ENDLESS LOVE [SERIES]

"I don't blame fate maybe they were just not ready​​ to give birth to me into this world."

ONTARIO

In a room, Viona sat tidying up some of the personal data files of her foster siblings for the prospective adoptive parents.

ZING

The door opened.

"Are the files all finished?" Asked Maria, the orphanage matron to Viona.

"Yes, Mother," Viona answered Maria's question, whom she already considered as her own mother gently.

"Hopefully, your foster siblings will have a better life with their new parents."

"I hope so, Mother. They will go to school, and they can improve their lives," Viona said happily.

Maria looked at Viona, who was standing excitedly. Eighteen years ago she found a baby wrapped in a blanket in a cardboard box crying in front of her house. Her home had now been turned into a orphanage because of her.

That baby had now grown into a beautiful girl named Viona Angel, a happy girl who chose to stay at the orphanage instead of getting adopted by new parents.

Viona gave Maria a dilemma when many so adopters chose her to be their adopted child, but their requests were always rejected by Viona. It made the prospective adopters angry because they felt insulted. They thought any orphans should have been grateful to be given the chance to be adopted, but she chose to refuse their offer.

"What are you thinking about? Why are you looking at me like that," asked Viona, startling Maria.

"Oh, I am just thinking about how fast time passed, my Angie has now become a big girl."

"I promise, I will never leave you, Mother!!!!"

"There will come a time when you will have to live independently, my sweet daughter," whispered Maria softly as she hugged Viona lovingly.

Angie was Maria's favorite nickname for Viona. She was a childless widow. Her late husband was a doctor who died while on duty to care for patients with communicable diseases.

Finally, Maria chose to leave her job as a nurse and devote her life to less fortunate children whose parents abandoned them.

Viona was the first child she rescued, so the bond between the two was very deep compared to the other children. Viona was still firm in her stance not to leave the orphanage even though some of her foster siblings chose to live with their adoptive parents.

"Come on, your siblings are waiting in the living room," said Maria gently.

"Let me carry those files for you, Mother," Viona said softly as she grabbed the stack Maria wanted to carry.

Maria smiled at Viona's persistence to help her. She followed the girl to the living room where the prospective adoptive parents were waiting.

"Apologies for making you wait too long," Maria opened the conversation.

"This is their personal data, Madam," Viona added while placing the file on the table.

The prospective adoptive parents read the files on the table, they looked at the photos seriously. Maria and Viona smiled seeing their guests this time. They hoped some children would be adopted.

"Can I see this kid?" asked a woman with blonde hair.

"I also want to see this child," added a woman who wore dark glasses.

"Okay, come with me, Ladies and gentlemen." Viona led her guests to the playroom on the second floor, where her foster siblings were at.

When they saw the children playing, some of the women looked excited. Two couples wanted to adopt immediately. Finally, four children were adopted on that day.

Maria quickly prepared the children's documents before handing them over to their prospective parents.

"Lisa, be a good child in your new home, okay," Viona said softly when she was tidying her sister's clothes.

"Big sister, why do we have to go? Do you hate us because we are naughty? Is that why you are sending us away?"

"Big sister Viona please talk to mom, we promise we won't be naughty anymore but don't ask us to go."

"Sobs... Big sister, I don't want to go!"

"Me tooo.... sobs."

Suddenly the sound of children crying came from the children's room on the third floor, Viona tried to calm her siblings gently.

"I would NEVER hate you, sweetheart. I want you to be able to go to school to achieve your dreams," Viona said softly, hugging them lovingly.

"Anne, you want to be a police officer when you grow up, right? And Jackson, you want to be a pilot, don't you?" Viona gently asked her siblings.

"But we can go to school here too..." The four-year-old girl, Anne, cried again.

Viona hugged her sisters alternately for thirty minutes. Maria only peeked at them from behind the door with a knowing smile. Finally, Viona managed to bring her younger siblings down and handed them over to their adoptive parents with a smile.

Some children cried when they found out that their foster siblings had gone with their new parents. The time spent together at the orphanage had made them very close.

Maria wiped the tears that fell on her cheeks when she saw four of her foster children leave with their new parents. Viona hugged her foster mother tightly from the side to comfort her. Soon they returned to the orphanage because it was getting late.

"Come with me for a while, Angie," said Maria, inviting Viona to climb to the balcony on the third floor.

Viona followed her mother from behind without the slightest suspicion.

"Angie, do you know that the orphanage is in trouble? That's why I am very keen to find foster parents for the ten remaining children at our home," Maria stared at Viona with a sad expression.

"I understand what you mean, Mother. However, I feel like you are keeping something from me," Viona replied quickly.

"Please read this, Angie," Maria handed over a lab document to Viona.

BADUMP.

Viona's body staggered and she almost fell to the floor when she finished reading the document.

"This can't be right...!" Viona wailed desperately.

"I also hope this test result is wrong, my sweet daughter, but I have already done tests in three different hospitals," said Maria softly. Tears started streaming down her face and wet the scarf she was wearing.

"Tomorrow, we will have more prospective adopters come here. I hope they will bring your three remaining siblings with them," Maria added slowly.

"I don't want to lose you, Mother," Viona sobbed in tears.

Maria hugged Viona tightly. Even though they were not bound by blood, but to each other, they were mother and child. They were crying hopelessly, lamenting the fate that would soon separate them forever.

Maria was diagnosed with late-stage leukemia. The doctor estimated that she only had less than two months to live. Viona was suspicious when she saw that her mother was getting thinner. Maria cleverly avoided her questions whenever Viona confronted her about it.

"The lawyer that you contacted has managed to sell this house. We have to vacate this house next month," said Maria softly. Her voice was trembling.

Viona did not respond to her mother's words. She could barely make a sound. Her throat felt choked and she couldn't find words to say. She just wanted to hug her mother so tightly that she didn't want to let her go.

"Come on, Angie, the air outside is getting cold," whispered Maria softly trying to coax Viona who was still crying.

Viona got up from her seat then walked inside while still hugging her mother tightly. Maria fell asleep after drinking the medicine Viona gave her. She held Maria's hand tightly, kissing the hand repeatedly.

This old woman was her savior. Eighteen years ago, Maria saved her and had been taking care of her selflessly. Maria cared for and raised children who were not born from her womb, while there were many women out there who killed or abandoned their own children without second thoughts.

"I will find the best doctor for you, Mom," Viona sobbed softly in tears. Her tears streaming down her face. Her eyes were from all the crying.

Viona kissed her mother's face. She had slept gently. Her cheeks were hollow, and her body looked thinner than before, but they couldn't reduce her natural beauty.

"George."

Viona stopped what she was doing when she heard her mother's voice called out her husband's name. The man had passed away decades ago.

"You miss Dad, don't you, Mom?" Viona couldn't help let out another cry.

Viona finally fell asleep beside Maria, still holding her mother's hand tightly and hoping to wake up from the nightmare. She hoped everything was just a bad dream and it was not real.

***

The next morning, the remaining three foster children were successfully adopted by their new parents.

"Goodbye, Children," said Maria when she led her last three children to the gate. She waved her hand gently.

Viona stood beside her mother, trying to hold her mother's body, which was getting weaker. Not long after, a lawyer came into the house with an assistant.

"This is the proceeds from the sale of this house, Mam," said the lawyer softly as he handed over the check and cash to Maria and Viona. He added, "They asked this house to be vacated no later than one week from now."

"Yes, Sir, I understand. Thank you for your help, Sir," said Maria gently as she greeted and escorted her guests away.

Viona tidied up the file given by the lawyer then led her mother into the room to rest.

"Angie, all this is for you, I hope you can continue your life with this money," said Maria weakly.

"This is money for your treatment, Mom. We will get the best doctors to treat you. You will be healthy again," Viona shook her head. She was in tears again.

"But..."

"Mother...!!" shouted Viona in panic when she saw Maria vomited a lot of blood. She quickly hailed a taxi and immediately went to take Maria to the hospital.

"Motherr...!!! Motheeerr...!!" Viona screamed in tears when she saw her mother could not be saved by the doctor.

***

Viona walked closer to her mother's grave. She dropped to her feet on the hard ground and embraced the fresh grave. It was Maria's last place of resting. Viona's voice had run out after crying for two days, mourning for her mother's passing. Many people came to console her.

"Where should I go now, Mom? You were the only one I have in this world," Viona cried incessantly. In her arms, was a picture of her late mother smiling beautifully.

Slowly Viona placed her mother's photo on the tombstone. She stared at the grave next to her mother's grave. On the grave next to Maria's, she saw a picture of a young man wearing a black tuxedo and a white coat typical of a doctor.

On the tomb was written the name: GEORGE ROBERT HARRISON, on her mother's tomb, written the name MARIA JESICCA HARRISON.

"Father, please take care of Mother in heaven. Even though I don't know you personally, but Mother has told me a lot about you," said Viona softly in front of the graves of her foster parents.

When Viona finally left the graves of her foster parents, she felt as if half of her soul was gone.

The next day, Viona tidied up some of her mother's belongings in the room. She wanted to put them in the box. She looked around the room where she and her mother used to share their lives together for eighteen years.

Viona's steps stopped in front of the house with a signboard "The Light Orphanage" by the gate. Her tears streamed down when she saw at the sign was being lowered by several workers to put in a car she rented so she could move to a small apartment in the city center.

Her mother's house that was converted into an orphanage would soon be torn down and turned into a pub by its new owner. Viona held her mother's important documents tightly and then walked to the car because she had to leave the house immediately.

"I will turn on the light elsewhere, Mother. That's my promise," Viona said softly as she looked at the house for the last time.

Viona walked into her new residence in a loft-type apartment. She deliberately chose the place because she wanted to keep some of her mother's stuff. Viona had already paid the rent for her apartment for the next year.

With the money left by her mother, she could support herself without having to live a miserable life. However, Viona was determined not to use the money for herself. She wanted to build another orphanage, just like what her mother did.​ ​

While tidying up some documents belonging to her mother, Viona came across a flyer she had picked up from an exhibition at the mall. It was a flyer about the entrance fees to one of the best universities in Ontario.

"I want to go to school here, but how can I have enough money for school," Viona thought as she looked at the flyer in her hand. Even though she had money from the house proceedings, she was determined not to touch it for her personal needs.

Because she was too tired to tidy her things, Viona finally fell asleep on her bed without changing her clothes. She also skipped dinner. The next morning, Viona went to the bank to deposit the money from the house sale proceeds. She didn't want to use it.

Viona saw her in her bank statements, she had 10 million CAD. She wanted to use the money to build an orphanage someday. Since her own money she currently had was far from enough, Viona needed work to increase her savings.

"Excuse me, can I have this flyer?" Viona asked a worker who was distributing flyers.

"My pleasure, Miss."

Viona read the announcement on the flyer. On it was a vacancy for a laundry staff. Viona enthusiastically walked towards the place written on the flyer in her hand. She chose to take the subway to go to her destination so that she could arrive more quickly.

"Thank you, Madam, for accepting me," Viona said thank you many times.

"No need to say thanks. You can start working tomorrow," said the laundry owner to Viona.

"Will do, Madame. Then, I'll take my leave now," Viona replied politely.

"See you tomorrow and don't be late. I hate late people the most!!" The lady said again.

With a big smile, Viona left her new workplace. This would be her first work. Viona should have continued her studies at university, but because she realized she had to share with so many foster siblings at home, she didn't even dream of going to university before.

"Viona!!!" Suddenly, came the voice of a man calling her name. It was Lexi, her senior in high school when she was a freshman.

"Lexi," said Viona in shock when she saw the person who called her.

"What are you doing here? Are you accompanying Maria to shop?" Asked Lexi repeatedly.

"My mother has passed away," Viona replied softly as she looked down. Every time she remembered her mother, she would feel sad again.

"What??? Come on, Viona, come with me," said Lexi surprised. He pulled Viona's hand to a coffee shop not far from the place they were at. Viona followed him.

"Where do you live now?" Lexi asked shortly after Viona finished her story.

"I rented a small apartment. I've also just got a job," Viona replied quietly.

"Why didn't you tell me that your orphanage was sold? I can help you Vio," said Lexi softly. He tried to touch Viona's hand.

When her hand was being touched by Lexi, Viona involuntarily squirmed. She quickly pulled her hand from the man's grasp.

"I'm sorry," said Viona. She was shaking because no man had ever touched her before.

"Sorry, Vio. I didn't mean to."

"It's okay, Lexi. It's getting dark now. I have to go home. Tomorrow is my first day of work," said Viona quickly.

Lexi stared at Viona's departure from behind the glass. Viona hurriedly got off to the subway station.

"This time, you can't get away from me, Vio," muttered Lexi irritably. He put out his cigarette in an ashtray.

During these three years, Viona was the only girl who rejected his love. Even the gossip spread in school said that Viona was the only virgin left in the school. She always refused invitations from her friends to go to bars or cafes to just hang out.

She always chose to go home to help her mother at the orphanage. Since Maria was considered an angel in her area, no one dared to mess with Viona.

In the subway, Viona sat next to a little girl with blonde hair who had red cheeks with cute freckles. She was probably around five years old, wearing an expensive outfit and a perfect ponytail that made her look even more adorable. Viona invited the little girl to chat during the trip.

"So, your name is Zevanya," Viona said softly, repeating the beautiful little girl's words next to her.

"Yes, I remember. Your name is Viona, right?" Zevanya's shrill voice answered Viona's words.

"Where are you going, Little Girl?" Viona asked softly.

"I'm going to my dad's office. It's my first time going on a subway... so, I'm very excited," Zevanya said with a big smile.

Viona noticed her expensive-looking outfit and realized this little girl must be a daughter of a wealthy family. To her, riding a train was an adventure, not a necessity.

"Be careful, okay," said Viona. "Where are you getting off?"

Zevanya turned to her nanny and asked the question with her eyes. The nanny smiled and nodded.

"It's the next station." She smiled at Zevanya. "Go ahead, say goodbye to Miss Viona."

"Goodbye, Viona," Zevanya waved her hand and smiled broadly. "Hope, we can meet again!"

"Bye, Zevanya. Take care."

"Excuse me, Miss," said Zeva's nanny.

Viona kept waving her hand at the little girl she had just met. She was reminded of her young foster siblings at the orphanage. Ahh.. she was so adorable. Zevanya chattered constantly during their journey and her enthusiasm made Viona happy, that she could forget about her sadness for a while.

Their brief chat left a deep impression on her. Zeva's small body finally disappeared from Viona's sight because the train had driven away from the station where the little girl got off.

The train that Viona was riding in finally stopped. She stepped out of the train. She decided to run to her apartment because it was already late. Viona was still new to her neighborhood, so she still didn't know what the situation was.

When she arrived at the apartment, Viona decided to wash up and then made instant noodles to fill her stomach. Back in the orphanage, her mother always scolded her when she tried to eat instant noodles.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I am eating instant noodles now," Viona said softly. Her eyes staring at the photo of her mother, who smiled sweetly. It was the picture of Maria with Viona and her foster children in front of the orphanage.

The sound of Viona's cell phone ringing made her stop her dinner.

"Hello Vio, it's me. Am I bothering you?" she could hear Lexi's voice on the other side.

"Hello, Lexi. I am just about to sleep," Viona replied softly.

"You just arrived at 9 pm? Where did you go?" asked Lexi searchingly.

"I walked from the station. It took me a long time to arrive home," Viona explained.

"Should I pick you up tomorrow?" said Lexi hopefully, trying to offer help to Viona.

"No, thank you. I can take the train," Viona said softly.

"Alright, it's already late. You should sleep now." Lexi tried to coax Viona.

"Thank you, Lexi," Viona replied quickly. Not long after, she put her cellphone on the table and continued her dinner then went up to her bed to sleep because she felt tired.

Somewhere else, Lexi was trying to find out where Viona lived by tracing her phone. It didn't take long before Lexi finally found Viona's apartment. Apparently, it was not far from his brother's house.

"You must be mine Viona," said Lexi in a determined voice.

Lexi became obsessed with Viona since many of his friends told him that they could never get her. Many boys at school decided to stay away from Viona after finding out that the girl was an orphan living in a foster home.

They initially thought Viona was the daughter of a wealthy family because of her beauty. She was also able to mingle with the upper-class students. She looked so beautiful and elegant like a rich girl.

Lexi's room was opened.

"Honey, let's sleep," said a sexy woman in a coyish voice to Lexi, who was still sitting at his desk.

Lexi smiled at the woman's words. He swiftly lifted the woman's body and laid her on the bed. He was a womanizer who couldn't feel satisfied with just one woman. The girl who was now in his bed was his second girlfriend for this month.

"You have to satisfy me tonight, Layla ..." whispered Lexi with a husky voice.

The sound of the alarm woke Viona from her sleep at five in the morning. She would start her work today, so she had to wake up early because she had to catch the subway to get to her workplace, which was an hour away.

She took out cereal from the storage and got milk from the refrigerator. She chose cereal for breakfast for practicality. It wouldn't take a long time, especially when she had to tidy up her apartment before leaving for work.​​

After she finished getting ready, Viona went to the subway on foot along with other workers who left for the city. She should have stayed near her workplace to save time, but because she had already paid rent for one year, Viona inevitably had to wake up every morning to catch the train.

There were not so many passengers on the trains so that Viona could rest for a while before starting work. After traveling for forty-five minutes, finally, Viona got off at the station near her workplace.

"Ok Vio, you can do it!" Viona said to herself when she came out of the underground station, trying to encourage herself.

Several workers and students were seen passing by in front of the station. As the capital, of course, Ottawa was a very busy city and was the main attraction for people to try their luck here. This was also the reason why Viona chose to find a job here.

"Morning, Madame," Viona said gently to Mrs. Lauren, the owner of the laundry where she worked.

"Oh, you've come on time. Great. Come on in," said Mrs. Lauren flatly.

Mrs. Lauren unlocked her laundry shop with Viona's help. Soon, the shop was opened successfully. Viona immediately went inside to turn on the lights and air conditioning so that the air was not too stuffy.

Viona had learned what to do before customers arrive. Mrs. Lauren smiled when she saw that her new employee was quite skilled and diligent.

When it was noon, customers came one by one to wash their clothes at the laundry where Viona worked. She deftly served her customers' requests when asking for detergent or a basket for clothes.

Working in a place like this really required a strong physique. Fortunately, Viona was used to doing physical work while she was still living in the orphanage so this job wasn't too hard for her.

"This is for you, Vio," said Mrs. Lauren quietly as she handed over two sandwiches to Viona.

"Thank you, Madame," Viona replied gratefully.

Viona and Mrs. Lauren enjoyed lunch when there were not too many customers.

"Why do you want to take menial jobs like this, Vio?" asked Mrs. Lauren curiously.

"I need any work that I can do, Madame. Anything legal will do," Viona answered honestly. "I want to make honest money."

"You're still young and beautiful. I could see a lot of male customers were checking out on you," said Mrs. Lauren again.

"Who would want to hire a high school graduate like me, Madame? That's why my options are limited to menial jobs," Viona answered softly.

Mrs. Lauren was speechless when she heard Viona's words, it was indeed very difficult to find a job these days, especially when one had a low education level. Viona quickly enjoyed the sandwich that her boss gave her because she didn't want to make the customers wait.

"I will continue working, Madame," Viona said quietly when she finished finishing her meal.

"Okay."

Viona immediately helped customers who needed her help to get some new baskets. Mrs. Lauren smiled at Viona's enthusiasm. While the girl was working, several people dressed neatly escorted a man wearing a gray coat carrying a bag of clothes.

"Mrs. Lauren, I want this washed in an hour as usual," said the mysterious man dryly.

"Yes, Sir Fernando," replied Mrs. Lauren quickly.

Mrs. Lauren immediately took the bag given by a man named Fernando. It contained a black coat that looked expensive. Mrs. Lauren worked on the clothes herself carefully. Viona just stayed still in her place, at the checkout counter watching the group of people who had just arrived. It wasn't long before the mysterious man's coat was finished. Mrs. Lauren was really doing her job fast and neat.

"This is done, Sir," said Mrs. Lauren, handing him the coat.

"Thank you," replied the man. He handed her 100 dollars.

The man stepped out, leaving the laundry followed by his bodyguards. He took the time to glance at Viona, who had been watching him. Viona shuddered as she thought how the man smirked when she saw him.

"Who was that man, Madame?" Viona asked curiously when the laundry was quiet.

"Which man? The customers here are mostly male Vio," replied Mrs. Lauren quickly as she counted the money.

"The man with four bodyguards who came only to wash one coat," said Viona again.

"Oh, that's Sir Fernando. He is the nation's husband of 2020," said Mrs. Lauren coquettishly. "He is rich! However, he liked to come here in person to have his clothes washed every day. I think he would change into them for the day."

"Really? How weird."

"Yeah... rich people are sometimes weird like that. But hey, it's more money for us, right?"

Mrs. Lauren then started gossiping to Viona about who Fernando was. The man was apparently a single father to a little girl. Nobody knew who the mother of his child. His family hid the woman's identity tightly.

"I don't understand why he hid the child's mother. Are they not married?" asked Viona in response to her boss's story.

"I have no idea. I never dared to ask him," said Mrs. Lauren.

***

At 7 pm, the laundry was closed. Mrs. Lauren handed over the duplicate key to Viona.

"Be careful on the way home, Vio," said Mrs. Lauren when parting with Viona in front of the station.

"Thank you, Madame. See you tomorrow," Viona replied with a smile as she waved her hand at Mrs. Lauren.

Viona continued her journey into the station to wait for the train to arrive. Today, her job was not too tiring but she wanted to get to her apartment immediately because she wanted to rest. After waiting for almost twenty minutes, the train she was waiting for finally arrived.

The train was quite full because many students came home after playing cricket. People could see it from their big bags. Viona stood beside the pole because there were no empty seats. Shortly, there was a male student who gave his seat to Viona. They talked for a long time. He asked for Viona's cellphone number but she was reluctant to give it.

Finally, she chose to give the name of her social media account so they could communicate with each other.

"Thank you, Andrew. I get off at this station," said Viona sweetly to her new friend, Andrew.

"Tonight, we can continue our conversation, right?" Andrew asked, looking serious.

"Ok. I have to go now," said Viona with a smile.

Some of Andrew's friends were teasing him when Viona got off the train. Andrew waved his hand as the train doors closed.

"Vio!!"

A man suddenly called from behind Viona.

"Hey, Lexi," said Viona in shock when she saw the person who called her.

"You just got home? Let's go for a walk together," said Lexi. "I live in the same apartment as you."

The man smiled mysteriously.

"You live in the same apartment as me? Since when?" Viona asked in surprise.

"Starting today. I entered my new apartment this morning. Your unit is number 6002, right? My place is number 6010," replied Lexi quickly.

"That means we are neighbors," said Viona spontaneously. Suddenly she felt uncomfortable. Why would Lexi move to her building all of a sudden?

"Yes, so let's go home now. It's getting cold," said Lexi to Viona. The girl nodded and walked with Lexi to her apartment. Her head was full of questions.

Lexi stopped in front of Viona's unit. He hoped Viona would invite him in.

"It's already late. I'll rest now. You too have school tomorrow, right?" said Viona when she opened the door to her room.

"Ok, you should rest. If you need anything, just knock on my room," said Lexi, trying to touch Viona's cheek.

"Ugh.. please don't..." Viona snapped, avoiding Lexi's touch.

Lexi smiled at Viona's rejection. He then opened his flat and entered. Meanwhile, Viona, who was still standing in front of her unit, had stopped her activities when she was about to enter her passkey when she realized Lexi was watching her.

Viona quickly entered the code to her unit then entered and locked it with double security.

"I know what kind of person you are, Lexi. I don't trust you staying here," Viona said to herself. She knew Lexi was a playboy who often changed women. He would not let go of his potential victims easily.

"Mother, please, take care of me from up there," Viona prayed silently as she closed her eyes.

Viona continued her activities as usual. She got up early to get ready for work and caught the morning train. She deliberately woke up early because she wanted to quickly get out of her apartment to avoid Lexi who lived in front of her unit exactly.

Viona briskly walked down the stairs in the underground station to wait for the train to come. She chose to sit on a chair while enjoying a slice of sandwich she had made. Some people seem to have started arriving to board the same train as Viona.​​

Soon, Viona's train arrived. She quickly tidied up her jacket and then stood at the train's entrance with other people who were already queuing.

"Vio," said a man behind Viona while standing on the train.

"Andrew," Viona said softly. It was the student she met yesterday.

Andrew invited Viona to sit back on his chair. He chose to stand in front of Viona. Some of his friends got acquainted with the girl. They took turns shaking Viona's hand.

"Go to your seat. Don't bother Vio," Andrew scolded irritably when he saw his friends bother Viona.

"Yes, yes," they replied in unison.

Viona laughed at her new friends. Andrew finally managed to force Viona to exchange cellphone numbers with him. With a sweet smile, Viona said goodbye to Andrew when she got off the train.

"See you again, Friends. Thank you, Andrew, for the seat," said Viona sincerely.

"It's ok, Vio," Andrew replied curtly.

Viona got off the train while Andrew and his friends still had to continue their journey. She smiled as she waved her hand at her new friends.

"It's only 7 am. The laundry is open at eight. I still have time," Viona said softly while looking at her watch.

Viona sat in a chair in front of the station while continuing her breakfast. Several doves flew around her after she threw a few pieces of bread.

RING...

Suddenly her cellphone rang.

"Vio, have you gone to the laundry?" Mrs. Lauren's voice rang from the other end of the phone.

"Yes, Madame. I've arrived at the station near the laundry," Viona replied politely.

"I will take a day off today. I am feeling unwell. Can you handle the laundry yourself?"

"Yes, I can, Madame. Get well soon Madame. Don't forget to take the medicine," said Viona, hung up her phone.

Viona rushed to the laundry because she would be very busy today without Mrs. Lauren's presence. She quickly opened the door and entered the shop without flipping the OPEN sign on the glass because it was not store opening hours yet. Viona quickly prepared her laundry needs and large baskets near the cashier table.

After working for almost an hour, finally, Viona finished with store preparations. Not too long after, Viona flipped the OPEN sign, and one by one, the customers came. She deftly served them, some customers asked Viona where she was.

"Uff, finally I can eat," Viona muttered to herself. At 2 pm, usually, there were not too many customers so Viona could take the opportunity to take a short break.

Viona enjoyed the hotdog she ordered at the shop next door. Because it was hot, Viona ate it slowly, and she used a knife and fork. When Viona was eating, she didn't realize someone was watching her. The man smirked when he saw Viona enjoying her lunch.

"Are you done, Miss?" Asked a man, startling Viona.

"Oh, Sir," Viona shrieked in surprise when she saw the figure of Fernando standing in front of her.

"Sorry for making you wait," Viona said nervously as soon as she finished her lunch.

"It's ok, I've only been waiting for ten minutes," Fernando sarcastically quipped Viona. She regretted her mistake. She shouldn't make customers wait.

"Sorry, Sir," Viona said regretfully.

"Ok, this time I forgive you. Now, wash this jacket." Fernando handed over a bag containing his expensive jacket.

"Yes, Sir," Viona replied quickly.

Viona immediately brought Fernando's jacket to the washing machine. She slowly checked the pockets of the expensive jacket, she found several dollar bills. Viona quickly approached Fernando, who sat watching her.

"Excuse me, Sir," Viona said softly as she put three hundred dollar bills on the table.

"Oh yeah, I forgot, thanks," said Fernando briefly, smiling when he saw Viona's honesty. Even though he deliberately put several bills in his jacket pocket.

Viona then continued her work carefully. Mrs. Lauren had told hers that when she was washing Fernando's stuff, she had to be careful because the price of one piece of Fernando's clothes was worth two years' of her salary.

"It's finished, Sir," said Viona quietly when she finished her work.

"Good, you seem to be quick and good at this too," Fernando replied. His eyes looking at Viona's neck. It was streamed with sweat and she looked exhausted.

Feeling that someone was staring at her made Viona nervous. She quickly returned to the cashier counter. Fernando pursed his lips at Viona's behavior.

"That's your pay," said Fernando dryly. Not long after, he left the laundry with his men.

Viona saw the three hundred dollar bill on the table. She took the money and put it in the safe. Viona continued her work without realizing that someone was watching her from outside. It was the man who had been watching her work. He smirked deviously.

"I'll get you tonight, Vio," the mysterious man muttered to himself.

"Akhhh... finally, it's done," shrieked Viona as she stretched her arms.

Today, the shop was much busier than usual. Viona quickly locked up the laundry then walked towards the underground station to return home.

Winter had started in Ottawa, so many people wanted to return home immediately. They seem to rush to the station like Viona. Not long after Viona arrived at the platform, from a distance she could see the train coming quickly. Viona entered the carriage with people who were heading in the same direction as her.

"It is so cold tonight," Viona said to herself after exiting the underground station. Viona strode to her apartment. She wanted to immediately warm herself with a glass of hot chocolate in her room.

"Who do I suddenly feel uncomfortable?" Viona thought when she saw the condition of her apartment. Somehow it looked much quieter than usual. For some reason, she felt very uncomfortable tonight.

When she was about to enter the code for her door, suddenly, Viona was choked from behind by someone. The man pulled her to the unit in front of her apartment.

"Lexi," screamed Viona in shock when she saw Lexi's figure. The man covered her mouth and pulled her into his unit.

"What do you want!!!! STOOOPPPP!!" shouted Viona in panic. She already saw hoe Lexi's room was very messy and smelled of liquor.

"I want you," replied Lexi with a smile. "You have to be my woman tonight before another man can taste your body... hahahaha," Lexi let out a creepy laugh.

Viona took her steps back to the wall because she was afraid to see Lexi's expression.

"Don't be afraid, Darling. Come here. I'll show you the worldly pleasure... haha," said Lexi in his deep voice.

"Don't do this, Lexi... Please, I beg you," Viona cried when she realized the danger in front of her eyes. She tried to keep herself away from Lexi's embrace.

"I'll teach you, Honey," Lexi smirked.

Lexi grabbed Viona's shirt. It was torn when the man pulled it apart mercilessly.

"Lexi... nooo, hmmmph ..."

Viona did not have time to finish her words because Lexi had claimed her lips violently.

Lexi's hand also started groping Viona's well-endowed breasts roughly. He ignored Viona's kick in his leg. Under Lexi's confinement, Viona was unable to move. She tried to get away from Lexi. Viona desperately tried to grab Lexi's hair to get his face away from her neck.

"Ahh Lexi, no, it hurts. Please stop..." Viona shouted in panic while enduring pain because Lexi was licking and sucking on her neck. However, Lexi, who was already controlled by lust, ignored Viona's cries of pain.

Viona's tears streamed down her face and cold sweat pouring down her body. Lexi was really good at handling women. He grabbed her hands and pressed them above her head. He held them tightly with only his left hand while his right hand began to unfasten her pants.

"Let me go," Viona tried to scream. However, she was unable to make a loud voice because Lexi didn't let her lips off.

"You will be my woman tonight, Honey," whispered Lexi softly in Viona's ear. The girl shook her head. She was trembling.

Viona was very scared when she heard Lexi's words. She tried to release her hand from Lexi's grasp. Finally, Viona managed to pull out her right hand. She quickly grabbed an object on the table.

BAM

There was the sound of a lamp post hitting Lexi's head. Apparently, Viona managed to pull Lexi's night lamp and hit Lexi's head with it.

"Damn it," Lexi screamed in pain, blood gushing from his temples.

Viona took the opportunity. Finally, she managed to open Lexi's door and ran outside with her clothes were already messy. Some kiss marks were visible on her neck and around her chest. She ran barefooted away from her apartment.

"Please help me," Viona flagged a car down in panic.

The owner of the car pulled over and he lowered the window and showed his face to Viona.

"Sir Fernando!!!" shouted Viona loudly. "Help me, Sir, I beg you."

Viona cried and she begged the man to help her.

Viona ran with tears in her eyes. She couldn't feel her leg aching from the snow. She ran while holding her messy shirt to cover the hickeys made by Lexi.

"Stop! Please... please stop," Viona shouted at a luxury car that was moving towards her. The girl stretched out her arms to stop the car.​​

"Please, help me, Sir," Viona cried to the person in the car.

She was shocked when she saw the figure of a man from inside the car. It was the man she had just met for a few days

"Sir Fernando," shrieked Viona in shock.

Her tears streamed down hard. Viona knelt in front of Fernando, who had just got out of his car. Both of her hands held her clothes tightly to protect her bra, which was pulled loose by Lexi.

"Help me, Sir.. please," Viona cried pitifully.

Fernando looked at the girl in front of him with a cynical look. He saw hickeys all over her neck which was covered in sweat.

"Tch.. this little whore," muttered Fernando.

His eyes caught sight of Viona's body that was trembling with fear. Suddenly from a distance, Lexi was seen staggering in the middle of the road. He was holding his bleeding head while calling Viona's name over and over. When she heard the man called her, Viona immediately touched Fernando's feet as she continued to ask for help.

Fernando pulled Viona's arm harshly and quickly put Viona inside the car. He ordered the driver to leave the place immediately.

"Stop crying. You're in my car now," shouted Fernando, interrupted by Viona's crying voice.

Hearing Fernando's words made Viona try to hold back her tears. She pressed her mouth so that her voice wouldn't come out. Fernando glanced at Viona's behavior. He could still see her body shaking violently. Viona was still trying to cover her body with her ripped shirt.

"Lucas, go to line 3," Fernando said to the driver.

"Yes, Sir," replied the driver politely. He quickly changed the direction of the car, following the order of his employer.

Fernando took off his coat and gave it to Viona, who was still crying, he could see Viona's breasts because her bra was torn. Viona quickly realized that Fernando saw a part of her body. She was wearing the coat Fernando gave to cover her chest. Fernando smiled slightly at Viona's flushed face.

"We've arrived, Sir," said the driver.

"Okay," said Fernando dryly.

Fernando stepped out of the car. He looked at the building in front of him. It was the best five-star hotel in town. He smiled toward the hotel and asked Viona to get off.

When Viona got off the car and saw the building in front of her, suddenly all the joints in her body felt numb. She gathered her remaining strength and try to run away from Fernando. Unfortunately, Fernando had read her movements.

"Let me go, Sir. Please, I beg you..." cried Viona pitifully. She was still traumatized by Lexi's treatment, and now she realized that Fernando was taking her to a hotel.

"Don't refuse!!" shouted Fernando loudly.

Lucas came out of the hotel with hotel staff. He said something to Fernando. The man then nodded in response to Lucas's words.

"Please follow me, Mam and Sir," said the hotel manager.

"Okay," Fernando replied curtly. He grabbed Viona's arm. She looked resigned. Only her tears could show how devastated she was.

The hotel manager took Fernando and Viona through a VVIP door belonging to the hotel. No regular guests could see it. They immediately got into the elevator, which took them to the fortieth floor. It was a very luxurious presidential suite. After the hotel manager and Lucad left, there was only Fernando and Viona in the suite. Viona chose to stand at the entrance and cried incessantly.

"You better wash up and throw away all your clothes. It looks hideous," said Fernando. He felt uncomfortable seeing Viona's torn clothes.

"Hurry up!" Fernando scolded impatiently, seeing Viona motionless.

Viona stepped into the bathroom. It was huge. Maybe bigger than her apartment. Once inside, she looked at her reflection through the glass. She did look very messed up. Her shirt was torn with all buttons missing, even her bra was ripped, and it left a red mark on her back.

"Mom, why do I have to experience this..." Viona cried again, remembering the incident that had just happened.

She cried in the bathroom for so long that Fernando became panic. He repeatedly knocked on the bathroom door.

Viona put on her bathrobe and walked out of the bathroom with her hair still wet. Fernando looked annoyed, waiting for her in front of the bathroom.

"I thought you died inside," Fernando said exasperatedly.

"Not yet, Sir," Viona replied softly.

Fernando's eyes stared at Viona's body, wrapped in bathrobe. The girl was gripping her robe straps tightly.

"Dry your hair in front of the dressing table. It's my turn to take a shower," Fernando ordered.

Viona nodded. She then walked to the dressing table and took out a hair dryer to dry her hair. Viona observed the entire suite. Her eyes were immediately fixed on the door. She was looking for the keycard to get out. She will try to escape from Fernando.

"Are you looking for this?" asked Fernando, suddenly appearing.

With a surprise, Viona turned around and saw the figure of Fernando. The man had changed into the same bathrobe as she had. He was holding a keycard to get out of the hotel room. Slowly, Fernando approached Viona, who looked like a scared kitten.

"Follow me." Fernando pulled Viona's hand to the bed.

"Sir, please let me go. I beg you," shouted Viona in panic. She had just escaped being preyed by a tiger, and now she was facing a crocodile.

Fernando did not let go of Viona's hand even though the girl was screaming, asking to be released. Viona bit Fernando's hand so that the man would release her.

SLAMMED

Viona's body was thrown on the bed. The lower part of her robe was exposed because of Fernando's push, revealing Viona's white thighs. Fernando swallowed hard, looking at Viona's smooth body.

"Sir, I beg you... Please, don't," Viona cried sounded even more heartbreaking.

"Why are you scared? I haven't even started yet," Fernando said with a smirk. He slowly climbed onto the bed and pressed Viona's body under him.

"Sir please, don't," begged Viona with streamed down her face.

Fernando immediately pulled Viona's robe open, to reveal Viona's body which wasn't wearing anything underneath. Fernando's eyes stared straight at Viona's breasts. Those two beautiful orbs had many purple-blue marks from Lexi's violent deeds earlier.

"I'm going to get rid of this mark," whispered Fernando to Viona's ear.

"Sir, please, don't do it," Viona begged sadly when she felt Fernado's lips touch her breasts. She felt again what Lexi had done to her body. Viona trembled as she felt Fernando's touches as she tried to free herself from him. Viona's tears dripped incessantly because of what Fernando did.

"Mother, pleae help, me..." Viona cried when she felt Fernando's kisses became more forceful. She really felt humiliated. She was already exhausted when she fought Lexi earlier, so now she could only surrender when Fernando pressed on her body.

Fernando stopped his action after realizing he had created bigger hickeys than the ones made by Lexi. He was smiling with satisfaction at his work. Viona's white body now even looked more pitiful with more hickeys made by Fernando.

Viona covered her robe as soon as Fernando let go of her. Viona's hands were shaking as she tidied her robe.

"I have erased the traces of that vile man. Now, you are mine," whispered Fernando coldly to Viona's ear.

Fernando's hand touched Viona's face. Then he claimed her pale, thin lips. Fernando let go of his kiss when he realized he swallowed Viona's tears.

"You are now Fernando Gray Willan's woman. I hope you remember that, beautiful girl. I've marked your body," said Fernando coldly after releasing his kiss.

Viona just looked down, unable to speak. She still didn't understand the words of the man in front of her. Her mind was in a complete mess.

"Prepare yourself to serve me as soon as possible," whispered Fernando coldly, teasing Viona.

After marking Viona's body with his kisses, Fernando then fell asleep on the same bed as Viona. The girl couldn't sleep. She chose to sit on the edge of the bed. The girl had changed into a nightgown after Fernando's bodyguard brought her a new set of nightgown and clothes.

'Even the nightgown is this expensive. How can I pay for it?' Viona thought when she realized the price of her nightgown was equivalent to one year's salary in the laundry.​​

Viona sat, thinking about her fate. Now she must immediately move out of her apartment because Lexi was too dangerous for her. Viona also had to think of a way to get away from Fernando, who was currently asleep in bed.

The key to his hotel room was kept by Fernando, and she did not dare to take it. Viona thought about what Fernando just did to her, and it made her shudder. Tonight she almost lost her virginity.

"He really is a dangerous man," Viona muttered softly as she looked at the sleeping Fernando.

Because it was late and she was exhausted. Viona finally fell asleep on the sofa in a sitting position. Her hands hugged the pillow to support her head. She hoped to meet her mother in a dream. There were so many things she wanted to tell her.

The sound of his cellphone ringing woke Fernando from his sleep. The man immediately took his cellphone from the top of the jacket he had put on the chair last night. Fernando's eyes looked at Viona, who was still asleep on the sofa. A smile etched on his lips.

"This little girl must be so scared of me. Interesting," said Fernando quietly. He then walked to the bathroom to clean himself. He had to return to the office to finish his important meeting.

Thirty minutes later, Fernando had changed and prepared to leave. He was hesitant to leave Viona in the hotel room alone. Fernando walked closer to the sofa where Viona was still sleeping. His eyes clearly saw the marks he made on Viona's neck.

"I will leave the guards here to watch over you, Sweetheart. Don't think you can get away from me," whispered Fernando. He then went out and talked to his two bodyguards at the door of the presidential suite to guard Viona.

Hunger made Viona wake up from her slumber. Her whole body was sore from falling asleep in a sitting position. Her eyes saw the clock showed it was 1 pm.

"It's very late. No wonder I'm so hungry," muttered Viona as she felt her stomach.

"I have to go to work. Ugh... what to do now?" Viona screamed in panic when she realized that today she had to work in the laundry. She quickly went to the bathroom to clean herself and change clothes that had been prepared for her from last night.

Viona's footsteps halted when she saw two men in black blocking her in front of the exit. They forbade Viona to leave the suite even though Viona had begged them. They didn't budge. One of the bodyguards then contacted Fernando as instructed by the boss before leaving the hotel.

"You don't need to work in the laundry, Miss Viona," said a guard approaching Viona. The girl was sitting desperately at the dining table.

"What do you mean?" She furrowed her brows.

"Sir Fernando has talked to your boss at the laundry. You just get ready. You will come to the house," the man replied back, shortly after leaving Viona, who was still confused.

Two hours later.

"What is she doing?" Fernando asked his bodyguards.

"Sitting on the sofa, Sir," answered a well-built man in response to Fernando's question.

Fernando went inside, and he saw Viona, who was staring at the glass windows that showed the city view. From the corner of Viona's eyes, there were still tear marks.

"What are you thinking?" Asked Fernando in a raised voice.

Viona was shocked to hear the man. She then took a pillow and placed it in front of her chest. The look in her frightened eyes was no unnoticed by Fernando.

"You come with me to the house."

Fernando spoke casually while eating the apples that were served on the table.

"I have to work, Sir," Viona replied in a hoarse voice. Viona opened her mouth for the first time after Fernando arrived.

"Yes, you will be working at my house," Fernando said back.

"Sir, I'm not that kind of woman ..."

Viona was unable to finish her words. Fernando had come and claimed her lips roughly. The smell of liquor wafted from the man's body. Viona bit Fernando's lip to escape from his embrace.

"How dare you bite me!" shouted Fernando in irritation. No woman had never refused him.

"Let go of me, Sir," Viona cried in terror.

"You already belong to me. How can I let you go?" said Fernando coldly.

"I will pay for all that you have done to help me, but let me go, Sir," Viona pleaded.

"Really? Serve me right now, and I will let you go," said Fernando quickly.

Hearing Fernando's words made Viona distance herself from Fernando as fast as lightning. She ran to the bathroom and locked it from the inside while crying.

Fernando laughed at the fear of his prey. He felt intrigued, facing a girl who rejected him, like Viona.

"Sir, this is Miss Viona's information."

A man in black came with a file for Fernando.

"You can go now," Fernando replied briefly to his bodyguard.

"Yes, Sir. Excuse me."

Fernando read the file given by his men, which contained information about Viona, including where she lived now.

"Hmm.. she was raised in an orphanage," Fernando muttered quietly as he read Viona's information. He was seen nodding his head several times.

"I will pack up your things, then you can move to my house," Fernando said to Viona. The girl was still hiding in the bathroom. From inside the bathroom, Viona could hear Fernando and his people leaving.

Viona cried at what Fernando said earlier. She really couldn't get away from that person.

Not long after Fernando came back, he saw Viona asleep on the sofa. He easily carried her body in bridal style and walked away, leaving the hotel suite followed by his bodyguard. Fernando brought Viona back to his house. He had asked his men to move all of Viona's belongings to his house.

Viona woke up when she felt her body being pressed. When she opened her eyes, she realized that she fell asleep in Fernando's arms. With all her might, Viona tried to get out of bed.

"Awww," Viona screamed loudly when her leg hit the edge of the table, causing her to fall because she couldn't keep her balance.

"It's night time. Why are you screaming?" said Fernando in annoyance, pulling the blanket.

"This is my room. You are in my house, so you don't need to feel confused," added Fernando casually.

Viona got out of bed. She was grateful that her clothes were still intact. Her eyes immediately adapted to her surroundings. She saw that the room looked was huge and luxurious. The room was well appointed and it was decorated with some antique paintings which must have been very expensive.

Viona slowly opened the curtains of the room, and her eyes were shocked when she saw the scenery outside. Apparently, there was a large courtyard outside. Even in the dark night, Viona could see there was a large helipad near the lake.

"If you don't go back to sleep I'll make sure tomorrow you won't really be able to get up from my bed," whispered Fernando who suddenly was behind Viona.

Viona was surprised to hear Fernando's voice getting close to her. She didn't dare look at Fernando's face. Viona finally bowed towards the big bed and started to sit on it.

Fernando smiled with satisfaction seeing Viona on the bed.

"I told you that you will be my woman. You should be grateful. Okay, let's sleep. Tomorrow I will explain to you what your tasks are here," Fernando said softly as he pulled Viona's body to lie down next to him.

Viona tried to close her eyes. She made a border between herself and Fernando by using two big pillows. Viona hoped she was having a nightmare, and when she woke up tomorrow, she would be back in her apartment.

To be Continued>