Artem "Unusual Love"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Artem is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

The story is set during the time the MC had just become Artem's partner. They have just won a legal aid case regarding injury compensation for a traffic accident. However, the guilty party in the accident, Gerald Duncan, claims that he does not have the funds for the compensation. But they think he's hiding his wealth and they need to find evidence. Gerald Duncan has a previous mistress, Lola Rhodes, who was an extravagant spender, and he claims that she has already changed her spending habits, which seems not believable. Thus, they plan to compel her to make him spend money by making her jealous. Celestine suggests for the MC to find a way to get close to Lola and Artem will pose as her husband who will spoil her with lavish expenditures. Celestine begins to instruct Artem and the MC on how to act like a couple, leading to some awkward and comedic interactions between the two.

The MC soon becomes acquainted with Lola Rhodes through a mutual interest in luxury goods. Carrying out their "operation" at the most upscale shopping center in Stellis, the MC leads Lola to luxury stores. Following the script, Artem extravagantly buys a lot of luxury items for the MC. Lola starts to feel jealous and later excuses herself to call Gerald Duncan. Meanwhile, the MC becomes worried about returning the items for refund. Artem tells her if that if they cannot return the items, then he will not hold her responsible, which confuses her. Their conversation is cut short when Lola returns from the call. Lola confides to the MC and the MC prods her that her boyfriend should not be negligent about her feelings.

Shortly after, Gerald Duncan takes Lola Rhodes out on a shopping spree. Artem and the MC are able to trace where Gerald Duncan is hiding his cash, and as such, the traffic accident victim will now soon receive compensation. Finally, the MC can return all the things Artem bought for her. However, Artem tells her that if there's anything she likes, she can keep it as compensation for her time. She declines. In the mall, the sales lady tries to change their mind. The MC hesitates for one specific pair of earrings which she particularly likes. She thinks that she does need some high-end jewelry for the business receptions she attends with Artem. Artem suddenly remarks that this pair of earrings won't get caught in her hair, reminding her of an earlier embarrassing incident during a reception not long ago. The MC eventually decides to return the earrings, but in her mind, she promises that she will come back for them with her own money. Meanwhile, the shoes and clothing salespeople kindly accepted the returns thinking that the MC is pregnant, which greatly embarrassed them both. As they conclude the trip, the MC, already embarrassed, decides to just take the subway. A few moments later, Celestine phones Artem and warns him that Lola Rhodes is threatening to get back at the two of them.

MC receives a call from Artem. Hearing his panicked voice, she shares her location to him as he asked. He tells her to pay attention to the surroundings. Suddenly, Lola Rhodes appears before MC. Artem arrives and tells Lola that the whole plan was his idea and the MC has got nothing to do with it. Lola throws a glass bottle containing sulfuric acid towards the two. Artem quickly and effectively shields the MC. His face gets cut by the broken glass and liquid drips down the side of his face. The MC cries, asking Artem if he's okay.

Police arrives and explains that the purchase of sulfuric acid requires appropriate documentation. Lola Rhodes didn't have any, which prompted the seller to alert the police. Instead of sulfuric acid, the seller sold a bottle of water to Lola instead. The MC continues to cry and Artem tries to console her. She can't stand thinking what could've happened if it was real sulfuric acid. Artem stays beside her, holding her hand, as eventually the shock of the incident wears off. Seeing the wound on his face, the MC decides to treat it. Sticking a cartoon patterned band-aid on his face, she asks Artem if she can continue treating it for the next few days.

Artem's wound heals in a few days. The MC hands him a long list of instructions to help him recover. She says sorry to Artem again, but he tells her that they are partners and there is no need for apologies. As she is about to leave his office, Artem hesitantly calls her out. He hands her a small box. It contains the earrings that she liked during that shopping excursion. He asks her to not refuse it and treat it as work-related compensation. It is his decision... and Celestine's. Later, the MC bumps into Celestine, and she thanks her for the gift, leaving Celestine confused. Celestine then goes to talk to Artem and teases him about the gift that she was not informed of. She thinks that the MC fussed too much over a small wound that MC might marry him to repay his kindness if ever he ends up getting a scar. Celestine then suggests that this might be a good opportunity for him.

Illustrations

Cartoon Band-aidThe cartoon band-aid clashes with Artem's clean looks, giving off a sense of mystery.

Video Call

Video Call		Artem: Unusual Love (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Artem: Sorry. I missed your call. You look terrible. What's wrong?

Artem: You had a nightmare that someone took revenge on me, so you called to check up on me?

Artem: ...Are you feeling insecure because of what happened that day?

Artem: Don't worry. I will be more prepared in the future. That way, you won't get in harm's way ever again.

Artem: I won't let anything happen to you, no matter what. Trust me.

Artem: Me? If I had to choose again, I'd probably make the same decision.

Artem: There are some things you can never get once you make a compromise.

Artem: I'd rather go and do what I want to do, instead of sitting around and waiting for a hero to swoop down and save me.

Artem: You want to do these things with me? Share the burden...with me?

Artem: How would that be overconfidence? You've been sharing the burden with me this whole time, and you're doing a great job.

Artem: Oh... And if you get any more nightmares, just call me.

Artem: It's no trouble. Besides, you already said that you wanted to share the burden with me, so I want to do the same for you.

Artem: Okay, then get some rest. Good night.

Story Locations

Artem's Residence

Themis Law Firm
Artem's Office

Central Business District

Shopping Mall

Themis Law Firm
Law Firm

Stellis

Story Characters

Artem Wing

Celestine Taylor

Darius Morgan

Lola Rhodes

Sales Lady