Chapter 1: Chapter 1

There are ordeals and tribulations we are somehow going to face in life. Some people might find it challenging to handle. Others took a deep breath before fulfilling. I know hope fills our minds when we are facing obstacles. We pray, beg, and overthink about everything that comes our way. We have no other choice but to accept and learn from it or run away and let the guilt overcome us.

From my perspective, I'm just a simple girl who was dreaming of having a remarkable life with someone I wanted to be with. Someone who will accept me for who I am and who I may want to be. You know, a typical love story to live with someone and enjoy your life together away from the judgment of others. Living in a remote area away from the chaos of the cities.

I stroke Bobby's fur, not realizing I was thinking deeply again while holding Ethan's arms. His eyes were focused on our path, following the sunset that would take us to the middle of nowhere.

I peeked at his side, just to see his side profile looking magnificent and awe-inspiring because of the sun's illuminating rays. He looked like a carefree man, just driving along the street with his family. No one knows about our story, and I think none of them would understand the chapters of our book.

"What's our next step, Ethan?" I know I may sound annoying after all of these, but I just wanted to clarify what he thinks. He might be thinking of giving up, and he was just pushing himself because of me.

He didn't answer my question for a minute. He was taking his time to focus on the road first. I glanced down at Bobby, who was sleeping peacefully between my arms. I was glad who have a companion on our journey, not just the two of us.

"There is still hope, Natasha."

I shot my eyes towards Ethan's spot. He was gritting his jaw tightly, and his hands were gripping the steering wheel seriously as if his life depended on it. I don't know how many hours we are traveling now since Ethan isn't stopping the truck.

"Hope for?" I anticipated his explanation. He let out a huge sigh and then looked at me, making contact.

"After meeting Nato and his granddaughters, I know it's not just me, nor Chanel is there. There is this instinct inside of me that I should follow," he whispered before breaking his vision to me. His words were cut off each second since he sounded unsure about it, but I understood what he meant.

However, I wanted to hear it from him.

I didn't say anything since I waited patiently for him to continue. The sun slowly faded, making everything magical because of the orange rays blazing his face. Ethan looks unreal all of a sudden in my eyes. Ethan lifted up my hands, then carefully brought them to his lips, taking his time to kiss the back of my palm.

His lips were soft and gentle, caressing my soul. I couldn't help but close my eyes and feel his heart that was knocking to let him in. I can't imagine my life without this man. In our situation right now, I know that we kept on running away from the authorities, almost killing everyone who stood in our way. Even if we tried to explain what is our stand, no one would listen and understand us.

Just like what happened earlier to the driver of this truck.

"There is still a cure, Natasha. I know there it is." Ethan whispered. His eyes were filled with expectancy. It's the only way to stop this chase and get back to normal. Our lives will be peaceful. We don't need to hide from Allen or his goons.

"I just hope Ethan there is still a chance," I said before the sun had finally set down and the sky gradually filled with stars. Ethan didn't let go of my hand as we traveled out of the cities. We have no idea where to go, but we're safe as long as we're away from Allen's grasp.

My stomach suddenly grumbled, making a loud terrible noise. Ethan heard it then. It made him chortle a little, causing a frown from me.

"Do you still have any fever?" he asked; then I felt the back of his hand caressing my neck. I shake my head. Somehow, after all the events had happened to us, my body could still make it. But right now, I could eat a horse due to hunger.

"Just hungry," I muttered.

Bobby suddenly wiggled his tail, jumping from my lap. We both laughed and then played with him. I heaved a deep sigh and then stared at the sky, watching the stars above us gleaming. Ethan continued his drive towards the road, looking for something where we would eat.

It's a good thing my head stopped aching, and somehow, I can now manage to think clearly.

"I forgot about this."

Ethan suddenly gave me a note that he fished under his pocket. My brows furrowed in confusion, but I took it from him somehow.

"It's a note from Criselda."

My eyes widened in anticipation and astonishment when I heard her name. I wanted to ask how he got it from her, but he continued to explain.

"She gave it to us before we could escape from Allen. She helped us while you were unconscious from the gunshot."

My hands were trembling when I tried to reach the letter he talked about. I couldn't think straight when I glanced down at it. I caressed the note carefully with my thumbs, treating it like a piece of gem. I couldn't help but restrain myself from crying due to the emotion of wanting to burst out. Even though I wanted to let it all out, I didn't want to strain the letter.

"Sorry for not giving it to you way before. I thought you needed more time to think through this mess we have been through. I don't want to burst your emotions." Ethan explained his reasons, but I nodded and accepted it.

I didn't say anything as I opened the note, scanning through the words. My tears fell off my cheeks. It gushed down on its way to my hands before dropping down on my lap. I heard bobby bark then scoop closer to my belly, sending me how warm hug since he must have felt my emotion.

"Dear Natasha,

I know we didn't have a good impression when we first saw each other. I know I was a lousy friend for forcing you to tell me what was going on when I could have just waited for you to open up naturally to me. I'm sorry for all the trouble I have caused between you and Ethan. I have heard about his other form, and do not worry, for I wouldn't tell a single soul out there.

I know how to keep promises and secrets, and I promise you, Natasha, you can come back to me whenever you need a helping hand that would reach out to you. Please take care and Ethan. I know I couldn't help anything about your situation, but when a cop asked me, I would shut my mouth even if my life depended on it.

Please come back here when you have time and when everything is completely back to normal. I will miss you, bessy, and you will always be here in my heart.

Regards,

Criselda."

I didn't realize I was wailing so much that Ethan had to stop the truck to hug me so tight. I rested my head on his shoulders, letting out all the heavy burden I felt in my soul. It took me four almost half an hour before I finally calmed down. Even Bobby was concerned because he was looking up at me, wanting to know why I was bailing my eyes out.

"S-she was my only friend, and I have no other choice but to leave her," I mumbled and closed my eyes.

I felt a hand on my cheek and then wiped off its tears. I gradually opened my eyes and saw Ethan's gleaming ones staring directly at my core. His eyes were speaking millions of words. He's like an open black hole ready to dominate you and suck you into a pit of an endless abyss. Ethan was like a piece of gold you wouldn't want to share with anyone.

"I am here, Natasha. You may lose anyone. You may leave anyone around you, but just you know, I am always here by your side. I don't give a fuck about some cops who were chasing us. I can kill them all if I have to so that we could live in peace."

He embraced me rightly, making sure I was feeling better now than before. I sighed, letting out the heavy feeling inside, then closed my eyes.

I wouldn't regret I chose this man over everything. I couldn't imagine my life looking so desolate again, dull, and doesn't have any light on my path. But Ethan changed all of that when he came in and knocked on my door. Ethan, because of my world, despite his anger issues and the sins he had caused while living.

Ethan was just a victim, and he already wanted to make a change.

"Let's continue, my love. Let's get out of this hell hole."