Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 35

Rhythm's POV

The morning felt heavy. Ada sat at the dining table, quiet, just pushing food around his plate. His eyes were swollen from crying all night. I tried to crack a small joke, even exaggerating a silly face just to make him smile, but the smile he gave me was faint-like a shadow of the Ada I knew. It hurt.

"I cleared my throat. "Do you want to skip school today? We can stay at home, watch movies, eat junk food. I'll even cook for you-though it's probably safer if we order."

Ada shook his head softly. "No. I need to go. I have papers to submit for internship."

I sighed but nodded. "Alright... if that's what you want."

In the car, before we got down, I reached for his hand. "Ada," I said seriously, "whatever you're going through... I'm here beside you. We can face this together, okay? And I'm thankful... thankful that you don't keep things from me. That means everything. I'm with you, here by your side."

His eyes glistened as he turned to me. "Why aren't you mad at me, Rhythm? I... I cheated. I was careless... I'm dirty..."

"Shhh." I put a finger against his lips. "Don't say those words. Don't you dare describe yourself like that. You didn't cheat. You're the victim here, Ada. Whatever happens, I still love you. Nothing changes that."

"Do you love me?" I asked quietly.

Ada nodded, tears spilling. "I love you, Rhythm. So much. Thank you for everything. I don't know what I'd do without you. I'm sorry."

I pulled him into my arms, kissing his hair. "Shhh... no more sorry." Then I leaned down and kissed him softly, sealing my promise.

When we finally got out of the car and walked toward the corridor, whispers spread. Students were murmuring. We caught a fragment of it:

"Did you hear? Anggie... she's gone. Expelled. Something about a drug case..."

Ada stiffened beside me, confusion on his face, but I kept walking calmly, squeezing his hand for comfort.

Just then, Eric appeared down the hallway. He gave me a sharp, knowing look-one Ada didn't catch. I pretended not to notice and walked Ada to where Sunoo was waiting.

"Where were you two?" Sunoo frowned, looking between us.

I answered smoothly, "Ada's sick. He just needs rest."

Ada hesitated but eventually nodded. "Yeah... I wasn't feeling well."

I could tell he wasn't ready to share. The wound was still too raw. And this wasn't something just anyone could hear.

Later, Eric and I slipped into an empty room. His expression was grim.

"I know about Anggie," Eric said bluntly. "She wasn't acting alone. Her family... they're instruments of Dragon."

My chest tightened. "Dragon?"

"Yeah. I wasn't going to say this, but you need to know. Your whole clan is now in danger because of your connection to Wilson's. The Kirigun, Alcantara, Dragon is alive. He is also the one responsible for the disappearance of Mr. Ezikiel and Andrian Alcantara's first son. Through his niece Davikah and her husband Glenn Sulpico with the same motive for the Alcantara's. And whoever is a friend of his mortal enemy... is his enemy, too. You're a target, Rhythm. Mostly, Ada."

My fists clenched. "What do you mean?"

Eric's voice dropped lower. "Anggie drugged Ada. The same drug banned in the underworld. When your mom asked Boss Step for help, Boss Dark went mad. Now it's being investigated how the Mullers got their hands on it."