The city buzzed with shock as news spread across the internet. Viral photos of Timothy and Kaye embracing became the hot topic, capturing the attention and speculation of everyone in town. The online chatter predominantly revolved around speculations about Timothy harboring a secret lover, with comments flooding various platforms. Additional pictures surfaced, depicting their past dates, leading to a divided online community with some supporting the couple and others harshly criticizing Kaye, claiming she was unworthy of the mayor.
Frustration etched across Kaye's face as she muttered, "Why the hell is this happening?" while sinking into the couch.
Kurtis remained engrossed in reading comments on each post.
"Kaye!" Tristan rushed in, panting, having also seen the news, his worry evident as he called out to Kaye.
Others joined, their faces reflecting confusion about the unfolding situation.
Haru, examining photos on his phone, questioned, "Is this Gilmesh?"
"He isn't Gilmesh. He's my ex-boyfriend," Kaye confessed.
Haru, taken aback, responded with a startled "What?"
The revelation left everyone surprised and intrigued by the unexpected turn of events.
"When I returned here, I lost my memories due to an accident. Timothy and I grew closer, eventually starting to date. He confessed to me, and I accepted him. We became lovers," she explained.
Everyone fell into silence, absorbed in her story.
"When my memories returned, I broke up with him immediately. I never thought this would happen," she said, expressing frustration.
"We have to fix this and clear up the misunderstanding," Kurtis declared.
"Why not post and clarify that you two broke up?" Haru suggested.
"I want to, but I don't know how to start. Making a mistake could complicate things further," Kaye admitted.
"Guys! You should watch this!" Shin exclaimed, opening the TV.
It featured an interview with Timothy.
The interviewer inquired, "Regarding the viral news, is the woman in the photos truly your lover?"
Timothy, smiling at the camera, confidently replied, "Yes, she is my lover."
"What the heck!" Haru exclaimed.
"How dare he lie to everyone," Kurtis added.
"Boo, you have to make a statement too! That man was not telling the truth!" Haru urged.
(Boo or My Boo served as Haru's endearment for Kaye.)
"Everyone, look outside!" Tristan exclaimed.
They all turned their attention to the window. Reporters were approaching.
"How did they find out our address?" Kaye stepped back.
"Mom!" Cedie rushed in. "There are people outside, and they're all looking for you!"
"Listen, Ced, you must not go out for a while. Those people are all reporters, and they won't bring any good to us," Kurtis advised.
"How will we be able to get out now? Once they see us, it will only add more confusion and issues about Kaye," Tristan fretted.
"And if they also see Haru here, things will get more complicated," Shin added.
Kaye felt overwhelmed. "I'm sorry, everyone. I caused troubles again."
Kurtis kneeled and cupped her face. "Don't blame yourself. It's all that mayor's fault for making this issue bigger."
"He told me he won't bother me again. I don't understand why he's doing this. We're already over; I thought I already cleared everything with him," she lamented.
"He's a psycho. He can't accept that you don't love him," Haru remarked.
"What should we do now?" Troy inquired.
"Have you guys contacted the others?" Kurtis asked.
"Raon messaged me; he said he will do his best to stop the news from spreading," Haru mentioned.
"How about Mikhail?" Kurtis asked again.
They fell into silence.
"There's no word from him," Haru admitted awkwardly.
Kaye sighed.
Tristan hugged her. "Sweetie, everything will be alright."
Kaye gathered her strength, trying her best to remain strong in this challenging situation.
.
.
"Damn it! Do everything to halt that damn news from spreading! Take down those websites! Report all those accounts sharing and commenting!" Mikhail yelled at his men.
Everyone turned to their computers, putting in their best efforts to stop the news.
"Fuck! That scoundrel!" Mikhail gritted his teeth.
"Sir, I already called the news station and threatened them. If they won't delete the live broadcast, we will shut down their station," Kira reported.
"Good. What about that despicable mayor?" Mikhail asked.
"It seems like he's not afraid of us. His spokesperson said he won't retract what he said in the latest interview," Kira replied.
Mikhail threw a vase. "Fuck him!"
Kira adjusted his glasses. "Do you want me to send our men to him to teach him a lesson?"
"No, I'll go to him personally," Mikhail said. "Order our men to prepare; we're going to visit the beloved mayor of this city."
Kira nodded. "Understood, sir."
.
.
Raon found himself unable to leave his car, positioned just outside Kurtis's house. The presence of reporters surrounding the area prevented him from approaching.
"Damn! When are they going to leave?" he complained.
"They're too persistent. Shin mentioned they can't go outside; they're stuck inside the house. They can't even go to work," Rein informed.
"I really want to see Kaye. I'm worried about her," Raon expressed.
Rein proposed, "Why don't we climb the walls at the back?"
Raon stared at him, realizing they might not have many options left.
.
.
A powerful punch landed on Timothy's face. He smirked and looked at Mikhail, surrounded by his men in his office. As the Fuentebella group arrived, everyone in the city hall was compelled to leave, forced to step outside.
"You're brave to spread lies in the news," Mikhail remarked, lighting a cigarette.
"Haha! Lies? It wasn't a lie. Kaye was really mine," Timothy defiantly claimed.
"Really?" Mikhail stared him down.
His henchmen forced Timothy to kneel. Mikhail nonchalantly placed his foot on Timothy's shoulder.
"Kaye never became yours," Mikhail asserted.
"What about you?" Timothy smirked. "Is she yours? She already has a lover, the doctor at J General Hospital. I don't understand why you're making a fuss when you aren't even her boyfriend. Just who the hell are you in her life?"
Mikhail gritted his teeth, delivering a swift kick. "It's none of your business. One thing I'll make clear, Kaye was mine."
Timothy cackled, mocking him. "Yours? Let's see who she ends up with."
"Are you threatening me?" Mikhail smirked.
"It's not a threat. We all know the decision will be Kaye's," Timothy confidently stated.
Mikhail's expression turned serious. "Beat him," he ordered, leaving the office.
"Sir, what's your next plan?" Kira inquired.
"Let's go to the media. I'm going to clean up the mess that this motherfucker created," Mikhail declared.
They headed outside and got into the car. The people from the city hall were left scared and confused.
.
.
....
The next morning, news of Timothy being attacked by the mafia family in the city hall circulated on the internet, leaving Kaye and the others shocked.
"It's Mikhail," Kurtis stated.
"He's working on his own to protect you, hon," Raon explained.
Kaye felt a sense of relief, knowing that Mikhail was still concerned for her.
"Warren called, and he wants us to see the news on TV," Haru informed.
They tuned in, witnessing Mikhail sitting confidently at the news caster's table.
"I know everyone is confused about why I beat up your beloved mayor," Mikhail began. "But your mayor made a big mistake. He messed with my girlfriend, he messed with me."
People across the city were watching the live broadcast.
"Who is my girlfriend? It's the woman in the photos spreading on the internet these past few days. To make things clear, she didn't do anything wrong. Your mayor lied to her, hugged her intentionally, and had someone take pictures. She's my woman, and it's my job to protect what's mine. Everyone watching, watch your mouth and stop spreading rumors about her, or I will find you and make you regret everything. To your mayor, go see a doctor. You need your meds. Don't dare to mess with us again," Mikhail concluded before leaving.
The broadcast ended, leaving everyone in shock. Kaye and the others were left speechless, still processing the shocking events. The reporters finally left their house. Thirty minutes later, Benjamin and Warren arrived.
Benjamin hugged Kaye tightly.
"How are you? Sorry, we couldn't come because of the reporters," Benjamin apologized.
"Mikhail told us not to show up at your house because he has a better plan," Warren explained.
"Thank you for your help. Where's Mikhail?" Kaye asked.
"He'll come soon," Warren assured.
Kaye heaved a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, her phone rang. It was her mom. She went to her room to answer the call.
(Kaye, I watched the news. Are you alright? What happened? Why are you in the news with the mayor?)
"Mom, I'm sorry I caused trouble. But don't worry, everything was settled now."
(Who is that man talking at the live broadcast earlier? Why is he saying he's your boyfriend? Kaye, are you hiding something from us?)
"Mom, it's a long story. That man helped me clear things up. If it weren't for him, this issue wouldn't stop."
If her family found out about her relationships, they would surely force her to return to D City. She wasn't ready to let them meet her partners.
(Alright, but are you really sure everything is fine now? Your dad was so worried about you and wanted to see you.)
"I'm fine now, Mom. Please tell Dad not to worry about me. You don't have to come here; I will pay you a visit sometime."
She heard her mom sigh.
(Fine. When you come here, we will talk about this again. You have to explain everything to us. Understand?)
"Yes, Mom. I promise."
(Okay. I will hang up now. Please take care of yourself.)
"I will, Mom. You too and Dad. I love you."
(I love you too, dear.)
The call ended. She sighed, relieved that her parents hadn't traveled to the city to see her. Otherwise, she would be in a panic, figuring out how to explain everything to them.
.
.
....
"Mikhail, what the hell is the meaning of this?" Dhyna demanded.
"What?" Mikhail didn't bother to look at her, busy preparing to leave to see Kaye.
"Who is that woman in the news? Why didn't you tell me that you have a girlfriend?" Dhyna questioned.
"Why do I have to tell you about it?" he retorted.
"Who's that bitch?" Dhyna persisted.
Mikhail grabbed her chin. "Call her that again, and I will break this mouth of yours."
Dhyna pushed him. "Are you threatening me now? Do you want me to tell your grandpa what you've done to me right now?"
"Go, tell him. I don't give a damn," he said, walking towards the door.
"Mikhail, you can't do this to me!" Dhyna shouted.
Mikhail became more irritated. "Leave before I call your dad and ask him to take you away." He glanced at her. "Or do you want your business to be ruined like the others?" He then left her.
Dhyna gritted her teeth, then looked at her phone. She stared at Kaye's photos. "Arghhh!" She threw her phone. How dare that woman steal Mikhail from her!
.
.
....
Ivan dropped his phone after watching the news.
"Kaye?" he muttered.
Kaye and the others are here in J City?
He quickly opened his laptop to search for information about them. His face lit up when he found Kaye's workplace address.
Finally, he found Kaye.