Chapter 50: Chapter 50

DARAN

“Oh my gosh, it almost killed me. It hurts so much,” muttered Jonea.

“Jonea, you might get sick again if you meet that man. Are you okay?”

I really want to forbid her from meeting that man. But if I do, I’m afraid it will only make Jonea hate me. Anyway, I can’t lose her now. Only after my goal is achieved.

“Of course, I’m worried, too. But you’ve seen for yourself what he’s like, right? He even stroked my head in front of you without being awkward. There’s no point talking to a guy like him. He won’t listen. He is a typical person who will do as he pleases. It’s just like before.”

“You... Have you known him for a long time?”

Jonea suddenly looked away from me and became awkward. I knew she was hiding something.

“I don’t mean that. I just couldn’t avoid him because we studied at the same campus. So, if you don’t mind, I’d like to meet with him to end all this.”

I just kept quiet for a few moments. It was easy for me to get rid of that guy. But I respect Jonea’s decision.

“I can’t stop you if that’s what you want. But you must call me immediately if anything happens. Ah, I will also ask Owen to--”

“No! Please, just this once, let me solve my problem myself. Please don’t involve Owen in constantly watching and following me. I promise to take care of myself this time. Please...”

Jonea gave me a pitying look. I can’t resist that sweet face. What is wrong with me? Why am I fluttering like this? Even though she was just a little girl—yesterday afternoon’s child who wasn’t even an adult yet.

“Okay, then keep your promise. You will call me immediately if anything happens.”

“Will you come immediately if I call you?”

“Even if you just say my name three times like before, I will definitely come! I have to protect you.”

I looked at Jonea seriously. However, she became confused; her cheeks even turned red. I don’t know if she has a fever? I’m worried about her getting sick again. Before I checked her temperature, Jonea had already turned away and hid under the blanket.

“Daran, I want to rest. Can you get out of my room? I feel tired and want to sleep.”

“Okay, have a good rest.” Before leaving, I adjusted the blanket and turned off the light in Jonea’s room.

I stopped when I left Jonea’s room. The image of Hunter Abraham touching and stroking Jonea’s head kept ringing. Without realizing it, my hands were clenched into tight fists, causing objects around me to vibrate, and some cracked. As quickly as they break, I fix them just as quickly.

***

JONEA

I secretly peeked out from under the blanket.

“Daran is gone?”

I saw he also closed the door to my room. My heart keeps pounding.

“Why me? Do I have a fever? My cheeks also feel hot. Why is Daran acting so sweet and even smiling at me? And the mask... Daran took off that ugly mask when he was before me.”

I quickly sat up straight and almost screamed hysterically to myself.

“Why am I like this? What about Aland? Why can’t I just focus on my goals?”

Ah, suddenly, I feel guilty. This doesn’t mean I want to betray you. Just then, my cell phone rang. Marilyn called.

“What is it? I’m just going to sleep.”

“You sound unhealthy. Did you miss dinner again?” asked Marilyn in a worried tone.

“Why are you asking just like my mother?” I grumbled.

“Because I know you’re alone, I can’t stop worrying about you. You didn’t even open up to me. Where and with whom do you live now? I’m very offended,” Marilyn said in a low voice.

I gripped the edge of my blanket. “Sorry, but I assure you that I’m fine. It’s not that I don’t want to talk, it’s just--”

“I’m fine, Jonea. I always respect your decisions. You’re still willing to come to me when there’s a problem; that’s enough. I called just to make sure you were okay. You can come to my house anytime if you feel lonely or want a new atmosphere. Okay?”

***

MARILYN

I had just left class when I saw Jonea rushing to leave campus. I waved at her, but she didn’t seem to see me. I also called her.

“Where are you?”

“Oh, I just finished and am going home. Do you need anything?”

“You sound in a hurry. Where are you going home? Let me deliver you.”

“No need. I can take the bus.”

“Okay. Stay safe,” I finally said.

I ended the call with Jonea and got into my car, parked in the campus yard. That’s when I saw Hunter. He seemed to be trying to follow Jonea.

“As I thought, there was something wrong with this man! Why does he keep stalking Jonea? Is he crazy? Jonea rejects his love, but he is still stubborn! Watch out, Hunter!”

Without realizing it, I had followed Hunter’s car. It seemed that Hunter was also trying to follow the bus that Jonea was on.

We arrived at an area that was quite famous and elite. I’ve never even set foot in this area. This area is said to be controlled by a pack led by a very influential alpha. Only some people can come to this place. But, how could Jonea...

“What is Jonea doing in a place like this? Does she live here? Wow... Are her biological parents from a rich family?”

I stopped a few meters behind when I saw Hunter’s car stop.

“Wait, this is wrong, right? I shouldn’t have followed Jonea’s stalking.”

I was about to turn the wheel around, but I didn’t.

“I’m not stalking Jonea, but I’m following Hunter. If he has bad intentions towards Jonea, I will be the first to fight Hunter.”

I saw Hunter get out of the car and start walking after Jonea. I quietly went down and followed behind Hunter on foot.

Jonea glanced at me. I immediately bent down and hid behind a large tree. From here, I can see clearly. It turned out that Jonea was waiting for someone. A handsome man.

“Wait, isn’t that the man who was looking for Jonea at the club?” I tilted my head while thinking.

“You know him?”

I jumped in surprise. “Hunter? What are you doing here?”

“Keep your voice down, you idiot! Shouldn’t I be the one asking? Why are you following me?”

I was annoyed and irritated when Hunter suddenly stood behind me. “Of course, I was worried that you would do bad things to Jonea. I saw you secretly following her from campus. What is your purpose?”

Hunter just looked at me coldly. “Isn’t it obvious? I came to save Jonea. We have the same goal, right? Do you know that man? Who’s he? He’s always around Jonea.”

I was wide-eyed. “Save Jonea?”

“Marilyn, I wish you had a little intelligence. Don’t you find it strange? Jonea suddenly appeared out of nowhere, but she became very mysterious. And if you were sensitive, you should have realized that that man was always around Jonea. Do you know where and with whom Jonea lives currently?”

Hunter pointed to the handsome man chatting with Jonea in front of the gate of a luxurious house. I tried to catch their conversation.

“Didn’t I tell you not to go home alone? Why do you always run away from me, Jonea?”

“I don’t want you to keep watching me anymore!” Jonea said coldly, but the man didn’t seem willing to give up.

I tried to get closer to hear what Jonea and the handsome man discussed. Apparently, Hunter also did the same thing. We are truly embarrassed.

“Why am I here? I’d better go!” Hunter grumbled before completely leaving me there alone.

I am annoyed. I want to go, too, but I’m still curious about Jonea.

“Don’t be selfish. I continue to look after and protect you not because of you but because of other lives I must protect.” The handsome man seemed angry with Jonea. The sound is very loud.

I was stunned for a moment. “Protecting whose life he said?”

When I turned around, without realizing it, I saw Jonea fainted and being hugged by this handsome man.

“Hey, what the hell? What’s going on here? Did he hurt Jonea?”