Chapter 110 - Liliana

"Woof, woof…" 

In front of her, several stray dogs were growling threateningly, inching closer to Liliana in the shadows of the setting sun. 

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

"Bang!" 

Liliana continued to back away until her back was pressed against the wall of the alley, leaving her no escape. She sat helplessly on the cold ground, looking around frantically. In a panic, she picked up a short stick from the ground and held it defensively in front of her, terror etched on her face as she watched the approaching strays.

Most living beings long for strength, and the simplest way to display power is by bullying the weak, obtaining a false sense of superiority from it. The stray dogs before her were acting with almost human-like emotions, growling as they slowly cornered Liliana, relishing the fear she was emanating. 

"Please don't come any closer!" Liliana cried out in fright, swinging the stick around aimlessly while trembling and closing her eyes, internally screaming, "Why? Why is this happening to me? It's so unfair!"

As she recalled her week of feeling lost in this unfamiliar country, she felt utterly alone. Whenever she sought help from people around her, she was met with indifferent stares. Even the police would just push her off like a ball, offering no real solutions. Her father and stepmother seemed to materialize in her mind, looking at her with apathy. Gradually, they blended into the crowd, leaving her standing alone.

"Turns out, I was abandoned and unwanted." A wave of despair rushed over her, "I guess I am a burden…"

"…"

"Drip, drip…" 

Tears rolled down her cheeks, splashing onto the cold cobblestones and creating faint sounds. The cries of a hunted prey crumbling only served to excite the stray dogs, whose weary bodies tensed up, indicating they were preparing to attack. 

"Is there anyone who can help me? Help!" In a last-ditch effort, Liliana shouted at the empty street corner, desperate for a response.

"…" 

However, no one answered her. '…I suppose I'm unwanted anyway. I might as well die here in this dark alley…'

"Drip…"

'But…'

"Wah… I'm so scared! If only… someone could help me…" 

Burying her head in her knees, Liliana wrapped her arms tightly around herself, bracing for the pain of being torn apart by the vicious dogs. The last rays of the sun disappeared below the horizon, leaving her face shrouded in darkness, and her heart sank to the depths of despair.

"Tap, tap, tap…"

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

"Bang!" 

A flurry of hurried footsteps echoed through the quiet alley, soon followed by the dull sounds of bodies colliding, mixing with the howls of the strays in pain, and a cloud of dust rose up. 

The sound of the stray dogs hitting the ground was particularly pronounced.

'Is… someone coming to save me?' 

Trembling, she lifted her head hesitantly, forcing her eyes open just enough to see a vague, tall figure through the darkness. Even in that cold, dark place, just looking at that silhouette was enough to make Liliana feel a sense of warmth and safety. 

"Are you okay?" 

A hand extended toward her, warm and broad. Liliana stammered, her trembling lips wanting to express so many things, but all words got stuck in her throat.

Tears gushed forth like a dam breaking, and she gripped that hand tightly, sobbing, "Wah…"

"Don't worry, you're safe now." 

Miyuki Asou, huffing and pulling two large bags, rushed into the alley, and Itō Yoshito finally noticed that the beautiful girl before him had some torn clothing.

...

...

...

The sound of water rushing in the bathroom was like a waterfall, splashing quietly. 

"Liliana's so pitiful…" 

"I can't believe she had such a cruel stepmother, and that father of hers really isn't human to have abandoned Liliana like that." 

In the living room, Miyuki Asou leaned softly against Itō Yoshito on the couch, her tone revealing sympathy for Liliana. 

"There are many unfortunate people in this world; we can only provide help within our means." 

Itō Yoshito sighed, resting his head against the back of the couch, staring up at the ceiling, responding with resignation. 

"I know." 

Miyuki hesitated, reaching out to tug at Itō's sleeve, signaling him to look over. 

"Hey, Yoshito, what if I rent that place to Liliana?" 

"She probably doesn't have the means to rent a house right now." 

"I know." 

Miyuki bit her lip, continuing, "I was thinking of paying for her first, and she can repay me later once she finds a job, but…" 

Under the warm light, hesitation shimmered in Miyuki's eyes. 

Perhaps due to being played today, Miyuki was a bit worried that Liliana might also be someone who would take advantage of her kindness. 

The sound of the water in the bathroom ceased abruptly, and then there was a "creak" as the door opened. Liliana walked out softly, saying, "Mr. Itō, Ms. Asou…"

Upon hearing this, both Itō Yoshito and Miyuki Asou turned in unison, only to be momentarily taken aback. 

Liliana's silvery-white hair was slightly damp, shimmering under the warm light like moonlight. 

Her light blue eyes sparkled like gemstones, radiating an enchanting and mesmerizing light. 

Compared to her fair skin, her delicate, cherry-red lips stood out, exuding an enticing charm, much like luscious candies. 

Her tall and voluptuous frame was only modestly clad in a loose shirt that belonged to Itō Yoshito. 

The fullness of her chest caused the shirt to stretch, leaving the hem barely covering her curves, while her long, shapely legs elongated from the tantalizing glimpses underneath, adorned with a dream-like tan. 

Liliana stood quietly at the door, like a child of the night, exuding a magical aura. 

In summary, the glistening skin that was partially exposed was so smooth and alluring that Itō Yoshito could hardly resist the urge to lunge forward and taste the bittersweet allure she presented. 

"Mr. Itō, Ms. Asou, um... the shirt seems a bit short…" 

Realizing that Itō Yoshito was staring at her with intense eyes, Liliana felt both shy and somewhat pleased, her cheeks flushing like a ripe peach dipped in chocolate. 

Itō Yoshito found it hard to tear his gaze away, as if his heart might stop beating. 

Miyuki Asou shot him a disapproving glare and pinched him in the side. 

"Miss Liliana, come with me. We can't let some wolves take advantage of you!" 

Hearing this, Liliana's face flushed deeper red, shyly lowering her head as she followed Miyuki into the bedroom. 

Shaking his head, Itō Yoshito watched the two girls enter the room, realizing they probably wouldn't be out for a while, and he headed towards the kitchen to start preparing dinner for the evening.

------