This was named in Love with a mafia back then when I was writing. I just realized that I'd taken it down before I left, so I'm bringing it back again. Sorry for any inconveniences. Have fun reading now.

CHAPTER ONE



______



✦

I walked on the sidewalk, heading to Chang. Changson restaurant was the biggest Chinese restaurant in Litsen. I loved it for their fancy services-their noodles I loved to eat.



My hands were tucked in my trouser pockets, my face cap slammed on my head as I walked in, signalling to the waiter. "One chicken noodles, please," I sat down and waited for it to be brought, my phone out on the table, itchy fingers making to swipe as my mind prevented me.

"Here's your chicken noodles, ma'am,"

I raised my head and nodded slightly at him. "Thank you," I said and went to eat. Digging my fork graciously into the side of the tasty fried chicken, I thought with a smirk-hello there, I cut out some parts with the knife I had raised and brought my mouth closer to savour the taste.

___Jong ☆

"Kendra Umaro, daughter of the vice president of the United States, seated in Changson restaurant with no bodyguard-how strange. She was our main target. Taking her down was the only way to get to her family. Wait. Why is she looking towards this side? Bulging eyes moved in my direction. "Oh!" it sounded as if she said, then her head came down.

•~~~

Kendra Umaro walked out of the restaurant after footing the bill. She maintained the position she did while walking into the restaurant, hands tucked, cap on. She walked until she got to a lonely part of the street. There she found a child weeping on the ground. "Oh, there, there. Where are your parents?" she asked. "Why are you out here alone? It's not safe." She crouched to help the weeping child up-the child's ponytails sticking out behind. "I want my mommy," whimpered the girl. "Where is my mommy?" the little girl sobbed.

A man stood at a distance watching them with his gun out. Ready to aim, he raised his gun to a level that'd eliminate his victim. No, stop! Something in him made him lower his gun.

"Your mommy?"

He observed from where he stood.

"Yes,"

Kendra took pity on the child and lifted her so she could stand. The child's legs wobbled and she held her still. "It's okay," she clasped her hand, assuring her. "Everything's going to be okay-"

The child nodded and followed her.

Kendra and the girl walked the lonely roads at that time. A jolting ring came from her pants pockets and she realized it was her phone, making to pull it out, as she mistakenly swiped the answer sign. "Kenny, where are you?" it was her Mom. "I'm at your house. Come home... now!"

Kendra hesitated to put the phone to her ear. Scoffs-she hung up on her. The young lady had gotten her apartment when she was 21, with the plan of living a normal life and not having her mother's status disrupt her everyday life. Her mother had prevented her from doing as she wished, but Kendra being Kendra knew just how to get her way and go doing however she wished.

This is the one reason I wanted to leave home. Mom-a motorcycle sped past and stopped in front of them.

Pua!

Kendra clung to the little girl at the sound of the gun. "Please... don't harm us!" the mouth of the gun stood in the air; their attacker was masked and clad in a black overall.

Pua-another gunshot came and the motorcyclist shot at them. He missed and was left with no option but to flee. "Are you okay?"

Kendra raised her head at the voice. The man from Chang, she recognised. "I-I'm okay," she stammered as she stared into deep brown eyes.

Jong helped Kendra to her feet. "That guy... who is he?" Kendra asked. She didn't expect something like that to happen at that time. "Some street loser, I guess?" Jong replied as Kendra looked down at the child and back at him. "Is she yours?"

Kendra nodded affirmatively. "Yes," she caressed the child's hair.

Jong pretended not to know that she was telling a lie. He smiled graciously at the child and shrugged partly, accepting it.

"We'll take it from here," said Kendra as they reached Hilbreeze. "Thanks for walking us halfway." She carried the child and turned into the street

Kendra~

He looked strange, no doubt. What was he doing on 44 Avenue, with a gun and at the same time with the attacker?

Goddamn you, Kendra! Something grasped my mind, halting me to a stop. I didn't ask for his name, the thought of it corroded me from the inside. I looked back to see if he was still there but found an empty street instead.

Jong~

Ring-ring! The sound of my phone jolted me. "Did you find her?" A voice came in at my thumb's command.

"No," I chose not to admit.

"You know, Hakeem's told us everything,"

I gulped at the sound.

"I got my eyes on you, Jong. The whole Pisces does." The call ended as I threw my phone on the ground and stepped on it. "Bleep you, Gabriel!" I spat. I was going to do this my way and not even The Pisces could stop me.

The Pisces were known to work for a special organization. It comprised 10 able men, all out to do dirty jobs. Jong had come in contact with them at the ring. There they introduced themselves and invited him-then he became a member of the gang.

• * *

Location: The Pisces Hideout ✍
Time: 10:15 pm

The front door opened to reveal a sweaty man with heavy pants. "What happened?" asked five of the team as they drew closer. "What's with the sweat?"

The clad overall man burst into laughter. "I got you, guys!"

One slapped his head. "You're an idiot,"

The clad overall man laughed and said, "Ain't seen nothing. Did boss get my message?"

Another of The Pisces replied. "Gabriel already sent it."

Gabriel emerged as though hearing his name. "Ruuah!" he kicked the wooden chair close to the door to their surprise.

"Gabriel, what's wrong?" asked the guy who went by the name Louis.

"One simple task..."

"I almost had her, Gabe..."

Gabriel didn't let the clad overall guy finish before he took him by the collar. "One simple task, Hakeem! How could you let her get away?"

"Taiyong was also there!" Hakeem shot back with two angry eyes.

"Rah!" Gabriel let go of him. He kicked the chair angrily again and rubbed his jaw as the tip of his tongue rubbed the inside of his mouth. "That Jong is a fool,"

The whole gang admitted. "He is."

Gabriel moved back into the room and Hakeem cursed under his breath.

Kendra got to her apartment and met the States officials who worked for her mother, outside. Her mother's PA was out on the lawn, with a file stuck in her pit. "The vice president would like to speak with you..."

"You can just say my mother," Kendra cut her short.

Her mother's PA motioned to the door. "Thank you," Kendra bit her bottom lip and went to answer.

She found her Mom already seated on the sofa, with a look she understood imprinted on her face. "Kendra, where have you been?"

She let out a heavy sigh. "Outside," she brought her arms together.

"By this time of the night?"

She protested. "I'm a grown woman now. You need not worry..."

"Oh, hell, I would!"

Kendra scoffed and slumped on the sofa not far from the lampstand.

"Who's the child with you?" Her mother's eyes went to the girl she had with her.

"No one you should be concerned about,"

The vice president's eyes widened. "Kenny, I'm still your mother..."

"A mother that doesn't understand when her daughter needs to be left alone?"

Kamila stared agape. "You know, you've been naughty these days..."

"One reason you shouldn't be here," Kendra shrugged and got up from the chair. She ignored her mother's call and went upstairs where she had the girl fed to a plate of cereal she left in her room and had her shower, ready for nighttime.

"Now, why don't you tell me your name?" Kendra urged as she got her new friend in bed.

"Penny," the child's eyes glistened. "Please take me to my mommy. I want my mommy," the little girl began sobbing again as Kendra pulled her into her arms.

Kamila listened to the sobs as she made to knock on Kendra's door. She knew how passionate her daughter could be. Kendra hasn't changed a bit, a smile eluded her lips as she worked on the doorknob. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything?"

Kendra looked up to see her mother standing at the door. "You can come in," Kendra said and looked down at the child. Penny was still sobbing, and Kendra scared she was going to develop a fever.

"Here. Let me help," Kamila volunteered as Kendra stood up and she replaced her.

Penny soon fell asleep in Kamila's arms and Kendra wondered how she had done it so easily. "How did you...?"

"Mothers know how to make a child drift right off to sleep,"

Kendra smiled. She missed her mother so. Their mother-daughter bond she wanted to have again. Her mother noticed this, the smile on her face, and she, too, smiled, looking down at the sleeping child as the image of little Kendra possessed her mind.

✍✍

Kendra thought about the man that had saved them from the guy in the mask. If he hadn't shot that gun maybe they'd have been dead. Those deep brown eyes she couldn't get off her mind. The way they clashed with hers and how he had helped her up. "Are you okay?" his voice rang again as she shut her eyes and tried not to think much about it. It was so hard to sleep with the image of him plastered in her mind like chewing gum gummed on a wooden desk.

Kendra rolled and placed her hand on the girl beside her. Penelope, she thought about the name the girl had given. That should be the full inscription, she smiled. There was something about her that kept her glued and wanted her to help her. She thought about the girl's mother and wondered how she could be so cruel to leave her daughter out alone, by that time of the night, to the mercy of predators that walked the night. Poor soul, she thought with a brief smile before she sniffed. Helping her was all she thought until the image of the fine young man came in again.

Pisces Hideout
12:17 ✦•

"Garr! Seems like he isn't coming today. Machete, have you called him?" A husky red-haired fella asked impatiently as a dazed skinny boy replied, "Huh?"

"Argh! You're always confused!" the red-haired man felt like punching him. "I'm talking about Jong. Listen here," he drew closer to say. "If you're going to give me a hard time while training you, you might as well scurry off."

The lad trembled. "I-I'm sorry,"

The red-haired fella slapped him slightly. "C'mon, act tough!"

"Y-yes, Sir,"

Major?"

Major turned at the call.

"What's it now?"

"The boss would like to have a word,"

Major looked at the boy and spat on the floor. "Clean that up!"

"Y-yes, Sir,"

"B-O-S-S, you idiot," he corrected.

Major!" a sturdy man appeared in a huff.

"Spikes-" Major looked down.

"You know how impatient the boss is yet you let him wait,"

"Will go answer him now," he left at the halt.

Spikes was the third member of The Pisces and the most feared of them all. He was deadly, and could gut anyone who dared challenge him-this gave him the name Spikes, for he was terrifying.

• * *

"Boss, you called," The hidden room mapped out especially for His Royal Evilness lit up at the sound of the voice.

"How's the recruit?"

Major answered with his head bowed. "He's doing well, boss," he bit his underlip at the sound of the reply he had given.

"Doing well?"

"Y-yes,"

The black office chair turned to reveal a masked clad leather-padded man. "Doing well... you say?" angry head turned to the side and moving fingers grabbed a knife. "He should be better!" the metal blade aimed at the wall behind. "Well, what about Taiyong?"

Major dreaded making eye contact. "Jong-su? N-no word yet." He stammered with one hand clasping the other.


"Call Hakeem!" the black chair rotated again. "Tell him we have a rat we must get rid of-"

***

CHAPTER TWO

The morning rays settled on an elongated body in the sheets as a soft moan enveloped the room. Its owner stirred as dazzling ebony eyes danced in their sockets; the alarm clock rang, the third it had done. Grin! Came the ring. Grinnn! Came another ring. Kendra slid out from under the sheets and gave a stretch, then a soft sigh. She looked to the side, catching no sight of Penny. “Penelope?” she called, panic-stricken. The child couldn’t have known her way around the house so soon, could she? She jerked up fast and ran out the door.

Penelope sat on the vice president’s lap downstairs as Kendra hurried down to know if she was there. The child giggled at everything the vice president said, making Kendra aware that she was there.

“Penny?”

“Oh, you’re up,” said Kamila at her daughter’s voice.

“Gosh, you scared me!” Kendra breathed a sigh and walked to them. She heaved again seeing how pleased the child was…

“Did you sleep well?” asked her mother before she could ask.

“Not quite,” Kendra gulped. “Thought you should have left for work, though,” she said. She looked down at the child and gave a slight rub on her cheek. “Hey, little one,” she smiled.

“Hey,” greeted Penelope, shy.

“Would you like to get off Big Mama’s lap?” Kendra motioned for her to come to her.

“Oh, she’s comfortable,” Kamila replied in her place. “You seem stressed, my dear,” she took notice. “Really stressed.”

Kendra sighed. “Oh, it’s nothing…”

“Nonsense! Do tell,” Kamila pleaded with all ears.

“I’m just not feeling well, that’s all,” Kendra said with a shrug.

Kamila eyed her thoroughly before asking what she had in mind. “Would you like Michelle to get you some meds, or call Dr Rover instead?”

Kendra rejected. “I’ll be fine,” calling their family doctor wasn’t her problem. She had a whole lot going on in her mind. “Trust me, I’ll be.” She needed her mother to.

Her mother’s P. A appeared with a file that almost looked like the one from yesterday. She had a tablet in her right while her other hand lapped the document close to her leg. “An urgent call from the minister…” she didn’t complete.

Mom responded by quickly letting Penny down and rising to her feet. “Duty calls…”

“…as always,” I sighed and slumped on the sofa beside me.

•**

__Jong

I blended in with the many people at the park as I sat on the pavement close to the fountain. “How’s my daughter?” my guest had arrived. “Hope she’s doing well?” I turned my head at the call.

Tapping the space beside me, I asked her to sit. “A nice job you did there,” I started. “A really nice job,” I complimented, as the Swiss woman grinned.

“Am I getting her back anytime?” she crossed over to sit.

“Our work isn’t done,” I said without a smile.

Marie was her name—a 63 inches tall chubby woman, with a white oval face.

“There’s more?”

“Yes.” I gave a straight answer. I wasn’t one to talk much, that part of me I adored.

“Alright,” she got up and looked at me. “My money?”

“To be transferred to you when all work is done,”

She huffed and left unhesitatingly.

I sat alone once again, admiring the kids on the slide, my fingers clasping the surface of the pavement. “I saw what you did there,” a familiar voice froze my spine.

“Emily?” I called.

“I see you still got your bad boy moves, uh-huh?”

Five Years Back…♥︎♥︎♥︎

“Whoo! Yeah! Come on, man. You can do it! Ye-ah!”

White Buck and Eagle’s Eyes were at it again. It was the final tournament. The spectators adhered and cheered at whoever they thought would emerge the victor.

The ring tumbled and heated with the referee’s yell engulfing the air. “1, 2…”

“Yah!” Hot grunts accompanied the grasp, showing Eagle’s Eyes was winning.

“Yeah! Whoo-hoo!” cried the people, their cheers representing their desire was about to be granted.

An unexpected turn of events sent those who whooed and booed off their feet as Eagle’s Eyes fell to his feet. “Rah!” His outraged opponent came on top of him, while those in favour of the champ-to-be cheered and screamed in delight. “Yeah, White Buck!” their man was declared—the winner he emerged.

“You were good out there, handsome,” a black brunette congratulated the champ. Her name was Emily, White Buck’s first love.

•**

“Ha-oh. So you still remember?” Emily had already gotten seated beside Jong-su. Her teeth shone as she laughed in her usual way. “Oh, how I’ve missed you…”

“For five years you didn’t bother to text,” the atmosphere changed to a quiet one. “Why didn’t you text, Emily? Or even returned my calls?” Jong-su asked. “You left the States for Bulgaria, and completely forgot about me.”

Emily stiffened, her voice lost. Her family had moved to Bulgaria, leaving her with no choice but to follow. All those years she spent without Jong-su, she sniffed. “I-I was going to call-“she made to say.

“Five years, Emily,” Jong-su pointed out. “Five good years!” he showed his five fingers and Emily held him.

“Jong…”

“Don’t touch me!” Jong-su removed his hand. “Why are you here, anyway? To know how I’ve been fairing all these years?”

Emily was broken. She knew how Jong could be when it was something that had to do with love. She messed up, this she knew; never would have moved on the moment she got on that plane.

Flight 127, she replayed, as she gritted halfway. She was to stay if not her Dad had insisted. Those long years, she recalled, the way she met other boys, including Sean.

Sean and Emily had begun dating in the later year. He was the cranky, sand hair man who Emily loved after Jong.

Jong, on his side, had long forgotten Emily. All that they shared and the memories-all he cast in the barn. “Why are you here, Emily?” Jong asked, not hiding his displeasure.

“I came back for you,” Emily held him again.

“Well, you’re late!” Jong gave her a stern look.

“I know you’re angry with me…”

“Emily, nothing you say will make me forgive you…”

“I still love you, believe me,”

Jong stood up, already fed up. “Goodbye, Emily.” He bid her and left.

The guy who kept his gun aimed at him from the 12-storey building withdrew. He gnashed and stamped, removing his cap. “That bastard!” he cursed.

The angry man took his phone out of his pocket, dialled a certain number and got the receiver talking in seconds. “Target eliminated?”

“Not quite.”

“Goddamn, Hakeem. You’re fucking slow!” a sudden cheesed-off voice rang.

The line went dead and Hakeem got ready to leave. He put his phone back into his pocket, and his gun back in his bag. Hurrying out, he went down the stairs, outside, ready to hunt-but also on the lookout.

Kendra and Penelope went shopping that day; the little girl smiled as her new friend bought her the things she pointed at. “Ice cream!” she pointed at the ice cream cart outside. She tugged at Kendra’s sleeves and dragged the jolly young woman with her. They went outside and bought a cone in time, as Penelope cried. “Mommy!”

  Kendra was forced to turn. “Mommy?”

  The woman in a fine leather jacket hastened her steps. Penelope followed her, quickening hers; Kendra followed and called her back several times but she didn’t hear. “Penelope!” the child was about to cross the road. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her, an incoming vehicle almost hitting her. A man appeared out of nowhere and pulled her out of the road. Kendra cried as she watched with a heavy heart. The girl she had taken in, would have died if not for him.

  “Oh, Penny! Penny—Penny,” Kendra kept breathing. She took her from the man, overjoyed, and not wanting to wonder what would have happened if he hadn’t come. “Thank you. Thank you,” she said with a sigh. She hadn’t taken notice of him, until she looked at his face, their eyes meeting at the spot. “Chang—” she remembered, “the man from Chang.” She completed.

  “Um, hi?” greeted Jong.
 
  Penny’s eyes wandered as Kendra kept staring at Jong. She didn’t expect to see him there—their meeting must have been a coincidental one. “Hi-hi…”

  “Kids, am I right?”

  Kendra looked stupid. “Yup,” she said.

  Jong averted his gaze and let go of Penny. He introduced himself as Psi, a fake name he had given intentionally, and Kendra’s lips curved in the cutest way. “Psi?”

  “Yes.” Jong tried not to laugh.

  “Well, I’m Kendra,”

  Jong clasped his hands in a bid to avoid a handshake. “Kendra. That’s nice.”

   Kendra’s heart raced. She gulped, feeling a whole new feeling. This man must have had something on her to make her attracted to him. “Yeah, I’m Kendra,” she said again. Quickly chiding herself, she relaxed her mind, wiped the sweat off her forehead, and said appreciatively, “I appreciate what you did there,” she had her thumb pointed backwards. “Thank you,”

  Jong nodded and they talked for a while. He let the black woman leave while he tarried, lost in thoughts. Ironical how the one woman he was out to eliminate, turned out to reach the bottommost part of his heart.

 
  Meanwhile, the Pisces were still on a hunt; instructed by the boss to catch the betrayer and ‘the girl’, they stayed on the lookout and infested every place.

  “We had better find Jong-su before sunset!”
 
  “And the girl, too, Emil!” Gabriel spoke.

  Emil was the 10th member of the gang—the last. He had a spiky personality, two glaring almond eyes, and a thin, square-jawed face. “Yes, the girl.”

  “44 Avenue should be where she stays,” implied Spikes. “Hakeem mentioned, remember?”

  The gang looked at him. “44 Avenue?”

  Hakeem chimed in. “That’s where we should be looking…”

___Jong ✦♥︎

  My mind wasn’t at ease as I watched them leave. The time was slowly ticking. The Pisces were out there, so I had to do something. “Kendra Umaro, now’s not your time,” I flagged down a cab and hurried into it. “44 Avenue,” I said, and the driver sped off.

   A call came in not long after; the caller’s name was on my screen. I wondered who’d be calling with an unknown number, as I hesitated to pick. It couldn’t be Hakeem, could it? I gave it a thought. Swiping my thumb on the screen, clearing my throat. “Hello,” I said.
  “I know where you are. Can see everything…” the voice came in.
  It sounded familiar but I bet it wasn’t Hakeem.
  “Who is this?”
  “44 Avenue, 3 O’clock,”
  I swallowed hard. “Who are you?” I tapped the driver on his back so he’d stop, as the voice came in again.
  “Do you want your precious Kendra?”
  Hot sweat flooded my skin. I looked out the window, confused a bit, and then I relaxed and asked who Kendra was.
  “Oh, don’t play games with me. I know you’ve been keeping an eye on her…”
  “I haven’t!” I shot back. ”I have no idea who this Kendra is…”
  “But you lie,”
  I kept shut.
  Neither of us spoke, until I decided to speak, “What games are you playing here?” I got pissed. “Who are you anyway?” I asked in a deep voice.
  The line went dead, and I asked the driver to drive to Kendra’s house. “Just stop there. Yes, there.” I directed. Why do I care so much?” I asked myself.

KENDRA 🙀•••

  I was in the living room when a man barged in. He had company—ten of them—all masked.
  I reached for my phone to call 911, but then I was instructed to stop. The man that was the first to come in, their leader I assumed, wore a different mask. His was red, with a hood atop his head, while his men wore black. Danger read that hot afternoon, as Penelope lay sleeping on the couch.

  “What do you want from me?” The dining chair squeaked as I fought to stand.
  “There, there little one. Don’t wrestle now.”
  “Do you have any idea who I am?”
  “Oh, yes,” the man chuckled. “You have your mother’s eyes,” he came closer to me. “Kendra Umaro, daughter of the vice president.” He said.
  I was shocked to hear him say my name. “Who are you?”
  “You don’t know?” he cackled. He pulled out his phone from his sleeves and instructed the men to take me to the car.
  “Wait. Where are you taking me? Where are you taking me, you bastards?” A hot slap landed on my cheek.
  I was quickly untied, a𝓼 I made to run, 𝑤һ𝖊𝖓 a bullet shot through my shoulder.

***★★★***

  The Pisces had taken Kendra away by the time Jong arrived. The living room was upside down. He saw a letter on the table, with a red stain atop it. Kendra’s blood, he thought. His heart raced as he picked it up, You know where to find us, he read in his mind.

Kendra and Penelope were in the hideout, bound to a wall. The Pisces were in a different room. Penelope sobbed, asking Kendra where they were. The latter had lost a lot of blood and was on the brink of death.
“Kendra. Kendra.” The voice of Penelope called her back. “Kendra, when are we going home? I don’t like this place.” She said in a sad tone.
  Kendra looked weakly at the child, as a tear ran down her face. She groaned as the pain in her shoulder worsened. It wasn’t doing her any good. Just hang in there, Kendra, she said to herself. “Penelope, we’ll be fine,” she passed out, not saying anything again.

  Meanwhile, Jong sketched on a paper he had seen on the floor of Kendra’s living room. He drew the Pisces’ hideout on it. Being a storey, heavily guarded by armed men, he plotted out how he was going to enter the building without being seen. Anyone who went into the Pisces’ hideout ended up dead. But the very few who were let to live got to last only for some days.
  Are you sure you want to do this? Remember they are your men—Jong’s mind roared to life.
  Jong ignored it and took the sketch up from the table. A close look at it showed an X-marked area; an underground layout where Jong thought Kendra would be.

THE PISCES HIDEOUT
5:47 †°°°

Kon—the prison door pulled open. “You may go,” it shut back.
  Skeletons of previous prisoners were scattered on the floor, and the place stenched. It had all sorts of creeping things crawling on the floor. The rats were its special guests, and the prison cell was their abode. The boss sniffed, taking a look at them, then at the prisoners, noticing the child was asleep and the girl was dead. “No, it can’t be,” he said realizing. “It can’t be—“
  The bullet wound must have gotten infected, he rushed to check at the thought. He cringed at the sight of the blood. “Dry blood,” he gulped. Then, he hardened his heart and carried the girl. “Open the door!” he ordered his men.

KENDRA 🙄

  I opened my eyes to see the man that had invaded my home. He was clad in a red suit and had a serious look on his face. “You’re up,”
  I panicked at his voice. “Where am I? Where is Penelope?”
  “Are you hungry?” he replied none of my questions but asked his.
  I’m not hungry, you bastard! I stopped myself from saying, watching him stand.
  “You should eat,” his voice grew soft. He wasn’t wearing his mask, and I could see his face perfectly.
  “I’m not going to eat until you tell me who you are!” I said stubbornly.

𝕋𝕆 𝔹𝔼 ℂ𝕆ℕ𝕋✦𝔻



♥︎♥︎__♥︎♥︎✦•

CHAPTER THREE

"The head of the Zhang corporation," the man began, "Liu Min Zhang had two sons. The first was Huang, and the second was Huan. The latter cared less about his father's property while the former cared a lot. He demanded his share when he had come of age and was never seen after that."

"So why are you telling me this?" I asked, surprised. "I don't even know anyone that's Chinese, or even-" I remembered Jong.
"Just listen," the man said to me. "Huang was never seen," he continued, "And he met a woman on the way. He loved her so much that he wished for a life with her, but she chose a different path."
"Wait. Are you trying to say that..."
"I'm Huang?" he got my question. "Yes."
"So who was the lady?"
He rose to his feet and looked down at me. "I'll leave that to you to figure out," he said.
I wondered who the woman he was talking about was, and cracked my head, not feeling the pain of my wound. It was treated. The thought of being in the enemy's nest got me scared again, but I shrugged it off and lay back down.

The Man In A Mask ✦✦✦•

I had brought her here for a purpose. A certain purpose I was yet to make known to the gang. She looked so much like her mother; gentle and so beautiful.
The child with her must have been hers. But wait, how could she be? She looked 25 and like one who was yet to be tied. I doubted if the child could be hers. She might not be.
"What are your plans for the girl, boss?" Hakeem's voice pulled me in.
"The girl... you say?" I turned around to meet his face.
"Yes, the girl,"
"I feel she can be of great help to us, or what do you think?"
"Hm." He said. "The vice president and her team will be searching for her. I bet whatever strategy they're carrying out will lead them right to us."
I smiled. "And Jong?"
"Taiyong?"
"He has a thing for the girl, doesn't he? He'll be at the headquarters by now, don't you think?"
He smirked. "He will."

PISCES HIDEOUT
9:43 PM ∇°∇

The plan to save Kendra proved abortive as Jong stepped into the Pisces den. Once a Pisces, now a loner, the people he saw as his men took hold of him.
"Come to rescue lover girl?" his thought rang as he hung, bound. "Where is lover girl now? Can you see her?'
The sound of laughter got his head up. "Taiyong!" called a guttural voice. "How I've longed for this day," the boss came into sight.
Taiyong gritted, struggling to be set free, and growled as the boss drew closer, spitting on him.
"You've changed," said the boss as he wiped his face. "All because of this one girl!"
"Rot in hell!"
The boss chuckled wildly and moved away from him. Calling one of his men, he instructed him to keep Taiyong busy.

The Next Day•••

The sound of a happy giggle woke Kendra up. She recognized it as Penny's voice. She had almost forgotten about Penelope, jerked up by her voice. She ran out the door, forgetting she wasn't home, as she ran downstairs, bumping into one of the maids.
"Ma'am, you're up,"
She rolled her eyes at the young woman that greeted her. "Who are you?"
"Jan..."
"Janine!" The boss arrived as the maid scurried off. "I see you're up," said the boss. "Good morning." He greeted with a smile. He hasn't smiled like that in years or greeted anybody warmly. He was always harsh and serious in every way. Could it be this one girl changing him?
"Good morning," Kendra replied, scared and unsure if she should look at him. "I just wanted to say thank you," she said.
He lifted her face. "Thank you for what?"
"For saving me..."
"Saving you?"
"Yes," she affirmed. "I'd have been dead if it wasn't for you. You treated my wound, even though you kinda, sorta..."
"Almost killed you?" the boss laughed, taking Kendra by surprise.
"Heh. Yes."
The boss cleared his throat and wore a serious look. "Walk with me-" he said.

**
Born with a silver spoon, raised by a mafia, I grew up to hate mankind, and with ferocity in my heart.



I slew people in cold blood-men, women, children, and all who ever crossed my path;



including my mother. My brother and I were raised by ninjas. Ferocious men, all with wickedness in their hearts. Their anthem was brutality, and blood was what ruled the night whenever they walked. We were made to live under their care, with my father being the head and our supervisor, as violence begot the day.

"Father!!"
"What have we here?"
"It is I, father. I have come to take what belongs to me!"
"Why do you speak like that, son? Have you lost it?"
"No, father..."
"Then speak in a tone that'll make me pleased. What do you seek...?

______

The garden flowers smelt so nice that Kendra sniffed. She looked at Huang and bent to pick a rose, plucking out a petal. The beautiful roses were just what she liked. How she'd inhale their scent at her house, She loved both colours: red and white and made sure they were on each corner of her room.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" rang Huang's voice. He felt an urge to compliment her, too.
"Yes."
"You look-"
Kendra's thought drowned out his voice. She remembered Penelope and the voice she had heard in the mansion. "Penelope," she called. "Where is Penelope?" she looked at the boss.
The boss wondered who Penelope was, and his mind went to the girl he had ahold of. "Penelope is your daughter, isn't she?" he returned her question with another.
"She's not my daughter," Kendra replied. She had her face squeezed, and her fingers itching to have ahold of her.
"Ah, I see. How's your arm, anyway?"
"You mean my shoulder?" Kendra scowled. The bullet wound wasn't her concern, at all, cause she needed to know where Penelope was.
"Yes, your shoulder."
"Take me to Penelope, will you?" Kendra demanded with her arms crossed. She raised her brows, and Huang couldn't help but smile. She looked pretty cute, even when she was mad.
"Fine. I'll take you to her." Huang inched closer, smiling at her.
Kendra moved backwards, unaware of what he had in mind. He had this look that read, 'C'mon, beauty. Let's do this!'

𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓻𝓪 🦋

I wondered what he was doing, moving backwards. He had this funny look on his face. This grown man doesn't know who he's got here. I just have to give him a piece of my mind. "What do you think you're doing?" I scowled. Our bodies were almost touching.
I realized my back was touching the wall. There was no escape for me.
"You're beautiful,"
I looked away after hearing the compliment. Could he be falling for me?

ℋ𝓊𝒶𝓃𝑔 🖋

Just her mother's daughter. Her mother's daughter indeed.
"You're beautiful," I repeated. I thought she hadn't heard me but she slipped from under me.
"I'd like to see my daughter, please..."
"But you said..."
"Just take me to her!"
I was going to be in big trouble if she found out that I hadn't brought her there, so I needed to devise a plan.
"I'll have the maids bring her to you," Shit! I chided in my mind. The look on her face showed she wasn't pleased-taking her to where the girl was, was going to be the only solution.

PISCES HIDEOUT
12:18

"I heard the boss' coming," said Manuel, one of the men. Sturdy, a little rough-bearded. The Pisces had all assembled in the hall, led by Gabriel. The sound of the door got them on alert, as the click of the boss' shoes hammered on the floor.
Kendra stared with mouth agape, hands wrapped behind. The black and white decorated hall and the lit chandelier were what caught her eyes. Though the boss' men creeped her out with the way they frowned, she bothered not about them but stared at the pictures on the wall.
"Take me to the prisoners," the boss' demand got Kendra's face erect.
Not that cold look again, Kendra thought as she followed him...

***

Kamila arrived at her daughter's residence, only to find an empty living room. The living room was unkept, with the furniture gone, and the floorboard was dusty. Where could Kendra be?

"Ma'am, I doubt she's been here," Lucille, Kamila's P. A said. "It's not like her to have stayed out for days..."

"Dial her number again," Kamila said.

Kendra's line was still not reachable; it got her mother worried. "Where could Kendra be?" Her mother thought aloud. She feared her daughter was in grave danger. Call the team, Lucille," she said. The team were all she needed to find her daughter--

* * *

Urgh! What an eyesore this place is, thought Kendra. She wondered how the boss could be so heartless to have left Penelope there.

The scattered skeletons were the ones that got her talking the most. Dead people, all gone dry; she felt an ounce to spit, but she didn't.

"Where is Penelope?" Kendra asked.

The boss turned around to look at her. The girl has escaped, he found it hard to tell her. "I shouldn't have left her here, I'm sorry," he began. His lips quivered as he apologized.

"Where is Penelope?" Kendra asked again.

"She couldn't have gone far," one of the Pisces chipped in, adding; "She should be near,"

"Gabriel!" hollered the boss.

The unshaken man appeared, grunting as always.

"Take your men," the boss ordered. "I expect the girl to be found immediately...!"

✦✦✦•✦✦✦'''✦✦✦•✦✦✦

Few days had passed and Penelope was still lost. Having grown torn with worry, and wanting to look for Penelope herself, Kendra devised a plan; one she was sure she'd go uncaught.

"Where do you think you're going?" A deep-throated voice halted a panic-stricken Kendra.

Of course, the boss' men wouldn't let her leave. Her plan was not working as she'd wanted, and she was starting to regret why she had thought about it in the first place.

"ERM...erm..."

"Yes...??"

"I, um..."

"Spikes!"

The frightened woman's heart contracted where it was; tightening almost immediately, at the sight of the young fella, her tummy growled, giving her an awfully, unusual sign.

"Hakeem," muttered the lady, as she let out a sigh.

"Leave... the... girl... alone!" he said to her surprise. The spiky man raised his hands as if to tell him he was innocent.

Spiky, Kendra laughed at the hideous name she had made up. Having named him that because of his hair, trying to relieve the tension, she called him at intervals, making a mockery of his name whilst alone.

She had named him that the first day she had seen him, also imagining him in a villainy way.

He was vicious, alright? The name perfectly fitted him. He looked funny, though. And, somehow cool. The way his hair stood out in the light made his observer almost laugh.

"What's funny?"

The suppressed laughter seemed unhidden as Kendra's lips were spread. Hakeem's torchlight illuminated her face almost immediately, and she heard him say, "Sorry,"

"The lights will be back on soon, won't they, Hakeem?" Spikes arched his brows. They were slender, almost absent. They seemed like they were never to grow back.

Kendra was taken back to her room; someplace she didn't want to be. She wore a serious look, not smiling at Hakeem. The latter on his part had grown to love this woman standing before him. Though it's been a couple of days, he had felt he had known her before.

"Sad, aren't we?" He wanted to brighten her mood. He didn't like how she wore a serious look. "Why don't you tell me what the problem is?" He started. He wanted to brighten her up.

"As if you care," Kendra huffed, giving him a cold look, but it didn't keep him from asking, and achieving his aim.

"So, tell me..."

"Some man!"

"What is the problem?"

Kendra gritted her teeth. He was getting on her nerves, having ruined her plan. What next was he looking for?

"Look here!" she pointed at him.

"Oh, wow. Tough one," Hakeem applauded. He laughed at the sight of her finger.

"What's funny?" It was unfamiliar. She had never seen him laugh.

"You look beautiful when you're angry,"

She huffed. Beautiful? Pfft. Like, that's gonna get me.

"You are, trust me..."

"Like I asked!" Kendra rolled her eyes, not wanting to use the wrong choice of words. Having said enough, she remembered Hakeem had gotten in the way. If not, the whole situation would have gone worse. She knew how Spikes would have expressed his anger if he hadn't intervened.

"I know what you did..."

"Thank you," she rushed and shut him up.

"Thank you for what?" Hakeem stared, not knowing what she was getting at.

"Just thank you," she said and left.

The boss watched from his room, seeing everything that went on.

The flashlight Hakeem carried made everything clear, and the lights coming on made it even clearer.

"Haaaaakeem!!" thundered Huang.

~Huang

"I swear, I'd punish that bastard... that fool who thinks he can get his hands on whatever he wants!"

"Calm down, my dear. You just have to relax."

I'd forgotten about my maiden. Half-naked, lips pursed, she beckoned me to come.

"I've got something for you that'll make you relax," she said in a shrilled voice. "I'm certain it will," she tried to convince me, but I wasn't paying attention to her, cause my mind was somewhere else.

"What do you want, mi amor?" she purred like a kitty. "Head or..." she pointed down at her Kitty. Her legs were spread.

"My, oh, my," I licked my lips, getting the signal at the sight of her swollen clit. "Glorious pussy! Oh, so sweet!" I mounted the bed like a little child, ready to be wrapped in mama's arms.

Kendra slept soundly that night to her surprise. She woke up to realize it was morning, finding a tray by her bedside.

A tiny card poked out of it, reading 'Eat up!'

How she knew it was the boss' trick. "Some gesture," she smirked.

The downside of the card had another thing. It was an entirely different thing, with two bold words written on it; 'Ｉ ＫＮＯＷ'

Eat up, I know? Pfft. This man has got to be kidding me.

CHAPTER FOUR

The weather was a bit foggy. It seemed like it was going to rain. Hakeem stared out the window, watching the trees sway. He could see Kendra from where he was, and he wondered what she was doing outside by that time. Where is Kendra going? The swing of the door interrupted his thought. A revolver stood as he turned, giving him no chance to talk; not a chance to see his attacker's face or even fight for himself.

* * *

Huang made towards Kendra with a crooked smile. He had sighted her from afar and had made up his mind to talk to her. It was unlike him to have fallen for a being. The last one he loved, ended up breaking his heart. "You look so beautiful, mi Amor," he complimented with a genuine smile. He had grown soft at the sight of this one woman. What was it that captivated him?

"Any word from your men?" Kendra asked. She was worried about Penelope and wondered why his men were yet to find her.

"There has been no word, my lady," Huang said. He placed his hand on hers, giving her the chills. He couldn't take his eyes off her, because she looked exquisite.

"Why do you call me sweet names?" Kendra stared into his eyes. They were just like the colour of a ripe hazelnut, and weren't cold like before.

"Do you like it when I call you sweet names?" he flashed her a billion-dollar smile, looking a bit stupid in her eyes.



"Are you flirting with me?" Kendra looked away. She returned her gaze, frowning at him. "You're flirting with me, yes, you are!"

Huang laughed. She looked beautiful, even when she frowned. Her gaze was the one that could light up one's heart. "How do you do that?"

Kendra ignored him. "They should be back by now, don't you think?" she asked. "I'm starting to get worried," she said.

"Who's the girl to you?" Huang observed her. There was no ring on her finger to show that she was married, so there could be a chance the child wasn't hers. "Now, now, now, don't lie to me," he grinned.

"Penelope's my child, for sure!" Kendra gritted. He was getting on her nerves-some man he was. She wanted to be out of his sight, and far away from him. "What do you want? You want something, tell me."

Huang moved closer to her, making her shift. Her heart raced faster now, watching him come closer to her. "What do I want?" Huang gave her a naughty grin.

His eyes danced as he touched the side of her face. He inhaled her scent-lavender, he thought. He gave her another grin, lowering his face to her neck. An annoying call stopped him, and he made out the voice of one of his aids.

"Sir, you have to come-"

~~

"Oh, no. Not Hakeem," Huang muttered as he saw his assistant on the floor. He was in a terrible state, as a bullet had pierced his heart. Blood trickled from the side of his mouth, showing he was long gone. "This must have been the work of a silencer," the boss said to himself. He drew closer and stooped beside him, then turned to call his maids.

"Dispose of the body,"

No one dared to object.

Huang returned outside, and Kendra asked if he was okay.

"Yes," he replied. "I just had to tend to something," he said.

Kendra threw him a worried look. "Is it something I need to know?" she asked.

Huang overlooked her question. "You should get some rest," he rubbed her arm. He went back inside and left her speechless.

***

Unknown caller... buzz***

"Hello?"

"General,"

"Has the deed been done?"

"Yes, General."

"Then it's time..."

* * *

KENDRA

I wondered why Hakeem hadn't come to check on me. It was strange. The time was 9:55. It was late. Hakeem, on his own, would have knocked on the door and asked me if I was there. Sometimes, Huang would ask him to know if I was ready to eat. Despite I was a prisoner, I was treated less. It was like I was a guest, having been given my bedroom. I was allowed to walk around freely.

Back to Hakeem>>where could he be?

The door of my bedroom stood ajar with a head popping in.

"Dinner, ma'am? Sorry, we had it prepared late," Mary, another of Huang's maids, walked in, holding a tray. I wasn't hungry, staring at the plates on it. The glass of water was all I wanted.

"Say, Mary, what happened to Hakeem?"

Mary looked at me; a vague expression was seated on her face.

I could tell she saw I was worried; the first time I was over one of the boss' men.

She cleared her throat and placed the tray by my bedside. "You should have dinner, ma'am. The boss said it's important-"

Weird, I thought. Weird.

She didn't answer my question but left with her head bowed.

It got me even worried; the way she kept mute. There was something wrong, I figured out, and I had to find out myself.

* * *

The boss' men arrived that night. There was no sign of Penelope anywhere.

Kendra hurriedly left her room at the sound of their return, but she was disappointed when she didn't find Penelope with them. She dropped down in tears. "Where is Penelope?"

The boss had his hand up, in a bid to calm her down. "Let me handle this," he said to her. "Any luck?" he looked at the nine men.

Spikes spoke amidst them, shaking his head in a downcast way. He had his arms wrapped behind him, grunting as usual, as he lifted his head to look at the boss.

"No luck?" Huang spread his arms. "Even no luck finding Jong-su?"

  "Jong-su?" Kendra arched her brows at the boss, like she knew who he was talking about.

"No luck, boss,"

All the men were dismissed.

Huang roared to Kendra's surprise, and he pointed at her. "You!"

"Huh? Me?"

"I shall have you in my bed today!" he thundered and grabbed her hands.

Kendra struggled to be out of his grasp, biting him hard. The rage in his eyes burned like an inferno.

"You're coming with me..."

"Argh! Stop!"

"I said you're coming with me!" Huang hollered.

Kendra tried again, biting him harder this time. She was able to cause him much pain; this time breaking free.

"Come back here...!"

~~

Oh, no. I have to get out of here. Kendra, what were you thinking?

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, panting wildly-could see nothing. The whole place was dark.

I couldn't tell where I was or how I had jumped over the fence, fleeing without being seen.

It was God, that was all I could say. God, and no one else-

"Help! Help! Please help me-" My vision was fading.

I spotted a car coming my way; could make out its colour under the moonlight, and with the help of the headlight it shone. "Help...!" was all I remembered I said.

***

"You're awake,"

"Mmm, where am I?" Two friendly eyes, I realized.

"Some fall you had there," I recognised the voice.

Oh, no! I quickly moved backwards. "What am I doing here?" my heart raced faster than I could count.

"Back from the dead, are we?" a grin rested on my saviour's face. "Welcome..."

   Huang

  She thought she could be out of my grasp. Kendra... I mean.

  The look on her face showed she was surprised. With a naughty grin on my face, I looked like 'Joker'.

  Oh, wait. I was worse. Worse than the movie character himself. I placed my hand on her, not letting the grin disappear. "How are you feeling?"

  "How am I feeling, what?!" she shot me a cold look.

  "Calm down, angry pants. You don't have to be like that."

  "Oh, I have to!" she shone her eyes. They were bulging and filled with rage. "How can you tell me to calm down after what you did yesterday?" she rolled her eyes. "Wait," she blinked, and then she looked around. "It's morning?"

  I replied smilingly, giving a 'Yes'. It was morning, alright, and she just realized.  "Princess," I called her sweetly, "Do you want to eat?" I had the intention of getting on her nerves so she could yell back at me. It was working.

  "What I want, is for you to get the hell out of my face, and never come back!"

  "But I'm in my house, sweety. You're the one who's trespassing..."

  "Huh?"

  "You should see your face," I laughed charmingly. Though it annoyed her, she laughed partly, frowning again.

  "It's not funny,"

  "I know, but you should see your face—" I stopped. "Fine. I'm sorry." I poked her in the side.

  I apologised thereafter, feeling sorry for the first time. Funny how one lady could make you do the things you never believed you'd do, and apologise a thousand times.

  Kendra was different—different from all the women I'd come in contact with. Not even Isla could match her taste. She wasn't any better.

  "Kendra Umaro, what is it about you?" I could keep it no longer, asking out loud.



  "Mm? What do you mean?"

  "I love you, Kendra, and I'd love to make you my bride."

  She looked at me with brows arched.

  "Not the expression I was looking for," I said. "but, it'll do." I dreaded shifting my gaze.

  Her face twitched as her brows made slight movements. "I-I don't know what to say..."

  I caught her arms as she made to stand. "Please say something, mi Amor. Marry me," I looked into her eyes.

  It was going to be tough taking 'No' for an answer—a positive reply was all I needed her to say.

  "Marry me, Kendra," I didn't care about not having a ring. "Marry me, and we would build an empire together. I cannot let you go—"



KENDRA



  Huang wanting me to marry him was a quick move; saying yes was a tough choice, and I needed some time to deliberate on it.

  Getting married to a mafia, wasn't my dream in any way, for I wanted a decent man. A man who'd love me in every way, and one who would have something legal doing.



  "I-I don't know what to say," I stammered as I looked at Huang. It was happening fast. So fast. "It's sudden, don't you think?" I looked away, not wanting to look at him.

  "What do you need?" he asked, holding me midway. "Time?
Anything?"

  I brought my face back. The bed creaked as I had my knees atop it. They were starting to ache. "Well, can I at least stand?" I asked.

   He laughed, "Oh!" then he let go of me. "I'll give you some time to think about it," he rose from the bed.

  I heaved a deep breath as I watched him leave. It was comforting being all alone.

  "You sure you don't want to give me an answer now?" a head popped in. It was Huang's.

  "Oh, get out!" I said teasingly, getting out of bed.

  "No, I'm serious..."

  "I'd give you an answer when I want to," I made for the door and slammed it shut.

   The fluttery feeling in my stomach made my heart jumble. I was having mixed feelings about the proposal.

  Huang and I, I dreaded saying it...



  ...together? I couldn't imagine it being so, even though I was starting to feel comfortable around him.

  Tap—a knock on the door got me aware. "Huang," I muttered, sighing at the thought.
 
  I wondered what he was looking for, running my hand on the doorknob. "You couldn't wait for an hour to pass, could you?" A hand came on my mouth, shoving me inside.

*    *   *

  "Mm...mmm...mm!"

  "Shh, you have to be quiet," a familiar voice shushed her

  "What do you think you're doing?" Kendra didn't recognise him at first. She gasped as she stared into his eyes. "Psi?!" She blinked, not believing her eyes. "Psi?" She called again.

  Jong looked at her, amazed by how she was. She didn't look like a prisoner. Not in any way. She was feeding well. "It must be some kind of miracle," he said, not expecting it.

  Kendra looked at him, surprised. "What are you doing here, Psi? And, how do you even know this place?"

  Jong gripped her wrist and opened the door. "We don't have much time—" he stopped. "No, the other way should be what we should take."

  "What other way?" Kendra asked.

  "We don't have much time," he dragged her with him.

  The maids were downstairs going about their chores. They hadn't noticed them; not even their boss.

  Haung's shoes (Italian brown), clicked on the shiny floor. He surveyed the large hall, as Jong and Kendra lay in wait.

  "So, what's your plan?" Kendra whispered.

  "We attack," Jong jokingly said, getting a prod.

  "Focus," Kendra said.

  "Come on now," Jong asked her to follow him. Four of the Pisces had blocked the exit. There was no going out now.

  Oh no!

  "Major!" Jong smirked. "Gabriel." he looked at them. He rolled his eyes at the two, and then at the others that were standing beside them. "This should be easy," he scoffed. "Soooo easy!"

  Kendra watched as he charged at them. They all had weapons while Jong had none.

  Silly of him not to have brought a gun, Kendra thought. The four of the men were beaten before her very eyes.

  "How was I...?" Jong couldn't complete. They were more men. The boss stood in their midst, and Kendra shuddered at the sight—"This is the end," she ran to her companion's side.

***°°°

CHAPTER FIVE

  Pisces!! I hate them all! Jong gritted, snarling at the men. With a glare, he said to them, "If anyone has the mind..."

  "Give us the girl, you coward!" The boss' voice erupted. He gave him an angry stare as he growled.

  Jong looked at Kendra and clasped her hand. He gave her some kind of reassurance, making her calm. "The girl is mine," he looked back at the men.

  Huang huffed, outraged by his statement, making towards them. His expression could be read... by Kendra who was scared. "Take me instead!" she cried out, as a grin broke out on Huang's face.

  "You heard the lady," he spoke with brows arched. "She's made her choice, so let... her... go." He dragged his words.

  Jong wasn't ready to give up, determined to fight his men. He gave Huang a contemptuous look, and turned to Kendra, unsure of what to do.

  "You don't have to do this," Kendra stared into his eyes. They were deep, dark black, and glistened with no fear.

  Jong looked at the men with the boss and the ones behind him. He was outnumbered.

  "You heard the girl, lover boy," someone said to his hearing.

  Major! Jong tightened his fists at the thought and then relaxed.

  "I'll let go of the girl if only you'll promise me one thing," Jong said to the boss.

  "And what's that thing?"

  The subject smirked at him. "We have an unfinished business,"

  The boss growled. "You and I have no business," he stretched out his hand. "Now, give me the girl!" he roared.

  "The girl should be the least of your problem—" someone said behind.

  20 YEARS AGO•••

  “I’m leaving, father…”
  “Son, you don’t have to do this,”
  “I need to start my own life. Is that a bad thing to do?”
  “But you’re only 20. You still have a lot to learn. The ninjas and I can teach you…”
  “I do not need your help, father!”
  “Huan!!! Talk some senses into your brother. I can see he has lost it!”

……..

  Huan

  “It’s been long, brother,” I smiled mischievously at Huang. I could remember how my father had called me that day; the day he was to leave, and I came yelling. It marked the day I saw him last.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Aren’t you happy to see me?”

  “After all these years,” he smirked at me. “You finally decided to visit your older brother, Huan Zheng,” He called me in full.

  The drama was still on. The men had their faces squeezed. The lady in their midst gripped a handsome one. The fear in her eyes wasn’t hidden, and I could see how her partner growled.

  Did I interrupt something?”

  The sound of a siren came. Not now!

  Huang’s holler drowned my thoughts out. “Did you call the police?”

   I knew I needed an escape plan before I got caught up in my brother’s mess. “We will meet again,” I saluted with a grin and hurried off.

★★
 
  “The cops, no! No, this shouldn’t be how it ends,” Huang looked furiously at Jong-su. “You! You!!” He raised his gun at him, firing with a rumbling rage. “I swear, I’ll make you pay…!”

  “Psi!” Kendra stepped in. The bullet hit her shoulder, getting embedded right there, as she dropped to the ground. Jong yelled furiously, taking hold of her. Her dress was stained in a twinkle. Huang and his men dispersed before the cops arrived.

  The place was surrounded. There was nowhere else to go. Kamila and Lucille emerged from the car. They were concerned about Kendra’s whereabouts and were shocked to see a man from Kamila’s past.

  “Huang?” Kamila called, shocked. No, this can’t be Huang, can it? She slightly thought.

  The men were rushed and unarmed in no time before Kamila could come near, and they were bundled into the back of the van. The rest of the team invaded the mansion. Kendra was unconscious by the time they arrived.

  “She’s bleeding. We have to save her!” A man in their midst (Cornell by name) yelled out. He dived for the wounded woman.
 
  Kendra was carried out of the mansion immediately. Kamila could only let her tears flow.

3:49

  “I don’t know what I did wrong, Lucille. My daughter’s lying in there, unconscious!”

  “You shouldn’t stress yourself much, vice president. Kendra’s a strong girl. I know she can get through anything. She’ll be up soon, I trust.” Lucille spoke.

  Kamila heaved a sigh, resting her head on the wall.

  “About Huang,” Lucille spoke again.

  “What about him?” Kamila asked.

  “Oh, never mind, vice president,” she smiled faintly. The doctor came out and she sprang up. “How is she, doctor?”

  Kamila asked alongside, “Yes, how’s my daughter doing, doctor? How is she?”

  The doctor looked at them both and sighed. “She lost a lot of blood,”

  “So?”

  “She’d need a transfusion…”

   Lucille hurriedly cut in. “I’ll do it,”

  Kamila looked at her. “You will?”

  “I’ll do it. Can we…?” she looked at the doctor, not completing.

***
  The blood transfusion was a success. Lucille’s blood matched Kendra’s. The latter was slowly healing. The vice president was happy, at least, and couldn’t wait for her daughter to be perfectly sound.

  “Do you think she’ll be okay, Lu? I’m worried,”

  “I trust your daughter will be fine, vice president,”

  Kamila looked down at Kendra. She rubbed her fingers as she prayed in her mind. Those scoundrels, she thought, they are going to pay for everything they did to my daughter. Including Huang! She clenched her fists and asked Lucille to call the commissioner.

  “Hello, commissioner,”

  “Hello,”

  Kamila took the phone from Lucille and held it to her ear. “He’s back!”

_______

  Kamila Houston sat on the balcony, lost. It had been quite a day; one she wanted to move so fast. She breathed in, inhaling the cranky smell of burnt brownies. “Alissa!” She groaned. She rose to her feet and made back inside, seeing the last person she wanted to see.

  “Mom!”

  “Kamila, we need to talk…”

  “I don’t want to hear anything,” Kamila halted her.

  “What have I done to you, dear child?”

  The young woman ignored her.

  “Kamila!” Her mother called. The young woman exited the room and slammed the door behind her.

  “Some nerves she has coming here!” Kamila gritted, walking down the stairs. The choking smell came again, this time stronger. It was coming from the kitchen, and Kamila rushed to see what her sister had in store.

  “Alissa!” She coughed as she called. “You little brat! Do you want to burn down the house?” She coughed so hard, grabbing the extinguisher.

  “So much for wanting to make brownies,” the teenage girl laughed. The fire was put out and the brownies were all set on the kitchen stand. There was nothing left, not even a brownie to share.

  “Now you’ve done it,” Kamila frowned.

  “Don’t look at me,” Alissa stuck out her tongue.

  Kamila took a pack of milk out of the refrigerator, moved out of the kitchen, and to the dining table, where she pulled out a chair and helped herself to a glass of milk. “Who invited Mom?” She started, displeased by her Mom’s appearance. Their Mom had left them when she was nine, running off with some man that wasn’t her father.

  “I don’t know,” Alissa shrugged.

  “What do you mean you don’t know?” Kamila sipped her milk.

  The clicking of shoes alerted them, making Kamila stand. She didn’t want to be there by the time her mother got to the foot of the stairs. She dropped the glass and left the dining room—out the back, where she wouldn’t have to face her mother.

  A wholesome thirteen years, she thought. Thirteen good years, she reminisced once more…

  “Mother… mother, please!”

  “Let go of me, you stupid child! I’m leaving you and your father today—“

  “Mother…”

  Kamila remembered how she had cried that night, being shoved off by her mother. She ran into her father’s arms. The poor man’s heart was heavy, she could tell. Although young, assumed not to know anything, she could tell the love in her mother’s eyes had disappeared.

  “Mom…!!!”

“What’s a beautiful lady like you doing out here?” Kamila got called out by a soft voice.

   She turned around to see who it was. It was a fine, young man.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you,” the handsome gentleman chuckled.

  “Do I know you?”

  “Sorry,” he chuckled again. “My name’s Huang—“ 

***PRESENT DAY ¶¶¶

  "Who did you say he's back?" the commissioner asked, not knowing what the Vice President was saying.

  "Jon," Kamila answered.

  The commissioner suspended all he was doing, getting up from the shield chair. "You mean Jon is back?"

  Kamila placed one hand on her waist and looked to where Kendra was. "I'll call you back," she said. A slight rethink made her cut the call. She moved to Kendra's side and placed her hand on her. Her body was warm. “Think she’ll be awake soon?" she asked, looking at Lucille. "It’s taking long, don't you think?” She expressed her anxiety, looking down at her daughter again. “You need to fight this, Kendra. Fight this!” She said with a drop of tears, lowering her chin on Kendra’s knuckles.

  Lucille gulped as she stared at her. If only she could let out what lingered in her mind.

  “Your daughter will be fine, Vice President,” Lucille assured her all over. She moved to her side and placed her hand on her shoulder. Such a drama queen, she thought with a huff, not like she was already dead.

  Kamila wiped her tears and looked at Lucille. She had to leave for work. “Think you’ll be okay?”

  Her worry’s eating me up, Lucille shrugged. “Yes,” she responded, faking a smile.

  Kamila left the private ward, with two of her bodyguards following behind. Lucille scoffed the moment she was out the door and brought out her phone, dialing a certain number.

  “Oh, pick up!” The door of the ward pushed open, alerting Lucille.

  “Oh, dear God, not the file,” Kamila rushed in. She asked Lucille if she had seen any file lying around but she denied seeing it.

  “Are you sure you’re going to be okay being here…?”

  Lucille faked a smile and reassured her.

  The Vice President was out in a flash, and Lucille restricted herself from making the call.

'''

  Huang Zhen Lu Zhang moved to the states at 29. Having lived in China, wanting to be far away, he started anew and strived to build an empire with the wealth he had acquired from his father, and the one he had gained from the little years he left home, taking up the name ‘Huang Jon.’

  Huang had happened to go sightseeing, the day he spotted ‘her’. She had captured his heart that day; the way she smiled remained imprinted in his heart. Their eyes had met, sending a shocking wave through his spine. She was glorious, her ebony skin one you’d want to write about.  The way her eyes rolled, the moment she had thrown him a fiery look, and how she had relaxed, giving him a warm smile, all remained imprinted in his heart. He vowed to have the young woman to himself, though not knowing anything about her. Huang asked her for her name.

  “Kamila,” she replied.

  Huang thought to himself with a broad smile. “What a beautiful name,” he didn’t know when he said out loud.

  "Thank you," replied the young lady. She forgot all about home, getting interested in this one man. There was something about him that she couldn’t figure out. What was it? She let the thought of him being a stranger slide past her, as she got caught in his web.

~~~

   "So, what is your name?"

  "Kamila."

  "Okay, Kamila. Where are you from?"

  He seemed silly at first asking me. I wouldn't even tell him if I was given a choice.

  "From around here," Awkward. I took in a deep breath and relaxed.

~~~KAMILA {Present}

  Lucille wasn't picking up the call and I was worried. I wanted to know how Kendra was doing but my calls kept getting ignored.

  "Is she okay?"

  I worried, even more, trying not to get suffocated by the fear. "Lucille, pick up!" I muttered, looking at my phone, hoping she'd answer me.

LUCILLE

  I was seeing her calls but didn't want to answer her. She had only left an hour ago, and she was worried. Kamila got on my nerves every time with her worried attitude. She wasn't the only saint in the world, but she acted like one!

  Kendra opened her eyes to my surprise, making my heart jump; my heart throbbed with joy, seeing her wide awake.

  "Lucille..."

  "Oh, dear child, I'm here. Mommy's here," I forgot myself. I put my hand on my lips, hoping she hadn't heard it, putting a smile back on my face as I made to caress her hair.

UNUSUAL...

  I heard her mention the word 'Mommy', could it be what I was thinking?

  I fought hard to shrug off the thought, but it kept lingering.

  The bodyguards were standing right next to me, granting me access to the room. I nodded, not uttering a word, as I held the tray, acting professional.

  "Oh, you're here, doctor. But I didn't..."

  "It's a miracle!" I marched forward, looking down at the patient, as our eyes met and I shifted my gaze.

  "Oh, I'm so happy, doctor. She's finally awake," the woman smiled.

  The Vice President's P.A, I assumed. I dreaded saying a word, for fear I'd say something unprofessional.

  "I can't wait to call the Vice President!" She said joyfully.

  I nodded my head in acceptance, pretending to search for something in the tray.

  Use your stethoscope, you dimwit, my mind scolded. So much for coming in here, unprepared, I shrugged.

***KAMILA

  "Shit! The commissioner," I suddenly remembered.

  I took my phone and left my desk, swiftly dialing his number as Lucille's call came in.

  "Now where have you been?" I started the moment I swiped the answer sign.

  "Vice president, you need to come," her voice came in excitedly.

  My heart leaped with joy, though not paying attention to her words—I didn't wait for her to say why she wanted me to come, as I aimed for the door and rushed out it.

  Few minutes...

  "Where is she? Where is my daughter?" Kamila rushed in through the door, eager to see her daughter. Lucille had told her everything, and she couldn't wait to see it for herself.

  The doctor that had come in lowered his face, so as not to be seen, and raised his head back up, hearing her ask; "Oh, doctor. Can we take her home right away?"

  "Sure. Sure."

  Lucille smiled, looking down at Kendra, as she rubbed her arm.

  "You'll have to excuse me," the doctor coughed. He hurriedly left the room, disappearing into the left side of the hall, as he moved into the changing room and took his clothes off before anyone knew...

————

  I slipped back into my clothes, rushing out of the changing room. I moved by so fast, going out of the building before anyone noticed. The press was outside, getting stopped by the medical personnel. A taxi passed by, and I wasted no time flagging it down. “Roxanne,” I said.

  My phone rang in my pocket, and I slipped my hand into it, getting it out. “Emily?” I said, with my brows raised, answering her.

  “Jong,”

  “Emily, what’s wrong? What’s with the voice?”

  “You have to come home. The child is sick.”

  I gulped.

  I told the driver to speed. Roxanne was still far. I relaxed my back on the chair, knowing the ride was going to be a long one…

AT ROXANNE

  It was 3 O’clock when Jong-su arrived. Emily was at the door, waiting eagerly for Jong, who had called to inform her that he was near.

  “Is he ever going to reach?” Emily paced.

  Ding dong—

  The doorbell alarmed her, and she turned the doorknob. “Finally!” She heaved.

  “I’m sorry I had to put you through this,” Jong-Su's voice came in, the moment Emily opened the door.

  “Why won’t you just take her to her mother?” Emily asked. “Look at her, Jong. The child isn’t feeling well.” She said. She pointed at the couch and moved closer to the child. “Oh, poor child,” she sighed. Jong-Su ignored her, squatting beside the little girl. “Hello, Penelope,” 

  “Hello,”

  “She’s been running temperature since,”

  The child raised her head.

  “Awe, the poor child misses her Mommy,”

  Jong-su stood back up. “Has she eaten anything?”

  Emily shook her head. “She’s rejected every single thing we’ve given her. I’m afraid we might have to see a doctor.”

  “Okay.”

  Jong-Su made to leave as the child caught one leg of his pants. “I want to see my Mommy,” she whined. “And Kendra, too.” She said to Jong-SU's surprise.

————

  Kendra was wide awake now and was served lunch. Kamila took it upon herself to feed her, despite having a lot on her hands.

  She ate slowly, not feeling like having anything, being forced by her mother. The doctor had advised that she had something, and so Kamila rang the house chef.

  “How are you feeling, honey? Does anywhere ache?”

  “Just my head hurts a little…”

  “Oh, you’ll be fine.” Kamila couldn’t hold her excitement, seeing her daughter awake. She fed her with a magnificent smile, making sure she finished everything and left nothing on the plate.

  “I want to use the bathroom,” Kendra said, once she was done.

  Lucille offered to escort her there, helping her rise. They made for the bathroom and she waited outside, pondering on when she was going to let out what she had in mind.

  “Ouch!” Lucille heard. “Kendra?” She called, panic-stricken.

  “What’s it?” Kamila asked. She rose to her feet, watching Lucille rush inside. She placed the plate on the table beside and went to see if everything was alright. “What’s wrong?’

  Kendra held her chest. “I feel awful,”

  Kamila left the entrance of the bathroom and made closer to Kendra. The latter had her hand on her chest, complaining of having a burn.

  Lucille rushed out, swiftly taking hold of the bottle of water that stood on the bedside table. She went into the bathroom again and gave Kendra the bottle, as she gulped down the liquid.

  “Feel better?” Kamila asked.

  Kendra nodded at her mother’s question, moving out of the bathroom. “I just want to lie down,”

  The two women looked at themselves, and then made to help her back on the bed.

  “Do you remember anything?” Lucille asked Kendra as she adjusted the pillow under her head.

  Kendra looked at her. “I remember everything,” she said with confidence. “Everything from when I was kidnapped to when Psi came in.”

  Kamila inched closer. “Who is this Psi?”

CHAPTER SIX

KENDRA

I remember vividly how Psi had come to get me. What I didn't understand, was how he had gotten to know where they kept me.

It was early, the same time I had found myself back in the mansion. I wasn't understanding this. Was Psi also an accomplice? "No, it can't be," I thought aloud, forgetting I wasn't alone.

"What can't be?" Mom arched her brows.

"Mm?"

"You just said something," she and Lucille stared suspiciously at me. "Oh, nothing." I thought of an alternative to not make them think Psi was an accomplice.

"This Psi," Mom began.

"Just forget about him, Mom," I gave a nervous smile. "I must have been seeing things," I said, turning over. I thought about those eyes that stared at me in the ward.

KAMILA

"Do you think I should pester her further?" I asked Lucille, who answered with shoulders shrugged.

"I advise you let her rest," she said.

"I swear, I'll make those men pay..."

"I hope they rot in jail,"

I clenched my teeth and tightened my fists.

* * *

Emily bathed Penny and helped her wear an outfit Jong had bought for her. The little girl was anxious to see her friend, and couldn't wait to show her the little gift she made for her. "Do you think aunt would love the gift," she asked innocently, showing her the paintings. She had made them with poster colours, making sure they were beautiful. It was a picture of her and Kendra, the day the latter had stepped in when her Mom had left her.

"I bet she'd love them," Emily said. The kind, young woman rubbed her face, moving to get the powder. Her husband watched from the door, seeing how she took care of the child. He couldn't help but smile. He wished at that instant, the child was theirs.

"Aren't you cute?" He called to their attention.

"Honey!" Emily called. "You startled me," she said, placing her hand on her chest.

"I love what you've done with our little girl," he personalized.

Penelope looked at the man, shy, swiftly covering her face.

"You know..."

The doorbell interrupted Emily, as she swallowed her thought. "We should get going," she said to Sean. She took Penelope with her and walked out with her husband.

Jong was waiting outside, getting up from the pavement as the door opened. "Well, it's about time," he said to Emily and looked at Sean.

"Is your husband coming?" He gave her a surly look.

"You don't have to be that way, Jong,"

"Yes, I'm coming," Sean gave Jong an uneven smile.

Emily shook her head and pulled Penelope with her.

"I'll be in the car,"

The two men followed behind.

"I'll drive," Sean said before Jong could make any move.

>>>>AT REED

Emily and Sean walked in like a normal couple, holding Penelope. They acted accordingly to the plan, taking their seats in the reception until they had sighted Jong.

Jong emerged in a janitorial uniform, clasping a mop. He made eye contact with them, signaling them to move.

"Well, that was fast," Emily whispered to her husband.

"Oh, he is good," Sean admitted.

"Let's go," Emily tapped him.

Sean and Emily wasted no time leaving the reception ground. Jong followed close behind, pretending to go about the custodian work.

Each time he cleaned, he waved at the nurses. "Hello," he acted as though he was serious, cleaning until he got to Emily...

"A man is guarding the door," the latter whispered.

"Where is the other man?" Jong asked.

"How are we supposed to know?" Sean looked at him.

"I wasn't asking you, Miller,"

"Oh, no you don't...!"

"Little girl, where are your parents?"

The three adults stopped to see Penelope walking to the bodyguard.

“I want to see Kendra.” Penelope started. “I have a present for her and I want to show it to her,”

  The door of the ward pulled open, as the Vice President came out.

  “Penelope?”

  Penelope looked shyly.

   “Oh, my God, what are you doing? I mean, how did you…?”

  “I want to see Kendra,” she made to come in. The Vice President granted her access, as she clung her paintings with her. Kendra was shocked to see her. She couldn’t believe it was the little girl standing right there. “Penelope?” She called, surprised. She had her mouth wide open, watching the little girl come to her. She was happy to see she was in good health. But how did she make it out of Huang’s walls without being seen? She wondered.

   The little girl showed Kendra her paintings, going on to whisper in her ear.

  “Huh?’

  Penelope nodded, pulling away from her. Lucille rolled her eyes at her, wondering what she had told Kendra.

  “Well, what did she say?”

  “That she misses me,” Kendra lied.

  She carried Penny onto the bed and held her dearly. “Oh, how I’ve missed you,”

  “I missed you too, Kendra,” she giggled with all her baby teeth out, and snuggled up in Kendra’s arms.

  The Vice President wondered where Penelope had come from, staying a bit outside. She asked Brook if he had seen anyone with her, but he gave a negative answer.

  Kamila wasn’t still at ease, observing the hall. She paced halfway before she gave up and went inside. Something wasn’t right, she was sure. It was only a matter of time before she was going to figure it out.

  KAMILA

  “I told the commissioner about the men that kidnapped you,”

  “You mean Huang…?”

  “Oh, so that’s his name?” Kamila pretended not to know. She faked a smile. She moved closer to the bed. “Well, no matter. I’ve made sure he and his men have been put behind bars. They won’t be getting out soon,” she assured. “They’ll be charged with kidnapping and murder!”

  “Murder?”

  “Yes!” Kamila dreaded telling her daughter that Huang was a man from her past. She found the details irrelevant. “Now, rest. We have a long day ahead.” She said to her.

Kendra nodded her head and bit one side of her lips. Mom sure looks angry, she thought, of course. The men made a grave mistake ever kidnapping me.

***
  Kendra got discharged and took Penelope with her. The duo were happy to be reunited but grew sad when they had to part ways again.

  The Vice President had opined for the child to be given to a child agency. At least, until someone came claiming her, or her mother was found.

  “Mom, do you have to do this? I can take care of the child,” Kendra wasn’t pleased when she learnt about her mother’s plan. She still wanted to keep Penelope with her, having been separated from her for a month. She had grown fond of the child, and couldn’t risk losing her.

  “Kendra, this is the best, I assure,”

  “But, Mom…”

  “I won’t hear any of it,” Kamila waved off her words.

  “Well, can I at least spend more time with her? She can still stay here.”

  Kamila sighed. “Fine.”

  Kendra hurrahed, facing Penelope. “Now, why don’t you tell me about---“She stopped. She turned again to see her Mom going upstairs.

  “That man,” she brought down her voice.

  “Uncle Jong was the one who saved me,”

  “Uncle Jong?” Could it be Psi? Kendra thought, the same man from Chang? She shook her head. No, it can’t be, she tried to shrug the thoughts off. “Tell me more about this Jong,” she said to the little girl.

  “He asked me to pass a message to you,”

  “What...?’

  “He said it’s important,”

  My eyes grew wide, wondering what message she wanted to pass. It was Psi, my mind went to the time Huang had mentioned a man...

  "Even no luck finding Jong-su?"

  “No luck, boss...“

  I froze. It was Jong-Su, the man from Chang. What does he have to do with Huang and his men? Is he an accomplice? I asked myself.  I looked at Penelope, urging her on, as Mom’s voice interrupted us.

  “Yes, Huang and those I presumed, are his men,”

  I turned my head in the direction of the stairs, giving Mom a suspicious look.

“Oh!” She gasped. “You’re still here.”

  “Yeah?”

  Lucille walked behind her, carrying tons of files. Mom handed the phone to her, making it downstairs. How she had managed to get ahold of the cell, without letting the files fall, amazed me. I stood up to go help her.

  “Oh, baby, let Lucille handle it,” Mom called me back.

  “Who were you talking to?” I asked with a suspicious look.

  She took in a deep breath and put her arms sideways. “The commissioner, you know,” she looked at me. “By the way, has your Dad called you?”

  “Don’t change the subject, Mom,” I scolded. “Thought you said you’ve spoken to the commissioner…?”

She threw her head to the side, avoiding my eyes.

  “Well…?”

  “Fine. I lied,” she finally admitted. “I thought you were going to say a little something about them. And, by the way, what even happened there?’ She stared into my eyes.

  I wanted to talk about the hidden walls; the underground that was far situated. But then, my words were stuck. Mom looked at me, eager to hear, but I said nothing at all, rising to my feet. “I need some air,” I rushed out the front door.

  Lucille followed me, and Mom came out next. “Kendra, if you know something,” she said. “Anything that can help us fight these bad guys, just tell me.” She pleaded persistently.

  “The place where I was,” I breathed in. “At first… was one with an underground; a place no one would believe existed.”

  “Go on,”

  “The day I was kidnapped, I was shot and unconscious, and I had no idea where I was until I woke up to find—“ My throat tightened.

  “Find what?”

  “Penelope beside me,”

  Kamila placed her hand on her mouth.

  “The place was nasty. There were skeletons scattered all over the ground. Past victims, I presume. I was there for some time until the boss-in-charge moved me to a whole different place.”

  “Skeletons? A hidden room. Got it.” The Vice President spoke like a detective.

  “Wait. How did you guys even know where I was?”

  Kamila arched her brows at her. “Someone,”

  “Really?” Kendra drew closer, resting her elbow on her left palm. Her fingers were touching her chin. They moved simultaneously as she rubbed the layer.

  Kamila went on to describe how the call had entered—an unknown caller who seemed to know the location of her daughter.

  “Hello, ma’am—“ she remembered his exact words. “I know where your daughter is…” She listened raptly.

»»»»»

  “And, did he tell you his name?” Kendra asked, wanting to know more.

  “No,” Lucille answered. “He never mentioned,” she joined the conversation. “Only that he asked us to move there right away, ending the call.”

  Kendra scoffed. She had heard enough. It was certain that someone else knew where she was, and it didn’t make perfect sense.

“Kendra,” Penelope came out. “Kendra, I’m scared. I feel that awful man will hit me again—”

  “Hit you?” Kendra stared closely at her. She moved closer to her and picked her up.  The poor girl must have been through a lot, she looked at her in pity.

  “Who will hit you, child?” Lucille asked.

  The little girl buried her head in Kendra’s neck. She didn’t want to speak, as she was scared. She said no more but whimpered with her eyes shut.

  “If Penelope could testify…”

  “Mom,” Kendra made to stop her from speaking.

  “You heard the girl, didn’t you?”

  “Let’s leave her for now,” Kendra said.

  Kamila shrugged and moved back inside, telling Lucille to come with her.

  Kendra carried Penelope down and looked directly at her. “Tell me. Who hit you?” She asked, wanting to hear more.

  “I can’t say, Kendra, but I know it was a man… a man,” she whimpered again.

  Kendra was confused by what she meant she couldn’t tell. “Were you blindfolded?”

  Penelope replied, “Yes,”

  Kendra gulped as she answered, wondering what the little girl had undergone. She thought about the message she had passed, and she squatted, urging her to say more.

“Tell her to meet me at the same place I saw you guys,” Penelope remembered. ”He asked me to tell you to meet him at that same place…”

***The Next Day

  Kendra woke up real early, ready for what the day had in store. She got out of bed, a bit sore, but didn’t let the state of her body put her to a stop.  She rushed and showered before anyone woke up. Then, put on a coat and tiptoed downstairs. It wasn’t going to be easy moving past her mother’s watchdogs. She had to move out the back, without being seen.

  “This should be easy,” Kendra breathed out.

  The door of the study room jerked open to Kendra’s surprise. It wasn’t part of the plan, as she didn’t expect anyone to be wide awake… especially not in the study room. “Who is it?” She asked shakily. “Lucille?” The image of the woman stood out in the light.

  Kendra remained quiet, hoping she wasn’t fully awake. She’s probably sleepwalking, she hoped in her mind. She thought with a shrug and covered her mouth. She is, she realized.

  “Kendra. Kendra my child,” the middle-aged woman mumbled as she walked. “Kendra…”

  Kendra hurriedly moved past her and, at the same time tried not to make a peek. But, what did she mean by ‘my child’? She gave a brief thought about what she had heard.  She quietly turned the doorknob and opened the door. Outside she saw Brook, the brawny man who was in charge and who was there to ruin her plans.

  “Where are you going?”

It was too late to turn back. Initiating plan B, Kendra thought to herself. “Thought I could receive a breath of fresh air outside,” she said with a warm smile.

  “A breath of fresh air by this time?” Brook motioned to his watch.

  “Fine. You caught me.” Kendra shrugged.

   She devised another plan; a fast one that’d earn her an easy escape.

   “You caught me. I was feeling uneasy so I decided to come out,”

  “Uneasy? Have you told the Vice President?” Brook asked her.

  Kendra threw him a frivolous smile and lowered her hands. “You can tell her if you want to.” She looked rudely at him. “Go on,”

  “You’re one smart woman…”

  Kendra brushed him off and moved faster than usual.

KENDRA

  He was catching up with me, and I could see him. My heart raced faster as I mounted the bike in the yard.

  “Come back here!”

  I pedaled fast and instructed the watchmen to open the gate. They were reluctant at first but suddenly succumbed. I knew I was going to be late; I had wasted a lot of time.

  I put my whole energy into pedaling, grunting as I did. It’s been a long time since I rode a bicycle, but I still had a hang of it. It won’t be long now, I thought to myself. 5:45—an unusual time to be out. Kendra, you better be doing the right thing,” I held my chest as I cycled.

  Jong was waiting for me when I arrived. Psi? I was not shocked by what I saw.

  “Lovely, isn’t it?”

  “You mean awkward?”

I got off my bike. It was risky meeting up with this guy. But I knew I needed answers.

   “We meet again, Kendra,”

  “What do you want from me?”

  “Oh, you have no idea.”

  I growled at him.

  “I’m not your enemy, believe me,”

  “Then what are you?”

  “Walk with me,” he said.

  “I should walk with you? Why don’t we get this over with?’  I couldn’t afford to waste more time. He seemed like a jerk. An annoying one. But wait! Why was he looking at me like that?

  “Were you the one who took Penelope…?”

  ”You already know the answer, don’t you?” He grinned.

  “I’m sorry, does it look like I’m playing?”

  It looked like he was going to laugh. “I’m sorry,” he tried to hold himself, but let out his muffled laugh.

  “I can’t believe I thought you had something important to tell me…”

  “Oh, believe me. I do.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

  The airy breeze blew across Kendra’s face as she stared at Jong. The young man inched closer to her, and she took a step backward, with a throbbing heart. She didn’t want to be there but didn’t regret it. She wanted answers—they were all she sought. She felt hot in her denim, and the coat she wore made her annoyed. Despite the atmosphere being cold, she still felt hot. The expression on her face showed that of discomfort. Jong could easily see she wasn’t so comfortable with him. 



  “Is it the cold?” 



  Kendra breathed a yes. “A-actually, I-I’m hot,” she hesitantly made it known to him. 



“Hot, you say?” Jong arched his brows. Amazed by her words, and clearly showing it, he asked her to take off her coat and leave only her gloves. “Just in case the cold decides to affect your palms,” he teased. 



  “Even your jokes are lame,” Kendra muttered as though she knew him so well. 



  “Hm?” 



  “Can you just get to the point and let me be on my way?” Kendra threw him an angry look. 



  “Oh.” He chuckled. “Sorry,” he said the ‘S’ word again. 



  He was getting on Kendra’s nerves, acting like ‘Mr. Goody Man’. The second look Kendra gave him, made him get right to the point. He started by clearing his throat and went right on to introduce himself before anything. 



  “Jong Harper…” 



  “Is that your name?” 



   “Taiyong Jong…” 



  “Taiyong…?” 



  “Jong-Su.” He completed. 



  “And here I thought it was ‘sigh’,” Kendra couldn’t hold back the words that wanted to break free. 



  “Sigh?” 



  “Just kidding.” She laughed at his reaction. “But Psi?” She curved her lips in the cutest way Jong couldn’t help but stare at. 



  “Yeah, I gave a fake name… intentionally,” he was standing close to her. 



  Kendra didn’t realize this until their eyes met. Her body remained stiff as her legs were rooted to the ground. “What am I doing?” She finally got herself. 



  “You don’t feel so comfortable with me…” 






  “Like, we’ve met just one time and you expect me to be comfortable?” 



  “This should be our third time,” 






  “Third time?” She pursed her lips together as her forehead wrinkled. Her brows furrowed into a frown, but she tried to relax her face. 






  “So, you see, you don’t have to be afraid.” Jong rubbed her arm. 






  She looked at him, unsure of what to say. “Um, It’s getting late,” she remembered herself. “I mean…” 






   Jong quickly waved his hand. He peered into her eyes and admired them. Those dazzling eyes, he thought, feeling an unusual urge to kiss her. 






  KENDRA 






  He kissed me. Yes, he did! I froze at the spot, not knowing if I should pull away. 






  His brows formed into an arch shape when he withdrew. “Feel better?” 






  My throat tightened as I could utter no word. 






[JONG] 






  I made an awkward move; one I immediately regretted. I let my emotions get the best of me, making me fall in love with this girl. It wasn’t my intention to fall, doing so was the last thing. I wanted to be out of her sight but got held by an unknown force. It was unlike me. 






  “Why did you do that?” 






  Her reaction came as a surprise to me. I gulped and shifted back a bit, in case she wanted to hit me. She lifted her brows to me; her expression was one I couldn’t interpret. 






  I heaved a sigh and made to leave, as she caught my hand and stopped me from taking any steps. 



''•'' 



  The sound of the horn got Kendra fully alarmed, as she recognized it and turned. Her mother’s bodyguards alighted from the car. Four of them, she recognized. And, the driver who was behind the wheel. 



  “Kendra! Kendra!” Kamila opened the door of the car. She rushed out and made toward her daughter. The latter knew that she was busted. 



  “Who are you and what are you doing with my daughter?” Kamila gave Jong no chance to speak. 






  “Um…” 






  “Kendra, let’s go home,” Kamila tugged her daughter’s hand. “Let’s go home. Look at the time. What kind of a sane woman would be out by this time? And, you’re not even strong. Gosh! Let’s just go home, honey.” She pulled her daughter with her. 



  Kendra resisted, pulling away from her Mom. She had not yet gotten answers, and it was all thanks to Jong wasting her time. 



  “Mom, I’m not going anywhere. I’m a grown woman now.” 



  Kamila gasped. “You don’t even know this guy…” 



  “Yes, I do,” 



  Jong watched them struggle, shifting one side. 



  “He’s my boyfriend,” Kendra let out without proper thought. 



  Jong’s throat tightened at the lie. He wanted to object, but he kept his mouth shut. He watched the Vice President let go of Kendra’s hand. 



  “B-boyfriend?” 



  “You heard me right, mother. Yes, my boyfriend.” 



Kamila couldn't believe her daughter. She was probably finding reasons to disobey her but she wouldn't allow it. "Come on, Kendra. Let's go home." She pulled her by the arm.



"Mom, he knows the answers to our questions,"



Kamila froze at the spot. What answers was her daughter talking about? Was it about the men? She let go of Kendra's arm and went over her statement in her head—



"He knows the answers to our questions. Answers—"



"Well, ride on, Dunlop,"



"It's Harper, Mom. Just Harper." Kendra corrected.



"It's Jong-Su..."



"But you said..."



"Just let it go, Kendra." Kamila stopped her. "Tell me, what do you know about the men that had kidnapped my daughter, and how did you get to know them?"



Jongsu paused.



JONG



This was a difficult one. What situation have I gotten myself in? I only wanted to see Kendra, to tell only her how I'd gotten ahold of the girl in her care. But, I was even in a bigger form; bigger trouble that I'd created for myself. What was I even thinking about making her come here? Oh no! This was a mistake.



"You should come to our house since you're..." she looked at Kendra.



Not boyfriend, I prayed she wouldn't say.



"My boyfriend." Kendra was enthused beside me, clinging strongly to the lie.



I bent my head, avoiding staring into the eyes of the Vice President. If only she knew I was part of the gang. Once-



I agreed reluctantly, wondering how she had gotten so free with me. And, before I knew it, I was in their car.



"Trust me, Mom isn't bad," Kendra whispered to me as we were on our way.



I found no spirit to talk to her. This is ridiculous, I went on in my head. I kept my lips sealed all through the drive, daring not to look at my supposed girlfriend...



  We arrived at the Observatory Circle; a place I'd never thought I'd be. It was big—so big, that I wished not to leave but stay for a while.



  "You're the first visitor Mom's let in here," Kendra whispered to me.



  "First?"



  "Well, aside from members of the states and the few friends she has."



  "Oh, I see."



  She was behaving like a little kid, hovering around me. If I'd given her the chance, she would have slid her arm under mine.



  "Welcome to the Circle!" She announced. She seemed so lively and happy to have me there.



  "Tell me a little about yourself," she delayed going to her mother, tagging with me. "You seem like an interesting person," she said, urging me to say something.



  "Well, what do you want to know?"



  "A whole lot."



  "A whole lot?"



  "Starting from where you're from."



  "Where I'm from?"



  "You keep repeating everything I say," she laughed, curving her lips. "I like you," she said to my utmost surprise.

  









***

CHAPTER EIGHT

"I mean I..."

"Kendra!" The Vice-president called sharply.

~~~Kendra

I had spilled the beans, unthinkingly, regretting it at that moment. I hadn't know why I had done that, but it felt awfully good as my heart fluttered inside.

I was acting like a little child right now. Gosh! He must have noticed, I tightened my lips and answered Mom. She gave a curious look.

"What?"

"I can see you alright," she laughed, clasping her arms behind.

I tried not to blush but kept a serious face. I pretended not to know what she was talking about, making to change the subject.

"Did Brook tell you I wasn't feeling well?" I asked. I quickly scolded myself, wishing I didn't ask.

"Not feeling...?" She stopped. "Honey, does your chest still hurts? You know the doctor said we shouldn't let you walk about until you were fully okay."

"I'm fine."

"Well, he did mention that you tricked him..."

"Yeah, right."

"Well, let's stop the chitty chat and let our guest inside." Mom rolled her eyes in a way I understood.

"Vice President," Lucille bowed her head. "Welcome." She looked at me in a not-so-lovely way.

Hmm, what's with her? I thought briefly, walking past her. I glanced over my shoulder and saw her looking at Jong. It felt as though she was going to swallow him with her eyes.

Does she know him from anywhere? I continued in my mind. It seemed like she knew him from somewhere, or was it my mind creating the form?

"Oh, Lucille. Our guest." Mom introduced him with her hand stretched out.

"Oh, he's a gentleman." Her smile seemed rather fake. "Kendra, come with me." She said to me.

"Oh, no. She'll have to stay here with us, Lu."

"But she needs to rest..."

"I bet she'd have lots of rest after we're done. But, for now" she smiled, urging Jong to sit. "Sit with me," she beckoned to me.

I could see the look on Lucille's face when Mom opted for me to sit. I wasn't so sure if she was seeing it, because it would have caused a stir. Lucille quickly relaxed her face, and gently excused herself. Something was up, I could tell. She was acting in an unusually least way.


LUCILLE

I overheard them from the stairs, laughing and making a mockery of me. It was like I thought, calling me an old hag! I was starting to hate this woman and wished dearly that I could smother the life out of her. Their laughter was unpleasant. It gave me the feeling I so detested.

JONG

I thought about where I'd known this woman. She looked pretty familiar. Her face was one I swore I'd look upon...

...but where have I seen her before?

***

Kamila threw a weird look at Jong, and quickly averted her gaze, looking at her daughter.

"He's not so bad," she communicated with her eyes.

She understood the look and nodded in agreement, concealing her blush.

"Make yourself at home, will you?" Kamila said to Jong. She smiled sweetly at him, giving him a warm welcome. King wasn't feeling so comfortable with this, wondering if he was supposed to be there. His throat tightened as his lips could make no word. He was clamped to a place and only watched, forcing a smile that had vigorously escaped.

"Thank you," he finally said amidst the heat. "Um, I'd like to use the bathroom."

"The bathroom?" Kendra looked at him. "Are you tense?" He only nodded, swiftly getting up.

"Pamela?" Kamila called one of the maids-a facetious, tall, timid girl, who looked exactly about Kendra's age.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Please show our guest to the bathroom." The Vice President requested.

Jong hurriedly followed the maid and avoided making eye contact with Kendra as he exited the living room. The interior of the room was nice to adore. Jong took little notice of the other parts, rushing into the loo on arrival.

"Thank you."

Pamela blushed.

Who's this handsome guy? She thought. "I wonder if he's got a girlfriend. He sure looks tasty." She said to herself, forgetting he could hear.

"God, what have I gotten myself...? What am I doing here?" Jong breathed in and out, wondering what next to do. I'm not ready. I'm not. Oh, God. What is this? He thought as he looked up at the ceiling. The pretty bulb hung down, shining its light on his face. It was a beautiful sight. Everything sure looked fancy in the Vice President's house.

Jong thought about an alternative move to take. Was it to escape...? He gave it a brief thought.

No-he shook the thought slowly off. "The Vice President was so kind to receive me." He looked in the mirror.

Pamela eavesdropped, wondering what he was going on about. Gosh, I have never seen anyone so handsome! She exclaimed in her mind, tightening her legs. The door jerked open, revealing a surprised Jong. The girl's been listening, he rolled his eyes at her, displeased.

"Pamela?" A gentle call shook them both.

Pamela

Shit! Why did she have to come now?

"Pamela, I've been calling you," Ma'am Kendra looked viciously at me.

"I-I..."

"Oh, Mom's waiting for you," she looked at the young man. Our handsome guest was out of the bathroom, and he gave me the killer look-or so I fantasized in my mind.

"Don't move any further!" Ma'am Kendra halted me.

I shook like a leaf, panicking and feeling the sweat roll down my face.

"What were you thinking coming here?"

"Oh, I was just passing..."

"Shut up! Now, listen up," she said to me. "If you dare carry out any moves on my man, I'll make sure I feed you to the dogs."

I trembled. I didn't expect it.

The young man was looking at me, I raised my head to know if it was so.

He had gone back to the living room, I let out a sigh. It was embarrassing being scolded by that rat. Oh, how I wanted to eat her up!

"Now, leave."

"I-I'm sorry," I took to my heels.

"Such an insolent brat." I overheard her once I was on my way.

Oh, stupid Pamela, I cursed myself. What were you thinking moving from your lane?

***

The duo had gotten seated, and a brief silence hovered in the air. The Vice President had sat up, having been in a resting position on the couch, it was certainly time to be in a contrasting position. "So, tell me, what are those things my daughter speaks of? She said you have answers. Just not any ordinary ones. But the answers to what we seek. Are you an accomplice?!" Her expression changed.

"Mom, relax. He's no accomplice."

How sure are you? Jong-Su wanted to ask. He gave a half smile, fastly getting it hidden. She was right. He wasn't any accomplice.

"When did you and my daughter meet?" Kamila arched her brows.

"Mom, is that necessary?"

"Hush it, hon. You seem like the witty one. Not bad at all. But, are you good for her?"

"Mom, I said enough!" Kendra barked.

"Oh, my!"

"Mom, I thought we had other important things, but here you are asking my boyfriend silly questions..."

"How dare you?!"

Kendra had no idea why she had done that. She had only met this guy and she felt a need to protect him.

"Mom, Jong isn't who you think he is. There's no way he must have had a hand in this."

"Then, why do you claim he knows answers? Answers to what exactly?"

"Um, I think I'm going to go," Jong stood up, not understanding anything. The room was heating up, he could feel it. It was only a matter of time before the cops were going to be called in.

"Why are you doing this?" Jong held Kendra's hand. She didn't even know him and, yet she was acting as if she did. He was a total stranger, but a wholly different person in this girl's eyes. Why is she doing this? Yelling at her mother all because of me?

"Mom, you just piss me off every time. You're giving more reasons to not want to be here. Let's go, babe." She said to me.

For a minute there, I forgot myself. I could almost hear myself laughing in the background.

Is this real?

I reluctantly got up from the chair, taking a look at the Vice President's face. It had disgust written all over it. She was certainly unhappy with me.

"Kendra, come back here!"

"I'm not coming. I ain't coming back to this house again!"

Kendra and Jong exited the Circle, and the latter asked through clenched teeth; "What was that back there?"

"It suddenly came to me. I have a plan."

Jong's eyes widened at her words.

"I'll tell you all about it. Come on."

Jong was left with no option but to follow.

The gates were left shut, under the commands of the Vice President. Brook and his men were already waiting outside. No one was allowed to leave the premises.

"Brook, what is this? Jan?" Kendra looked at the fellow beside the buff figure, giving him and the watchdogs a deadly scowl.

"Get him!"

  “W-wait, what are you doing?” Kendra looked in utter amazement.

  Jong made to move backward, confused and wondering if it was part of the plan. “What have I done? What have I…?” A man seized his hand from behind, swiftly making him groan. “What the hell…!”

  “Take him to the room,” Kamila’s voice rang behind.

  Kendra was confused about what was happening. Was Jong-su being held captive? “Mom, what’s going on?” She asked, hurriedly following her mother’s puppets. “Mom, I’d like to know what’s happening,”

  Kamila remained mute.

  Jong-Su was taken back into the Circle, as an astonished Kendra followed behind. Her mother had a lot to explain to her, and why the innocent guy was being taken.

  “Lock him up!” Kamila instructed. Her face had this look her daughter had never seen before.

  “This doesn’t make any sense. Mom! Mom!”

…but Kamila was out of her sight, not bothering to look back.

  “Mom, this isn’t fair!”

  “Make sure you lock her up in her room, Brook,”

  Kendra overheard.

  The scary man nodded and made an unregretful turn, as Kendra’s heart leaped into her throat. What has come over my mother? She thought.

  She made to make a sharp turn, but Brook caught her hand. He and Jan dragged her all the way upstairs, where she stayed, not getting herself.

KEN~DRA

  I sobbed in my palms, not believing what had happened. Why was Mom so angry with Jong? Was there something to it?

  The door of my room creaked open to my surprise. It was Lucille at it. “Lucile?”

  “Shush, child. I’m going to save you.” She said in a low voice. “What really happened back there, Kenny? Why was your Mom angry with you?”

  “I don’t know, aunt.”

  Lucille walked towards me and helped me up. She wiped my face next and asked me to come with her.

  “We have to leave this place. I’m taking you so far away,”

  “So far away?”

  I wondered what she had in mind, thinking of why she wanted to take me with her. Was there something behind it? There couldn’t be. She must have made a mistake stating it. “What do you mean by far away? W-what about Mom?”

  “I’m your mother, Kendra. It’s time you knew the truth.”

  I couldn’t believe a single word of hers. There was no way she could be my mother.

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Kendra, my child,” she held my face, staring shakily at me. We heard footsteps and my heart rattled. Oh, no. We were going to be caught.

***

  Jong slowly tiptoed into the room, seeing the two women. His heart was at rest, finally finding them. “Where is Penelope?” He lowered his voice as he asked. The two women looked at each other and wondered how he had escaped.

  “We should get going. The girl should be somewhere in the house.”

  Kendra nodded. She found it hard to speak, frighteningly following him. She prayed fervently in her heart, wishing everything would end.

***

  “Call your men and come right to this place. We have a filthy rat that we must get rid of."
  » The phone buzzed and the line went dead. It was game on!

TO BE CONT'D »»»»

  PLEASE 🙏  LIKE, COMMENT AND SHARE WHEN YOU'RE DONE READING THE WHOLE STORY. I LOVE Y'@LL 🥰

* * *

I remember it like yesterday, the day my best friend asked me to be a surrogate and the carrier of her baby.

  “You want me to?”

  “Yes, Lu.”

  “Is it going to hurt? I’m afraid of needles.” I tried to relieve the tension, making her laugh a little.

  “Trust me, it won’t.”

  “Okay,” I breathed. “How is it going to be?”

———♣♣♣

The hospital reeked so badly, that it made me want to puke. “How much longer do we have to stay here? I feel like vomiting,” I swallowed hard.

  “It won’t be long,” said Kamila. She was the one person that trusted me the most.

  …but I broke her trust when I decided to go behind her back.

MANY YEARS AGO```

"Can we talk?"

"I'm all ears..."

"Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course! Or don't you trust me?"

"I'm barren."

"What?"

"Geoffrey doesn't know about it. I'm scared he won't love me..."

"But you have to tell him,"

"I can't. Our marriage is in a week..."

***

"Call your men and come right to this place. We have a filthy rat that we must get rid of..."

We could hear Mom's voice loud and clear. Oh, she sounded angry.

"Think we'll be able to find Penelope in time? We need to get far away from here before she knows we're gone." Lucille chipped in lowly, following closely behind.

I was yet to process what she had told me. There was no need because she couldn't be my mother. She and my Mom had only met a couple of years. I could remember I was still small when I got to see her for the first time.

"We don't have much time, come on." Jong cut my thoughts short.

"She should be in one of the rooms, or the..."

"Stop right there!" Brook and his men were already at the foot of the stairs, preventing us from going further.

"Brook, you have to let us through. Please."

"Not without the Vice President's orders..."

"Brook!"

We all turned.

"And to think I could trust you, you backstabbing fool!" Mom scowled at Lucille, proving she was talking to her.

"I-I can explain..."

"Shut it!"

"Mom, what has come over you?"

"What has come over me?"

The woman standing in front of us wasn't my Mom. She was a different person entirely. "Yes, what has come over you? You don't act like yourself."

"Oh, I'll tell you what is wrong with me..."

Lucille got in front of me as she came closer. "Don't you dare lay... a single finger... on my daughter. I am sick and tired of you acting like you own her..."

"But I do. She's my..."

"She is not!"

The whole place was silent as Lucille barked. It felt as if an earthquake had happened, and no one could say a single word.

"Your daughter?"

"I'm sorry, but it's time I told you what went on between Geoff and me."

"What?"

"We had an affair behind your back and I don't regret a thing."

I swallowed hard where I was.

Lucille telling Mom that she had an affair with Dad at this time was the wrong one. We needed to be out of here. Jong and I, but she wasn't making it any easier.

"Come on, Lucille, we have to go..."

"No, don't move an inch." Mom stopped me.

I was sweating profusely, wishing the ground would just open up, though I wasn't the one who did something bad.

"You... slept with Geoffrey?" Mom asked shakily, with her hands held to her mouth.

"I wanted to tell you, alright, but I was scared that you were going to hurt me."

The rage in my mother's eyes glistened. "You slept with Geoffrey??"

I knew we were in for it, and I wasn't proved wrong as my mother pulled the gun out of Brook's holster and aimed at Lucille.

"Lucille...!" But I was late. It had already happened before my very eyes... the bullet getting embedded in Lucille's chest.

"No, Lucille!" I sobbed as I clung dearly to her

"I-I'm so sorry..."

"No, please. No, don't die on me. No..." but she was gone.

I cried profusely, looking at my mother. "She's dead. She's dead."

"I-I didn't mean to..."

"No, you killed her!" I said with rage.

Mom stood in fear as Brook and the other of her bodyguards made towards her. The vice president had committed a serious crime, and it was not going to be overlooked.

"I swear, I didn't mean to. No! Kendra...!"

I looked away as she called my name. At that moment, I felt nothing but a strong aversion towards her. "You are not my mother..."

"Kendra, my child..."

"You were never my mother!" I allowed her bodyguards to lead her away as I slumped to the ground.

'''~~~'''

Many years had passed since the incident happened, and I remembered the woman who I thought was my mother. I rubbed my belly as I clasped my son. He looked just like his father, and I couldn't have thought of a better man to have such a wondrous son with.

Jong-Su was the man. He was there just when I needed someone the most.

"You wouldn't have happened to see my tablet, baby, would you?"

"Mm, there's the man I've been looking for," I smiled as I gave my tummy another rub.

" Daddy!" Little Jong enthused.

" Hey, little man!" Jong spread his arms as he beckoned to him to come. "Have you seen my tablet, baby?" He asked once more as he carried our son.

" Not quite,"

" Well, I'm sure I kept it on the table." He scanned the living room but found it nowhere. "You ready to go see grandma, son?"

They looked adorable and I couldn't help but smile.

"Grandma's certainly going to be happy seeing you, baby," I looked at my son, remembering everything again. If only Mom was alive to see her grandson, I felt sober at the thought of it.

"She's certainly going to be..."

Mom had been behind bars, as she was serving a life sentence. Jong had pleaded with me to forgive her, but it was one tough choice to make.

Nine years had passed since it all went down. I just couldn't wait for Mom to meet her grandson, and for little J to meet his gram.

"Juni," I called Jong Junior in my usual way. "Come here, baby. Come on now." I wanted to carry him from Jong's arms, but the little boy refused.

"We should get going, babe," Jong said to me. He was the perfect man, I couldn't help but acknowledge. Who knew the once-then mafia would become a loving husband and dad?

After Jong confessed everything to me, I was upset. But, I was in love with this one man who had gotten me entwined in a world I couldn't do without, and I was left with no option but to have fate win... and there we were.

"I love you, my mafia King," I didn't know when I uttered. A single tear dropped from my eyes and Jong wiped it.

"I love you too, my Queen..."



"Hey, don't leave me out!" Little Jong cried, and we laughed.

"We love you too..."

~~~I couldn't think of a perfect ending than this. I'm sorry I had to post the whole story... I just couldn't post chapter by chapter every day, when I've done so before. But, this is the whole story. Well, at least for now. I might write an attachment later... but it won't be anytime soon.

I never thought I could finish this story It's all thanks to God


...

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