Two weeks later.

Gia is too weak to go anywhere. Her mental state is fragile, and even the presence of men a few meters away causes her to tremble and scream. She refuses to see any visitors except for Tamara, Uyana, and Lilac. Even her doctor, Kush, is a woman, as Gia seems to have developed a fear of men.

Every night, she experiences nightmares. The abuse she endured has left a deep scar in her heart. The pain is not easy to forget. While her physical wounds have healed, her emotional recovery is far from complete.

"G..." Uyana looks at her cousin, who is playing with her baby. Gia's gaze shifts to Uyana.

"He still comes around and asks about you. It... It makes me feel sad for him..." Uyana says softly. Gia lowers her head, unable to respond.

"It's no use, Yana. He can't love me. It's best if he stays away," Gia replies. She hands Lilac to Uyana as the baby whines, indicating she wants to be fed.

"What about Sorn? He's your best friend," Uyana continues.

"He too. I don't think I can face any man anymore," Gia says, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Men are not all the same, Gia. He may be evil, but Sorn and Way are innocent," Uyana insists.

"You don't understand. He hates any man around me. He hates when people are near me! I don't want to provoke his anger," Gia explains.

"He has no control over you, Gia! Don't submit yourself to a monster like him! He hurt you! He almost made you take your own life!" Uyana grabs Gia's wrist tightly, revealing the still-fresh scar.

"Don't let him win this battle... I know you are stronger than this," Uyana urges.

Gia looks at Uyana, tears welling up in her eyes. She grasps Uyana's hand, feeling grateful to have her as family.

A family that always sticks together, no matter what.

***

Gia POV

I feel like I've returned from the brink of death. The epiphany hits me, shaking my sanity, and I wake up, realizing that it was nothing more than a horrifying nightmare.

I brush my wrist, filled with remorse for not being grateful. I am surrounded by incredible people who are my greatest support. I feel selfish for nearly leaving them in anguish. Fortunately, I am still alive. Otherwise, they would never forgive me. Not for the remainder of their lives.

***

Few days back.

"I'll try my best to understand you. I'll wait," he says.

"It's not about that..." I lower my voice, watching his innocent face sitting across from me. He gently caresses my hand, finally getting the chance he's been waiting for. I feel pity for him, as he's received the most unfair treatment from me among all those people.

"I have been waiting all this time. I don't mind waiting a little longer," he says.

"That's not it. It's unfair to you," I reply.

"Why? Because you like Sorn?" There's tension in his voice.

"I can't like him either," I confess.

"Look, Sorn may be fragile or something, but you know I can handle whatever comes my way. If he wants me dead, I'm willing to die for you," his gaze pierces into the deepest recesses of my heart.

I give him a sad smile, touching the finger that is entwined with mine.

Oh, how I wish I could fall for him! He's sweet, caring, always by my side when I feel down. Protective too. There's nothing about him that seems lacking to me.

Just like Sorn.

But I can't choose him either.

"Your life is precious to me, Way. I can't accept your proposal. I'm sorry..." I say.

"It's okay! That doesn't mean I have to give up, does it?" His face lights up. I can't see what's triggered his sudden excitement.

"Do you understand-"

"You told me that my life is precious to you. That means you do love me. So, there must be a chance. Even a slight one," I sigh heavily.

"Why do you have to be so optimistic?"

"Because I believe that something never ends until it truly ends," he says.

And his words strike a chord within me instantly.

***

But still, I couldn't bring myself to accept his proposal. Yet, he insisted that he would wait for me. It tore me apart to see his innocent face, unaware of the danger he would face. It makes me hesitant to love again, thinking of the potential harm it could bring.

"Are you ready?"

A voice from behind brings me back to reality. I nod and slowly retrieve my cardigan from the bed. He takes my bag and smiles at me.

"Thanks, Sorn..."

"Don't mention it," he replies.

A few days after a deep conversation with Uyana and upon the doctor's recommendation, I gather the courage to face men again after the tragedy. Since the last image I saw was Way, they recommended that I first talk to Sorn.

He has known me for as long as I can remember. He understands how to handle my situation. So, he came to my side. I was initially scared, but he is my best friend after all. He knows me well enough to avoid certain topics, allowing me to gradually open up.

Although he may seem controlling, I can see how much he truly cares for me. We agreed to remain friends, and he promised to support me in my life. I can sense the depth of his love as a friend.

With his help, I slowly managed to recover. It may not be a complete recovery, but I know I will get there. The scars on my body are healing, and my mind is gradually grasping the reality.

However, I will never forget the tragedy.

I will never forget him.