"I even unconsciously shy away from Aziel's closeness. I am terrified of him as well!"

Sarah's voice trembled as she confessed her deepest fears. The pain in Aziel's eyes weighed heavily on her heart, but she found herself unable to bear his physical proximity.

Nestled against Ariana's chest, Sarah despaired, her voice laced with hopelessness.

“I don't know how to face him. It feels helpless. Perhaps the only choice left is to sever ties with him!"

Ariana, at a loss for words, held Sarah tightly, regret coursing through her veins for not staying with Sarah after that fateful day.

Although she failed to see Sarah in person after Sarah's hospital treatment, Sarah sounded normal on the phone, leading Ariana to believe that she had recovered.

As such, she failed to notice the lingering trauma Sarah endured.

But dwelling on the past served no purpose. After Sarah had calmed down, Ariana spoke softly, seeking understanding.

"Does Aziel know the extent of what you've been through?"

Sarah shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I dared not reveal it to him. I feared he would view me as tainted if he knew."

“How could he!" Ariana's anger surged, her grip on Sarah's arm tightening as she spoke with unwavering resolve.

"Moreover, you are not tainted; it is those two criminals who committed that heinous act against you."

Sarah acknowledged that, but she could not let go of the damage that had been done to her.

She sat in a haze, her words tinged with sadness.

"I am a single mother in my thirties, burdened by the knowledge of being deceived by a man!"

She took a deep breath, her hands covering her face.

"To make matters worse...

Compromising images of me were once released online!"

Yet, what of Aziel?