ASTHERIEN'S POV :-
It's another day, the same stress.
He left early in the morning, saying he was going to visit his dad. Ever since then, something has felt off. I keep thinking… I should do something. This can't go on like this forever.
Maybe… I could cook something?
Yeah. That might help. I can't fix everything for him, but at least I can try to make him feel a little better.
So I took a day off and asked the producer not to schedule any shoots until things get back on track. Then I walked into the kitchen, tried to make something on my own, and failed miserably. With a sigh, I pulled out my phone and searched online.
That's when I found it.
A boulli… what?
Bouly? Bolle?
No! wait!
Bouillabaisse!!
God! what a weird name.
Still, I followed a tutorial and slowly started making it. Or at least… trying to. It was turning into more of a disaster than a dish. I was supposed to make him feel better, and here I was, barely managing not to burn the kitchen down.
Just then, I heard a noise from the hall. Still holding the hot spatula, I walked out slowly, and there he was, coming back.
Wasn't he supposed to meet his dad?
"You're home?" I asked.
He turned toward me, and the look on his face caught me off guard. He looked furious… and breathless, like he had been running.
And then suddenly, he hugged me.
I froze, completely confused.
"What happened?" I asked quickly. "Are you okay? Why are you here right now?"
"Stay quiet… for a second," he said.
So I did.
His grip tightened around me, and after a moment, I dropped the spatula and hugged him back. When he finally pulled away, I looked at him again.
He kissed my forehead.
"What happened?" I asked once again.
"Nothing," he said.
Nothing?
He hugged me like that and still says nothing happened?
Something definitely did.
Before I could think further, a burning smell hit me.
Oh no.
I ran to the kitchen and froze at the sight, flames rising from the stove. Without thinking, I grabbed a jug of water and poured it over, but it was already too late.
Everything was ruined.
I just stood there, staring at it.
I wanted to cry.
All my efforts… wasted.
I wanted to make him happy.
And I ended up creating a disaster.
KAIZA'S POV :-
That file helped… but not enough. The main file still needs to be found.
Thank God I have Kris. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have gotten even this far. Firing her was the right decision.
I was in my car, heading toward Dad's place. The next court date is in two weeks, and we need more time, more time to find the evidence, more time to prepare. This case is taking over everything.
When I reached the mansion, Uncle wasn't home, and Aunt was sitting in the hall. Dad, however, was already waiting for me on the balcony, like he knew I would come.
After greeting Aunt, I went straight to him.
"My child… you're here." he said, pulling me into a hug.
I hugged him back. "Yes, Dad. I know you missed me." I teased lightly.
"Didn't you miss me too?"
"No." I replied with a faint smile.
He knows I do. More than I can ever say.
"Not possible, when you have such a handsome dad like me." he said, smiling.
For a moment, it felt good, just seeing him like that. But I couldn't forget why I was here.
"Dad…" I said quietly.
His expression changed instantly, turning serious.
"What happened?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Let's sit first."
We both sat down on the balcony couch. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I really wanted to bring it up again.
"Just say it." he said, his voice firm.
"Dad… do we have any record of that loan? Or any return?" I asked directly.
He fell silent.
I thought he wouldn't answer.
"If there's none, no prob-"
"Yes, there is," he interrupted.
I looked at him immediately. "There is? Can I see it?"
"I can give you the file. But…" he paused.
"But what?"
"Once that file comes out, there will be more risk. I know about the court case, and because of it… he won't miss a chance to destroy the file."
So he knew.
Who told him didn't matter.
I'll make sure no one even dares to touch it.
"I'll make sure that doesn't happen. The file will be my responsibility," I said firmly.
"I trust you… more than myself," he replied with a soft smile.
'I Trust you' those words....
Those words stayed with me.
I nodded, and he led me inside. He removed a photo frame from the wall above his bed, revealing a hidden locker behind it. I was stunned. That painting, it was something I made as a child, just random colors together. And yet, it was hiding something so important.
Then he entered the password.
1308
13 August.
Her birthday.
My mother.
He loved her more than I can ever imagine… and what he got in return.
No!
Not going there now!
I took the file and left without wasting any more time.
As I drove, something felt off.
Too easy.
And then I saw them, two cars following me.
I knew it.
I moved my car smoothly between vehicles, keeping one eye on the road and the other on the side mirror. One of the cars pulled up beside mine. I already knew, they had guns.
So did I.
The speed kept rising as I overtook them, but suddenly, they started firing. Luckily, the windows were bulletproof.
I pulled my window down and pointed on one of their cars.
First shot went straight and stopped at the one driving.
The car smashed into the street light.
The vechiles behind it stopped furiously.
I liked that smash, a smirk appeared on my face.
So easy.
One out!
One left!
Before I could cross the intersection, I saw a heavy truck approaching from the left. The speed was so high.
I had only two options, speed up and cross it.
Or turn back.
I just preferred taking a risk.
I pushed the speed to its limit and, at the last second, crossed the road before slamming the brakes. The car drifted sharply as it came to a halt, and behind me, I saw the truck crash straight into the one last car left.
The smash was too loud. I felt a sense of satisfaction.
I let out a breath and drove away as if nothing had happened.
By the time I reached home, everything seemed calm again.
But as I climbed the stairs, I saw a man in a black overcoat, his face hidden under a cap and mask, running away.
I almost chased him.
But then-
Ash.
She was alone at home.
No.
That thought hit me hard, and I ran without stopping, skipping the lift entirely. My hands slipped against the railing as I rushed up, my heart pounding.
When I reached the door, it was wide open.
No.
No, no, no!
I ran inside, searching everywhere, but she wasn't there.
I turned back, ready to go out and find her.
"You're home?"
I froze.
Slowly, I turned around.
And there she was.
Standing there in an apron, holding a spatula.
Safe.
I dropped everything in my hands and ran to her, pulling her into a tight hug. Finally, I could breathe again.
I held her close, tighter than ever, like letting go would mean losing her.
Not again.
Never again.
"Did something happen?" she asked softly.
"Nothing," I said.
But the truth was.
Everything almost did.
I pulled back slightly, just to look at her.
She's here.
She's safe.
And I'm never letting her go.