Vanessa's Point of View
"Zein is missing."
I slapped Ace on the cheek when I heard that. I felt Jerome trying to stop me, but I couldn't. I felt like I had failed.
"You disappointed me... a big time, Ace Craige," I whispered.
"Van, calm down. Let him explain."
I tried to calm myself down and didn't say anything for now. I waited for him to explain so that at least some of the anger would be relieved.
Ace's sleepy eyes were wide open, and I could see the gash on his lip that Matt had made. I wanted to feel sorry for him, but I couldn't.
"It was my fault."
The second time, I couldn't help but slap his cheek, and this time Jerome didn't stop me.
"Why, Ace? Why did you abandon her? I thought you were her bulletproof? Her knight? Are you just talking nonsense, huh?"
I saw the anger flash in his eyes, as if the words I had spoken had probably penetrated his skull.
"Useless," I heard Jerome whisper.
"You can hurt me, say hurtful words, but you have no right to doubt my love for him." It was spoken with emphasis.
I wanted to laugh—at how, despite everything, he still managed to throw out sweet words.
"What is love to you, Ace?" Jerome asked.
Ace was calm, as if he didn't care about the pain we had caused him. You could see the worry in his eyes, but I knew he just didn't have it all.
Why is that? It's like he doesn't care that Zein is missing. Why does everything that's happening seem to be indifferent to him? Why is this man like this? I don't understand him, and he's so hard to read.
I suddenly remembered the Ace Craige we met inside Hell University. Even though we're outside, he hasn't changed. He is still the mysterious one. A mystery to us.
"Should I explain to you what my view is on the word love?" He laughed a little, and I saw the anger flash in his eyes again. "I'm here to tell you that Zein is missing. That's all." A slap landed on his face from Jerome.
I cursed, so I pulled Jerome away. No matter what Ace did, I knew he wouldn't abandon Zein. We couldn't see the worry in his eyes, but I was sure it was killing him inside.
"Who are you, Ace Craige? Are you human?" Jerome asked, laughing a little.
Ace quickly stood up, grinning. He wiped his cracked lip for the second time.
"I'll go first," he said coldly. "I still have class," he continued.
He turned his back on us and walked away.
"I trust you, Ace. Bring Zein back, please," I whispered.
***
I haven't been able to sleep for days. I'm worried about Zein. It's been a week since she disappeared, and we still haven't heard from her. I want to take action, but I don't know where to start.
Dave is also missing. I went to his house, but they said he wasn't there and hadn't come home for a few days. Hey. What's going on?
I decided to go to Zein's house in the province. Do they know that Zein is missing? What is Ate Allison doing? Has Zein shown up for them?
"Oh, Vanessa. I guess you went for a walk?" Aunt Mira asked me.
I just smiled and sat on the sofa.
Aunt and Uncle were probably not there yet—they were probably already at work.
"Juice?"
"Thanks."
I reached for the glass of juice that Aunt Mira handed me. She sat down on the sofa in front of me.
"Zein is not here. Why did you come here?"
"Isn't Zein coming home yet?"
Her face fell, and she shook her head weakly. They didn't even know that Zein was missing, and I didn't think I had the right to tell them.
"Is it Sister Allison?"
"N-No. Still not coming home. Wait, did something happen?"
I couldn't speak. I didn't want to say anything, and I didn't want to lie either, so it was better to just stay quiet.
"Van, please..."
"Aunt?"
"Did something happen to my pet? Why are you here? Where is Zein?"
She asked one question after another. She must have sensed that something bad was happening. I didn't want to cover up what was happening.
"They can do that," I smiled to dispel her doubts.
"You're hiding something, and I know it's not easy to say."
I was silent at her words.
"There are some things that are really hard to say until it becomes a secret. Right?"
"No, Aunt. We're not keeping it a secret that Zein is missing because—"
"I know—Oh.My.Ghad."
I covered my mouth and saw the shock in Tita's eyes. I cursed myself several times. Shit! I slipped. I got carried away. Now she knows.
"Zein is missing? When did she go missing?"
I closed my eyes tightly. I didn't think there was any reason for me to cover up the words I had already let out. It would only make her more worried.
"It's been a week."
"And you couldn't even tell us?" Her voice became harsh, making me jump in my seat.
We sat in silence for a few minutes, and it didn't help because I suddenly missed Zein. I missed her sharp tongue. Shit! I missed my best friend.
"Indeed. You're not the only one keeping secrets."
I looked at my aunt because of what she said.
I saw the edge of tears in her eyes. I could clearly see the guilt. Now I was the one curious about what she was saying.
"Aunt?"
"If there is a greater sin among us, it is me."
"What do you want to—"
"Don't ask anymore. You won't be able to handle my answer."
She left me after saying those words, and it seemed like they wouldn't leave me.
I smiled bitterly at the fact that... we were sinking into a flood of secrets, and it was scary that we would never be able to get out. But I was more afraid for Zein.
I suddenly remembered the fear in her eyes when we first set foot at Hell University. She was easy to read back then. She felt so scared during those times. She knew what we were getting into wasn't good, but she also knew how scared she should be. She knew when to fight and when to lower herself... surrender.
She won't fight for things she knows are wrong. That's why she was able to let Ace go. Now, is it still right that Ace is still in her heart? Is it still right, Zein? Or maybe after you come back, you're giving up.
"Vanessa?"
I stood up from my seat when I saw Ate Allison standing at the door. I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes and smiled simply.
"Just taking a walk."
She looked towards the kitchen as if avoiding someone. "Go away." Her words made my jaw drop.
"You don't have to chase me away—"
"Because my brother will chase me away." Tears fell from her eyes. "Go away, Van. Please, don't interfere. Let me solve the problem that I created myself," she continued.
Even though I was confused by what she was saying, I managed to nod. But before I left, I hugged her to calm her down.
"She is Zein Shion, not just a girl. Save her, please," I whispered before breaking free and going outside.
I feel like I'm going to collapse and my brain is going to explode from what's happening. My head hurts, and I can't even process everything that's happening. Everything is a mess.
I was about to get in the car when I felt the cold tip of a knife on my neck. The blood rushed to my head.
"Don't interfere," he whispered.
My heart rate slowed down, and I felt like I was running out of air. I was struggling and felt like I was going to die.
"Who are you?"
"From now on, you will live your life without causing problems in the lives of others."
"Don't interfere. You are not covered by this problem."
Tears welled up in my eyes, and I sobbed. He let go of me as I fell to the ground. His voice was so cold, as if it was wrapped in hatred.
I turned to face her and saw her covering her mouth, the tears streaming down her face.
Tears were flowing incessantly from her eyes.
"Please, Vanessa. Promise me you won't interfere again."
I stood up and shook myself.
I forcefully wiped my wet cheek with my shaking hand.
"Promise me."
"Promise. I won't take another step. I won't interfere anymore."
She nodded and kissed me on the cheek.
She turned around and went with a man I didn't know.
"We love you so much, I hope you're on the right path. No matter what happens, we'll be here. Zein Shion."
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