Good morning, darling..."
​Monika untied the blindfold from Crystal's eyes. As the harsh sunlight hit her face, Crystal squinted, eventually seeing a tall, slender woman standing before her. She was stunning, with a perfect figure and undeniable beauty.
​Monika: "I’m pretty hot, aren't I?"
​Crystal: "Yes... I mean, I... Where is he? The one who kidnapped me?"
​Monika: "What do you want with him?"
​Crystal: "Nothing, I just... I wanted to see him."
​Monika: "Alright. Let’s head outside, and you can see for yourself."
​Monika untied the rest of the ropes and led Crystal out. As they stepped into the light, Crystal saw her father in the distance, held firmly by several men. Then, her gaze shifted to Zack.
​She froze. His golden-brown hair shimmered in the sun. He was sitting on a throne-like chair, smoking a cigarette, wearing dark sunglasses. He was incredibly handsome. When he took off his glasses, Crystal’s heart skipped a beat—his eyes were a mesmerizing golden hue.
​She couldn't stop staring. Zack could feel the heat of her gaze. He looked her way, caught her staring, and playfully winked at her.
​Crystal snapped out of it and quickly looked away.
​Zack: "Marco... look at that. So much love for a step-daughter?"
​Zack stared at Marco with contempt.
​Zack: "I know exactly who you are—how lowly you can be. You’ve killed so many for money... even your own father and your wife. And now, this poor girl. Well, your time ends today. Monika, send her forward."
​At his command, Monika pushed Crystal toward him.
​Zack: "Tell your father how you betrayed him and handed him over to me."
​Crystal nodded and looked her father in the eye.
​Crystal: "Yes, Dad. Just like you lied to my Mom before you killed her. If he kills you today, it’s only fair."
​She turned back to Zack, her voice trembling. "I’m sorry... I can't watch this. I’m scared of all this."
​Hearing this, Zack stepped close and pulled her into his chest, shielding her. It happened so fast that Crystal didn't have time to react. Suddenly, the sound of a gunshot rang out followed by Marco’s scream. Terrified, Crystal gripped Zack's shirt tightly.
​Zack eventually let go of the embrace, but Crystal remained frozen, still holding onto him.
​Zack: "Do you plan on staying like this forever?"
​Realizing what she was doing, Crystal pulled away. Zack immediately turned to leave.
​Crystal: "Wait! Where are you going?"
​Zack looked back. "My job is done. I'm going inside."
​Crystal: "But where do I go? I mean, I did what you asked. I should be leaving now."
​Zack: "No. You’re coming inside too."
​Crystal: "What do you mean?"
​Zack: "I mean... you should never trust your enemy."
​He winked at her again and walked away.
​Crystal (to herself): "So... he just used me?"
​She chased after him. "Hey! Where are you going? Hey... you wild cat! Wait!"
​She ran but accidentally slammed into someone's chest. "Ow! Who is—"
​She looked up. It was Zack.
​Crystal: "Oh... sorry, I didn't see you. Why won't you let me go? I have nothing left to do here. What am I supposed to do now?"
​Zack ignored her questions. "Monika... take her to her room."
​Crystal: "That wasn't an answer! Fine... whatever. What’s your name anyway?"
​Zack just glared at her.
​Crystal (nervously): "I mean... I can't keep calling you 'Hey' or 'You' forever. Fine, don't tell me, but stop glaring! You’re scaring me."
​She turned to walk away.
​Zack: "Zachariah. My name is Zachariah Dowe."
​Crystal stopped and looked at him. "Your name is as strange as your personality."
​Zack: "Everyone calls me Zack."
​Crystal: "Can I call you that too?"
​Zack simply rolled his eyes and walked off.
​Monika: "Alright, Madam, shall we? Your room is ready."
​Crystal followed Monika to a room.
​Monika: "Go on in."
​As Monika left, Crystal stepped inside and turned pale. The entire room was filled with photographs—of her.
​Crystal: "My pictures? Here? When did this happen?"
​Zack: "Are you lost, my Lady Python?"
​Crystal felt a chill run down her spine. She spun around to find Zack standing there.
​Crystal: "What is this? When did you take these photos?"
​Zack stepped forward and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
​Zack: "As if you don't know. I’ve known you for five years. Since the first time I saw you at your 8th-grade farewell party."
​Crystal: "You’ve known me... since then? You’ve been following me? But why?"
​Zack leaned into her ear. "Because... I love you."
​Crystal stared at him in disbelief. "I'm much younger than you! And how can I trust you?"
​Zack: "You trusted me when you shouldn't have. Now that I’m telling you the truth, you won't trust me?"
​Crystal: "But I don't love you."
​Zack: "No matter. You will soon."
​Crystal: "No, I don't want to love you!"
​Zack moved closer, making her back away until she fell onto the bed.
​Crystal: "Look, this isn't right..."
​She tried to scramble back, but Zack caught her leg and pulled her closer.
​Zack: "Don't be afraid. I won't do anything yet. Go get freshened up."
​He stepped back.
​Crystal: "I don't have any clothes."
​Zack walked to the wardrobe and pulled out a set of clothes. "Here. Is this better?"
​Crystal was stunned. "How do you know I wear these kinds of clothes?"
​Zack: "I told you—I’ve known you for a long time. Now go get ready and come downstairs."
​Crystal went into the bathroom. It was larger than any she had ever seen.
​Crystal: "Wow... I’ve never even dreamed of a bathroom like this! Branded shampoo, conditioner... I’m going to take the longest bath ever!"
​After a long shower, she stepped out in a bathrobe and put on the clothes Zack had picked.
​Crystal: "Umm... nice choice."
​She dried her hair and applied bold red lipstick. Looking in the mirror, she smiled. "Wow... I am so beautiful."
​She headed downstairs where Zack was sitting on a sofa discussing business. Monika noticed her first.
​Monika: "Oh my goodness... what a hot beauty!"
​Zack turned around. "She is my beauty. My Lady Python."
​Crystal walked up to them. "I'm hungry."
​Zack: "Then eat me."
​Crystal: "Not interested. Anyway, what's for dinner, Miss?"
​Monika: "Do I look like a servant to you?"
​Crystal: "If you do servant's work, people will treat you like one."
​Monika: "Zack! Why is she talking like this?"
​Zack: "Where is the staff?"
​The staff immediately gathered.
​Zack: "Listen up. From today, she is your Madam. Give her whatever she wants and take care of everything she needs."
​Crystal: "Sorry, but why should they take care of me? You were the one who brought me here."
​Zack just stared at her, his gaze unreadable.