Until they reached the hospital, Yumi didn't leave Shiana. She was there by her side.
"Hush. You're safe, you're in the hospital now and we'll when the surgery is scheduled. I already informed Madam Sylvia about this. She also told me to look after you until you got healed," Yumi softly said.
"Thank you for your help, Yumi. I was impressed by how you defended me over that thug. I never imagined that you had that skill to fight. Even when you're wearing a dress, your movements are fast," Shiana said while beaming.
"Now, can you tell me who's that guy? Is he your boyfriend? Perhaps, are you working at that bar without informing Madam Sylvia?"
Shiana shook her head. "I'm not working at that party bar. That bar is only exclusive for partying, courtesans are not allowed there. Well, that guy is not my boyfriend but he told me his intention to court me."
"Really? Maybe he's obsessed with you, that's why he kidnapped you," Yumi sadly assumed.
"It's not like that, Yumi. I volunteered to be with him because he just tricked me. He told me that I'm about to see my mom because he's an investigator and he can track my mom's whereabouts." At that moment, Shiana started crying.
"Tell me what happened, I'm willing to listen," Yumi said.
"My mother left me when I was only 8 years of age. She had a conflict with my dad. My dad alleged to her that she's been unfaithful to him. There were nights that I used to hear them shouting at each other and my dad also beat my mother whenever he's too annoyed," she began.
"To this day, there is still no proof that my mother was really unfaithful and that is what I still should find out. I think it's just my dad's excuse because she wanted to get rid of my mother. Whenever I think about those things, I have another night of trouble sleeping. I tried to clear those thoughts in my head. And drinking wine was the only solution I could think of but before. Dad also left me because he found another woman. Madam Sylvia is my dad's former neighbor and when she found me living alone and almost surrendered to the welfare center, she asked the social worker if she could adopt me instead. I was only 15 when she rescued me. When I turned legal age, I was the one who volunteered to become one of those courtesans to join men while they're drinking. Madam Sylvia didn't allow me to go out with them and all I can do is to be with them while they're drinking. Madam Sylvia also didn't allow me to go out with them. After I join those men from drinking, I will go to the kitchen and wash the dishes. I never had a boyfriend nor a man whom I slept with."
Yumi felt quite at ease to know how Madam Sylvia used to become a hero to other people despite the prejudice against her by the society because of her business.
"My last resort would also be working at her club but I had a scholarship to study that's why I insisted on moving out. Madam Sylvia also helped me to achieve my goal. But on the other hand, I'm also thinking that the man who took you might be one of the people who were planning to sabotage her because she had a good reputation and took care of her employees," Yumi answered while heaving a sigh.
"I think so. Yumi, you are working as an investigative agent, right? Maybe you can find that guy's background too."
"Of course, I will find out who he is," Yumi assured.
A few minutes later, Shiana looked closer at Yumi's face because she started to notice something.
"Shiana, is there any problem?"
"You got a bruise and a tiny wound on your face. You should also get treated by the doctor while we're here," Shiana suggested. "Also, you got several bruises on your arm."
"I don't have to. It will heal sooner. Your treatment is the most important to be prioritized. Okay?"
Shiana nodded softly. "Alright. Thanks to your help, Yumi."
***
Luke had trouble sleeping at this hour, he had been drinking liquor while waiting for Yumi to arrive in his mansion. Few moments later, he saw a taxi stopped on the nearby gate outside the mansion while gazing through his window.
He went downstairs as he already confirmed that it was Yumi who just got out of the taxi and he immediately kept a straight face while Yumi was gracefully walking towards him as if nothing strange happened to her.
"What happened to you? You got bruises on your arms and your face," Luke began and he's trying to sound so unconcerned about her as if he's implying that it was Yumi's fault that she experienced harassment.
"I almost got run over by a car earlier on the road because I was drunk. Let's just say, I was really hit by a car. Whatever," Yumi shrugged. She has no enthusiasm to talk to him right now because she's really exhausted. Instead of telling another lie, she tried to walk straight to her room but Luke was quick to act and blocked her way.
Luke really believed that Yumi got into trouble and was betrayed by one of those lustful people who hired her. If he could only show that he really cared for her even if he's acting cold. He felt more sorry for her and there's a part of his mind telling him that he should just hug her right away.
How does the love keep burning between the two of them if it was just broken by a misconception? How many more years will they have to wait for them to reconcile? That's only a few of those questions running in their heads while looking at each other.
"You're not drunk, Yumi. I couldn't smell any liquor around you," Luke said as he came closer. He felt a bit dizzy because of the alcohol he drank earlier while waiting for the woman he adored right now.
"Maybe that's because you smell yourself. You're the most drunk among us," Yumi replied and she's also concerned about Luke being drunk at this moment. Because as far as she remembered, Luke isn't allowed to get drunk while taking medication for his illness.
"Why didn't you just go into your room?" Yumi continued to ask, which drew Luke's attention to her even more. She simply hugged herself as Luke was moving closer so that he could almost kiss her lips.
"Can you just leave me here? Go away, please?" She pleaded and got no strength to fight for her own feelings while she's gazing at Luke's handsome face. She also had the urge to stop resisting if Luke does the next move.
Luke burst out laughing while still close to Yumi. "And you already have the guts to give commands like that. I am the owner of this house. And I must be the one who's in control."
"Yes. But not in this situation. You're drunk and I'm drunk too. It's not good for us to stay closer like this," Yumi whispered and moved backwards until she was finally cornered by him and gently pinned her against the wall. Her heart was trembling due to an unexplainable tension. She could see the fire in his eyes and those eyes could burn her like they used to.
"Are you also being like this while luring those men to be with you?" Luke asked provocatively as his hands started to touch her neck down to her waist.
"I've already left, haven't I? I betrayed you before. You wanted me to disappear. You accepted me just to hurt me again. That's your real plan, then you should follow it," Yumi answered and tried to take Luke's hands away from her.
"I don't think I could do that. I never thought of taking revenge," Luke clarified while his eyes were still looking madly at her because he's still in love with the woman he's been staring at.
"Yumi, take back what you said," he added.
"Which of those? I said a lot of things that already offended you. I'm just like you, saying mean things whenever I'm annoyed," Yumi asked him back.
"That you would rather die than be with me. Those words offended me," the young man ordered.
"You're ruining the night! I'm just going to sleep! Stop pestering me, Luke." Yumi turned her back on him as she finally pushed him without gentleness. She was only three steps away but she quickly felt Luke's hands on her arm gently. She could feel the warmth of his palms that seemed to awaken her whole spirit. She also seemed to be electrified because of his grip.
"What are you trying to do with me? Please move back. Let go off me!" she exclaimed.
"What if I don't? What are you trying to do with me then?"
Yumi heaved a sigh. "Don't underestimate me, Luke. I know how to defend myself and I'm not a frail who used to be dependent to anyone."