Sumdem City
The Bello Mansion — Humaira's Bedroom
Patty stood animatedly in the middle of the room, barely able to contain herself.
"Yes, Madam Humaira. Martha came downstairs screaming that she saw the young master this morning. She swore he isn't dead — said he came in and left again. Damn it, I missed all the juicy drama. Curses to that grocery man for ruining my chance to see the young master's face again."
Humaira stared at her, expression unreadable.
"He even came with another hot friend of his," Patty continued excitedly. "His name was… Dami? No, Davin? No, no, that's not it either—"
Humaira's sharp gaze silenced her.
"Yes, Damien," Patty finally said. "Martha kept going on and on about how handsome he was and—"
"Shut that donkey mouth," Humaira snapped, lounging comfortably on the sofa. "Are you sure of what you're saying? About the so-called young master and his friend Damien?"
"Yes, madam. I even asked Charles again for the—" she paused, counting on her fingers, "—seventh time."
Humaira's lips curled into a slow smile. "Damien… it's been quite a long time, hasn't it?"
Patty's eyes sparkled. "Wow, madam, you know the young master's friend too? Can you hook him up with me? I mean, he's even cuter than the young master. I can't wait to be his—"
Humaira's smile vanished.
"One more word," she said coldly, "and you'll lose your tongue. Get out of my sight. And don't you dare mention this conversation to anyone. Got it?"
"Yes, madam," Patty muttered, rushing out.
Outside the room, she scoffed to herself, already distracted. "What's even wrong with that woman? Always bossing people around. And calling Damien's name like she's known him forever." She spotted Martha nearby. "Martha! Come and tell me more about this Damien guy."
Martha groaned.
Inside the bedroom, Humaira clenched her fists.
"How?" she hissed. "How is this even possible? Is Alex some kind of god? No normal human would survive that accident."
She stood abruptly and smashed the vase beside her.
"Why won't you just die, Alex?!"
Her breathing grew uneven. "And it all happened while I was asleep… That man I saw aunty with that day — was that a police officer?"
Her face paled.
"Oh no… I can't go to jail again."
Prinna City
Akira's Cottage
Akira served them tea and sat down slowly.
"Your mother and I were very close," she began softly. "She was accused of murder. Everything was planned — the lawyer, the judge. It was all fake. She wasn't even allowed to hire her own lawyer."
She smiled sadly and handed Alex an old, worn diary.
"She gave me this. I never opened it. She said if I ever saw you, I should give it to you. I'm sorry I didn't look for you… it was hard once you were sent to the orphanage."
Alex opened the diary.
Mauja's Diary
Dear Alex,
If you're reading this, then you've come this far just to know more about me. You have no idea what this means to me. I'm sorry I couldn't give you the childhood you deserved. I hope you forgive me.
It's time you know who you truly are.
I am Mauja, the only daughter of King Berthod of Orahime Palace.
I was meant to be the next queen, but my cousin Zebrew despised that fate. She wanted her brother Ali to rule instead. She tried many times to kill me — even poisoning me thrice — but the blessing of our descendants granted me resistance.
My father banished Zebrew when she became a threat. She later married a banished man named Specto. Their plan to kill me failed, and they separated.
A month later, Zebrew returned to the palace pregnant, pretending to have changed. For the sake of her unborn child, she was forgiven.
On the day of my coronation, she destroyed everything.
She locked me in a room with an outsider named Farouk. Before I could explain, whispers spread — shame, disgrace, betrayal. My father knew I was innocent, yet he banished me to protect the laws.
I followed Farouk. We staged a marriage. He became cruel. He brought women, smoked, and ruined my life. His sister Safeera mocked me endlessly.
Years later, I returned to the palace in disguise, only to learn Ali was king and my father was dead — his bones locked in a dungeon. I gave him a little burial before heading back to the palace
Ali betrayed me. He took advantage of my weak state
I escaped. Maria, my childhood friend, accused me of stealing her future. I was cast out again.
Consumed by rage, I stormed into the throne room placed a curse on the throne with my blood:
"Let none who sit upon this seat know peace,
Till blood once wronged reclaims its place."
I returned weak… only to learn I was pregnant with you.
They tried to force me to abort you. Safeera. Zebrew.
Charles interrupted.
Farouk tried to kill me. In the struggle, he fell upon his own knife.
And then…
The writing stopped.
Alex looked up. "It's incomplete."
A piece of paper slipped from the diary.
Alex, I'll be waiting for you.
You must know the truth.
— Asuna
Akira sighed. "She died before she could finish. Safeera used her connections. Mauja was hanged."
Damien exhaled slowly. "I saw her once… in the dungeon. She felt like the only mother I ever had."
Akira placed food on the table. "She died with her eyes open, looking at you. Eat."
Later — Akira's Cottage
After the meal, Damien glanced at his phone. "We should get going."
Alex stood. "Who is Asuna?"
Akira avoided his gaze. "I only delivered the diary."
As they left, she called out, "Please wait for her. Don't act in haste."
Sumdem City
The Bello Mansion
"Charles?" Alex's voice thundered as he barged in. "Charles!"
Patty stumbled out. "Th-the young master?"
Alex grabbed her collar. "Where is he?"
Damien pulled him back. "Let go."
"He left for his hometown today," Patty gasped. "Pruga City. Near the River of Vengeance."
Damien nodded. "And Humaira?"
"She hasn't been home in a week."
Alex had already disappeared.
Damien ran after him, heart pounding.
The hunt had begun.