I knew it.

I knew that walking alone in the middle of the night was a bad idea. Especially around this cheap and filthy neighborhood. Everything and everyone around here is a piece of dirt or a scumbag. I look at the night sky and mutter a couple of curse in my mind as I stare at the back of the man whose running away with my black purse.

"Are you freaking serious right now?!" I shouted in bitterness.

He was dressed in a worn-out shirt and baggy pants, you know the kind of clothes that you can buy at thrift shops. It was probably second hand, has been tried on by many people before he actually bought it so that's awfully nasty. I would like to pity him but I wish him hell right now for stealing my purse with my new phone and pocket money. I literally have nothing with me right now.

"You better pray we won't fucking cross path again!" I scream at the top of my lungs as I watch him disappear into the dark alley.

All my life, people sure as hell knew better than to mess with me! I took a deep breath as anger explodes in my head. I have anger management issues. I am easily annoyed, I had multiple rage outbursts that resulted in physical violence and I had to drink medications to get it under control.

I don't mind if he had to do it for some cash because I clearly don't give a damn about money. I can even buy his soul if I want to but the thing is, he stole from me! And my pride couldn't absorb that. No one dares to steal from me. I'll make sure he'll get the punishment he deserves.

The cold air blew past me, gently kissing my porcelain skin. I hugged myself as I trail the dark road back to the main street. I'm not really surprised that there isn't a single soul here. This area is the one you avoid taking if you don't want any trouble.

However, here I am walking on the silent street shivering, wearing a designer mini dress and limited edition five inches black heels just because of a damn party. A party that was so tedious I had to leave early.

I ignored the icy wind and began to walk fast when I heard something. I stop on my tracks and slowly turn to my left. There was nothing but a narrow corner. My eyes couldn't see anything because it was too dark but I'm certain of what I heard.

It was a low voice.

I know curiosity would get me killed someday but I just can't help it. My mind was begging me to ignore it and leave but my body won't cooperate. My feet were rooted to the ground.

"Ahh." There it is again only it was much clearer this time. It's a man's voice and he seems to be panting heavily.

"Uhh. . . please."

I scrunched my nose and rolled my eyes as the voice continues to groan. It sounded manly, hoarse, and husky.

The obvious had occurred to me and my face must be the utter description of disgust right now. I already know these types of people. Those who are too horny to even made it to their place to do the dirty and that low-life that chooses to do their exhibition in a secluded spot like this. I was more than disgusted.

"Have a good time, idiots," I said, ready to move along when he speaks again.

"Please help me!" The voice broke into a raw cry like the man was in deep pain and anguish.

"What the hell is going on?" That would be too much for a blowjob I think? It sounded like he's not enjoying or in any pleasure at all.

I squint my eyes, trying to make figures into the opaque corridor but to no avail, I couldn't see anything.

I look around and my eyes spotted a rusty crowbar lying down the cold pavement. I picked it up and wrap my two hands around it, ignoring the rusty smell. I am alone and it was dark, there's no way I'd take another step there empty-handed. I'm no fool.

Slowly I cautiously walk forward, raising the crowbar in the air to make sure I am ready if someone would try to attack me. My hands are getting sweaty and my heart threatens to escape. I was ready to give a full swing when my heels were caught on something.

"Holy shit!"

"Damn."

I stumbled and fell on something hard but I know it's not the ground. The broken post lamp around the corner suddenly works, providing enough light to show that I tripped over a man's legs.

His head was hung low and he was rested on the floor, leaning against the brick wall. I, on the other hand, was awkwardly sprawled on his thighs. When he looks up and our eyes met, my heart skipped a beat for no reason.

Then he speaks, "C-can you please get off of me?" His voice was deep and his breathing we're labored.

"What's wrong?" I asked, not bothering to move.

He looks down and my eyes subtly followed his until it landed on his stomach. My eyebrows raised in confusion when I saw his right hand clutching it. My eyes went wide and the crowbar instantly fell from my hands when I see and realize what's going on.

"What the f*ck?" I cursed, seeing how blood dampens and tainted his white fabric. He was excessively bleeding! I had no idea what happened or how long has he been left like this but the pale color of his face shows that he needed to get out of here as soon as possible.

I immediately got up then crouch in front of him. "You need to go to the hospital right now." I pointed out the obvious, "Give me your phone." The least I could do is to call an ambulance.

He stares directly in my eyes and slowly shook his head, "I t-think I lost it after someone stabbed me." He said weakly.

Did he got robbed by the same guy who stole my purse? That scumbag.

"Well, that's a shame. You would lose a lot of blood and probably die before we made it to the hospital. You see, I don't have my phone either." I said.

His eyes went wide as if he couldn't believe that I just told him that. My eyes linger on his face a little longer than it should then on his bleeding wound, contemplating whether it's worth it to help or not.

"I hate this night." I murmured. "Come on, we should start walking."

I put my arms around his waist and throw his arm over my shoulder for support. I help him stand up and we began to walk under the cold night. He was tall and muscular so his weight kept on dragging me but I didn't say anything.

I don't even understand why I choose to help him. I could just leave him to die. I could live with that. It was only normal for anyone to help a dying stranger. But not for me. Haide Malford won't do that. I'm not the one who would do such a heroic act. I'm not like that.

"I'm Daniel by the way." The man suddenly speaks, getting my attention.

I glared at him, still irritated how this night turned out. "Talk if you want to die, shut your mouth if you want to live."

The cold breeze makes my lips quiver, my legs began to ache, and my arms grew tired from supporting his weak body as we continue to find the way back to the main road. He was heavy and cold, it feels like I am dragging a fucking corpse. The dark alley seems to stretch endlessly as we wander aimlessly, given the situation.

We walked past several blocks. Every building is shut closed. There's no sign of people around, not even a single shadow so there's no hope of finding help any moment now. His body was getting more sluggish, and his breathing sounded like he's about to collapse.

"Damn it." I cursed when I almost tripped over some rock. I thought we're going to fall but to my surprise, he managed to keep my balance by grabbing my waist closer to his body.

He took a glance, "You should be careful." It was dark but I can almost see the concerned look on his face.

My eyebrows slightly raised at that. Why would he worry about me when he's the one bleeding to death? I never heard such sincerity in anyone's voice when they talk to me except for him. What does that mean? I bite my lower lip when I realized that I'm overlooking at things again. It's not a big deal. For all I know he just said that because I'm helping him. He's no one in my life. I don't know him and he's just being nice because he needed something from me. Just like everybody else.

"What a shame, don't say things like that," I said, clenching my teeth.

He was quiet for a while before he opens his mouth and speaks, "I'm sorry if that offended you somehow." He said in a gentle tone.

I scoffed in annoyance not liking the tone of his voice. He talks to me as if he's calculating every word like he's walking on thin ice.

We halt to stop when we made it to the highway. The surroundings are now light up with city lights, asphalt road, and endless streams of cars descended on the countryside proving that the world never sleeps and rests. It's far too loud and polluted for my liking.

"I'll hail a cab," I tell him.

His head snaps and looks at me. Now that I can see his face properly I can't help but notice how good looking he is. He has a deep-set of gray eyes, thick eyebrows, proudly pointed nose, squared jaw, and full lips. To be honest he could pass as a supermodel.

"D-don't take me to the hospital." He said, looking serious.

"What?" I blurted in confusion. "Why? Do you want me to take you straight to the cemetery?"

His lips twitched upwards like he found me amusing. I glared at him. If he planned on dying he should've told me earlier so I didn't waste my fucking time to help him.

"No, of course not. Can you see that building?" He pointed across the street. There I saw a high-rise, relatively grandiose, condominium building that towers along with the skyscrapers.

"Yeah what about it?" I asked.

"I live there. You can take me there." He said. His face was drained of blood and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. The longer we stay here the higher the possibility he will die from blood loss.

"Stop talking nonsense. So you're telling me to take you home instead of going to the hospital? You seriously have a death wish." I chuckled finding the situation comic.

"No, the wound is not that deep and I need to stop the bleeding first then see to it if I would need to get surgery, or I can just close the wound using sutures and stitches." He explained.

"Okay, where did you read that? You're aware it's not the time to play smart, right?" I bite my lower lip to stop myself from giggling.

He stares at me blankly.

"Sure, you looked like the straight A's kind of student but there's no way you're a doctor. You look like we're the same age." I said, not caring if that would offend him or not.

He let out an unexpected chuckle, "Sorry to say but we're not the same age. I'm a surgeon I can take care of myself just right." He smiled.

Hearing him said that left me dumbfounded, feeling embarrassed for the first time in my life. I just rolled my eyes and signal the cab that we're not getting on.

"Whatever you say."

Then I helped him cross the busy street. Before we made it to the huge entrance of the condominium he turned to look at me, "Can I hug you from behind?" He asked, tilting his head.

"No."

"I don't want them to worry about me. Just help me pretend I'm drunk." He said, looking at the two security personnel.

"I said no."

"Please? I really need your help."

I tried to hide a mischievous grin. I don't know but I really liked the feeling when other people begs me. It makes me feel superior.

"Fine. Just this once." I rolled my eyes.

I slid my arms and hold his waist tightly as I stood in front of him. Half of my body was pressed against him to hide the portion of his clothes that was tainted with blood. Then I felt him wrapped his other arm around my stomach, slowly rubbing his thumb over my tight dress. I gasped when he suddenly buried his face on the crook of my neck, his breathing was warm and heavy.

I ignored the weird sensation and continue to walk inside. My knees were getting wobbly because his touch makes me feel somewhat good.

"Is he okay?" The security popped in.

I flashed him my sweetest smile, "My boyfriend is just drunk but he's fine."

His cheeks were blushing as he looked at me. I'm no longer surprise to catch him checking me out. He probably thinks it's his lucky day, seeing a girl as beautiful as I am.

"Sure. I can have someone help you carry him." He gazes at him with jealousy.

"No thanks. I can manage." I said, walking past him not even waiting for his damn reply. The smile on my face subsides the moment I turn my back on him. Talking to him is not worthy of my time.

Once we're inside the elevator, the strange man frees me from his strong grip and looked at me. "Thank you so much." He said, his face as white as a paper.

"I don't want your thank you. Just remember, you owe me now---" I paused in search of his name.

What was his name again? Daniel?

"It's Daniel." He finished my sentence. "And yes, I owe you my life. Why don't you stay the night?"

The elevator stops on the 10th floor and we approach a wide black door made of metal. It was so shiny I could see our reflections clearly. He slides in his key card and the door was unlocked.

"Remember to go home early or else you'd be grounded."

I remember Gretta's last words before I left the house earlier. The way she said that makes me cringe. She's just trying way too hard to sound like a Mother when in fact she's far from being one. I clenched my fists, just thinking about that woman makes my blood boils in anger.

"I'll stay the night," I said, following him inside his unit.

Daniel then looks at me with mixed emotion in his eyes. "Can I know your name?" He looked sincere and curious but something about the way he stares is odd and different. Or maybe I'm just imagining things.

"You seriously won't stop asking that." I crossed my arms. "Why? Does knowing my fucking name would make you feel better?" I added, eying his bleeding wound.

"I just find you interesting. You're like a wounded wild cat." An amused grin was playing on his handsome face.

I rolled my eyes, irritated how he compares me to a damn cat. "I'm definitely not a wounded cat. My name is Haide."

"I'm grateful I met you Haide. Thank you." He smiles.

Oh, his words made me froze. Does he mean that? No one was ever grateful for meeting me. Nobody. Maybe he's an exemption.

I woke up in a strange room, the theme and color were pink and purple. It was actually simple, plain, and nothing extravagant. Nothing like my own bedroom. I climb off the bed and headed to the bathroom attached to it. It was tiny yet clean and somewhat cozy. There are toiletries that clearly belong to a female. This must be his girlfriend's room.

"Who the f*ck cares?" I murmured.

I tied my hair into a bun, wash my face, and used some mouthwash that I found in one of the cabinets. I stare back at my reflection in the mirror and glared. The girl was looking at me with a blank expression on her face. She looked so perfect. Pretty brown eyes, small pointed nose, rosy cheeks, porcelain skin, and pink thin lips. She looked like a freaking doll, almost unreal.

"Damn it!" I screamed in annoyance, grabbing my hair until it was a mess. I don't know but I just feel so damn furious without any reason at all and that alone adds to my frustration.

I need my meds. But why?

My legs felt heavy as I stormed out of the room. I didn't bother to check on his condition and continue to head towards the front door. Why would I care about a fucking stranger anyway? It's not my fault if he lost too much blood and died. His pride and ego won't let me take him to the hospital last night so whatever happens to him was his own doing.

Once outside the tall building, I watch cars, trucks, and other public transportation speed away. It's only seven in the morning and these people are already buzzing in the streets. Some are even running, probably late for their average paying works. I rolled my eyes when I saw a skinny guy who wears silly trousers and a shirt looks at me with interest. I began to walk and notice that he trails behind my back.

Finally, he got the courage to pick up his pace and stop in front of me. It looks like we're the same age but he looks a lot older with his fashion. He wore a shy smile as I further examined him, his hair was lush, outgrown and it seems oily. I was disgusted.

"Hey." He tried to start a conversation but I made it sure that the look on my face states that I'm not interested in small talks.

He clears his throat and rubs the back of his head. "You seem a bit lost. I'm sorry for my intrusion but it's not like I get to see a girl as gorgeous as you are." He said while subtly checking me out.

I only scoffed in distaste and ignore the guy. I don't have time for someone like him. I walk past him but he doesn't seem to like it because he grabs my arms back.

"Don't you dare touch me!" I yanked my arms back.

He was forced to let go and tried to smile. "Come on, I just wanted to talk." He said, raising his two palms in the air.

"I don't talk to strangers so stay away," I told him.

"Woah, you look even hotter when you're mad." He said, "That's a nice dress."

"We're not on the same level and this dress costs more than your parent's salary. Don't waste my time and get lost." I said in a dull voice.

He looks taken aback and was about to step closer but I glared at him. "If you ever dare to lay your filthy hands on me again, there will be hell to pay. You can choose whether lawyers would come knocking on your door or you and your family would end up in a fucking morgue."

I watch him swallowed, "Y-you can't be serious."

"Go ahead and try." I flashed him a sweet smile.

He steps back and murmured, "Crazy bitch." Then he runs off like a wimp.

I fix my dress and continue to walk in the opposite direction. I'm definitely not a morning person and that guy managed to ruin my day even more. After fifteen minutes I finally arrived in an abandoned warehouse. It was located behind the gas station. I walked towards the steel door and kick it with my heels. It was silent as if no one was inside but I absolutely know better.

I knock twice and just like what I expected, the door was pulled open. There stood a tall, muscular guy with lots of tattoos, wearing a black shirt and baggy pants. He was smoking a cigarette and his eyes went wide as soon as he sees me.

"Oh, Haide."

"Where's Marcus?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

He opens the door widely and gesture inside, "Come on in."

I enter the building and found at least twenty guys hanging around. Some wear a shirt like that guy who opened the door while others are shirtless. There are scattered can of beers and most of them looked drunk as hell. I'm aware that my dress hugs my curves perfectly and was used to how they all gawked at me with surprise and lust lingering in their eyes. Too bad none of them can ever have me.

"Haide." A tall black man, probably twice my size walked to greet me. Even he was wearing a shocked expression. "I didn't expect to see you here." He said.

"Can't I go to the place that I literally purchased?" I pouted.

That's right. I bought this abandoned building and turned it as a hangout place for them. The outside may look old and broken but the inside has a modern interior. It looked like a living area, enough to accommodate plenty of people.

Marcus is one of my friends. But not like the typical friend I hang around at school. He dropped out a year ago and he's into some shady business.

"You know that's not what I mean." He chuckles and pulled me to a hug.

I rolled my eyes. "I won't beat around the bush, one of your guys was dumb enough to cross my line."

"What do you mean?" He looked shocked.

"Last night at Helkins street." That's all I need to say.

Marcus looked around and stare at them one by one. Then he stares back to me with confusion. They all did.

"That's not possible. We didn't have any operation last night. We all stayed the night and had a party."

That got me thinking.

"And no, the other groups know that's our territory and wouldn't even dare to double-cross me." He said.

"Marcus, my purse and phone were taken. I know what happened. You know I'm not making things up!" My voice raises. There's nothing I hate more than proving myself to others.

"I believe you Haide. And you know my boys, none of them would dare to cross your line." Then his face turned serious, "Are you hurt anywhere?"

I shook my head, "No."

There was a long silence between us. Marcus then breaks the ice. "Are you drunk last night?"

I looked at him, "A little bit."

Marcus then chuckled, "Don't overthink it. Show me where. I'll ring your phone."

I didn't know what to think. I'm certain of what happened. I didn't lose my phone. Someone stole it. Someone robbed me.

I stomped my way outside and cross my arms, waiting for him to unlock his car. Once inside I gave him the instructions. We stopped in a narrow hallway. The exact hallway where I was robbed.

"If I'm really drunk I wouldn't even remember this place," I tell him. If I'm drunk I wouldn't be able to help Daniel. He can vouch for me!

We exit his car and Marcus began to ring my phone. We walked slowly as we scan the area.

"Maybe you dropped it somewhere." He said.

My heart was pounding fast as I silently wish that my phone and purse would not be found here because if that was the case, then it's happening again. That can't be!

To my dismay, we heard a phone ringing behind a huge trash bin. We followed it and there I saw my phone and purse perfectly stashed.

"Here it is," Marcus exclaimed in excitement.

He picked it up and handed it to me. I open my purse and nothing was missing. All my cards and cash were untouched.

My body felt cold and my knees tremble. I know I'm not drunk last night so the only possibility was that I hallucinated again. No one stole anything from me. I was the one who hides my purse and phone there.

"What's wrong with me?"