Chapter 29

Inside The Jackal's headquarters, the atmosphere was getting tense. Members who were once friends now looked at each other with doubt. The news of Alice's betrayal had spread like wildfire through a dry forest. Many of them felt betrayed, and the urge to take action grew stronger.

Jhonny stood in the center of the meeting room, listening to the complaints and disappointments of his group members. Some of them expressed dissatisfaction and fear of Alice's presence. "She's a threat!" shouted one member in an accusatory tone. "We can't trust her! She could be giving information to Michael!"

Jhonny took a deep breath. He knew very well that the accusation was unfair. Alice had fought for The Jackal, and there was no way she could be a traitor. However, the pressure from the other members put him between two difficult choices. "We need to calm down," she said, trying to ease the tension. "Alice is innocent until there is evidence to suggest otherwise."

However, the skeptical voices grew louder. "The evidence is there, Jhonny! The letter clearly shows that he is involved with MFH. We must take action!" others exclaimed, and many of the members nodded in agreement. Jhonny felt his heart heavy. He didn't want Alice to leave, but he also couldn't let the group split.

Finally, amidst all the commotion, Jhonny knew that there was no easy way out. "If you all feel this way, maybe we should rethink having Alice here," he said, voice full of regret. "But remember, if we kick her out, we're also breaking the bonds we've built over the years."

He then turned around, looking at Alice who stood in the corner, her face full of despair. In his heart, Jhonny promised that he would not let Alice go without fighting for her. However, reality spoke otherwise. The other members' unrest could not be ignored. Finally, Jhonny relented.

"Alright," he said slowly, his voice almost inaudible. "If this is what you guys want, then we'll go."

Alice heard him and was shocked. "Jhonny, no! I don't want you to do this for me."

"But I can't let them be divided," Jhonny replied, his tone showing how hard this decision was. "You're important to them, Alice, and I know you're innocent. But I can't fight this either."

With slow steps, they both began to pack their belongings. Every second was hard. Jhonny tidied up his equipment, while Alice felt broken inside. She felt as if she had let everyone down, especially Jhonny who was always there for her.

As they prepared to leave, Jhonny looked at the remaining members of The Jackals. "Remember to stick together," he said sternly. "Whoever your next leader is, make sure you don't forget our original goal."

After that, the two of them left the base, heading for the simple airplane that Jhonny had assembled. The plane was not just a means of transportation, it was a symbol of freedom and new opportunities for them. As Jhonny started the engine, a vibrating sound filled the air.

Inside the cabin, the atmosphere was hollow. Alice felt a mixture of sadness and regret. "Jhonny, I'm so sorry. All of this happened because of me. I've brought trouble to this group," she said, tears welling up in her eyes.

Jhonny looked out the window, trying to contain his emotions. "We all make decisions, Alice. It's not just your fault. I'm involved in all of this too."

"Why would you do all this for me?" asked Alice, her voice trembling. "I'm nothing to you. Why don't you just let them make decisions without your interference?"

"Because I trust you," replied Jhonny, his tone full of conviction. "I know who you really are, and I don't want to let you go without fighting for you. Even though others may not see it, I know you won't betray us."

The plane began to take off, defying gravity and taking them away from the base that now felt like a prison. As the plane pulled away, Alice looked back, staring at the base that was her home. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Jhonny, I don't want you to feel like this is all your fault. I really feel broken," she said in a low voice.

Jhonny turned his head, their eyes meeting. "We'll find a way to fix this. Maybe this is a chance to start something new."

Alice looked at Jhonny, feeling the strength of his words. Despite the difficult situation they were in, hope began to grow within her. She promised herself to not only fight for herself, but also for Jhonny.

On that journey, they flew towards an uncertain horizon, but new hope ignited in their hearts. Alice knew that even though their future was unclear, as long as they were together, they would find a way to overcome any challenges.

After silence fell on the plane, Jhonny turned on the control panel and started checking the instruments. However, his mind drifted to Alice, to all the unspoken feelings. Finally, he decided to open his voice again, overcoming the silence that enveloped them.

"Alice," he said slowly, his voice softer than before. "I want you to know that this isn't just about The Jackal's decision. I... I care about you more than you think."

Alice turned her head, her eyes startled. "You mean?"

Jhonny sighed, trying to find the right words. "I'm in love with you, Alice. Ever since the first time I saw you at MFH. I know this might sound crazy, but I don't want you to suffer alone. That's one of the reasons I bought you from Michael. I don't want you to be in a place that could put you in danger again."

Tears welled up in Alice's eyes again. Jhonny's words warmed her heart, making her feel more precious than ever. "Jhonny, I... I don't know what to say."

Jhonny looked at her seriously, "I want you to know that I will always be there for you. I won't let anyone, including myself, hurt you again. This is our fight, and I will fight it together with you."

"So, all this..." Alice was moved. "You really did it for me?"

"Yes," Jhonny replied, smiling gently. "You're nothing to me, but you're everything. Even though this situation is difficult, I want us to face everything together."

Alice felt a warm feeling come over her heart. Jhonny, the person she had been leaning on, was now expressing his love. In an instant, all the doubts and fears that had been hanging over her mind began to disappear.

With slow steps, Alice reached for Jhonny's hand, grasping it tightly. "I feel the same way, Jhonny. Ever since we met, you've changed my life. I feel safe and valued with you."

They stared at each other, and in the silence, the world around them seemed to fade away. Slowly, Jhonny drew closer, and Alice felt the pounding of her heart. In that moment, all the pain and sorrow they had experienced seemed meaningless.

Jhonny decided to lean in, and before they knew it, their lips met in a tender, loving kiss. Alice felt her entire soul merge with Jhonny, erasing all the fears and doubts that had once plagued their minds.

When they finally separated, Jhonny smiled, his eyes shining with hope. "We'll get through this, Alice. Together."

Alice nodded, tears of joy running down her cheeks. "Yes, together."

With renewed vigor, they continued their journey, now not just as two individuals separated by grief, but as a couple ready to face the future, whatever it might bring. On their way to an uncertain horizon, they felt a bond that was stronger than ever-a bond of love that would be their strength against all the obstacles ahead.