Alesha nodded.
"You answer my questions honestly." Garvin, without mercy, immediately ripped the tape off Alesha's mouth. The strong pull of the tape made her lips feel as if they were being pulled too.
"What did William tell you?"
Alesha stared at Garvin with hatred in her eyes. "I'm tired. Everything seems confusing. Can't you just kill me already?"
Alesha's response made Garvin clench his fists. His emotions started to rise. "You want me to kill you?
"
Alesha nodded. "I shouldn't have gotten involved with all of you. But at least I know the killer of Aldrich, between you and William. I can leave and follow Aldrich. You can fight all you want."
There was no hope left for her. Alesha had truly given up. There was no clarity in front of her—everything was gray and confusing. In addition to the mystery of who killed Aldrich, she also became more curious about Aldrich's life here.
Alesha decided to surrender. Ending her life was the shortcut she chose.
"I don't kill people easily. I will torture them first. Lock them in a dungeon for years. Torture them to vent my anger." Garvin gripped Alesha's chin. "Especially you, the traitor's lover. I'll make sure to kill you in the most brutal way."
"I can't speak harshly." Alesha closed her eyes. "Demon!" she cursed in Indonesian, which made Garvin furrow his brow in confusion.
"Speak clearly!"
"Kill me. Do it quickly. That's my only request."
Garvin glared at her angrily. His hands moved to release all the restraints binding Alesha's body. Then he dragged her out.
They walked to the basement—through the dark corridors where the screams of prisoners begging for mercy could be heard. With so little light, Alesha could hardly see the people inside the prison.
It was no different from William's residence. However, Garvin's mansion was scarier. Each cell had a guard assigned. The security here was strict—traitors or spies caught couldn't escape.
"You will replace your boyfriend, the traitor." Garvin pushed Alesha into an empty room with a cold floor.
Her body shivered. She was somewhat thankful that Garvin gave her a piece of dress, even though it was made of thin fabric that couldn't protect her from the cold. Alesha suddenly knelt before Garvin.
Garvin, seeing this, smiled faintly. Everyone would do the same if they were in Alesha's position. They would beg for release. He enjoyed hearing this—because Garvin never granted anyone's wishes.
"My death is close. There's nothing I can do anymore. That's why I want to apologize for all the wrongs Aldrich did to you. Even though I don't know if you truly didn't kill Aldrich." Alesha patted her chest. "I don't mind whether I take the blame for Aldrich here. As long as it makes you forgive him. I want him to walk in peace to a better place than this world."
Garvin frowned. He had been wrong about this woman. Garvin stared at Alesha, who was down on her knees. She looked down for a moment and then lifted her head. Garvin chuckled.
"Why don't you apologize for yourself to me?"
"We're even. We both hurt each other. I just met you, and I haven't done much wrong."
A question suddenly appeared in Garvin's mind. A silly question that truly intrigued him.
"What made you do all this for Aldrich?"
"I love Aldrich. He means everything to me.
"
"Love?" Garvin laughed. His laughter was loud and unrestrained, genuinely amused by the idea. Love? That was such an illogical and ridiculous word.
Alesha stood up. She faced Garvin. "Does this mean you forgive Aldrich?"
Garvin suddenly went silent. He stared sharply at Alesha. He slightly lowered his head since Alesha's height only reached his neck. "There is no forgiveness for traitors. I hope he's in the worst place, other than this world."
Alesha's face flushed with anger. Her hands clenched into fists—then she raised her middle finger at Garvin. "Bad prayers will return to the one who owns them. Bad prayers will become a boomerang for their owner."
"Do you want me to cut your finger off?!"
Alesha quickly bent her finger back.
"Now enjoy your life in this prison. You'll get the torture in order." Garvin smiled ominously. He walked out, then locked Alesha in her cell.
Garvin's departure left Alesha alone. This place was a little better than the punishment room in the orphanage. Alesha sat on the floor, leaning against the wall. At the orphanage, there was a dark room with no light at all. It was the room most feared by the children. It was meant for punishing children who dared to resist or disobey, as these two things were the most severe offenses based on the orphanage's rules.
Alesha hugged herself. Without Aldrich, her world was in chaos. So why should she continue to survive without someone who organized her world? Alesha wiped away her own tears.