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Tonight was the perfect opportunity for me to get my revenge. Tonight, I was going to make Margot feel what it was like to be humiliated and trampled on in front of everyone. But Kieran, on the other hand, got me into a mixed feeling. He was my first love, the one I could never quite forget, especially the memory of our first
encounter.
It was a time when I was in my rebel phase. I disagreeing with everything, fighting with my family and deciding to run away. It wasn’t planned–just a spontaneous decision, fueled by anger and hurt. That night, I had nowhere to go, not even a single dollar to my name, so staying in a hotel was out of the question. Hungry, tired. and hopeless, I found myself standing at a crossroads: should I sleep on a park bench for the night or swallow my pride and go. home to apologize?
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Just as I was pondering my fate, exhausted and starving, two homeless men
approached me, their eyes glinting with ill
intent.
“Hey, pretty girl, what‘ re you doing out here all alone?” one sneered.
“Wanna come with us? Let’s head to the park and have some fun,” the other added, grabbing my arm.
They were strong, their hands grabbing me tightly, pulling me toward the dark path leading to a nearby park. I screamed, but the street was empty. No one could hear me, no matter how loud I shouted. I was seconds away from being dragged to dark alley when Kieran appeared.
Riding a battered old bicycle, he noticed the commotion and rushed to intervene. Without hesitation, he lifted his beaten–up bike and slammed it into the homeless
men.
The impact sent them sprawling to the
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ground. Rising quickly, they charged at him blindly, ready to retaliate. However, Kieran wasn’t an easy target. His tall and strong frame made it difficult for them to overpower him. He easily dodged their wild swings, landing precise blows in return. He was clearly trained in self- defense. With quick punches and kicks, he swiftly overpowered them.
Bruised and humiliated, the two men. scrambled to their feet and fled, stumbling as they vanished into the darkness.
Still shaken, I thanked him profusely. He responded casually, “You shouldn’t be wandering around alone at this hour. This area is quiet and prone to crime.” His voice was firm, yet kind. “You better get going, head back to the safety of your home.”
Before I could pull myself together, he was already pushing his beat–up bike away. I rushed after him, insisting that he give me his contact information.
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That night, I called home. My parents, frantic with worry, nearly lost their minds. When my father heard I had almost been assaulted, he sent people to track down and deal with those two homeless men.
From then on, I used my gratitude as an excuse to stay in touch with Kieran. I bought him a new bike as a token of thanks and started inviting him to hang out- shopping, eating and just spending time. together. Gradually, we grew closer.
After getting to know each other better, I learned his story. He was a film school graduate without money or connections, struggling to survive in the entertainment industry.
One night, after a few too many drinks, he broke down in tears, clutching me tightly.
“Lila, you have no idea how hard this is,” he sobbed. “I worked part–time jobs all through school to get my degree, but life after graduation is even tougher. With no money and connections, it’s almost
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impossible to get anywhere.
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“Why is different. My classmates–some of them didn’t even do as well as me in
school. They weren’t as talented, but they signed with big companies right after graduating. A year later, they’re already making names for themselves.”
“Why is the world so unfair? They don’t even need the money, but they‘ re flocking the industry, taking away the little opportunities we have just to survive.”
“You know what? I’ve decided. If I can’t make a name for myself in another year, I’ll quit. I’ll work in a factory or deliver food, or whatever. I’ll do anything but acting!”
That night, he poured out all his frustrations, years of pent–up bitterness and sorrow. My heart ached for him and I made a decision. I would use my family’s influence to help him from behind the curtains.
