Cheat Million Love

Nic woke from a light nap just as the car came to a stop in front of the school. The officer accompanying him tapped on the window. "Hei, we're here. The principal's waiting for you."

Still groggy, Nic stepped out and walked straight to the principal's office.

As soon as he entered, the principal greeted him with a serious expression. "Nic, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, sir. Why did you call for me?" Nic asked casually, though unease began creeping in.

The principal lowered his gaze, clearly struggling with the next words. After a long breath, he finally said, "Your sister called us earlier. Your parents... they were in an accident."

Nic froze. The words hit like a punch to the chest. "An accident? How... how did that happen?" he whispered.

The principal quickly continued, "They're in serious condition, but alive. Still under medical care. Your sister's waiting for you. You need to go home immediately."

Without delay, the school arranged for an officer to drive Nic home.

---

When they arrived, the officer gave Nic a quick word of encouragement. "Stay strong. Everything's going to be alright."

As he walked away, he muttered under his breath, "Poor boy…"

Nic entered the house to find his sister, Kiara, hastily packing. Her eyes were red from crying. Daniella was there too, calmly helping her organize things.

Kiara rushed over when she saw him. "Nic! What happened to you? Why are you all bandaged up?"

Nic raised a hand to calm her. "I'm okay, Sis. What matters now is Mom and Dad. How are they?"

Kiara exhaled slowly. "They're still unconscious, but the doctors say they're stable. We need to go out of town to see them."

Nic nodded and quickly got ready. As he reached for his phone, he realized it was still at camp. "Damn... left it behind," he mumbled, but there was no time to go back. He could only hope the school had informed the others.

---

After a long flight, the three of them—Nic, Kiara, and Daniella—arrived in a red district of the city. They checked into a nearby inn to rest briefly before heading to the hospital.

Once there, they headed straight to the patient room. The door creaked open, and to their relief, their parents were awake. Their mother smiled weakly, and their father looked visibly relieved to see them.

Nic stood at the doorway, eyes glistening.

"Thank God you're okay…"

Kiara ran in and hugged their mother tightly, sobbing. "Mom... Dad... We're here now."

Daniella gently rubbed her back, trying to comfort her.

Their mother spoke with a raspy voice, "Why did you go through all that trouble to come here? I'm sorry we made you worry…"

Their father added, "I'm sorry too. I've been so busy lately…"

Nic stepped closer. "It's okay. What matters is that you're alive."

His mother caressed his cheek with a loving look. "You look different, sweetie. Are you really okay?"

Nic gave her a small smile. "I'm healthy, Mom. Don't worry."

His father nodded approvingly. "My boy looks stronger now. Grown up."

Kiara added, "Yeah, Nic's really become independent."

Laughter filled the room, easing the tension.

Daniella handed them some freshly peeled apples. "Thank you, Daniella," their mother said. "You've helped Kiara and Nic so much."

Daniella smiled warmly. "They feel like family now. Of course I'll help."

---

Their tender moment was suddenly interrupted by the door opening. A man in a sharp suit and shiny leather shoes entered the room, his face stern.

"Sorry to interrupt," he said coldly. "I covered your medical expenses."

He leaned in and whispered, "You people are such a hassle." Then, without waiting for a reply, he walked out.

Nic's jaw clenched. "Who was that?" he asked his mother.

She avoided eye contact.

"He's... no one important. Just someone kind."

Nic could tell she was lying. He excused himself, saying he'd grab a drink.

---

Outside, Nic spotted the man speaking with his henchmen near a luxury car, its front clearly dented. "This piece of junk got ruined because of them. What a pain," the man complained.

Nic approached with a glare.

"So you're the one who hit my parents?"

The man turned slowly, eyes narrowing. "What did you say, kid? Looking for hush money?"

One of the henchmen snorted. "It was just an accident. They crossed the road without looking."

Nic clenched his fists. "Is that true?" he asked again.

Instead of answering, the man pulled out a pistol and pointed it at Nic's head. "So what if it is? What're you gonna do, die for it?"

Nic didn't flinch. His silence was louder than words. That look in his eyes? Pure vengeance.

He didn't act, not yet. Timing was everything. He turned and walked away.

"Wasting my time," the man muttered before driving off.

---

Outside the hospital, Nic spoke silently with his system. "I need my money card. Now."

"It is already in your pocket," the system replied.

Nic found the card and quickly withdrew a large amount of cash from the nearest ATM. Then he headed to a payphone to call his girlfriend.

---

Nia answered quickly. "Nic?! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Nic replied calmly. "But I need you to listen. I'm out of town—my parents were in an accident. I might be gone for a few days."

Nia exhaled deeply. "Thank you for letting me know. Just focus on your family. We'll be fine here."

Nic smiled faintly. "Thanks, Nia. Please tell the others too. Sorry for making you all worry."

After a brief call, Nic hung up. A small sense of relief warmed him—though the ache of missing home lingered.

---

Back at school, Nia gathered all of Nic's girlfriends and delivered the news. Everyone was concerned.

Vivi, normally cheerful, spoke softly. "Poor Nic. What a rough day…"

Then Lily muttered, "I'm just worried about one thing…"

Fanny raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Lily took a breath. "Well… he's out of town now, right? I bet he'll get a new girlfriend there!"

The room fell silent.

Leona finally shrugged. "I wouldn't be surprised… but it's okay."

Violet leaned back. "Yeah. He's probably feeling lonely too. Poor guy."

Jenny glanced around. "But… he won't forget about us, right?"

Just as things got dramatic, Sylvia arrived. She looked nervous. "Did Nic contact you guys?"

Nia nodded. "Yeah, he did. He's away for something important."

Sylvia looked relieved, then blurted out without realizing, "I… I think I like Nic. I don't know why, but he's just so… cool. Even if he's younger."

Yui's eyes widened. "You fell for him too?!"

Sylvia gave a small nod.

Raina patted her shoulder, smiling. "Don't worry, Sylvia. Me and Eliz are seniors too. We're all Nic's girlfriends here."

Sylvia blinked, stunned.

"W-what?!"

---

Meanwhile, on his way back to the hospital, Nic came across a young girl on the sidewalk desperately trying to sell concert tickets.

"Please, sir! Just one ticket… it's only a hundred thousand. I'm begging you…"

Feeling bad, Nic pulled out some cash and bought one. Her face lit up instantly.

"Thank you so much! Please come to the concert, okay?"

She skipped away joyfully.

Later, she ran into a rival idol who scoffed at her. "Still trying to sell those? I already sold out, loser."

Monica smiled faintly. "At least I sold one today…"

Her rival laughed mockingly and walked away. Monica just stood there, quietly gripping her unsold tickets as tears welled up.

---

Back at the hospital, Nic finally returned to his parents' room, trying hard to hide the storm of emotions raging inside.

To be continued...