's chest to ensure she was still breathing. I held my breath with every long inhale she took, trying to manage her pain. "Hurry, Er!" I urged Erwin. "Quiet! Don't command me!" Erwin snapped. I knew he was trying to navigate through the traffic in the Dustown city center; for this one, the system couldn't help because the streets were crowded with people, not because of traffic. Erwin repeatedly honked his horn to clear the pedestrians from the road. Several times, he had to brake suddenly as they crossed unexpectedly, truly testing his patience. After being stuck in the traffic jam for a long 30 minutes, our car finally gained s
About fifty people gathered in front of Jackie's Bar, arriving individually with their preferred modes of transportation from various corners of the city—some on motorcycles, skateboards, scooters, bicycles, cars, or by foot.There was no communication among them; they simply glanced at each other to determine if they shared the same purpose, exchanging a code by raising their left palm upwards, a symbol representing their Dandelion Organization, signifying a dandelion stem always seeking the sun.Without the need for lengthy discussions, they collectively entered Jackie's bar. Two formidable guards who had stood at the front door couldn't stop them and were pushed inside.A ceasefire ensued inside between the Dandelion Operation faction and Jackie's henchmen. Witnessing the chaos, Jackie stealthily retreated through the back door, leaving it all to his men. He valued his life too much.He cursed under his breath before calling someone, "You convinced me that he works alone! You said
Hearing the information from the system, I immediately headed to Jackie's place. Night was falling, the streets were getting crowded, and the city was brightened by decorative lights along the roads. Visitors from out of town, eager to witness the carnival in Dustown, flooded the pubs, hotels, and eateries.The city seemed to come alive again with stalls and food trucks lining the streets, creating long queues. It overwhelmed me to drive quickly through the chaos. While people were enjoying themselves, I was lost in thoughts about Anne's fate.*Honk* *Honk*My horn sounded at the drivers who parked recklessly along the street. I was truly impatient, especially with the drunken revelers who were barely conscious as night approached.I almost collided with a group of teenagers crossing the road without looking. I honked loudly, causing them to bang and hit the hood of my car. But I had no time to deal with them.Luckily, after passing the town square, the crowd lessened. I accelerated,
"I paced back and forth in Erwin's office, anxious as I hadn't received any recent updates about Anne. Not from Erwin's informants, nor from the system or Helen. I disliked this feeling, my intuition restless, sensing that Anne wasn't okay.Erwin, engrossed in his book, glanced at me from the corner of his eye, growing irritated as I disrupted his concentration."Tsk! Take one more step, and I'll kick you out," Erwin declared, unable to contain his frustration. His book remained untouched, the pages unturned due to my actions."Do you really have no information?" I asked again, wearing a pleading expression as I approached him."No, if I had any, you'd be the first to know. Now, get out of my space, or I'll have to force you out," Erwin commanded firmly. He was actually waiting for information that hadn't arrived yet. However, he masked it by focusing on more productive matters, unlike me.Right after that, Ralph arrived, carrying a vial bottle filled with thick white liquid. He was s
Alex was furious, howling like a possessed person, ordering his men to search once again, this time more meticulously. Meanwhile, he returned to the room to interrogate Camilla.The woman was far too relaxed about Anne's disappearance, even seeming pleased. Camilla must know something! That's what Alex thought. This time, he was determined to interrogate Camilla until she spoke. He wouldn't hesitate to kill her if she didn't talk."You!" Alex barked, striding quickly across the room toward the startled Camilla, who was taken aback by Alex's sudden rage. She dropped the magazine she was reading and stood up. Alex approached her and immediately grabbed Camilla by the throat, her eyes bulging from the intense pressure on her neck."Tell me where Anne is! I'm not joking around. Your death is in my hands right now," threatened Alex, his eyes bloodshot, his hand muscles bulging as he tightened his grip around Camilla's throat.Camilla knew her chance to play around had ended. She also figur
“You’re delusional. I don't want anything,” answered Camilla, her lips curved into a sweet smile for Anne. Of course, Anne didn't immediately believe her, convincing herself to remain cautious around Camilla.Throughout her life, Camilla had always treated her badly, harboring negative thoughts about her. Initially, Anne had always wanted to understand the reasons behind Camilla's behavior, until she realized it was futile—Camilla's judgment of her was already formed, no matter how hard she tried to show kindness. Camilla remained steadfast and eventually deemed Anne as a mere attention-seeker.Since then, Anne realized she didn't need to waste energy on people who hated her because they would continue to do so. She had to focus on those who loved her, not many in number but sufficient for her.Thinking about it made her heart ache once again; now those people were gone, Pops and Dr. Bertha, whom she considered as her own father figures. Meha, who had been like the elder sister she ne