Semua Bab Heartstrings and Heartbreaks: Bab 11 - Bab 20

"Does it still hurt?" Maya asked softly, her voice carrying the faintest quiver.She knew very well that Charles had only agreed to the match with Oscar because of her. He wouldn't have gotten hurt otherwise.But Charles merely smiled and said nothing.He liked seeing her worry about him like this—it gave him the sweet, irrational hope that maybe, just maybe, he mattered more to her than she let on. Perhaps he was imagining things. Yet, when he saw her burst into the stadium with panic in her eyes, eyes that saw no one else but him… Charles was certain he'd made the right choice.After a quiet moment, Maya pulled an apple from her handbag. Then she reached over to the nightstand, picked up a small fruit knife, and began peeling it with careful precision.Her movements were gentle. The soft afternoon light streamed in through the window, bathing her in a halo that made her look almost celestial. Charles watched in silence, a warmth spreading through his chest.In that moment,

After leaving the hospital, Oscar vanished completely.It was as though he had truly given up—but at this point, Maya no longer had the time nor energy to care. All her attention was now focused on taking care of Charles and helping him recover as quickly as possible.Thankfully, his ankle sprain wasn't too serious. Still, the doctor had insisted he rest for a few more days.So each morning, Maya would show up at the hospital early. She chatted with him, brought his favorite snacks, and even helped him with little things."Maya, you don't have to work this hard," Charles said one day, gazing at her with a mix of amusement and gratitude as she fussed over him."I'm not tired," she replied with a gentle smile. "You got hurt because of me. Taking care of you is the least I can do."Her words warmed him more than she realized. Charles knew—without her ever having to say it—that Maya truly cared. It was in her actions, in the way she sat beside him, in the unspoken concern behind each

Half an hour earlier.Maya had been dragged into a desolate alleyway by a group of thugs, their hands rough and unrelenting. One of them had clamped a hand tightly over her mouth, muffling any sound she might have made, reducing her frantic cries to silent pleas.Her resistance, fierce but futile, was met with derisive laughter."This one's got spirit," one of the men sneered, clearly enjoying her struggle."Cut the crap. Let's get this over with," the leader snapped impatiently.With that, they lunged forward and began tearing at her clothes.Tears streamed down Maya's cheeks as she thrashed against them, every movement drenched in desperation—but her strength was no match for theirs.At that very moment, in an office miles away, Charles was pacing like a man possessed.He had just hung up the phone with Oscar, yet the tension in his chest refused to ease.'Maya, please hold on,' he prayed silently, his hands clenched at his sides.…Back in the alley, the thugs froze.Som

A few days later, it was Maya's birthday.She opened her eyes that morning and stared blankly at the ceiling above, a strange emptiness settling in her chest. Birthdays were supposed to feel special, weren't they? Yet all she felt was a quiet, echoing loneliness.Just then, the doorbell rang.Her heart gave a little leap—could it be?She hurried out of bed, flung the door open, only to be met by a deliveryman standing crisply in his uniform, a beautifully wrapped gift box in his hands."Your package," he said politely, holding it out.Maya took it, her initial joy dimming into something like disappointment. Still, she managed a smile and thanked him before closing the door.Back inside, she unwrapped the parcel slowly. Inside was a delicate necklace—exquisite and tasteful—and a small card with familiar handwriting.Maya, happy birthday. I'm sorry I can't be with you today, but know that my heart is always with you. —Charles.A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips as s

The moment Oscar received Diana's call, he was gripped with panic. Without a second thought, he jumped into his car and sped toward her place, his chest heavy with turmoil.His thoughts churned as the night sped past his windows. He knew—deep down, achingly—that he had ruined Maya's birthday. And guilt gnawed at him mercilessly."Maya, I'm sorry," he muttered silently, gripping the wheel. "As soon as I take care of Diana's situation, I'll make it up to you. I promise."But when he arrived at Diana's apartment, what greeted him wasn't a damsel in distress—but a woman lounging lazily on the sofa, sipping tea like she had the whole world on a string. A smug little smile curled at the corners of her mouth.Oscar's face darkened with fury."What the hell is wrong with you? Are you seriously insane?" His voice erupted, sharp and unforgiving. "Do you have any idea what day it is today? It's your sister's birthday!"Diana blinked at him innocently, her voice trembling with just the right