''Xia, you two were more than friends. You secretly loved each other but you left cowardly and your best friend ended up sleeping and having a son with him. A son who seems to like you more than his own mother''

Natalie looked at Xia and sighed, ''Xia, are you alright?''

''Oo, I'm alright. You don't have to worry about me''

''Hey, silly. I am your best friend, if I can't be worried about you, then who should I be worried about?'' Natalie pulled Xia closer and hugged her, ''I'm sorry. I was hanged up on my own issues that I didn't pay attention to you''

Xia smiled. ''But, how are you going to walk? It seems Mikael didn't go easy on you last night'' Xia teased Natalie and she flushed.

''Hey!'' Natalie playfully hit her and they laughed.

…

Right about the same time, at the guestrooms of the gala hall. Mimi was hanging on to the last string of dignity she had as she clenched unto the bedspread, covering her body up as she nervously asked Director An who was sitting rather relaxed on a chair at a distance.

''How…how did this happen? How did I get into this room?''

''I don't know either but it seemed you were the one who got played instead. But, I must confess, you are sweet. Who would have thought that you were also a virgin?''

''Shut up. Listen to me, if word about this gets out of here, I will ruin you and everything that you hold dear to your heart''

''Listen to me, Mimi. We are all in this situation together. Since none of us wants this out, then I suggest we both keep quiet and let this be between us. But, now that I've tasted you, I really don't know if I can stop myself from wanting your youthful body again'' Director An looked at Mimi lustfully.

''This is the first and last time we will ever see each other. If you mess with me, I will make sure I tell my family about it. You know who my father is, right? He is something you wouldn't want to mess with''

Director An smirked and stood up. He picked up his suit and left the room. Mimi screamed at the top of her voice. Cussing out Natalie.

''Natalie, that bitch. I will kill you this time around'' her lips trembled in rage and her gaze turned even more sinister.

….

First Hospital.

Detective Wales got down from his car and went towards the private elevator. He got in and pressed the last floor number.

When the elevator stopped, he walked out and went into a private laboratory which had 'PPD' written on its two-way glass doors.

''Hi, I'm here to collect the test results for Solace Ash'' Wales said when he got to the counter. The nurse stood up and asked.

'Your name and ID card please''

''Wales Ash, stand-in guardian of Solace Ash''

''Alright'' the nurse took the ID card and keyed the details in. Then, she printed out the results and moved to the copier for the papers.

''Miss Ash is recommended to come to the hospital as an in-patient soon as the cancer is advancing and spreading to her brain''

''Thanks'' Wales nodded his head and took the brown envelop and went out.

When he got to the general OPD, he ran into Mikael. At a distance, they both stopped and looked at each other. Mikael walked to him first and spoke.

''Let's talk, Mr. Ash''

Wales smirked and turned towards the parking basement. They stopped in front of his car and he looked at Mikael and asked.

''How did you know who I was?''

''Easy. You drugged Mimi Song last night and helped me with Natalie. A few days ago, when Mimi kidnaped Natalie, you tried saving her but someone else beat you to it''

''You are really smart''

''What are you doing in the hospital?''

''Nothing that concerns you. What are you doing in the hospital? Shouldn't you be with my cousin?''

''I came to collect the test results from the drug Mimi used. I intend to look into it''

''She got it using her father's connection. I believe you should know by now that he isn't a simple man. If you don't want my and aunt's efforts in keeping Natalie in the dark to go to waste, you should protect her. Since she is now your woman''

''I understand what you mean. But, shouldn't Natalie be made known about what is really going on? Does your aunt want her to continue to hate her forever?''

''I don't know, but I want to respect my aunt's decision. If she kept it from Natalie for all these years, she must have her own reasons''

''I understand''

''I will see you around'' Wales said and got into his car, driving away.

Mikael sighed and turned, going back to the hospital.

….

Mikael got down from his car and saw Natalie at the door. He looked surprised. This was his private apartment and he was sure she didn't know where this place.

''Natie''

''Is this the best place to hide from me? It's like you are asking me to find and you'' Natalie cocked her brows.

''How did you...?

''How did I find this place? I called aunt and she gave me this address. Mikael, how could…'' Natalie almost tripped when she tried to walk up to him. Mikael immediately hurried over and held her.

''Natie, are you alright? What's wrong?'' He sounded extremely worried and anxious.

''What is wrong?'' Natalie looked at her sarcastically and he flushed. ''I think you know what is wrong more than I do''

''I'm sorry'' Mikael lifted her and carried her into the house. He sat her down on the sofa and sat across her. 'Do you want water or anything?''

''Why are you acting like a stranger in front of me? I guess this is what happens after a man sleeps with a woman''

''Don't ever say that, Natie. I love you''

''Then, why did you leave? I woke up and the first people I see are my sisters and my husband ran away after sleeping with me. What do you want me to think or feel? Mikael, this… there is nothing wrong with what happened. If anything, you helped me''

''But, it was against your will''

''Then, would you do it again, if it is my will this time?'' Natalie asked and touched his lips.

''Huh?''

''Mikael, I think the drug is still acting in me'' Natalie held his collar and pulled him closer to herself. ''I think I might still need your help'' she said softly into his ear.

''But, you feel pains in your legs''

''Then, make sure I don't feel pains this time'' Natalie kissed him and he pulled her closer, climbing on top of her.

''As my wife so wishes'' he smiled and kissed her back.

….

''Yes, sister Lylia. Thanks for letting me know. I will be at the company tomorrow morning before I leave. Bye'' Alice hung up and muttered.

''Zeya, what is her deal this time around?''

Alice stood up to go to the kitchen and her phone started ringing. She looked at the phone and smiled as she picked it.

''Hello, Josh. You need me for something? Okay, I will be ready down immediately'' Alice hung up and rushed into her room to change. As she was picking her dress she paused and a thought came to her mind.

''Wait, how did he know my address? I am sure I didn't tell him'' she shook her head and picked a light green dress and wore.

Alice got out of her apartment and saw Josh standing in front of his car. She stopped and looked at him. He had his hands in the pocket of his ash jeans shorts that was at his knees level. He was in a simple outfit but still looked handsome.

Alice shook her head and walked towards him. ''I didn't know that you knew my house'' she asked as he opened the passenger seat for her.

''Did I surprise you?'' Josh asked as he got into the car. He turned and faced her with a questionable gaze.

''Why are you looking at me like that?''

'Do you want me to do the seatbelt for you? I can't drive if you don't put it on'' Josh smiled.

''Oo" Alice smiled and pulled the seatbelt. She was nervous under his gaze and couldn't seem to pull the belt out. ''What is wrong with this belt?'' Alice said anxious and shivered when she felt a cold hand on her the back of her hands. She looked up to see Josh smiling at her.

''Let me help you'' he said and with a clack sound, he pulled out the belt and sent it across her body, securing it in the locker.

''Thank you''

''Alice'' Josh looked at her.

''Yes?''

''Do I make you that nervous? This is not the first time you are reacting this way to me''

''Huh?''

''But, I'm glad I am not the only one acting this way'' Josh said and smiled as he drove the car away.