Wife Asked For Open Marriage - I Refused & She Cheated On Me. I Caught Her & Got Revenge Audio Story

[Music] I remember the day I first stepped onto the University campus it felt like a big change from my smalltown life in Benton where the most exciting thing we did was attend church trips growing up in a religious home I had never been far from my rural community so the idea of going to a university filled with people from different backgrounds was both thrilling and scary my parents were proud but Nervous when I got an agricultural scholarship to Taft University they worried about me being exposed to new influences outside our close-knit rural community and honestly

I had the same concerns who was that Reena asked curiously we were sitting in a Cozy Cafe and I was still processing the unexpected encounter I met her intense gaze her dark hair falling against her tan skin and took a deep breath that was Jasmine I said softly Reena looked Confused at first then recognition dawned you're Jasmine she asked shocked she and I were together a long time ago I explained I haven't seen her in over 5 years I didn't expect to run into her like that I probably owe you the whole story I admitted

with a nod Reena signaled she was ready to listen before attending Taft the farthest I'd been from home was a week-long church trip to Mexico my world was small limited to other agricultural Families near our town and my upbringing was deeply rooted in religious values my parents were cautiously happy when I got the scholarship but I knew they worried about about the college environment at Taft I shared a dorm with Charlie a guy from Chicago at first I think he was disappointed to have a country boy as his roommate but we eventually became friends my

dorm mates stories of sexual escapades shocked me I'd only held hands and kissed my high School girlfriend their stories made me question whether people really did such things another surprise was that boys and girls lived in the same dorm just on different floors one day while visiting a girl from my English class I saw two girls leaving the show and only towels they caught me staring and playfully teased me by flashing their towels it left me embarrassed and flustered my innocence quickly became a source of amusement for my dorm mates by junior Year I was

still a maid though ID had a few experiences I was torn between my religious upbringing and The Temptations of college life it was during this time that I met Jasmine Charlie convinced me to go to a keg party while I was standing in the crowd a drunk guy bumped into me causing me to spill my beer on a girl past ing by the girl Jasmine looked annoyed and I tried to wipe the beer off her shoulder but when I hesitated before touching her chest she laughed and Introduced herself we spent the rest of the party

together Jasmine was a sophomore studying business living in an apartment her family owned she was attractive with blonde hair and a flirty smile that immediately caught my attention that night marked the start of something new for me at the end of the night Jasmine asked me to walk her home she lived in an apartment above a restaurant called papaya located near campus the building owned by her brother Also had a coffee shop bar pizza place and phone store on the lower level her apartment was on the top floor and as we climbed the stairs she

mentioned she didn't have a roommate which made me a little nervous once inside I hesitated at the door but Jasmine pulled me in we sat on the couch and after a bit of conversation I leaned in and kissed her she responded enthusiastically but then broke away saying she'd be right back when she returned she was unclothed Wearing only a strip she joked about washing her beer stained clothes but clearly had other things in mind things quickly escalated and despite my moral upbringing I gave in Temptation however in my excitement I finished before we even began

Jasmine didn't seem to mind and calmly cleaned up the mess afterward we had Zex and I lost my pureness as I lay there my mind raced wondering about the morality of my actions what this meant for us and whether it was just a One- night stand Jasmine however seemed content snuggling up to me when she went to the bathroom I began to leave but she insisted I stay so I did we started seeing each other regularly I spent most of my time at her place since I shared an apartment with three other guys the more

time we spent together the more I grew to care for her those X became a central part of our relationship we also went out to restaurants studied together and did normal couple activities one Evening I explained to my roommates that I I was seeing Jasmine and when Charlie found out who she was he cautioned me he warned that feelings and Z could get mixed up especially with a first serious girlfriend but I didn't think much of it at the time eventually I met Jasmine's brother Claude at papaya he was a big intimidating guy quite different

from Jasmine physically he was friendly but had a rough Edge and his associate Armen didn't seem trustworthy later Jasmine Told me her brother had some legal issues and was very protective of her despite that I appreciated that he looked out for her as our relationship deepened I realized Jasmine and I came from very different worlds I had strong morals shaped by my disciplined upbringing while she had a more chaotic background with no steady Father Figure despite these differences we got along well although sometimes her anger would flare up in unsettling ways such as Road Rage

or arguments these moments bothered me but they passed quickly by summer I interned with the University's agricultural Department while jazz stayed at her apartment and worked at papaya I often visited her at the bar observing the rough crowd that frequented the place though Claude was always friendly to me something about him and his associate Armen made me uncomfortable I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't seeing the full Picture with Jasmine's family what bothered me was how some of the customers acted around Jasmine putting an arm around her patting her or hugging too closely it

felt too familiar for someone in a relationship when I brought it up she Shrugged it off saying that's just how it is working in a bar her casual attitude about something I considered sacred her physical space was concerning and I knew we'd have to talk about it eventually another issue was Missing the study abroad deadline I had been so wrapped up in my relationship with Jasmine that I lost focus on applying I tried to rationalize it as a necessary sacrifice for a relationship but I regretted not pursuing the opportunity as my senior year began Jasmine

and I were still comtable together but I noticed she wasn't taking her studies seriously Meanwhile my senior year was packed with classes and research Jasmine had met my family on a Summer trip and the contrast between her flashy style and my family's simple practical lifestyle was Stark my family welcomed her and though our backgrounds were different I think Jasmine appreciated some of the Simplicity of Farm Life despite this I felt like I was trying to save her from her more spontaneous lifestyle while she was opening me up to a more exciting world our Z life

continued to thrive often serving as a way to resolve Disagreements without addressing the underlying issues it was exciting but ultimately left problems unresolved during winter break I went home and my father had a heart-to-heart with me he gently reminded me of our family's values hinting that if I was serious enough to be physical engaged with Jasmine I should consider marriage his words stuck with me and I began thinking about my future with Jasmine as the winter term started I was Offered a post-graduate research position at the University which would keep me rooted there I began

to realize how much Jasmine meant to me and I decided I wanted to marry her despite our differences I believed we could overcome them together a few weeks later over dinner I proposed to Jasmine she seemed surprised but accepted albeit with a casual sure why not her reaction wasn't as emotional as I had expected but I was happy she said yes in the Months leading up to the wedding we dealt with blending our very different family my humble religious family contrasted sharply with her more free-spirited party loving relatives the wedding ceremony took place in a

church but the reception was held at papaya symbolizing The Clash of Our Two Worlds despite this everything went smoothly at the reception Jasmine's brother Claude offered his congratulations but added a Veiled warning to take care of her hinting at his protective almost threatening nature though I appreciated his care for her I still felt uneasy around him at first married life wasn't much different from before we still lived in Jasmine's apartment above papaya and I focused on saving for a house I expected things to feel different after the wedding but they didn't at least for a

while I pushed Jasmine to reenroll in school though she Wasn't excited about it I also tried to introduce small changes like studying more drinking less and even going to church initially she went along with it jokingly calling me dad but eventually these reminders felt more like nagging I also started resenting her time spent at papaya both working and hanging out the bar had a wild atmosphere and I was uncomfortable with how some customers acted too familiar with her it became a growing point of tension between us Around the same time my job was going well

my research on hybrid crops was progressing but I needed to spend more time at a college Farm about 3 hours away I told Jasmine I'd be gone for a few days every other week and invited her to join me when she could she wasn't enthusiastic and during my first trip I threw myself into work hardly noticing the lack of comfort at The Farmhouse when I returned excited to share my progress I found Jasmine at papaya Talking to Dennis one of the bartenders I asked her to come with me on my next trip to the farm

and though she reluctantly agreed the visit turned out to be a disaster she quickly got bored and I snapped at her leading to tension between us on the drive home I apologized and we seemed to smooth things over but it felt like our connection was slipping the next time I went to the farm I tried to stay in touch but Jasmine didn't answer my calls When I finally reached her she sounded hung over which frustrated me by the time I got home things were tense and neither of us could shake the bad mood I tried

to fix things bringing her gifts and being more attentive but something still felt off one day I realized Jasmine seemed bored with our marriage I thought about it during my next trip to the farm and came up with a plan a second honeymoon in Cancun to rekindle our relationship excited to surprise her I returned home early when I couldn't find Jasmine in the apartment I went to papaya where I spotted her sitting on another man's lap arms around his neck laughing the sight Hit me hard I walked up behind Jasmine while she sat on Jerome's

lap Jerome the tattooed guy looked at me and said help you I didn't respond when Jasmine turned around her smile disappeared she jumped up and stammered Owen I I thought you wouldn't be home until later obviously I said Turning to leave Owen wait please she called after me this is just my friend Jerome I kept walking but she caught up and grabbed my arm I yanked it away causing her to stumble at that moment her brother Claude appeared and grabbed me by the arms what's going on Claude asked angrily it's none of your business I

replied trying to free myself but his grip was tight it looked like you knocked my sister down he said which Makes it my business Jasmine quickly intervened saying it's okay Claude Owen didn't mean it Claude released me patted my back with a forc smile and said just making sure my sister was okay Jasmine urged me to go upstairs as we climbed the stairs my mind raced with thoughts of her laughing on Jerome's lap and the threat I felt from Claude our conversation about the incident went nowhere she insisted Jerome was just a friend while I

felt her behavior was Inappropriate for a married woman for weeks things were tense between us and for the first time I questioned whether our marriage had been a mistake despite this Jasmine seemed to be trying harder she was more affectionate and showed more interest in my life but I sensed it wasn't entirely genuine meanwhile Jerome was always around smoking in the alley near papaya his smirk every time I passed made me uncomfortable and I began to dread my work trips to the farm Worried about what might be happening while I was away one Friday I

came home and found the windows open in our apartment even though it was cold outside I brushed it off but later while putting my bag under the bed I found a stub of a thin black cigar just like the ones Jerome smoked I realized he had likely been in our apartment while I was gone that night at dinner I casually asked Jasmine why the windows had been open she tensed up and Stammered that she had been hot her nervous response made it clear she was hiding something while I stayed calm I knew I needed to

take action the next day I contacted a private investigator named Paul gamble we met and I explained the situation he suggested placing wireless cameras in the apartment while I was away after coordinating Jasmine's schedule we planned to install the cameras when she wouldn't be home that Thursday Paul and I set up the cameras One in the main room one in the bathroom and one in the bedroom Paul assured me they would only activate when there was movement and that he'd start recording the next time I went to the farm as I prepared to leave again

I tried to act normal around Jasmine but the weight of my suspicions grew heavier I couldn't stop thinking about Jerome and the likelihood that something was happening behind my back I knew the cameras would reveal the truth but the thought of what They might capture filled me with Dread the following Wednesday I left for Blackstock full of anxiety praying Paul's cameras wouldn't reveal anything and hoping my marriage could survive I fantasized about a fresh start with Jasmine maybe moving to a new house and raising a family but the memory of the cigar butt kept bringing

me back to reality my calls with Jasmine were short and I fought the urge to contact Paul for updates on Friday I finally reached Out but only got his voicemail later I received a text out of town until Sunday let's meet Monday I felt both relieved and anxious postponing any bad news for a few more days that weekend was tense I was distracted and distant which Jasmine noticed she asked if I was okay and I brushed it off claiming everything was fine but I knew I couldn't keep up the ACT much longer on Monday I

met Paul at the coffee shop his expression gave nothing away but he pushed a folder Across the table toward me Owen it's not good he said there are photos and videos but this will tell you enough I opened the folder with Trembling Hands the photos show Jasmine and Jerome in closeness compromising positions in our apartment evidence of her infidelity I was stunned overcome with a mix of anger sadness and self-loathing Paul noticing my reaction calmly advised don't do anything rash you need to think about your next steps carefully he was right Violence wasn't the answer

I thanked him and asked for a lawyer recommendation he handed handed me a note with John scalia's name and number I realized I couldn't stay with Jasmine even if I forgave her I'd never trust her again divorce was the only option I left the coffee shop determined to move on later I visited the university to explore a research Exchange program abroad I told my supervisor Tim Kerwin that I wanted to leave the area as soon as possible he Hesitated but offered me a spot at a rural research Post in Indonesia which I immediately accepted after

returning home I contacted the lawyer John Scalia and scheduled a meeting I provided him with the evidence of Jasmine's Affair and he explained how the divorce process would work we discussed dividing our minimal assets and I told him I wanted the divorce paper served the next day while I'd be away at the farm avoiding Confrontation with Jasmine I spent the following day preparing for my new life I met with Tim to finalize the overseas assignment and learned I'd first fly to Los Angeles then Jakarta and finally to a rural Village near be Tim gave me

the details including necessary vaccinations and I prepared for the next chapter in my life ready to leave the mess of my marriage behind suddenly everything was in motion I had one last night in the apartment with Jasmine but I wanted to avoid confrontation my plan was simple leave early in the morning like I was heading to the farm I get my vaccinations swing by the apartment to grab my things and head to Benton my flight to Indonesia was Saturday and I'd stay at an airport motel Friday Night by Saturday morning my new life would begin

at the clinic I got several shots a bunch of pills and pamphlets on tropical diseases I returned to the apartment parked away From the building to avoid running into Claude or Jasmine and quickly packed the rest of my things my phone kept buzzing with calls and texts from Jasmine it hit me that she had been served the divorce papers I hadn't told the lawyer to delay serving her and now I had to leave fast as I headed down the alley toward my car Claude appeared blocking my path he confronted me about Jasmine accusing me of

avoiding her calls I tried to brush him off but he shoved me and demanded I Stay to talk it out when I tried to slip past him he knocked me down and in his rage started striking me I managed to shout for help and two passers by intervened causing Claude to leave shaken and bruised I got help from the bystanders to reach my car after driving out of the city relief and fear hit me all at once I had escaped but I knew I couldn't stay around any longer I needed to start over a few

days later later I was at the airport ready for my flight To Indonesia my lawyer had emailed me confirming Jasmine had been served and there was no contact from her yet as I boarded the plane I felt a sense of closure for the first time in months I wasn't thinking about Jasmine arriving in Indonesia I was welcomed by the offendy family who grew coffee and cocoa my living quarters were simple and the work was hard but I found satisfaction in the routine one evening I watched the offendy brothers practice iing celot a Martial art curious

I asked them to teach me though hesitant at first they agreed warning it would be painful the training was tough but I was determined to learn how to defend myself as I settled into my new life I also formed a bond with a farmer named baky and his family his daughter Reena a nurse in her 20s caught my attention though her family kept a close watch I found myself drawn to her warmth and kindness and I began to appreciate the possibility of a Future beyond the pain of my past one Friday evening Baki and I

were having some local beer when I worked up the nerve to ask Baki would it be okay if I took Reena out for dinner sometime just the two of us he sighed and looked into the distance for a while before replying I like you Owen but I have to protect my family then he shared the tragic story of how reena's mother and father were eliminated by rebels almost 10 years ago It explained the pain in his eyes and why he was so protective I would never hurt Reena I assured him he studied me for a

moment before clasping my arm I believe you a few weeks later Reena and I were officially dating going out without chaperon one night bakti and I sat drinking again and I asked what happened to the rebels he explained that revenge or Mimis dendam was part of their culture they waited found the rebels and Punish them this shocked me as it clashed with my upbringing still I understood bakti actions and didn't blame him suddenly bakti changed the subject and asked when are you going to marry my niece he laughed but it was something I had been

thinking about I had been with Reena for 6 months and I knew I wanted to marry her my first marriage had taught me the difference between lust and love and with Reena I knew it was real around the same time I Received an email from my lawyer John Scalia informing me that my divorce from Jasmine was Final with that chapter officially closed I felt free to move forward with my life physically I had changed too I was Stronger and more confident thanks to my workouts with the offendy brothers who had taught me cot I also

took my time with Reena wanting to respect her family and our relationship although we hadn't been physical engaged yet the attraction Between us was undeniable when I thought about marriage I knew I wanted my family to meet Reena so we planned a trip to the US during our visit Reena won over my parents with her warmth and sincerity we also visited my old University and my adviser Tim suggested I pursue a master's degree while continuing my research before we flew back to Indonesia Reena and I spent the night alone for the first time at an

airport Hotel she was nervous but after a heartfelt conversation we became physical engaged and afterward she surprised me by saying yes I will marry you I was thrilled and realized I had been waiting for this moment for a long time back in Indonesia I formally asked bakti for permission to marry Reena and he along with the rest of her family was overjoyed my family was happy too although they were nervous about traveling to Indonesia for the wedding I Left most of the wedding planning to Reena and her family while I focused on my work in

starting my master's degree in Agricultural Science During the pre-wedding period I spent more time with reena's younger sister Nephi at 16 she resembled a younger Reena but was more sheltered due to the family's traumatic past despite her innocence she was smart and kind-hearted and I enjoyed her company one day Nephi nervously asked are you And Reena moving to America I reassured her saying no matter where we live there will always be a place for you her worried expression softened and she smiled relieved by my answer Nephi's innocence made me protective knowing Reena and I would

need to help guide her when the wedding day came my family including my parents traveled to Indonesia the ceremony was simple but joyful and I was glad my family had the chance to bond with renas at one point My Dad pulled me aside told me you picked the right one this time his words meant a lot given how my first marriage ended after the wedding life settled into a new routine Reena and I lived in a small house on bak's property it was simple but we were close to her family and I continued my work

in studies we also spent time with Nephi whose sweetness always brightened our days as the months passed I realized I'd been in Indonesia for nearly 4 years one day I Received an email from Tim Kerwin at Taft University about a professorship opening I had completed my masters and Tim encouraged me to apply I discussed it with Reena who was excited but also hesitant about leaving her family after talking with bakti who encouraged her to embrace the opportunity we decided to make the move to America soon after I was offered the job and had four weeks

to wrap up our life in Indonesia saying goodbye to bakti VI call and especially Nephi was difficult the night before we left Nephi reminded me of my promise that she would always have a place with us and I reassured her that she would visit us in America with the money I had saved over my years in Indonesia Reena and I were able to buy a house near Taft University Reena also found work at the campus Health Clinic though she needed a few more classes to become a registered nurse we settled into life in the US

quickly but Reena missed her family Deeply especially in those early months one Saturday evening while we were out at a restaurant I suddenly heard a familiar voice behind me it was Jasmine my ex-wife she greeted me with fake friendliness commenting on how I looked and turning her attention to Reena with rude racist remarks Reena always gracious introduced herself but Jasmine ignored her and continued her taunts the restaurant manager finally stepped in and escorted Jasmine out afterward Reena Sat in shock trying to reconcile what she knew of me with my past I explained that Jasmine and

I had a messy history and that's why I hadn't talked about her much I hope we never see her again I said and Reena nodded in understanding though still shaken by the encounter Jasmine's long bottled anger over Owen leaving her years ago finally exploded she didn't care what the lawyers said he was still her husband seeing him with that Chinese chick in her Town had Humiliated her and she was Furious determined to get revenge she went to papaya to talk to Claude hoping he could help Claude was at his usual table with Armen and some

regulars Jasmine marched up and told him what had happened at the restaurant with Owen and the woman and there he was acting like he was better than me with that girl she finished angrily Claude drummed his fingers thinking honestly he felt she was better off without Owen so who was the girl he Asked I don't know I only saw them for a minute Jasmine nearly yelled calm down tell me what she looked like Claude said Jasmine described the woman as best as she could remember I think her name was Rita or something like that Claude

called over Dennis the bartender and asked him to keep an eye out for Owen around campus a few days later Claude found out Owen was now a professor at the college and married to a woman named Reena who worked as a nurse Claude Thought about it and smiled remembering how he had knocking Owen before maybe it was time for another round and if the wife was as attractive as he heard maybe he could have some fun too later that week I came home to find Reena upset she had spoken with Nephi who was heartbroken about

being apart from her Nephi now 19 and finished with school missed her sister terribly Reena was concerned about nei's innocence and wondered if she'd be okay in the US I Reassured her saying we'd take care of Nephi and look into getting her enrolled at Taft we began planning for her arrival one Wednesday Reena rode her bike to work and when I got home later I found her sitting at the kitchen table visibly shaken she explained that a man in a black vehicle had blocked her path asked her intrusive questions and wouldn't let her pass what

scared her most was that he called her by name even though she Hadn't told him I immediately realized it was Claude later Claude bragged to Jasmine about scaring Reena Jasmin unimpressed urged him to do more to knock Owen up again but this time with her there to watch Claude agreed smiling and began planning that Saturday Reena and I went to the park to play tennis partway through our game I noticed Jasmine and Claude entering our court they claimed they were just watching but their presence made Reena nervous Especially when she recognized Claude as the man

who had maltreated at her on her bike Claude soon suggested playing doubles and though I hesitated I agreed to stand up to him as we started playing I noticed Claude standing too close to Reena his arm around her under the pretense of giving a tennis lesson enraged I told him to back off but as I approached Claude turned and threw a punch my seot training helped me Dodge the worst of it but the blow still Knocked me down I sat on the ground stunned while Claude loomed over me with a smug vicious smile claude's punch

took me back to the knocking in the alley years ago I had promised myself that no one would ever punch me like that again especially not in front of my wife I scrambled to my feet quickly surprising Claude he didn't have time to continue the attack like last time you ready to get your bum kicked again he taunted things had changed since our last fight I had gained 30 lbs of muscle and I knew how to fight thanks to vical and the offendy Claude on the other hand had put on weight in his gut I

raised my hands in a defense stance ready want to try again a-hole I said Claude rushed at me relying on brute strength I quickly pushed him back causing him to stumble his smirk fading surprised punk I taunted he wasn't facing the same guy from years ago as he came closer I bent low and delivered a solid sidekick Making him winse in pain Owen stop Reena pleaded distracting me Claude used the moment to Lunge at me I quickly closed in and struck him with an elbow to the Head knocking him to his knees I paused knowing

he was done okay Claude we're even letun forget this I said screw you we're just starting he snarled struggling for breath I turned to leave with Reena but she warned me Claude was coming at me again I grabbed his wrist Twisted it and threw him to the ground a Few strikes later it was clear he was finished before leaving I kicked him in the face for good measure then shot Jasmine a smirk we walked past a stunned Jasmine her image of me completely changed in the follow following weeks we saw no sign of Claude or

Jasmine life returned to normal but Reena was more cautious rarely riding her bike to school we focused on preparing for nei's arrival she was excited to start her new life in America and while bakti was Happy for her there was a hint of sadness in his words when we picked up Nephi at the airport she was emotional excited but overwhelmed she was quiet during the ride home soaking in the new environment when Reena showed her the guest room we had prepared nefi burst into tears asking is this really mine Reena smiled and nodded over the

next week we showed Nephi around getting her settled before she started summer classes nefi adapted well but we had to Break her of her new obsession with American daytime TV one concern lingered Nephi was beautiful innocent and trusting making her vulnerable I warned Reena that she needed to talk to her sister about the average American male soon after nefi mentioned a guy named Brandon who invited her to a concert she was excited but I was worried when she went out with him I couldn't sleep and then in the middle of the night Reena got a

call we picked up Nafi from a mini Mart clearly upset but Reena asked me not to press her with questions the next day Reena talked to her privately and later told me what happened the date started fine but after the concert Brandon pressured Nephi for non-classic Zex and later tried again for a hand job Nephi refused both times and called Reena to pick her up it was exactly what I had feared innocent Nei encountering the wrong kind of guy what are we going to do I asked Reena nothing this is part Of life for women

men want our bodies and we have to be careful who we give it to she explained does that mean I hesitated you went through this before me that's not your business she said smiling but from now on my body is only for you she pressed against me her words reassuring yet leaving me with lingering thoughts I wasn't complete satisfied with reena's answer but I decided not to push the subject the rest of the summer was calm Nephi didn't seem affected by Her date with Brandon and we never heard from him again we spent time showing

Nephi around and we even took a trip to Benton where she got reacquainted with my family Nephi seemed to enjoy America and everything felt fine as we prepared for the fall term Claude was still Furious he couldn't believe I'd striken him and he wanted Revenge he just wasn't sure how or when Jasmine kept complaining about how I had left after her conveniently ignoring her own Infidelity Claude knew he needed to find a way to get back at me but he didn't want to get caught and end up in jail again he decided to get some

of his sources to keep an eye on things fall term started and I had a full load of classes Reena had become a registered nurse and was working full-time at the campus Clinic she had her driver's license and we bought her a used car nefi was also taking a full course load we occasionally saw her on campus but There was no further mention of Brandon Reena told me that she and Nephi had discussed dating and that Nephi was young and would have her own experiences I agreed but still worried as Nephi had led a sheltered

life the focus of our conversations was mostly on school and classes Nephi didn't mention any dates or boyfriends though one day I spotted her at the coffee shop with a couple of people but I couldn't tell who they were a week later Reena set the table for two And I asked isn't nefi eating with us tonight she called Reena said she's out with friends and getting dinner and town is this a date I asked ohen she's just making friends Reena said with a smile at some point shek have a boyfriend and it'll be fine I

knew she was right but I still worried Nephi was so innocent and I didn't want her to get hurt over the next few weeks nefi spent more time with her new friends and Reena reassured me that they were good people then Reena Mentioned that Nephi had a dinner date with one of the guys from her group an older student when the guy came to pick Nephi up I was surprised to see it was Dennis Libby the bartender from papaya alarm Bells went off in my head someone connected to Claude and Jasmine was now dating Nephi

nice to see you Owen Dennis said shaking my hand I knew I needed to talk to him privately but didn't want to embarrass Nephi while she was finishing getting Ready I asked Dennis to see the garden once outside I told him I was concerned about his connection to Claude and Jasmine Dennis assured me that he had little contact with them anymore mostly working in the coffee shop not the bar I felt somewhat reassured but still warned him to be careful with Nephi he promised he would as time went on Nephi and Dennis spent more time

together they didn't sleep over at each other's places but Nephi occasionally got home late Things seemed to be going well and I relaxed a little thinking that maybe I didn't need to worry about Dennis after all meanwhile Claude was plotting one day a papaya employee excitedly told him that he had seen Reena at the coffee shop with Dennis Claude became suspicious and asked Armen to put someone iable on Dennis to keep an eye on him as fall progressed napy and Dennis grew closer we often ate meals together and things seemed normal life Had returned to

routine and I was starting to believe we were done with Claude and Jasmine for good but Claude wasn't done after some surveillance Armen reported that Dennis was dating Nephi not Reena Claude saw this as his opening to get to me through Nephi he began planning one afternoon Nephi told Reena she would meet Dennis for dinner after her classes she planned to study at the library then meet him at the coffee shop When he finished work little did we know Claude was watching and waiting as nefi walked she reflected on how happy she was with her

new life in America attending college having a great relationship with Dennis living with her sister and being surrounded by friendly people you got the stuff Claude asked Armen Armen working behind the bar nodded he glanced at the small white bowl filled with crushed tablets ruies he knew just how much to use new enough To make the sufferer groggy but not fully unconscious he'd done this before just then claude's phone rang after listening he hung up is she coming Jasmine whispered from her spot at the bar she was told to head upstairs to avoid raising Dennis's

suspicions yeah Claude replied now get lost Jasmine followed orders and went up the back stairs to claude's office nefi arrived at the coffee shop where a large American man held the door open for her Thank you she said with a smile as they entered Dennis was behind the counter closing for the night hey Dennis the large man called out engaging him in friendly conversation let me buy you a drink Dennis hesitated looking at Nephi who nodded finding the man friendly they followed Claude to the bar behind the coffee shop letun sit at the bar Claude

suggested clapping Dennis on the back Claude ordered three ipas uring the Bitter taste would mask the pills flavor they all toasted and drank if I noticed the beer was Stronger than she was used to soon nefi began slurring her words and Dennis looked confused and alarmed within minutes nefi was slumping in her seat Claude decided it was time to get them out of sight need the bathroom he quietly asked Nephi who nodded weakly with armen's help Claude LED them upstairs to his office where both Nephi and Dennis were barely conscious as they Placed the two

on the bed Jasmine reappeared I'll look after Dennis she said make sure to keep an eye on her meanwhile at home I arrived to to find Reena in the kitchen is Nephi joining us tonight I asked no she's out with Dennis Reena replied later that night Reena grew concerned when nefi didn't answer her calls I haven't heard from her or Dennis Reena said worry creeping into her voice around midnight still no word from Nephi I suggested we wait another Hour before I'd go check Dennis's apartment but no one answered when I knocked and his place

looked empty I searched the town for Dennis's car but found nothing by 2: a.m. I was parked outside Dennis's apartment waiting by 5:00 a.m. I was heading home when I spotted a figure slumped on the curb near our house as I got closer I realized it was Nephi undressed dirty and disheveled she was breathing but clearly traumatized Nephi I shook her Gently she screamed and flailed terrified before recognizing me I wrapped her in my coat and she broke down in tears I quickly called Rea and we brought her home Nephi still in shock insisted on

taking a shower Reena tried to come comt her but Nephi kept repeating I don't know Raina stayed with Nephi who was inconsolable while I waited in the kitchen when Raina came out she said she's too upset to talk but it seems like she was pilled tears Streamed down her face as I hugged her suddenly a thought hit me where's Dennis I got back in the car and drove to Dennis's apartment it looked just as it had earlier empty and quiet I called Dennis and after a few rings he finally answered with a raspy voice where

are you you I demanded anger boiling inside me there was a long pause I'm not sure who is this it's Owen I shouted where's Nephi what happened last night Dennis sounded confused and disoriented but we Arranged to meet at his apartment when he arrived he looked terrible dazed like Nephi had been but at least he was dressed I had little sympathy for him he had put Nephi in danger and I needed answers Dennis explained that after meeting nefy Claude showed up and invited them for a drink at papaya the next thing he remembered was waking

up in a parking garage he had no idea what happened after they drank with Claude sitting there in his dark apartment I Realized Claude had lured them both to papaya likely pilled them and something terrible had happened to Nephi my anger at Dennis shifted toward Claude and Jasmine Dennis asked if he could see Nephi but I firmly said no and left when I got home Reena told me that Nephi had a similar story to Dennis's Raina suspected they had been pilled describing symptoms consistent with a data attack pill my heart sank as I asked the

question I dreaded does Nephi Think anything sexual happened Reena with tears streaming down her face told me Nephi couldn't remember but had mild bruising that indicated something had happened she added that nefi needed to go to the hospital for tests and the morning after pill the police would likely be involved after that I felt overwhelming guilt I had promised to protect Nephi and now this had happened on my watch after Raina and nephie went to the hospital I stayed home waiting Anxiously the police took ney's statement but without DNA evidence or solid Memories the investigation

was limited later I overheard Raina speaking with her family in Indonesia she told me that bakti and vial were coming to support Nephi and that they planned to take her home that hit me hard my emotions boiled over and without saying anything to Rea I grabbed my keys and drove to papaya I entered the bar determined to confront Claude I found Him sitting with Armen at their usual Booth I demanded to know what they had done to Nephi Claude played dumb smiling as he mocked me my anger intensified and I grabbed a beer bottle ready

to attack but Armen casually revealed a pistol hidden under a newspaper freezing me in my tracks Claude calmly told me it was time to leave and as I walked away he called out with a sneer tell nephie hello from us she sure is fun I left filled with rage when I got home I found Nephi resting and Raina quiet watching over her later Raina told me that bakti and viol would be arriving soon and I worried about what they would think if they'd see me as a failure for not protecting Nephi nephie was recovering slowly

but surely we'd kept Dennis away for now though he kept calling it was bakti and VI's first time in America so for a few days we played the role of tourists showing them around like it was just a normal visit but on the third Night bakti asked me to take a walk I knew this conversation was coming and in a way I welcomed it Owen he began softly why aren't these men in jail I tried to explain the justice system evidence innocent until proven guilty but even I struggled to make sense of it bakti listened

in silence head down hands clasped behind his back taking it all in so the police can't help he asked I shook my head after a long pause he said these men must pay I nodded in agreement We walked quietly until bakti finally spoke again do you believe Dennis will help us I do I replied good have Dennis come tomorrow I have a plan he said confidently what's the plan I asked feeling a mix of curiosity and unease you remember how we tricked the rebels lured them back to punto promising more young girls but only men

were waiting for them we handled the problem he explained his voice steady as we reached The house he clasped my shoulder and said in his language mimal is dind Revenge the next day Reena and Nephi left to shop giving us time to plot Baki laid out the plan a trap for Claude and his crew it seemed risky but Baki was confident Dennis's involvement was key and he was eager to make things right after what had happened nefi vial and I leave in 3 days we'll wait for everything to unfold bakti said Dennis went to papaya

playing the role baky had Coached him on he approached Claude pretending everything was was normal Claude was cautious at first but warmed up when Dennis mentioned Nephi I've been with Nephi She's been begging for more Dennis said forcing a smile claud's interest was peaked he even hinted at wanting to see Nephi again Dennis kept his cool sticking to the script later Dennis reported back to us Claude bought it he's interested in Nephi and thinks she wants to see him again with that we Moved to the next phase sending texts from Nephi Reena and viol helped

craft the messages and we used pictures of Nephi and Reena to keep Claude hooked the fake flirtation worked stoking claude's ego in desire eventually we sent a message telling Claude that Nephi's Uncle would be away and inviting him to visit Claude was tempted imagining a trip similar to one he had taken to Thailand but this time with an amateur like Nephi he asked if he could Bring friends and we played along sending more pictures of supposed friends actually paid photos of women from Jakarta the Trap was set Reena handled our trap arrangements and soon we

were on a plane to Indonesia The Familiar sights and sounds of Bima brought back memories but I couldn't afford Nostalgia now we had a mission Revenge we stayed with the fuzes and the reunion was bittersweet nefi was staying with the ofendes for now as I hugged her Goodbye I whispered I'm sorry tears filled her eyes I just don't want to be afraid anymore she said breaking my heart but that sorrow quickly reignited my anger I'll take care of her eka the older offendy brother promised as he drove her away the messages between Nephi and Claude

continued with Reena and vial carefully crafting them to keep Claude hooked the morning of their arrival we transformed the fuzzy house into a trap Reena Pretending to be Nephi was the bait it was the part of the plan that made me the most anxious sensing my nerves bakti reassured me pressing his forehead to mine Owen trust the plan no one from our family will be hurt Reena would be undressed to distract Claude and the others when they arrived making them believe she was Nephi from a distance despite the awkwardness Reena was committed to the plan

we waited bakti and I were hiding in an out building While viol was inside ready to Signal us when they arrived finally the message came they're on their way my nerves kicked in as we saw a vehicle approaching Reena posing as nefi stepped onto the porch undressed and called out hi before disappearing inside Claude and Armen eagerly rushed toward the house house Jasmine trailing behind suddenly sensed something was wrong Claude she screamed it's a trap chaos erupted inside viol was struggling with Armen Jasmine clawed at me in a fit of rage but I held back

from slapping her outside Claude tried to escape but bakti with swift martial arts skills took him down pinning him with ease Claud screamed threats but bakti held him calmly by call subdued Armen then secured Jasmine who was still lashing out at me with Claude knocked unconscious we tied all three of them up inside the house waiting for Nightfall when it was time we prepared to move Them bakti removed their gags briefly to ask why they had hurt Nephi Claude defiant claimed Nephi enjoyed it Furious bakti ordered the gags back on we transported them in a

van bound and gagged to a remote Harbor bakti had arranged a boat with his cousin the boat ride wreaking of diesel and fish took us to a remote island as we neared the shore we removed the gags and Jasmine tried to plead with me but I ignored her once on the island we loaded them onto a Truck covering them with burlap to avoid suspicion as we journeyed deeper into the jungle after hours of rough travel we arrived in a clearing and stripped them of their clothes leaving them undressed and vulnerable as They begged for answers

bakti calmly explained you left my niece like this now it's your turn he tossed them a rusty knife and left them tied up just as they had done to Nephi as we drove away bakti added one final thought ey for an eye tooth a Tooth we left them on Dragon Island to fend for themselves as we prepared to drive away Claude shouted again desperate what is Dragon Island where are we you're on kodo island B call replied cooly home of the kodo Dragon the largest lizard on earth their bite is venomous be careful I climbed

into the truck and as we drove off I heard cla's final plea Owen please I didn't look back remember CLA I called It's a Jungle Out There and we left them behind 3 Days Later Reena and I were back home it felt strange we had only been gone a week but so much had happened we avoided discussing it focusing on returning to normal life still I couldn't help but think about what we had done when I was alone was it the right choice I wasn't sure but I didn't feel guilty Nephi returned to America soon

after we reassured her that any threats were gone without giving details she said she liked America and wanted to come back The night before Nephi's flight I went for a walk while Reena prepared her room my thoughts drifted to the plan wondering if Claude Jasmine and Armen had survived we hadn't heard anything about them but I couldn't stop wondering Jasmine and Claude meanwhile were struggling through the jungle tired and bitten by insects they were lost Armen led the way until suddenly he screamed and collapsed bitten by a venomous snake realizing there was nothing they could

Do Jasmine and Claude left him to die alone later Claude exhausted and limping from an injury insisted they rest they lay on a tarp but in the middle of the night a creature attacked Claude it wasn't a snake it was bigger exhausted and anxious they realized they needed to keep moving but claude's condition was deteriorating his foot swelled from the bite and when they reached a creek it was clear he couldn't continue you go get help Claude told Jasmine they both Knew what that meant she turned and left him behind heading deeper into the jungle

back home life was almost back to normal I was teaching and working on a paper while Reena continued her work at the campus Clinic Nephi had bounced back though she still had moments when the trauma resurfaced we reassured her that she was safe as for Claude Jasmine and Armen we hadn't heard anything someone mentioned papaya had closed raising more questions but I knew I couldn't ask too Much Jasmine exhausted and bitten finally found a place to rest she lay down without checking for snakes only to be woken by a foul smell before she could react

a kodo dragon attacked biting into her leg months later I sat reflecting on how much my life had changed Reena had convinced me to get a manicure a far cry from the days when my hands were always dirty from farming it was hard to believe how much it shifted 3 months after our Komodo Island trip I Got a call from John Scalia my divorce attorney he wanted to meet in person when I arrived he explained that 60 days ago the Indonesian Forest Service found three bodies on Komodo Island DNA confirmed two were Claude and Jasmine

they had wandered into the jungle and were attacked by kodo dragons their remains were identified with a 99.8% DNA match but then Scalia explained why this mattered to me since Jasmine never updated her will after our divorce I was The sole heir to claud's estate valued at $2.8 million including the restaurant papaya typhoon the new restaurant was thriving under VI's leadership as the chef with Nephi running the coffee shop Nephi now engaged to her childhood friend eka was happy and Dennis had remained a friend but had moved on from their relationship bakti had also moved

to America and now worked as the Matra D at typhoon bringing his warmth and charm to the restaurant sometimes I wondered If what we did was right but I never felt guilt my family was happy and as I left the manicurist that day I was happy too my hands were finally clean [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]