ANASTASIA:I was sitting on the hospital bed, holding my soup. A lot of things were happening around me. Lara was standing next to me, helping me with the food. I could see a hint of guilt in her eyes, which I am not sure why. Mark came along with Lara, which kind of confused me and Nandini was there too. But Lorenzo... His absence gnawed at my heart, even though he had a solid excuse – something about urgent business in Texas. I offered a smile, masking my disappointment, when Mark reassured me he'd join us soon.But he didn't. It has been 24 hours, and he never showed up. A lone tear escaped my eyes as I was quick to hide it. At least I expected him today. Where is he? What is he doing? Is he with Mia again?I don't know.On one side, there was Lorenzo, who promised me the world, and on the other, there was the Devil, who was giving me the world without even asking for it. Even though the Devil might be labelled as the culprit, the killer, I couldn't thank him enough for saving me yesterday.If he hadn't been there, I would have died."Any hand that dares to touch what's mine would meet a cruel death," I remembered how he whispered the night before, killing the man like he was built for it. His tall, imposing figure, those dark ominous eyes, and his sinister smile.I couldn't deny the fact that a part of me was relieved he was there. For me. A part of me was satisfied and intrigued. A part of me was happy to see he avenged me. I was confused about what I was feeling right now. The memories from yesterday kept coming like a flashback and I couldn't keep my mind quiet to the scene where he beautifully smiles to the night while his wild pet killed my assassin. As if he would burn the world for me.I couldn't help but memorize his figure. He wasn't just as scary as the Devil but had an extremely handsome body that could fail Lucifer. A part of him was scary and devilish and the other, handsome and...What? Shut Up, Ana.Taking a deep breath, I finally diverted my thoughts from the Devil. This wasn't healthy anymore. I was here to catch him, not fall into his trap."Do you need anything else?" Lara inquired, gently taking the empty bowl from my hands, her eyes still betraying a lingering guilt."No, I'm good," I replied, returning her small smile. "You should rest, Lara.""I'm fine," she insisted, her voice laced with remorse. I kept looking at her, trying to study what was going on. But she didn't let it out. For the last 24 hours, she didn't leave my side. And I feel bad about how she was concerned about me without thinking about herself. Mark sat on the couch while Nandini was taking a nap on the other. I have no idea how I have reached here. Possibly it was David. But I haven't seen him yet too. But my friends were here from the beginning. Especially Lara.She kept the empty bowl on the table while handing me over the medicine and the bottle. "If you need anything else...""Lara," I disrupted her. Her jade eyes looked at me with a frown. Holding her wrist I made her sit near me. "What's wrong?" I asked. But she kept quiet. "Tell me, what's troubling you?" I finally asked, concern creasing my brow. "It bothers me. Please."Finally looking up at me, I could see the tears in her eyes and I frowned in confusion. "I'm so sorry..." Her words stumbled out between sobs. "I wasn't there when you needed me... I-I" Her voice trailed off. "You called me but I... I am so sorry, Ana. I feel terrible. Knowing the dangers around you, I left without any explanation and...""Lara," I cooed softly, enveloping her in a gentle hug, trying to comfort her. Her sobs muffled against my shoulder as I rubbed her back soothingly. Mark's gaze, though, seemed unusually fixated on her, a flicker of concern shadowing his eyes. There was an odd tension in the air, something unspoken that hung between them, creating an invisible barrier."It's okay. You were not there in town. You wouldn't know," I whispered softly, trying to reassure her, though a nagging suspicion lingered in the back of my mind. Mark's attention, for some reason, darted to her every move, his expression unreadable, yet acute on her. Deep frown every time when Lara sobbed and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on beneath the surface. There was something different about him today, something I couldn't quite pinpoint."But...""No, buts," I replied cutting her off. "It isn't your fault, Lara. I have been attacked and I am sure it has something to do with Oliver or Russo." I said taking a mental note to discuss this matter with David. Looking up I met her stare, "But I have been worried about you. Just promise me, you will at least stay connected the next time, okay?"She nods finally with a small smile on her face. Unexpectedly, even I hadn't anticipated Mark's visit to the hospital, but here he was, his presence making the room feel a bit warmer amidst the sterile hospital atmosphere. Hardin, Ryla, and Noelle were there too this morning, their concerned faces offering both comfort and solace. I was genuinely happy to see all of them here, a reminder of the support network that surrounded me in this challenging time.****"Ana?" Ben entered from the door, his bright smile lighting up the room, a colossal bouquet of flowers in his hands. Wearing a smile black outfit from Gucci, he looked dashing as ever. I smiled as soon as I saw him. The morning finally feel fresh. He handed me the bouquet while standing right next to me, "How are you now?" he asked, his eyes reflecting genuine worry."I'm fine," I assured him, accepting the flowers and his gentle kisses on my cheeks. "Thank you for coming.""Are you kidding?" he exclaimed. "You saved me. Saved us. How could I not come?"The memories of that night flooded my mind like a torrent. The vibrant atmosphere of the party, the ominous presence of the girl, the heart-pounding chase through the darkness, Ronin's timely intervention, the enigmatic figure of the Devil, and the chilling encounter with my would-be killer."I've have lost her," I sighed, my voice carrying the weight of the night's events. "I am sorry,""Hey, that's okay. You are safe, and that's what matters most, okay?" Ben consoled me, his voice laced with genuine concern. Taking my hand in his, he began to caress it. "Besides, I'm just glad you're okay now. The finale is next week, and I want you to come to the match, cheering for me, remember?"I chuckled, appreciating his attempt to lift the mood. "Of course, I remember," I said, managing a small smile. "I'll be there."Our conversation was abruptly interrupted when the hospital cabin door swung open again, revealing David, his appearance indicating the strain he had endured. His eyes bore a tired, purple smudge beneath them, his hair dishevelled, and he wore the same worn clothes from our previous encounter. Another police officer stood beside him."How are you feeling now?" David asked concern etched on his face."I'm a lot better, Dave," I replied.He nodded, his expression grave. "Well, I would require your testimony," he informed me. "So I would request everyone to leave the cabin for some time."Ben bid his farewell, and Nandini followed suit, leaving the room. Mark, however, lingered, waiting patiently for Lara. Their exchanged glances held an unspoken conversation, leaving me puzzled and increasingly curious. As if Lara was trying to avoid him, while he was fighting for her attention. What was going on between them?Finally settling in, David and the officer took seats opposite me, their expressions grave, ready to unravel the events of that night."What happened?" David asked, his voice calm but firm.I took a deep breath, recounting the events in vivid detail. From the thick smoke choking the room to the unexpected appearance of the girl with the knife, her attack on Oliver, and the frantic chase that followed. I described Ronin's intervention, the breakdown of the car, and his mysterious disappearance, culminating in the brutal attack on me.The officer diligently noted down every detail, her pen moving swiftly across the paper."Did you see the face of your attacker?" David inquired, his eyes searching mine for any clues."No," I replied, my voice tinged with frustration. "It was too dark, and he wore a mask and a cap to hide his face. I hardly had a chance to see his face clearly."David nodded thoughtfully, absorbing my account. But there was more, something crucial I needed to share."But..." I hesitated, my voice trailing off. "I saw him again."David's gaze sharpened, his attention fully captured. "Who?" he asked urgently."The Devil," I replied, my voice steady. "He came to my rescue.""What?" David's surprise was evident. "Are you sure?""Yes, I am," I affirmed. "I recognize those eyes in the darkness. I could never forget his eyes. The one that hunts me. But he wasn't alone. He had a wild animal with him that killed my assailant that night."David's face contorted with a mix of emotions as he processed my words. It has been two days and I know he has made it day and night to find any clue. But his face tells me, that he was lacking in it. "What's wrong?" I asked, sensing his unease.Taking a deep breath, he replied, "From what you've told us, I think this was pre-planned by The Devil.""What?" I questioned. "How can you say that when he is the one who saved me? I think this has to do something with Oliver instead."David sighed. "Ana, I know that yesterday was a mistake. And I promise that I will be careful from now on and nothing could harm you anymore. But I would request you to stop thinking of The Devil as anything but a saviour. What he did to your..." He abruptly stopped. "What is it?""The man was found headless," David stated solemnly, his words hanging heavy in the air.A gasp escaped my lips. "That's... horrifying," I breathed, my mind struggling to comprehend the brutality of the situation. "I heard a roar. The mountain lion... The mountain lion attacked him." I said revealing the horrifying memory from last night. "We haven't retrieved his head yet," David continued, his tone grim. "But based on the ID we found, we can confirm he is Ronin, or at least, that's the fake name he provided.""Ronin?"I furrowed my brows, a mixture of confusion and fear clouding my thoughts. "It was him?"David nodded making me gasp. How can he...? "Did you find out his real identity?""We're working on it," David replied, his gaze unwavering. "But we haven't found any concrete leads just yet."I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. "The warning message... I think it's Oliver behind my attack. But the girl...""We're in the process of tracing the number; it's another private line," David stated, his eyes locking onto mine. "That means you have to exercise utmost caution," he advised, his words laced with concern. "We're not certain if it was Oliver or...""Or?" "Or the Devil. The psychopathic killer," David responded solemnly, his words sending a chill down my spine. "Following the Blakley case, the BPD is mobilizing additional forces to the town. It will take some time and until then..." He trailed off, shifting his gaze to me. "You need to remain vigilant. Both from the Devil and the other killer running wild." He ran his hand through his silky hair. "Do you remember the girl's face?"I nodded no. That night was harsh on my memory and I hardly could recall the night now. I was too much exhausted. "Dave," I called. "Whoever it is, I don't think....""Don't worry about it, A. I will find out the real culprit. Be it Oliver or The Devil himself." he said. "I will end this cast-and-mouse chase soon." His eyes glimmered with determination.Our conversation was abruptly interrupted by the ringing of David's phone and a knock on my door. The door swung open, revealing my dad, his face etched with worry and he stepped into the room."Dad!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with a mix of surprise and relief. I never imagined he would visit me, especially considering Ava's watchful eyes. Or is he here to give me punishment? Maybe I overthink a lot, I mused inwardly, trying to fathom the unexpected visit."Ana," he acknowledged me with a nod, his expression a blend of concern and sternness. "How are you feeling now?"A genuine smile curved my lips. "Better," I assured, my voice carrying the weight of reassurance.His face, usually stoic, softened slightly as he spoke, his concern etched in every line. "What you did was foolish, Ana," he scolded, his voice laced with a hint of anger. "What if something had happened to you?""I am sorry, Dad," I replied, my tone earnest. "You should be," He replied sternly. "Nonetheless, you will be shifted to home, I have had a word with the management team here, and the best doctors will assist you." He said. "Being a Brown and staying at a hospital like this, isn't good for our image."I frowned. How can he think about his reputation at a time like this? David had returned from his call and stood beside me. Looking up at my dad I said. "We were discussing what happened that night and David...""Let the police work on it, little Dove," he cooed, yet a flash of warning in his tone. "You have to take rest and get well soon. We have another party coming up,""But it was Ronin," I argued, frustration creeping into my voice. Ava hired him. How can he not be worried to know what happened that night? Was he really okay to know that his only daughter had been attacked and all he could do was worry about his stupid party? "He was the new driver, the one that Ava...""You need not worry about anything. Now that I am here, I will not let anything happen to you," he declared, cutting me off, his voice firm, yet enveloped in paternal concern. His eyes, once stern, softened with genuine worry. "I'm upgrading your security. We can't take any risks. Rest I am sure, the police department will handle it with proof?" He shoots a sharp glare at Dave."But... Dad..." I whined, a sense of foreboding creeping in as I envisioned the intrusion of bodyguards into my personal space. "Please. I don't want my life to turn into a fortress. But you have to listen to me. David...""No more words, Ana," he said firmly but gently, his hand finding mine. "I may not always show it, but I am here for you. And no matter what, you are very important to me. I can't take any risk with you."As my father's unwavering gaze met mine, I saw a mix of determination and love, a reminder that his actions, however overbearing they might seem, were rooted in his fierce devotion to me. Maybe he didn't forget me at all. And suddenly I forgot what I was talking about. The happiness in me was dancing like a little child. Happy to know that her father was still hers. He loved her. Care for her. Just like before and knowing this just makes me happy.I nodded as tears glistened in my eyes. "I will," I said. "I will be careful from now on, Dad.""Good," He replied. Taking back his eyes, he asked David, "Mr. Barnes, I think I need a word with you."A/N: Did you enjoy it so far? please write down your feedback so that I can work on it. Happy reading. See ya next week.