Ronald had been waiting for those words. With a swift move, he wrapped his arms around her, hisrge hands gripping her waist tightly. "Kari, you said it yourself, you can''t leave me." Kari nestled into his embrace, the scent of his aftershave - crisp andforting - filling her senses. She closed her eyes and hummed in agreement.


    Nathan''s arrival didn''t stir any trouble, and the couple spent three blissful days at the Spring Retreat.


    For Kari, it was a much-needed break, and she enjoyed every moment of it.


    As long as she was happy, Ronald was too.


    On theirst day, Ronald heard about an exceptional restaurant and decided to take Kari there.


    Tucked away in a quieter part of town, the ce was bustling with activity.


    After waiting for over an hour, they finally got a table.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    The hunger made Kari''s vision blur, and without any concern for manners, she dived into the meal.


    The food was delicious, carrying a unique vor that seemed to encapste the spirit of H city.


    Kari was more than satisfied, patting her full belly, sheplimented, "Delicious."


    Noticing the dishes she particrly enjoyed, Ronald snuck off to the restroom to find the owner and purchase the recipes, nning to recreate them for Kari back in Imperial City. The restaurant quickly emptied out.


    By the time Ronald returned, they were among thest few customers.


    As the evening sky darkened, they left the remote restaurant location, their car parked in a nearby lot due to the inessible roads.


    Kari, still savoring the taste, eximed, "So good."


    "I got the recipes from the owner. Once we''re back in Imperial City, I''ll make them for you," Ronald promised.


    The parking lot was eerily quiet, with just a few cars scattered around.


    As Ronald unlocked the car for Kari, his instincts suddenly kicked in.


    "Bang="


    "Kari, stay in the car, don''t get out!"


    Kari''s heart sank at his words.


    "Ronald-"


    Suddenly, a group of men in ck


    out of the shadows, armed


    Wites and clubs, their leader


    exuding menace.


    "Who are you?" Ronald demanded, blocking the passenger door, signaling Kari to call for help.


    With trembling hands, Kari reached for her phone, her heart racing as Ronald locked the doors from the outside.


    "Hello, I


    Roned help at-" Kari''s voice


    shook


    she dialed for help, outside was already shing with


    Pers. Content beltside


    the attackers.


    Despite his skills, Ronald was outnumbered. After a few exchanges, he began to falter.


    Kari ended the call, attempting to open the door, but to no avail.


    The attackers noticed Kari inside the car and one swung a club at the window with brutal force! Crash-


    The window shattered, and Kari saw the murderous intent in the man''s eyes, her body shaking with fear.


    Ronald managed to break free from his assant and grabbed a club, fighting back fiercely.


    "Kari, drive, get out of here!"


    Injured, with blood streaming down his forehead, Ronald refused to back down.


    Kari was adamant.


    "Find the police, go somewhere safe."


    As they spoke, one of the attackers grabbed Ronald''s leg, raising his club and striking down with vicious force! Kari''s heart shattered.


    "Ronald-"


    Bang-


    The sound of bone breaking and


    Ronald''s muffled groan filled the air, tears streaming down Kari''s


    as


    she pleaded, "Let him go"


    Kneeling on one leg, Ronald refused to give in.


    QUMS


    The attacker sneered, "Didn''t expect Mr. Malone to be such a lover boy!"


    Ronald had assumed they were from Craneville, but their words revealed they hade prepared.