"You're already done?"

Yelena quickly turned to the left when she heard a voice. Jason Moravsky was standing at the door, glancing down at her.

​​

She narrowed her eyes at the phone and muttered, "Yes."

Jason didn't say anything but his gaze never left the woman who didn't seem to be fine. Then he finally said, "Shall we study then? We still have time."

Yelena only nodded and Jason walked back inside the room. After a few seconds, Yelena rose from her seat and walked inside to see her mother for just once. Then she left the hospital with Jason Moravsky.

Staring out of the car window, Yelena was more than quiet. Felix's voice echoed in her ears, adding her pain each time. He never sounds as broken as he did today and that made her felt hopeless.

Every once in a while, Jason Moravsky would shift his gaze from the road to the very quiet Yelena. He was worry about her. When he thought about how she talked on the phone just a few minutes ago, it's obvious that she had a serious personal matter going on.

Well, when he glanced at the door while he was inside the Chairwoman's hospital room, he saw a glimpse of her so he tried to check it out. Then he heard her talking on the phone. Perhaps with her lover. He was standing near the door all the time but she didn't notice it because she was too invested in the call.

Thinking of these, Jason Moravsky pulled a long face but he remained quiet, refusing to say anything about the call.

* * *

Ella was in the McLean's family mansion, studying the materials that Arias's parents gave her. She was all alone in Arias's study room with a glass of juice and some snacks on the desk.

She glanced at the clock on the wall and realized that it was almost 7 in the night. Why was Arias not home yet? While she was getting distracted by her thoughts, the door was knocked and Mrs. McLean made her way inside.

"Why don't you take a break, Ella? You've been studying non-stop." She stood beside Ella and placed her hand on the latter's shoulder.

"I'm fine, Mother. I still have a lot to study." Ella said, briefly lifting her head to look up at the mother.

Mrs. Rebecca McLean warmly smiled at her son's lover. "Alright then. I believe that you know your limits. If you have a question, just tell me. Arias will be home soon. So, don't worry and concentrate on your studies."

Ella nodded. "Okay. Go and do your work, Mother. You don't have to worry about me."

With that said, Mrs. McLean left the room and Ella was alone again. She continued studying but she would look at the time once in a few minutes.

Finally, she heard the sound of the door being opened and Arias walked in. By this time, it was almost 8 p.m.

Ella quickly turned her head to the door and a little smile was on her face when she saw Arias. "You're finally home." She said with her gaze fixated on him.

"I'm late again, right? I'm sorry." Arias's voice was very low yet he forced a smile when he approached Ella.

Ella rose from her seat and her little smile was replaced by concern. "Is something wrong?" Her gaze was scrutinizing as she observed him from head to toe. Then one thing caused her attention.

"How did you hurt your hand?" She lifted his hand which was wrapped with a bandage. What's wrong with him? He was fine yesterday!

Arias break free from her grip and forced a little smile again. "I'm fine. I hurt it a little while practising combat."

Ella's gaze was so penetrating and he somehow felt nervous. After gazing at him for a while, she finally said, "You're lying."

"Ella - "

"Since when did you start lying to me? This is not like you, Arias." Ella's voice seemed to be cold but there was still a hint of concern in it. She glanced at Arias, demanding an answer.

While Arias stood still without uttering a single word, she turned her back at him and cleared the desk. She puts her books and study materials inside her bag.

"What are you doing?" He asked. A shadow of anxiousness was on his face when he stared at her back.

"It's late. I'm going home. You seem to be tired, so have a rest." She carried her bag and turned around once again. Then she noticed his flustered face.

"But you still don't have dinner." He argued yet his voice remained low.

"It's fine. I can have it at home. Good night." Her voice wasn't that pleasant and she walked past him.

With an anxious face, Arias watched her approaching the door. He couldn't think of anything else! He didn't want her to leave, especially while being angry at him.

Without thinking twice, he ran to her and hold her back, hugging her from the back. He tightened his grip on her body just to make sure that she won't run away or brushed him off.

"I'm sorry." He muttered. "It's my fault. Don't leave." He pleaded.

He sounds so desperate and it made Ella's flustered. She even felt anxious. Was there something going on with him?

"What's wrong?" She asked. Her voice was nothing like before. It was warm and assuring yet he could feel her concern for him.

What he went through in the past week, flashed before his eyes. Maverick died. The only one who he used to call a 'friend' was murdered. Arias wanted to avenge his friend but how? He had no proof yet he suspects someone.

However, what will happen if his suspicion turned out to be true? He didn't even dare to think of the consequences! What's more, she might be the one who suffered the most!

He loved Ella more than he loves himself. She was the only woman he ever loved during the 29 years of his life!

What if.... just if he got it right? Then her father... No! This can't be! Arias was torn! What was he supposed to do?!

Feeling worried, Ella tried to turn around and face him but... Arias won't let her! Rather than letting her do that, he keeps on tightening his grip around her. He holds onto her as if she was his life!

Yes, his life. She's his life. He won't be able to live on if he ever lost her! For him, his whole life revolves around her.

'Maverick, what will I do? I can't just sit still after you suffered an unjust death but... what will become of Ella? If my suspicions are true, it will be the biggest doom in her life. Must I be the one who seeks that doom for her? How will I even face her again?'

"Arias, what's wrong?" Ella asked for the third time as Arias silence was making her more anxious. It's the first he ever behaved this way and it scared her. She had a bad feeling about this.

"Let me stay like this for a while. I miss you, Ella." He tried to sound normal but she knew him too well. She knew that he was hiding something but she decided to give him time. As such, she feigned ignorance.

"I miss you too. You're so busy these days." She calmly said. This time, it was her turn to force a little smile. She wanted to make him feel better and she didn't know of another way.

Arias wondered if she would still talk to him this way if she finds out the truth. What's more, Yelena was on the other side. That young and capable Captain will stop at nothing to find out the truth behind her brother's death! Now with Colonel Maverick gone, she might feel lost but she would never give up!

What will become of the two best friends?! One loved her brother to death and was willing to do anything for him! While the one who was involved in the brother's death was the father of the other one! Why was fate so cruel?

Finally, Ella break free and made him sit on the couch. She then holds his hand. "I don't know what your problem is but everything will be fine. I trust you." She said with a little smile.

Her words created a tingling pain in his heart. If only she knew what was troubling him! He doubted that she would still say those words to comfort him.

After quietly staring at her for a while, he reached out his hand to her and gently caressed her face. There was still a little smile on her face. How he wished it would never fade away! He would even be willing to sell his soul to the devil just to ensure that! However, what's wrong must be set straight.

'Don't forgive me, Ella. I promised to never let you cry but I don't think I'll be able to keep that promise.'