LOGINCassandraI went to the café earlier than Sebastian and Miles, because they were at a store buying a few things Miles wanted.Since my condition wasn’t very good right now, I couldn’t keep accompanying them. So they asked me to wait at the café across from the store.I took a few deep breaths. The stiffness in my back and shoulders was quite noticeable. Even though I hadn’t done much today. Yesterday we did look for shells, but only for two hours.After that, we just painted and did relaxing activities.A waiter approached me.“Hot chocolate,” I said.Right now, I felt like drinking it—it might actually help me relax more.While waiting for my order, I kept watching Sebastian and Miles. Sometimes I could still see them, and every time I did, I felt more at ease.A smile appeared on my face automatically. I was sure the two of them were enjoying their time together.When my drink arrived, I leaned back against the chair and tried to relax more. Slowly, it worked, and I felt relieved.I
Cassandra“Is she really okay?” I asked anxiously.I know what it feels like to be on the verge of death. It’s terrifying. It can become a trauma that keeps haunting you.When I heard that Maria had gone through an attempted murder, my body tensed immediately. I was truly worried that something might happen to her.That’s why I contacted Dylan. He was by Maria’s side, protecting her.“Honestly, I’m not sure about what she said, Sandra.”I nodded slowly. I understood very well that it sounded forced. Just like what happened to me—I struggled to get through it calmly. I tried not to make others worry.So I kept saying that I was fine. And Dylan is the kind of man who understands that. I’m sure that even if Maria isn’t truly okay, Dylan will stay by her side and make her feel safe.In the past, when Dylan did that for me, he did it sincerely. Thinking about that, I let out a breath.“Dylan, if you need anything, you have to tell me.”Hearing his laugh, I felt slightly dismissed. Well, af
DylanWho could stay calm when the woman they love is in danger?No one.And when I saw Maria on the floor with a gun in her hand, I knew she was in shock from what had just happened.The bastard she had wounded was still trying to attack her, and I acted immediately. That night became a truly terrifying one.I had no intention of leaving Maria. I knew she needed me, and I truly wanted to stay by her side—protecting her and giving her whatever she needed.Maria is a stubborn woman. She has a strong sense of justice and great courage. Whenever she appears in the news, it’s always about her success in solving cases.She has helped so many people that countless others admire her and are grateful to her.But this world always has two sides. When many people like her, there are just as many who hate her. They want to get rid of Maria so their path can be clear and unobstructed.Anger tore through me, and I swore I wouldn’t let go of the people who had treated her so cruelly.For the past w
Maria“Maria, you really never listen to what your parents say.”Father looked at me as he let out a sigh. His eyes showed exhaustion and worry.I understood why he was acting like that. If I were a parent too, I would definitely be very worried about my child.For parents, their child is everything. If something were to happen to them, it would be devastating.It’s just that I already have a path I’ve chosen. I’ve worked hard to get this far. If I don’t go through with it, I’ll be the one who regrets it later. So I try not to be affected by the sadness in my parents’ eyes.“Your mother and I can’t stop you.” He paused for a moment, taking a breath. “That’s why you have to come here.”As I held my father’s phone, it made me smile. I immediately hugged him.“Thank you, Dad.”That was a memory from the past—a memory that gave me the ability to do this now.The man had been shot in the stomach. I did it well. Even so, this was the first time I had ever shot a person, and I was still in s
MariaAlthough this place isn’t as comfortable as where I live—with its soft bed and complete facilities—I’ve never once complained.I enjoy every moment I come down to help other activists. I care about the law and the environment. Even though people often say that the field I’m involved in doesn’t make money and only drains it, I don’t mind at all.In fact, I often use my own money to help resolve these cases.At first, my family didn’t allow it because this work is very dangerous and comes without protection. But eventually, they understood and supported me.I know that being born into a wealthy family is a privilege, so I can feel a bit at ease financially. And now, I even have a boyfriend who supports me wholeheartedly.But still, he worries.I looked at my phone screen and smiled, seeing the photo he had just sent. Coffee and a sandwich were his breakfast. He said he had something important to take care of today.“Ah… I miss him…”We had just met a few days ago, but it was only
DylanCassandra is my sister. I care about her and want to protect her.From deep within my subconscious, that instinct to protect her like a sibling came naturally. That’s why I tried my best to make sure Cassandra wouldn’t go through any more hardships.I watched over her, hoping her marriage would go smoothly—but that man still insisted on sending her gifts.Letting out a breath, I looked at him. Cassandra had already left for her honeymoon, yet he still showed up at her house.I shot him a sharp glance. “She already told you not to come near her again.”Alex—he is my father, but the relationship between us feels distant and unfamiliar.I happened to be here as well, just to pick up some of my belongings I had left behind when I used to live here. I had already told Cassandra about it, and unexpectedly ran into this man.“She’s my daughter. I’m just going to leave the gift and then go.” He spoke without the harshness he used to have.Seeing him holding several paper bags didn’t mak
Cillian“I’ve already met her. The woman whose photo I used to see so often in your room.”I had just arrived at Erica’s house, but my good mood immediately vanished after hearing Stella’s words.I stared at her. She still looked relaxed, as if everything were under her control.“That woman is actu
Cassandra“I knew you would keep being annoying.”There was nothing I could say now after hearing Dylan’s teasing of Sebastian.I wanted this morning to be filled with happiness. I wouldn’t let anything disturb my hopes, so I focused only on Miles.I tidied his hair, brushed his forehead, and kisse
CassandraI said what had been bothering my mind right now. Cillian’s behavior made me wary, even though so far he had shown himself to be a good man.And because he was my friend Erica’s cousin, I hadn’t really appreciated his honesty before. But that didn’t mean that after his confession he had a
CassandraThis situation was completely unexpected, and I felt like I had just been caught doing something wrong, panic rising inside me.Maria looked at me, her expression hard, but I could sense the sadness in her eyes.“Maria—”“We need to talk, Maria.” Dylan immediately took action.It was the







