HER WORLD REVOLVES AROUND HIM

Five years ago:

"Dark. Completely dark. I can't see anything. I can only hear the sounds of various insects around me. But, where am I?" This was the first thought that came into Sophie's mind. As she tried to move around she shivered from intense pain. Pain.... Terrific pain coursed through every part of her body. "Ssss", she sucked in a mouthful of breath. The last thing that she remembered was that she was beaten black and blue by thugs. But why? She never knew the reason before she lost her consciousness. But after a while, her mind was clear. It's because of them. Why did they betray me?

Now that she has woken up, her mind is filled with extreme hatred. In one night, she lost her lover, her friends, everything. But God gave her a second chance to live. So, why not take revenge from them? So, why not conquer the world? So, why not crush those people to dust, who has ever underestimated her? And in this way, a goddess of death, a ruthless ruler, a top businesswoman started her journey.

She tried hard to get up and tried scanning her surroundings but to her dismay, it was a new moon day and it was a starless night. It was extremely dark and not a single tree could be seen. Suddenly, she heard whispers coming from behind. She immediately stretched her hands and found roots of a tree at the place she was standing, and somehow, dragged her body over there to to hide behind it. She couldn't trust anyone now. She does not know who they are or where they came from, what they can do to her after seeing her in this dense forest.

"They must know the ins and outs of this forest. What if I follow them? But, what can I do with this broken body of mine?", Sophie thought as she felt pain everywhere in her body.

"This place is filled with snakes. Stay alert, Max.", Jose whispered to Max.

"When will we finish finding these herbs and leave this place? I can't stay here anymore.", Max whispered back.

"Hey Max, do you know that the famous Aaron is going to marry Martha?"

"What's that got to do with me?"

"Well, people were gossiping previously. Anyway, I heard that you were secretly crushing on Martha", teased Jose. Max blushed upon hearing this. But denied the claim anyway.

While Sophie was eavesdropping on them and lost in her thoughts, suddenly a flashlight shone as was directly cast on the tree. Max and Jose came near her. She couldn't move from the place she chose to hide. She was afraid that once they find her, they would hand her over to those thugs. She was afraid like never before. That was her nightmare. She couldn't face the same thing again. She profusely prayed to God! Fatigue took over her and she fainted.

As Max drew near the tree, he could see someone. More specifically, a beautiful girl with a broken leg and bloody clothes, not more than 20 years of age lay sprawled near the roots of the banyan tree. He was terrified seeing the beautiful girl in this condition. He called Jose, who was beyond irritated. "What now? Can't you do a single work by yourself? Why do you have to call me for ev.... ev..... every...?", Jose was irritably asking as the words stuck to his throat. He couldn't say anything anymore. They both glanced at each other. Shock clear in their eyes. What has this little girl done to warrant this treatment from someone? They were utterly confused.