"Wretched. Those evil people deserve severe punishment. How could they commit such heinous acts?" Nika gritted his teeth and exclaimed after Erica finished recounting her pain. While Nika expressed his outrage and indignation based on his personal perspective, Erica sat quietly, bowing her head and looking down at the floor. This is the first time Erica has shared her story with others. Erica had a lot of concerns at first, as well as fear. Fear of being ridiculed, mocked, and, worst of all, pitied. Fortunately, Ansel and Nika turned out to be different. They were kind-hearted and showed a great deal of respect for Erica. Having said all that, Erica felt that her heart was actually comfortable and relieved. Erica seemed to let go of the emotions that had been suppressed for a long time in the last few minutes. Ansel and Nika not only listened attentively to Erica's story, but they also refrained from passing judgment or criticism, and, most importantly, they showed no pity towards her
After the conversation, Erica asked permission to leave. As Erica left the room, Ansel turned to Nika and spoke. "What do you think of Erica's story?" "No deception at all," Nika commented. "Everything was logical and convincing. When I connected what I found to Erica's story, everything matched." "So, you know what to do after that," Ansel suggested. "Are you sure, Ansel? Don't you want to hear Erica's opinion?" Nicky asked. "Erica is sure to oppose it," Ansel stated. "So, it's better to do it first and then tell Erica." "I understand. But you should remember that if Erica finds out, you'll be the one responsible." "Don't worry," Ansel arrogantly replied. "I'll take the blame. Dealing with Erica will be my task." "Alright. I'll follow your lead." Afterward, Nika also asked for permission to leave. … As per Ansel's request, Erica became Ansel's caregiver until he was discharged. During their collaboration, Ansel appreciated Erica's professional work style. In addition, when
"Why did you lie about going on a business trip when you're actually here?" The girl's voice was full of reproach. The embrace tightened. Ansel felt suffocated. "Why, Ansel? You are excessive." Ansel's hands hang loosely at Desi's sides; he's caught between his conflicting desires to either reciprocate the hug or push Desi away. It felt like his heart was being split in two, like his mind. "I can explain." Ansel, after a moment of awkwardness, gradually regained his composure. He quickly thought of a response to address the girl's question. "Desi, the truth is..." "Why did you do that?" The girl interrupted, her voice heavy with serious questioning. "If I hadn't found out, were you planning to hide it from me forever?" "It's not like that. I..." Ansel tried to explain something, but the girl didn't give him a chance. She continued to interject, showing her excess. "I don't want to hear your excuses, Ansel. You're a deceitful person. You lied to me." There were sobbing sounds comin
Ansel's evasive silence made Erica believe that Desi's words were true. So, it turns out that Ansel has the woman of his life. With this newfound discovery, for some reason, Erica felt a bit disappointed and saddened. And then an invisible force struck her heart heavily. The feeling of pain and discomfort in her chest was indescribable. Not knowing how to deal with the turmoil in her mind and heart, Erica decided to leave the room. She also didn't want to stay and interfere with the conversation between Ansel and the girl. Erica contemplated saying a farewell to make her exit, but she ultimately chose to leave in silence. She believed it would be better that way. Erica thought to herself that nobody would be in the right mood to notice her disappearance. Unlike Erica's beliefs, Ansel can sense Erica's departure even without looking at her. His heart somehow conveyed that to him. And for some reason, the loss seeped into Ansel's troubled heart as Erica left. At that moment, Ansel sud
"Erica, can I ask you something? Please answer honestly." Nika, after taking a sip of coffee, immediately got to the point. This is the primary purpose of this conversation. "What is it?" Erica snapped out of her train of thought and turned to Nika, waiting expectantly. As she listened to Nika speak, Erica sipped her coffee. She couldn't guess what Nika wanted to ask. In fact, at that very moment, Erica had no interest in speculating. "You have feelings for Ansel, right?" Nika asked directly. The sudden question caused Erica to choke on her coffee. Seeing Erica coughing, Nika asked with concern: "Erica, are you okay?" "I'm fine. Just a little coffee went up my nose." Erica said, forcefully blowing her nose to expel all the coffee. Nika took a tissue pack out of her bag and handed it to Erica. "You can use it." "Thank you." Erica said, appreciating Nika's enthusiasm. Erica took some time to clean her nose, and Nika was very patient to wait until Erica finished the job. "I'm so
After crying for a while, Desi also stopped. Ansel didn't want to attract public attention, so he asked Kevin to take Desi home. Desi initially refused, but Kevin threatened her with the possibility of losing advertising contracts if she neglected her work. Furthermore, if Desi insisted on staying here, rumors could arise about her gaining fame through a close relationship with Ansel. If that were to happen, it would cause damage and affect both Desi and Ansel. Hearing this, Desi appeared worried and obediently listened to Ansel. What Desi needs is fame, admiration, and praise from everyone. This is something that Kevin can easily exploit to manipulate and persuade her. When Desi and Kevin left, Nika returned to Ansel's room. "Hello, Ansel. How are you feeling?" Nika spoke up as soon as he entered the room. He seemed concerned about Ansel's outburst. "Right on time. I have something to ask you." Ansel's voice sounded ready to pounce and tear into Nika for revealing his secret to De
"So let me be straightforward, Ansel." Nika suddenly turned serious. "I'm asking you this; please answer honestly to my question." "What is it? Say it," Ansel replied anxiously, urging Nika to continue. "Do you have feelings for Erica?" Nika's voice was firm and decisive. Of course, Nika's seriousness was clearly expressed. "What are you saying?" Ansel naturally reacted, involuntarily exclaiming before falling into a state of confusion. "Me and Erica..." The matter that Nika just mentioned unexpectedly turned out to be something that Ansel found incredibly difficult to address. The issue that Nika just raised happened to be something that Ansel was finding extremely difficult to address. Honestly, Ansel had considered brushing off this dilemma. However, Nika unexpectedly brought it up again, throwing Ansel's mind into chaos. What should Ansel do now? "Answer my question exactly," Nika demanded sternly. "Think carefully before giving an answer. I want an honest answer, not evasive
Realizing that Ansel was distracted and not in a defensive state, Nika delighted in launching an even more powerful and forceful attack. "Erica is not only intelligent but also beautiful, isn't she?" "Yeah," Ansel unconsciously nodded. Ansel had to admit that Nika's words were true. In Ansel's eyes, Erica seemed like a goddess. Her beauty was vibrant and graceful, with delicate features combined with captivating, clear eyes that Ansel couldn't take his eyes off. "Erica is not only beautiful but also has a very compassionate and kind heart. Those are rare qualities in a girl. If someone captures Erica's heart, they truly receive great happiness." Nika casually laid the bait, and Ansel carelessly fell into the trap. "You're right," Ansel agreed when it came to Erica's beautiful character. To Ansel, Erica was like an angel: "I've never met anyone quite like Erica." "The impression Erica has left on you is quite special, isn't it?" Nika asked with fascination. “Indeed," Ansel admitte