The brightness of the light caused Ethan to flicker his lashes, opening his eyes and blinking rapidly as he tried to make sense of what was happening. He felt a dull throbbing on his left temple, but he forced his torso up, hissing when his muscles protested the movement. When he saw where he was, it all came flooding back to him.The loud sound of the ambulance pierced through his ears, and he closed his eyes again, pressing his palms together, trying to ease the headache pulsating through his temples.Suddenly, he heard voices outside his door and he listened, recognizing one of the voices to be Avan."It's okay. I want to be here until my dad and grandfather arrive." He could hear Avan clearly say.Then the next voice he instantly recognized was Chief Rasch as he heard him argue, "You have already done so much my bring a crimial to such an expensive hospital like Hopevale General Hospital... We will handle things from here... So... There's know need to bother yourself anymore, o

The sound of the tv kept echoing in the living room, and even though Nina sat there staring at the screen, she couldn't focus on the series as all the images just blurred together. She was so distracted that she didn't realize when she started picking at her nails until Charles walked into the living room.Staring hard at the tv, she tried not to acknowledge his presence, afraid that if he said anything, she would break and fall apart completely.Charles walked over to her side and gently placed his hands around her shoulder blades, rubbing them lightly and leaning down beside her ear, whispering, "It's bedtime."As she squeezed her eyes shut, she held her breath, trying to calm her heartbeat that had quickened when he touched her. After several moments passed, she finally opened her eyes and stared at the TV.Charles sighed, watching as she continued to fidget uncomfortably. Without thinking, he tugged her closer to him, commended, "Upstairs now.""Please, can I at least watch this

Turning to face Mr. Walker, knowing that her mother had some kind of close relationship with him, Nina frowned at him, asking, "What do you know about my mother that I don't already know?"All eyes were now on him, but Mr. Walker's main focus was the Bulls because he knew how much power and influence they had and didn't want to risk them thinking less of him and giving them reasons to go against him.Giving Nina one of those fake-ass pitiful looks, he said, "It's not a matter to be discussed in front of others. I respect your mother and want-""Respect my mother? Who? You?" Nina asked, interrupting Mr. Walker and drawing a deep breath, and as she exhaled, her voice became stronger and louder, "You knew my mother before I was even born. You saw me grow up. You were there when we laid her to rest, you had access me for all the years I were in a relationship with your son, and tonight is the night you choose to bring whatever this is to my attention.""I know this is poor timing. But you

The moment Drak heard his door open, he turned his head to the doorway to see Ethan, entering with Nina and the others, Mr. Hester by their side."Am I dreaming?" He mumbled, rubbing his eyes twice and staring wide-eyed at them. "That was our same reaction at first. But no, Sensei is out of prison." One of the guys said.Seeing Drak wrapped up in a bunch of bandages like some mummy had Nina filled with guilt and tears as she said, "I am sorry. I shouldn't have-""Nina, it's really you! So that means, Ethan, you got out." Drak said, trying to force himself to sit up, but Ethan placed a hand on his shoulder and pushed him down gently, and said, "You need to rest." The sight of Drak laying there, his body bandaged up had Ethan feeling mad at not only Charles but himself. Yet he tried to hide it, knowing getting all worked up would help no one."But how? How did you get out? I could hear that bastard Charles taunt Nina and forcing her to be with him... refusing to let you out and even t

As the Rider family sat around the dining table, it was silent as a graveyard while they ate their breakfast.Madam Rider kept eyeing her husband since his demeanor had been off lately, but he remained steadfast in his silence and refused to make eye contact with anyone besides his food. Suddenly, the silence was broken when Bobby walked in, and Madam Rider scowled at the sight of him because he brought back memories of Ethan."Why are you ruining our appetite with your face? Get out now!" She lashed out, glaring at him.Bobby's gaze dropped to the floor, and he announced, "Ethan is here, Sir, and he's asking to speak with you."Immediately, Madam Rider stood to her feet, but Mr. Rider suddenly commanded, "Sit down."His demands embarrassed her, and she huffed but did so anyway.Looking at Bobby, who dared not to lift his head, Mr. Rider ordered, "Let him in.""Father!""Honey!""Dad!"Both Madam Rider, Savannah, and Tyler shouted in rage, glaring at Mr. Rider as he stared impassiv