THE following day, Zoe awoke early to prepare breakfast. She was aware that Nana Milky was present, but she insisted on completing the task on her own.

“Have you seen Helios, Nana?” she inquired as she prepared to cut the white onions.

Nana greeted her with a smile. “He departed at the crack of dawn. H he will be on a week-long business trip.”

Zoe paused in her onion cutting and looked at Nana, baffled. She spent the entire day yesterday with Helios. As she was afraid to leave the house—prior to what happened recently—she chose to play board games after discovering a chessboard in the living room.

How come Helios failed to inform her?

“Didn’t he inform you?”

Zoe sighed and gave a faint smile. She examined the onions that had been chopped. “No. Hmm... well, it’s his business,” she replied, her voice a little somber.

Nana Milky approached her and took her hand in hers. “I’m certain he’ll call. Helios is always this way when he embarks on a journey.”

Zoe pursed her lips and gave a slight nod.

‘Why am I behaving as if we commit?’

Zoe sighed. “Thank you, Nana. There is no cause for concern. It is not as if we are in a—”

“Relationship?” Nana abruptly cut off, causing Zoe’s eyes to widen, and she felt a little surprised.

“Nana…”

The elderly woman smiled at her. “I recognize genuine affection when I see it.”

“It’s not what you think, N-Nana.” Zoe felt slightly embarrassed because she was certain the elderly woman was aware that she had already had sex with Helios. However, it never occurs to her that she might like him.

She was attracted differently, not liking him, and eventually fell into love.

“Helios is someone I’ve known for a very long time. Two years ago, he began to like a girl—more accurately. He became obsessed with her. I discovered the name one day, and it was yours.”

Zoe was so taken aback by the revelation that she was speechless.

She shook her head and locked her gaze on Nana Milky’s.

“Nana...” she said as she let go of the knife and wiped her hands on her apron. She pressed her hands into Nana’s as she continued, “—Helios was my first. Even I, I swear, have been puzzled by what has occurred in my life since that night.”

Nana smiled once more, causing Zoe to feel a little uneasy.

“I am aware. Things moved quickly between you two, but you don’t know Helios, so I’ll say that I’m proud of his decision this time,” the old lady said as if she were conveying a profound message.

Zoe squinted. “Nana, perhaps these,” she shifted her gaze around before returning her gaze to Nana, “—these will be only temporary. And I’m confident that Helios will eventually decide to release me—”

“You’re already sold to him, Zoe. Helios is someone I am familiar with. But promise me one thing…” the old woman sighed, “—trust him.”

Zoe’s brow furrowed slightly as if mystified. There’s something in Nana that she couldn’t figure out. “Certainly, Nana. Helios rescued me from the clutches of his father. I’m familiar with his father. That elderly gentleman was the one who assassinated the estate’s most prominent member—”

Nana shook her head in disbelief. “Ignore Don Lincoln. Simply put, your trust in Helios. And please hurry. You’re going to be late if we continue this drama,” she said softly, to which Zoe responded with a soft chuckle.

Zoe shook her head and released her grip on Nana’s hands. “I… “I’m a little bit—”

“Moved?”

Zoe chuckled and nodded.

“Well, then, continue making breakfast, and oh, don’t forget to give me a taste. I’ll just begin cleaning Helios’s room,” Nana said as she walked away, smiling at her.

Zoe sighed as she continued her work.

‘What just happened earlier?’ She thought.

She smiled and shook her head as her thoughts drifted back to yesterday. On the other hand, Helios insisted that she sleep in his room, but she declined.

Zoe was well aware that sleeping with a man was a bad idea and that it was a temptation. And cursed her because she was unable to help herself. As a result, it is advisable to avoid Helios.

Furthermore, she had not yet graduated.

She busied herself with cooking and preparations before joining Nana Milky for breakfast. Afterward, she then went upstairs to prepare for school.

Since she left her home, she has been aware that she is missing someone. Iris. Her mother.

If God can forgive sinners, why can’t she?

Zoe and her mother owe Helios money. He pays for everything and even ensures her mother’s survival.

She was well aware that their association with Don Lincoln would jeopardize their lives, and the only person in whom they could place their trust was Helios.

However, doubts lingered in Zoe’s mind.

She was still unsure whether Helios was a gentle soul or if he was also like his father.

‘Damn. How could I even consider such a thing?’ she thought before going down the stairs.

“Nana…”

Nana drew closer to her as she approached the main entrance.

“Don’t you think they’ll get a lot of attention? You knew I was known to be a commoner—a lady with no penny. Do you believe they will not criticize me for this?” Zoe inquired, her gaze falling on the two men dressed in suits resembling those worn by presidents’ bodyguards in films, commonly referred to as men-in-black.

Nana chuckled softly. “Oh dear, do not be alarmed. You’re going to be fine. Helios had already given them the order. Therefore, please make an effort to be at ease with them. And who knows what will happen when Helios marries you—”

“Nana... he was joking. Believe it not.”

The elderly lady gave a soft chuckle. “I’ve known Helios. He is incapable of cracking nor exerting a jest,” she stated.

Zoe inhaled deeply and sighed. She was about to walk when she caught sight of her dress’s hem. “And, Nana, why am I required to wear this type of clothing?”

Nana burst out laughing once more. “I’m sure you’re skilled at whining, dear. It is Helios’s will,” she said, turning to the man at her side and adding, “Take care of her.”

“Nana…”

“Have a pleasant day, Zoe. Additionally, check your phone,” Nana Milky emphasized.

‘Great! Yeah, the phone. I never had one in my entire life, not until yesterday morning. Where Helios handed me his spare phone because I didn’t want him to buy me a new one.’ Zoe let out a sigh. ‘I never imagined that Zoe, who lives on a narrow street in a wooden-walled apartment surrounded by stinking sewage, could wear such fancy clothes and even be treated like a princess while living with her prince charming.’

"IS that Zoe the commoner?”

“Wow, she’s hot, dude!”

“A commoner is always a commoner. Even if she wears luxury clothes.”

“Right.”

Zoe is aware that the people are eyeing her. Murmuring about her.

Well, who wouldn’t?

She was known to be the commoner. She has been bullied ever since because of her mother. But all of these, she tends to ignore.

And she was quite aware that her entrance, with the two men beside her, walking with her, would literally catch attention.

She stopped walking and faced the man on her right. “Maybe it would be best if you would wait for me in the parking lot? I know you understand my situation,” she said and smiled. However, she got no response.

She looked to her left, and still, the other man had no response.

‘Seriously?’ she thought.

“Look, sir. You will put me in trouble if you don’t stay away—”

“We need to follow sir Lincoln’s order, ma’am. I’m sorry,” finally the man on her right talked.

Zoe pinched the bridge of her nose to calm herself. Afterward, she wandered her gaze around and saw her fellow students gossiping, whispering through their ears. And she’s aware that it is all about her.

She heaved a deep sigh and continued to walk to the left wing of the university.

‘Damn, you got this, self,” she thought.

“Hey, bitch!”

Zoe stopped when she heard that voice—that familiar voice came from the cheerleading team leader at the University, Mira.

“My, my, Zoe…” Mira walked towards Zoe, but the two men on her side went in front of her, seeming to protect her.

“What on earth?” Mira, for sure, was baffled. “Hey, Zoe. Can you tell them to stay—”

“State your business, young miss,” the man on Zoe’s right talked.

Zoe heaved a deep sigh and moved to the side. She slightly pulled the man and smiled at him. “I got this.”

She looked at Mira, and the latter arched her brow as she crossed her arms in front of her chest. “What’s going on? As far as I remember, you’re not born rich, and the last time we see each other, you’re not with them.”

Zoe smiled faintly and nodded. Guess Helios’s idea is really gonna create a scene and will probably humiliate her.

“Trust me. I have no idea.”

Mira snorted. “Have no idea? Are you fucking kidding me?” she moved closer to Zoe, but the man stopped Mira, making Mira complain and glare at him.

“And what’s with their sunglasses? They’re inside the school premises. And I can’t see the sun?” Mira reacted and rolled her eyes.

Zoe let out a soft chuckle. “I’m sorry…” she glanced at her watch, “—I’m gonna get late—”

“Are you avoiding me now? Don’t tell me you already forget that you owe—”

“I certainly not forget about it, Mira. But please. I have a class to attend—”

“In ten days, we’re gonna climb to the stage and get our diploma. But your debts on me have not yet been paid,” Mira warned as she glared at Zoe.

Zoe could feel the blood rush towards her cheeks, and her heart started to thump fast.

“I… I know. I will pay you. But I still don’t have the money. I don’t have work—”

“Says the woman who has bodyguards and dresses like she was a real princess,” Mira interrupted.

Zoe knew that she needed to pay Mira.

The thing was, she had no job yet. It was her mother’s debt to Mira’s father but Mira, being a bitch who always bullies her, still saves Zoe and her mother. Long story short, Mira saved them, but they need to repay.

“Ten thousand dollars is just a small amount, Zoe. I’m sure your new sugar daddy can give you that.”

Zoe frowned.

‘Sugar daddy?’

“Sugar daddy? What makes you think that I have—”

“Then what? Don’t tell me your mother sell you and a rich guy has bought you?” Mira asked, making Zoe’s eyes widen in surprise.

She was rendered speechless.

Mira let out a disturbing chuckle. “Oh, did I hit the trigger?”

Zoe’s lips parted, and she let out a chuckle. “Of… Of course, I’ll pay you. I’ll tell him—”

“Great. Anyway, I don’t care about who’s your master, bitch. I just want to get my money,” Mira said before she left, which made Zoe feel a little mystified.

Mira is not like that, and it’s the first time that she confronted her and did nothing to her. Despite the two men beside her, Mira will always be Mira, and she should make a way to do things for her.

But why?

Zoe sighed and looked at the two.

“Do you know her?”

The two looked at each other and nodded.

“Huh?”

“She was Helios’s cousin, ma’am.”

Zoe’s jaw dropped; eyes filled with shock.

Cousin?

Does it mean she knew that Helios— “so, she’s familiar with you—”

“Indeed,” the two said in unison.

‘What the hell?!’

In class, Zoe’s mind is flying somewhere; her thoughts are full of questions, and she basically wants to know the answers.

How on earth did Helios and Mira have connections?

She shook her head and closed her notebook as she dropped her pen on the desk.

The whole thing will feed her curiosity. Then suddenly, she remembered the phone that was inside her bag.

‘Great. I need to ask Helios,’ she thought.

Zoe waited for her classes to end in the morning, and afterward, she went to the garden, where she usually spent her lunch alone.

But this time, she was with what they call ‘bodyguards,’ and she found it a little bit awkward.

“Can you please stay away from me for a moment? My apology, but I wanted to have privacy.”

“But ma’am—”

“At least give me time to talk with Helios. I will gonna call him.”

They nodded. “We’re gonna watch you still, ma’am,” the man said before they walked away.

Zoe sighed in relief when the two kept their distance from her. She then let out the phone and tried to figure things out with it.

This is her first time. Although she tried to tap it last night, still, she needs more knowledge about it.

Helios’s instructed her that the only contact on the phone was his number, and all she needed to do was to click the designated app.

And she smiled when she successfully did it.

She heaved a sigh and calmed herself while waiting for Helios to pick up his phone.

Well, Nana told her that Helios might call. However, it seems like the man is quite busy.

She sighed once again when no one answered, but after a few seconds, she heard his voice over the phone—deep, velvety, and husky. It was Helios’s charming tone.

“Baby.”

Zoe pressed her lips and smiled. “Helios.”

“Mm…”

“C-Can I ask something?” Zoe started.

She heard Helios’s soft chuckle. “Seems like something is bothering my baby?”

Zoe shook her head, well as if Helios could see it.

“How are you related to Mira?”

The line went silent for a few seconds before Helios responded. “Mira, what?”

“Mira Riverdale.”

Helios let out a soft chuckle. “She’s my cousin. Second. In the mother side.”

Zoe nodded.

“Oh, I forgot, she’s at the same university as you. Is she bullying you? Tell me. If so, I’m gonna punish that—”

“Hey, it’s okay. She’s no harm. And she’s good. She even saved mom and me just like you did.” Zoe needs to let it out. She feels like Helios must know.

“Oh. I know Mira; she’s a bitch, and helping is not her cup of tea.”

“She did, Helios—”

“Calling me ‘baby’ is fine, wife. Besides, we’re gonna marry—”

“Enough with it, Helios. I am not exerting a joke here,” Zoe stated, making Helios laugh on the other line.

“Sorry, baby. So… what about Mira?”

“I owe her ten thousand and—”

“She wants the money?”

Zoe nodded. “Yes.”

“No problem, baby. I will transfer it to her account. That’s nothing. And—”

“Helios…” she sighed, “—you don’t understand. I just want to—”

“No. It’s fine, baby. Your fiancé will take care of it.”

“Helios, are you still making fun of me? How did you become my fiancé? I know you save me—you bought me is the term. And sooner, I will make amends—”

“Who said that I will let you make amends? I want to marry you not because of pity, Zoe. It’s because I love you. Now, let’s talk when I get back….”

Zoe was about to interfere, but Helios didn’t let her.

“—Oops. I don’t wanna hear a thing about you, undesiring my offer. Let’s talk about the marriage when I get back, baby. I’m not fond of jokes, Zoe. So, wait for me.”

ZOE was surprised when she woke up one morning. Helios was there, sitting beside her, and she bet he was staring at her, who-knows-when.

It was a hell week for Zoe, dealing with other bullies, but she admits it and is beyond grateful because the queen, Mira Riverdale, was there to save her ass.

“Hey,” Helios uttered and smiled at her.

Zoe couldn’t still believe the things happening between them were too swift and seemed temporary.

She moved herself up and leaned on the headboard, never leaving Helios’s gaze.

“Since when did you arrive?”

Helios crept a playful smirk on his lips. “Just this morning.”

Zoe pressed her lips and sighed. “And how long have you been staring at me?”

Helios let out a soft chuckle. “You have no idea—”

“Just answer me, Helios. And I am not up for a joke.”

Helios’s forehead creased and sat properly. “What’s with you, baby? Did I do something wrong?”

Zoe took a deep breath and sighed. “I don’t know,” she shook her head, “—all of these seem so unreal, and it shouldn’t be like this.”

Zoe was certain that he might trigger something inside Helios. And she won’t apologize for that.

“Are you talking about my proposal? The marriage thing—”

“That marriage thing…” she raised her hand to prevent Helios from talking.

“Marriage is not a game that has to be played by kids. Marriage is sacred. You can’t just joke with that thing around. Especially to strangers like me. Whom you only met,” she stared into Helios’s eyes, “—a few weeks ago,” she added, making Helios scoff.

Helios arched his brow. “You are not a stranger.”

Zoe laughed sarcastically. She doesn’t mean to be rude to someone else who saved her life, but she’s dealing with an important thing.

“Say, you know me. Like from that bar? Two years ago? A virgin woman who deals with a one-night stand with Helios Lincoln? So, that will be the reason for our union?”

“Stop being sarcastic, Zoe.” Helios’s voice is indifferent. It’s stern and chilly.

Zoe laughed. “I’m certainly not. I am stating facts. I am waking you up.”

“You can’t change my mind—”

“Stop this nonsense, Helios. Marriage is not for rush—”

“Trust me. I know you well. Wanna know a secret, Zoe?”

Zoe was rendered speechless. She doesn’t know why Helios needs to rush things, especially with the word marriage… which is supposed to be not.

“Do tell.”

“I am responsible for your scholarship.”

Zoe wasn’t surprised. She knew it days ago.

“I know,” she replied and curled down the comforter as she moved to the side and wore her slippers.

“You know?” the shock in Helios’s voice and reaction are indeed visible.

Zoe met his eyes and nodded. “I do.”

“Then, what’s wrong—”

“You don’t love me, Helios. The marriage you want won’t work without love.”

Helios’s eyes widened, and he chuckled. “Oh, you have no idea how much I love you, Zoe Levine. I love you so much—”

“We can’t be together, Hel. You know that. I know we had sex twice, but that’s not a measure of love. Can’t you understand?”

Zoe put her hand on her waist as she tried to explain things to Helios, who was on the other side of the bed.

Helios stood up and flashed sadness in his eyes.

“How sure are you? I love you, and I won’t offer marriage if I am not ready.”

Zoe shook her head, and there was only one thing she knew that might stop Helios’s stupidity.

“And I don’t love you, Helios.”

Silence evaded the whole room, and no one dared to talk for minutes. They both could hear the swoosh of the wind, the way how leaves moved by its force, and the chirping of the bird, which had been lightened by the morning sun.

“You’re—”

“That’s the truth. Not just because we had sex or I let you have me—that I want you fucking me means to say that I love you, Helios. That’s not how it works. Love is different from want. I want you, but I do not love you. And love can’t be one-sided. Again, marriage is sacred. Thank you so much for saving me, even though I know that I was sold to you rather than to your father. But the thing you’ve done to me will not affect my emotions, my heart towards yours.”

Zoe saw a tint of sadness in Helios’s eyes and the way he shook his head and let out a sarcastic smile.

Helios is hurting.

He smiled. “I see…” his voice is faint, “—I am sorry—”

“No, I am sorry, Helios. I didn’t mean to hurt you—”

“Congrats,” Helios let out a sarcastic chuckle, “—you just did.” Zoe was about to talk when Helios cut her off. “—no worries. I understand, and I can manage. Maybe, you’re right… I shouldn’t rush things. Excuse me.”

Zoe was shocked. “Helios…”

But Helios had already left the room.

Zoe heaved a deep sigh. ‘Did I go overboard?’ she thought.

…

“How’s your trip, Helios?” Nana Milky asked Helios when they were both sitting in the kitchen a few minutes after he went down from Zoe’s room.

Helios drank the cup of tea that his Nana served.

“Nothing’s new, Nana,” he replied after.

Nana Milky could sense that something was bothering Helios.

“Did you talk to Zoe?”

Helios’s met Nana’s eyes. “He doesn’t love me, Nana.”

Nana Milky felt pity for Helios, whom she treasured as her son for years.

Ever since Helios’ mother died, it was she who took good care of him.

“Did I scare her, Nana? Did I go so fast? I know, but I am true to my feelings. I love her. It’s been years.”

“You surely love her, but it isn’t right. I know you made the best decision to help her. But it was because you’re guilty—”

“No, Nana. I love Zoe!” Helios’s voice raised, and his grip on the mug tightened.

Nana was alarmed and calmed him down. What if Zoe saw it?

“I understand. But you should also get honest—”

“I am honest, Nana. You know I am. I helped her. I saved her. I love her.”

Nana Milky nodded to calm Helios. “I know. I am proud of you. I know you love her, son. But you’re stealing your brother’s identity.”

Helios’s clenched his fist and glared at his Nana.

“I am Helios, Nana. I am.”

“Orion—”

“I am Helios, Nana. Not Orion.”

Nana Milky doesn’t know how to control him at the moment, but she needs to calm him down.

“Icarus Helios is already dead. And you have nothing to do with it. It wasn’t your fault. Orion…” Nana paused when Helios raised his hand.

“I don’t want to hear anything that related to that name, Nana. I am the only Helios now.”

Nana shook her head and looked around. “Yes, you are. You and your twin have the name Helios. But you’re not the person whom Zoe met two years—”

“Enough with this conversation, Nana. And don’t ever mention my dead brother here,” Helios said, wearing his cold voice, and left.

Nana Milky shook her head in disbelief.