A few weeks quickly passed. "Dante, son, I've prepared some snacks for you. I cleaned your shoes as well," Melinda Romano called her son's attention.Dante was lost in thought; he did not hear his mother's calling him. He sat on the porch of their small, simple house, staring off into the distance.Melinda sighed deeply and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Son... is there a problem? Ever since you came home, why does it seem like your mind is far away? Are you feeling down?"That was when he realized his mother was speaking to him. He gave her a faint smile. "Mom, you don't need to prepare food for me. And don't worry about cleaning my things. You know it's not good for you to get tired," he said with concern.His mother had suffered from tuberculosis before. Fortunately, she was doing well now. But because of that, the doctor had forbidden her to exert herself or do laundry. She used to work at a laundry shop, and his father was a mechanic.Their life was very simple. Although they were not severely poor, they were not rich either. Their earnings were just enough for them.Dante initially did not want to go to college because he saw how hard it was for his parents, yet they still worked hard to support his education. He also helped them; at a young age, he took on various odd jobs.So when he graduated from college, he had a lot of work experience and did not face difficulty finding a job. However, that job was not enough to make him rich.His little sister, Bea, was also about to enter college, so he intended to pay for her education. Their life was so simple— and he was happy with his life... not until that "night."Everything changed for Dante. Not a single day went by without him being haunted by his conscience. He felt that it was all his fault. He couldn't forgive himself for what he did to Julia. And he couldn't explain the pain he felt when he realized that he would never see her again.He had hurt her, and now she didn't want to see him anymore. Besides, she's married. Meanwhile, he was single and without a girlfriend. He knew Julia wouldn't want to see him again. And it hurt him deeply.He could not understand himself in the past few weeks. Why was he feeling this way?His mother stood in front of him. "I'm still strong, and I've been well for a long time. Don't change the subject. Answer my question. Is there a problem, Dante? Your father and I are worried about you. Ever since you came home a few weeks ago, your eyes have been so sad. It seems like you're going through something."He sighed. He didn't know how or where to start. What could he possibly tell his mother?He had returned to their hometown in Saint Claire since he got so busy in the city with work. He usually visited his family at least once every two months. But what should have been a relaxing vacation had turned into a tragedy.He became a bad man, no doubt about it, but he didn't regret choosing to do that to Julia instead of that evil group doing that to her. However, he regretted having to be the bad guy to save her. He regretted their first encounter happening that way. For him Julia deserved so much better than to be claimed in such a manner.He had only been with her briefly, but he felt like he knew her so well. He was also frustrated with himself for feeling this way about a married woman. It wasn't just because he had taken her virginity. He wasn't that shallow of a man. Whether she was a virgin or not, there was something in his heart that felt regretful for meeting her at the wrong time.He was worried about her. From what he could see of her husband's behavior, he didn't value Julia at all. Because if he did, what kind of man would leave his wife on their very first night of marriage? Unless it was a matter of life and death.What if that man was abusing Julia? What if he couldn't accept what had happened to her? How would he ever find her?He shook his head. His mind was probably just too far ahead. Any husband would understand the whole story if he was open-minded about what happened. He wouldn't have married Julia if he didn't love her. He shouldn't be thinking about things that were no longer his concern.He didn't notice how long he had been sighing until his mother suddenly hugged him. "Mom...?"She rubbed his back with her hands. "I know you're an adult now, and you probably don't want to share your problems with me. But I want you to know that I'm here for you, my son. I'm ready to listen to what you're going through,"Dante smiled. Their life was simple, but it was happy and full of love. "I'm sorry, Mom. I'm just really thinking about a lot of things. Thanks for your concern,""What's bothering you? Tell me, I'll listen." His mother's face showed determination.And Dante knew she wouldn't stop until he told her the truth. So, he shared what had happened that "night" with Julia.He left no details out. He told her everything that happened.Melinda Romano's face was completely shocked. She couldn't believe what had happened to her son and the poor woman named Julia. "Oh my God! I didn't know you went through that. No wonder when you came home, you were all bruised and had scratches. You said you got them from work."He didn't know what to say."I understand how you feel. You feel guilty about your decision. But I don't think you should blame yourself. You just did what seemed like the most convenient action that night. And as for Julia... oh my God, poor girl," she shook her head. "No one can question her decision to live. I understand her. The ones to blame are those evils! Those syndicates should be locked up!"He nodded. "It's not just that syndicate, Mom. The leader admitted that someone ordered them to do that to Julia. They all deserve to rot in prison.""You said... Julia is married, right?"He nodded. "And... you were also the first... man in her life?" his mother confirmed.Dante nodded again. His mother gasped and shook her head. "Poor girl. She must have protected herself for a long time and ended up in such a tragic situation. But don't blame yourself, my son. Please. No one should blame you or Julia. I feel sorry for both of you. But... I'm more worried about Julia."He looked at his mother. "Because she's a woman. The judgment on women is harsher in situations like this. If her husband is abusive, Julia is likely in a hellish marriage right now. Many will think she wanted what happened, victim-blaming, in other words. And it's not unlikely that he could physically hurt Julia. But if her husband is good, he will surely be hurt, but he will also understand what happened."Dante was stunned. He had a strong feeling that Julia's husband was a bad man. He couldn't explain why, but that was what his instinct was telling him."That's what worries me, Mom,""Is that why you're sad? Deep in thought? Is she the reason?" She was probing him, trying to read his feelings.There was no reason to lie anymore. He nodded. "Yes, Mom. I feel guilty; I've tainted an innocent woman. I feel like I'm the reason her life will be ruined. If only she weren't married...""If only she weren't married, what would you do, son?"What would he do?"If she weren't married, I would take responsibility. I would marry her," he replied honestly.Melinda's eyes widened. "You would marry her? But Dante, just because you took her virginity doesn't mean you should marry someone. You should love each other. Be ready in all aspects—"His face turned red, but he needed someone who would understand him. He had girlfriends before, but none were serious because he wasn't rich. Being a hardworking man wasn't enough for them; they wanted results right away. That's why he wasn't really interested in having a love life.But he didn't know why, if they had only met at the right time, he would be ready for Julia at any moment. "Mom, I would marry her not for that shallow reason. I would marry her... because I know in my heart that I loved her from the very first moment we met."Melinda was scandalized by her son's words. "What?! You love her already...? But son... Julia is a married woman..."He let out a bitter laugh. "I know, Mom. I've already been a bad guy that day. I won't do anything bad; don't worry. Even if Julia isn't mine, I'll pray that she finds peace and has a happy married life."His mother cried at what he said and hugged him tightly. He couldn't help but become emotional as well.Meanwhile, in the city, Julia hurried to the sink. She felt like the world was spinning around her, and she could taste the sourness in her throat."Ahck!" She completely gagged upon seeing the sink. In that situation, Victor caught up with her and quickly slapped her hardon the cheek. "What's going on?! Why are you throwing up? When was the last time you had your period?!"