The two friends made a crucial decision: to face head-on the unfolding new life before them. In order to embark on this journey of discovery and adaptation, they knew it was essential to find their place in that unknown world.
The first step would be to adopt and assume their new identities: Aster O'Connor and Damián Bowes-Lyon.
The second step was to return home to that world, resuming their routine and rebuilding their lives.
The third step was imperative: to avoid misunderstandings. They decided to return to work as soon as possible, showcasing their commitment and determination.
While making these decisions, Aster and Damián were taken aback by the sudden visit of Doctor Jack, who decided to pay them a visit to conduct an informal review and show concern for Damián's well-being.
As Jack began examining Damián's injuries, his fingers lingered for a moment longer than necessary. It was a subtle yet meaningful gesture, conveying the concern and care that Doctor Jack harbored for him. Damián, however, didn't recognize these gestures.
After thoroughly examining the wounds and redoing the dressings, the pungent scent of antiseptic substances filled the air, bringing with it a sense of cleanliness and freshness.
Next, Doctor Jack declared that Damián was recovering satisfactorily. At this moment, you can add olfactory details to convey the presence of medications, such as the distinctive smell of antiseptic or analgesic substances.
With a serious expression, Aster looked at the young doctor, Emeline's brother, and cautiously asked, "Doctor Jack, is there any way for us to remove the marks of our bond?"
Doctor Jack paused for a moment, carefully evaluating the situation. He understood the significance of this request for Aster and Damián, knowing that it meant liberation and autonomy in their lives. With a calm voice, he replied, "Initially, the complete removal of bonding marks can be challenging, but with time, in a few months, positive results can be achieved. There are procedures and treatments available that can help mitigate and eventually completely remove the marks."
Jack narrowed his eyes, curious to understand why Aster and Damián were at Emeline's house and what trouble they might be involved in. He wanted to ask this question but decided to wait for the right moment.
Sensing Jack's curiosity, Aster took the initiative and asked cautiously, "Jack, can you give us a ride? We need to go home."
Jack smiled and cheerfully replied, "Of course, I'm here to help you. Emeline told me about your situation and asked me to take care of you. Don't worry, I'm at your service."
As they got into the car and Jack took the wheel, Damián and Aster observed the city with curiosity. Through the window, they could see a unique landscape unfolding before them. The buildings displayed modified architecture with touches of creativity and beauty. The streets were lined with majestic trees, adding a touch of nature to the surroundings. It was a transformed world, more beautiful than they could have ever imagined.
In addition to the enhanced aesthetics, they noticed significant technological advancements. The world around them was immersed in innovation and progress, leaving them in awe. The combination of architectural beauty and advanced technology was a captivating sight.
Despite the changes, they also sensed a powerful and timeless connection between the two worlds. It was as if there was an underlying—harmony, reflecting on their previous experiences. The excitement began to well up within them, fueled by the prospect of exploring this new world.
Damián and Aster reminisced about the dangerous and challenging situations they had faced: terrorists, assassins, drug dealers, bombs, gunshots, and even a pandemic. They had proven their ability to survive anything. Fear no longer resided in their hearts, only unwavering determination.
It was decided that they would do everything in their power to navigate the ups and downs of this new journey. Nothing and no one could shake their resolve.
Jack parked the car in front of an imposing building and announced, "We've arrived." Damián and Aster stepped out of the vehicle, expressing their gratitude to Jack for the ride. Jack jokingly asked if there was an invitation—for him to come up, wanting to ensure their well-being and calmness.
Damián felt the urge to scream in response but chose to smile and say, "Don't worry, Doctor Jack." However, Jack wasn't satisfied with the formal "Doctor" title before his name. He insisted on being called simply Jack and asked if they were genuinely okay. Jack noticed that Damián and Aster were wearing some of the clothes that they kept at Emeline's house.
Despite Jack's repeated inquiries, Emeline didn't appear to be fine. She maintained her position, assuring them that everything was okay and that they were just dealing with minor work issues. Emeline explained that the recent gallery launch demanded significant effort from the team in terms of organization, commercial release, and marketing.
Jack stepped out of the car and approached Damián, looking directly into his eyes. He asked again, "Are you okay?" I mean, really, okay? Acting on autopilot, Damián took a few steps back and forced an artificial smile. He replied that he was fine and urged Jack not to worry.
However, Jack could sense rejection beneath Damián's response.
A few meters away from Damián and Aster's building, a silent security team silently observed. They documented the arrival of the Omega friends, transmitting real-time photos and videos. The team's watchful gaze also fell upon Dr. Jack himself, who was already under investigation.
Park Hill is a remarkable property built many years ago. The building has been carefully reconstructed to suit the modern lifestyle of today.
The address is perfectly situated—in one of Markarian's most iconic and culturally sophisticated neighborhoods.
Markarian, one of the country's (Y) cities, is akin to New York, Tokyo, Dubai, and Beijing—exuding elegance with a substantial flow of wealth and- a high number of millionaires and billionaires.
Transforming the city skyline—the imposing tower presents a sculptural glass silhouette spanning 65 floors, soaring 777 feet (about 237 meters) into the sky.
With its diverse architectural styles and the pure aesthetics-this area is considered peaceful and secure.
As they reached the 60th floor, they were greeted; by a charming apartment. A screen with directed lighting on a mirror created a pleasant and captivating ambiance.
The design of the friends' apartment was interesting and distinct. An inner corridor surprised them with its unique decoration, resembling a wooden box.
The entrance door, the bathroom door, and the corridor door, all made of solid natural wood, conveyed a magical and mysterious sensation.
The TV room, the dining room, and the gourmet space were integrated, creating a fusion of environments. The predominant colors were gray, graphite, blue, and orange, with many wooden details.
In the dining room, pendant lights of different heights in blue added a touch of elegance.
The front part of the apartment was adorned with large floor-to-ceiling glass windows, providing a stunning view of the city.
Aster's bedroom featured a predominant graphite color palette with purple details. A giant bed and an illuminated onyx stone dressing table added a touch of elegance to the space. Additionally, there was a bathroom, a living room, and a separate bedroom.
Damian's bedroom, on the other hand, had a predominance of reddish tones with touches of blue. A wooden dressing table and mirrors with projected lighting created a retro effect and a charming ambiance.
The apartment combined modern and classic elements with black details.
A well-designed office was decorated with various decorative items.
Surprisingly, there were no conventional paintings in the apartment. Damian and Aster had painted directly on the walls in various rooms of the property.
A large frame with a world map, a magnifying glass over country M, an hourglass, and a compass stood out in the living room. These frameless artworks and the concept behind them added refinement and sophistication to the space.
The apartment's decoration was based on emotions and motivations. Frameless, symbolizing freedom, and screenless, symbolizing integration.
The art created by the friends was magnificent. They had a true talent for capturing and composing paintings, which contributed to the gallery's success.
Upon entering his room, Aster felt uncomfortable, a strange sensation in his neck bothered him. Images of the book's protagonist constantly emerged in his mind.
It had been 10 years since he read that strange book. He could remember all the details, but they were supposed to stay in the hospital, there was no scene of the antagonists escaping. Had he changed the course of events? Worried and fearful for Josh's fate, he fled.
Damn it, he wanted to be like his friend, who hadn't read the book. How could he explain, how could he talk about children, about Damian getting pregnant, about Josh jumping out the window?
Could they go back to their world, or were they dead?
An intense headache took over Aster. What would he do when he saw Callum? And even more complicated, Clarice Phillips, Callum's ex-fiancée, was his half-sister.
Aster interrupted his thoughts, took a shower, changed clothes, and started researching information. He could remember some things, but his thoughts were disorganized.
First, he searched for information about Jared Phillips, president of Phillips Enterprises, and various news pages appeared. Many news stories linked him to Oliver Phillips, CEO of Phillips Enterprises, and Clarice Phillips.
Clarice Phillips, the princess of the Phillips family and Callum Campbell's fiancée.
A flood of reports, news about the sensational couple in the ABO world.
Many sensational and bombastic articles about the dream couple, even reports of a secret wedding. Lots of speculation!
For a moment, Aster put himself in the original protagonist's shoes. It must have been very difficult for him to see the family of the woman who tried to kill an 8-year-old child being happy, praised, and considered.
As he continued his research, Aster stumbled upon information about Beatrice Phillips, his stepmother. She was portrayed as an elegant and cordial lady in high society, but Aster knew the truth behind her facade. She was a killer who had attempted to take the life of an 8-year-old child.
Aster's mind was filled with conflicting emotions as he contemplated the idea of using his half-sister, Clarice Phillips, to exact revenge against his stepmother. He felt disturbed by the thought that he had become the antagonist of the original story, the one who had plotted such a sinister plan.