Becoming strangers again (Lily and Ryan)



JAKE

Even after spending an entire year here, my feelings of animosity and deep-seated hatred toward Ryan and Lily have not changed in the slightest. I acknowledge that I had my own imperfections and shortcomings, but despite that, I truly and deeply loved her. All I ever wanted was for her to reciprocate those feelings and love me back.

The funds I sought from her were not meant to be anything extravagant or excessive; they were simply intended as a reassurance fund-something modest to help me get established and secure my future and to pay off my debt. Nothing more, nothing less.

Yet, what did she do in response to my genuine intentions? She callously and cruelly spat in my face, chewed up the love I had given her, and then, to add insult to injury, had me imprisoned with the help of her husband. The sheer nerve and audacity they had to go ahead and get married again—it was beyond infuriating.

As I sat there, staring at the television, I experienced a fleeting satisfaction. For the first time in a long while, there was a piece of news regarding them that brought me a small measure of joy. The announcement of his father's death. It had been an eternity since I received such uplifting news. "Fucking bastard," the inmate seated beside me muttered angrily under his breath. His tone was one of barely contained fury. "I guess he's not as untouchable as everyone thought. He's mortal after all."

I turned my head to look at him, a bit taken aback to see someone who clearly didn't hold that family in high regard. It's astonishing how they're portrayed almost like royalty, as if they were the nation's fairy tale. "You don't seem to have much admiration for them?”

He shifted his gaze towards me, his eyes narrowing. "I ended up here because of both the father and the son," he said through gritted teeth. "Do you really expect me to treat them with the same reverence that everyone else does?"

I let out a soft chuckle, casting a quick glance at his identification number before turning my attention back to the television. “I'm not particularly fond of them either," I mused aloud. "In fact, I ended up in this situation because of them as well."

I settled back into my seat, folding my hands over my chest and then leaning back with my hands resting behind my head. "If I ever get the chance, I intend to make them pay dearly for what they've done."

The inmate looked around cautiously, as if ensuring no one else was listening, before leaning in closer to me. "Do you have any kind of plan or strategy to achieve that?" he asked, his voice low and conspiratorial.

I was taken aback that he was asking me such a question. I glanced around the room to ensure that no one was within earshot. “Why do you ask?" | inquired, curious and cautious.

He nervously licked his lips, his eyes darting around as if he feared someone might overhear. "I'm getting out this month," he said quietly. "And all I want is to get back at Ryan Williams. I want to make him feel the same pain I've endured."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised at his boldness. "How long have you been here?" I asked, wondering if he shouldn't be focusing on good behaviour after his release.

"Fifteen years,” he responded. “And I'm set to be released next month.”

"So, you're planning to commit another crime?" I asked, my tone deadpan. I hadn't realized there were others in this place who reasoned as I did. “I've waited fifteen years for this,” he muttered, his voice low and tight with suppressed anger. “I've spent all this time devising the perfect way to exact my revenge. I haven't yet figured out the ideal form of payback, but I'm determined to make it count."

Clearly, this man harbors a deep and intense grudge. "What exactly did they do to you?" I asked, genuinely curious.

His jaw tightened as he looked down at his hands, visibly troubled. "I stole from them," he muttered. "I was in urgent need of money, so I took it. Ryan found out and snitched on me to his father, who then called the cops."

I raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You're in jail for theft?" I chuckled softly. "How much did you actually steal?"

He shook his head, his expression darkening. "It's not just theft. I'm also here for attempted murder."

I leaned in, intrigued. "Oh? That's quite a turn."

"While I was on the run," he continued, his voice tense, "I ended up pushing his mother down the stairs. The fall put her in a coma that lasted over three years."

I studied him with a sidelong glance. "Did she ever come out of the coma?"Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

He shook his head. "No, she never woke up."

"So, you're here on charges of murder, then," I said flatly.

He shook his head vigorously, correcting me. "It was classified as attempted murder because she still alive during the trial. I tried to explain that I didn't mean to push I her down the stairs. I only needed the money for my pregnant wife. But no one listened."

I couldn't help but wonder what he was expecting-perhaps a pardon or leniency.

"My wife," he continued, his voice thick with grief, "had a severe blood pressure spike when she heard about my fifteen-year sentence. It led to complications and eventually her death."

That was a heavy blow.

"I can never forgive them for that."

Given that Richard lost his mother

too, I think they might be even. “The best way to get back at Ryan Williamsis to take something precious from him. Maybe his triplet children. Watching them suffer and

drif

apart could be the revenge you're looking for."

He looked at me, eyes narrowing. "You mean... to kill them?"

Shrugging nonchalantly, I shifted my gaze away from him. "Do whatever you want, I said, giving him a subtle hint. It was up to him to interpret it. "But while you're at it, I hope you manage to stay out of here after you're released."

He gave a determined nod. "I won't."

With a smirk, I rose from my seat in the news room. He followed me as I made my way toward the backyard field. "What's your name?" I asked.

"Clover," he replied.

"Clover," I repeated thoughtfully. "I suppose it's fair to say it was nice meeting you today." I stopped and turned to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I ended up here because I fell in love and tried to make a living."

He nodded in understanding.

"I guess the wealthy believe they can escape the consequences of their actions," he said.

"That's why people like you are here to seek justice for us," I added. "If you follow through and make them pay, I will be eternally grateful."

He nodded and stepped back from my touch, extending his hand. "I really wish I could help you escape from this place, but unfortunately, I don't have the power to make that happen."

"Kidnapping children from such high-profile families is nearly impossible," I said. "You'll need someone influential to assist you or someone close to the family who can help."

Clover nodded thoughtfully. “I'll figure something out."

"Don't let me down," I urged. "I want to see news reports about those triplets going missing, and if possible, news of their death."

"I won't disappoint you," he promised.

With that, I felt satisfaction. My day had just taken a turn for the better.