In Australia, Uncle Theo was gazing at a dust-covered painting in a storage room. He wiped the dust from the canvas, revealing the beautiful face of his former lover, Aline.
Uncle Theo had just received news from his assistant that Aline was married.
"So you're married now, Aline. I hope you're living happily with your husband," Uncle Theo murmured softly.
Uncle Theo was an adopted child; his parents had longed for a son. Because his biological parents disapproved of their relationship, his mother Rena was disowned by them. Hence, he bequeathed his adoptive father's inheritance to Marvin, who was entitled to it all.
Unfortunately, Uncle Theo's wishes didn't come true. His ex-lover Aline was suffering greatly in her marriage to Markus; even now, she lay bedridden, shivering with fever, enduring pain throughout her body, wrapped in thick blankets.
A tear rolled down Aline's cheek. If only she hadn't given up, she might now be living happily with Theo and their child, Nadine.
...
Tonight, the Leonardo family was dining with the family of Mr. Dafa, Nadine's intended, to discuss marriage plans for her and Damar.
Nadine was mostly silent, listening to her father's conversation with Mr. Dafa. Her heart was far from joyful, envious of women who could choose their life partners freely, speak their mind, refuse what they disliked, and accept what they fancied.
Nadine's life was filled with pressure to be perfect, to astonish all. Yet, she wasn't as flawless as people imagined.
Their attention shifted to the television report – a shocking discovery had been made in the capital city.
"Today, the city was startled by the finding of bags carrying 10 million in cash on the porches of many impoverished citizens. The anonymous benefactor has left everyone deeply grateful, some of whom had gone without food for days for lack of money to buy rice. The community is curious about the identity of this mysterious Good Samaritan."
"That's not all; today, we have received reports about a 'guardian angel' who rescued 20 young girls from the clutches of human trafficking, preventing their sale abroad. Regrettably, their rescuer's face wasn't seen clearly, and the girls are yet to be questioned due to the trauma they've experienced."
Mr. Rama watched the news with amazement, "Could these stories be false? Can someone so heroic truly exist in this world?"
Mr. Dafa chuckled, "Who knows? It's like something out of a fairy tale." But soon his smile faded, and he seemed displeased with the day's news.
Sonya, meanwhile, widened her eyes in recognition – she had heard rumors of a man liberating girls kidnapped by the gang known as The Bloods.
*Who could this man be?* Sonya wondered silently.
After dinner, Damar invited Nadine to watch a movie. Initially, she wanted to refuse, but Sonya accepted on her behalf, forcing Nadine to accompany Damar to the theater.
Nadine didn't enjoy the film, as Damar selfishly indulged in his choice without considering her preference.
Following the movie, Nadine was startled when Damar parked his car in front of a hotel.
"Why are we at a hotel?" Nadine queried, frowning at Damar.
Damar smiled slyly, confident in Nadine's innocence and purity. "We are both adults, and I'm sure you understand my intentions. Besides, we'll soon be wed, my dear."
Nadine, aghast, could feel her anger rising. "I'm sorry, I can't. You've already disappointed me, Damar."
She promptly opened the car door and stepped out.
"Nadine, wait!" Damar called after her, but his irregular parking drew honking from a car behind him.
...
The streets lay deserted, complicating Nadine's search for a taxi.
"Why hasn't a taxi come by yet?" Nadine fretted.
She could call a driver from the mansion for a ride but dreaded facing her mother Sonya's wrath – the person she feared most in the world, instead of finding comfort in a mother's presence.
Nadine thought of Miss A, who hadn't contacted her, leaving her worried for the woman she'd never met.
Nadine sent a text to Miss A, even though her phone remained inactive.
[Miss A, are you alright? Today, I am very sad and lonely.]
Sighing, Nadine stared at her phone screen before slipping it into her bag. She envied a couple that passed by hand in hand, wondering how it felt to be pampered by someone. From a young age, she had been molded to act maturely, never allowed to cry.
The sudden pitter-patter of rain caught Nadine unawares, forcing her to hastily seek shelter, yet none was in sight.
"Ah... why is my luck always so terrible!" she lamented.
Surprisingly, someone sheltered her with an umbrella from behind. She turned to see who it was, her eyes widening upon recognizing the person's face.
It was unimaginable for her to cross paths again with the mysterious man who had once helped her, hoping never to meet him again.
Marvin smirked as he gazed into Nadine's eyes, so closely before him, "We meet again, Nadine Leonardo."
Nadine swallowed hard, wondering if this man would ever let her go if they met again.
Although his look was cold, it sent a tremor through her heart, a gaze not unfamiliar to Nadine.
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Comments
Auwalu Salisu
can't wait for more stories like this
2024-06-16
1