The Man’s Decree

“Jared, you absolute jerk! You promised to be my man, and now here you are, fooling around with another woman!” The sharp, accusatory voice of Catalina rang in Jared’s ears, startling him. “I can’t believe this! I was punished by my father, and spent ten years in isolation because of you. You’ve truly broken my heart!”

Jared jolted at the sound, his body stiffening in shock. Hastily, he pushed Judith away and bolted toward the door. “Ms. Judith,” he stammered, struggling to regain his composure, “I can’t… I really can’t. Please don’t misunderstand. Saving you was never about taking advantage of you.”

His voice softened as he continued, “You should rest now. I need to find a place to recover my spiritual energy. Helping you refine the pill took a lot out of me.”

Before Judith could respond, Jared disappeared in a flash, leaving her staring at the empty room, dumbfounded.

She stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing. How could Jared resist her so completely?

Was I not attractive enough? Is there something wrong with my appearance? My figure?

Judith couldn’t make sense of it. Despite her efforts, Jared had left, his embarrassment plain to see. Her bold approach, instead of bringing them closer, only made her feel humiliated.

Meanwhile, Jared fled to a forest miles away from Castenada Town. His heart was still pounding, and he let out a shaky sigh of relief.

stay there anymore. Judith might devour me alive if

the voice that had interrupted him. “Ms. Lantz, what happened to you? Why were you locked away for

couldn’t fathom what could

if I told you, it wouldn’t change anything. Just stop fooling around with other women, Jared. Ten

respond directly. After all, there was no

“Ten years? I-”

to say more, but Catalina’s presence faded, leaving him alone in the

cultivator, a decade wasn’t much, but the uncertainty weighed

wives, children… maybe even grandchildren? If Catalina finds

his mind drifted to memories of

where are you now?” he whispered. “Cecilia, Melanie, Hailey, Astrid, and Evangeline… Are you guys doing okay? When will I

deeply, recalling the happier days

the nostalgia. “No more

the water