Scars of Time

Chapter 28: "Witness"

Attention: The story proceeding beyond this sign may contain material that has the potential to trigger and be sensitive to some readers.

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Hope's POV

Seeing Josephine in person for the first time, it became evident to me why both Time and Alex are fond of her. Her joyful demeanor radiated, and even in challenging situations, she managed to wear a genuine smile and treat people with kindness.

Swallowing my distaste, I mustered the courage to initiate a conversation with her. It was evident that she was a little mad at Time and I didn't want him to be hurt more than he already was because of me.

I can tell that he really likes her.

"Josephine!" I called out her name, so I could grab her attention. "I hope you're not mad at Time. He was only trying to protect me. It's all my fault that he got hurt."

"He has a mind of his own. No one could make him do anything if he didn't want to." With a complete disregard for what I said, she replied in a chilly manner, not even acknowledging my presence.

Up until this moment, she had been flashing smiles at everyone. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the sheer irony of it. I was trying to be nice.

"You don't know a lot of things about us. So don't be this arrogant just because you're important to Time." I told her because she was beginning to grate on my nerves.

"You don't know me either, to be this quick to judge. I am not a person who hides behind someone else. I take actions in my own hands, unlike you."

" Are you trying to say that I'm hiding behind Time? Do you even know who you are talking to? I am Hope Astor."

"It's absolutely remarkable how both you and Time have an insatiable desire to constantly utter your own names. It must be so convenient for you to wreak havoc on someone's life while conveniently hiding behind that precious name of yours."

"Time and I have been through so much to earn the right to bear this name. It's not a shield to hide behind, it's a witness."

"I have no interest in debating with you about these insignificant matters. Our main focus should be on Time's well-being, so let's wait for him to get better. We can skip the pleasantries since we won't be seeing each other again after this."

"I share the same hope. Kindly let Alex know that I'm waiting outside." The mere mention of his name had an immediate and profound effect on her.

Even though it's crystal clear that Time is head over heels for her, she still seems to have feelings for Alex. The resentment in her eyes as she watched me holding hands with him earlier was impossible to ignore.

I was well aware that she is able to win him back with a single word, coming out of her mouth. But I'm never going to let that happen.

And I don't think Time has that intention either.

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Alex's POV

Time asked if I could spare some time for a discussion and even though I had no desire to face him after witnessing Jo in his bed, I knew that this was not the suitable occasion to express my disdain. I reluctantly agreed to stay behind and talk.

Jo and Hope exited the room, leaving me to settle down next to him, eagerly anticipating what he had in store.

As he made an effort to stand, I instinctively reached out to support him, recognizing his evident pain.

"I know you don't like me very much, so there's no need for you to be nice to me."

"I'm being nice to you because of Hope."

"I know. That's why I have to ask you this one thing."

"What do you need?"

"Can you take care of Hope while I'm not home? I can even pay you."

"Not everything is about money, Time."

"Please. Ian is very dangerous. I'll try to get myself released from the hospital as soon as I can, but the doctor insists I should be here for at least two days. I cannot leave her alone, and there is no one I could trust with her life."

I could understand where he's coming from and have immense respect for his unwavering love and concern for his sister. It's truly touching to witness such a strong bond between siblings.

After seeing the sincerity in his eyes, I found myself uttering, "No matter what occurred between us in the past, it cannot outweigh the importance of a person's life. But I have to understand what I'm getting myself into. So, I can only help you if you tell me everything from the very beginning."

With a fleeting pause, he weighed the pros and cons of revealing the truth to me. Ultimately, he chose to break his silence and decided to start talking.

"I cannot really tell you everything, but I can say that he is someone who has hurt Hope before and is capable of doing it again."

"Hope said he was your family. Who exactly is he?"

"He is Ian Astor. Evan Astor's brother. Our uncle."

If he is their uncle, then why do they hate each other?! I've always held the belief that having a family is a beautiful thing. Through the lens of movies and shows, I've come to understand that family represents a bond of unconditional love.

"When Evan Astor died he wanted to take everything from us. But fortunately all the assets were already legally transferred to my name and he couldn't do anything about it."

I noticed how Time mentioned his father as if he was a stranger. It felt ike he was talking about some higher up boss and not his dad who had passed away.

I couldn't get it out of my mind, so I asked, "What did he do to Hope?"

"He attempted to force himself on her"

The world around me whirled in a devastating whirlwind, leaving me utterly shattered and unable to comprehend the twisted logic behind it all. Aren't they related? How could someone be so evil?! Now, I can empathize with Time and his raging wrath.

The fact that Hope had never brought this up before has left me in complete devastation, and the realization that someone had attempted to touch her is shattering my soul.

"How could you let him get away like that?" A wave of anger propelled me to stand tall, "You even lied to the police."

Actually, my rage wasn't aimed at him, because he even got hurt trying to protect her. It was my own self that I was furious with, for failing to love her the way she truly deserves.

I was her damn first, and I can't even fathom the significance that must have held for her.

"I can't involve the police in this. I am going to kill him with my own hands." Time declared, and his eyes were filled with rage. But this time I was not planning to go against him. I was planning to help.

I owe this to Hope.