Semua Bab Hey, Stranger!: Bab 121 - Bab 130

LUCIAN shook his head, and then said in a gentle voice filled with certainty, “No lies.” Then he lowered his head to kiss her on the forehead, "Why would you think I would lie to you?" She smiled bitterly, then replied, "I'm so tired of disappointments." Shortly, the music stops and then the host starts to speak. "Let’s ditch this place." He whispered into her ear. "What?" She asks while giggling at his suggestion. "I saw your parents are here to support the event. They might look for you." She explains. "They’ll understand. Let’s go." He said coaxingly. "Where do you want to go?" She asks curiously. "There." He says while pointing at the garden. They walk to the garden, away from the venue, till they become concealed by the hedge maze and trees. Lucian then embraces her from behind and starts sniffing her. She was startled, but she was unable to move as he held her tightly. She could feel the warmth of his breath around her neck, and the thumping of his heart on her back. "W

April 1, 2024, A day after the Circle of Hope incident. AFTER knowing that Latton was out of danger, Lucian went to Malena, who at that time was in the custody of the LAPD. His hands were trembling in rage as he drove to the police station. Shortly, he arrived at the precinct and sat patiently in the visitation area while the police ushered Malena in front of him. “I'm not aiming for her. I'm aiming for you.” Malena yelled through gritted teeth. Lucian's jaw clenched in rage, he slammed his hand on the table. Startling, the officers nearby. If there were no glass separating them, he would surely grab her and strangle her. “What did I do to you?” He yelled back. She smirked, “You did a lot and people like you don’t deserve to be happy.” She declares. “If this is about me cheating…” He didn’t have time to finish his sentence when she intervened. “I don’t care how many women you sleep with. You want to know something real, Lucian? Nothing happened to us. Because you disgust me.

LATTON is still in the hospital but was about to get released in the afternoon. Victor kept his promise and stayed in the hospital. He sleeps in the extra bed near Latton and this annoys Albert as he doesn’t like Victor at all, but he can’t force him to leave as he helps keep Latton calm. Against his will, he discreetly called Victor to the corridor and told him about the hearing that would happen later in the day. “The hearing against Malena is about to start this afternoon. Latton doesn’t know. I want you to accompany her to the manor and make sure she won’t hear anything about it. Do you understand?” Victor furrowed his brows, “Why are you hiding it from her?” He asked curiously. Albert glanced at both sides of the hallway to make sure no one was listening. Then he whispered, “We thought the case would be easy, but the defense attorney gave out evidence that states Latton was not the intended target and there’s a possibility that from first-degree attempted murder, will drop to s

DEREK’s eyes widened while watching the news. - BREAKING NEWS: A convicted felon bound for Pennsylvania went missing mid-flight. Yesterday afternoon, a Los Angeles-born woman named Malena Taylor boarded the plane and excused herself to use the res… - Before the reporter could even finish his report, Derek hastily turned off the TV as he saw Latton walking downstairs. When Latton saw her brother he looked startled and it piqued her interest. She slowly moves towards him and then asks, “Hey, what are you up to?” He gasped, “Nothing.” He replied with a slightly high-pitched tone to his voice. “You look puzzled. Is everything okay?” she asks while narrowing her gaze. He nodded then swiftly moved away to go to their father’s home office. His weird behavior aroused suspicion in her, "What are you up to, Derek?" She asked herself as he followed his movements with a curious gaze. Shortly after, Derek knocked on Albert's home office and soon entered. “Have you seen the news?” He asks

THIS IS A FREE CHAPTER Hey, here's a list of characters in the story: Lucian Caldwell - Blade/COO of Caldwell Incorporated/ loves one night stands and has different kinks / has a childhood OCD. Latton Ripley - Sieve/childhood trauma and abandonment issues/force to wed an old man. Alicia Caldwell - Lucian’s mother George Caldwell - Lucian’s father Albert Ripley - Latton’s father Thalia Smith - Latton’s mother Catherine Peterson Ripley - Albert’s 2nd wife/Latton’s stepmother Malena Taylor - Lucian’s conservative girlfriend, love of his life. Has issues with intimacy with Lucian but has a secret lover who was married. Fake being pregnant with Lucian’s child Charmel - Malena’s friend/Malena lives in her apartment Maisie - Malena’s friend John Rowe - Lucian’s best friend/co-worker Vivian Bloom - John’s girlfriend Thomas Sinclair - Latton’s fiancé/from chapter 1 Lucius Vaughn - Latton’s cousin Chloe Muriel - Lucius’ secretary Kirby Johnson - Albert Ripley’s right-hand man