Forbidden Fruit Intense Taboo

The bright morning sun shone over Lehar City, illuminating every corner. The sky was nearly clear, with only a few white, cotton-like clouds drifting across the blue expanse. The roads, which had been empty just a short while ago, were now bustling with taxis, buses, and motorbikes. People rushed by, chasing time and hurrying toward their destinations.

If it was like any normal day in Ethan's life, he would've just had breakfast and run for the bus. But not anymore.

The only reason he takes the bus to school is because of his so-called mother—at least, that's what he thinks she is.

About half a year back, Ethan had a pretty bad accident while riding his motorbike. He had to lie in bed for over a month. Aria was terrified for him—what if it happened again? So she forbade him from touching his bike after that.

But now? Now things were a bit different.

"Why do I have to think about what she wants or not?"

Ethan muttered under his breath while walking toward the garage. It was shut after Rowan took the car for office. He looked at the side switch and clicked on it, but nothing happened.

"Looks like it's still not fixed," Ethan muttered, tilting his head.

Then he took a deep breath and bent down to grab the rusted handle. With a smooth, slow motion, he pulled the shutter open, revealing the inside. The noise of metal groaning resounded through the garage, filling the stillness inside. As he stood up again, a sudden dizziness hit him—but he blinked it away as he gazed at the sight in front.

Sunlight slipped in, casting thick golden rays across the concrete floor. Dust floated visibly in the beams, dancing in the stillness.

Tools hung in perfect alignment on a pegboard—sharp, clean, and unnervingly organized.