Extra Chapter: Theodore's Story

Three years had passed in the blink of an eye. Theodore was released from prison. Time felt neither long nor short. The day before his release, he specifically instructed the guards to allow no one to pick him up. His pride prevented him from being seen in such a state.

He took a taxi home.

The city had changed significantly in three years. Oscar's influence was undeniable; Northfield thrived under his leadership. Driving through familiar streets, Theodore spotted Little Bunny’s advertisement on a massive electronic screen. He smiled faintly, considering her success, before dismissing further thoughts.

The taxi arrived, and Theodore entered his villa. To his surprise, the interior was spotless, as if recently occupied. He attributed this to the high-end housekeeping services common in the upscale neighborhood. He couldn't bear the thought of dust and dirt after his release.

He went directly to the bedroom and turned on the shower. Finally, he could enjoy an unrestricted shower. He washed thoroughly, until feeling completely clean. He looked in the mirror; a buzz cut, dark skin, and some stubble made him feel unattractive. He shaved, dried his hair, and changed into a clean robe. The pristine condition of his room prompted him to mentally commend the housekeeping staff.

After his shower, Theodore went to the kitchen, where fresh juices, labeled with the current date, sat in the refrigerator. This small detail warmed his heart. He poured himself a glass and returned to the sofa to watch television. His time in prison had limited TV access to mealtimes. This freedom felt profoundly satisfying.

He channel-surfed until finding something engaging, then drifted off to sleep.

Awakening to darkness, he smelled familiar cooking aromas. Following the scent to the kitchen, he found someone working diligently.

“Mr. Wold, did I wake you?” the cook asked respectfully.

“I woke up hungry,” Theodore replied. “Are you the housekeeper?”

“Yes, sir. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Theodore nodded and waited at the dining table, his hunger evident.

Soon, delicious dishes were placed before him. His first bite brought tears to his eyes. Life felt worth living again. He ate heartily, even enjoying some beer.

Once satisfied, he asked, “How do I tell your boss I’m very satisfied?”

“It’s my honor to satisfy you, sir,” the housekeeper replied humbly.

“In the future, I’ll request your services.”

“Thank you, Mr. Wold. I will do my best.”

Theodore returned to the couch, picking up the remote. Considering calling Oscar, he was suddenly captivated by the television screen. Little Bunny was accepting an award for Best Actress, presented by Addison Chasey. They looked like a perfect couple. Theodore's heart ached, but he continued watching.

Addison, now a director, presented the award. Their onstage interaction sparked audience reaction and playful banter from the host.

Theodore wondered if their relationship was public, rationalizing that an open relationship would harm their popularity.

After a hug, Little Bunny began her acceptance speech: “I didn’t expect to win. After so many nominations, this is the most relaxing time, but I didn't expect this surprise. I want to thank the organizers, the director, producer, screenwriter, and staff; also my agent and Mr. Chasey, who is here beside me.”

The audience erupted. As the camera focused on Addison, tenderness was evident in his gaze towards Little Bunny.

“When I hesitated about this movie, Mr. Chasey advised me to push myself. He gave me confidence and encouragement throughout filming. Thank you.” Little Bunny smiled gratefully at Addison.

Theodore felt a release of tension. Her happiness justified his past actions.

“At last, there is someone, in particular, I want to thank, someone most important in my life, someone I miss so much…”

Before she finished, Theodore changed the channel. He considered such speeches formulaic. He'd learned what he needed—Little Bunny was thriving.

He chose a movie and exchanged messages with Oscar and Manuel. He learned Manuel worked in the Capital as Oscar's right-hand man, while Hannah remained in Kensbury, managing city affairs. Theodore admired Oscar's cunning in regaining Hannah’s affections, though he didn't know the cost. He also learned Hannah was pregnant again, and they sought a successor for the Kensbury business—coincidentally, on the day of his release. Theodore suspected Oscar had foreseen it all.

After chatting, Theodore retired to his bedroom. Lying in his comfortable bed, he felt a sense of unreality. Oscar and Hannah were reunited, Manuel and Susan were thriving, but he remained alone. Perhaps he was destined to be single.

He drifted off, thoughts of someone haunting his reverie.

A noise stirred him awake. His heightened alertness caused him to open his eyes. He saw a beautiful figure. The dim light obscured details, but he recognized her face. He dismissed it as a dream of the woman he hadn't seen in three years.

“Theodore,” Little Bunny’s voice whispered.

He knew the voice, yet convinced himself it was an illusion. He wanted no intoxicating dreams, intending to restrain himself around her in the future.

“Theodore?” she called again, puzzled by his lack of response.

“Why are you so reckless in my dreams?” he grumbled.

Little Bunny laughed, tears in her eyes. She approached his bed, leaned over, grabbed his hand, and bit it hard.

“Ouch!” he cried, unable to push her away. He stared, wide-eyed, as she smiled tenderly. “Theodore, this isn’t a dream.”

His heart pounded. His breathing quickened as he fought to remain calm.

“What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you.” She laughed. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“I don’t need your gratitude…”

Before he finished, she kissed him deeply. He froze. She whispered, “Theodore, I love you.”

His heart trembled as she spoke, each word imbued with emotion: “I’m waiting for you because I love you. I love you so much.” Tears streamed down her face.

“I saw you on TV today,” he said, suppressing emotion. “You and Addison are a good match.”

“Did you see the end?” she asked.

He looked puzzled.

“Dummy,” she blurted, explaining his release, her inability to wait at home due to the awards ceremony, her preparations for his return, the housekeeper's involvement, and her televised confession. Regardless of whether he saw it, she wanted him to know she loved him—only him.

She repeated the last part of her speech he’d missed: “At last, there is someone, in particular, I want to thank, someone most important in my life, someone I miss so much. Today is his day to go home, and I regret not being able to wait for him at home, give him a warm hug in the first place, and tell him that I've been waiting for him all along. I don't know if he has seen me in front of the TV at the moment, but I want to tell you in this way, that I love you, very very much.”

Tears filled Theodore’s eyes. He hugged her tightly.

“Little Bunny, even if…” Even if you’re lying, even if you pity me.

“I won’t let go anymore.” He held her close.

She returned his embrace. It was a long-awaited moment, a security she’d never known. Neither had given up.

“I love you, Little Bunny.”

“I love you too, Theodore.”