In Seth’s previous life, the closest experience he had regarding romance was when he was in 4th grade. There was a transfer student in Seth’s school that treated him kindly unlike his other classmates. Seth would often find himself staring at his classmate and wishing they could talk more. But as expected, the ‘relationship’ between them was cut short because Seth’s classmate had to transfer schools again. The incident left a tiny scar on Seth’s heart, though he forgotten about it easily because Seth had been too preoccupied with his classmates’ bullying.
After that, Seth didn’t have the chance to feel anything romantic toward other people. He had seen too many beautiful people in his lifetime, but Seth could see beyond that. A pretty or a handsome face couldn’t move his heart so easily. Everyone could present themselves the way they wanted to, but one could not simply hide their true nature. Growing up, Seth saw an ample amount of people with dark and twisted hearts. What was the point of looking good if you’re rotten inside?
However, upon getting another chance to live his life, Seth met Gil. Meeting his classmate for the first time made Seth’s heart jump a bit. Getting to know Gil gave Seth something to look forward to—every day.
Yes, Gil was handsome as hell. He could give those popular actors a run for their money. But, what made Gil different from the rest was the way he truly was.
Gil might act and talk rudely, though his words were not cruel and insensitive. Gil liked to smoke, he was lazy, he didn’t want to exert effort in his studies—yeah, he was not perfect—he had many flaws just like anybody else. Others might think that Gil was a walking red flag, but for Seth, Gil was someone who was there when he had nobody else. Gil was the one who extended a helping hand when everybody was too busy mocking Seth. Gil believed in him when everyone was in doubt. Seth had so much respect for Gilbert Hugo.
So, what the hell happened for Seth to find himself holding hands with that same Gilbert Hugo on their way to his mom’s workplace?
The tension Seth felt when he thought Gil would kiss him and the acceptance after because he felt it was only natural to happen between them. What were those feelings? Seth and Gil were friends, right?
Was it okay for friends to kiss…on the lips? And they were both men! But, it didn’t feel wrong for Seth. He wanted it to happen.
Seth didn’t have any idea about romance. But being with Gil made him the happiest. Was there a name for what he was feeling? Yes, there was. It’s called…
The bus stopped. Seth and Gil got off without talking but their hands were still entwined. They walked toward their destination. The people they came across had the same look of shock on their faces upon seeing Seth and Gil held hands. Well, the relationship between the same sex was widely frowned upon during this time. The people here were not very accepting unlike the people in the future.
Seth heaved a deep sigh. Although people were looking at them with obvious disgust on their faces, Seth was not bothered by it. To hell with them! If Gil didn’t care what people might think about them, so was Seth. Ah, it was the first time Seth felt the feeling of liberation. For 33 years, he had been hiding every thought, every feeling, and every desire deep inside of him. But today, Seth felt like he was screaming without even opening his mouth. It was as if Seth was saying to the people to look at him because this was what he truly was. What a great feeling! It was as if he was finally free!
“Hey, why are you crying?”
If Gil didn’t ask Seth that question, he wouldn’t even be aware that he was crying. Shit. Why was he getting so emotional?
Seth wiped his tears away. “Don’t mind me. This is nothing.”
“How can it be nothing if you’re crying? Come on, tell me what’s bothering you.” Gil muttered to him.
Seth smiled. “Would you believe me if I say it’s because I’m happy?”
“What?” Gil looked confused.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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“Let’s go…” Maybe Gil sensed Seth’s panic.
The two ran amidst the crowd of people gathered in front of the building. When they managed to reach their destination, Seth immediately saw his mom being forced by a man to ride his car. The man was shouting angrily while his mom was crying and obviously upset. No one from the crowd of people stepped up to help his mom. They were watching like everything was just part of a movie scene.
Seth rushed over to his mom’s side and protected her from the abusive man.
Gil was also quick to take action. He approached the man as fast as he could and forcefully dragged the man away from Seth’s mom. Gil grabbed the man in an arm lock.
Seth was fuming mad. He looked at the man and realized it was his mom’s boss—VP Ned Swan.
“How dare you do this to my mom!” Seth shouted. His voice was shaking in anger.
VP Swan was trying to break free from Gil’s grip. But the latter choked him with just the right amount of force to stop the old man from saying something in return to Seth.
The guards came to them and threatened Gil that if he would not let go of VP Swan, he would be reprimanded. Gil just smiled and tightened his grip around the old man’s neck. VP Swan’s face was red, his arms were swinging like he was trying to hold something invisible.
Alas, police sirens could be heard in the vicinity. Gil didn’t let go of VP Swan until the police apprehended the old man.
Seth and his mom were escorted into another police car. Seth’s heart was beating so fast. He had never felt that scared before. Seth held his mom’s hand.
“I’m sorry, dear…” said his mom while crying. “I handed my resignation letter but that g-guy became upset. He threw things at me, threatened me, and waited for me outside the building to forcefully drag me to his car. I was so scared. Thank God, you and Gilbert were there. No one tried to help because he is somewhat an influential man. I was scared…I am still scared, Seth. I am sorry. I am sorry…”
Seth hugged his mom. His eyes were burning in rage.
*****
At the police station, a policewoman escorted Seth’s mom into a room. Seth asked the lady if he could accompany his mom inside the room. After a full minute of consideration and a promise the he wouldn’t interfere with the investigation, Seth was permitted to be with his mom. He was not allowed to speak, though.
The policewoman asked Seth’s mom multiple questions. Seth listened to everything with clenched fists and gritted teeth.
The harassment had been happening for years. It started the moment when his mom became Ned Swan’s secretary. At first the man would comment on his mom’s clothes, hair, and how Ned Swan couldn’t believe that she had already a son.
As years went by, the harassment escalated. Ned Swan would invite Seth’s mom every night to his house. The guy would also brag about his wealth and the fact that he could provide for everything Seth’s mom wanted in life. Ned Swan would touch Seth’s mom—her hands, shoulders, even her butt!
Seth’s mother wanted to resign the first time she experienced harassment from her boss. But she was too scared to report him or to actually quit her job. She needed to provide for Seth. Ned Swan threatened her that if she did quit, he would make sure that she will be blacklisted from other companies. Seth’s mom believed her boss because he had the power to back up his words. So, she put up with him for many years. She wanted to save money for Seth’s future.
However, when Seth persuaded her to pursue her dream of owning a restaurant, Seth’s mom realized that it was time to stop giving her harasser the power over her. So, Seth’s mom handed her resignation and told her boss to fuck off. That was when Ned Swan started to drag Seth’s mom into his car. He wanted to own her badly. He had been holding back for years. He wouldn’t let Seth’s mom free from his grasp. He would have her. Thus, he pulled that stunt without even thinking that they were in front of the company building. He was crazy like that.
While listening, Seth had the urge to storm out of the room and punched Ned Swan several times. He wanted to kill that bastard, honestly speaking. The obvious horror in his mom’s voice while recounting her experiences with the monster boss made Seth’s heart break into pieces. He didn’t know anything about his mother’s plight in his previous life. His mom died with so many burdens in her heart. Seth could only imagine the pain his mother went through alone.
The gods gave Seth another chance to relive his life for moments like these. He wouldn’t let his mom to be alone anymore. As what he would always say, he would protect his mom no matter what. First, Seth needed to make sure that the monster would be put behind bars.
“Officer, please take care of my mom…” muttered Seth in a serious tone. Then, he went out of the room.
Seth was thinking how he could hire an efficient lawyer. He could gather evidences on his own. He knew this could be a hard battle knowing that the monster was a very powerful man. But, Seth was determined to turn the tables around.
“No problem, officer. Just go to my office tomorrow and my staff will give you a tour. Hahahahaha. Of course! My villa is perfect for your wife’s birthday party. You can use it anytime.”
Seth stopped on his tracks when he heard Ned Swan’s happy voice talking to an officer. The bastard was talking without remorse—without any care in the world. It was as if he wasn’t even worried that he could be put behind bars. Seth’s face darkened. He found himself approaching Ned Swan and grabbed him by the collar.
“You monster!” Seth screamed. “My mom is suffering because of you, but you’re here talking happily like you didn’t do anything evil? What the fuck?!”
“Hey, young man. Get your hands off Mr. Swan!” said the officer.
“You’re still respecting this fucker?” Seth was fuming mad. “This man harassed my mom. He’s not even showing any remorse at all. He is talking happily while my mom was having a hard time. And you, officers, are indulging this monster. Talking to him like he didn’t do shit.”
“Watch your mouth, young man.” Ned Swan said to him. “My lawyer will be here. Your mom can cry all she wants but my lawyer will make sure to turn everything against your mom. He will make sure to paint your mother as the one who seduces me and as a conniving bitch who wants to have an affair with her boss for money. I can do that because I have power and money—”
Seth had heard enough. He swung his arm, about to punch Ned Swan in the face when someone stopped him mid punch.
“It’s okay, Seth…” said a familiar voice. Then an arm grabbed his waist and pulled him away from the monster. The voice murmured: “I’m here…”
Seth calmed down a bit. He turned and looked at the owner of the voice. His heart jumped when he saw Gil’s face. He was looking at Seth with so much gentleness.
“Gil…my mom…she’s—“
“I know. Don’t worry. I am here to help.” Gil answered.
“Where is your mom?”
Seth looked behind Gil. He saw Dr. Carl Hugo standing with a serious look on his face.
“Dr. Hugo?” Seth was momentarily confused upon seeing Gil’s uncle.
“I called uncle and told him that I needed a lawyer. When he learned about what happened to your mom, he insisted to come.” Gil gestured to the man standing beside Dr. Carl. “Atty. Benjamin Scoffer is here to help you mom with her case.”
A few gasps were heard in the police station after hearing the name of the lawyer. That was when Seth knew that the Hugos brought a famous and competent lawyer for his mom.
“Carl? What are you doing here?” It was the voice of Seth’s mom.
“Monica…” Dr. Carl Hugo walked toward Seth’s mom in hurried steps. Then he hugged Seth’s mom. She hugged him back.
Seth looked at Gil in surprise. What in the world was happening? Gil looked just as confused. When did his mom and Gil’s uncle become close enough to hug each other out in the open?
“I am here to represent my client.” The lawyer’s professional sounding voice made Seth’s mind return to the issue at hand.
Gil held his hand and squeezed it. Seth mouthed the word “thank you” to Gil.
Seth believed that his mom would get the justice she deserved. Seth looked at Ned Swan. The man didn’t look too happy. Seth smirked at him.
The monster would be put in his rightful place from then on.
*****
Uncle Carl to the Rescue
Corruption is a nemesis of society. It spreads silently like a sickness and poisons the whole system. What a maggot! I hope the police officer gets fired.
1
#NoCorruption
I really like Seth’s relationship with his mother, she’s very healthy. Is it me, or are we witnessing the birth of a couple?? Gil and Seth are so adorable ♡♡
Me gustan muchísimo Gil y Seth pero si, por ejemplo, el tío Carl y la madre de Seth se casaran ellos podrían estar juntos? Teniendo en cuenta que serían primos políticos
thank you for the chapter!
I really hope the mom is helped and that boss is arrested. Damn money grubbing cops🤬🤬🤬. Thanks for the chapter.