[JANE] I had a nice dream, but it faded the moment I opened my eyes. I was sure I heard someone speak those words. Was it all just a dream? Or did it actually happen?  The sunshine streaming in through the window lit up the room where I was resting. Perhaps it wasn't a dream after all. I'm lying in an unfamiliar bed, in an unfamiliar room. I stared too long at the wooden ceiling before I decided to get up and bring my feet to the cold wooden floor. The atmosphere wasn't eerie or spooky. Since meeting Khali, I've grown accustomed to waking up in a different bed, in a different place. Oh, Khali! Where is she? My eyes were all over the place, and my feet brought me out of the room. Her warm gaze greeted me as soon as I opened the door. She's standing there with a tray of food in her hand, which I assumed she had prepared for me. Thoughtful. It wasn’t a dream. Maybe it happened. She u

[JANE] “I want you to tie me up and punish me,” I told her, and I pulled her close to capture her lips again. I wanted to show her that I love her and I accept her; that rather than changing for me, she can embrace her flaws, and I will gladly accept her wholeheartedly. I understand that she told me not to tolerate her darker side, but I can’t deny that I needed the dominant Khali in my life. I’ve learned to love her sadistic side. There must be something wrong with me, but I couldn’t care less. I love her so much. I could sense a loud thumping of pulses in my ear, and I’m not sure if it’s hers or mine. She gasped for air and pulled away. She was panting as she looked at me. Her eyes were dark in lust, and I could tell I finally pulled her out, the Khali I’ve always loved. She took my hand in hers as she slid off the bed, leaving me seated on the edge. “Hold out your hand,” she ordered. She was looking intently at me as she to

[KHALI]“She doesn’t want to negotiate,” Teddy said over the phone a few hours after I asked him to communicate with Carmine. I heaved a sigh and gulped. I have to try for one last time.“Direct me to her line; I’ll talk to her,” I told Teddy. This will be the last time I’ll negotiate with her. I’ve been planning this for a long time, and I thought of using this plan when there’s no other way to reach an agreement with her.“Alright, I’m dialing her number,” Teddy remarked. After a few moments of silence, I heard the other line ring. There’s a static noise in the background, and finally, she answered. “I said, I don’t want to negotiate. It’s either I die, or she dies!” I heard her voice at the end of the line. I scoffed and laughed cynically.“If you prolong this, you’ll lose everything. Are you that insane enough

[KHALI] A loud gunshot roared in the middle of our conversation. I was trying to calm Carmine down, who had a slew of bombs strapped to her body, ready to detonate at any moment. I couldn’t risk everyone’s safety in here. The gunshot, however, did not come from our side. I didn't give the order to kill Carmine. I was about to go near her when the sniper aimed near my foot. I couldn’t get the detonator from her. It seems like the sniper was preventing me to do so. Carmine was shot in the head. She collapsed like a log, and I couldn’t do anything at all. I looked around to see where the sniper was hiding. The bullet definitely came from behind from where Carmine was standing earlier. “Find the sniper!” I yelled. Carmine was already lying on the ground, lifeless. Another gunshot echoed in the field, and one of my subordinates was shot dead. Shit! I’m certain that the sniper wants us all dead. I ran inside the house to find Jane. We need to survi

[JANE]A week passed after the incident happened. For me, the last two years have been a roller coaster journey. I never thought my life would change after I met Khali. My life had turned upside down, but I have never regretted it because I met the most amazing person in my life.I felt a pair of soft lips kissing my cheek as I opened my eyes. My favorite set of brown eyes was staring at me lovingly. “Good morning,” she whispered and gave me a peck on the lips this time. I found myself smiling unconsciously. I could get used to this, waking up with her by my side. This is the life I could always wish for, and now, I’m living with it. I wrapped my arms around her torso and leaned my head on her chest. I don’t want to get up yet. I just want us to stay like this for a little while. She kissed the top of my head and brushed my hair, making me feel sleepy once again, but before I could drift into sleep, she