The Video

"Hello, Han, I need to talk to you about something important!"

Evan had his back to me, engrossed in his phone, while Adrian, standing in front of me, continued his vile accusations that made my ears ring. "I trusted you, Lucia. I believed in our love, our relationship, and our engagement arranged by our parents. But you betrayed me so easily. God doesn't sleep; he opened my eyes to see your true nature. Emily, that sweet girl, exposed you. Stop intimidating her—she's too good and dignified to be your sister. Unlike you, she's pure. You, Lucia, are disgusting!"

Footsteps approached, accompanied by a shrill voice. "Oh my God! What's going on here? Why are you causing a scene in front of someone's house? Adrian, why is your face red? Oh, I know why. Lucia, what are you doing here? Mommy!"

I realized then that I shouldn't be here. This was why my father hated and kicked me out. I was embarrassed by the Anderson name. An indecent video of me was circulating online, bringing shame to our family. I felt disgusted with myself.

"What's wrong, Emily? Why are you yelling like that, sweetie?"

"Mommy, look who's here. She must have known Daddy went to the factory and came back. Mommy, do something to kick her out. She's stubborn and defiant. What if Daddy finds out? We can't disappoint him by letting her in. Do something, Mommy!"

Filled with rage, Miranda grabbed my arm so tightly her nails dug into my skin, causing pain. A second later, she shoved me forcefully, hissing, "How dare you set foot here without permission? Get out!"

Thud! I fell into Evan's strong chest. He caught me and shielded me behind his back.

"Hey, who is this man? Are you her new daddy? Lucia, how reckless of you! How cheap can you be, bringing men home like this? Do you want your father to have a heart attack?"

"Ma'am, I'll take your daughter away!" Evan's voice was firm.

I still heard the insults and curses clearly as Evan carried me bridal style. My vision blurred, and my head throbbed. All this confusion was like a wild fireball consuming my thoughts.

"Here, drink this first." After seating me in the car, Evan handed me a drink. I caught a glimpse of his cold but gentle face.

A sip of water calmed my racing heart, though I still trembled, clutching the plastic bottle. Evan returned to the driver's seat, started the car, and glanced at me. "You need a better place to stay," he said before driving off.

My mind was in turmoil. Why had I slept with a man at the Horizon Hotel? Why was there a video, and who spread it? Who was that man? Was it really me? Did I do that? But why, and with whom? "Akkhh!!"

Evan glanced at me, startled by my scream. I shook my head, apologizing for disrupting his focus. "Sorry," I murmured.

"You can tell me whatever you need to or share what happened if you don't mind," he said, ruffling his hair, which was starting to get messy. It seemed his pomade had worn off.

I shook my head, fixated on the strands of Evan's hair falling on his forehead. Blinking repeatedly, I remembered something: hair blowing in the wind, beads of sweat, a faint buzzing sound, and whispers.

"Emmhh~ fuck me ahh~ I ahhh~"

Someone held me tightly that night. We did things I had never experienced before.

"We? Me and—"

"Yes?" Evan perked up, still focused on driving. "We, who?"

I shook my head again. The memory was too hazy, a blur between memory and imagination. "Nothing, never mind," I replied softly, though the stray hair on his forehead kept distracting me. Without thinking, I murmured, "You're… handsome."

"Sorry, what?"

***

"Is this an apartment? I've never been to one. This place is so modern, cozy, and nice."

"Come in. I live here. It's not as spacious as your father's mansion, but it's comfortable," Evan said as I stood frozen at the entrance.

"Can I come in?"

"Of course, please. You can wear my house slippers. They're big, but they'll do, right?"

Slowly, I stepped in and took off my shoes. There were several pairs of black slippers on the rack by the door. I chose the least masculine pair but that is not my style.

"Which slippers do you want to wear?" Evan asked, approaching me again.

"Um, I like pink and soft purple, but you only have black ones, so I'm not sure."

"Hm, alright. I'll ask my assistant to buy some pink or purple slippers for you. But for now, wear these so your feet don't get cold."

"Okay. Are you really going to buy slippers for me?"

"Yes, pink or purple, right?"

"Yes, with some cute designs. Oh, Evan, can you also get me some clothes?"

Evan nodded quickly, making me jump with excitement. "Wow, you're really nice and handsome uncle!"

I didn't realize Evan had stopped walking, and I accidentally bumped into his back. His dark aura reminded me he didn't like being called "uncle." "Ah, sorry, Evan, I didn't mean to call you 'uncle.'"

Evan turned, his face tense. I whispered with goosebumps, "Sorry~"

"Hm, it's not that. The problem is my guest room is full of stuff. So where will you sleep tonight?"

"Huh! You invited me over but don't have a guest room? It's okay, Evan, I can sleep on your couch, right?" I jumped onto the soft black couch, covered in black knit. I hated black! "This is comfortable. I can sleep here tonight, right?"

"You can't sleep on the couch. You can sleep in my room tonight."

What! Hearing that made me nervous. "What! I can't share a room with you!" I tried to refuse.

"I'll sleep on the couch. You can use my room for now."

"Ohhh… I thought we'd be sharing a room. Okay, you on the couch and me in your room? Wow, that's really nice, Evan. Thank you! Yay!"

***

Secretly, Evan hid a smile. "This girl is so cheerful and delightful. She makes me smile with her cute antics! But why does her family hate her? And the online video damn!"

Han, I hope you can answer all of this, or I'll have your head fed to the crocodiles!