Joaquin stumbled back from the force of Emilio’s punch, tasting the metallic tang of blood at the corner of his mouth.His breathing was heavy, his heart hammering wildly in his chest, but he didn’t fight back. He took it—he deserved it.In Emilio’s eyes, he was the reason Serena was lying unconscious, fighting for her life."Governor, please!" one of the nurses rushed to intervene, but Emilio shook her off, his eyes burning with unspoken rage."I knew you would only bring trouble!" Emilio shouted, his voice cracking. "She started disobeying me because of you! And now look at her!"Joaquin lowered his head, guilt swallowing him whole.He wanted to scream that he would have done anything to protect Serena—that he loved her more than anything—but none of that mattered now.The only thing that mattered was Serena’s life.Andrew stepped in and pulled Emilio back. "Sir, please calm down. Let us help Serena first."Reluctantly, Emilio allowed himself to be guided away, though his furious gla

Joaquin froze at Serena’s question, shifting slightly in his seat."Who are you?" the young woman asked again.Joaquin gulped and tightened his grip on her hand."I-It’s me. Joaquin. Don’t you remember me?" he asked worriedly.Serena’s face remained blank, her eyes empty as she stared at him.In her gaze, she couldn’t recognize the man sitting in front of her.Meanwhile, Joaquin’s shoulders slowly began to sink, the weight of the moment pressing down on him.He was a doctor—he should have known something like this could happen to Serena."Y-You can’t remember me... right?" he asked sadly.Serena didn’t answer. She just kept looking at him, silent.A bitter smile tugged at Joaquin’s lips."It’s me... Joaquin Lopez. I’m your boyfriend, my love."Serena blinked several times, confusion flickering across her face.But before she could say anything, the door suddenly burst open."I knew this would happen! Didn’t Tito tell you you’re not allowed to be here?!" James Villareal snapped, marchin

Slowly, Joaquin opened his eyes.Darkness.That was the first thing that greeted him—nothing but darkness.He furrowed his brows and sharpened his senses.‘Where am I?’He tried to move, only to realize he was tied up.Who would do this to him?A few moments passed before he got his answer.His eyes narrowed when a sudden burst of light filled the room.The door opened, and he heard several footsteps approaching.Once his vision adjusted, he saw a group of men standing before him.He didn’t recognize any of them, except for the man standing in the middle, facing him."George Beckham."Joaquin’s face hardened as he struggled against his restraints."What do you want from me?"George smirked."What do you expect? You won Stage Two. I'm just here to congratulate you, Joaquin."Joaquin clenched his fists.He had almost forgotten about the Tiger Ranking after everything that happened to SerenaThe Blue Tiger Ranking Competition wasn't over yet—he still had to fight the final round.Stage T

After visiting the Suarez mansion, Joaquin went straight home.He was immediately greeted by a worried Jasmine.“Joaquin! Where have you been? I’ve been calling you for hours!” she exclaimed, rushing to his side.Joaquin, exhausted, collapsed onto the sofa.He leaned his back against it and closed his eyes, trying to collect himself.“I met George Beckham,” he said, voice low and tired.Jasmine froze mid-step.Slowly, she sat down across from him, her hands nervously gripping the edge of the cushion.“Y-You did? Why?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Joaquin took a deep breath.He opened his eyes again and met his sister’s worried gaze.“I don’t know what you ever saw in him, Jasmine. But I don’t want him anywhere near you,” he said, his voice hardening.Jasmine rolled her eyes in frustration.“You don’t have to worry about me. Whatever we had is long over. Is that the reason you met up with him? I thought you were supposed to be with Serena at the hospital?”Her voice made

Tears welled up in Joaquin’s eyes as he stood there, helpless and heartbroken.He watched Serena, who looked at him with both confusion and wariness.He couldn't blame her.After all, the people around her must have filled her head with lies while she was vulnerable.With a heavy heart, Joaquin turned away, clenching his fists tightly at his sides.He took one last look at her, memorizing her face — the face he loved more than anything else — and silently made a vow to himself."I’ll bring you back to me," he whispered under his breath, so softly that even Serena couldn’t hear him.When he stepped out of the room, Mikyla was waiting for him in the hallway, arms crossed and an unreadable expression on her face."How did it go?" she asked quietly.Joaquin shook his head, struggling to steady his voice."She doesn't remember me," he said hoarsely. "They already brainwashed her. She thinks she's engaged to James."Mikyla pressed her lips into a thin line, guilt flickering across her featu