Happy Friday, guys! I updated earlier today because i would be going to the hospital later. Hope you like this chapter.  Enjoy:)

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MAGGIE's POV

I couldn't even meet my parents gaze because of guilt while listening to their litany. They came home yesterday because they discovered about Keith. Upon arriving, they asked me right away if what they heard was true and I chose to be honest. I also informed them that I accepted Keith's marriage proposal and they weren't happy about it.

"Are you out of your mind, Maggie?! You're still young and you just began your work at Super L but you're already planning to get married?! You didn't even have the decency to introduce your boyfriend to us before you accepted his proposal!" My father said thunderously. I could tell that he was furious about me keeping a secret from them but at the same time, disappointment was there too. I bit my lower lip and then looked down. I couldn't even say a word to defend myself. I knew what I did was wrong. I should've been honest to them.

I wasn't expecting them to come home earlier than expected but they did because, apparently, Christine informed them about Keith. Because of that, they came home in a hurry.

"Tell me, do you even have any intention of telling us about your boyfriend? How come you didn't tell us about him? I'm so disappointed with you, Maggie!" My mother with equal angry voice and I wanted to cry because of the disappointment on their faces.

"I-I'm sorry, mommy, daddy. It wasn't my intention to keep this a secret from you. I accepted Keith as my boyfriend more than a year ago. I wanted to introduce him to you but he had to leave for Sicily because of work and he just returned recently."

"Where did you meet that guy? How come you never told us about him?" My father's voice softened but there was still a tinge of anger in his voice.

"I met him when he saved me from that guy one and a half years ago." I admitted and my chest ached upon remembering that incident before. Until now, everytime I remember what happened that day, I couldn't help but to get affected. But I could control my emotions now, unlike before.

"What do you mean? Was he the one who—"

"Yes, daddy. Keith was the one who saved me from being raped by that guy." Yes, Keith became my hero that day when I thought everything was over for me. He came to my rescue even though we didn't know each other that time yet, and because of that, I owe him my life. If it wasn't because of him, that devil would've succeeded on raping and even kiling me...

"No! Don't!" I kept on screaming and thrashing, hoping that I might still escape from that terrible fate but when he ripped my clothes off, I couldn't do anything but to beg while crying.

"Please, stop. Don't to this to me." My voice was shaking in fear but he just smirked like a devil mercilessly.

"It's useless to beg for mercy because you're going to be mine whether you like it or not." He then proceeded on kissing my neck like a hungry lion who haven't fed for a week.

"No! Stop! Get off me!" Even though my strength wasn't enough to overpower him, I gave my best to fight but that only added gas to the fire.

"Shut up!" He hissed and then punched me in my stomach. That pull out all my strength. I couldn't move anymore because of the pain. My mind was telling me to fight but until the last ounce of my strength but my body already lose its strength. I remained lying there while tears were pooling from my eyes.

I closed my eyes and prayed so hard, hoping that someone might rescue me.

"That's more like it." He smirked contentedly because I stopped fighting anymore. He was about to continue his debauchery when we heard someone spoke followed by a cock of a gun.

"Get away from that girl or I'll shoot you in the head!" He threatened the rapist fearlessly and his warning was effective because the guy who was about to rape me raised his hands, surrendering like a good little boy.

"Don't hurt me. I really didn't mean to force myself on her." He answered but the guy who was holding the gun approached us and then punch the rapist a couple of times until he lose consciousness. I felt so relieved because someone miraculously came to save me.

I already lose hope a while ago that someone might come to my recue because we were in the middle of the forest but thank God because someone did arrive on time.

When I saw the bad guy already left unconscious on the ground, I slowly sat up while covering my chest with my arms, still crying.

"Are you okay?" My saviour asked with a tinge of worry in his voice. My sobs became louder.

"Don't worry. You're safe now. This guy will never have the chance to come near you again." He took off his polo shirt and then gave it to me. "Wear this." He offered.

I accepted it and then thanked him. He said that his name was Keith Newman and he just happened to pass by the area when he heard my screams.

After that, he called the police. When they finally arrived, their comrades arrested the guy who attempted to rape me with them. An ambulance arrived and they took me to the hospital. Keith volunteered to come with me.

When my family arrived at the hospital, I could tell how worried they were for me. Even my sister was crying upon seeing me in that state. I wanted to introduce Keith to them but he already left before my family arrived.

Because of what happened to me, I got traumatized that I had to seek professional help. But thankfully, as the days went by, I slowly overcame my trauma and my nightmares slowly disappeared.

A month after that incident, I ran into Keith at the mall. We talked for a bit and I volunteered to treat him for lunch for saving me. He gladly accepted my offer. We went to a restaurant and ate together. That was the beginning.

We met for a couple of times until he asked me for a proper date. He courted me for more than a month until I finally said yes to him.

It wasn't that hard for me to fall for him because trust was already there. He saved me and if it wasn't because of him, that rapist would've succeeded on harming me.

But months after that, he had to leave for Sicily. He told me that he had to fix the problem in his business there. I couldn't do anything other than to agree. Then, one year later, he finally returned.

"What is the name of that guy?" The voice of my father pulled me out of my reverie.

"His name is Keith Newman, daddy. He's a businessman." I answered but his eyebrows creased.

"Keith Newman?"

"Yes, daddy. Why? Do you know him?" I asked curiously. He looked like he knew something about Keith.

"And he said, he's a businessman?"

I nodded my head. "Yes. That's what he told me."

"Did he tell you what kind of business he has?" My eyebrows furrowed. Now that I think about it, Keith never mentioned about that to me before. I tried to ask about what kind of business he has but he avoided the topic by saying that he would tell me about it one day.

"Not yet." I honestly admitted. I thought daddy would scold me again but for some reason, he didn't comment right away. He remained silent.

"How come you don't know anything about this guy, yet you already accepted his marriage proposal?! Are you our of your mind, Maggie?!" My mother inquired exasperatedly.

"That's what I've been trying to tell her but she's so stubborn. For all we know, she just accepted that guy's proposal because she couldn't turn him down just like that after everything he's done. I mean, he did save her from that rapist. But on second thought, maybe Maggie here just wanted to escape from her real feelings." Christine spoke for the first time. My eyes widened.

"Tin!" I rebuked but she just smirked at me.

"What does she mean by that?" My mom asked and then faced Christine who was sitting on the single sofa. "Do you know something that your sister didn't inform us again?" She queried with a strict tone.

My sister shrugged her shoulders. "Ask Maggie, mom. She's the only one who can answer your question. I don't want to put words in her mouth." She answered.

My mother faced me again and was about to continue interrogating me when my father finally spoke. "I want you to think about this carefully first before deciding. You told me before that your cousins in France were inviting you to go for a vacation there. It's better for you to go there for now to relax and use this as an opportunity to think about all these."

"But—"

"— No buts, Margaret." Whatever I wanted to say was cut off by his firm voice. He even called me by my name and that only meant one thing; his decision was final.

"What about my job, daddy? I just started." I questioned softly.

"Don't think about that for now. This is more important. I don't want you to rush things and then regret it one day. Do this for yourself. I want you to be one hundred percent sure of your decision first before taking another step in your relationship with that guy. Marriage is a huge leap and I think, you're not anywhere ready for that yet. If you were only sure that you love him, I wouldn't hinder you from marrying him but I'm sure that you don't."

My jaw slacked open because of what he said. "What are you talking about, daddy? I love him."

"Really? Are you sure about your feelings without any tinge of doubt in you?" His eyes were fixed on me, staring at me like a hawk while waiting for my answer. But for an unknown reason, I couldn't answer right away.

"See? You're not in love with him so just go away from him for some time and analyze your decision thoroughly." He said with finality and then turned his back and left.

I looked at my mother. "Mom—"

"—Just do what your daddy told you. This is for your own good." She said and then followed my father. I looked at Christine's direction.

"Are you happy now? Why did you have to tell them about Keith? You could've at least waited for me to inform them myself." I couldn't help but to get mad.

"I'm just saving you from the possible consequences of your hasty decision-making, sis. Don't blame me. I just don't want you to regret one day." She answered and then left me there alone. I heaved a sigh. I Even though I couldn't accept it, they're right. I should go away for some time and sort out my thoughts.

Ever since Marco confessed his feelings for me, I've been confused about my feelings and I didn't know what to do anymore.

I closed my eyes and then leaned my head against the headrest. But for some reason, the handsome face of Marco suddenly appeared on my mind. His amber eyes were staring at me full of desire.

"I'll make sure to make you mine, my queen..." His voice echoed inside my head. I abruptly opened my eyes, catching my breath at the same time. Just remembering about him made my heartbeat insanely fast. My queen...

For some reason, him calling me 'my queen' was giving me unexplainable feelings inside my heart. I groaned inwardly, couldn't comprehend why my body responds to him uncontrollably.

Yes, even though I haven't had the chance to clarify to him if he was the one who kissed me during my 18th birthday, I already knew that it was him. He's the only one who calls me that endearment just like the one who gave me my first kiss.

Not just that. Even the way he kissed was the same as the one who kissed me in the dark and those crazy feelings while kissing Marco was identical to that guy. I couldn't be wrong.

"What have you done to me, Marco?" I whispered to myself, feeling so confused and lost. I groaned inwardly. I made up my mind. Maybe, going away from Marco and Keith would be the best thing to do for now.

I took my phone and then texted Keith. Hi, babe. I will be leaving the US tomorrow. I'll be going on a vacation. I'll be back soon.

3rd person's POV

Thamuz moved like a cat in the dark, stealthy and quiet. He carefully looked around him, making sure that no one was around before he got inside his waiting car and then removed his mask. Just when he was about to start the engine, he sensed a presence behind him, at the passenger seat. He threw a glance at the rearview mirror and saw who it was.

"What are you doing inside my car, Mantus?" Thamuz asked in obvious irritation. It has been one year and a half since the last time he saw him.

"Did you know that Apollyon already returned from Sicily?" Mantus asked without answering his question using his usual dangerous tone. He really was so different compared to his other persona.

"I just discovered about that the other day." He answered and Mantus' faced hardened.

"Did you know about him being involved with Maggie for more than a year already?" He shook his head in response.

"No. You know him. He knows how to play the game. It was my mistake of leaving for Sicily earlier than him and I regret that now. He managed to trick me before into believing that he already left. I should've been more careful back then."

The corner of his lips lifted. "If you won't do anything now, he will win in a blink of an eye. He's already hallway through and if he wins, the game is over. He will be the one to get the position and wealth that he's been wanting for the longest time. Of course, he will have the most precious price of all by his side." Anger rose within Thamuz upon hearing that.

He gritted his teeth as his hands balled into fists. "I will never let that happen, Mantus. The game has just started. Don't get too excited to abandon your post because that position is mine."

"Just a fair warning, Thamuz. Don't ever—"

"—I know. You don't have to repeat that to me. Maggie won't be hurt; I'll make sure of that." He promised.

"Good because if she get's hurt, even just the tip of her fingers, the game will be over and I will kill the both of you. Remember that." Mantus threatened. Thamuz smirked cockily.

"You know that I always stick to my promises, Mantus. Besides, you were the one who saved my a*s fourteen years ago and I will never forget that. Hurting Maggie is the last thing I would do."

Mantus sniggered. "Well, at least the devil remembers a debt of gratitude." He taunted.

"You're a demon too, Mantus. Don't forget about that." Thamuz taunted back and that made him chuckle. Mantus was about to answer when he noticed something.

"Looks like we have a visitor." He voiced out, his eyes turned into slits. Thamuz noticed the car which just pulled up before his. His eyes zeroed on the white vehicle. Then, a familiar devil came out wearing his usual smug face.

Thamuz got out of his car, followed by Mantus.

"So, the favorite and the master are here." The sarcastic remark of Apollyon while staring at them full of displeasure and unconcealed jealousy.

"What do you want?" Thamuz asked emotionlessly and Apollyon smirked.

"Oh, nothing. I am just here to boast my win so get ready to kneel before me and bow your head because I will be the new Mantus in no time." He bragged full of confidence and that made Thamuz chuckle amusedly.

"You haven't won yet, Apollyon, so don't get too cocky." He answered acidly.

"C'mon, Thamuz. Just accept your defeat. I already won. It will just be a matter of time and this game will finally come to an end, with me as the winner of course." He laughed triumphantly after that.

Thamuz shook his head. This prick never changed, he thought. He was about to retaliate when Mantus finally spoke.

"Just remember my warning, Apollyon." His voice was dangerously calm. Apollyon's cockiness faded by seeing the dangerous devil's face.

"O-Of course, Mantus. You only want to make sure that the ET VINDEX will have a good boss before you leave your position. Don't worry, she won't get hurt because this fight will only be between me and Thamuz."

"Glad you understand. I'll leave you two here then. I need to go somewhere." Mantus said and then walked towards his car that was parked nearby.

"So, how does it feel to be a sore loser, Thamuz? I'm already slowly getting all the things that you've been dreaming to have for the longest time. I didn't know that it would be this fun to finally defeat you." Apollyon said when they were left alone.

Thamuz flexed his jaw but he didn't let the person in front of him notice that he was affected by his sarcastic remarks.

"Don't worry, Apollyon. I will surely turn the tables in my favor sooner than you think." He declared firmly and then turned his back on him. He wanted to kill him right there and then but he couldn't do that now. The game must continue but when he finally gets his price, he would surely end Apollyon's demonic life in his own devil's hands.

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Any idea who are Thamuz, Apollyon & Mantus?

What is the game about that was mentioned on this chapter?

Now that Maggie has decided to go to France, could this be the end for her and Marco?

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