It felt embarrassing to have poured out her heart to someone she didn't even know.
That was all Mariely could think as she slowly came to her senses, aware of her tangled emotions.
She glanced secretly at the man sitting across from her.
She couldn't explain why, but looking at him made her think of Frank.
You won't see him again, Faith. Five years… And if you do, you'll only run away…
The stubborn voice in her head teased her.
He was wearing a face mask and a cap. His eyes were hidden behind tinted glasses.
He looked like a kidnapper lying in wait for a victim—yet when he had approached her earlier, she had felt… safe.
Maybe it was because she was still aching all over from what had happened.
She looked down at her debit card, biting her lip.
She could feel his gaze on her; her eyelids were growing heavy, her eyes exhausted from the tears she had shed earlier.
Their eyes met—at least, she thought so despite the glasses.
He let out a quiet sigh.
"Maybe I need to show my face to you, right?" he asked.
"H—Huh? It's fine… I—if you feel uncomfortable, don't do it," she replied hesitantly.
"No," he said firmly.
He removed his shades first, then his cap.
Her chest tightened. She fidgeted in her seat, restless, as he finally pulled down his mask.
For a moment, the world stopped.
"N—No… Z—Zean?" She stammered.
It felt like ice had poured through her veins, only to be replaced instantly by a burning heat. Her heart pounded wildly, and the only thought in her head was to get out of the car.
Before she could open the door, his hand stopped her. Their eyes locked—his gaze was unwavering, almost searching.
She remembered everything she had just confessed to him. Blood rushed to her cheeks; her face burned in shame.
"Faith," he said softly, her name lingering on his lips.
"Z—Zean… "W—when did you get back?" she asked, swallowing hard.
She didn't want him to see her like this—weak, disheveled, and broken.
He didn't answer. Instead, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers.
She gasped, startled—but deep down, she knew she had longed for this.
Without realizing it, she kissed him back, matching the heat and urgency in every touch of his lips.
Tears began to fall again.
He pulled back just enough to brush them away, then drew her into a tight embrace.
Her mind went blank. Everything felt surreal… And then darkness took over.
When she regained consciousness, she was lying on a soft bed. She bolted upright in alarm.
"Faith, just sleep—it's still too early," came his voice.
She turned to him.
It wasn't a dream. She really was with Zean.
"W—Where am I?" she asked.
"Don't worry, you're safe here. Just sleep." His hand cupped her cheek gently.
She glanced at the wall clock—three a.m. Her eyes wandered around the room. She was wearing different clothes.
"Who… changed my clothes?" she asked.
"Veron came by when she heard you passed out. She's the one who changed you," he explained.
"Get some rest again, Faith. We have a lot to talk about." He kissed her cheek. "I'll be right here beside you."
Her eyes felt heavy again, and for the first time in a long while, she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep, as if all her worries had melted away.
When she woke again, Zean was lying next to her, sleeping soundly. She reached out to touch his head, but before she could, his hand caught hers.
"Good morning. Are you hungry?" he asked.
Her cheeks flushed red. She sat up quickly—only to wince as pain flared from her injuries.
A soft groan escaped her.
"You're not okay," he said seriously. "Let me see your wounds."
Without waiting for permission, he gently moved her jacket aside, examining her back.
He sighed. "We have a lot to discuss. But first, we need to eat something."
"Z–Zean… W—what exactly do we need to talk about?" she asked nervously.
"Many things. Get ready—I have questions for you."
She bit her lip. His phone suddenly vibrated. She glanced at the screen—and froze. Her heartbeat spiked in fear when she saw the name flashing there.
Before she could react, she answered the call.
"Where are you?!" The voice on the other end roared, making her flinch in terror. She couldn't bring herself to respond.
Zean took the phone from her hand. "Why are you shouting at Faith?" Frank's voice was calm but edged with steel.
"And who are you? Oh…" the man on the line chuckled darkly. "Hey, useless woman, if your brother finds out you're with another man besides me, I'll tell him. So meet me now if you want me to keep my mouth shut. You don't want your brother's life messed up right now, do you?"
Then to Zean: "And you—show yourself. That woman is useless. Tell her to go home; her family is looking for her."
The call ended.
"I—I need to go. Thank you," Faith said quickly.
He caught her by the arm. "Zean, we have a relationship now," she said firmly.
"Really? You know… when I found out you were in a relationship, I told myself I wouldn't bother you if you were happy. But now…" His eyes locked on hers. "…I'm taking you back."
"Zean, are you here again just to hurt me over and over?" Her voice cracked as tears spilled down her cheeks. "I'm confused… I don't know what to believe anymore."
"I understand you're confused now that I've come back," he said quietly. "But one of the reasons I returned is because of you, Faith. I want to win back your love."
"I'm going through hell right now, Zean… Not now, please," she begged, trembling. "I'm scared of what he might say to my family. I don't know what to do anymore."
"Then I'll pull you out of that hell," he said, his voice hardening. "I saw with my own eyes how he abused you. I won't let it happen again. Tell me the truth—did he try to rape you? More than once?"
She froze, unable to breathe.
Memories flooded back—him trying to undress her and force himself on her, even in the car. She broke down completely.
"I—I don't want to remember," she sobbed, shaking her head. "He hurt me because I wouldn't give him what he wanted. It started six months into our relationship—he got angry when I refused."
"Does your brother know? Does your current boyfriend know about your past relationship?" Zean pressed.
She shook her head. "Because he gets to my brother first—he poisons him against me before I can say anything. And now, with my brother's own family problems…"
Zean was silent for a moment. Then he helped her stand.
"Let's eat. We'll face this problem together. And after that… I'll ask you to accept me back into your life so I can take care of you."
Her tears returned. "Zean…" she whispered, hugging him tightly.
His arms closed around her, strong and warm. "Shh… You need to eat."
She nodded faintly. They shared a meal together, though she could barely taste it—her mind was still torn between the problems she faced and the man now in front of her.
He squeezed her hand gently, as if to say everything would be alright.
Then her phone rang again—it was her older brother.
"Answer it," Zean murmured. She did, letting out a deep breath first.
"Mariely, what the hell are you doing?" Nathan's angry voice shot through the line.
She swallowed hard and glanced at Zean.
"Let me take care of it," he whispered, taking the phone.
"It's been a long time, Nathan," he said smoothly.
There was a pause, then Nathan's voice sharpened. "Frank."