《Maid for the Mafia Boss》


 Chapter 1

    Clutching on my bag, I walk quietly down the empty streets. For two years I have grown to be immuned to this sort of lifestyle. Ain¡¯t carrying any designer essory but a cheap, old bag from vintage stores that¡¯s full of cheap clothes as well.


    I still get to eat my meals, anyway. I¡¯d be lucky enough if someone lets me work for them for a time being just so I could earn something to keep myself alive.


    No matter how risky it seems, I always made sure to avoid sidelines that¡¯ll expose me torge crowds, fearing that someone might recognize me. Considering my situation, it¡¯s better to be safe than sorry.


    I sighed while looking for a decent ce to stay for the night. How ironic for a beggar to find a ¡®decent¡¯ ce where in fact we¡¯re used to sleeping on cardboards. It¡¯s almost getting dark, I must hurry.


    Walking past therge buildings, I decided to take a rest by the wall of a nearby home. I ced my bag on the ground and leaned on the wall, squatting. A nomad would describe my situation perfectly; I don¡¯t stay in one ce but just follow wherever my feet takes me. Being weak is thest thing at the moment because I badly needed to earn.


    And if I already earn enough, I¡¯ll buy my own ce and live outside, away from the smoking atmosphere of the city.


    Alone.


    ¡°Papa?¡± A child¡¯s voice muttered. I turned my head around to see where the voice mighte from.


    Looking around, I found the child on a four-step staircase, sitting on a cloth beneath him. He¡¯s gazing upon a tall man that approached him before I did.


    ¡°I¡¯m not your papa, but let me change your diaper for you.¡± Wait, what did he say? I¡¯m getting confused.


    The child looked bewildered as I was at first but heughed when the man took his diapers off as if he was tickling him. What the heck, really? Here in the streets?


    ¡°Wait a second, how to do this? Josie should be the one doing this, geez.¡± Confusion was written on the man¡¯s face as he obviously looked like he didn¡¯t sign up for that job to change a baby¡¯s diaper.


    ¡°Aihihihihi¡± the childughed, without knowing he¡¯s in the middle of the streets. I carefully walk towards their way.


    ¡°Uhmmm¡± they both looked at me as they felt meing near them. Suddenly I was out of words. The man noticed my quietness.


    ¡°You know how to do this?¡± I nodded in response which made him smile.


    He moved from the child to give me way towards him. The child just smiled at me.


    ¡°Why is he here in the middle of the streets? It¡¯s almost getting dark, you know.¡± I asked the man. He just shrugged in response.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know. We just saw him sitting there at the exact same spot where you found him. All of the neighbors around here are helping to take care of this child. A lot of them are willing to adopt him but every time they try, the child wouldn¡¯t flee.¡± I furrowed my brows and observed the child¡¯s face.


    ¡°Do you know his name?¡± I asked, gazing upon the man.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°We think it¡¯s Brylle. That¡¯s what is written on the cloth he always sits on.¡± I nodded in understatement and finished up Brylle with his diapers.


    ¡°Mama!¡± The child enthusiastically says. I smiled at him as I ran my fingers to his hair yfully.


    ¡°Is Brylle your name?¡± He turned his head sideways in wonder but nodded in the end. I blinked twice, looks like this kid is intelligent.


    ¡°How old are you?¡± I didn¡¯t expect any response since he seems to be too young to understand. But I was surprised as he raised his hand and lifted up two fingers.


    2 years old?! Leaving him alone?!


    ¡°Lady,¡± I returned my gaze back to the man. I forgot his presence is still here.


    ¡°I have to get going, I still have a lot of things to do. Here, it¡¯s his favourite food.¡± As he extended his hand, I epted the chocte? I watched the man walk away, leaving Brylle with me.


    ¡°Mama? Papa?¡± His words made me stunned.


    ¡°I¡¯m not your real mama, Brylle.¡± His face became blue as he leaned his head on my chest.


    ¡°Ma¡± He muttered before drifting off to sleep. I made sure he is still breathing and didn¡¯t pass out due to hardship of life.


    I returned to my ce by the wall while hugging the child.


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s just you and me.¡± I smiled as I watched Brylle¡¯s innocent sleeping face.


    Looking up to the sky, I asked for guidance from the Highest and from my family.

 Chapter 2

    ¡°Mamaaaa¡± the sound of Brylle¡¯s cries made me stop cooking. From the kitchen, I peeked to check where he¡¯s currently sitting. Nothing seems to be wrong.


    I furrowed my eyebrows as I went near him.


    ¡°What is it, baby?¡± I knelt im front of him so we were the same level.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± He muttered, smiling. I was amused at first but in the end I returned his smile. I kissed his nose before standing back up.


    I pinched his cheek yfully before going back to the kitchen.


    The cute little boy wants attention.


    Iughed at the thought.


    If you think he¡¯s my son, well, I treat him as my own like how he treats me as his mama. But the truth is we just found each other in the streets.


    He¡¯s just sitting on a cloth when I first saw him. At that moment, I knew to myself that I couldn¡¯t just leave him alone. He¡¯s just two years old and has no clue at what¡¯s happening around him.


    I¡¯m d that I decided to adopt and take care of him. Now that we¡¯re always together, I don¡¯t feel so lonely anymore.


    Now everything I do is for him. I want to give him the best life, even though I don¡¯t have any subtle ie at the moment.


    Speaking of¡­


    I stared at the food I was cooking until I realized I still haven¡¯t found myself a job.


    ¡°Huhuhu! Where am I suppose to get a job?!¡± I questioned to the void.


    I¡¯ve been finding myself an applicable job for a long time now. But up¡¯till now I still work part-time and that wouldn¡¯t be enough to support me and Brylle.


    I covered the food I was cooking and started to scroll through social media sites. My newsfeed is full of job hiring. Everything that can be found on my phone is all about getting a job. I don¡¯t need to search anymore because itnds through my very eyes themselves.


    Most of the jobs I like requires college graduates. Those are the ones I really long for. But the only upations that match my resume are:


    Janitor


    Driver


    Waitress


    Maid


    And a lot more like those stuffs. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m against those work, I¡¯m not being picky or anything. I just wanted to earn enough money that will support us and all of our needs.


    I check the food I was cooking and noticed it¡¯spletely cooked. So I turned the fire off.


    ¡°Oh, Nassandra, is the food ready?¡± This made me look at the middle-aged woman who entered the kitchen. She¡¯s the owner of the house we¡¯re currently staying in. She¡¯s name is Anne but we call her Tiya, she¡¯s strict but kind at the same time. The minute she saw Brylle and I, she couldn¡¯t resist seeing us in the middle of the streets.


    She gave us food at first. And when we started talking to each other, it wasn¡¯t long beforw she offered us to stay in her home with Brylle. Since she¡¯s alone, she doesn¡¯t have anypanion with her. Of course, I didn¡¯t hesitate to ept her offer. Brylle and I had been on the streets far long enough that we¡¯d immediately ept afortable ce without a doubt.


    In exchange for giving us a home, I was the one who volunteered to do her chores such as cleaning and cooking. Tiya never had the time to do them since she¡¯s busy working as a social worker.


    It was alright for me to do her chores. The house isn¡¯t that big and there aren¡¯t any necessary messes around to clean up.


    Of course, I always thought of Brylle¡¯s welfare.


    ¡°You¡¯re just in time, Tiya. I had just turned the fire off. Let¡¯s eat it while it¡¯s still hot.¡± I stated as I started arranging the tes.


    ¡°Is it delicious?¡± I smiled at herment.


    ¡°Of course, I made it myself!¡± The woman smiles in return.


    ¡°Alright, hurry up. I needed to get back to work.¡± I immediately followed hermand. After arranging the tes, I carried Brylle to his high chair by the table.


    I pinched his cheek yfully which made him giggle. This made Tiya smile, as well. We all started to eat together.


    ¡°Have you found any job yet?¡± I shook my head and fell to silence.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you just ept the other jobs?¡± Slight irritance was evident in her tone. We¡¯ve talked about this matter a few times since a lot of job opportunities are also waiting in the office that she works in, which I didn¡¯t want to apply to.


    If I work in ces like those, a lot of people will see me. I don¡¯t really want a lot of people seeing me¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother answering.¡± I lowered my head and continued to be quiet as we ate. A small hand touched my arm which made me look at Brylle. He just smiled at me to which I dly returned. He also held Tiya¡¯s hand which made the woman look at him. Her face lightened up a bit as he she saw the innocent face of my¡­err, son.


    ¡°We¡¯re not fighting, Brylle.¡± I said and he just nodded and went back to eating.


    I¡¯m proud at the fact that at the age of three, he already knows how to eat by himself and speak properly. He can only speak a few words though but it¡¯s alright, I still love him even though we don¡¯t share the same blood.


    *Knock knock*Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    We shifted our eyes to the door where someone had just knocked. I looked at Tiya, who¡¯s as confused as me, before standing up from my seat to go and open the door.


    I came face to face with a slightly old man who seemed pretty shocked to see me at the door. He looked back at the house¡¯s address. He looks confused.


    ¡°My apologies, I think I got the wrong house.¡± I shed a smile at the old man.


    ¡°Are you looking for Tiya Anne?¡± I asked asr to which he nodded to.


    ¡°Yeah, but I guess she doesn¡¯t live here anymore.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, she¡¯s inside.¡±


    ¡°Nassandra, who¡¯s there?¡± I heard Tiya asked as she peeked through the door.


    As their eyes met, they beamed at each other.


    ¡°William?¡± The old man smiled.


    ¡°Anne.¡±


    ¡°Do you two know each other? Please,e in.¡± I said and invited him inside. The old man was dressed so formally in a ck suit. He puts down his suitcase by the door.


    ¡°By the way, I¡¯m Nassandra.¡± I wiped my hands before reaching them. He epted my hand as he shook it.


    ¡°William.¡± He smiled at me as I offered him a seat at the table.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, William, you should eat.¡± Tiya Anne invites cheerfully. What is going on with the two of them??


    I carried Brylle down from his high chair. He ran directly towards William and held the visitor¡¯s hand. He was stunned when the little boy puts the man¡¯s hand on his forehead in respect before walking back towards me. I smiled at him before putting him back to his high chair. William looks at Aunt Anne with shock.


    ¡°Y-You have a grandson?¡± He asked, hesitatingly. Aunt Anne chuckled.


    ¡°They¡¯re not my family. I just let them stay in my home since I pity the child.¡± The old man smiled once again.


    ¡°You really are a kinddy, Anne.¡± I saw Tiya Anne¡¯s face blush. Wait, what?


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t stand seeing them outside my door with the child shivering in the cold. So I let them in. I¡¯m not that kind. Anyways, why did you came here?¡± I continued to eat while still listening to their conversation.


    ¡°I just wanted to visit you, to see how you¡¯re doing.¡± William held Aunt Anne¡¯s hand while I pretended not to see what just happened.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, William.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Tiya Anne shot a nce at me as if she realized something important.


    ¡°Ah, William. She¡¯s Nassandra. She¡¯s currently looking for a job but never got hired. She never got to finish college.¡± I ced down the spoon I was holding and faced the old man.


    ¡°She¡¯s right.¡± I nodded at him.


    ¡°There are a lot of jobs avable for people like you who never got to finish their studies.¡±


    ¡°Oh, William, she doesn¡¯t want those jobs. Too picky.¡± I looked at Aunt Anne before speaking to William.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that. I just wanted to save a lot of money. Once I do, we¡¯ll leave Tiya¡¯s house immediately.¡± I stated then resumed eating my meal.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, Nassandra. It¡¯s definitely alright for you two to stay here.¡± I just stayed quiet to avoid any argument with Aunt Anne. I just shed a smile at Brylle when he looked at me.


    ¡°I know where you can earn a lot.¡± We all looked at William.


    ¡°Really?¡± Tiya asked.


    ¡°They¡¯re hiring maids at my work. The sry is far from beyond.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows.


    ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°They pay me 30, 000 pesos every month.¡± We were all bbergasted at what he said.


    ¡°What do you do in work, William?¡± Tiya


    Anne asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m the driver of the realpany owner¡¯s friend.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just a driver yet they pay you that much?¡± Aunt Anne questioned, still stunned. Even I was shocked. She sighed.


    ¡°Theirpany is one of the richest in the whole world. The boss is strict, they¡¯re all scary as they always look serious. Especially their leader.¡±


    ¡°There it is, Nassandra. Why don¡¯t you try applying there?¡± This made me be in deep thought, I didn¡¯t want to work where a lot of people would see me, let alone work in other people¡¯s house.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± I looked at Brylle who just beamed at me. I wiped his mouth that had sauce from the food.


    ¡°Why, Nassandra? This is your opportunity to work, the sry seems well enough.¡± I sighed. William holds Tiya Anne¡¯s hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s alright, Anne. Just let her decide on her own. Nassandra, in case you change your mind on applying, just approach me. I¡¯ll find a way to let you in there.¡± I smiled at William.


    ¡°Thank you so much, I¡¯ll tell you once I have decided.¡± I saw Tiya Anne shake her head as a sign of disapproval.


    I noticed Brylle was done eating so I carried him out the kitchen to let him y.


    ¡°Mama, y with me.¡± He says adoringly.


    ¡°Okay, baby, just let me finish cleaning.¡± He nods.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I went back to the table where William and Aunt Anne were talking. They¡¯re already done with their meals so I proceeded to clean up.


    ¡°Nassandra, I¡¯ll be needing to go back to the office. I¡¯ll leave the house to you. Be sure to handle things properly. I won¡¯t be eating here tonight, William and I are going somewhere.¡± They looked at each other as they stood up.


    ¡°I will.¡± I bid my farewells to William as they both left the house together.

 Chapter 3

    It¡¯s been three days since William offered me a job at thepany he works in.


    And I have decided to tell himter that I¡¯ll be rejecting the job offer. It¡¯s too risky for me and I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll be ready to leave Brylle with Tiya Anne yet.


    ¡°Brylle, can you put your shoes on your own?¡± I asked the little child as I saw him getting his shoes from the doorstep. He looked at me and let out a small smile. I grinned at his direction.


    ¡°Yes, Mama.¡± I smiled then let him put his shoes on. When he¡¯s done, I reached out my hand to which he dly epts.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡± He nods and we started walking while I held his hand.


    Brylle wants to go to the yground. Thankfully there¡¯s one nearby Auntie¡¯s house. We¡¯re currently on the way there. It¡¯ll be nice for him to socialize with other kids so he won¡¯t end up like an introvert.


    His hands are so hot which made me wonder, but immediately dismissed the thought for now.


    As we reached the park, Brylle hastily pulled my hand as he badly wants to y. Iughed at the kid¡¯s cuteness.


    Letting go of his hand at the yground, I let him y. There are also of kids there so he invites them to y along with him. Later, the park became noisier as the kids kept ying. I watch Brylle from a distance to make sure he doesn¡¯t get hurt or anything.


    A few minutes have passed by and Brylle already walked away from the kids. He sat by the grass where there wasn¡¯t much people around.


    ¡°Brylle? What¡¯s the matter?¡± I asked him. He looks at me as I stood up a bit until his eyes were shut close. I immediately ran to his side.


    I catched his head before it hits the ground. My eyes widened upon realizing that he just passed out.


    ¡°Brylle, Brylle!¡± I called. Touching his face, I noticed it was warmer than before. I felt his hot temperature everywhere from his forehead and neck. His temperature is so high!


    A lot of bypassers surrounded us in curiosity to see what¡¯s going on. I wanted to cry but I set that aside for now. I absolutely don¡¯t know what to do.


    He¡¯s still breathing and that made me a bit at ease. If I call an ambnce, we¡¯ll surely get stuck in a traffic. Traffic here is so bad. The hospital is just near the park but I decided that I¡¯ll bring Brylle to the hospital myself.


    I carefully carried him in my arms as I ran to the hospital. Hold on, Brylle, please be fine.


    ¡°He¡¯s got the severe case of dengue. As what I¡¯ve learned, his symptoms has been showing for a long time. Have you not noticed these signs these past few days? Maybe rashes or fever?¡± I thought deeply about what the doctor said and nced at Brylle who¡¯s currently in his own hospital bed with an I. V. attached to his little arms.


    ¡°He had those rashes for a long time. He¡¯s very sensitive with his surroundings and very prone to allergies. I thought those rashes were just normal.¡± Remembering those rashes, I wanted to hit myself for not thinking that he¡¯d get sick like this.


    ¡°He already had a lot of rashes. We also noticed his allergy to certain dirty stuff such as dust. Don¡¯t you ever noticed his fever?¡± Thinking about the times I¡¯d feel his temperature change, I just neglected it because he always reassures me with a smile.


    I fell in silence and let myself be destructed by guilt due to the fact that I was a very very bad parent.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve brought him to the hospital sooner. His telets are decreasing inrge number, I fear he¡¯d need blood transmission. His life would be in serious danger.¡± I sighed at the doctor¡¯s words and nced back at Brylle who¡¯s currently sleeping while breathing heavily.


    ¡°It¡¯d be hard to find a matching blood type for him, the hospital just ran out of them. We¡¯re doing the best we can to find sources from other hospitals.¡± The doctor¡¯s words got me even more worried. What if something bad happens to Brylle because of me?


    ¡°What should I do?¡± The doctor nodded at me.


    ¡°Do you know your blood type?¡± I shook my head with a tinch of confusion written on my face.


    ¡°We¡¯ll check your blood type to see if you could donate your blood to him. If that¡¯s alright with you?¡± Says the nurse, apanying the doctor.


    ¡°H-He¡¯s not really my son.¡± They were a bit shocked at first but immediately went back to their professional mood.


    ¡°We¡¯ll still check your blood even if you¡¯re not aware of it. Who knows you¡¯ll get lucky and you¡¯ll match?¡± I only nodded in response and stared back at Brylle¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the kid, there are several nurses that will take care of him. They¡¯ll handle it.¡± I nodded again as I reached out for my phone.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just make a call, I¡¯ll inform my Tiya of what happened then you can check my blood.¡± They both nodded at me before leaving me alone. The doctor told the nurse to bring me to them once I¡¯m done with my business.


    My hands were shaking as I dialled Auntie¡¯s number. It took a few rings before she picked up.


    ¡°Nassandra? What¡¯s the matter? I¡¯m at work.¡± She asks hurriedly. This made me close my eyes in frustration.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but Brylle is at the hospital.¡±


    ¡°What?! Why? What happened?¡± She almost yelled. I bit my lip nervously.


    ¡°He has severe dengue. He passed out while we were at the park. His telets are low and he needs blood transmission. But it¡¯s going to be difficult, finding apatible blood donor. The hospital ran out of them.¡± I tried my best to control my voice and make it sound like I wasn¡¯t going to cry.


    ¡°What kind of hospital runs out blood? Geez! Calm yourself down, Nassandra. Ask them Brylle¡¯s blood type, I¡¯ll ask everyone here if they have the same type as he does.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll still need to check ourpatibility. But thank you for asking them, Tiya.¡± I let out a sigh. I asked the nurse about Brylle¡¯s blood type.


    ¡°It¡¯s O. He¡¯ll only match with the simr type.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the hospital immediately once I found somebody. Just text me the name of the hospital, Nassandra, okay?¡± I nodded even though she wouldn¡¯t see me.


    ¡°Y-Yes. Thanky you, Tiya.¡± I ended the call and proceeded toe with the nurse.


    ¡°Your blood type is AB+, that¡¯s notpatible with Brylle. We found a blood bagpatible with your son¡¯s blood type from other hospital. But we¡¯ll be needing four bags if we really want him to be well. Have you found any sources or donors yet?¡± Said the nurse to which I just shook my head. I was a bit irritated because they don¡¯t have the blood Brylle needed. But I managed to control myself.


    ¡°Not yet.¡± The nurse nodded.


    ¡°We can proceed to transfer the first bag to himter. Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll do our very best we can to find more blood for him.¡± I only nodded at the nurse before she left the room.


    I sat by Brylle¡¯s bedside. Holding his little hands, I stared at his sleeping face. I touched his cheek lightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I failed taking care of you, baby. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± A tear dropped from my eye which I immediately wiped away.


    ¡°Nassandra?¡± I looked at where I heard Tiya¡¯s voice. She came in with Wiliiam along with guy wearing a white polo. Who is he?


    ¡°Tiya¡± I stood up and walked towards her. She held both of my shoulders firmly.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I nodded. As she saw Brylle, she went directly towards his side. She held his hand which made me clench my fists.


    ¡°Did you find anyone, Tiya?¡± I asked, hoping her answer would give hope to my son. Auntie looked at me and nodded. Suddenly, I had hope. She pointed at William which made me look at his direction.


    ¡°Anne texted me and asked if I know anyone with a blood type O. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a coincidence but Sir Zeke is an O-type himself, he¡¯s my boss.¡± I gazed at the tall, lean man. He¡¯s got a small amount of beard but it suits him. His hair is a bit long with a few curl locks.


    He shed a smile at me.


    ¡°My name is Zeke Nics Alexandre, I¡¯ll be happy to help your child.¡± My eyes widened as I took a step closer to him. I epted his handshake which made me nervous. My heart beat fastened as I felt his callused hand touch mine.


    ¡°Thank you so much.¡± Was all I could say. I was about to break the handshake but he didn¡¯t let go of his grip. He looked through my eyes as if he was studying them until he smirked¡­ He doesn¡¯t know me right???


    ¡°What¡¯s your name, miss?¡± I sucked in s breath at his deep, manly voice.


    ¡°Uhmmm. It¡¯s Nassandra.¡± He lets out a smile before letting my hand go. His eyes went to Brylle before he examined the whole surroundings.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the doctor? I want to get this started already, I still have an appointment.¡± He says. This made William lower his gaze at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry for the disturbance, sir.¡± Zekeughed then looked at me.


    ¡°Ah no, it¡¯s fine. If it¡¯s for the beautifuldy, then I¡¯ll do anything.¡± My eyebrows creased at his statement. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m suppose to be ttered or disgusted. I just ignored his remark and called the doctor¡¯s nurse from earlier.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°Did you find anymore sources of blood for Brylle?¡± I asked her as she looked at mypanions.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s nothing for now.¡± I nodded.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I think we found someone who could possibly be a donor for him.¡± I pointed at Zeke which made the nurse looked towards him. Her eyes glimmered upon seeing the man.


    ¡°We have to check first if you match. Once you do, we can get some of your blood as donation.¡± Zeke nodded as he followed the nurse.

 Chapter 4

    ¡°How many bags of blood does the kid need?¡± Asked the guy William brought in. He¡¯s currently with the nurse, filling two bags of blood for Brylle. I followed him here and this is what I found.


    ¡°Six bags.¡± This made me look at the nurse with disbelief.


    ¡°I thought you said you just needed four?¡± I asked, bewildered at what she said.


    ¡°My apologies, but we figured that the kid needs more blood than we expected.¡± My eyes widened at the thought that the guy will be filling 3 more bags of blood . I suddenly felt blue and even more guilty.


    ¡°There¡¯s already one bag, right? If I¡¯m not mistaken, it¡¯s currently being filled up.¡± The nurse nodded in approvance.


    ¡°Then get the three more bags from me.¡± I shifted my eyes at Zeke while the nurse and I looked at him with disbelief. He already gave two bags and now he¡¯s telling us to get three more from him? Isn¡¯t he worried that he¡¯ll suffer blood loss, as well?!


    ¡°But sir, then you¡¯ll be the one in harm. That¡¯s too much blood already.¡± Zeke rolled his eyes at the nurse who¡¯s practically flirting with him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± Then he looks at me.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry on finding more blood for him. Just get everything from me.¡± I shook my head at him with furrowed eyebrows.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that. Then you¡¯ll be the one to suffer blood loss and faint.¡± The man sighed which furrowed my eyebrows even more.


    ¡°I can manage, I¡¯m a strong man.¡± He smirked, looking directly to my eyes. I raised a brow at him as we stared at each other for a while. The nurse just looked at me as if she was waiting for my permission.


    ¡°You have to find ways, Nassandra. After all, you¡¯re the reason why Brylle is here and I¡¯m the only one who can save him.¡± My mouth gaped upon hearing his arrogant words. I closed my eyes, absorbing the words he just said. Wait, I¡¯m reason why Brylle is hear? Wow, now that¡¯s a huge p on my face.


    I sarcastically smiled at Mr. Arrogant before shifting my gaze to the nurse.


    ¡°Just do whatever he wants.¡± I stated before leaving the man¡¯s sight. That guy is so full of himself! Who is he to tell me that I¡¯m the reason for all this?!


    I continued to walk with rage. I don¡¯t know where my feet is taking me until I was bbergasted to be standing by the hospital¡¯s fire exit. I opened it and walked down the stairs.


    I sighed as I remembered what the guy just said from earlier.


    ¡°You¡¯re the reason why Brylle is here.¡±


    I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration.


    ¡°Argghhh!¡± I slumped my body by the wall until I find myself sitting on the ground.


    I can¡¯t help but let the tears escape from my eye with the fact that everything that¡¯s happened is all my fault.


    What if something unfortunate happens to Brylle and I¡¯m the reason for it? I love him and I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do if he¡¯s gone. I don¡¯t want to loose a family member¡­ because of me.


    I just continued to let it all out here in the fire exit until I find the courage to be calm again. I must¡¯ve been here for an hour now. It¡¯s a good thing nobody crosses here.


    As I pulled myself together, I wiped my face drenched with tears and decided to go visit Brylle.


    I walked around the wards of the hospital and went to the children¡¯s stall.


    As I got in the ward, there was no one there. I checked the door number in case I went in the wrong room but I¡¯m sure this was the right one. I roamed my eyes around but no one was in sight.


    I¡¯m starting to panic again but I managed to calm myself down.


    ¡°Nurse, there¡¯s a confined kid here earlier. Where is he?¡± I asked the male nurse by the desk.


    ¡°Oh, ma¡¯am, he¡¯s being transferred to a private ward in the fourth floor.¡± Huh?


    ¡°Excuse me? Brylle Del Luna?¡± The nurse nodded.


    ¡°Why? Who transferred him to the private ward?¡± I asked, emphasizing the private word. No matter how much I wanted to bring him to a private room, I couldn¡¯t do so because I know I couldn¡¯t afford its expenses. This is a private hospital, for Pete¡¯s sake.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am. But I have a form from the person who transferred him there. He said he¡¯ll pay for everything.¡± The nurse gave me a piece of paper, probably the form he¡¯s talking about. I immediately looked for the name who filled up.


    Mr. Zeke Nics Alexandre.


    I clenched my fist upon reading his name.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, can you not crumple the paper?¡± I turned to the nurse and red at him which got him stunned. That¡¯s where I realized what I just did as I noticed the crumpled paper in my hand.


    ¡°Oh, heheheh.¡± I ced the paper on the desk and attempted to straighten it back.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I smiled sheepishly.


    ¡°That¡¯s alright, the room of Brylle Del Luna is room 408.¡± I nodded at the nurse and immediately walked towards an elevator and pressed the fourth floor button.


    Standing in front of room 408, I looked at the board beside it.


    Brylle Del Luna


    4 years old


    Dr. Elliott Mendoza


    I took a deep breath before entering the room. The cold air from the inside greeted me as there¡¯s actually an airconditioner in here.


    I looked to my side where I saw Brylleying down on his bed. He has not yet waken up.


    ¡°Nassandra,¡± As I heard the familiar voice, I saw Tiya standing by a sofa here in the room. I sighed as I closed the door.


    ¡°Tiya, why did you just let them transfer Brylle?¡± I went near the child and held his cheek. I also noticed something is pricked on him to transfer blood.


    ¡°Oh, William¡¯s boss is so nice. He was the one who ordered to transfer Brylle in here. He said he¡¯ll handle the bills.¡± She replied, not answering my question. I looked at Auntie who¡¯s actually happy at what Mr. Arrogant did. I rolled my eyes secretly.


    ¡°But Tiya, isn¡¯t it too much indulgence? What will he ever ask in return?¡± She thought for a second.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say anything about that, Nassandra. He¡¯ll handle everything, he swears.¡±


    ¡°Who on earth would spend a lot of money for a child who isn¡¯t even his and even gave all of his blood?¡± I raised my voice in irritance to the guy.


    ¡°Nassandra! Don¡¯t be so harsh. He helped you enough, don¡¯t you dare neglect that. Can we just say he¡¯s a good samaritan?¡± I gave Tiya a worried expression.


    ¡°Why did he have to be a good samaritan to just us?¡± I threw back at her.


    ¡°How would say that we¡¯re the only people he¡¯s helping? Who knows he actually helped thousands.¡± I shook my head at Auntie¡¯s remark.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask them to transfer Brylle back. I¡¯m going to be the one to pay his expenses and hospital bills.¡± She stood up and went closer to me.


    ¡°And where are you going to find money? You don¡¯t even have a job.¡± I suddenly stopped at what she said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find a way.¡±


    ¡°Nassandra¡ª-¡±


    ¡°I know that you need to go back to work Tiya.¡± I asked, hoping that she would let our conversation slide. She sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get some clothes at home. Text me the essentials you need, I¡¯ll bring them here. I just nodded in response and waited for her to leave the room.


    I covered my face as I put my head down on Brylle¡¯s bed.


    ¡°Mama,¡± I heard a soft voice call which made me look at Brylle¡¯s direction. He¡¯s awake!Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Brylle,¡± I carefully cuddled him, trying hard not to mess the apparatuses connected to his fragile body


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t take proper care of you.¡± I cried while hugging him to which he weakly returned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, mama.¡± His words made me cry even more.


    Does he deserve someone like me?


    The love of a mother, whether foster or not is unbreakable.

 Chapter 5

    ¡°Aihihihi¡± I looked at Brylle who giggled at William. He visited here in the hospital even before Tiya did. He¡¯s just in time since I wanted to ask him something.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a cute, little kid.¡± He says and pinched Brylle¡¯s cheek yfully.


    ¡°Grandpa William!¡± The child cheerfully eximed.


    Brylle has been confined for six days now and ording to the doctor, his telets are improving well. He says he can get dischargedter today.


    The two hugged and I just watch them while packing up our stuff. I sure do hope we can get out of hereter.


    I might have already saved 10, 000 from working on part-time jobs. Every time Tiya is here, I grab the opportunity to work part-time since we¡¯ll be taking shifts in staying with Brylle. I already applied enough part-time jobs and I just wish I could really find myself a real job.


    The visitors that came here give their own financial donations, but I don¡¯t have the heart to ept them and just gave them to Tiya. I know she had been broke herself ever since we walked in her life. Giving her the money would serve as my way of showing gratitude, as well.


    I sat at the sofa here in the private room. My mind still can¡¯t get over the time where Zeke transferred Brylle to a room that caused so much fortune. It¡¯s seriously giving me a headache.


    I tried asking the doctor and nurse to return him to his ward but they always insisted that wouldn¡¯t be possible. Zeke strictly ordered not to transfer him whatever it takes.


    Who is he tomand such things to the staff here? Is he the owner of the hospital or something?!


    ¡°Nassandra, are you alright?¡± William looks at me with a worried expression.


    ¡°Of course, why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± I asked with Brylle also looking at me.


    ¡°Your grip on Brylle¡¯s shirt is too tight, it might rip off any minute.¡± This made me look at my hand and loosen the grip on the shirt. It¡¯s been crumpled up anyway.


    *Internal facepalm*


    ¡°Oh, hehe. I¡¯m just thinking about everything that¡¯s happened especially that Mr. Arrogant.¡± I whispered thest statement so William wouldn¡¯t hear what I¡¯m muttering.


    ¡°Haha. Anne told me that you don¡¯t want to ept Sir Zeke¡¯s offer.¡± He ces Brylle back to his bed then sat beside me.


    ¡°I understand why you don¡¯t want to ept. But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, Nassandra.¡± He adds which made me lower my gaze.


    ¡°The blood he donated is enough.¡± I stated nkly. We¡¯ll never know when he might take advantage of my conscience towards him. I absolutely don¡¯t want that to happen.


    I thought for a second as I actually wanted to tell William something.


    ¡°Is it okay if I just call you William?¡± He chuckled and nodded in approvance.


    ¡°I like that better if you call me that way.¡± That made me smile.


    ¡°Can I ask a favor, William?¡± He raised a brow at me.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I took a deep breath, here goes nothing.


    ¡°Can you ask Zeke toe here?¡± He suddenly looked confused.


    ¡°Why? He¡¯s a very busy person, I doubt he¡¯d have a free time.¡± I pouted.


    ¡°I just needed to tell him something.¡± I emphasized every word I said and organized every statement I¡¯d say to him once we meet.


    William gave me a stern look. He obviously wants to ask me a lot of questions, but he chose not to bring them up.


    ¡°Sure, Nassandra. I¡¯ll ask him, but I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯ll agree.¡± I nodded at him and walked towards Brylle. He said he was hungry.


    ¡°William said you wanted to talk to me?¡± A man in a tuxedo who just arrived, casually said. I clenched my fist.


    I looked at William who arrived along with Zeke. Looks like he¡¯s the one who brought his boss here in the hospital.


    ¡°Could you look after Brylle for a moment?¡± I asked to which he just nodded and smiled.


    I immediately held Zeke¡¯s arm and quickly led him out of Brylle¡¯s room into the fire exit where I bawled my eyes at.


    ¡°Ow, feisty. I like it.¡± He stated with a smirk. I let his arm go and faced him.


    ¡°Why did you transfer Brylle?! And why does it have to be in an expensive, private room? Do you think I¡¯m wealthy like you to be able to pay for all his expenses here in the hospital? Yeah, I wanted afortable room for him but not in a private room!¡± I yelled at him. But thetter looked amused at everything I just said.


    ¡°Woah, babe, chill!¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at his response.


    ¡°Stop with those frank words. Seriously, babe? We¡¯re not close.¡± I irritatedly pointed out. He justughed at me which made me have the urge to p him on the face. I red at him.


    ¡°Why are youughing? Do you think this is fun? And who are you tomand everyone here in the hospital, are you the owner or something?!¡± Hisughter got even louder as I tried my best to control myself.


    ¡°Hahahahahahha, I¡¯m sorry. But yeah.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows again.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the owner of this hospital.¡± What he just said made me stop. Is he serious?


    ¡°Oh, I love that look on your face.¡± Couldn¡¯t take it any longer, I pped him on the face. The sound of my p echoed throughout the vacuum fire exit. He held his cheek as his eyes became dark.


    He looked at me as if he was going to do something evil while he smirked. Shems.


    My eyes widen as he quickly leaned my body against the wall which caused my back to feel a hinch of pain.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry if I hurt you. I love that expression, by the way, I wonder what you¡¯ll look like if you experience more pain?¡± I sucked in a breath and attempted to p him one more time but in the end, he immediately catched my hand and turned my body around.


    I turned my face sideward so my face wouldn¡¯t hit the hard wall.


    ¡°I do like it when girls hurt me¡­ in a pleasurable way. But not when one wants to p me twice.¡±


    He twisted my hand which made me shut my mouth real hard. He wanted to hear me cry in pain and I will not give him the satisfaction he wants.


    I may want to use my self-defence skill against him but I couldn¡¯t do so.


    ¡°Stubborn, are we?¡± I looked at him with a death re.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± He lets out a wide grin as he went closer to my ear.


    ¡°Only if you promise to behave.¡± The tone of his voice changed which led me to no choice but to follow.


    I immediately made my distance from him the minute he lets go of me. He smirked with delight.


    ¡°Now, what do you want?¡±


    ¡°I will pay for Brylle¡¯s bills.¡± He says andughed once again. I raised an eyebrow at him in question.


    ¡°Babe, do you know how much is his hospital bills?¡± Even though he was calling me ¡®babe¡¯ I was even more nervous on what he¡¯s about to say.


    ¡°H-How much?¡± I asked.


    ¡°70, 000.¡± My face whitened upon hearing what he just said. I¡¯ve been working 50 jobs or more just to get 10, 000 in a span of a week. And now he¡¯s saying Brylle¡¯s bill had reached 70, 000???


    ¡°Is that urate?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, maybe more than 70, 000.¡± My eyebrows creased even more.


    ¡°How did your even know how much Brylle¡¯s bill was?¡± I challenged to him. He might just been fooling around with me.


    ¡°Nassandra, I own the hospital and I am keeping an eye on your child.¡± I clench my fist at what he said. I might gather 40, 000 in no time but there¡¯s still 20, 000 remaining.


    ¡°Just take my offer and it¡¯ll be settled. If you don¡¯t ept, you will pay for all the bills. I know you¡¯re living a hard life, Nassandra.¡± He says, putting his hands in the pockets of his cks.


    ¡°No.¡± He looks like he got irritated since his expression changed.


    ¡°Just take my damn offer¡ª-¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to take debts from anyone.¡± I closed my eyes, reminiscing what happened to me before I met Brylle.


    ¡°Come on, lower your pride, Nassandra¡ª-¡±


    ¡°My family died because of their debt. Just because of a freaking debt.¡± I stated nkly without any emotion. I don¡¯t really want a trip down the memoryne right now.


    He stopped and stared at me for a second. His expression softened which I didn¡¯t let get through me. I need no sympathy.


    ¡°Okay fine, hmm.¡± He rubbed his chin as he thinks. I rolled my eyes at his action.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to think? I will not ept your money.¡± I pointed out before walking away but he prevented me to do so.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°William told me you don¡¯t have a job.¡± I raised a brow.


    ¡°You have nothing to do with that.¡± He smirked at my statement.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to have a debt with anyone, right? Then work for us.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows. What did he just say?


    ¡°We pay our employees great money and his house needs a maid. Since you don¡¯t like debts, we¡¯ll not give you a sry for two months.¡± I stared at him with a stern look. Who is ¡®his¡¯? And why do I feel like I want to consider the job he¡¯s offering?


    ¡°How much?¡± He looked puzzled by my question but he answered it anyway.


    ¡°Oh, the sry? Haha, I guess 35, 000 every month?¡± Geez, that amount is just right to pay for Brylle¡¯s bill. And damn, that¡¯s a really good offer.


    ¡°Do I just have to work at the house?¡±


    ¡°Well, you are staying in Andrew¡¯s house. Unless you want to stay in mine. There are plenty of things for us to do there.¡± I red at him. Who is Andrew? If this was just a normal situation, I wouldn¡¯t ept his offer no matter how expensive the sry is. But because of Brylle¡¯s hospital bills, I¡¯m thinking of epting it. I looked at him with sharp eyes, wishing that I wouldn¡¯t regret my decision afterwards.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll apply for a maid.¡± I rolled my eyes since he seemed pretty joyful upon hearing my response.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re already hired. We¡¯ve been finding a maid for months. You know how to clean and cook, right?¡±


    ¡°What kind of question is that?¡± I remarked which made himugh.


    ¡°Well, my sister doesn¡¯t.¡± I raised a brow as Zeke opened the door of the fire exit.


    ¡°You¡¯ll start on the day after tomorrow. Ladies first.¡± He escorted my way to the door which I casually walked out. Good thing I¡¯ll start the next following day.


    *Notes:


    The ¡®debt¡¯ mentioned in this chapter refers to what Filipinos call ¡°utang ng loob¡±. The essence of utang ng loob is to appropriately repay a person who has done one a favor. It is a cultural traitmon in the Philippines.

 Chapter 6

    ¡°Brylle is now discharged. You may go home now.¡± I shed a smile at the doctor.


    ¡°Thank you so much.¡± I looked down at Brylle who doesn¡¯t have the I. V. or anymore needles on his body. As soon as the doctor left, Tiya entered the room with a gloomy face.


    I noticed that she¡¯s holding something and she gives it to me.


    ¡°Discharge paper and hospital bills.¡± I felt sick upon seeing the countless medicines and equipments used that are being noted on the bills. It¡¯s two pages and at the end of it was a huge red-marked 72, 567. My eyes widened, Zeke was right!


    ¡°Where are you going to get all that money, Nassandra? How much did you save? You should get the money from me.¡± I calmed myself down before turning to Tiya.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be necessary.¡± She was taken aback at what I just said.


    ¡°Why? Do you already have that amount?¡± I sighed.


    ¡°I epted Zeke¡¯s help.¡± She seemed joyful at the information I lend so she went closer to me.


    ¡°Really?¡± I nodded as I sat on Brylle¡¯s bed. I touched his cheek.


    ¡°Why did you agree?¡± She asked.


    ¡°In exchange for his help, he¡¯ll deduct my sry as a maid for them.¡± I looked at Auntie whose eyes are widened.


    ¡°You also applied for a job?¡± I nodded once again. I reached out for my phone and dialled a number.


    ¡°Hey Nassandra, something wrong?¡± Ironic, I can feel him smirking as we¡¯re talking.


    ¡°He¡¯s getting discharged.¡± I rolled my eyes upon hearing Zeke¡¯sughter. We exchanged numbers yesterday since he told me to call him once Brylle is getting discharged.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go there, babe.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare call me¡ª¡± My statement was cut short when he immediately hung up the call. My grip on my phone tightened.


    ¡°So you¡¯re going to leave Brylle.¡± Auntie stated, our eyes met.


    ¡°Is it alright if I leave him to you?¡± I thought about this thoroughly all day yesterday and realized I couldn¡¯t bring him to work. Auntie thought for a second.


    ¡°Fine, I know who can take care of him when I¡¯m at work.¡± I went to Auntie and hugged her.


    ¡°Thank you so much, and sorry if I was such a snob.¡± Sheughed.


    ¡°Haha! That¡¯s fine, I¡¯m already used to you.¡± We bothughed together and started packing up our things.


    Later when I get home, I needed to pack my stuff since tomorrow will be my first day at work.


    ¡°Good morning!¡± I looked at Mr. Arrogant who¡¯s currently with William. Tiya stood up and walked towards Zeke.


    ¡°Good morning to you, too, sir. I wanted to express my deepest gratitude.¡± Auntie held his hand which Zeke dly returned the touch.


    ¡°You¡¯re very wee. It¡¯s heartbreaking to see a child like Brylle in a hard condition so I had to take actions.¡± I rolled my eyes at his statement. Brylle nudges at me as he¡¯s confused on who the man was.


    Zekees near me with a triumphant smile on his face.


    ¡°Brylle, he¡¯s your Tito Zeke. He¡¯s the one who helped you get better.¡± Brylle¡¯s head nted as if he¡¯s observing Zeke then suddenly jumped on his back. Zeke immediately held the child to prevent him from falling.


    ¡°Brylle!¡± I shouted in surprise. He just got recovered from his illness and now he¡¯s suddenly jumping out of nowhere. The kid sure has a lot of energy.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± He adoringly said and held on Zeke¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Wow, strong grip. By the way, you¡¯re wee, petit gar?on.¡± I rolled my eyes as I heard him speak French. Brylleughed as he continued to mess up Zeke¡¯s hair. Yeah, that¡¯s right baby, keep on doing that.


    ¡°Where are the discharge papers?¡± I handed Zeke the papers and once he saw the total amount, he winked at me. Argghhh.


    ¡°Nassandra, pleasee with me.¡± Tiya gestures for me toe. I stood up and walked along with Zeke towards the hospital¡¯s cashier.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fetch you at your houseter.¡± I gaped at him.


    ¡°What?¡± I blurted out. Wait, I think I know what¡¯ll be his response to that.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know English? I said I¡¯m going to¡ª-¡±


    ¡°I know how to speak English, idiot.¡± Heughed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the one to take you to Kei¡¯s house.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows. Who is Kei?


    ¡°Whatever.¡± I tantly threw. At least my fare is free.


    As the cashier saw Zeke, she froze on her spot with a shocked expression.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± He asked with a smirk. It was as if the cashier saw a ghost or something.


    ¡°N-No, sir.¡± She nodded at me.


    ¡°Her child¡¯s bills will be already paid.¡± He stated which got me surprised. They just asked me to fill up a form and that was it.


    ¡°Wait, aren¡¯t you going to give out money? Or maybe a check at least?¡± He justughed.


    ¡°The money of this hospital goes directly to me so no need for that.¡± I rolled my eyes at him and shook my head. He¡¯s definitely so full of himself.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    As we got back to the room, we saw Auntie and William ying with Brylle.


    I went to the child and carried him around.


    ¡°Ahahahaha! Mama!¡± I cuddled him.


    ¡°We are going home, Brylle.¡± The child giggled.


    ¡°Yey!¡±


    He¡¯s so cute!


    Back to the room where Brylle and I used to sleep together, I started to pack up some stuff to bring.


    ¡°Mama! Let¡¯s y!¡± I smiled at Brylle and let him sit on myp. I held his cheek. Zeke is going to be here any minute.


    ¡°Hey Brylle?¡± He shed a smile at me and lets go of the toy he¡¯s holding.


    ¡°Yes?¡± I touched his nose yfully.


    ¡°Baby, look. I¡¯m not going to be with you for many days. Mama needs to work.¡± He frowned.


    ¡°I know.¡± I let out a bitter smile.


    ¡°And I need you to behave, okay? I¡¯ll visit when I can. Just please don¡¯t give your grandma a headache.¡± He lowered his head to which I held it up.


    ¡°Brylle,¡± My heart broke at the sight of a tear falling from his eye.


    ¡°Do you really have to leave? Then I¡¯m going to be alone again.¡± I heaved out a sigh. This kid is smart.


    ¡°You¡¯re not alone, Brylle. I¡¯ll be back soon, grandma is with you.¡± I wiped his wet cheeks.


    ¡°I¡¯ll always be in your heart, right?¡± He smiled and cheerfully nodded.


    ¡°Always!¡± He envelopes me into a hug.


    ¡°I promise I¡¯ll visit you.¡± He held both of my cheeks.


    ¡°I know, mama. You are doing this for me.¡± This brought me tears in my eyes so I pecked a kiss on his cheek.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Ms. Anne.¡± I heard Zeke¡¯s voice from outside the room. I raised an eyebrow at Brylle to which he responds my kissing me on the cheek and running towards Zeke.


    ¡°Tito Zekeeee!¡± Iughed as I heard someone crash on the ground due to Brylle¡¯s greeting. I immediately grabbed my bag and left the room. When he saw me, he stood up properly and smirked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Nassandra. Kei¡¯s house is a little bit far.¡± I rolled my eyes before nodding. I went closer to Tiya as she held both of my hands.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave Brylle in your hands.¡± She nodded and expressed her farewell. I also bid my goodbye to Brylle who looks like he wants to join me, as well.


    Zeke walked towards a sports car that¡¯s obviously catching a lot of attention. Everyone in the streets are probably curious about who¡¯s the owner of such car.


    ¡°Do you like my ride?¡± His smirk is still there which makes me badly want to wipe out that smirk from his face.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s too eye-catching.¡± He justughed and opened the door for me. I had no choice but to ride at such a sports car.


    He starts the engine and drove in a very fast pace. This made me hold on tight at the car¡¯s door as if my life depended on it.


    ¡°YOU KNOW THERE IS A SPEED LIMIT, RIGHT!?¡± I reminded to which he justughed at while driving the car even faster.


    ¡°Shete!¡± I looked intently at the road we¡¯re currently on in case he might bump into something. I rolled my eyes as he continued tough like the devil he is.


    As soon as we¡¯re already far from home, he now drove slowly as we reached a dense environment surrounded by trees.


    ¡°Oh my gosh, whew!¡± Zeke smirked. I removed my grip on the car door in relief.


    ¡°Do you want to do it again?¡± This made my hands snake directly on the door again while I gave him a death re.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare! You almost hit someone!¡± Heughed once again.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let that happen. I¡¯m a great race car driver.¡± I waved my hands in the air to nod off the words he just said.


    The surrounding became eerie and I noticed it¡¯s almost getting dark. A few momentster, Zeke spoke.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I turned to him and raised a brow.


    ¡°So there are a few rules in his house.¡± I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Why do I feel like we¡¯re in a forest?


    ¡°So first, if you find or see anything suspicious, don¡¯t call the police.¡± I gave him an amused look and smirked.


    ¡°Why? Am I going to witness a massacre there or something?¡± I joked. My smile disappeared as I realized his face is serious. So there¡¯s a horror in the ce I¡¯m going to work in?


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Nass. And don¡¯t talk to me that way once we get there. You will be just a maid. You can¡¯t meddle in some happenings there. You will not interfere any businesses of ours and you¡¯ll just follow orders.¡± I gave him a sarcastic look. So what will I be? A ve? If it¡¯s for 35, 000 then fine, sure. It¡¯s for Brylle, anyway. I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± He red at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m really serious.¡± I gave him a thumbs-up and kept silence.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?!¡± He irritatedly said. I gave him a look.


    ¡°I heard everything you said, Zeke and I¡¯ll follow them once we get there. I¡¯m not a fool. Just a maid, right? And I don¡¯t care whatever you do. All I needed from you guys is a job.¡± He stopped for a moment but ultimately covers it up with a smirk.


    ¡°You have no respect for me, maid.¡± I rolled my eyes at him again.


    ¡°We¡¯re not yet at the house, stop that.¡± Heughed once again as we continued to walk.


    At the end of the streets full of trees, you¡¯ll find a clearing.


    After that, you¡¯ll see a high, mighty gate that almost served as a wall to the huge yard and mansion.


    This property is so big!


    Petit gar?on ¨C little boy

 Chapter 7

    Zeke stopped the car in front of arge mansion. He opened the car door and carried my bag for me. Why did he be such a gentleman all of the sudden?


    He gave the keys of his sports car to a man wearing a suit and sunsses. It¡¯s so dark in here.


    Zeke led me to the living room of the mansion. The house is modern style and the decorations are splendid.


    ¡°You!¡± He called the guard standing by the door.


    ¡°Yes? Ma?tre?¡± Master??!


    ¡°Get the head maid servant.¡± The guard bowed down in front of us before leaving. A few momentster an olddy wearing a ck uniform came in the room with us.


    ¡°Good evening, Zeke.¡± Mypanion smiled. Not a smirk, but a genuine one.


    ¡°Good evening, manang.¡± She went closer to us then Zeke pecks a kiss on her cheek. The olddy turned to me.


    ¡°Who¡¯s this beautiful maiden with you, son?¡± The olddy held my hand.


    ¡°Kei¡¯s new maid.¡± He politely answered. The fine madame held my cheeks.


    ¡°Just call me Manang Vilma. But if there¡¯s a visitor, call me the Head Servant.¡± I nodded at her.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± She asked. I let out a smile and put her hand in my forehead in respect.


    ¡°It¡¯s Nassandra.¡± She returned the smile then turned towards Zeke.


    ¡°Leave her to me, she¡¯ll be in good hands.¡± Zeke smiled once again before hugging the olddy.


    ¡°I know.¡± He broke the hug then walked towards me.


    ¡°Remember the rules I gave you, babe.¡± I rolled my eyes at him as heughed.


    ¡°Are these all your things?¡± I faced the olddy as she got my bag. I grabbed it from her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother manang, I¡¯ll handle my bags.¡± She shed a smile at me again and gestured for me to follow her.


    ¡°What did Zeke told you?¡± I thought for a second.


    ¡°Uhmm, he told me not to intervene in their business. He also told me to be polite.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°You do that. I¡¯m going to give the list of things to do each day. Schedules, to be exact. It¡¯s going to change everyday. You know how to cook and clean, right?¡± I tried to chase after manang since she¡¯s walking too fast.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She brings me to the kitchen then faces me.


    ¡°Good. There are only five of us, maid servants in this house. All of us must function very well.¡± In the kitchen there are two girls and one boy, every one of them are busy doing a task.


    One guy and one girl whose hairs are red are cooking while the other one is tidying up. Manang called all of their attention which made them pause what they were doing and faced us.


    ¡°She¡¯s a new maid here in this mansion.¡± The male waved.


    ¡°Hi! I¡¯m Nathan Fernandez.¡± I waved back at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m Ema Garcia.¡± Says the girl with the red hair. Another female went closer to me. She¡¯s quite shorter than me so I was looking down on her. My height is 5¡¯6, though.


    ¡°You¡¯re so tall.¡± She pouted.


    ¡°My name is Jane D Cruz.¡± I shed a smile at all of them in the room.


    ¡°I¡¯m Nassandra Pat Del Luna.¡± I was surprised when Jane made a noise.


    ¡°Aww! Your name is amazing! Can I call you Pat?¡± I politely nodded.


    ¡°I prefer if you don¡¯t, sorry.¡± She nodded then went back to work. Manang looked at the time.


    ¡°Hurry up, it¡¯s almost dinner.¡± I got confused.


    ¡°Why are there a lot of dishes to cook?¡± I questioned.


    ¡°All of the guards here are being fed, too, so we prepare a lot as we can. For now, I¡¯ll bring you to the maid¡¯s quarters. You¡¯ll start tomorrow, anyway.¡± I nodded and followed. She leads me to a room with six double-beds.


    ¡°You may choose among the two vacant spots. It¡¯s just the five of us and there are twelve spots here.¡± I went to the bed that¡¯s beside the window. I ced my bag on the bed below the other one.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you here for a while, just fix your things there in the drawer provided. We¡¯ll prepare dinner. I¡¯ll be back for youter and give you a tour around the mansion.¡± I smiled at the olddy.


    ¡°Sure.¡± When she left, I did fixed my things. I put my clothes in the drawer, it¡¯s not a lot anyways. When I was done, Iid down on my side, facing the window. I was looking at the wide garden of this pce-like ce.


    Something is peculiar about this ce like a lot of events really happen. There are only a few maids and they seemed very tight here. And what¡¯s with their French calls? Like, ma?tre. I shook my head to erase the thought. I am here to work. For Brylle.


    Speaking of, I wonder how that child is doing? I immediately grabbed my phone and dialled Tiya¡¯s number.


    ¡°Nassandra?¡± I smiled as I heard her voice.


    ¡°Is Brylle near you?¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, he¡¯s ying.¡±


    ¡°How is he? Did he ate already?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Ah yes, do you want to talk to him?¡± I agreed so Tiya gave the phone to Brylle.


    ¡°Brylle, it¡¯s your mama.¡± I heard from the other line.


    ¡°Mama!¡± He cheerfully greeted. This made me smile.


    ¡°What are you doing right now, baby?¡± I heard the sound of his toys.


    ¡°I¡¯m ying with Mr. Wiggiesh and the firetruck you bought me. Mr. Wiggiesh house is on fire.¡± Brylle¡¯s tone made me giggle.


    ¡°Remember what I said, Brylle, okay?¡± I said to which heughed at.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    ¡°Your son is truly a darling, Nassandra.¡± She sighs, ¡°How are you doing there?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing alright. I¡¯ll start my job tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s nice. I¡¯m actually going to do something. You don¡¯t need anything anymore?¡± I shook my head even though she wasn¡¯t in my presence.


    ¡°No. All is alright.¡±


    ¡°Okay, babye.¡± I ended the call and can¡¯t help but let out a sigh. I hope Brylle will be alright without me.


    There was a knock on the door and I noticed it¡¯s the olddy. I stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you around while everyone¡¯s eating. By the way, do you want to eat together?¡± I shook my head and held my stomach.


    ¡°I¡¯m good, I have already eaten.¡± She nodded and started to walk. I followed obediently.


    Manang gave me a tour around the mansion. There is one master¡¯s bedroom and ten guest rooms, not including the maid¡¯s quarters. There are two living rooms and the kitchen is huge. In the middle of the house was the dining room.


    I was stunned when Madame brought me to a music room of some sort. Inside was a grand piano, different kinds of guitars and violin. There¡¯s also a small stage with a microphone and speakers, as well.


    She also brought me to a library, different from the master library or study. There¡¯s also a personal gym with a lot of necessary equipment and also a locker room.


    As we went outside the mansion, I saw an Olympic pool and a normal one. There¡¯s also a jacuzzi. Beside the pool were resting spots withrge umbres above them. There¡¯s also onerge gazebo and a greenhouse that¡¯s full of nts and flowers that varies.


    You can also see a very wide field where you can y any sports. May it be basketball, volleyball, a tennis court and a ser field. Beside the field was an obstacle course where you can do training. Like the activities you do in team building but moreplicated.


    After looking around, we went back inside the mansion. My jaw kept dropping while we were touring the house. We went to the kitchen where the three saw me gaping my mouth. They allughed at my expression.


    ¡°That was also my reaction when I first came here.¡± Nathan says while washing the dishes.


    ¡°It¡¯s huge, isn¡¯t it, Nassandra? I¡¯ll buy myself a house like this one day.¡± This made me look at Jane.


    ¡°As if you can save enough money to buy a house like this.¡± Jane shot Ema a deathly re.


    ¡°What? Of course it won¡¯t happen. Am I not allowed to dream?¡± She childishly stated. They all got into fits ofughter. Looks like they all get along here. I smiled and faced the olddy.


    ¡°So, where is the owner of this house?¡± Madame smiled.


    ¡°He¡¯s got a business trip in France. He¡¯ll probably be back next week.¡± I just nodded in response.


    ¡°Nassandra, did you know? Ma?tre Andrew¡¯s ranking is called Le plus ¨¦lev¨¦ ma?tre¡ª eh, I¡¯m not sure since it¡¯s hard to pronounce. But it only means the Highest master.¡± She tells with excitement. ¡°It¡¯s cool when you say it.¡± I raised a brow.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Ma?tre Andrew? What¡¯s the full name of the owner?¡± I faced manang as I asked.


    ¡°Nassandra, you have to get used to calling our boss a Ma?tre. Same thing goes for the friends he brings here. If it¡¯s a woman, it¡¯s Ma?tresse. And his full name is Keiranz Andrew Marques.¡± My eyes widened at what she just told me.


    ¡°That man who owns the sky towers in different countries by the Marques Manufacturing?!¡± The name Marques is very well-known since they¡¯re one of the top manufacturers in the world from France. Thatpany gets a lot of customers all around the globe. No wonder this mansion is so huge.


    ¡°He¡¯s the son of the real head, Mr. Andre Marques.¡± I sighed.


    ¡°Still the same.¡± They all continued tough at my reaction who¡¯s still in a state of shock.


    I sighed. I wonder what¡¯s going to happen to me in here???


    *Note:


    Some trantions of french to english may be not urate as the author only uses a trantor app.

 Chapter 8

    It¡¯s been five days since I started working here at the mansion of Marques Manufacturing owner¡¯s son, Ma?tre Andrew.


    Nothing¡¯s wrong with me here and I¡¯m getting along with my fourpanions as maid servants.


    My job is different each day. Different positions and tasks like what manang said.


    I am also wearing the ck uniform of the servants. Sometimes I can¡¯t help but wander around the house since it¡¯s eerily quiet and there¡¯s no one around here all the time.


    Thest time I saw Zeke was when he brought me here. Well, I don¡¯t really wanna see him, anyways.


    Everyday I kept calling Tiya about Brylle or sometimes that neighbor who is sometimes in charge of him. It¡¯s a good thing we always kept in touch. But I really do miss the child¡¯s cute face.


    The four of us are currently in the kitchen, manang isn¡¯t with us since she¡¯s doing something. Most of the time it was the three of them talking and sometimes I join them or they invite me to.


    ¡°How many years have you been together?¡± I asked. The three of them looked at each other before they replied in chorus.


    ¡°Five years!¡±


    ¡°We always wanted to work at the same ce. So here we are, together as a sticky glue.¡± I was confused at what Jane said.


    ¡°So you all dreamed to work together as a maid?¡± I yfully remarked. Ema looked at me with an expression that screams ¡®really?¡¯ Actually, she¡¯s the one I¡¯m closest with among the three. Our beds are beside each other so we get to make casual conversations at night.


    ¡°Of course not, Nassandra. Jane couldn¡¯t get in thepany as an employee. While Nathan and I are already epted. But we promised each other to be together at work so here we are. Working together as a maid.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing we¡¯ve all been epted here in Ma?tre Andrew¡¯s mansion.¡± Says Nathan. I stiffled out augh.


    ¡°Wow.¡± It¡¯s admirable that they¡¯ve been by each other¡¯s side the whole time.


    ¡°So Nassandra, tell us something about your life.¡± Jane tells me. I looked at the other two who looked like they were expecting for an answer to the question. I sighed.


    ¡°My whole family died and I¡¯ve been living on the streets for four years. Thenst year, someone took care of me in their house so I practically lived there.¡± They listened to me in silence. I didn¡¯t bring out to them about Brylle because they don¡¯t really need to know that. I still don¡¯t trust them that much. It¡¯s sickening to have people break your trust just like that.


    ¡°Uhmmm¡± They obviously didn¡¯t know what to say to me so I just smiled.


    ¡°But it¡¯s alright, I¡¯m happy with the way I¡¯m currently living my life. Don¡¯t stay silent, I¡¯m not used to it.¡± The cheerfulness on their faces returned.


    ¡°Sorry for asking.¡± I returned the smile and resumed to talking casually. Whereas I returned to the memories that are needed to be forgotten.


    We all turned our heads when manang entered the kitchen.


    ¡°You better hurry up with your tasks. Today is the return of Ma?tre Andrew.¡± The three servant¡¯s eyes¡¯ widened at what manang just announced and immediately went back to their jobs. Madame walked closer to me.


    ¡°Nassandra, make sure that the living room at the front door is spotless. If not, clean it immediately.¡± I nodded and quickly walked towards the kitchen near the mansion¡¯s entrance.


    While cleaning, entered was a serious Zeke who¡¯s wearing one earpiece. He stayed by the door, looking for something from afar before roaming his eyes around the house.


    I looked at him to which he gazed back. He looked at what I am doing as he raised a brow at me.


    ¡°What are you standing there, maid?¡± He gave emphasis to the word maid and that¡¯s when I realized I was standing like a fool in front of him. I started to remember the rules.


    I bowed my head down.


    ¡°Sorry, ma?tre.¡± I saw his faint smirk before turning his back at me. I left the living room since I¡¯m not suppose to be intervening. If I stay, they might get suspicious of me.


    Before I got distant, I heard Zeke shouting.


    ¡°Felix! Get the damnmando in the field. All of the guards!¡± I heard someone saying ¡®yes, ma?tre¡¯ before returning to the kitchen.


    ¡°Was that ma?tre Zeke?¡± Asked Ema. I nodded then leaned against the wall like them.


    ¡°What are we going to do now?¡± Jane said with a bored expression.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever go to the field. You may go around in any part of the mansion just don¡¯t go out for now.¡± We all stood up straight as manang ordered.


    The three left immediately, I don¡¯t know where they are going. So I decided to go back to our room. It¡¯s afternoon already and I haven¡¯t called home yet so I thought of calling Tiya or her neighbour to check on Brylle.


    As I called, the neighbor who Tiya entrusted was the one who responded. I asked how Brylle is doing and stared a conversation.


    When our conversation ended, I left our room since I heard a sound from the outside.


    Closing the door, I heard heavy footstepsing up as they angrily shut the door. I jumped upon hearing the loud noise.


    I went to the kitchen where I saw manang with a sad face.


    ¡°Manang Vilma, what¡¯s wrong?¡± She forced a smile at me.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Where are the others? We need to clean something.¡± I shrugged.


    ¡°I have no idea.¡± She just nodded at my answer.


    ¡°Get a wet rug.¡± I was confused at hermand at first but I obediently followed. She walked towards the front door.


    ¡°Remember what I told you, Nassandra.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows. Why? Is there something wrong?


    As we arrived at the porch by the front door, I was burst upon a red trail that leads to upstairs.


    Is that blood?!


    I stopped in my tracks as I stared at the situation. There is blood dripping towards the room of Ma?tre Andrew!


    Zeke looked towards our direction by the door with a smirk stered on his face. With him was a white man wearing a serious expression on his face.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Manang maintained her gaze low while I can¡¯t help but stare at Zeke¡¯s smirking face. Looks like he isn¡¯t pleased with what I¡¯m doing. Hispanion seems confused on who I was. This made me turn back to the traces of blood.


    ¡°Mama! Papa!¡± I heard a voice of a young teenage girl.


    I closed my eyes, wishing those memories I kept burrying in the back of my head wouldn¡¯te back.


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± Someone held me by the shoulder which caused me to open my eyes. In front of me was manang who looked at me with a worried and sad expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re in front of the Ma?tres.¡± She pointed out. I returned my gaze towards the two men and immediately walked away from them with my head low.


    ¡°Work fast and clean the mess of this house.¡± Said the white man with a British ent. Manang bowed her head.


    ¡°Yes, Ma?tre Dale.¡± Manang held my hand then led me to where the blood is. She knelt down and started to wipe it out. Still dumbfounded, I looked at her in disbelief.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zeke asked while I looked at him. I ignored his question as I ced the rug on the floor and proceeded to wipe out the blood.


    During my first wipe, I felt my eyes in the verge of tears. It hurts to see the color of blood. I wanted to divert my gaze away from the sight but I needed to get the job done. I prevented the tears from falling from my eyes.


    I walked towards the stairs as intending to clean it up to the room.


    I don¡¯t know why but I feel myself running out of air. My breathing pace is elerating and my mind is full of questions. What is happening? Why is there a lot of blood? Is the master wounded? Or maybe it¡¯s someone¡¯s else¡¯s blood? My eyes widened at the sudden thought that formted in my mind. They¡¯re not serial killers, right?


    I shook my head and continued on cleaning. The trail of blood ended up till the master¡¯s bedroom. I was cleaning by the door when suddenly I heard a sound of ss shattering. I can¡¯t help but turn to the door. Things kept continuously falling until I felt myself shaking¡­


    Trembling due to nervousness and fear. I tried my best to ignore the noises I¡¯m hearing and continued on my task hurriedly, hoping I¡¯d get out of here soon.


    When the blood is gone, I stood up and walked towards the stairs. I was about to go down when suddenly the door opened. I felt my body stiffened.


    ¡°Maid,¡± My eyes widened upon hearing a deep and monotone voice of a man. I walked closer to him and bowed.


    ¡°Yes, ma?tre?¡± While bowing, I tried to take a look at the man¡¯s face. That¡¯s where I couldn¡¯t believe at how handsome this human is. Very very manly.


    A tan-skinned man with a clear face. His sharp eyes that are brown in colour made his face more masculine. He¡¯s got an evident jawline and tall, lean figure. He doesn¡¯t seem like a wrestler nor he was thin. His face is dark and very serious. He looked at my figure.


    ¡°Are you new here?¡± I felt tingles from my spine when I heard his deep voice.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I respectfully replied.


    ¡°Call the head servant and tell her toe up here.¡± Hemanded. I bowed again before running down the stairs.


    I found manang by the porch, deep in thought. She looked at me when I called her.


    ¡°Ma?tre is asking for you.¡± She forced out a smile and stood up. Before she went up, I held her hand gently. I was worried that something bad might happen to her.


    ¡°I will be fine.¡± I smiled then she lets go of my hand.


    Stariing at the distance, I went back to the kitchen where Nathan, Ema, and Jane are waiting.


    ¡°Nassandra? What happened?¡± I sighed as I looked at Ema.


    ¡°Ma?tre Andrew has arrived and there¡¯s a lot of blood by the front door leading to the master¡¯s bedroom.¡± They seemed shock at my story then lowered their heads. Nathan clenched his fists.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it, Nassandra. Don¡¯t you ever tell anything to the police.¡± Jane went closer to me.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s going on with them?¡± I asked.


    ¡°We also don¡¯t know, we tried asking madame about it but she never bothered to answer us.¡± Then there was a silence in the kitchen. All of us are puzzled at everything that¡¯s happened.

 Chapter 9

    After what happened earlier, I went outside the mansion and stayed at the gazebo by the backyard. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m even allowed to be here. All I want is to get some fresh air and have some alone time.


    Holding my phone, it shows a picture from my gallery of me and Brylle together. I don¡¯t know, I just miss him. Very much.


    I may have called him earlier but all I wanted is to see him. Hold him in my arms again. I know we¡¯re not blood rted but I treat him as my own. My only family.


    ¡°What is a maid doing in a gazebo?¡± Said a familiar voice with an ent. I looked outside the gazebo and saw the white man.


    His light brown hair matches the color of his eyes. He doesn¡¯t look like he belongs here, as if he¡¯s from a different race or something.


    I stood up and bowed.


    ¡°Ma?tre.¡± I didn¡¯t know what to call him since we just met earlier.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll just leave.¡± I said, intending to go back to mansion but then he stopped me.


    ¡°I¡¯m just kidding, you can stay.¡± I stopped. I can¡¯t help but whisper to myself.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really want disturbace right now.¡± I was surprised when heughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. I¡¯m just wondering why such a beautifuldy is working here as a maid?¡± He can actually speak properly without that ent. My eyebrows creased when he pulled me to sit on a bench.


    ¡°Uhmmm¡± I awkwardly muttered. Why is he even talking to me? I¡¯m just a maid here. Heughed once again and lend out a hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m Dale Dixon.¡± I stared at his hand for a while before epting his handshake.


    ¡°I¡¯m Nassandra, sir.¡± I politely said. He observed my face which made me feel uneasy on my seat.


    ¡°Do you know what we are? You seemed pretty shocked earlier.¡± He stated with a smirk. I secretly rolled my eyes. Who in their right minds wouldn¡¯t be shocked when you see blood on the floor out of nowhere?! I stayed quiet, thinking my answer wouldn¡¯t be appropriate.


    ¡°I¡¯m being ignored. Haha.¡± He says. His smirk widened but he went back to being serious.


    ¡°Did you know that Kei owns a mafia and we are a member of that? We kill everyone who stands in our way and we always get what we want.¡± He¡¯s gazing from afar as if he was reminiscing some things.


    I looked at him in surprise before giving him a nk face.


    ¡°Why?¡± He returned his look to me and tilted his head sidewards.


    ¡°Why? You mean why do we kill people?¡± Heughed while saying.


    ¡°To hurt them back. They attack us, we¡¯ll get revenge on them. Besides, we can kill anyone who disobeys us.¡± He looks at me with a smirk then moved his face closer to mine.


    There¡¯s anger on his face with a tinge of sadness. I didn¡¯t let it get through me and just stared back at him.


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± I turned my head towards manang outside the gazebo who has a worried look on her face.


    She went near us which made Dale break the distance. His face returned to the usual cheerful color.


    ¡°Manang,¡± He greeted to which the olddy returned with a bow.


    ¡°I apologize for Nassandra, ma?tre.¡± She immediately pulls me away.


    While walking back to the mansion, I heard Dale calling me.


    ¡°Better watch your step, Nass. One mistake and¡­¡± He held a hand in the air and formed a gun. He closed one eye then pointed his hand to my head.


    I suddenly felt fear. Afraid on what¡¯s going to happen to me here and for my life.


    Madame brought me back to the maid¡¯s quarters. She held my cheek and observed my eyes.


    ¡°Nassandra, what did you tell Ma?tre Dale? Or did you do something to him? Why is his face so angry?¡± I shook my head at manang.


    ¡°I was just sitting at the gazebo till he came and introduced himself. I didn¡¯t do anything.¡± This made the old sigh in relief then she held her chest.


    My eyes widened and gestured for her to sit on her bed.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± I asked her. She nodded and held her head.


    ¡°Goodness, Nassandra, you can get hurt. You shouldn¡¯t show yourself to him or to Keiranz¡¯s other visitors.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever go to the gazebo every again.¡± She ordered to which I just nodded. I don¡¯t want to cause manang a headache just because of me.


    ¡°Fine, but please stay here for a while and rest.¡± I walked towards the door. I looked at manang who¡¯s currently gazing from afar. I was about to close the door when suddenly she called my name. I went back inside to respond.


    ¡°Did he told you?¡± She asked. I thought for a second on what she¡¯s pertaining to.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She looked at me.


    ¡°That¡¯s the reason why you shouldn¡¯t intervene with such business. They can kill, everyone.¡± I fell silent.


    ¡°Why were you involved with them? What are you for them?¡± She just smiled at me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been taking care of Zeke since he was a child. I also met Keiranz and I felt maternal towards them. I have been part of their mafia for a long time. Starting from the generation of Keiranz¡¯s grandfather.¡± I was stunned at what manang told me.


    ¡°Do you also kill?¡± She sighed heavily.


    ¡°Yes, when I was a young teenager. But I always made sure we don¡¯t kill innocent people. Just those who really deserves them.¡± Manang¡¯s face saddened as she held her chest.


    ¡°Same thing goes for Zeke. They¡¯ve been training since they were young. Until Keiranz had his own mafia. But when his mother died, Kei had just became even more darker. He distanced himself from other people. If it weren¡¯t for his father¡¯spany and the mafia, he wouldn¡¯t bother to leave the house.¡±


    ¡°All of Keiranz¡¯s friends are kind-hearted, even himself. They¡¯re just all delicated in their own ways. That¡¯s why for you people who aren¡¯t used to the way they live their lives, you should stay away from them. Do you understand me, Nassandra?¡±


    ¡°For me, they¡¯re not that different.¡± I only whispered to myself and nodded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever tell Nathan and the others about what you know. Once they knew their workce is dangerous, they¡¯ll surely leave. I still wanted to be with those three.¡± She held my hand to which I smiled at her small gesture.


    I left the room and went to the kitchen where Jane and Nathan are currently cooking. It¡¯s almost six and since there will be a lot to feed, we have to start early.


    If you¡¯re all wondering where the guards eat, well they have their own house where they eat and sleep. The guards are like soldiers here. The difference is that they only wear ck suits.


    ¡°Nassandra, have you seen manang?¡± Asked Ema. I pointed at our room.


    ¡°She¡¯s resting in our room.¡± She looked at the door of the maid¡¯s quarters before letting out a nod.


    ¡°Would you help me clean up here?¡± I smiled as I dly assisted her.


    I didn¡¯t bother to think about what happened earlier and whatever manang had said. I am here as a maid for Brylle. So I could give him afortable life.


    Tiya actually told me that Zeke gave her money for their usual needs in the house. I actually needed to speak to Zeke regarding that.


    ¡°Hello!¡± The four of us turned our heads outside the kitchen where we heard a female voice.


    That¡¯s where I saw two men and a woman.


    Zeke was the only person I¡¯m familiar with while the rest I don¡¯t know. They both have green hair and they awfully look alike.


    The other one is silent while the woman seemed very joyful. Not to mention, their features are extraordinary. Beautiful and handsome.


    My threepanions bowed so I followed.


    ¡°Ma?tresse, ma?tre.¡± The guy with the green hair just lowered his head while the girl with green hair waved.


    ¡°My darlings, would you mind to heat lots of water for me?¡± She said in a very girly tone. Jane and Nathan immediately followed her order and started to boil some water.


    I don¡¯t know but Zeke was only looking at me in silence. The woman noticed which made her look towards me. She smiled as she went closer.


    ¡°Zeke, who is this?¡± He removed his gaze from me and turned to the greenheadeddy.


    ¡°She¡¯s a new maid, obviously.¡± Thedyughed even though his statement isn¡¯t pleasant to my ears.


    ¡°I mean, what is her name?¡± Mr. Arrogant rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Ask her.¡± What a harsh man he is.


    ¡°What is your name, dear?¡± I looked through her gray eyes and lowered my head.


    ¡°It¡¯s Nassandra, ma?tresse.¡±


    ¡°Nassandra, you¡¯re so beautiful.¡± She held my cheek and I can see it in her eyes a tinge of envy.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°O-Oh, thank you.¡± She shes a smile and lend a hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m Katie Lewis, while my brother¡¯s name is Theo Lewis.¡± She pointed at herpanion who let out a small smile but didn¡¯t bother to look at me. I bowed at them once again.


    Katie held her earpiece as she listened to something. Her eyes turned to Zeke.


    ¡°We have to go, you wait for the hot water.¡± Zeke rolled his eyes but nodded eventually. The two siblings left which made Zeke and I look at each other.


    ¡°Is the water not done yet?¡± He impatiently asked. Nathan shakily replied.


    ¡°N-Not yet, ma?tre.¡± I rolled my eyes at him. How can he expect the water to heat up immediately when it just started? Zeke raised a brow at me.


    ¡°Uhmm, Nassandra. I remembered I have to do something at the dining room.¡± Said Ema before leaving the kitchen. The other two also told me that they have something to do so they left me with the boiling water in the kitchen.


    Why do I feel like they left me here with Zeke on purpose?


    He looked at me with a smirk to which I just responded with a re.


    ¡°You know that I¡¯m your master, right?¡± I rolled my eyes once again.


    ¡°Yes, ma?tre.¡± Heughed for the reason, I don¡¯t know.


    ¡°What are you going to do with all that water?¡± His face suddenly became serious.


    ¡°For the wounded guards.¡± I fell silent at what he said.


    I remembered when he ordered all of the guards to go to the field. Was there a connection to the blood we cleaned up earlier? I furrowed my eyebrows. I have so much to think about.


    The water was already boiling so I turned the fire off and poured the water at arge pail. I gave it to Zeke.


    ¡°What if I told you to bring that to where I¡¯m going to?¡± He asked, smirking as he rubbed his chin. I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one whom thedy ordered to bring. I know you won¡¯t let me go there, anyway.¡± He stopped at what I said before smiling as he grabbed the pail.


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± He said, leaving me alone at the kitchen. When he was gone, I sighed as Ema entered the kitchen whereas I knew she¡¯d been hiding by a wall outside the kitchen.


    ¡°You¡¯re so awesome, Nassandra. Aren¡¯t you afraid of ma?tre Zeke?¡± I pretended to think for a while then shook my head.


    ¡°Nahhhhh.¡± She wa stunned at my answer.

 Chapter 10

    I¡¯ve been working here in the mansion for almost a month now. My job still hasn¡¯t change.


    I could rarely see Ma?tre Andrew and I would take a glimpse at him every time I cross the living room when he¡¯s eating.


    To be honest, I don¡¯t want to ever be near him. Just like what madame said, I should try to avoid him at all costs.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    I have also never seen Zeke and the others for a while.


    *Kring kring*


    Getting my phone, I saw Tiya calling. I didn¡¯t hesitate to answer immediately.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Hearing the sound of somebody¡¯s cries suddenly made me worry about what happened to Brylle.


    ¡°Nassandra, it¡¯s Brylle.¡± I calmed myself down before answering.


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s been crying all day. He wouldn¡¯t stop, saying he wants to see you.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows. I may want to go there since I already miss him but I just can¡¯t. Even if they¡¯ll let me, it¡¯s a far trip from here to there. I¡¯m not familiar with this ce at all.


    ¡°Tell him we¡¯ll do a video-call.¡±


    ¡°I already told him that. He wants to hug you.¡± This made me let out a bitter smile.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t go back there yet. They might not let me.¡± I thought of a way.


    ¡°Tiya, could you give the phone to Brylle?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± I heard the cries getting louder.


    ¡°Brylle, here¡¯s your mommy.¡± His cries calmed down a bit as he heard my voice.


    ¡°Hey, baby. Are you okay? Why are you crying?¡± He sniffed.


    ¡°I miss you mama. Please go home. Huhuhu!¡± This made my eyes well up with tears, I truly do miss him so much. He continued to cry when suddenly I was shocked when he called someone a papa.


    ¡°Papa! Huhuhu! Papa!¡± This made me go back to the time where I first saw him.


    He was crying so hard that night and can only say one word. He was calling his papa. And I know for a fact that I¡¯m not the one he¡¯s longing for, but his papa.


    ¡°I feel so alone, papa!¡± My heart broke as I heard Brylle¡¯s growing voice.


    ¡°Brylle, you¡¯re not alone, okay? Do you want us to video-chat?¡± His cries became louder again.


    ¡°No! You are not my papa! You left me! I hate you!¡± I suddenly held my chest. I fell silent, not knowing what to say.


    ¡°H-Hey, baby. Listen, alright? You¡¯re not alone. I¡¯m here with you. I am talking to you. You¡¯ll always be by my heart, okay? And I¡¯m always in your heart, right?¡± He was quiet for a while.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want you.¡± I heard Tiya scolding Brylle in the background.


    ¡°Nassandra, can¡¯t you just ask permission to leave? Just for today?¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try to ask.¡± I sadly remarked.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about Brylle, Nassandra.¡±


    ¡°No, I should be the one apologizing for Brylle. We¡¯ve been too much of a disturbance.¡± I went to the kitchen to find manang.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Nassandra. Both of you are a blessing to me.¡± This made me smile.


    ¡°Thank you, Tiya.¡±


    ¡°Sure, text me if you¡¯ll evere.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ending the call, I tried my best to prevent the tears from falling.


    I saw manang, Nathan, and Ema at the kitchen. When manang saw me, she immediately pulled me and gave me vegetables to slice.


    ¡°Nassandra, kindly assist us here. All of Keiranz¡¯s subordinates will spend their lunch here. We need to hurry up.¡± Just holding the veggies she gave me, I looked at her with pleading eyes.


    ¡°Manang Vilma, is it alright if I took my day-off today? Something happened back home and I have to be there.¡± Manang didn¡¯t bother gazing at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t let you, Nassandra. Today is Jane¡¯s day-off. It¡¯s just the four of us here and it¡¯s almost time for their lunch. They¡¯ll be here any minute.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows.


    ¡°But¡ª¡± she held both of my cheeks in her hands.


    ¡°Nassandra,¡± she says. I understood what she¡¯s trying toprehend so I sadly nodded my head.


    I just did my job like manang ordered. A few momentster, ten people wearing all ck arrived at the house.


    There were three girls and eight boys, along with Ma?tre Andrew.


    While all of them were happily eating, us, maids, are at the corners waiting for further instructions.


    I ignored the continuous gazes I got from Zeke and Dale because I could still remember what happened with Zeke.


    Not to mention, Ma?tre Andrew who is staring at me intently. I didn¡¯t dare to look back at his gaze, I might get in trouble for doing that.


    Somehow, I feel like Brylle is getting depression at such a young age. It took a long time before Brylle could even smile genuinely at me ever since we met. I don¡¯t want that to happen again.


    ¡°Nassandra, can you get more juice?¡± I turned to look at Katie who shed a friendly smile at me. I noticed everyone can¡¯t help but turn to me, as well.


    I bowed.


    ¡°Yes, ma?stresse.¡± Getting the empty pitcher, I walked back towards the kitchen.


    ¡°How did you know her, Katie?¡± Asked a guy who¡¯s got a lot of tattoos on his arm.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just that Zeke knows her.¡± Zeke looked at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying anything.¡± He defenses.


    ¡°Well, her beauty¡¯s not hard to notice.¡± This made me look at a man who¡¯s got arge body built. Our gazes met for a second but I immediately broke away. Everyone¡¯s quiet at the end of the table while they¡¯re listening to theirpanions.


    Manang held me gently and gestured for me to leave. I understood what she said so I returned to the kitchen.


    I went out through the backdoor and went to the garden. I sat by a t rock that wouldn¡¯t be easily spotted from the house.


    Closing my eyes, I suddenly felt exhausted. I wonder if Brylle is still crying?


    ¡°Brylle.¡±


    No, you are not my papa! You left me. I hate you!


    A tear fell from my eye which is followed by a fountain of tears. I covered my face to muffle out any kind of noise I might make.


    I know Brylle didn¡¯t want to say those but it still hurts me. Hearing from your only family member that they don¡¯t want you.


    Rapidly wiping my tears, I wish I could just stop crying.


    I heard approaching footsteps which made me cover my face even more.


    A strong pairs of hands held mine to remove them from my face. I immediately covered myself using my arm. Can¡¯t this guy sense that I don¡¯t want to show myself?!


    Hepletely removed the cover from my face and held both of my cheeks. I lowered my head to just glimpse on the man¡¯s shoes in front of me.


    I leaned my body forward on the man¡¯s body. He smells like Zeke. Holding on his ck shirt, I went on tearing up while he was tracing my hair like a child.


    As my cries softened, he spoke.


    ¡°Are you done wetting my shirt?¡± Suddenly irritated at his voice, I gently pushed him and turned around.


    ¡°If you came here just to tease me, please leave.¡± Heughed.


    ¡°After making me your human handkerchief?¡± I rolled my eyes as I wiped my face using my clothes. This just made me stare and fell silent.


    As he walked towards me, he knelt down to see my face. His face pops out from my vision to which I brushed his gaze off and sniffed.


    ¡°Cute.¡± I gave him a re as he observed me before speaking.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I stared at him for a few seconds before letting out a sigh.


    ¡°Tiya called earlier. Brylle is crying and he wouldn¡¯t stop. When I tried to calm him down he just yelled at me and said that I left him and he hates me.¡± I clenched my fists. Zeke paused in disbelief.


    ¡°He said that?¡± I nodded which made him think.


    ¡°Do you want to go home?¡± I shook my head at him.


    ¡°Manang said that I can¡¯t.¡± This made him smirk.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? I¡¯m like your master.¡± I raised a brow at him.


    ¡°So?¡± He rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Uhmm, I can bring you home even if it¡¯s not allowed.¡± I sniffed as I observed the look on his eyes.


    ¡°Really?¡± He rolled his eyes again and nodded. I immediately stood up.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go, I neede to go to Brylle.¡± Heughed while standing up then we went back to the house together.


    I gave manang notice which left her with no choice since it was already Zeke¡¯s orders.


    I found out Zeke left casually and never even bothered to bid his farewells to the people in the dining room.


    ¡°Where are you going, Zeke?¡± I heard a woman asked him. Thetter ignored the question and we just went straight to his car.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    When we arrived at the house, Tiya was waiting outside with a problematic face. I quickly got out of the car and went to her.


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± Tiya said with surprise. She saw Zeke with me which made her forget what she was about to ask.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Brylle?¡± I asked. She pointed inside the house.


    ¡°He¡¯s in your room, he¡¯s still crying.¡± I immediately went inside the house and opened the door that leads to our room.


    I saw Brylle at the very corner of the room, hugging his legs tight to his chest.


    His cries got louder the moment he saw me.


    I quickly grabbed to hug him and I felt him pushing me away. Despite that, I didn¡¯t let go of my embrace. He kept shouting ¡®no¡¯ simultaneously which made the tears fall down from my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I repeatedly muttered to him.


    I stood up while carrying him. But he¡¯s still forcing himself out from my grip.


    ¡°Brylle, I¡¯m here now. Please, calm down.¡± I said but he¡¯s still trying to escape from me.


    Due to his rapid movement, I identally dropped him which gave him the opportunity to run back towards our room. But before he could even went in, someone blocks his way and it was Zeke. This made Brylle hug him. The child looks upon the man¡¯s face.


    ¡°Papa?¡± Zeke turned to look at me, not knowing what to do. Brylle continued to cry on Zeke¡¯s pants.


    ¡°Papa, you¡¯re here!¡± Brylle cried. I nodded at Zeke. He shed me a smile before carrying Brylle in his arms.


    ¡°I¡¯m not your real father but I¡¯ll be your papa for now.¡± Brylle stopped crying and hugged on Zeke¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Papa,¡± He closed his eyes shut due to sleepiness, I guess. I cried as I smiled at Zeke.


    He tried to ce him down the bed but Brylle doesn¡¯t let go of him. Zeke looked stunned at how tight the child¡¯s grip was.

 Chapter 11

    The minute Auntie entered the room, she was surprised to see Brylle holding onto Zeke possessively.


    ¡°You got him to stop crying.¡± She stated. I turned to look at the both of them before running out of the house.


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± I heard Zeke call.


    I walked down the streets as the tears kept falling from my eyes. My mind wouldn¡¯t erase what just happened a few moments ago.


    Is Brylle still going to treat me as his mother? Will he ever forgive me? Am I still going to be with him?


    Those are few of the many questions that swarm in my head. I can¡¯t help but overthink all the possibilities about Brylle.


    I also can¡¯t help but me myself for what just happened to him.


    When I saw a bench, I stopped walking and sat on it, my eyes staring at a distance.


    I kept thinking and thinking. All of the same thoughts consistent in my head.


    After a long time I decided to go back home. It¡¯s getting chilly here outside and it¡¯s almost getting dark, too.


    The minute I arrived at Auntie¡¯s door, I heard Zeke¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Brylle?¡± I hid behind a wall and listened.


    ¡°Papa?¡± The child muttered sleepily. I heard Zeke heaved out a sigh.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m not your real papa, okay?¡±


    ¡°Tito Zeke?¡± He says with disappointment. I can¡¯t help but touch my chest in pain.


    ¡°What happened, Brylle?¡± I peeked over a bit and saw Zeke and Brylle sitting beside each other.


    ¡°I just miss them a lot.¡± Brylle said to which Zeke tried to nod.


    ¡°I miss my family, too, but what you did to your mother is¡­¡± He trailed off, hoping to find the right words to say.


    ¡°Where is mama? I think I hurt her.¡± I stepped out from where I was hiding and showed myself with teary eyes. The minute Brylle saw me, his eyes teared up. He started running towards me, almost tripping but good thing Zeke was there to assist him.


    ¡°Mamaaa! I¡¯m so sorry mama!¡± He cried. He¡¯s been crying all day and he just stopped when he slept. I rubbed his back while tears are still running down from my eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, baby. It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m sorry, too.¡± Brylle tightened his embrace.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to say the words I said. I just missed you.¡± I smiled upon hearing his statement and wiped its wet cheeks.


    ¡°I know, Brylle.¡± I looked at his face and kissed his cheek before hugging him in my arms again.


    ¡°I also missed you, Brylle. I¡¯m sorry.¡± He kissed my cheek as well.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, mama.¡± He smiled at me.


    ¡°I love you!¡± I smiled and also wiped my wet cheeks.


    ¡°I love you too!¡± We enveloped each other once again. This made Brylle look at Zeke.


    ¡°Can you be my papa?¡± He stopped for a moment but smiled eventually.


    ¡°Of course, Brylle.¡± The child pulled Zeke in the arm so he could join our little hugging session.


    ¡°I¡¯m with papa and mama.¡± I smiled at his words.


    ¡°I¡¯m always here with you, Brylle.¡± I immediately threw Zeke a re as he was about to cuddle me too.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare.¡± I whispered. But he just smirked and continue on hugging me.


    I didn¡¯t notice Brylle getting away from our embrace and the result leads to Zeke and I wrapped up in each other¡¯s arms.


    I pushed him hardly and avoided eye contact. I don¡¯t know why but for some reason I could feel my cheeks burning.


    We had just finished eating dinner as Zeke and I went to Tiya¡¯s backyard.


    ¡°Why are you giving my Auntie some money?¡± I asked with furrowed eyebrows.


    ¡°I just want to help, Nassandra. You have no sry so what are you going to give Brylle?¡± My fist clenched.


    ¡°You don¡¯t care about that anymore.¡± I can¡¯t help but feel irritated. This made me turn to his face and then shed him a sincere smile.


    His body stiffened as I went over to him and hugged him.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± He didn¡¯t return the hug, instead, he was confused as to why I just did that.


    ¡°For everything, for what you did for Brylle.¡± I was about to break the the embrace when suddenly Zeke pulled me back to his body.


    ¡°I will not refuse a beautiful girl wanting to have me near her.¡± I pushed him away once again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me.¡± He justughed mischievously. Then there was silence.


    ¡°Uuhmm.¡± I didn¡¯t bother looking back at Zeke so I just shifted my eyes at the night sky.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°So I didn¡¯t make a good impression on you.¡± This was enough to make me turn back to him.


    ¡°Obviously.¡± He scratched the back of his nape.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that.¡± Wait, am I hearing it right? Mr. Arrogant is apologizing?! I smiled at him and rolled my eyes at the same time.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I noticed his face lightened up.


    ¡°Really? You¡¯re not annoyed at me anymore?¡± He happily asked. I hit his nape yfully.


    ¡°You¡¯re annoying in general, that wouldn¡¯t change the fact.¡± He pouted which made meugh.


    ¡°You know that we are a member of a mafia.¡± He stated. I discreetly nodded.


    ¡°Are you scared?¡± He asked to which I shook my head in response.


    ¡°As long as my family won¡¯t be involved, I won¡¯t be scared.¡± He shed a grin at me.


    ¡°I promise we will not.¡± I returned his friendly grin.


    There was a text on my phone and I noticed it¡¯s manang. She asking as to when we¡¯ll be back. This made me sigh.


    ¡°We should head back.¡± He nodded and stood up, walking towards his car.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you here.¡± I nodded and went back inside the house.


    I immediately went to Brylle.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Baby, I¡¯m going back to my work now.¡± He seems sad upon the news but smiled in the end.


    ¡°Okay mama, let¡¯s just video call everyday, okay?¡± He cheerfully said. I held him by the cheeks and kissed him on the forehead.


    ¡°Of course, baby.¡± Then I turned to Tiya.


    ¡°I need to go back¡­¡± I said. She envelopes me in a motherly hug.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the disturbance, Nassandra. Just do your best, I¡¯ll handle Brylle.¡± I smiled at her.


    They both escorted me outside the house.


    ¡°Bye papa!¡± Brylle waved a hand at Zeke to which thetter waved back.


    ¡°Bye Brylle.¡± I hopped on back to the car as Zeke drived back.


    We are already in front of the gate while waiting for the guards to open up the gates. My instinct told me to look at my side and I noticed movement by the trees surrounding the area. I furrowed my eyebrows. Could it be just the wind?


    ¡°Nassandra? What¡¯s the problem?¡± I turned to Zeke and shook my head.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± He nced at me for a second before driving back inside the mansion.


    We went out of the car where Dale was waiting for us outside the house.


    ¡°Where have you been, Zeke?¡± Irritance was evident on his voice. I bowed at him before walking back inside the house.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been discussing about Megic.¡± Those are the only words I heard before heading back towards the kitchen.


    ¡°Hi!¡± I greeted everyone in there. Manang faced me from her current task. She smiled.


    ¡°Nassandra, since you just arrived, you¡¯ll be the one to wash the dishes.¡± She says. I was about to open my mouth to say something as I saw the sink full of dishes and utensils to wash. I scratched my nape before starting to work.


    I looked at the clock.


    2:15 am.


    The lights are off and everybody in this room are fast asleep. I feel nervous and I can¡¯t exin where it¡¯sing from. Two days have passed since I visited Brylle who kept crying that day.


    Maybe I couldn¡¯t sleep because of that. Yeah, right, maybe that¡¯s it. But I can¡¯t shake off the feeling that someone is watching this ce. Ever since I saw something by the trees. I just ignored it.


    As I was looking by the window, I noticed movement and heard muffled noises. I sat in my position and looked carefully outside the dark surroundings.


    An injured man in ck is desperately trying to get away as if he was being chased by someone.


    My hands found itself on my chest as I control my heart from beating frantically. Part of me wants to go outside and check what¡¯s going on or should I just stay inside and mind my own business. I sighed as I got out of bed and left the room.


    I quickly went to the kitchen and went out the backdoor. When I arrived at the backyard, there was no one in sight. Could it be just my imagination?


    I looked to my side as I noticed a figure was standing in my peripheral vision. I went closer and my eyes widened as I saw a guard unconscious on the ground.


    I checked his pulse and sighed a relief for he¡¯s still alive. He has a bruise on his neck which made me conclude that it might be the reason why he passed out.


    ¡°Guards!¡± I jumped upon hearing someone shouted which gave me the goosebumps. His word was so full of emotion and he¡¯s clearly mad.


    I immediately went back inside the house and went to the living room that isn¡¯t near the front door.


    It was dark but I could see a figure of a man near a woman who¡¯s on the floor.


    The man looked at me and despite the darkness, I saw him throw me a deathly re.


    ¡°Call the damn guards now!¡± Hemanded. I froze on my spot as I just stood there, looking at the woman on the ground.

 Chapter 12

    While I was just standing there, two men came wearing a ck suit.


    ¡°Ma?tre?¡± They both said at the same time.


    ¡°Call Katie and Theo now!¡± He quickly ordered. One guard pressed a smartwatch.


    ¡°Where are the other guards?¡± He angrilyined. Both of the guards looked at each other.


    ¡°The others have fainted and are injured.¡± Ma?tre Andrew clenched his fist.


    The lights are back on and Zeke arrived at the kitchen along with a young girl that almost looked like him. I got to clearly see that it was manangying on the floor with a wound on his head. Blood was dripping on where her body was.


    ¡°Manang,¡± Zeke stated. Ma?tre Andrew was holding onto her with a furious look on his face.


    ¡°Shit, her pulse is getting weak!¡± He shouted and dropped manang on the floor. Zeke knelt down beside the olddy as he held both of her cheeks, muttering the word ¡®no.¡¯


    ¡°Where is the freaking doctor?!¡± Ma?tre Andrew outrageously pointed at the guards.


    ¡°They¡¯re on their way, ma?tre.¡± Said the other.


    ¡°Tell them to hurry up!¡± He yelled impatiently.


    My three fellow maids arrived at the scene which made Jane scream in horror.


    ¡°Manang¡­¡± Nathan muttered, staring at her body. They all started to cry which made Ma?tre Andrew shot a re at us.


    ¡°Get them out of here.¡± He nkly said. The guards went near us to shoo us away from the room. The three followed crying while I just stood still. They all told me to leave but I stay glued on my spot.


    ¡°No, I can save her.¡± I said. All of their heads turned to me whereas Ma?tre Andrew raised a brow.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Get out of here!¡± He yelled so the guards tried to pull me away but I try to escape their grip.


    ¡°I can save her!¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡± I didn¡¯t let my boss¡¯ words get through me.


    ¡°I can save her life!¡± I repeated.


    ¡°You are just a freaking maid who wants to say that she can save someone when she really can¡¯t. How are you going to save her? By God?!¡± He angrily said which made me stop. What did he just say?


    I clenched my fist.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the doctor that you called is still far away. They wouldn¡¯t make it in time. It¡¯ll be toote and manang will run out of blood and you¡¯ll be feeling no airing out of her.¡± I irritatedly worded. I turned to look at Zeke, wishing that he¡¯ll believe me.


    ¡°Get out¡ª-¡±


    ¡°Kei, please.¡± Andrew shot a look at Zeke.


    ¡°Give her a chance.¡± He was already crying while manang was in his arms. Andrew shot me a re.


    ¡°If you kill her¡ª-I swear. You¡¯ll be experiencing the same fate.¡± He threatens. I nodded and went closer to the olddy.


    Have I ever mentioned that my parents are doctors? Everytime they do surgery, they would let me watch.


    I observed the wound on her head as it was still bleeding. Getting my handkerchief from the pocket of my shorts, I carefully used it to cover the wound.


    ¡°Looks like something hit her hard.¡± I studied Manang¡¯s body to check if she had any more wounds.


    I noticed a dagger near her right hand. It reminded me of the guy I saw earlier at the window.


    I looked at Zeke.


    ¡°We needed to cover up her wounds immediately. We also needed to check if there¡¯s internal bleeding or other more injury on her head.¡± The two men looked at each other and Andrew heaved out a sigh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move her to the infirmary.¡± Zeke nodded and shed a look at me.


    ¡°You think you can do that?¡±


    ¡°If I only had the tools, I can.¡± Zeke repeatedly nodded before carrying manang.


    ¡°It¡¯s like a hospital. There¡¯s a surgery room and such.¡± I followed him where we went to their headquarters which was beside the guard¡¯s resthouse.


    When we arrived inside, I was shocked since it actually looked like we¡¯re in the hospital. There are guards on the beds that are in the process of recovery


    We went inside the room where there¡¯s aplete set of equipment for surgery.


    I put on a mask and gloves since it was the only avable personal protection equipment there. I walked closer to the unconscious woman.


    Manang Vilma was transferred to a vacant room where there is a heart monitor attached to her. She¡¯s now stabled after I sessfully covered her wound. No internal bleedings but her brain was a little damaged.


    She¡¯s in aa and I don¡¯t have the slightest idea on when she¡¯ll wake up. The Lewis siblings had just arrived and if we waited for them, we wouldn¡¯t guarantee Manang¡¯s safety.


    All of us are now in the surgery room as I watched them fight one another.


    ¡°Kei! We were in our resort! It will take five hours to drive from there going here!¡± Katie replied after beingbelled slowpoke by Andrew. He stopped.


    ¡°Also, Keiranz. Don¡¯t you know first aid?! You took a pre-med course in France!¡± Andrew brushed his hair back in frustration. I¡¯ll just call him Andrew in my thoughts. He¡¯ll never know.


    ¡°Never did it cross your mind that you should stop the bleeding.¡± Zeke just lowered his head in silence. Andrew rolled his eyes and sighed.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯m sorry. I panicked, okay?¡± Katie¡¯s malepanion couldn¡¯t help but gaze upon Andrew. What was his name again? Theo?


    ¡°You panicked?¡± The guy said in disbelief which made hispanion close her eyes in distress.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for your maid, manang could¡¯ve died. You don¡¯t panic, Kei.¡± Andrew stepped forward towards Theo with a dark expression. Theo looked scared as he took a step back. Andrew held him by the cor and pulled him up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk to me that way.¡± He emphasized every word. I was stunned at how everyone is pretending not to see Theo¡¯s situation. Aren¡¯t they going to do something? I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.


    ¡°Y-Yes, Ma?tre.¡± Theo stuttered. Andrew dropped him which got the poor man butthead on the floor. He turned to look at Katie.


    ¡°How is she?¡±


    ¡°She is fine. Nassandra¡¯s done a great job. Everything she told you about manang is urate.¡± They all turned their heads towards me which made me want to disappear in the moment. He went near me with eyebrows crossed and held my arms tight.


    ¡°Kei!¡± Zeke shouted. Andrew pulled me outside the room and brought me to one of their rooms here in their headquarters.


    ¡°Stay here, maid.¡± I had no choice as Andrew locked the door which can¡¯t be opened from the inside.


    I didn¡¯t bother to go out and slumped my body on a wall. I¡¯m so tired. I haven¡¯t slept a wink.


    Iid down on a bed here in the room and closed my eyes.


    ¡°You will stay here!¡± I looked at the old man holding a gun. I cried as I went to him and got down on my knees.


    ¡°Please, have mercy on them. They didn¡¯t do anything wrong.¡± A creepy smirk crawled on his face.


    ¡°Your family had done so much, Pat. They deserve to die and you will watch them yell for help.¡± My cries got louder as I held the old man¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Please, let me be with them. If you¡¯re going to kill them, might as well, kill me too.¡± The old man held both of my cheeks which made me want to remove my face from his hands.


    ¡°You are my precious granddaughter, Pat. You¡¯ve been with me since you are a kid. I trained you, I would never kill you.¡± He sweetly remarked. I held his filthy hands off my face.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t kill me, how can you kill your own child!¡± His expression shifted to an outraged one as he held my jaw.


    ¡°He is not my son. I don¡¯t have a child who¡¯s a traitor!¡± He lets go of me and pushed me on a wall.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill them, you¡¯ll wait for their dead bodies here.¡± I walked towards the door and tried to escape but he immediately turned around a pointed a gun at me.


    I made my distance from the door and watched until the old man went out.


    I spent all night in that room, crying. Wondering if my family is still alive. I don¡¯t know but I can imagine what my grandfather will do to them. I can¡¯t stop thinking¡­


    Prisoning myself here in the room wouldn¡¯t help the situation. I wanted to do something but I can¡¯t¡­I can¡¯t.


    I opened my eyes as I felt the touch of the ray of sunshine on my cheek. The memories came back in my dream which made me tear up.


    I heard someone opening the door so I wiped them away.


    A man came in, probably a guard with a tray of food in hand. He observed me for a while before cing the tray on a desk here in the room.


    ¡°Uhmmm-what. What time is it?¡± I asked him. He looked at me expressionless.


    ¡°11:45¡± I was surprised since it¡¯s a rare asion that I¡¯d wake up in this time. He was about to leave when I stopped him.


    ¡°When am I going to get out of here?¡±


    ¡°Ma?tre Andrew wille hereter to speak with you. Whatever happens to you will be his decision.¡± I suddenly felt nervous at what he said. This made me think.


    Whatever happens to me¡­?

 Chapter 13

    Sitting at the very corner of the room, hugging my knees, it felt like I couldn¡¯t breathe even though there¡¯s a window here.


    All I could see was the four corners of the room.


    It¡¯s the second day that I¡¯ve been locked up in here and I couldn¡¯t seen to feelfortable at all. I feel so suffocated in this ce. I can¡¯t help but overthink how was Brylle. I wanted to see him, he might be harmed.


    I don¡¯t wanna be in this room anymore. Add up the dark atmosphere trapped in here. There¡¯s not a single light switch here and the window was the only source of light.


    I don¡¯t like it in here¡­ the dreams I had yesterday areing back to me. I closed my eyes and sighed.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    I looked up as I heard the door opening. It¡¯s probably my meals. The guards can only bring me food and they don¡¯t have the authority to let me out. There¡¯s afort room in here so that¡¯s not a problem.


    I ignored whoever ced the tray on the desk of the room. My instinct told me he¡¯sing closer towards me.


    ¡°Nassandra,¡± I gazed upon the familiar voice of a man.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± I furrowed my eyebrows as I find myself reaching for his hand.


    ¡°Zeke, please, get me out of this room.¡± I plead. I can¡¯t stand a minute in this room anymore. I¡¯m feeling so anxious. I don¡¯t want to repeat what happened in the past.


    His face became serious as he stared at me with those cold eyes.


    ¡°You can¡¯t, Kei hasn¡¯t decided yet.¡± This made me clench my fists. Yesterday that Andrew came here to visit me to ask certain things about my life. Such as my name, age, when I started working as a maid and a lot more rubbish.


    I told him about the mysterious figure I saw before finding manang. What¡¯s irritating is that he¡¯s even more annoying than Zeke himself.


    Why is he even mad at me? I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. And why would he keep me locked in this room?!


    ~


    ¡°Do you know what happens when someone who is not part of the mafia knows about us?¡± I was confused at his question. He¡¯s been talking with me absolutely expressionless.


    ¡°W-What?¡± I tried to politely reply despite the anger raging inside.


    ¡°Almost every one of those who knew either run to the police or to our enemy.¡± He took a step closer to and held my cheeks.


    ¡°Which one are you?¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at his question. What the?! Does he think I¡¯m the kind who would tattle on him?


    ¡°I am not going to tell anyone, ma?tre. I am just here to work. I will not interfere with your business anymore.¡± He stood up and walked towards the door.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± I can¡¯t help but feel annoyed at his tone. Why can¡¯t he just believe me?


    ¡°Do you know what happens to those who run.¡± I kept quiet. He turned to me and gestured a gun at my head.


    He left the room angrily and I didn¡¯t do anything.


    ~


    Remembering our confrontation suddenly brought back the rage I felt for him.


    ¡°Zeke! I will never tell anyone. You know that I¡¯m aware about you guys being a mafia. I didn¡¯t said a word to others, right?¡± His expression softened.


    ¡°But it¡¯s our protocol, Nassandra. Unless we are sure that the knowledgeable wouldn¡¯t do it, we cannot let them go.¡± I suddenly cried at his words. I tightened my grip on his hand.


    ¡°Please, Zeke. I don¡¯t like it this room. I can¡¯t stay here. How about Brylle?¡± I pulled my hair out of frustration. I don¡¯t want the past to happen again. I know I¡¯m so out of myself.


    Zeke held my hand to avoid them from my hair.


    ¡°Nassandra, Brylle is fine. I¡¯ll make sure he is fine. Just stay here, okay?¡± I shook my head.


    ¡°No, Zeke. Please help me. I can¡¯t.¡±


    I can¡¯t do anything¡­


    He stood up and looked at me onest time before leaving the room. I just kept on crying. Being in this room makes me remember everything¡­.


    I¡¯m getting crazy. Yeah, I¡¯m literally going nuts. This room feels so small all of the sudden. I feel like I can¡¯t stand up with such little space.


    I kept thinking of Brylle. What happened in the past wouldn¡¯t happen again, right? Zeke said he¡¯ll be the one to handle Brylle.


    I may not be doing anything physically but I kept catching my breathe. Okay, I am really going insane.


    Add up the asional shbacks that I kept trying to forget, isn¡¯t really helping.


    I turned to the guard who had just entered the room. He studied my situation and looked puzzled as to why I was looking at him in such way. He ced the tray on the desk and turned his back on me.


    I took the opportunity to run into him and kicked him on the rib part that would cause him pain on the lungs so he would struggle to breathe. He looked back at me with a re as he was about toe back through me. But I immediately punched his face which made him drop on the ground.


    My eyes widened as I sprinted my way out of the room. The guards were frozen on the spot upon seeing my escape but they didn¡¯t dare to move a muscle.


    I went directly to the part where Andrew brought me leading to that room.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I heard a guard shouting at me as he prepared his gun while running after me. His colleagues did the same. I just kept on running, like I used to do.


    ¡°Don¡¯t shoot!¡± I heard a familiar voice said. I ignored whoever it was and continued on running.


    ¡°Pat!¡± I heard the voice of an old man calling out to me. I turned around and saw my grandfather¡¯s men chasing after me. This made me rush away from his home faster than I ever did.


    Someone shoot a gun to which I sessfully avoided. The other men followed suit.


    I prepared the gun I was holding and pointed it to the person following me. As he stumbled down to the ground, I did the same to the others.


    I continued to run and run until I reached an end of a cliff. At the bottom was a deep blue sea. I turned around and saw that there are still a lot of men chasing after me.


    I am scared that they might catch me and bring me back to that old man¡¯s ce. A tear fell from my eye before I jumped off that high cliff.


    Feeling the cold water right on my skin, I opened my eyes no matter how painful it felt and dive into the under part of the sea.


    That¡¯s where bullets started rolling in from my grandfather¡¯s men.


    I went to arge rock under the sea and hid.


    For a moment there, I¡¯d rather die than go back to that ce.


    My eyes widened upon realizing I was in front of the mansion¡¯s olympic pool. Observing the water, I estimated this is really deep.


    I turned around and saw the guards are still after me. I took a deep breath before jumping on the pool.


    Without thinking, I directly swam toward the pool¡¯s floor. With my eyes wide open, I sat at the very corner of the tiled floor. Not bothering to hide, I just wish they wouldn¡¯t get me here.


    A few seconds have passed and no one has bothered to jump in to get me. I can only hear the water flowing which made me feel everything¡¯s quiet and peaceful. I smiled as I closed my eyes even though I was running out of oxygen.


    I opened my eyes as I felt someone¡¯s arms wrapped around my waist as it carried the both of us up to the pool.


    Letting out a breathe, I finally got to feel fresh air. This made me look at the person who dived in to get me. It was Andrew.


    I screamed as I swam out of the pool.


    Feeling the texture ofnd on my feet, I just kept running no matter how weak my legs are feeling. Not looking around my surroundings, I just wished to get out of here.


    I suddenly tripped but I clumsily managed to stand up and walk, hoping I could walk faster than I am doing right now.


    Someone pulled me down to the ground and a man went on top of me. My eyes found themselves looking at Andrew who¡¯s got his eyebrows creased. Out of fear, I quickly pushed him with all my strength so it was me on top of him.


    I stood up again and started taking steps, but before I could make my distance, someone pulled me on the ground again which made me crash on to hisp.


    I tried punching him with all my might but he seems not to be affected a bit. He gripped on both of my hands which made me turn to him.


    His clothes are wet, so does his hair and whole body.


    He pressed my head towards his chest which made my eyes widened.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. No one¡¯s chasing you. You are safe.¡± I feelfortable in his arms. Why??? Why do I feel like I wanted to believe his words? Why is my heart rate getting crazy all of a sudden?


    While my head was on his chest, I couldn¡¯t held back the tears any longer so I weeped.


    I just kept crying and crying while he traces my wet hair.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I just continued to bawl my eyes out. I¡¯m such a pathetic crybaby loser that all she can do was just to cry.

 Chapter 14

    I¡¯ve never felt this safe in someone¡¯s arms¡­ As I stopped crying, I suddenly felt so much exhaustion. I closed my eyes while my head was still on Andrew¡¯s chest.


    I heard him sighed as he started to stand up and carry me in bridal style. I don¡¯t have the slightest idea on where he¡¯s taking me but he just keeps on walking. I tightened my grip on his neck.


    ¡°Kei,¡± I heard Zeke¡¯s voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Nic. I¡¯ll bring her to my¡­¡± I didn¡¯t got to hear what Andrew was saying as I drifted off to sleep.


    I heard people chattering which made my head ache even more. I could feel the tender soft bed I¡¯m currently lying on and it smells like men.


    ¡°I think she is ustrophobic.¡± I heard a woman¡¯s voice said. It must be Katie¡¯s


    ¡°The room is not that small, Katie.¡± That was Zeke.


    ¡°You locked her up in the room and that can trigger ustrophobia. Besides, based on your story. She looks so scared as if someone was chasing her. I think it has something to do with what happened to her in the past.¡± I heard another man¡¯s voice. I guess it was Theo.


    ¡°I did notice she was getting anxious. I don¡¯t know that she¡¯s ustrophobic. Argh. She told me she doesn¡¯t like it in that room.¡± Zeke stated with frustration.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Thank you Katie, Theo.¡± I heard the door opening and it closed as well. Someone walked towards the bed and I felt him touching my cheek. I can¡¯t help but put my face closer to his warm touch. I feel so cold.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nassandra.¡± Said Zeke. Then there was silence when he removed his hand on my face.


    ¡°Get out already.¡± Andrew angrily shoots which just made Zekeugh.


    ¡°Take a shower, man. You¡¯re soaking wet.¡± I heard a grunt and anotherughter. The door opened and closed shut once again.


    I suddenly felt someone¡¯s warm presence near me and I shuddered at the sudden cold atmosphere.


    Someone pulled the thick sheets all the way to my chest which decreased the coldness I was feeling.


    After Andrew had finished his shower, he went out of the room and I opened my eyes.


    I sat up and observed my surroundings. The walls are all painted dark gray. Whereas the floor was a ck marbled tiles.


    Including the bed I was currently on which has gray bedsheets and a soft, white pillow.


    I¡¯m in a room¡­ a room.


    Remembering what just happened a few moments ago, I suddenly face-palmed.


    Yeah, Katie was right. Maybe I am ustrophobic. That¡¯s why that was all I can react when I was locked in that room for a long time.


    I wrapped my body around the gray nket and walked towards the room¡¯s veranda.


    It¡¯s open and the wind was blowing the curtains of its window.


    A cold gust of wind greeted me from above. I looked at the yard¡¯s view. You could clearly see the whole property including the forest that leads to this mansion.


    Breathing into the fresh air, I slumped myself and leaned on the railings of the veranda.


    I was already chattering at the coldness of the wind since it¡¯s almost night time, but I truly liked it in here, I don¡¯t want to be inside a room for now.


    Staring at nothing made me think of all of the recent events that just happened. I closed my eyes in shame including the pain that caused me after reminiscing such memories.


    I was still irritated with that Andrew but I couldn¡¯t forget how he rescued me, including the way he wrapped me in his arms with my head on his chest. His chest felt so hard and I think his abs got bulged due to his wet shi¡ª-


    Wait! Nassandra! What are you thinking?!


    I shook my head.


    ¡°What are you doing there?¡± My eyes widened as I felt my cheeks burning red upon hearing the voice of the man who had just been in my thoughts.


    I turned to Andrew who¡¯s walking towards my position in the veranda.


    I avoided him and wrapped my body around the nket even more. I am still blushing.


    He stopped and suddenly looked surprised but he eventually covers it with an expressionless face.


    ¡°It¡¯s cold there. I don¡¯t want a maid to get sick.¡± He said, giving emphasis to the word maid. I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s trying to say.


    I furrowed my eyebrows as I avoided his gaze.


    ¡°I can¡¯t breath properly inside.¡± He realized the meaning of my statement.


    ¡°Then get out of here.¡± I turned to look at him.


    Of course, why didn¡¯t I thought of that earlier? I secretly rolled my eyes before standing up. I went to his bed and ced the nket back.


    I immediately felt the cold breeze and I suddenly wished I didn¡¯t remove the nket.


    I bowed to Andrew despite my dizziness and my knees getting weak.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for bothering you, ma?tre.¡± I didn¡¯t bother to look at him and directly went out of his room.


    After closing the door, I can¡¯t help but wrap my arms around myself as I shivered. My head is aching and I feel even more sick.


    ¡°Hu!¡± I muttered and walked toward the stairs. Never got to reach there, I just had the urge to sit down. I¡¯m so dizzy and cold.


    It was toote when I realized I was actually sitting and leaning in front of a door. I was shocked when it suddenly opened.


    I weakly stood up and faced whoever I just disturbed.


    ¡°Nassandra? Are you alright?¡± Zeke observed my body from head to toe.


    ¡°Uhhm¡± I shyly muttered, not knowing what to say. I was still shivering and I just hugged myself tighter. Zeke noticed that as he held on both of my shoulders.


    ¡°Are you alright? Are you hurt?¡± He worriedly asked. As he held my cheek, his expression was shocked.


    ¡°Damn! You¡¯re so hot!¡± I suddenly blushed at his statement. Wait, why am I even blushing?!


    ¡°H-Huh?¡± I stuttered. Heughed as he pulled me inside his room and shut the door.


    ¡°I mean, it looks like you have a fever but you¡¯re still hot.¡± I rolled my eyes at his remark even though my head was aching enough.


    ¡°Are those still the clothes you wore when you dive into the pool?¡± I became silent at his question.


    ¡°No wonder you have the fever. It¡¯s pretty cold this afternoon.¡± He pulled me to his bed.


    ¡°Rest here. I¡¯ll get a female maid. She probably knows what to do, right?¡± I nodded at him, saying it was a good idea. I looked at him before lying on his bed.


    It doesn¡¯t stench manly smell like the one at Andrew¡¯s but this will do.


    Wait! What was I thinking??!!!


    ¡°You know, you¡¯re so lucky because you get the chance to be in my bed. Most girls can¡¯t.¡± Despite my body feeling weak, I had the urge to grab a pillow and throw it to his direction. Sadly, I missed.


    ¡°Just call a female maid.¡± I cruelly say. Heughed while leaving the room.


    As the surrounding went quiet, I closed my eyes and slept.


    I woke up with a wonderful feeling! I feel lighter than ever. I sat on the bed as I let out a yawn.


    ¡°Oh good, you¡¯re awake!¡± I turned to look at Zeke who¡¯s currently on the couch in the room. I suddenly realized I¡¯m not in the maid¡¯s quarters but here in Zeke¡¯s room.


    I unconsciously looked at my clothes.


    ¡°Hehhhhh????! Why are my clothes different?!¡± I bbergastedly asked and tuned to Zeke who was also surprised with my scream.


    ¡°Huh?! Wait¡ª-oww! Nassandra, you had it wrong!¡± I threw him all of the pillows on the bed. And all of them are either missed or being catched.


    I only stopped throwing since there was no pillow left to throw at. Zeke went closer to me and pinned me on the bed. My eyes widened.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± I screamed to which he covered my mouth. He scooted his head closer to mine.


    ¡°Sshh? All of ourmanders are here!¡± We looked at each other with our faces so near. I took this opportunity to push him away which caused him crashing on the floor.


    I held my mouth in shock. I peeked through the window by the bed.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°A-Are you alright?¡± I stuttered. He stood up.


    ¡°The woman maid was the one who changed your clothes! Have you forgotten? You¡¯re too judgemental, geez!¡± He held his buttocks in pain.


    I stopped upon hearing his exnation. I quickly avoided his gaze.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± He smirked.


    ¡°If you want me to change your clothes, you should¡¯ve told me so. I¡¯ll dly do it.¡± I red at him so much that I wish looks could kill. He sighed.


    ¡°All of our friends are here. You should meet them.¡± I got confused.


    ¡°Why should I?¡± He just smirked.

 Chapter 15

    No matter how much I didn¡¯t want to go down, I had no choice when Zeke decided to carry me down the stairs to the living room where a group of five men are ying poker.


    They all looked at our direction the moment Zeke lets me go in front of them.


    ¡°Hey, Zeke! Good thing you finally thought of going down!¡± Said the shortest guy among them. He looks at me with a smile.


    ¡°Hello! I¡¯m Steven Cortez.¡± He smiled widely as he energetically waved a hand in greeting.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    His hair was straight and long going down to his neck. He lets it fall down gracefully and that¡¯s where I notice he also has bangs by the side. His hair color is red that matches his dark ck eyes. I let out a small smile at him.


    The guy with a big body drops his set of cards and stood up. He walks closer to me and knelt down which got me dumbfounded.


    ¡°Erick Trejo, miss.¡± He bowed down as if he was giving an honour to a princess.


    He¡¯s tall and obviously a hardworking body builder. But his body is just in a right shape unlike those who are really passionate going to the gym. I can¡¯t help but scratch my head at what he just did.


    ¡°Why are you treating her like that? She¡¯s just a maid.¡± I turned to tan-skinned man with piercing eyes that red at me.


    ¡°Quit it, Devon.¡± But the guy just rolled his eyes at Zeke.


    ¡°Whatever,¡± I turned to Dale who¡¯s currently smirking at me.


    Beside the quiet Theo was another guy with his eyes just focused on his phone. Steven walked toward him and ced his arm around his shoulders. Thetter threw Steven a re.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± He asked, Steven shed a smile at him before turning back to me.


    ¡°Introduce yourself to Kei¡¯s maid.¡± The guy turned to me for a second before cing his sight back to his phone.


    ¡°Maxence Hunter.¡± Was all he could mutter.


    I saw Zekefortably sitting on a nearby sofa after I just left him standing. I red at him to which he just ignored.


    Steven walks around me and finds himself holding my hand.


    ¡°I suppose you already know Dale and Theo?¡± I nodded at his grinning face. His grip on my hand tightened as his smirk suddenly got creepy.


    ¡°Good.¡± I ufortably pulled my hand away from his.


    ¡°Stop it, Steven.¡± I can¡¯t help but gaze at the woman who just arrived. She¡¯s tall and has a perfectly shaped figure. Her hair was reaching up to her chest.


    ¡°I¡¯m Laiza Morales.¡± She offers a hand to which I epted. I can¡¯t help but notice all of the scars on her hand as if they were knife cuts.


    ¡°Uhmmm, Nassandra Del Luna.¡± Everyone¡¯s heads turned to the door which made me look there as well.


    There stood Andrew wearing jogging pants and a in white t-shirt. As our eyes met, I felt the coldness in his eyes. He quietly walks towards a couch away from the other ones.


    Zeke stood up and held me.


    ¡°You got to leave, Nassandra.¡± I nodded before bowing in front of them all and left.


    I may want to stay and hear what they¡¯re going to talk about but I just chose to get away since it¡¯s absolutely none of my business.


    ¡°So what are you gonna do about Nassandra?¡± I heard Zeke asking. I furrowed my eyebrows.


    ¡°What do you suggest?¡± Asked Andrew. My eyes widened so I hid behind a wall that served as a barrier between the living room and kitchen.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve just locked her up in that room, Kei. I don¡¯t get it how she managed to run away from there.¡± Said a woman. Was that Laiza?


    ¡°No, she is ustrophobic.¡± Zeke stated. I peeked through the wall and noticed all of the serious looks on their faces.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯ll just bring her home! I don¡¯t have anypanion! She will be a goodpany.¡± I was stunned at what Steven just blurted out. He will bring me to his house?


    ¡°She can stay at my dungeon, it will be a great experience.¡± Said a man with a deep voice. Kinda like that big guy.


    ¡°I can practice shooting with her.¡± Devon suggested. What??? I clenched my fists at what I heard.


    ¡°She can stay in my bedroom forever. It will be fun.¡± Dale casually said.


    ¡°Are you guys kidding me?! You really want that maid to be at your house?¡± Laiza said with a digusted tone. My jaw tightened while my gaze was down on the floor in front of me.


    ¡°Andrew, I can guard her if she¡¯ll stay with me. I¡¯ve known her far longer than you do.¡± My eyebrows creased even closer. Even Zeke is making my head ache.


    ¡°Just kill her.¡± Devon carelessly blurted out. All of their words are suddenly making me shake with anger.


    Who do they think they are?! Just because they¡¯re members of some mafia they had the nerve to do malicious stuff like that! What am I, a toy?! Something that they¡¯ll keep passing on like a ball?!


    I suddenly want to punch them all on the faces. Nobody owns me but myself! No one. I thought Zeke is somehow different from them. They¡¯re all the same. I was about to leave when I suddenly heard Andrew¡¯s cold and deep voice.


    ¡°Enough. She is a maid, who applied for a job. She is not our enemy. She¡¯s not a toy that you¡¯ll just do whatever you want with her. I don¡¯t freaking chose all of you to be my subordinates to just disrespect a woman. You all know Furieux Noir(French name sa mafia n) is not that kind of mafia. We don¡¯t involve innocent people.¡± He emphasized every word. I had goosebumps upon hearing what he just said, at the same time, I felt my heart racing.


    ¡°She¡¯s not innocent anymore!¡± Steven raised in disagreement.


    ¡°I said enough. Don¡¯t you know that someone told her?¡± He furiously muttered. I peeked again and saw Dale lowered his gaze. Andrew looked at everyone in the room.


    ¡°She will be my maid, no one willy a hand on her. Assess yourselves. Think about what the mafia has done for all of you. I don¡¯t have friends that have the likes of you.¡± I heard Andrew stood up from the couch so I immediately ran my way to the kitchen.


    Catching my breath, I leaned my body against the kitchen wall. I was suddenly brought back to Andrew¡¯s statement. Did he actually just defended me? Why???


    I walk towards the dinning room to prepare the tes on the cemats of the table for tonight¡¯s supper of the ma?tres and ma?tresses. I rolled my eyes upon rememering everything they just said earlier.


    I ran across Nathan who¡¯s trays are not bnced.


    He¡¯s got his head lowered with a gloomy look on his face.


    ¡°Nathan,¡± I called out. He was surprised to see me causing the contents of the tray to fall down from his grip. My eyes widened as I quickly managed to catch the things he was carrying using my left hand. Nathan gaped, looking at the tray I was holding.


    ¡°Nathan, are you alright?¡± I called again which brought him back to reverie. He immediately snatches the tray from me.


    ¡°S-Sorry, Nassandra.¡± He lets out a small smile and quickly left. I turned to him worriedly. After what happened to manang, I never got to see them again after Andrew locked me up in that room.


    When I saw them earlier, I was immediately greeted by their warm hugs and cries. I guess they all got traumatized after what happened with manang. They¡¯ve been with her ever since.


    When I arrived back to the dinning room, everyone was already seated at the chairs in front of the table. I noticed they were the same as the day they ate lunch here and Brylle was crying. Eight men and three women.


    I bowed before cing the tes in front of each of them.


    I can feel their eyes on me to which I didn¡¯t bother looking back. I am in no mood to do that. I bowed once again, intending to leave but I felt Zeke grabbing my hand. I didn¡¯t turn back.


    ¡°Is there anything else that you need, ma?tre?¡± I sarcastically asked. He stopped and lets go of my hand.


    ¡°N-Nothing.¡± I left and went to the kitchen where my three co-workers are just staring. I sighed as I started to put the food I cooked in the bowls.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to serve, go on and rest in your rooms.¡± I said while scooping.


    Ema looked at me in disbelief.


    ¡°B-But,¡± I turned to her.


    ¡°Ever since manang got in aa, I was also gone and that left the three of you handling the mansion. Go on and rest, you need it.¡± I said as I continued on putting the bowls on a tray and went to the dinning room. I saw the three of them walk to our room and I repeatedly sighed.


    As I arrived at the dinning room, I started to serve their foods.


    I was at the kitchen when Tiya called and asked for a video call.


    ¡°Hey, my child. Nice to know that you finally responded.¡± I saw Tiya¡¯s face on the screen with Brylle right behind her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I just got busy.¡± I shed a tired smile at them. Brylle noticed me and went closer to the screen.


    ¡°Hi, mama!¡± He sent a flying kiss to which I pretended to catch and ced it on my chest.


    ¡°Hi, baby, how are you?¡± He grinned widely.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine! Why didn¡¯t you video called us yesterday?¡± He was sad with hisst statement. I frowned.


    ¡°Sorry, baby. I just had something important to do at work. Can you forgive me?¡± He smiled once again.


    ¡°Always!¡± This made me smile, as well.


    ¡°Nassandra, are you doing alright there? They¡¯re not abusing you, aren¡¯t they?¡± I thought for a second before shaking my head.


    ¡°No, not at all.¡± Really, self? Really?


    ¡°That¡¯s good, just remember to call or text if ever you need anything.¡± I looked at the door of the kitchen and saw Zeke leaning against the doorframe. I didn¡¯t look at him any longer and diverted my attention back to my phone.


    ¡°Tiya, I¡¯m afraid I needed to end the call. One of my boss is here.¡± Auntie nodded.


    ¡°Sure, bye. Brylle, say goodbye to your mommy.¡± Brylle waved his little hand to which I waved back. I sighed as I ced my phone on the kitchen counter.


    I turned my back on Zeke and started washing the dishes.


    ¡°Ma?tre, what are you doing here? Do you need anything?¡± I pointedly asked. I heard him getting closer.


    ¡°You heard our conversation.¡± He stated. I stopped what I was doing and faced him.


    ¡°So what if I heard your conversation? If yes, are you going to punish me? Are you going to bring me to your house?¡± He clenched his fist.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. I didn¡¯t mean it. We¡¯re all sorry.¡± I resumed to washing.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± I saw him run his hands through his hair in frustration.


    ¡°Nassandra¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just go back to the dinning room, Zeke.¡± I coldly replied. He nced at me hesitatingly before leaving.


    I just sighed once again.

 Chapter 16

    ¡°Meet me in my study at 9pm sharp.¡± Andrew coldly said. I looked at him, stunned.


    I¡¯m currently cleaning the table they just used during dinner and I¡¯m d they¡¯re all gone in the dinning room, I think they went to the pool.


    As being the only one left here, he stood up to which I bowed.


    ¡°Yes, ma?tre.¡± I said, bringing the tes to the sink.


    ncing at the clock, it was already 8:15. I sighed, looking at the dishes and utensils that needed washing.


    I started washing so I could finish immediately.


    ¡°Nassandra, let us help.¡± I turned to Jane who just came out of the maid¡¯s quarters. I smiled at her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, just go and rest.¡± She shook her head and snatched the te and sponge from my hand.


    ¡°It was you who almost did everything during supper. You should eat.¡± I had no choice but to follow her since she pulled me away from the sink.


    So I grabbed my own food that I cooked earlier. Thinking about what Andrew is going to say that he had to call me to his study room???


    Facing in front of a dark brown door, I couldn¡¯t seem to calm down to whatever he¡¯s going to say. Was it about their conversation earlier? I took a deep breathe before knocking three times on the door.


    ¡°Come in.¡± I stopped upon hearing the deep monotone voice but I proceeded on turning the doorknob.


    The first thing that greeted me was the bookshelves by the walls of the room, in the middle was a wide space where a desk is.


    Ma?tre Andrew was sitting on a chair behind the desk. His eyes were focused on the papers he¡¯s currently scribbling on. It¡¯s the first time I saw him wearing eyesses.


    ¡°Ma?tre?¡± I politely greeted and bowed. He nces at me for a second.


    ¡°You will be my maid starting tomorrow. Be at my room at 6:00 am sharp.¡± I fell silent, expecting he had something to add.


    ¡°Understood?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes.¡± I just stood there, waiting. He looked upon me.


    ¡°What are you still standing there for?¡± I was a bit stunned at his statement.


    ¡°Do you still have anything to say?¡± I asked. He continued on scribbling and writing.


    ¡°No.¡± He shortly replied. I bowed once again before leaving the room.


    As I closed the door, I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°How cold. That¡¯s all he was gonna say, I thought it was something more.¡± I shook my head and went to the maid¡¯s quarters.


    ¡°What are you doing outside?¡± I asked Ema who was still outside the room. They all looked at me with a worried expression on their faces.


    ¡°U-Uhmmm, Nassandra, Ma?tre Zeke is inside.¡± Nathan lowered his gaze. I raised a brow and entered the room.


    I saw Zeke roaming his eyes around the room.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± He looked at me and stood up.


    ¡°Nassandra.¡± He stated and I stepped closer.


    ¡°It¡¯s our rest time. Do you still need anything?¡± He lowered his head.


    ¡°Uhmm.¡± He shyly handed me a candy. This got me confused.


    ¡°What am I suppose to do with this?¡± He scratched his nape.


    ¡°Eat it, of course. What else are you going to do with a candy?¡± I rolled my eyes and hit the back of his head yfully.


    ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know that?¡± He red at me.


    ¡°Nassandraaa.¡± He whined. He looked at the candy I was holding.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry for what you heard.¡± He said with a serious tone. I sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I shortly replied. I grabbed on to his arm and pulled him out of the room.


    ¡°Now, you should leave because you¡¯re disturbing us.¡± I smiled at him to which he joyfully expressed. I went back inside the room before he could even say a word. Nathan and the others just gawked at me.


    ¡°You people go rest.¡± I told them and started to get ready for bed.


    Before I could close my eyes, I ate the candy that Zeke gave. Such a child¡­


    Manang said that servants aren¡¯t allowed to go in exactly two rooms. One of them is Andrew¡¯s study and his room. This morning, I just entered both.


    I¡¯m just standing here, waiting in Andrew¡¯s room. He let me in earlier and he told me that he¡¯ll just take a shower. So he told me to clean his room.


    But what am I suppose to clean here?! It¡¯s already too organized! Very far from my expectation on what his room looked like.


    I sighed and walked closer to his bed. This is the only ce untidy in his room.


    Fixing the sheets of his bed, I smelt the manly scent in it. Like a perfume that was obviously made for men. As I folded the nkets, I couldn¡¯t control it. The colour is pretty, as well.


    Without second thoughts, I smelled his nket.


    Wahhhhh! It smells so good!


    ¡°You look crazy smelling my bed.¡± I faced the direction of the bathroom and saw the newly showered Andrew¡­ topless and was just wearing shorts.


    ¡°Uhmm¡± I let go of the nket. I can¡¯t help but nce at his body. Especially the abs¡­ Suddenly I saw him smirk a little. My eyes widened as I quickly turned my back to him. I continued on fixing his bed.


    ¡°S-Sorry.¡± I think my cheeks are blushing a bit. Geez, Nassandra, you were so creepy.


    ¡°After you¡¯re done there, make me coffee and bring it to my study.¡± He went to his closet and looked for a shirt.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I politely said. Just like what he ordered, when I was done I went to the kitchen where I catched Nathan and the others cooking.


    I went to the coffee brewer and thought of telling them that I am now Andrew¡¯s maid.


    ¡°Guys,¡± they all turned to me and I noticed all of their downcasted faces. My eyebrows creased.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± They were all shocked at my question.


    ¡°O-Of course. Why did you ask, Nassandra?¡± Said Jane. I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°I know you were all affected at what happened to manang. I know that it was devastating but I just want to reassure you that she¡¯s fine.¡± They all sighed.


    ¡°The truth is, we had a fight with manang that night. We were asking about what¡¯s going on in the mansion but she wouldn¡¯t tell us.¡± Ema spoke. Nathan looked up.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been working here for a long time yet we don¡¯t know anything.¡± I sighed as I walked closer to them.


    ¡°Manang has a reason why she wouldn¡¯t tell you.¡± I said to them. Thinking about what happened to me just because I knew about the mafia.


    ¡°We know, that¡¯s why we¡¯re feeling guilty because we never got to apologize to her.¡± Jane sadly says. I patted them all in the shoulders.


    ¡°I know manang will forgive you, I swear, you¡¯re very dear to her.¡± A tear rolled down on Jane¡¯s cheek which she wiped out immediately.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s get back to work.¡± They all looked at me.


    ¡°Thank you, Nassandra.¡± I shed a smile at them.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. By the way, I¡¯m not sure if we¡¯ll frequently see each other from now on. I just became Ma?tre Andrew¡¯s maid.¡± They were all shocked at my announcement.


    ¡°That must be scary.¡± Jane stated.


    ¡°Not really.¡± They all stared at me upon hearing what I just said.


    I started making the coffee and even put a frotted hot milk on the coffee. I poured it on the brewed ck coffee, making me smell the pleasant aroma of the beverage.


    Out of habit, I suddenly made a heart shape on top of it. I didn¡¯t notice.


    I went up to Andrew¡¯s study. I spotted him sitting on the usual chair behind the desk. His eyes focused on the files before him.


    I ced the coffee on his table to which he turned his look at. He stopped and looked up at me. This made me confused. What¡¯s wrong with the coffee I made? He raised a brow while grabbing the mug of coffee. I took a few steps back and let him taste his coffee.


    He took a sip and I noticed the stunned look on his face.


    ¡°Hmmm¡± he softly muttered. He nced at me with a slightly happy expression. But his face returned to being emotionless and sipped once again.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Do you need anything else?¡± I asked him. He took a look at me and shook his head.


    I started to walk away.


    ¡°Wait,¡± I turned back towards Andrew.


    ¡°Yes?¡± I politely replied.


    ¡°Stay.¡± I raised a brow.


    ¡°I still have a lot of things to do at the mansion.¡± His eyebrows met.


    ¡°Let the other maids do your other jobs. Stay. Sit there on the couch.¡± He pointed at a gray couch located in a small living area.


    I looked at it for a second before turning back to Andrew. He raised a brow so I just sighed and followed his orders to sit on the couch.


    He fell silent as I sat on the couch so he continued on with his business. What am I suppose to do here?


    I roamed my eyes around the whole room. There sure are a lot of books, they even have numbers on them. The ambiance is nice, as well. I was always fond of gray and ck but the color of the room is rustic.


    I turned to look at Andrew since I was also bored. His face ispletely serious while working. As he sipped on his coffee and ced the mug down, there was milk on his upper lip.


    Cute.


    Wait, what? I stared at his presence. He suddenly looked like he has a white mustache. I covered my mouth to prevent myughter but it eventually got out.


    ¡°Hahahahaha¡± I softlyughed. He turned to me.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± His eyebrows creased as I continued tough.


    ¡°T-there¡¯s¡­¡± I touched my mouth to gesture what I¡¯m trying to point out. He wiped the upper part of his lip. There was still a little but I already stoppedughing.


    ¡°T-There¡¯s still.¡± He grabbed a handkerchief and wiped his mouth but it¡¯s notpletely wiped out.


    I don¡¯t know why but I just stood up and went closer to him. I grabbed the handkerchief and gently dabbed it on his lip where there was still milk.


    As I was done, I removed my hand away but then he suddenly grabbed my arm. Our gazes met. And I was suddenly captivated by his brown eyes.


    His expression suddenly shifted to anger. He drastically lets go of my hand and focused back on the papers.


    ¡°Get my breakfast.¡± He coldlymanded. I had no choice but to bow down due to the realization of what I just did. I dropped the handkerchief on the table and left the room.


    I leaned my body against the wall next to the door. I furrowed my eyebrows. Why did he suddenly got mad at me? Was it because of what I did? I had nothing to do but sigh and went down to the kitchen.

 Chapter 17

    I irritatedly sighed as I entered the kitchen.


    It¡¯s the fifth time I¡¯ve been here back and forth from the stairs. It¡¯s hurting my feet!


    What am I suppose to do when my oh so excellent boss kept asking me to bring food or drinks to his study. It¡¯s fine for him tomand but he¡¯s ordering them one by one.


    I furrowed my eyebrows at his statement.


    ¡°Get me some water.¡± I went down to get a pitcher of water and a ss. I poured some to him to which he dly drank into.


    He lets me wait for a second before asking another favour.


    ¡°Get me snacks.¡± And since there are already prepared snacks in the kitchen, I didn¡¯t need to cook some for him.


    When I climbed back up, I noticed he¡¯s done with his breakfast so I ced them back to the kitchen.


    As I returned to his study, he asked me to make him some juice. I prevented myself from feeling furious since it looks like he¡¯s doing this on purpose. I even saw him smirking.


    And now, he asked me toe down and get some water again. What¡¯s his deal? Making me exhausted?


    ¡°Oh, Nassandra, why do you keep on going back here?¡± I sighed as I turned to Nathan who¡¯s currently cleaning in the kitchen.


    ¡°Oh dear, Nathan.¡± Iined to which heughed at.


    ¡°Has he been demanding you a lot?¡± I nodded at him and started getting what Andrew asked me to get.


    I climbed back to his study and as I entered, I saw Andrew cleaning a gun. The sight made me stop a bit.


    ¡°Put it on the coffee table.¡± He pointed towards the table at the living area of his study. I ced it on the spot he wanted me to ce. I turned to the gun he was holding and thought there was something red there.


    My face became serious to which he noticed. He was about to say something but I interrupted him due to annoyance.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to ask me to get something, could you ask them all at the same time? It¡¯s painful in the feet, you know.¡± He was a bit stunned at my sudden impoliteness but he just smirked.


    ¡°Where did your ¡®please¡¯ and ¡®ma?tre¡¯ go, Pat?¡± I looked at him because of his tone and also because of the name he called me with.


    ¡°My apologies, but please don¡¯t call me by the name Pat.¡± I irritatedly said. Heughed with no humour.


    ¡°What will you do if I insist on calling you that, Pat?¡± My face went nk.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me Pat.¡± I said with a serious face. I am serious when I said I don¡¯t want anyone calling me Pat. Someone in particr used to call me that¡­


    He smirked before returning back to his serious face.


    ¡°Get the ss you brought.¡± Despite my confusion, I followed his order. He looked pleased when I did.


    ¡°Now, pour the water from the pitcher to the ss.¡± I followed his order and filled the ss with water. Does he really have to give information when ites to drinking? I walked to him to give the ss but I suddenly stopped at what he said.


    ¡°And drink it.¡± My eyebrows creased even more. I saw him smile a bit.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?!¡± For a minute there I thought the water was for him.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re breathing fast, so drink water.¡± I just noticed it just now that I was breathing heavily. He puts the gun he was holding in the desk and continued on what he¡¯s doing. I secretly rolled my eyes at him but eventually drank the water. I guess I really am thirsty.


    ¡°Do you have any more orders, ma?tre?¡± I sarcastically asked. He shook his head.


    ¡°Just sit on the couch.¡± Looking at the couch he was pointing to, I just sat there as he said.


    I didn¡¯t bring my phone so I was practically bored. I looked at Keiranz. Why did he even want me here? I sighed and yawned afterwards.


    It¡¯s so quiet here and all I could hear was the noiceing from his air conditioner.


    I was about to close my eyes when he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Arrange the books that are not on the bookshelves. It¡¯s on the other desk.¡± He said without looking at me. I roamed my eyes around the room and saw the table he was mentioned. Curious, I went closer to it.


    The Maze Runner, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and other more well-known books. They even looked like they came from overseas.


    My eyes shimmered. I used to love reading but I suddenly lost interest when my parents died. I didn¡¯t want to buy any books since I prioritized Brylle even more.


    I peeked at Keiranz and saw he wasn¡¯t looking.


    I opened the book. I guess I could read just one¡­ just one.


    Argghhh! I can¡¯t stand just reading one! It¡¯s a good thing Keiranz wasn¡¯t looking ¡¯cause I¡¯m literally sitting on top of the table, reading my fifth book.


    I sighed as I closed the fifth book I held. It¡¯s finished.


    I grabbed the books and brought them to the bookshelves. I saw thebel of the fictional books so I went to them.


    My eyes widened at the sight of more collection of books. I grinned as I tried hard not to scream.


    Returning the books from the desk, I got another one from the shelves.


    ¡°Enjoying?¡± I faced Andrew who¡¯s actually behind me. I exhaled due to the fact he¡¯s so close to me.


    ¡°I told you to arrange the books, not read them.¡± He said, smirking coldly. If only I wasn¡¯t in such high spirits right now, I might probably get irritated at him. But since I was in a good mood, it was fine by me.


    I smiled at him. See? I told you I¡¯m in the good mood today.


    ¡°But those books are amazing. I always wanted to read them but I never had the fortune to do so. Besides, they¡¯re already arranged. I just read.¡± I exined. Wait, why am I even talking to him?


    He raised his brows at me and I knew that both of us were confused at what I just did.


    I looked at the clock. It¡¯s already 12:30! We haven¡¯t eaten lunch yet. Not to mention, Andrew hasn¡¯t gone out of his study since six in the morning?


    I faced the man in front of me. I pulled him out of the room and walked towards the kitchen.


    ¡°Hey! I still have a lot of work to do. And who are you to pull me this way?¡± I rolled my eyes. Then why did he let himself get pulled? I knew he could just stop if he doesn¡¯t want to.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been in your study all morning, you haven¡¯t gone out. And it¡¯s 12:30, we haven¡¯t eaten yet.¡±


    ¡°I can eatter.¡± We stopped by the kitchen when we suddenly heard his stomach grumbling. I saw he was ashamed by this.


    ¡°Geez, you shouldn¡¯t let yourself starve.¡± I let go of his hand and went to the stove.


    ¡°So what do you want to eat?¡± His eyebrows creased.


    ¡°You decide, you¡¯re the one who is cooking.¡± He stated. I sighed at what he said.


    ¡°Hurry up, I¡¯m hungry, too.¡± He raised another brow as he lowered his head and thought.


    ¡°Sinigang.¡± I heard him whisper. Wait, what, sinigang?!


    ¡°What?¡±


    This made me thought for a second. We rarely serve Filipino dishes every time they eat. Manang mostly teaches us international food.


    ¡°Nevermind, just cook whatever you want.¡± He said and leaned against the kitchen counter. I shrugged at his silence.


    I got the ingredients from the refrigerator and started to cook.


    ¡°Nassandra, thank goodness you came down. I just wanted to ask¡ª-uhmm¡± Andrew and I turned to Ema who just entered the kitchen. Shocked, she looked at Andrew who¡¯s currently leaning against the counter.


    ¡°What is it, Ema?¡± She turned to me and hesitatingly lets out a smile.


    ¡°Ahh, hehehe. It¡¯s nothing. We¡¯ll talkter.¡± She waved before rushing out of the kitchen. I nced at the guy with me and that¡¯s where I realized why Ema was acting that way.


    ¡°Weird.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows. Says the man who¡¯s the reason Ema is running away.


    ¡°Weird that the maids are afraid of you? Nah, not weird at all.¡± I stated to which he looks at me, trying to understand what I just said. I sighed.


    ¡°Just wait at the dinning room, I¡¯ll bring you some food. Or if you want, you could go back to your study. I¡¯ll call you.¡± His eyebrows creased once again.


    ¡°Why did you have to pull me all the way here then?¡± He asked.


    ¡°So you could get out of that room for a while. And so I¡¯ll know what you want.¡± I went to him and looked up, he¡¯s so much taller than me. Probably around 5¡¯11.


    He looks at me with brows raised. I tried pushing him out of the kitchen but he stay glued on his spot.


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯ll watch.¡± He seriously said. I shrugged at his decision and just resumed cooking.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°If you say so.¡±


    While I was cooking, I noticed he really was watching me and he looks¡­ excited?


    When I was done, I started to serve him at the dinning room. He sat at his usual spot and I decided to eat along with him.


    He looks at me as I sat and raised a brow.


    ¡°What? I¡¯m hungry, as well as you are.¡± He studied me for a second before looking at the bowl served in front of him.


    He takes a sip and stopped. I happily started my meal at the thought that he finds it delicious. Ahihihihihi.


    While eating, I noticed he was closing his eyes. I furrowed my eyebrows.


    ¡°Keiran¡ª¡±


    ¡°What is a maid doing in a dinning room, eating?¡± He coldly stated. I suddenly stopped. What did he just say?


    ¡°You¡¯re just a maid. Don¡¯t you dare eat here.¡± I clenched my hands. He didn¡¯t mind when I sat here and now he¡¯s being like this. I irritatedly stood up and grabbed my te.


    ¡°And next time you disrespect me, I will fire you.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion at what he just said before leaving the dinning room.


    I didn¡¯t got to finish my meal due to the loss of appetite.


    My good mood that came from reading has disappeared. Vanished by the ultimate speed of ma?tre Andrew¡¯s mood swings.


    I rolled my eyes. My apologies, I thought it¡¯d be fine to eat there because he didn¡¯t say anything when I sat at first.


    I went to our room and sat down by the window.


    Why did I suddenly have the urge to cry?

 Chapter 18

    It¡¯s been a week since my cold encounter with Keiranz in the dinning room and ever since that day, I never bothered talking to him.


    Since I am just a maid, there¡¯s no need for any interaction with him.


    I can¡¯t help but sigh. I can¡¯t seem to understand why he¡¯s acting that way. So I just shook away the thoughts and did my job. That¡¯s the reason why I¡¯m here, right?


    Manang is still in aa. I still get to visit her every week but Nathan and the others couldn¡¯t.


    Since the infirmary is at the headquarters, my co-maids couldn¡¯t go there. Nobody wants them to know about the mafia.


    But so far, they aren¡¯t that down in the dumps anymore. They still worry about manang but they still continue on their jobs. It¡¯s quite odd that they never asked where manang is.


    I¡¯m currently in the study, sitting straight on the couch no matter how bored I was. Why is he always making me stay here? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m gonna escape and tattle as soon as I get out of here!


    ¡°Nassandra,¡± Every time he talks to me, I don¡¯t know why but I¡¯m so mad.


    I nced at him who¡¯s sitting on his usual desk.


    ¡°Yes, ma?tre?¡± He looked at me probably because of the t tone in my voice. I didn¡¯t bother looking back.


    He sighed and messed up his hair out of frustration.


    ¡°Just go out.¡± He coldly said. Not letting his treatment get through me, I just followed hismand and went out of his study.


    I went to the kitchen and saw Nathan, Ema, and Jane eating together.


    ¡°Nassandra! Come join us!¡± Jane cheerfully invited. I smiled.


    ¡°You go ahead, I still have work to do.¡± They shrugged as they continue on with their gossip. I went to the maid¡¯s quarters and sat on my bed.


    Getting my phone, I called the guardian that Tiya told me about Brylle.


    ¡°Hello, Aling Ruby?¡± I heard the sound of cries.


    ¡°Nassandra, thank goodness you called. It¡¯s about Brylle.¡± This suddenly got me worried.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Brylle is wounded. He¡¯s looking for you and he wouldn¡¯t stop crying.¡± I sighed.


    ¡°What kind of wound?¡±


    ¡°He held a broken ss piece. He identally dropped a ss and tried picking it up. I have already covered it with cloth. Do I need to take him to the hospital?¡± I took a deep breath.


    ¡°No need to, I¡¯ll go there myself.¡± I heard the sound of crying got louder until the line broke.


    Holding onto my phone really tight, I tried looking for Zeke¡¯s contact.


    ¡°Nassandra? Why?¡± I tried hard not to cry, I hope Brylle is okay.


    ¡°Can you pick me up here in the mansion? Something happened to Brylle.¡± I said in a panicked tone.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be there.¡± I have ended the call and started fixing my things in a small bag.


    A few momentster, a knock came from the door of the room.


    ¡°Nassandra, ma?tre Zeke is looking for you.¡± Nathan said. I stood up and went out of the room. That¡¯s where I saw Zeke standing in front of the living room by the front foor.


    He was looking at the floor and the moment he heard me arriving, he looked up.


    ¡°What happened?¡± He walked closer to me.


    ¡°Brylle is wounded due to a broken ss piece. He wouldn¡¯t stop crying.¡± He nodded. We both started walking out of the mansion when suddenly he stopped.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s the matter?¡± I asked, he turned around and nced at the house.


    ¡°Does Kei know that you¡¯re leaving?¡± This made me stop. I forgot to ask permission. I shook my head at him as he grimaced and sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just text him.¡± We went to his car and he started driving to our house.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    I sighed which made Zeke hold my arm in reassurance.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine.¡± I stared into his eyes with furrowed eyebrows and nodded.


    As we arrived in front of our house, I immediately went out of the car and entered.


    I catched Aling Ruby by the porch and a crying Brylle. I noticed the wound on his hand.


    ¡°Aling Ruby,¡± I called to her, she nodded and distanced herself from Brylle.


    I was suddenly in the verge of tears as I saw the child. I held both of his cheeks.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Brylle, Mama is here.¡± He clung to me.


    ¡°I broke the ss! Huhuhu!¡± I can¡¯t help but chuckled because that was the only reason why he was crying.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay, baby. At least you¡¯re okay.¡± I broke the hug and checked on his hand.


    I removed the cloth from his hand.


    There aren¡¯t any ss pieces in the wound. But it is kinda deep.


    ¡°Zeke, kindly get the first aid in thefort room, please.¡± I turned to Zeke who nodded and obeyed.


    ¡°Tito Zeke,¡± He states. Zeke lets out a smile and ced his hand on top of Brylle¡¯s head.


    ¡°Hey, little boy.¡±


    I got a cotton and some betadine. I cleaned the wound up before wrapping it with some gauze.


    His right hand was the one injured so he might have difficulty in gripping on some stuff. I looked at Brylle whose eyes were also trailed on me.


    I grabbed on his little hand and kissed it gently.


    ¡°There, better?¡± He smiled and cheerfully nodded.


    ¡°Mama!¡± He cuddled me tightly which made meugh.


    ¡°I miss you!¡± I rubbed his back gently.


    ¡°I miss you too.¡± He breaks the hug with me and went closer to Zeke.


    Zeke carried Brylle who also hugged him.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Me and Zeke¡¯s eyes met and I saw the happy grin on his face.


    ¡°Nassandra, I¡¯ll go home now. Anne is on her way home, anyway.¡± Said Aling Ruby. I bid to her my farewells and thanked her.


    Zeke was sitting on the sofa with Brylle still in his arms. I faced Brylle on his face.


    ¡°Baby, we will leave as soon as Tiya arrives, okay?¡± He nodded while yawning. Getting him from Zeke, I brought him to our room.


    I ced him on the bed gently and yfully touched his nose.


    ¡°Get rest, Brylle.¡± I left the door slightly opened and went to Zeke.


    I sighed. I noticed Zeke was still smiling from ear to ear. I elbowed him.


    ¡°Ow! Nassandra!¡± I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°You look like a smiling maniac.¡± He raised a brow.


    ¡°Is it bad being happy?¡± I fell silent.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I shed him a smile.


    ¡°What¡¯s that thank you for? After making me me your personal driver I thought it¡¯d be best to make you pay for everything!¡± I hit his nape yfully.


    ¡°You also wanted toe, anyway.¡± Heughed.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I suddenly remembered my ma?tre.


    ¡°Uhmm, have you texted Keiranz Andrew yet?¡± He looked at me with his eyes widened in realization.


    ¡°Shit, I haven¡¯t.¡± He quickly dashed for his phone and started typing.


    ¡°Zeke?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± He nervously replied while texting.


    ¡°The other week, I cooked for Andrew¡± He turned to me.


    ¡°Oh?¡± I looked at him who couldn¡¯t maintain his cool.


    ¡°Then I asked what kind of dish he prefers to eat.¡± Zeke just stared straight at me and waited for me to continue.


    ¡°Then he told me to cook sinigang. Then when he tasted it, he suddenly got mad at me.¡± I irritatedly said. It¡¯s not like I was affected on what he said. I was just annoyed and I wanted to know why he was like that.


    Zeke sighed as he wasn¡¯t shocked at what I just told him.


    ¡°His mom always cooked Kei¡¯s favorite dish.¡± He shortly said. I furrowed my eyebrows, trying to process what he just said.


    ¡°Tita is already dead.¡± I saw him clench his fist which got me silent. Ahhh, no wonder he was like that.


    ¡°Nassandra? Zeke?¡± We turned to Tiya who just arrived at the house. I held her hand and put it in my forehead.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Something happened to Brylle, he was wounded by a broken ss piece.¡± This made Tiya turned to mine and Brylle¡¯s room.


    ¡°What?! Is he alright now?¡± I nodded and Tiya sighed in relief. Zeke looked at his phone which made him stop.


    ¡°Nassandra, we need to go.¡± He quickly says. I send my farewells to Tiya and about Brylle.


    He immediately let me in his car. I raised an eyebrow at his direction.


    ¡°Why?¡± He shook his head.


    ¡°One word, Kei.¡± He started to drive the car in a fast pace which suddenly made me fear for my life.


    What¡¯s the matter with Keiranz???


    *Notes:


    Tita/Tiya ¨C Auntie/Aunt.   L ¨C Grandma


    Tito/Tiyo ¨C Uncle.               Lolo ¨C Grandpa


    Manang ¨C a term referred to an olderdy in terms of respect. But it ismonly what maids or servants of middle or old age in a household is called; Male: Manong


    ¡± I held her hand and put it in my forehead¡± ¨C what Filipinosmonly do as a sign of respect or greetings to elders/to someone older than they are; Pagmamano.

 Chapter 19

    Zeke stopped the car in front of the gate. He lets go of the steering wheel yet the guards didn¡¯t open the gates.


    ¡°Zeke?¡± He looks down then gave me a guilty expression. I got confused.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nassandra. Kei ordered to just drop you here. I¡¯m sorry.¡± I can¡¯t help but raise a brow upon hearing Kei¡¯s name but I gave him a smile eventually.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Zeke. I can manage to walk inside.¡± I got out of the car as he stared at me for a while. As I waved a hand at him, he took it as a cue to leave.


    The sun had just set and it¡¯s getting dark. I looked at the mansion that¡¯s a bit far from where I¡¯m standing. I sighed.


    I started walking and for a minute there I thought the guards wouldn¡¯t let me in, too.


    As I arrived at the front door of the mansion, I ultimately saw a figure leaning by the wall. My emotion went nk.


    ¡°Who told you that you can leave?¡± I gazed upon Keiranz who¡¯s being covered in the darkness.


    ¡°There was an emergency back home, I needed to take care of it.¡± He stepped into the light and I saw his eyes ring with rage.


    ¡°And you really have to be with Zeke. Maybe you two went on a date.¡± I raised a brow. What is he saying?


    ¡°What if we are dating?¡± I tried to blurt out. He clenched his fist.


    ¡°A maid like you going on a date with Nic? Heh.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows in question. Is he insulting me? I had nothing to do but sigh.


    ¡°Look, Keiranz. There was really an emergency back in my home.¡± He smirked but his expression was frightening.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your ma?tre, maid?¡± Okay, I can¡¯t take it any longer. I went closer to him and looked straight into his eyes. His aura stiffened.


    ¡°What is going on with you? If you didn¡¯t just made me your maid, I wouldn¡¯t be like this, right? You want respect?! Why don¡¯t you think about what other people will feel because of your actions first? One minute, it¡¯s okay for you and then after several seconds you¡¯re already mad? What did I ever do to you?! Please, I won¡¯t tattle. I don¡¯t have to be your maid!¡± I shouted. He stopped at my sudden outburst. I directly went inside the mansion. I was about to go to the kitchen when suddenly someone pulled me and carried me like some ugly, old sack.


    I rolled my eyes and didn¡¯t bother fighting back. I¡¯m so tired. With what happened with Brylle, then walking a long distance, my master¡¯s attitude is what I absolutely don¡¯t understand.


    I noticed that he brought me to his room. Once again, I got to smell the stench of men from this room.


    He dropped me on his bed, I looked up at him.


    ¡°You will stay in my room.¡± My eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡°But I have a lot of things to do.¡± I tried standing up but Keiranz immediately pushed me back on the bed and put his face closer to mine.


    ¡°You will not leave.¡± He said with emphasis. I rolled my eyes as he lets go of his hold on me. So I just sat on his bed while he studies me.


    *tok tok*


    We turned to the door where the knocking came from. Keiranz walked to open the door. Out there revealed Nathan¡¯s face.


    ¡°Good evening, ma?tre.¡± He bowed. As our eyes met, he seemed surprised to see me here which made his face switched to worry. I smiled at him in reassurance.


    ¡°What?¡± Keiranz asked, obviously annoyed.


    ¡°U-Uhmm. Do you wish to eat at the dinning room?¡± Nathan stuttered.


    ¡°Tsk. No, bring two meals up here.¡± Nathan obeyed and shed a look at me before rushing away.


    Kei and I looked at each other. I broke away and stood up to walk towards his veranda.


    I leaned against the first spot I visited during my first time here.


    Looking at the magnificent view of the whole field, I let the cold air flow through me.


    I heard Kei letting out a sigh. He went inside the bathroom and I heard the sound of water from the shower.


    Speaking of¡­ I remembered I haven¡¯t taken a bathe since this morning. Do I smell bad? Kei might¡¯ve smelt my odor!


    I shook my head. So what if he smells my horrible body odor? Geez.


    There was a second knock at the foor so I was the one who opened it. Nathan looked surprised as he saw me again.


    ¡°N-Nassandra.¡± He was holding two trays on his hand. I epted it from him to help.


    ¡°What are you doing here? Are you okay? Is Ma?tre Andrew doing something to you?¡± He asked continuosly. I ced the trays on the coffee table of Kei¡¯s room and held Nathan¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright. I also have no idea as to why I¡¯m here. But don¡¯t worry.¡± I let out a smile.


    ¡°B-But,¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Nathan. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t help you at the kitchen.¡± He smiled back at me.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± I squeezed his shoulder lightly. As he left, I went back to the spot at the veranda.


    And since I was hungry, I eat the food on one tray.


    After a few minutes have passed by, I fixed the tray where I ate. That¡¯s when Kei got out of the bathroom, only wearing shorts with a towel around his neck.


    I could clearly see his perfect body. And I noticed it just now that he has a tattoo on his nape. All I saw was a tattoo of an arrow. I¡¯m not sure if he has any more tattoos in other parts. I also noticed he has a lot of scars on his back.


    He nced at me while walking towards his walk-in closet. He also saw the clean empty tray. I thought he was about to say something so I just diverted my gaze.


    As he got out from his walk-in closet, he¡¯s already wearing a ck t-shirt.


    He quietly sat on the couch and ate his meal. I sighed and walked into his closet even without his permission.


    I looked for his small sized clothes but since he is tall, everything seemedrge for me.


    I saw a brown polo shirt which was the smallest I could find in there. I also took some cycling shorts that would fit me.


    I went out with the clothes I got and a towel that I also found inside.


    Kei raised a brow upon seeing me and the stuff I was carrying.


    ¡°What are you going to do with my clothes?¡± I rolled my eyes and grabbed my bag. Good thing I always brought undergarments along with me. Just in case. I raised an eyebrow back at Kei.


    ¡°You won¡¯t let me out, right? I haven¡¯t taken a bathe yet so I¡¯m going to borrow your clothes.¡± I went inside the bathroom, not bothering to check Kei¡¯s reaction anymore.


    I used the expensive shampoo and soap avable at the bathroom.


    So that was the scent I kept smelling in the room. I felt so happy that I¡¯m able to try that manly scent once and for all. It smells so good!


    I wore the clothes I ¡®borrowed¡¯ and even though they were the smallest ones I found, it was still big for me. Especially the polo. It¡¯s so long that my shorts can¡¯t be seen anymore. The polo was even hanging loose on my shoulders.


    I ignored the bother and went out.


    I catched Kei reading something on a piece of paper on the same spot I left him before entering the bathroom. I also noticed his tray is now empty.


    He examined me from head to toe.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think your outfit is inappropriate?¡± He asked with no emotion. I waved my hands at him.


    ¡°Nahhh.¡± I sat back at the veranda. I just stayed there till 10:00. I turned back to Kei who¡¯s attention was still on the piece of paper on his hand.


    I nced at the bed, intending to sleep since I¡¯m quite sleepy myself. I was also very very tired.


    I stood up and walked towards the bed andid down. Kei slightly looked at my direction before returning his attention back to the paper.


    Iid my body down sideways and as I closed my eyes, I drifted off to sleep. I felt Kei tucking a nket on me.


    *Crash* The sound of crashing suddenly made me sat up straight on the bed.


    The surroundings are dark and the ce seemed quiet. I nced at Kei¡¯s position earlier and saw he was gone.


    I went to the bathroom whose door was slightly opened.


    Despite the darkness, I saw a figure of a man whose hands are both on the sink with his head lowered and his eyes ring in anger.


    I noticed the broken ss in front of him and saw something red in them. He looked at me emotionless.


    My face stared nkly at his hands that are dripping with blood.


    ¡°Get out of here!¡± He shouted. I didn¡¯t let his rage get through me and grabbed his arm. There¡¯s still ss pieces on his fist.


    He immediately grabs my hand and pushed me against the wall and put his head near my face.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I said¡ª¨C Ow shi¡ª-¡± He prevented himself from cursing as I also grabbed his right hand and it twisted it around his back.


    I dragged him to his bed and pushed him toy him down.


    He tried to stand up but I stepped on his chest. He red at me.


    I grabbed his right hand and observed his fist once again. The bleeding won¡¯t stop. I looked at him, emotionless.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± He convictly stated. I tightened the grip on his hand, knowing it was actually painful for him.


    ¡°Stay.¡± His eyebrows furrowed at my suddenmand. I went to the bathroom and got the first aid kit in there.


    Kei sat down and lowered his gaze on the floor with a dark expression.


    I turned on thempshade on his bedside.


    I removed the remaining ss piece on his fist and cleansed his wound. I also noticed other more scars, old and new.


    Looking back at Kei, he was still looking down on the ground. I squeezed his hand gently which made him look up at me.


    I continued on treating his wound. He stared at what I was doing.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered. I looked at him with a shocked face. Wait, is he really apologizing? Our gazes met with his eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡°Sorry for everything, for being inconsiderable. For all the times you were irritated at me, I just don¡¯t want to be¡­¡± He stopped in the middle of his statement and I noticed the sudden change of his expression.


    ¡°You should be treating your wounds every time you decide to break a ss or a mirror¡± I said as he looked up to me.


    ¡°It might get an infection.¡± I stated. His eyebrows creased once again.


    Getting the gauze, I started to wrap it around his fist.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say sorry. I can endure everything. You¡¯re my boss, after all.¡± He shook his head then touched my cheek.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I made you feel that way. I promise, I never treated you as my maid.¡± I raised a brow to cover up a smile.


    ¡°Oh really?¡± I saw his face saddened which made me smile for real. I stood up since I¡¯m done treating his wound.


    ¡°But it¡¯s alright, at least you realized what you did, I¡¯m already fine with that. I¡¯m sorry, too. For being bossy, but I can¡¯t guarantee that I¡¯ll stop being bossy.¡± He smiled. A genuine one.


    ¡°I can¡¯t promise that I¡¯ll stop being bossy, as well.¡± I rolled my eyes at him.


    What a coincidence. Two male in my life just became victims of a broken ss piece today¡­

 Chapter 20

    I was about to leave when he suddenly held my hand and pulled me into hisp.


    I can¡¯t help but ce my hand on his chest due to the shock as I looked into his beautiful eyes.


    We stared at each other for a long time while he is still holding my hand. His hand was also rough probably because of all the training as a Mafia Boss.


    He raised my hand and ced it near his lips while still looking into my eyes. I observed his lips that are near my hand. His scarlet lips¡­


    I looked back to his eyes. Those long eyshes¡­


    It almost seem like I couldn¡¯t breathe due to our bodies so close to each other.


    I shifted a bit as I felt his lips on my hand. He kissed it gently with his eyes still trailed to mine.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He said in a serious tone. This broke me out of my reverie and distanced myself away from him.


    ¡°U-Uhhm. You¡¯re wee.¡± I stuttered. I went to the other side of the bed andid down. It¡¯s still three in the morning and I¡¯m still sleepy.


    I was facing Kei¡¯s back until I drifted off to sleep. Nothing else was on my mind except what he just did to my hand.


    I hugged Brylle as tight as I could and he did the same.


    I felt the hot rays of suning from the window as I burried my head close to Brylle who¡¯s currently beside me.


    Wait¡­ Brylle¡¯s beside me?!


    I opened my eyes and what I first saw was a manly neck and a very manly scent. I fully looked at the figure I¡¯m currently hugging. He¡¯s so taller than me and very handsome. His body is so warm.


    My eyes widened which made me distance myself from him. I didn¡¯t realize I was at the end of the bed so I was literally butt-faced on the floor.


    ¡°Ow!¡± I yelped. That made Kei wake up and examined the surroundings.


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± He seemed pretty rmed to catch me on the floor so he stood up and carried me bridal style. He ced me back on the bed.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked, worried. He was suddenly stunned when I shot him a re.


    ¡°Why were we cuddling each other?¡± I asked in annoyance. I didn¡¯t mean to say that he was the only one who hugged, including me. I thought it was Brylle¡­ He and I used to hug all the time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He reasoned out. I sighed and touched my temple. I nced up at the clock and saw it¡¯s eight o¡¯clock.


    My head must be aching due to being awake earlier at three am.


    I looked at Kei who was just staring back at me.


    I stood up and walked towards the door.


    ¡°I need to get back to work. I¡¯lle back hereter to clean up the bathroom.¡± For sure the broken ss pieces are still there. He kept quiet as I left his room.


    I sleepily entered the maid¡¯s quarters.


    I was greeted by Nathan¡¯s naked body. He faced me and that¡¯s where I notice his lower abdomen wrapped in gauze. He immediately puts on a shirt.


    ¡°Nassandra, I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have dressed up here.¡± I may be confused but I chose to ignore it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, too, I didn¡¯t knock.¡± He shed a smile before going out of the room. I observed his figure walking away.


    I immediately changed clothes and put on my maid uniform.


    I returned to Kei¡¯s room. I noticed him lying down on his bed and went back to his slumber.


    I went near him and fixed the nket around his whole body.


    I went to the bathroom to clean up the broken ss pieces including the blood. I also included his entire room.


    After that I went to the kitchen where I catched the three maids gossiping with each other.


    ¡°Nassandra! Have you eaten yet?¡± I turned to Jane and smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m about to.¡± I grabbed my breakfast and sat near them.


    ¡°Sorry, I wasn¡¯t herest night.¡± They all looked at each other.


    ¡°Nah, Nassandra. Nathan told us that you were in ma?tre Andrew¡¯s roomst night.¡± Jane said with a beam on her face.


    ¡°What did you guys do???¡± She teased. Ema nudged Jane in the elbow and scolded her.


    ¡°Hey! We¡¯re talking about our boss here.¡± The smile stayed on Jane¡¯s face as sheughed.


    ¡°Why? No matter how bossy he can be he¡¯s still outrageously handsome. Including Ma?tre¡¯s friends. All of the blessings of this world are be given to them just like that?!¡± Jane held her face in amazement. I justughed.


    ¡°Nothing happened.¡± I stated but Jane doesn¡¯t seem to believe me and continued on teasing me.


    I noticed a quiet Nathan. As I shed a look at him, he just smiled.


    We continued to talk about everything that happened here in the mansion. Everything that Jane would say would mostly be about how hot the guards were.


    ¡°Nass,¡± I turned to the person who just called me. Really, Nass? I saw Kei by the kitchen¡¯s door.


    The three maids bowed while I just stood straight.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked. He raised a brow at me.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows and nced at Ema. They nodded in approvance as I stood up and followed Kei.


    He held my hand as he pulled me out of the mansion.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± He didn¡¯t looked back at me and continued to pull me away. He just held on my hand until he kissed it¡­


    I shook my head, trying hard to delete the moment that happened this morning.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°To the field.¡± And he did brought me to the training field. Wherein lined up was around fifty guards.


    I saw Zeke, Steven, and Devon there topless? What¡¯s their deal? Why aren¡¯t they wearing any clothes?


    ¡°We always train every single guard in our mafia.¡± Kei exins to which I nodded. At least they¡¯re not just focusing on their own strength. So does the other members of the mafia.


    We went closer to the naked men. All of them were sweaty, showing their gorgeous bodies.


    ¡°Hi Nassandra! Are you astonished by my abs?¡± Steven greeted me to which I rolled my eyes at.


    ¡°No.¡± He distanced himself away from me and looked at Kei.


    ¡°Kei, what have you done to her? She just became wilder.¡± I sighed.


    ¡°What is she doing here?¡± Devon asked with irritance. I turned to Kei who¡¯s walking near a table that had guns on top of them. Or are those air soft guns?


    ¡°She will treat all who will be injured. Besides, Katie and Theo are not around.¡± He said. This got me stunned.


    ¡°Hold on, why me? And why do I have to treat them? This is just a training ground.¡± I nced at Zeke who was smirking as he walked towards me.


    ¡°Babe, you¡¯ll see why.¡± He winked at me. The atmosphere suddenly became cold as I saw Kei who was giving the both of us a death re. I pushed Zeke away which just made himugh.


    I stared at the guns they were holding.


    ¡°Are those real guns?¡± Devon carelessly shook his head.


    ¡°This is airsoft. Can¡¯t you differentiate?¡± I irritatedly looked at him. What the heck is his problem with me?


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind Devon. He¡¯s naturally like that. Especially those whom he just met.¡± Steven whispers in my ear. I stepped away from him.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Kei walked to me and gestured for me to sit on the avable bench there.


    ¡°Stay here.¡± I can¡¯t help but give him a look. Look who just made me a dog. But I followed his order anyways.


    The four of them positioned themselves at the sides of the training field. Later, as soon as Zeke whistled, a long line of guards started to line up at the start of the training course.


    They climbed up the obstacles, actually they¡¯re not just ordinary obstacles. They were advanced. I could literally say that they¡¯re difficult.


    As the first man crossed, he was suddenly rained by bullets by the three men while Kei was just watching.


    So does the rest who crossed the field. Zeke and Steven seemed to be having fun with what they¡¯re doing while Devon was serious as his eyebrows are creased.


    I saw the guards avoid the bulletsing from the airsoft. Perhaps those were the rules.


    I was shocked to see someone being hit by a bullet which caused him to fall from a high ce. I heard him scream and for a minute there, I thought the other guys will just leave him but they were actually helping each other to make the man stand up again. Huh?


    Almost all of them can parry themselves from the bullets but there are still a few who couldn¡¯t. And everytime one of them gets hit and fall, they¡¯re always being assisted by theirpanions.


    Okay¡­ This is an odd mafia.


    Zeke whistled once again as there was no man left on the obstacle course.


    In the end they were carrying eight men who are all injured.


    I went to them and checked on their injuries one by one. It¡¯s not that brutal. They were being brought to the infirmary to which I was nning to followter on.


    I watched Kei telling the guards to stand up before he started his sermon. Not just any sermon but he was giving tips regarding the obstacles in that training field.


    Even the three men had pointed out some weaknesses at the training they just held. They were conversing with the guards so seriously.


    I decided to head towards the headquarters but I kept checking on the four men.


    They sure do treasure all of their members¡­

 Chapter 21

    ¡°Ow! Ma¡¯am!¡± Kuya guard cursed as I checked his injury. He was the eighth wounded from those who were training earlier.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry!¡± I looked at the guy who maintained a smile on his face while lying down and obviously in pain.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Dude! Don¡¯t be such a coward in front of a fine maiden. You¡¯re so shameless!¡± I smiled as I turned to another guard who¡¯s inside the infirmary. It looks like all of them are really close.


    ¡°Hey! You were the one with the loudest scream among us everytime we¡¯re being treated!¡± Fired back the guard I¡¯m currently treating. Everyoneughed at what he said.


    ¡°Ohhhh! You were a coward yourself.¡± Everyoneughed to which I also did along with them.


    I touched him more gently as I covered his wound on his hand that was injured.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, are you Sir Andrew¡¯s girlfriend?¡± He asked with a wide beam on his face. Shyly, I smiled and shook my head.


    ¡°Oh no. I¡¯m just his maid at the mansion.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? But you seemed very close to the four ma?tres.¡± I shrugged. I looked around and saw the smiling faces of the guards who just got better after the training.


    ¡°I have a question.¡± He turned his head to me.


    ¡°What is it, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°The ma?tres¡­ What kind of boss are they?¡± I asked till I noticed they were silenced at my question. This suddenly made me worried that there must be something wrong in what I said.


    A few momentster, the smile returned to their faces. What¡¯s going on?


    ¡°At first we thought they¡¯re one of those heartless people after seeing the way they kill. But they only do that to those who really had done something wrong, even for the innocent, they always help. They¡¯re like policemen. When we joined their mafia, they always teach us every training. We always have food, shelter, and even this infirmary. Yes, they¡¯re strict but when they get mad, we know if really did messed up. It is part of our training.¡± He was looking from afar as if he was remembering something.


    ¡°We owe them our lives, Miss.¡± I turned to another guard inside the infirmary.


    ¡°They saved most of us. While the rest are those whom they¡¯ve given jobs to raise their families.¡± I roamed my eyes around until the room got noisy and they were all talking about Kei.


    Are they really those people? Based on the guard¡¯s stories, it seemed like Kei and the others aren¡¯t those people whom we thought of them to be.


    ¡°Wow, thanks for thepliment.¡± Everyone turned their heads to the door where we heard someone speak, it was Steven. The four of them are standing by the door.


    Those who weren¡¯t injured stood up straight while the others sat on their beds.


    ¡°Ma?tre,¡± they all muttered out in chorus that it gave me literal goosebumps.


    I never got to prevent from moving those who were injured. I just watched them shake in pain.


    The four men walked closer to me which made everyone¡¯s gazes turn to me as well.


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± Steven cheefully blurted as if we haven¡¯t seen each other in a long time.


    Devon and I furrowed our eyebrows.


    ¡°Hey! You¡¯ve just seen each other earlier!¡± He stated. Steven sticked out a tongue to him.


    ¡°Why do you care?¡± Devon rolled his eyes at Steven who was still smiling from ear to ear.


    ¡°Nassandra, how are the injured?¡± Kei asked as he roamed his eyes around the infirmary. I sighed.


    ¡°They¡¯re fine. Their injuries aren¡¯t that awful so I think, they can get out of the infirmary after a few days.¡± He nodded and immediately pulled my hand.


    ¡°Hey, where are you going, Kei?¡± Zeke asked in a loud voice yet Kei didn¡¯t mind him and just continued on pulling me.


    ¡°Now where are you taking me?¡± He turned for a second before walking through the grass going to the mansion.


    ¡°Quiet,¡± I shut my mouth. This guy sure is bossy.


    He brought me to his room and let me sat on his bed. What is he going to do?


    We just looked at each other for a few seconds with his face wearing a nk look.


    Later, he went to the couch and grabbed the bouquet of flowers sitting there. I didn¡¯t notice that.


    ¡°Sorry and Thank you, for everything.¡± He says as he handed me the flowers.


    I looked at him in the eyes and he seemed sincere so I just epted it from him.


    ¡°Wow, ma?tre Andrew giving his maid a bouquet of flowers.¡± I joked. He raised a brow at me before rolling his eyes yfully. I smirked.


    ¡°Thank you for the flowers.¡± I shed a smile at him as I stood up and walked out of his room.


    ¡°Wait!¡± He held my arm to stop me. It was my turn to raise a brow.


    ¡°What?¡± He lowered his head and thought of something to say.


    ¡°Uhhmm,¡± I tried freeing myself from his grip so I could leave his room but he surely got a tight hold on me.


    ¡°Stay here.¡± He looked at me with a cold expression.


    ¡°What am I suppose to do here?¡± His eyebrows met.


    ¡°Arggghhh, just stay. For a few hours.¡± What am I really going to do here? We never know when he might explode and get all bossy again.


    I rolled my eyes and went to his veranda, still holding the flowers.


    I noticed the right part of his lips going up.


    Tsk.


    I looked down on the grassy field at the bottom and saw the guard¡¯s sort of dining area.


    They¡¯re so many out there, seems like everyone is eating well.


    ¡°Nic!!!¡± I heard Steven yelling at Zeke after stealing some food from him.


    They were also there.


    I was suddenly brought back to the guard¡¯s words.


    I nced back at Kei who¡¯s now at his couch, reading a book? So no wonder there are fictional books in his study. He actually reads them?


    I smiled.


    ¡°Keian.¡± He looked at me with a shocked expression.


    ¡°K-Keian?¡± He asked, stuttering. I shrugged. I just thought ofbining his first and second name. Kei and Andrew. It¡¯s cute, don¡¯t you think?


    I ignored his shocked face.


    ¡°Why did you start your mafia?¡± He was stopped for moment but gazed up after.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother answering.¡± He might get hot-headedter. I returned my eyes to the dinning area at the field.


    ¡°Because my mother died.¡± He stated out of nowhere. I didn¡¯t look at him as I focused my eyes on the view.


    ¡°She was killed. Her death has no justice.¡± I noticed him clenching his fist as he stood up, going to the veranda.


    He looked down on themotion downstairs.


    ¡°I want all those evil-doers to disappear from the surface of the earth. That¡¯s what my Mom also wanted and I¡¯m thankful that my Dad agreed to it.¡± He was gazing from afar. It was my turn to clench my fist.


    ¡°They wanted you to kill?¡± I asked with no emotion. He looked at me with a meaningful emotion in his eyes. It was anger mixed with sadness.


    ¡°We don¡¯t involve innocent people, Nass. We¡¯re helping them.¡± My brows furrowed.


    ¡°But how about you? What are you? A police? You¡¯re willing to kill for them?¡± He was a bit surprised upon hearing ny statement but was still emotionless.


    ¡°This is what we want and to also get revenge.¡± His grip tightened as he looked down once again. Looking at Zeke and the others.


    ¡°That¡¯s all we could do. What we want. I¡¯m just grateful that I have people around me that understands what I believe in. They never leave no matter how many hurtful words I had said to them.¡± I sighed and stood up.


    I went closer to him and our eyes met.


    ¡°Keian.¡± He¡¯s still wearing that cold expression. I held his shoulders and gently squeezed it.


    And that¡¯s where I let go and left his room.


    I kept sighing as I walked towards the maid¡¯s quarters.

 Chapter 22

    ¡°Here,¡± He takes a look at the coffee I just ced on his table as he continued on reading somewhat a proposal for hispany.


    ¡°Aish,¡± I rolled my eyes even if he was not looking back at me.


    Ever since I asked him about the mafia, he never bothered talking to me anymore.


    It¡¯s not like I was sad about it or anything. Why would I? It¡¯s just irritating.


    What is his problem? He really had the nerve to ignore me like that? Did I say something wrong? Did I do something? Sheesh, he¡¯s like a child.


    ¡°Keian, you¡¯ve been prisoning yourself here in your study. You should go out for a bit, rest from your job.¡± His expression suddenly became cold.


    ¡°Why do you care?¡± He muttered out in a bossy way. I rolled my eyes once again and left his study.


    ¡°Nyenyenye,¡± He¡¯s so annoying, seriously. He¡¯s been in that room for seven straight hours. The air-conditioning was on and it¡¯s so wide in there. So much electricity wasted, at least let the equipment rest.


    ¡°Argh!¡± I annoyingly went to the maid¡¯s quarters to change clothes.


    I just got back from the infirmary to check on my patients there. Isn¡¯t it amazing? I¡¯m a maid and a doctor at the same time.


    ¡°Nassandra, what¡¯s with the face?¡± Ema asked to which I pouted.


    ¡°Why? Was it Ma?tre?¡± I nodded at Jane and stomped my way to my dresser to get some clothes.


    They justughed while I was still irritated as heck. Geez!


    After changing, I went to their headquarters.


    Most of the time the guards would greet me to which I dly return.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Nass! Good afternoon!¡± Greeted a guard named Felix.


    He¡¯s the one whom I always asked about Keian and since we¡¯ve seen each other almost everyday, we became close. They¡¯re all friendly here. We¡¯d always chat every time I¡¯m here. He¡¯s also like the leader of the guards.


    ¡°Felix! How are you?¡± I smiled as I walked to him. Even though I was quite in a bad mood due to Keian. I won¡¯t let it affect me and my job.


    ¡°Much better! Thanks to you, ma¡¯am.¡± I looked at his injury and I guess it is doing well.


    ¡°Oh no, kuya, it was nothing. Your hand is perfectly fine. Just don¡¯t rush it. Let it rest and heal for about two days.¡± He smiled as he lets out a thumbs-up.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Copied, ma¡¯am! Thank you so much!¡± I nodded at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re very wee!¡± I went to another guard who¡¯s staying here in the infirmary.


    After I have finished checking everyone in here, I decided to go and visit manang.


    Lately, I haven¡¯t got time to visit her due to ¡®taking care¡¯ of her childish boss.


    As I arrived in front of her room, I saw the door was open.


    Is there anyone who visited here first before me?


    I silently peeked through the door.


    I first saw manang still lying down in bed but there was someone with her who¡¯s walking near her bed. A man wearing a white polo shirt?


    Who¡¯s that? Why do I feel like I¡¯m not familiar with his figure?


    I just stayed there and observed what he¡¯s about to do with manang.


    I almost gasped loudly as I saw the object in his hand.


    A whip!


    Later, he started tying the whip around manang¡¯s neck.


    Don¡¯t tell me he wants to kill manang!?


    I immediately rushed inside which made him nce at me.


    I took the opportunity to remove the whip around manang¡¯s neck.


    I pushed him away from the bed.


    ¡°Who are you? Why do you want to kill manang?!¡± He just looked at me and stayed quiet.


    I observed his every movement, he¡¯s just sitting here and didn¡¯t bother standing up.


    Then he suddenly raised the end of the whip before hitting it on manang who¡¯s still unconscious on her bed.


    My reflexes quickly prevented that from happening and I endured the pain I felt as it hit my body.


    I tried hard not to wince in pain. I grabbed on to the whip¡¯s end and pulled it away from his grip.


    He was stunned by my action as I sessfully snatched the weapon from him. Then he grabbed a dagger from his feet and quickly threw it at me.


    I sessfully avoided it which caused the dagger to hit the object behind me which was the wall.


    Before I could look back at him, he immediately pushed me towards the door and mmed it shut.


    His right hand was holding another dagger while his left hand is around my neck so tight.


    This caused me having difficulty to breathe. I tried hitting him on the arms countless time just in case he¡¯d thought of letting me go.


    But he just strangled me even more.


    My vision is starting to get blurry and I¡¯m feeling dizzy.


    My breathing kept hitching since I needed oxygen so bad.


    Am I going to die? Here in this room? Am I just going to die this way? I spent four years in the streets, working day and night just to die here?


    No! I won¡¯t let that happen. Brylle needs me and Kei needs me as well. I need to prevent that man¡¯s senseless antics.


    I inhaled a lot of air that I can get as possible and strongly wrapped my hands around the man¡¯s arms. I quickly twisted it backwards and I heard a satisfying crack.


    The guy screamed.


    I let him go due to my body feeling weak and theck of air.


    I sat on the floor, coughing and catching my breathe.


    The guy did the same and resisting the pain of his broken arm.


    I never got to notice him getting the whip and hit it on me.


    I never got to dodge and I felt the burning pain all over my body.


    Due to the impact, my body hit against the wall and to make things worse, I felt blood drenching from my head.


    I was immediately met by the feeling of dizziness.


    The man stood up and I wished I¡¯d also have the strength to fight him back.


    He turned his head to me before smirking.


    He went back to manang and tied the whip around her neck.


    ¡°No!¡± I only got to mutter to myself due toplete weakness.


    The heart monitor fastened, a sign that it¡¯s bound to go a tline.


    I clenched my fists. I can¡¯t just let anybody die while I¡¯m just watching. If I had done nothing in the past, right now, I will make sure this guy will pay for what he¡¯s doing.


    I looked at the dagger not that from me which I guess was probably dropped by the man.


    I held on it tightly. I¡¯ll hit it on his head, so that he wouldn¡¯t live no more.


    I raised my hand, intending to get ready to throw the weapon.


    ¡°Nass!¡± The faces of my mom and dad suddenly popped up in my mind. I creased my eyebrows as I threw the weapon at the man¡¯s shoulder.


    He fell down which made him let loose of the whip.


    Despite the weakness, I directly went to manang¡¯s side to remove the whip around her neck.


    I breathed a sigh of relief as her heart rate started going back to normal.


    I sighed as I nced at the man getting weak on the floor due to all the blood that he just lost.


    I looked at manang who¡¯s sleeping peacefully. I let out a bitter smile before passing out into the darkness.


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    Whistling, I entered Kei¡¯s study without even knocking.


    He looked at me and rolled his eyes as soon as he realized who came in.


    ¡°Kei! Wassup!¡± He only waved his hand.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± He asked in a bossy tone. I justughed. What¡¯s wrong with him? He¡¯s such a snob. Haha.


    ¡°Where is Nassandra?¡± He turned to me and raised an eyebrow. I raised my hands in the air in surrender.


    ¡°Chill, I¡¯m not taking her away from you.¡± He just shot me a death re before going back to his cold expression.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He nkly replied. Looks like they just had a fight! I shook my head as Iughed at the thought.


    Kei may not admit it but he obviously likes Nassandra. That damn man is in love, finally.


    ¡°What happened? Lover¡¯s quarrel?¡± He didn¡¯t look at me and just continued reading a contract from hispany.


    ¡°Stop bothering me, Nic.¡± My eyebrows met but I justughed as I left the room. The mafia boss is not in the mood. He might turn his anger at me.


    But I¡¯m used to him. Despite him being a snot, he¡¯s still friendly and trustworthy. Most especially, a very sweet man. Call me gay but Kei¡¯s effort for us is very much bigger than anything else.


    He may not say it but I know that he never noticed he¡¯s actually showing his soft side.


    Iughed while going to the headquarters. Perhaps she¡¯s there, looking after her patients.


    I entered infirmary and I was greeted by the injured guards.


    ¡°Ma?tre,¡± they all said at the same time. I went to Felix who¡¯s fixing the guard¡¯s postures.


    ¡°Felix,¡± I held him by the shoulder and shed a smile.


    ¡°What can we do for you, ma?tre?¡± He cheerfully asked. I looked around and saw that Nassandra is not here.


    ¡°Has Nassandra been here?¡± He nodded and pointed towards the direction of manang¡¯s room.


    ¡°She came here earlier and went in to visit Manang Vilma.¡± I nodded and walked towards manang¡¯s room.


    I was smiling as I opened the door but the minute I entered, my eyes widened real quick.


    Everything¡¯s a mess and there¡¯s blood?!


    As I stepped in, I saw manang still in bed with two figures with her.


    One was clinging on to her while the other was on the floor. The one clinging on to her was wearing a maid¡¯s uniform.


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± I immediately went to her side and saw that her head is bleeding so does the other parts of her body as if she was struck by¡­ a whip? She¡¯s also unconscious. I checked her pulse and good thing her heart is still beating. I also noticed red-violet hand marks on her neck.


    Without hesitation, I pressed on my smart watch which I used tomunicate with the mafia.


    I pressed the line (channel) that us, friends, use to call Kei.


    ¡°Rider to Alpha.¡± I heard the signal that pertains that Kei heard my message.


    ¡°What?¡± His cold voice emerged.


    ¡°Go to manang¡¯s room. Now!¡± I shouted due to panic. Nassandra already lost a lot of blood and her pulse is getting weak every second.


    I heard some noises at the other line and I could guess Kei is running his way to go here.


    I held Nassandra¡¯s cheek. I took deep breaths to calm myself down.


    ¡°Nass,¡± I tried calling to her but she wouldn¡¯t wake.


    ¡°Ughhh,¡± I turned to where the voice hade from.


    A man on the ground with a broken arm and dagger on his shoulder?


    Looks like this man had something under his sleeve to which Nassandra tried to stop.


    My vision darkened as I walked to the man.


    His eyes looked up to me with pain. His other hand was holding on to his arm while the other can¡¯t be moved.


    I grabbed his fine arm and twisted it which caused him screaming in pain.


    *Notes:


    Kuya ¨C term used to call older brother or older male/guy as a sign of respect.

 Chapter 23

    Thrid Person¡¯s POV


    As soon as Keiranz epted Zeke¡¯s call, he immediately runs to the headquarters. He knows it when something is wrong the minute Nic¡¯s voice was trembling real quick.


    His men wondered what made him run so fast but he didn¡¯t care about them.


    He¡¯s worried that something bad might¡¯ve happened to manang or worse.


    On the way, he met with Erick and Maxence which made him stop in his tracks.


    ¡°Kei, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Erick asked in a serious tone. Keiranz shook his head and went to the side where two people are blocking the way to manang¡¯s room.


    The two men looked at each other and decided to follow where their boss is heading to.


    Keiranz hasn¡¯t entered the room yet when he heard a man screaming.


    His eyes widened, hoping that it wasn¡¯t Zeke whom he just heard.


    As he entered the room, he was ultimately greeted by a wall full of blood and messy things everywhere.


    Just like Zeke, he first nces at manang¡¯s bed where the olddy is still sleeping peacefully. Until he noticed an unconscious woman by her bedside.


    This made Keiranz¡¯s heart beat frantically.


    ¡°Nassandra?¡± He weakly called.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± He looked to the side and saw Zeke holding a man. Zeke¡¯s eyes were furious that he obviously broke the man¡¯s arm and still held him captive.


    Keiranz fumed his fist in anger as his expression darkened.


    ¡°Nic,¡± Zeke turned to Kei. Judging the look on his face, he was really terrified of Kei himself even though he wasn¡¯t at all responsible for the chaos.


    ¡°I arrived here with the same scenery. It looks like Nassandra stopped this man from doing a crime.¡± Zeke¡¯s eyes widened as he remembered Nassandra was still unconscious.


    He stood up to walk towards the woman but Keiranz was already there, still wearing a dark expression.


    Kei held both of Nassandra¡¯s cheeks. She¡¯s getting pale due to all the blood she lost.


    ¡°What the¡ª-¡± As the other two men entered the room, Maxence couldn¡¯t help but curse.


    Kei¡¯s pointy eyes looked at his threepanions.


    ¡°Erick, bring the bastard to the room. Nic and Maxence, I want you to know every single detail about that man.¡± Hemanded.


    The three men stood up straight.


    ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡± Kei started to carry Nassandra in his arms and walked out of the room.


    ¡°Also tell the guards to transfer manang in another room and kindly clean up all this mess, as well.¡± Kei turned to Zeke.


    ¡°Also tell the CO who covered up for Felix that I¡¯m summoning all of the guards to the field. I want them to be there by 5:00 pm sharp.¡± He gave emphasis to every word. Zeke nodded in reassurance.


    ¡°Take care of Nassandra.¡± Kei was carrying a cold expression as hepletely left the room.


    ¡°I will.¡± Then he brings her to a surgery room in the infirmary.


    He needed to stop the bleeding.


    Since he know a few things about medicine, he temporarily wrapped up her wounds on its head.


    He also cleaned her other body wounds that were caused by the whip.


    Every wound Keiranz would see on Nassandra¡¯s body made him want to kill the person behind them even more.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Nassandra is just a woman who is working as a maid and but she was involved in the mafia.


    After cleaning her wounds, Kei stared at Nassandra¡¯s face.


    ¡®She¡¯s so brave¡¯ Kei thought to himself. If it weren¡¯t for her, manang wouldn¡¯t be saved. Although he doesn¡¯t know anything about the incident, he can¡¯t help but me himself for Nassandra¡¯s situation.


    Kei was surprised to see a tear falling from the woman¡¯s eye. He wipes it away and ced his hand on her cheek for a while.


    He doesn¡¯t know why his heart kept racing every time he is with the maid. That happy feeling he gets whenever he sees thedy and every time she¡¯s near him.


    That¡¯s why he always made her stay wherever he is.


    Nassandra¡¯s brown eyes were effortlessly beautiful for him. Add up her long eyshes and natural reddish lips.


    He could stare at her face all day but the thing is, Nassandra might not feel the same after all, he thought.


    Who would love a man like him? If a woman goes to him they¡¯re either after his money or just wanted his looks and body.


    He don¡¯t know what¡¯s with this girl but he always thinks about her. Ever since she ran out of the room and jumped on the pool.


    He just felt like he needed to protect her.


    No matter how irritated Nassandra gets to him, she doesn¡¯t leave him and still treats him the same. Bossy and malicious.


    Kei carried Nassandra in his arms again like a newly wedded couple and brought her to a clean, nice room.


    Her lips were also pale, unlike the usual ones he would always see whenever Nassandra isn¡¯t looking.


    Kei grabbed his phone and called Katie.


    ¡°Oh, hello Kei. Is there a problem? I just came back from Maldives.¡± Kei sighed. While the twins were gone, he had no choice but to make Nassandra a doctor for the injured guards since the two went on vacation.


    ¡°Where are you right now?¡± He nced at the unconscious Nassandra.


    ¡°Still at the airport.¡± Keies closer to the sleeping figure and tucks a nket up to her chest.


    ¡°Good. Go straight¡ª-¡± Keiranz stopped as he was shocked at Nassandra¡¯s sudden movement.


    She grabbed on Kei¡¯s hand and held it very tight. Her hands were ice cold, unlike his warm ones.


    ¡°What? Hello? Kei?¡± He realized he¡¯s still on the phone with Katie. He shook his head, not knowing if he should prevent himself from smiling.


    So he held thedy¡¯s hand tight also.


    ¡°Sorry, can you go here immediately? Something happened.¡± He coldly said. He trusts Erick would unravel the secrets and the truth about the man from manang¡¯s room.


    Erick was their master of interrogation. He could get the truth out of anybody.


    ¡°Copy, Alpha.¡± He dropped the call and stared at his and Nassandra¡¯s hands still intertwined with each other.


    He pulled a chair and sat at Nassandra¡¯s bedside.


    His eyes were fixated on his maid while their hands are still together.


    He was still ming himself.


    Thedy was harmed because of him, and he wasn¡¯t there by her side to protect her.


    He remembers the time where he was ignoring Nassandra. He was scared that he might never hear her voice again.


    He started ignoring her again when everything Nassandra said about the mafia was correct. Yes, she was just asking. But he doesn¡¯t want the truth to affect his perspective of life, of what happened. Every preparations, every coping he did would be ruined, for his mother that was killed by another mafia.


    Gently removing his hand from Nassandra¡¯s grip, he clenched his fists.


    ¡°Hmmph,¡± This made him looked at thedy lying in bed, moaning in pain. Thinking she was hurt at the fact that Kei let go of her hand.


    Running his hands through his hair in frustration, he sighed. Thinking if he should hold her hand back.


    Their hands slowly finds it way towards each other which made the both of them sigh in peace as their hands held each other.


    Quite short chapter hehe\^_^/

 Chapter 24

    Nassandra¡¯s POV


    (A dream)


    I was just sitting at the corner of the room, waiting for the door to be opened by the person who locked me in here. I don¡¯t want this anymore. I can¡¯t see.


    With my head between my legs, I covered my eyes even though it¡¯spletely dark in this room.


    I nced at the door and saw an old man smirking as he entered.


    He walked near me and kissed me on the forehead.


    I tried freeing myself as he held me.


    ¡°Good morning, apo.¡± I used to be close to this old man, but after what he had just done to my family, I can¡¯t find the heart to treat him as my grandfather again.


    I gave him a death re but it never affected him at all.


    ¡°Ah! Pat, your gaze is bing more intense. I like it. I was once in your shoes when I was your age.¡± He knelt down on his knees to be on the same level as I was. Even so, I tried squishing myself at the very corner of the room just so I could avoid his smirking face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be here anymore. I want to be back with my mom and dad.¡± Heughed then changed into a cold face.


    ¡°Oh sure, you may see them right now.¡± His words suddenly gave me hope.


    ¡°Really?¡± He gently held my chin and lifts it up.


    ¡°You will see them due.¡± He grabbed my jaw and let me stand up. I groaned at the pain it caused me.


    He brought me to the door while I thought of a way to escape.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare think of any unwanted actions, Pat.¡± I felt a cold metal object being pointed at my neck.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t kill me.¡± I pointed out, confidently because it¡¯s the truth.


    ¡°You¡¯re not the one whom I¡¯m gonna punch a bullet through. If you escape, I¡¯ll kill your beloved friend.¡± I was surprised to see a girl being held by my grandfather¡¯s men right in front of us.


    There was Kim, unconscious and her mouth was covered. One of the men kicked her which ultimately made me weak inside. Kim opened her eyes and directly looked into mine.


    She spoke but I couldn¡¯t make out what she¡¯s saying because of the cover on her mouth. All I know is that she¡¯s asking for help.


    She was involved because of me. Lolo had her involved.


    I reached my hand for her to hold and she did the same.


    But she lowered her hand when she was suddenly kicked by the man again. I red at thetter.


    ¡°Would you stop kicking her!?¡± I yelled to which he just smirked and continued to kick my friend in the guts which caused her falling unconscious again.


    I clenched my fist and looked at the man who deemed my re very small.


    ¡°Enough,¡± the men looked at lolo and asked for forgiveness.


    ¡°Do you now get it, Pat? Don¡¯t you dare escape, or Kim will die.¡± I gave him sharp look.


    ¡°You dragged Kim in this mess!¡± I shouted and he smirked.


    ¡°I will ept all the help I need. She voluntarily walked inside my house. You know, to ¡®save¡¯ Khalil.¡± My expression darkened even more at what he said. They tricked her! They damn tricked her into going in this hell!


    ¡°You¡¯re a demon!¡± I shouted at him which just made his smirk even wider.


    ¡°Thanks for thepliment. By the way, are you excited to finally see your parents?¡± My eyebrows furrowed as he brought me to a dark, wide ce.


    In the middle, I saw my parents tied up with chains around their necks as if they were dogs.


    They looked up at me with their faces filled with fear.


    ¡°Dad! What are you going to do with her? Don¡¯t make her miserable, just pour it all on us!¡± Papa quickly said the minute he saw me. He tries to free himself despite all the wounds on his body. Lolo looked at him with a cold look.


    ¡°I will never do that to my precious Pat.¡± He looks at me with a smile, expecting that I would return the gesture like I always did. Ha! As if! He frowned before turning back to them.


    ¡°Now shall we start?¡± I had nothing to do as he started torturing them in front of my very eyes. I just kept on crying like there was no tomorrow.


    I kept hearing their voices call my name repeatedly.


    ¡°Nass,¡± muttered my mom with a sweet voice.


    ¡°Nass,¡± a voice full of worry.


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± There goes a familiar voice. I feel heat from where the voice ising from. It¡¯s like the coldness I¡¯ve been feeling right now was gone now that I heard that voice.


    ¡°Nass! Wake up!¡± There it goes again. My, how it feels good.


    Right in front of me was a scene of my parents being tortured but I can¡¯t help but look to my side where a tall, lean man stood. His brown eyes feel like they were pulling me towards him.


    Even though my mom and dad are right in front of me, I still can¡¯t help but walk closer to him. He¡¯s so familiar. Everything about him is so familiar.


    He smiled as I went to him. It¡¯s like it¡¯s just the two of us and no one can see us. He reach out his hand to me which I just stared at.


    ¡°Come, Nass. I¡¯ll get you out of here.¡± Something was pulling me to him. He¡¯s so warm. It feels so good.


    For the first time in many days, I found myself smiling.


    ¡°Come on, Nassandra. Wake up.¡± His deep voice is so gentle. I could listen to it forever.


    He envelopes me into a hug to which I returned, this man can totally be trusted.


    ¡°Nass!¡± He said in a worried tone. Worried?


    ~


    My eyes opened at the same time I gasped, almost feeling like I just lost air from my lungs.


    Someone was holding my shoulders and his hands are so warm. Breathing heavily, I looked at him. It was Keian.


    His eyebrows are creased as if he just saw a ghost. His eyes are also full of worry.


    ¡°K-Kei?¡± He took a deep breath. I was surprised as he carried me and ced me on hisp before hugging me real tight.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay.¡± He said, feeling relieved. I can¡¯t help but ce my head on his chest as it feel so warm in that position.


    ¡°You were screaming and I am worried so I wake you up.¡± He exined and tightened his hold on me. I gently ced my hands on his lean back.


    He smells so good, like how I usually smell in his room. I suddenly look like a dog sniffing.


    I stopped as I realized Keian was confused as to what I was doing. I distanced myself.


    ¡°U-Uhmmm.¡± I looked around and thought of an eptable reason as to why I started sniffing him.


    He chuckled.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know I have a maid who¡¯s a dog.¡± I felt my face reddening as heughed. Hisugh is amazing. I looked up at him but then I suddenly got dizzy and weak.


    I crashed on the bed to which Keian immediately holds me back.


    The pain at the back of my head was something I just felt just now. It felt like my head is being hammered.


    I touched it and felt a gauze wrapped around it.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Are you okay? Did it hurt a lot?¡± I gazed at him. He is really worried about me.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I asked, puzzled. His face suddenly became nk.


    ¡°I should be the one to ask you that question.¡± I was more confused at his statement. He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.


    ¡°Nic found you in manang¡¯s room unconscious together with a bastard.¡± What?!


    ¡°Who is Nic?¡± His eyebrows met simultaneously.


    ¡°Maybe you really hit your head hard.¡± He seriously stated to which I raised a brow at him.


    I thought for a long time and that¡¯s where I realized what happened when I came to visit manang.


    ¡°Shiii¡ª¡± I gasped as I felt the pain in my head.


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± He worriedly shouted. I held up my hands to stop him from getting near me.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just a headache.¡± He sighed and sat on a chair next to the bed.


    ¡°You should rest for now. Your wounds needed stitches so I¡¯m the one who performed it. But Katie is on her way here to check on you.¡± I nodder and stared at the ceiling of the room.


    I remembered about my dream. Everything that happened in the past is suddenlying back to me again.


    Keian and I nced at the door the moment it opened.


    ¡°Kei,¡± Katie entered still wearing a winter coat and shades as if she just came back from vacation.


    Keian stood up and walked towards Katie to greet her.


    ¡°Wee back.¡± He pointed at me.


    ¡°She hit her head.¡± Katie removed her shades and smiled as she walked towards me.


    She started to check my head then nced at Kei.


    ¡°You did this?¡± Keian coldly returned the look and nodded.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Then Katie turns to me.


    ¡°This is good. You just needed to rest around 3-4 days.¡± I nodded since I honestly didn¡¯t know what to reply back.


    She lowered her gaze towards my clothes that are ripped off due to the whip. My wounds are being wrapped with gauze and it¡¯s already cleaned. I noticed it just now that I was actually wounded.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t changed her clothes yet.¡± Katie said to Keian as if it was something he should¡¯ve done. Kei¡¯s eyes widened for a moment but came back to his expressionless face.


    ¡°She¡¯s a woman.¡± He replied. Katie rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Meh. As if you haven¡¯t seen a woman¡¯s body before.¡± I suddenly turned at what she said and looked at Keian who¡¯s also looking at me. Have he seen a lot of women¡¯s bodies? I don¡¯t know why but I¡¯m suddenly sad upon hearing that information.


    ¡°She¡¯s different.¡± Ahh. Okay, I get it. I just sighed while Katie held my hand.


    ¡°You rest, Nassandra.¡± I returned her smile as she walked away from me. She nced at Kei for a second before leaving the room.


    I closed my eyes to sleep, I do feel a lot exhausted.


    I felt a warm presence on its way to me. I fixed my nket up to my chest.


    I felt his hand touching mine for a second before he also leaves the room.


    As I was drifting off to sleep, I feel myself smiling like a lovesick fool.

 Chapter 25

    Sitting upright, I was drinking the water that was on a nightstand beside the bed. I¡¯m still at the infirmary and Katie said that tomorrow I could go back to work.


    It¡¯s getting boring here, though. Even though Keian visits here everyday and literally does his works.


    Yesterday, I was surprised when he came in my room early in the morning followed by one of his men carrying tons of paperwork.


    I kept looking at him as he sat on the couch here in the room. He¡¯s busy reading all those papers. That¡¯s what he always does anyway.


    His hair is a mess and he never botheredbing it. Aside from working here in the infirmary, he also sleeps in here. Actually, he sleeps right beside me. That man isn¡¯t ashamed! He¡¯s even got the nerves to ask me to give space. The bed is too small for two people, geez!


    I sighed. Even though he¡¯s here, he¡¯s still quiet and was always busy. What am I suppose to say to him? What? Gossip?


    Keian looked up at me matching with one eyebrow raised.


    ¡°Do you want to help?¡± He asked as he diverted his gaze back to the paper.


    I can¡¯t help but look at the stash of papers on the coffee table right in front of him and frowned.


    ¡°No thanks.¡± He went silent and resumed on his job.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you try taking a break from work?¡± He gave me a cold stare as he ignored my question.


    I sighed once again. This man is so workaholic. Why can¡¯t he just ask his men to do those for him???


    ¡°Felix,¡± I looked up to him as I heard him call Felix. I looked around, fearing that he might be talking to someone I can¡¯t see. Was it me who he was talking to?


    The door opened and in came Felix. He shed a smile at me before facing Keian and bowed.


    ¡°Ma?tre.¡± Keian gestured for him toe closer and whispered something in his ear.


    Felix nodded and quickly went out of the room. This got me confused as to what Keian told him.


    Yesterday, my patients in the ward came to visit me. They apologized that they didn¡¯t notice the man who entered the headquarters yet they were so near. For sure, Kei scolded them real bad.


    Of course I told them that it¡¯s fine. Manang¡¯s room is a bit far from them and they wouldn¡¯t hear anything happening from that room.


    And of course, manang is still in aa, still it¡¯s good thing that nothing bad happened to her. She wasn¡¯t at all affected when that guy strangled her with the whip. It¡¯s a fortunate moment that I came.


    I sighed for the third time. I nced at my phone and the boredom is literally making me crazy. I wanted to work! I¡¯m not used to lying down all day or sitting all night. My wound aren¡¯t that painful anymore.


    I thought of scrolling through my gallery and look at the pictures of me and Brylle. I haven¡¯t told them that I¡¯m recovering at the moment since they will worry for sure and worse, they might force themselves toe here. I don¡¯t know if I should feel guilty or feel light now that I didn¡¯t let them worry about me.


    The door opened once again and Kuya Felix entered carrying¡­ a guitar?!


    My eyes widened as the guitar was given to Keian.


    ¡°You may go.¡±Felix bowed before leaving. I blinked at mypanion in disbelief as to why he had to ask someone to bring him the guitar.


    ¡°Munchkin¡± While in the state of shock, I was stopped at the word that just came out of his mouth. He was just looking at me.


    What!??? Munchkin?!


    ¡°W-What?¡± A smirk crossed his lips.


    ¡°Munchkin, what song would you like me to y?¡± There goes the call name again. Is he literally calling me munchkin? Not that the name is cute but in his masculine form¡­


    ¡°Wait! Munchkin?!¡± His smirk got wider.


    ¡°I think it suits you if I call you munchkin.¡± My jaw dropped. Keiranz Andrew Marques, saying munchkin!


    ¡°Keian, munchkin? I never knew that¡¯s in your vocabry.¡± He rolled his eyes at me.


    ¡°What? You don¡¯t like it?¡± I shrugged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I think that munchkin isn¡¯t as good as it sounds. It¡¯ll be better if you use other nicknames. Like babe or¡­¡± I fell silent as I realized there¡¯s seriously something wrong with what I just said. His smirk got even wider as he stares at me, amused.


    I covered my mouth, indulging the words I just said. What the heck, Nassandra!


    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s okay for me to call you nicknames? Like babe, gorgeous, princess, honey, baby.¡± He enumerated all the possible nicknames he could think of and even said thest word in a husky voice. And for me, I actually liked the way he said baby.


    Huh!??? Nassandra! You¡¯re out of yourself again!


    ¡°U-Uhmm,¡± I don¡¯t know what to do to wipe out all the shameful things I just said.


    He was smirking as hees closer to my bed till he made his face near mine.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll just call you munchkin or baby.¡± The moment he whispered baby sent shivers down my spine. Ughhh!


    I quietly stared into his eyes. His face became serious as he also stared right at me.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    I don¡¯t know but I just felt our faces inches from each other until our lips met in unison. His lips are so soft.


    It wasn¡¯t long since we distanced ourselves immediately. Somehow it was a peck of a kiss. He looks at me with a serious look in his eyes.


    ¡°Nassandra,¡± he whispers. That¡¯s where I was brought back to reality and immediately scooted away from him. I feel so red like a perfectly riped tomato.


    ¡°U-Uhmmm. Ahh. Ehh.¡± I stuttered so nervously that I couldn¡¯t find the guts to look at him so I just roamed my eyes around the room. Anywhere but him.


    He stood up properly, still locking his eyes on me.


    Grinning as he sat at the end of the bed, he fixed the guitar on hisp.


    He nced at me before focusing his eyes on the guitar and started to y the chords.


    As he plucked the strings, I heard the into of Can¡¯t Help Falling In Love. I just observed him as he¡¯s actually very good in ying the instrument.


    He was just looking at his guitar till his face changed expression.


    He suddenly looks at me and started singing. He even catched me looking at him.


    ( y Moira D Torre and Jason¡¯s cover of Can¡¯t Help Falling In Love)


    ¡°Wise men say,


    Only fools rush in,¡±


    His voice is so beautiful, I could listen to him forever.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t help¡­¡±


    He was just looking at me with his face full of emotions. Very far from the mafia boss that everyone knew him to be.


    ¡°Falling in love, with you¡­¡±


    I gasped as I felt his emotions. He¡¯s so serious ying that guitar. He¡¯s quite charming himself.


    Uhm what?


    I suddenly had the urge to sing along. I really like singing and music. I became busy that¡¯s why I never got to pursue music. It¡¯s been years since I heard a guitar ying.


    The second verse came up and I started singing after him.


    ¡°Take¡­¡±


    ¡°Take¡­¡±


    ¡°My¡±


    ¡°My¡±


    ¡°Hand¡±


    ¡°Hand¡±


    He looked shock at my sudden second voice but in the end, he smiled.


    ¡°Take my whole life too¡­¡±


    We were just staring at each other. Feeling every word and lyrics of the song. Our voices are also bouncing around the room in echo.


    ¡°For I¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Help¡­¡±


    ¡°Help¡±


    I can¡¯t stop myself from crying at the emotion I am feeling right now. It¡¯s like everything¡¯se back to me, everything I¡¯ve been through with Brylle.


    ¡°Falling in love¡­ with you.¡±


    His eyebrows furrowed at the sight of tearsing from my eyes. I justughed since I look like a lunatic, crying over a song.


    ¡°Like a river flows,


    Surely to the sea,


    Darling, so it goes,


    Some things are meant to be¡­¡±


    I let him sing as I was busy wiping the tears from my face. His voice is so beautiful.


    ¡°Take¡­¡±


    ¡°Take¡­¡±


    ¡°My¡±


    ¡°My¡±


    ¡°Hand¡±


    ¡°Hand¡±


    I returned to look at him and saw he was consistently looking at me from the beginning of his song. I smiled to which he dly returns.


    ¡°Take my whole life too¡­¡±


    I took a deep breath to calm myself down from crying so hard.


    ¡°For I¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Help¡­¡±


    ¡°Help¡±


    ¡°Falling in love¡­with you.¡±


    He raised a brow at me which made meugh.


    ¡°For I¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Help¡­ Falling in love with¡­you.¡±


    As the song ended, he immediately ces his guitar on the bed and held both of my cheeks.


    ¡°Why are you crying, munchkin?¡± Iughed. There he goes again with that nickname.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± His eyebrows creased and wiped another tear from my eye.


    ¡°You have a great voice.¡± Hepliments with a straight face. I just shed a smile at him.


    ¡°You too, you¡¯re also great at ying the guitar.¡± Later a wide smile crossed his face.


    Again, our faces are inches from each other as we just starred into each other¡¯s eyes. He¡¯s so close¡­


    *Ting*


    We distanced ourselves as we both looked at his smartwatch.


    I saw Zeke was calling. He red at the watch and plugs in the earpiece that came along with the smartwatch. How nice. That must be expensive.


    ¡°What?¡± He irritatedly asked. I didn¡¯t got to hear what Zeke was saying but this made Keian more irritated.


    ¡°We are doing something and you interrupted us, idiot.¡± He looks at me who was just watching him curiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think, bastard. Stop that, what is it?¡± His expression changed into something cold.


    ¡°Okay¡­ We¡¯ll be there.¡± He ended the call and looked back to me.

 Chapter 26

    I waited for Keian to get out of the room since I knew he¡¯s got something important to do.


    He stared at me for a long time before suddenly carrying me in his arms bridal style.


    ¡°Hey! Where are you taking me?¡± I brought up. I immediately held on tight to his neck, fearing that I might fall. Am I not heavy?!


    He quietly walks out of the room, still carrying me without answering my question.


    ¡°Hey!¡± He red at me as I was struggling to get out of his grip.


    ¡°Stop moving or else¡­¡± I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Or else what?¡± I bravely asked. He drew his mouth to my ear and whispered.


    ¡°Or else I¡¯ll kiss you.¡± His words suddenly made me blush and kept quiet.


    I also noticed it just now that everyone¡¯s eyes were on us as we crossed the guards and men.


    This suddenly made me blush even more, who knows what¡¯s going on in their minds at the moment.


    He went inside an elevator yet he still didn¡¯t put me down.


    I hit his chest lightly.


    ¡°Hey, put me down.¡± His eyes are just staring straight and didn¡¯t do any movement.


    ¡°Keian,¡± I said in an irritated tone. He also gave me an irritated look.


    ¡°Baby, you¡¯re still not supposed to be walking. You might get down and be dizzyter, your wounds aren¡¯t that healed yet.¡± He said in a serious tone as if lecturing me that I should know that. I understood what he said but I just rolled my eyes at him.


    I suddenly got dizzy so I ced my head on Kei¡¯s shoulder. He nced at me for a second. Maybe it¡¯s because of the elevator.


    I stayed leaning on him and once again, I got to smell his manly scent. So I rxed myself in his arms. I¡¯ll just let him if he ever finds me heavy.


    *Ting* I saw that we arrived on the fifth floor as the door of the elevator opened up.


    He casually walked out of the elevator.


    I was stunned to realize there¡¯s an office in this whole floor.


    There are partitions in the whole floor and in the middle there were chairs around arge table. That must be the conference area.


    There are also wide stalls and there, I saw all of Keian¡¯s friends all looking towards our direction.


    Every stall has a different design and different stuff in them.


    It¡¯s either knives, guns, bombs, nunchucks etc. I think whatever is in their stalls are their specialities.


    My eyes widened, returning all of their stares.


    Steven walked over to us, smirking.


    ¡°Boss, newly wedded?¡± He asked,ughing. Keian ignored him and walked towards the center of the floor.


    ¡°Sorry I had you distubed, Kei.¡± Zeke teased which made me shot him a re. Keian still ignored him.


    ¡°Ohhhh. What did they do, Nic?¡± They bothughed.


    Kei let me sat on a chair near the only swivel chair in the table.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    ¡°Ow!¡± The two cursed as Devon hit them on the heads and quietly went to our position. He sat on the third seat on the right, same line as me.


    The others folllowed and went to their designated positions.


    Erick walks in front of me and bows.


    ¡°Miss Nassandra,¡± he greets and since I was too shocked, I struggled to find words to reply.


    He stood up properly and sat in front of Devon.


    Following him was Dale who just smirked at my direction. He looked into my eyes and winked as he passed by me.


    Another guy was also walking and I bet he¡¯s the shortest of them all but still taller than I am. His eyes are fixated on his phone which never left his sight.


    A woman rolled her eyes at my direction. What¡¯s her name again?


    It¡¯s nine of us here and there¡¯s an extra three empty chairs.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Theo and Katie?¡± Dale asked. Keian replies nkly.


    ¡°They have business to do so they¡¯ll bete.¡± Dale nodded. Keian turned to Zeke.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your sister?¡± He asked. Zeke sighed.


    ¡°She have school, remember?¡± He grunted and sat back with his arms crossed.


    ¡°Start.¡± Hemanded.


    Huh? What are they gonna do?


    Erick suddenly spoke which made all of us turn to him.


    ¡°I tried getting information from the bastard but he just kept his mouth shut. He¡¯s won¡¯t budge at everything I¡¯ve done to him.¡± Kei furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡°Make him rest for tomorrow.¡± Erick looked confused at what Keian said but still nodded.


    ¡°Maxence? Nic?¡± He gestured at the two who looked at each other in unison. Maxence dropped his phone and shifted his face into something serious.


    ¡°I¡¯ve tracked every ce that he¡¯s been through.¡± He handed a folder and it seems to me those are the information he got about the guy. Kei opened it and checked it out.


    ¡°He¡¯s been changing his name a lot and there¡¯s a particr ce that will lead to where he¡¯s going through.¡± Maxence nodded at the folder while Keian lets out a sigh.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I found out about his family.¡± It was Zeke¡¯s turn to hand out his folder to which Kei also checked out.


    ¡°Good. Call them. You know what to do.¡± Zeke smirked at nodded at Keian¡¯smand.


    He turned to the woman then to Devon.


    ¡°Any intel?¡± Devon shook his head.


    ¡°Unable to. We can¡¯t figure out for sure who he¡¯s working for. We can¡¯t find any records. He seems like an ordinary person.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Any clues you¡¯ve found?¡±


    ¡°Except for the ces Maxence found, not yet.¡± The woman replied. What was her name again???


    ¡°How about our consistent enemies? Who can¡¯t ever bring us down?¡± Steven punched in which made the woman re at him.


    ¡°I had men watching ever one of our enemy, they who she fought is not with them.¡± She stated with emphasis as if she was scolding Steven for not knowing anything.


    ¡°Woah! Chill, Laiza.¡± Ahhh, her name is Laiza. They all dug their minds and think.


    I stayed quiet, not bothering to intervene in their meeting. Everything just put me back to the events in that room.


    That man, he almost strangled manang but I stopped him. His whip, it has a familiar structure and symbol¡­ hold it! Symbol!


    The symbol is familiar and I know exactly what mafia it is. But that¡¯s impossible. Those jerks are dead a long time ago!


    I observed all of their looks, thinking if I should tell them what I know.


    Keian noticed me and raised a brow.


    ¡°What is it?¡± This made everyone¡¯s eyes on me. I took a deep breath.


    ¡°There¡¯s a symbol in his weapon.¡± I only said which made Kei look at Erick.


    ¡°Is this true?¡± Kei asked at therge man. Erick thought for a second till his eyes glimmered.


    ¡°There is indeed a symbol.¡± Then it got noisy as everyone muttered out their own possibilities on what they might find in that symbol.


    ¡°Quiet.¡± Everyone shuts up as they heard Keian¡¯s cold voice. I noticed Dale¡¯s eyes that screams suspicion.


    ¡°Do you know anything about this symbol, Nass?¡± Everyone in the room turned their eyes back at me upon Dale¡¯s question.


    I raised a brow. What¡¯s his problem? I know about this symbol but I can¡¯t just spill it to them directly. I can¡¯t reveal my true identity.


    If I tell them what I know, they might get suspicious of me. I will not risk something like that. Especially I have a few people close to me in here.


    I gave Dale a cold expression.


    ¡°I saw it when I used his weapon to fight back to him.¡± I stated. But it seems like Dale was still trying to get through my defenses.


    ¡°Okay. Dale, know everything about that symbol.¡± Keimanded to which Dale replied with a salute and a smirk on his face.


    ¡°Yes, boss.¡± Then he winks back to me. Is it possible that he¡¯s somehow aware of my past?


    I ignored the thought as I felt the feeling of slumber.


    They started talking about different topics regarding their mafia or even about the Marques Manufacturing.


    I didn¡¯t bother to listen anymore and closed my eyes. I felt Kei holding on to my hand to which I just let him. His hands are so soft.

 Chapter 27

    It¡¯s been five days since I left the infirmary and right now I just finished taking bathe as I am going somewhere.


    ¡°Nassandra?¡± I turned to Nathan, Ema, and Jane, who are just looking at me. I closed the door of the maid¡¯s quarters and walked to them.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± They probably noticed by the clothes I was wearing and the bag I¡¯m carrying. I smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s my day off today. Gonna bond with my family.¡± Brylle pleaded for us to go out today. If I don¡¯t let him, he might cry continuously like what he did thest tine. It¡¯s also been a while since west met. Our onlymunication was a video call.


    Yesterday I asked Keian if I could be free today and he agreed.


    (shback)


    He looks up from the paper he was holding. He kinda different today especially he¡¯s wearing sses. It¡­ made him even more attractive.


    Wait what?


    Geez, Nassandra what was that?!


    ¡°Okay, just bring Nic with you.¡± My eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡°Why do I have to be apanied by Zeke? I can handle myself.¡± He returned his gaze back at the paper with a nk face. He always does that.


    ¡°You will bring him with you or you won¡¯t be able to go out of my property.¡± He coldly said. I looked up at his direction. He sighed and turned back to me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t go with you because I have work.¡± I looked at him with disbelief.


    ¡°Who said I invited you?¡±


    ¡°If I can just go with you, I¡¯ll go with you. Whether you like it or not. Something bad might happen to you again like back in manang¡¯s room. I can¡¯t risk loosing my maid. So baby, please.¡± His expression softened and I had nothing to do but let myself be flustered just because he called me ¡®baby.¡¯


    ¡°O-Okay.¡± I stuttered.


    -End of shback


    ¡°Nassandra, can you bring us back some food?¡± Jane asks while her eyes glimmered. I giggled and nodded.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Gummy bears!¡± She cutely stated. Ema nudged her by the elbow.


    ¡°Seriously, Jane, you should be ashamed.¡± She scolds. Jane throws a re at her.


    ¡°Why? She said so!¡± Jane defensed.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Ema, Nathan, is there anything you like me to bring?¡± They looked at each other and suddenly turned red. Huh? What¡¯s going on? Jane noticed what just happened and held on to my arm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind them, Nassandra, they only like each other. Ayiiieee!¡± She teased which made the twotters re at her.


    ¡°Jane!¡± Jane and Iughed at the same time.


    ¡°Okayyy, you want me to buy you both something as well?¡± I repeatedly asked with a smirk. They both sighed and nodded.


    As Zeke stopped the car in front of our house, we shed a smile at each other before I stepped out of the car.


    ¡°Mama!¡± I can¡¯t help but beam at Brylle who¡¯s running his way to me. I knelt down to his level and greeted him with a hug.


    ¡°Brylle!¡± I held him tight, I missed him so much.


    ¡°Oh, Nassandra. He¡¯s been excited to see you since yesterday.¡± I nced at Tiya who¡¯s with William?!


    I carried Brylle up and walked to the both of them¡­ holding hands.


    ¡°Is there something I should know?¡± They smiled and cuddled each other. This made my jaw drop.


    ¡°He¡¯s been asking me to be his girlfriend for a long time and of course I agreed.¡± Tiya exined cheerfully.


    ¡°Ever since I was a teenager, I had always admired Anne.¡± Said William. I chuckled as I put Tiya¡¯s hand in my forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for the both of you.¡± I said and enveloped them in a hug.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Brylle escapes my grip and because of his movement, he almost dropped on the ground. Good thing I steadied him and put him down before anything else could happen.


    He takes small steps as he run towards Zeke who greeted and carried him up.


    ¡°Sir Zeke has been visiting us a lot.¡± Tiya stated which made me turn back to him. Well, he told me he¡¯ll always check on Brylle so even if his mother is not around, his ¡®father¡¯ is there.


    I watched Brylle and Zeke chasing after each other.


    ¡°And I¡¯m thankful for that.¡± Tiya held both of my shoulders.


    ¡°You should leave, so you¡¯d get to be together for a long time.¡± It¡¯s still quite early but Tiya is right. I nodded as she hands Brylle¡¯s backpack. I walked at the two gentlemen.


    ¡°Brylle! Let¡¯s go!¡± He shifted direction and immediately runs to me.


    ¡± Oof¡± I tried to carry him but am shocked as he¡¯s actually getting heavy. My head is quite aching, too.


    Zeke walks closer to me, worried.


    ¡°Nassandra, let me carry him.¡± He says. I smiled at him and shook my head.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± He let me and just went back to his Ferrari.


    ¡°Brylle, you¡¯re getting heavy.¡± I told the child and he just smiles at me, showing all of his teeth.


    ¡°Tito Zeke brings a lot of food and all of it tastes great!¡± I raised a brow.


    ¡°What kind of food, baby?¡±


    ¡°Mostly choctes!¡± I red at Zeke¡¯s direction. I never let Brylle eat a lot of choctes since he¡¯s getting dependent on it.


    That¡¯s the food people used to give him when he was living in the streets until that¡¯s all he could ever eat. It¡¯s too sweet and all that sugar will just make him sick.


    Zeke scratched his nape.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nassandra. Brylle loves them so much.¡± I sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to give him choctes. Just don¡¯t make it daily.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Next time, don¡¯t give him too much choctes.¡± He smiles back and nodded.


    He opens the car door for us and I sat next to the driver¡¯s seat, with Brylle sitting on myp.


    ¡°So¡­ where are we going?¡± Zeke asked as soon as he sat on the driver¡¯s seat. Both Brylle and I looked at him with shimmering eyes.


    ¡°To the mall!¡± Heughed as Brylle and I answered in unison.


    ¡°Okay,¡± He started the engine and that¡¯s where I remembered something.


    ¡°Zeke,¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± He hums without ncing my way.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare speed this¡ª¨C WAHHHH!¡± I immediately held Brylle tightly in my arms as the car roared ultimately fast. I held on to the car¡¯s door.


    Zeke nces at me, smirking.


    ¡°Huh? Toote!¡± Brylleughed along with him which made me quite in disbelief as I saw him smiling widely and enjoying Zeke¡¯s speed driving.


    ¡°Zeke Nics Alexandre! I¡¯ll kill you if you get us into an ident!¡± I screamed at the top of my lungs and all he just did was wink at me.


    ¡°I told you, Nass, I¡¯m great at driving and, by the time we hit something or something hit us, we¡¯ll be injured.¡± I red at him before looking at the road and my heart still can¡¯t seem to beat in a normal rate.


    Whereas Brylle had his hands in the air as if he was riding on a roller coaster. Go on son, enjoy yourself.


    Both of them were justughing while here I am, allpletely nervous.


    ¡°Zeke! What the heck! Put your eyes on the road!¡± I scolded him as his eyes are just looking at the both of us. His smirk widened as he removed one hand from the stirring wheel to let out a thumbs-up at me. This made me even more nervous.


    ¡°Zekeeeee!¡±


    He stopped the car at a spot in the parking lot. I immediately turned my eyes to him and shot him the worst death re I have to give in my life.


    I noticed him getting scared.


    ¡°Woah, Nassandra. Your re is scary.¡±


    ¡°Aishh!¡± I widened my eyes at him, intending to rant to him a lot of indecent words but then Brylle spoke.


    ¡°Mama! Mall! Let¡¯s go!¡± He pulled on my shirt as his smile almost reached his eyes. I smiled back at him and pressed his nose.


    ¡°Okay baby.¡±


    ¡°Wow, from scary to sweet.¡± I heard Zeke mutter to himself which earned him another re from me. I rolled my eyes before carrying Brylle out of the car.


    I walked towards the entrance without bothering to wait for Zeke. Hmpph!


    ¡°Hey Nass! Wait up!¡± I ignored him and fastened my pace.


    ¡°Mama, what are you doing?¡± Brylle asked, confused. I let out a very sweet smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re excited to go to the mall, right? So we will walk there very quickly.¡± His head turned sideways for a second before raising his hands in the air.


    ¡°Yey!¡± I giggled at Brylle¡¯s energy.


    We walked passed by the guard and that¡¯s where I decided to wait for Zeke. What a poor old man.


    He grinned as he entered but I rolled my eyes again as we walked together.


    ¡°So where do you want to go, Brylle?¡± I dropped him and knelt down so we were facing each other.


    He looks around the ce and thought.


    ¡°Can I buy new toys? Only if you want to, ma.¡± I smiled. He really is indeed bright.


    I messed his hair yfully.


    ¡°Of course.¡± I stood up and grabbed on his hand.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t buy too much, okay? You still have a lot of toys.¡± He nodded with a bright smile and looked through the department store.


    Zeke and I looked at each other before walking inside together.


    I brought him to the toys section of the department store and let him choose.


    I let Zeke apany him to assist Brylle while I went to thedy¡¯s section and checked out some clothes.


    I really like wearing great clothes. Those with good fashion. I don¡¯t know, it became a hobby of mine to think of differentbinations of clothes and look for those that suits me.


    My eyes widened as I saw the price tag of the clothes I liked. Wow, geez. It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been to a mall. Looks like clothes for the people are getting expensive.


    I immediately let go of the fabric and returned back to Zeke and Brylle.


    I heard them conversing.


    ¡°Papa, do you think I should pick this?¡± Brylle holds up a wolf stuffed toy that¡¯s ck in colour.


    I¡¯m not sure but I just saw Zeke stopped uponying his eyes on the toy.


    In the end, he smiled and knelt down to Brylle¡¯s level.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you, petit gar?on. Is that all that you want?¡± He nodded and looked at the stuffed wolf.


    ¡°Hmm. It¡¯s enough for me. I don¡¯t want to spend all of my mama¡¯s money. She can¡¯t buy things for herself and always prioritised me.¡± I was suddenly moved by Brylle¡¯s words. I felt my eyes well up in tears as I felt like crying.


    Zeke was left speechless.


    I walked near them and smiled at Brylle.


    ¡°Baby, it¡¯s okay if you want to buy more toys. It¡¯s definitely fine for me. Don¡¯t worry about me. You¡¯re my priority.¡± He nods while hugging on to the stuffed toy and moved shyly.


    ¡°You¡¯re my priority, too. You never get to buy things you like because of me.¡± My smile widened and knelt down as well.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do everything for you okay? Just let me, and thank you, Brylle.¡± I hugged him, controlling the urge to cry.


    I stood up and looked at him cheerfully again.


    ¡°I love you, ma.¡± He threw a flying kiss at me and I pretended to catch it and also threw back a flying kiss at him.


    ¡°I love you too, Brylle.¡± Zeke held both of my shoulders and carried Brylle.


    ¡°And I love the both of you, too. Now, is there anything else you wanna buy?¡± I was stunned at what Zeke just said and I felt myself blushing as Zeke just winked at me.


    ¡°No. This is enough.¡± He politely answered to which Zeke just pinched the child¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go to the counter?¡± Brylle nodded and we walked to the nearest counter.


    We lined up at the cashier and that¡¯s where I saw Zeke pulling his wallet out.


    ¡°How much?¡± He brightly asked the saledy who¡¯s ecstatic at how Zeke is in front of her.


    ¡°U-Uhhmmm. It¡¯s 530, sir.¡± Zeke nodded and was about to get some money in his wallet.


    I immediately stopped him which made him confused as he looked back at me.


    ¡°Let me.¡± His eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Nass. It¡¯s also my gift to him.¡± I cleared my throat and gave him a look.


    ¡°You already forgot what you did back in the car?¡± I said, pertaining to his speed driving. What he did was dangerous! What if we get into an ident and hurt Brylle. Zeke stopped and looked at me with disbelief.


    ¡°Really?¡± He sadly asked.


    ¡°Really.¡± He pouted and distanced himself from the cashier to give way to me. I heard Brylle giggling.

 Chapter 28

    While Zeke is holding the paper bag with the stuffed toy in it with his right hand, he held Brylle¡¯s hand with his other hand while I am holding Brylle¡¯s left hand. For short, Brylle is in between Zeke and I while strolling around the mall.


    We had just finished eating and now we don¡¯t know where to go next.


    Brylle stopped walking which made Zeke and I stop, as well.


    I noticed he was looking at the yground we came across at. There are slides and mini houses. There are also a lot of kids around the ce.


    ¡°Do you want to y there, Brylle?¡± The child nced at Zeke for a short time before diverting his gaze back at the yground.


    I bit my lip as I saw the price of the entrance fee. It¡¯s so expensive. Isn¡¯t that overpricing?!!


    ¡°No.¡± Brylle shortly replied as he lowered his head while pulling us away from the yground area.


    I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s thinking about the expenses. He¡¯s too young for that.


    I sighed and bit my lip in frustration.


    ¡°Oh my god. Why is it even that expensive? Don¡¯t they get ceased for that? They should consider those who can¡¯t afford like us. Geez! Aish! Brylle¡¯s birthday is also around the corner and it¡¯d be his first time to enter such ce that he wanted ever since. That¡¯s okay Nass, it¡¯s for Brylle. Just for Brylle.¡± I quickly muttered to myself while Zeke wasn¡¯t looking.


    I felt someone¡¯s hand on my shoulder and I looked at Zeke.


    ¡°His birthday is near?¡± I was confused at his question at first but I nodded. Wait?! Did he heard everything I whispered?


    He suddenly smiled and went towards Brylle. He said something to him which made my baby¡¯s face gleam in delight. He ran to me and jumped up and down.


    ¡°Mama! Papa said, I can go inside. He insisted to pay for it. Can I? Can I?¡± I raised an eyebrow at Zeke which made him touch his nape.


    I sighed then nodded at Brylle. We immediately went to thedy in charge of the yground.


    Zeke and I followed with a smile on our faces.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    As soon as Brylle entered, he immediately started engaging with the other kids and yed. He¡¯s getting good at socializing.


    Zeke and I both leaned by the railings while watching Brylle.


    ¡°Thank you, Zeke.¡± I looked at him and let out a smile. He was just looking through the ss that led to inside.


    ¡°Like you said, it¡¯s his birthday and I really needed to give him something. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s cheap.¡± I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s so expensive! You¡¯re saying that because you¡¯re rich. I¡¯m just a maid anyway¡± I got confused as his face changed into something serious.


    ¡°We don¡¯t see you as a maid, Nass. Especially Kei. You¡¯re special for him.¡± I felt my body froze. Okayy. Don¡¯t you dare be flustered, Nassandra.


    ¡°S-Stop that. I was just joking¡± I sighed which made him stare at me.


    Suddenly we heard a ringing sound which made me look at Zeke who checked his phone. His eyebrows furrowed before answering the call.


    His face darkened as he listened to the caller.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go there immediately.¡± He sighed before ending the call.


    He looks at me and held both of my hands.


    ¡°Nassandra, I¡¯m really sorry but I have to go. There was an emergency.¡± I nodded at him, understanding why he had to go.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Zeke. Thank you for giving uspany.¡± He nodded then puts out five thousand bills. What he did got me shocked.


    ¡°If you needed anything else, here¡¯s the money.¡± He hands me the money which I just stared at.


    ¡°W-Wait¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if you used the money, I¡¯ll just tell Kei to cut your sry down. Okay?¡± Having no choice, I just nodded and epted the bills. This¡¯ll serve as an extra packet. I might get broke before I knew it.


    He pecked a kiss on my cheek before walking away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll text Kei! Say goodbye to Brylle for me. Were hisst words before getting far.


    I sighed. I wonder what just happened? From the looks of the voice that just called him, it¡¯s seems very very important.


    I went back to leaning against the railings and watched Brylle who just went on ying.


    ¡°Nass?¡± I turned to my side and saw Katie wearing orange sunsses and a stunning dress while behind her was a down-in-the-dumps Theo holding multiple paper bags from different shops.


    I stood properly and removed my arms from the railings.


    ¡°Katie, Theo. Just went shopping?¡± As I asked, from a confused expression Katie shes a smile at me and clung to my arm.


    ¡°Ohh, yes. We¡¯re going to have a photoshoot so we needed brand new clothes.¡± I smiled at her and nodded. I nced at Theo who just had his head low.


    ¡°U-Uhmmm. Do you need any help there?¡± I offered which made him shocked at what I just said. He looked up his gaze to me.


    ¡°Ahhh, Ehhhhh,¡± He looked around as if he¡¯s looking for the right words to say.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him, Nassandra. He¡¯s shy but he¡¯s strong. He can handle that.¡± Katie carelessly says as if she didn¡¯t care about her twin. At that moment, Theo throws a re at her and I was stunned at what he just said.


    ¡°You just bought a lot of stuff!¡± He said in annoyance. My mouth gaped to which thetter noticed and kept quiet again. He¡¯s shy with other people all except for his sister.


    ¡°Hahahahaha!¡± We both turned to Katie who was justughing and we gave her a look as if she¡¯s getting crazy.


    ¡°Wow, looks like Nassandra¡¯s look is more effective. I¡¯m slightly offended.¡± She said in a serious tone, my eyes widened.


    ¡°H-Huh? Well, sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to, I¡¯m naturally just like that.¡± She smiled and patted my shoulders.


    ¡°Just kidding. Anyway, what are you doing here? Shopping, too?¡± It was my turn to think of something to say. Should I mention to her that I¡¯m with Brylle who¡¯s currently in the ystation?


    ¡°Ahh, I was with Zeke earlier. There was an emergency so he had to leave.¡± Katie raised a brow and I also noticed Theo looking up to me. I know what they¡¯re thinking.


    ¡°Are you his girlfriend?¡± She seriously asked. This made me worry if there was something wrong with what I just said that got them triggered. I shook my head at them.


    ¡°Nope, just my driver.¡± Katie suddenly burst intoughter.


    ¡°Wow, you called that prideful man your driver.¡± She continued onughing as mine and Theo¡¯s eyes met out of nowhere which made himugh a bit.


    ¡°Mama!¡± I heard Brylle calling so I immediately looked inside. I saw him struggling from the staff¡¯s grip, probably because they can¡¯t let the kids go without their guardians.


    I worriedly walked towards the entrance and that¡¯s where the staff let Brylle go. He seemed devastated as he ran back to me.


    I returned his hug and carried him.


    ¡°Brylle, what¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked feeling nervous. Something might¡¯ve happened to him.


    ¡°Where is Papa? Did he leave us already?¡± He cries. My eyes widened. He might have remembered his true father. I held him tight.


    ¡°Baby, papa needs to go somewhere that¡¯s why he left. He asked me to say goodbye for you.¡± He looks at me with a questioning look.


    ¡°Mama, what if something happens to him? We should go to where he is.¡± I heaved out a sigh at what he said. He clearly remembers his father.


    I held Brylle¡¯s cheeks to wipe away his sweat. What should I do? What am I suppose to say so he wouldn¡¯t worry so much?


    ¡°Your papa is safe, kid. Here, he texted me.¡± I was surprised as Theo walked to us, holding his phone. We both looked at the conversation he showed. I¡¯m quite amazed that he could manage to hold his phone while holding all those paper bags.


    Theo: Hey! Where are you?


    Zeke: I had an emergency. You mentioned that you¡¯re at the mall, right?


    Theo: Yes, with Katie and I helped her with her shopping.


    Zeke: Can you go check out Nass? She¡¯s at the children¡¯s yground at the second floor.


    Theo: Oh, well, we bumped into her actually. We are with her already.


    Zeke: Okay, thanks. Kei ordered to look out for her.


    Theo: Okay, btw. There¡¯s a kid here and he says he¡¯s looking for his father.


    We both furrowed our eyebrows while reading the conversation on Theo¡¯s phone. Can Brylle read the messages? And what¡¯s with Theo¡¯s messages? Does he know anything about Brylle and Zeke?


    Zeke: Oh, tell him that I¡¯m alright and I just needed to go somewhere.


    ¡°See? He¡¯s alright, kid.¡± Brylle pouts andter lets out a wide grin.


    ¡°Okay!¡± I smiled at his energy and pinched his cheeks. I saw Theo smiling as well.


    ¡°Do you want to go back, Brylle?¡± He looks back at the yground.


    He shook his head and burried his face on my neck.


    ¡°I¡¯m already tired.¡± He yawned and closed his eyes. I fixed the way I carried him so he¡¯d befortable.


    ¡°Hold on a second, Nassandra. You have a son??? Who¡¯s the father? Is it Zeke???¡± Katie loudly asked which made Theo scold her for Brylle might wake up. Shoot. For a minute there I thought I could just keep it a secret from them. I sighed.


    ¡°He¡¯s just adopted.¡± The smile returned to her face as she looks at Brylle.


    ¡°So cuteee. How old is he? Ohh¡ª does Kei know about that?¡± I furrowed my eyebrows.


    ¡°First of all, he¡¯s four years old turning five in the next two weeks. And second, why do I have to tell Kei, exactly?¡± Katie scratched her nape.


    ¡°If he figures out that you have a child, he might misunderstood you. Kei is one possessive man.¡± This made me even more confused.


    ¡°So what if he figures out? It¡¯s not like there¡¯s something going between us or something.¡± Katie¡¯s face turned serious.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious, girl. There¡¯s something between the two of you. Kei changed ever since you came.¡± I coughed upon hearing her statement. Careful enough so I wouldn¡¯t wake the sleeping Brylle.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m just his maid, that¡¯s it.¡± I said, flustered. Is that what I¡¯m really feeling? My heart is suddenly racing, as well.


    ¡°Okaayyy,¡± Her eyes roamed around until itnded on a expensive shop.


    ¡°Ow!¡± She pulled me all the way there.


    ¡°You should help me pick some clothes, Nassandra.¡± She said, smirking while I had no choice but to follow her. I saw Theo face-palmed.

 Chapter 29

    ¡°Nass,¡± Keian called. I chose to ignore him and continued reading. As usual, he asked me to stay here in his study. I got used to that demand of his. Besides, I also get to enjoy myself by reading books and starring at his face.


    His oh-so gorgeous face. His beautiful eyes¡­¡ª-huh?! Wait, what?


    I internally sighed. I¡¯ve been spending a lot of time with him for so long, geez!


    ¡°Hmmm?¡± I heard movement to which I still ignored and focused my attention to the book I¡¯m reading.


    ¡°What time is it?¡± I turned to Keian whose face is so near to mine as he whispered. I swallowed a lump in my throat.


    My heart was racing as I nced at the clock of his study. Why did he need to ask me? Doesn¡¯t he know how to read the time?


    ¡°U-Uhmmm. It¡¯s quarter to eight in the morning.¡± I turned back to him who¡¯s just staring back at me.


    His face got even more closer which caused me to lie down on the couch I was sitting on earlier.


    He¡¯s on top of me but not totally squishing me. He held both of my wrists.


    ¡°K-Keian?¡± He¡¯s just starring at me intently.


    ¡°Your nickname of me is so hot.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at what he just said. Also trying hard not to feel flustered. What on earth is he saying?


    ¡°H-Huh?¡± His face got closer which caused my eyes crossing due to the fact that I¡¯m just looking into his eyes.


    Later, he sat on my thigh and sighed. Eh?


    ¡°You will go with me in my office.¡± My creased eyebrows deepened.


    ¡°Is that a request or amand?¡± I asked, confused as ever. Even though I seem to know what he¡¯s talking about.


    ¡°Thetter. You¡¯re my maid so you will go with me everywhere.¡± He stood up and walked towards his desk. Demanding much.


    I sat up and turned to him at the back of the sofa.


    ¡°Excuse me, sir, I¡¯m a maid, not a secretary.¡± I said with annoyance. He looks at me and gets something from his desk before walking back and pulled me out of the study.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You have no choice.¡± I rolled my eyes while letting him pull me.


    He brought me in front of the maid¡¯s quarters and that¡¯s where he lets go of his grip. I raised a brow at him.


    ¡°What am I gonna do here?¡± I creased my eyebrows at him.


    ¡°Change into something formal.¡± My mouth gaped in shock. He was suddenly confused at my reaction.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You think I¡¯d bring something formal here when I applied to work as a maid?¡± I pointed out. Does he think that if I work here, I¡¯d bring a dress?


    His eyebrows raised but his expression went back to being cold.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± Yeah, that¡¯s right! Tsk!


    He pulled me again up to the stairs while his other hand was typing on his cellphone, probably texting.


    I just let him pull. What else am I suppose to do?


    He brought me to some room here in the mansion and carelessly walked in.


    ¡°H-Hey! Don¡¯t you dare barge into someone¡¯s room just like that!¡± I lectured but he just gave me a nk look.


    ¡°It¡¯s ra¡¯s room, I already sent her a message.¡± My brows furrowed. Who is ra?


    ¡°It¡¯s Nic¡¯s little sister.¡±


    ¡°Huh? I didn¡¯t ask anything.¡± He walks to the closet that you was there and opened it.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious on your face.¡± I pouted. Am I really that easy to read???


    He rubs his jaw as he was deep in thought.


    ¡°Pick anything here. The one that suits my office.¡± He stated then looked back to me.


    I had no choice but to walk towards the closet. The one that suits his office? I never saw his office!


    My eyes shimmered at the sight of clothes in the closet. They¡¯re all lovely!!!


    I happily rummaged through the clothes. One day, I¡¯m going to earn myself something like this.


    I grabbed aced top and partnered it with some fashionable cks. I also grabbed a sando-like crop-top and loose pants tobine it with a zer. All ck in colour.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± I showed Keian the twobinations I made and asked for his opinion.


    But I¡¯m still notfortable with the fact that I¡¯m wearing other people¡¯s clothes¡­


    He observed the two garments. I think he¡¯s going to choose the ck one. That¡¯s probably his favourite colour.


    ¡°Wear this.¡± He pointed the ck clothes. I knew it.


    ¡°Okay, ma?tre.¡± I sarcastically remarked. He just raised a brow and just stood on his spomin


    Is he just gonna stay there tillter? I observed him from head to toe. Isn¡¯t he going to change, as well?


    ¡°I have my suit in my office ready.¡± I gaped my mouth once again. Am I really that predictable???


    ¡°Nass,¡± I was shocked when he suddenly drew his face near mine.


    ¡°Hey! Keian! My cheeks!¡± How dare he pinch my face! That was painful!


    I looked into his eyes directly only to see his cold expression.


    ¡°Cute,¡± I stoped at what he said. Wait, I¡¯m having a hard time processing his words in my mind. Did he just say cute?


    His gaze softened andter our lips almost touched. I just stood there, wide-eyed.


    He distanced himself and smiled as he held both of my cheeks. Wait! He smiled!


    ¡°Baby,¡± he stated and happilyid down on the room¡¯s bed. Did he just call me baby??!!


    Eh?


    Looks like he¡¯s in a good mood today.


    I looked at him whose eyes are being covered by his arms, I can¡¯t help but smile.


    I went to the bathroom to change. It¡¯s been a while since I wore fancy clothes like these. Ever since I started living in the streets.


    I gasped as I got out, feeling a bit ashamed at what I look like. But the clothes are really just stunning.


    Keian sits up from the bed and slightly looked at me. His eyes widened at first but then he smiled in the end.


    ¡°H-How do I look?¡± I walked to him like a model.


    ¡°You look beautiful and sexy.¡± He said in a husky voice. This made me blush real hard.


    He pulled me to sit on the floor in front of him, my back facing him.


    He caressed his fingers through my hair as if he wasbing it and I can¡¯t help but yawn since his gesture is making me feel sleepy.


    He grabs my hand and harshly get the wrist band around my wrists.


    I was about to turn my head to shot him a re but he steadied my head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± He coldly said and I just rolled my eyes as I faced the floor.


    I felt him trying to tie my hair. Wow, he actually knows how to do that?!


    As he lets go of my head, I touched his work. My long hair is tied in a high ponytail but it¡¯s too loose that it might fall off quickly.


    It¡¯s cute.


    ¡°Pfft!¡ª¡± I covered my mouth so my grin wouldn¡¯t show till I felt a dark presence behind me.


    I started to tie my hair properly.


    I calmed myself down since he might get mad at me. As I heard him sigh, I stood up and faced him who returned his cold facial expression.


    ¡°Get whatever shoes you want in ra¡¯s shoe rack.¡± He stated and pointed his hand. I raised a brow as I walked to the shoe rack he was talking about.


    I grabbed a half inch stiletto heels that are ck in colour and wore it.


    Keian walks his way to me which made me stand up properly.


    ¡°Heh.¡± I smirked since the shoes made me taller, causing me to almost reach his height. He just continuously starred at me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he says while holding my hand. And as usual, I let him pull me wherever he went.


    At the front door there was already a car waiting along with an middle-aged man.


    ¡°Good morning, ma?tre.¡± He greets then bowed. Keian nodded as the man opened the car door for us. Keian lets me sit there first. He¡¯s a fine gentleman after all.


    Keian was still holding my hand during the car ride and even up until we were at one of the tallest buildings.


    I looked at where the car stopped. Goodness, it¡¯s so huge.


    At the entrance I read the huge sign that says Marques Manufacturing and there are also a few staff in line.


    Manong Lardoes out of the car and opens the door for us again. Kei was about to go out but he¡¯s still not letting go of my hand and on the spot we¡¯re sitting on.


    He raised a brow at me and of course, I also raised my brows in return.


    ¡°What?¡± He was a bit irritated as he asked.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to let go of my hand?¡± His eyebrows creased, his action might be permanentter. I sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯m your maid, Keian.¡± I said with emphasis which made his expression cold. He squeezed my hand before letting it go and walking out of the car.


    I followed him while the man held my hand to assist me in going down.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He smiles back to me in return and ms the car door shut.


    Kei started to walk so fast that I needed to catch up to him. Geez.


    I wasn¡¯t surprised when all of the staff bowed their heads to him as soon as we arrived at the entrance.


    ¡°Good morning, sir.¡± The employees would always greet everytime they see us which Keian would just nod or give them a look in response.


    While walking, someone came along with us; a man wearing a suit and eyesses.


    I also noticed him having a hard time catching up with Kei, even me. This man¡¯s steps are so wide.


    ¡°Good morning, sir.¡± Kei looks at him and nodded.


    ¡°Mrs. Santos from the metal works factory wants to talk to you. She demands that it¡¯s urgent.¡± Kei returned his gaze at front.


    ¡°Talk to Penny about my schedule.¡±


    ¡°But sir, she ssys she really needs to talk to you.¡± He ignored the words and when the man looked at me, I was the one who muttered out a sorry to which he just nodded.


    Keian goes inside an elevator separate from the others. Looks like this one¡¯s specially made for him.


    We go there and he pressed the 21st floor.


    It¡¯s eerily quiet as the elevator climbed up. For a minute there I guess Kei got in a bad mood because of me. I internally sighed.


    As the elevator opened, I followed mypanion who seems like he¡¯s always in a hurry.


    ¡°Good morning, sir.¡± There are around five stalls in here and everybody that was in there stood up as they saw Kei.


    As we went to his office, a woman showing her cleavage greeted us enthusiastically. I blinked my eyes at the sight of her.


    ¡°Hi sir.¡± She says with style which made my eyes shot her a re.


    ¡°Penny, my schedule.¡± Ahh, so she¡¯s the secretary. The woman looks at the clipboard she¡¯s holding and started to enumerate.


    ¡°¡­and you have a meeting with the marketing department at 3:30 pm.¡± I gaped at all the tasks pending in his schedule. If he has a lot of work back home, he surely has a ton here in his office.


    I can¡¯t help but notice Penny lowering her body on purpose just to flex her chest. Fine, you win. Geez.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Keian only replies, ignoring the way his secretary was flirting with him. Ha! Good for you!


    I tried hard not to let out a smirk as we entered Kei¡¯s office.


    I looked around and was stunned as his office was much more bigger than his study back at the mansion.


    There was also arge window that reached the floor and you can clearly see the view outside. There¡¯s also a couch here and a coffee table with a lot of bookshelves.


    I stopped as Keian faced me. We¡¯re so near with each other and I was gazing upon him, looking through his eyes.


    ¡°W-Why?¡± His eyes are extremely beautiful. It¡¯d be nicer if he sharpen his look, yeah. It¡¯ll be more attractive. I¡¯m sarcastic.


    ¡°Mine.¡± He stares at me for a long time before turning around and walked towards his desk.


    .


    .


    .


    Ehhhh????

 Chapter 30

    I just stared at Keian who¡¯s just leaning on his swivel chair with his eyes closed while his hands are on his desk. I don¡¯t know why but he kept on sighing over and over. Looks like he¡¯s really tired.


    ~


    We both turned our heads to the door as Penny the secretary came inside. Why do I sense her shirt lowered even more?


    The woman lets out a very wide smile at our mafia boss. She¡¯s also holding a cup that¡¯s probably filled with coffee.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your coffee, sir.¡± She sweetly said. I secretly rolled my eyes and decided to browse in my phone.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Kei softly replied. I looked back to them and saw the woman still standing next to the deskhe


    I raised my brows. I don¡¯t why. I¡¯m just annoyed at her presence.


    Keian noticed her still standing there and he casts a look at her.


    ¡°What?¡± Penny smiled wider, showing her gums.


    ¡°I just want to know what the coffee tastes like. I changed my way of making you coffee, unlikest time.¡± Oh wow. Can she just leave? I¡¯m so bothered of her clothing.


    I crossed my legs as I red at the wall in front of me. Poor wall.


    Keian drinks the coffee and shook his head a bit. Ha!


    ¡°It has the same taste, Penny. Now go. You still have a lot of work to do, right?¡± He harshly said. Good for you! Blehh.


    Okayyy¡­ I¡¯m bing childish. But I can¡¯t help it!


    Penny frowned as she left which made me smirk.


    ¡°Baby,¡± I turned to Keian. Is he calling me?


    ¡°Can you make me coffee?¡± I raised a brow at him and he just sighs.


    We suddenly had a staring contest¡­


    Don¡¯t you dare blink, Nass¡­


    Don¡¯t!


    I gasped as I blinked. Geez!


    ¡°There¡¯s a kitchen to your left after the door.¡±


    I stood up from the couch and started to walk away.


    Before I could get far from him, I saw him let out a smile. Aishhh!


    Just like what Kei said, as I went out of his office, I turned left where there was a door and opened it.


    I just noticed that everyone outside Keian¡¯s office is not in their stalls anymore. I heard some voices in the kitchen and I think they¡¯re all eating lunch.


    ¡°Hey! Sir Andrew¡¯sdy friend is so pretty, don¡¯t you think?¡± Says a woman which made me slow down my walking pace to know what they¡¯re about to gossip me.


    ¡°I think she¡¯s just Sir¡¯s y woman¡± That¡¯s Penny voice! Geez! I might get to her real soon!


    They allughed and I took it as a perfect timing to enter the kitchen.


    Turning their heads to me, I ignored them making my way directly to the coffee maker.


    They fell silent and the sound of my heels was the only thing being heard at that moment. I looked straight, showing a cold expression. Ha!


    I continued to ignore them and made coffee for that excellent Keian, even here in his office, I¡¯m still his maid.


    ¡°Uhmm, excuse me.¡± I turned to the person who spoke who was actually Penny. I let out a very very sweet smile.


    ¡°Yes?¡± They were all looking at me as the secretary rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Who are you? Are you one of our boss¡¯ women?¡± She harshly asked. I kept quiet and continued to make the coffee.


    ¡°Are you deaf? I asked you something, didn¡¯t I?¡± I closed my mouth at Penny¡¯s question as my back is still facing them so they wouldn¡¯t see my action. I didn¡¯t mind them until I walked out of the kitchen, carrying Kei¡¯s coffee.


    I faced them and smsmirkinContent (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m maid for the mafia boss.¡± I contently left the kitchen while their mouths hung open.


    Keian looks at me as I entered his office and I was shocked as he was smirking.


    ¡°What did you say to my employees?¡± He raised a brow at me and I just sighed as I ced his coffee on his table.


    ¡°Nothing. I didn¡¯t do anything wrong.¡± I innocently replied and that¡¯s where I saw hisputer is on and on the screen were CCTV footages.


    I was about to go back to his couch until he pulled me down to hisp. My eyes widened as I felt his breath on my nape.


    ¡°Hey, Keian! Let me go!¡± I cursed since he¡¯s holding my waist.


    ¡°No.¡± He announced with conviction and grabbed the cup of coffee. I watched him taking a sip from it and smiled with satisfaction.


    My heart is racing as I feelfortable being near him. But then we will be suspected once someone sees us in this state.


    ¡°Keian! Let go!¡± I struggled to free myself from his grip but he just tightened his hold on me.


    ¡°If someone barges in here!¡± I threatened but he just gave me a nk look.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± He ced the coffee back on the table. I gasped as he¡¯s so stubbron! Much more stubborn than a child!


    I had no choice when he leaned against my shoulder and closed his eyes. Making me his living pillow.


    Looks like he¡¯s really tired.


    When he yawned, I did the same. It¡¯s ultimately boring here. Why did he have to drag me to this ce anyway.


    Kei opened one eye and noticed me yawning. He held my forehead and pressed the back of head down to his chest. What the?!


    ¡°Sleep.¡± He orders. I rolled my eyes at him even though his eyes are closed and can¡¯t see me.


    I was about to close my eyes when suddenly there was a noise outside.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you can¡¯t just barge inside.¡± I heard someone say, probably Penny.


    ¡°And why? Kei is inside, right?¡± A woman? Who could that be? Kei¡¯s head popped up as he looked at the door.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± I stood up properly as someone might be going inside.


    ¡°Nass¡ª¡±


    ¡°Kei!!!!¡± I immediately distanced myself as I looked at tall, thin woman who just entered.


    She¡¯s wearing a red dress, her hair is curly and her lipstick was also red.


    Kei raised a brow at the woman who came to him.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Mrs. Santos?¡± Kei asked, giving the Mrs. word an emphasis. Don¡¯t tell me this woman already had a husband yet still bothers to flirt with Kei?!


    Wait, why do I even care about that?


    (You¡¯re just jealous)


    Who¡¯s jealous? I¡¯m not jealous.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡± The woman ignored me as she held Kei¡¯s hand. Whereas the gentleman didn¡¯t even bother letting go of the gesture.


    I turned my back at them and once again, I red at the wall.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just leave, sir. Looks like you needed some privacy.¡± I saw the woman turn to me who looked shocked upon realizing there¡¯s another person here.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± She bluntly asked. I chose to ignore her and went for the doorno


    ¡°Is this your employee, Kei?! She has no respect!¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Vien!¡± The woman fell silent upon hearing Kei shout. Ha! What are you now?!


    ¡°Nass, stay.¡± I blinked repeatedly. What am I? A dog?


    ¡°What the¡ª-¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Keian coldly asks Mrs. Santos. She stopped for a sceond but ultimately smiled brightly in the end.


    ¡°As I said, we need to talk.¡± Keian sighed and held the bridge of his nose.


    ¡°We have nothing to talk about.¡± The woman pouted and probably even pleaded. Tsk.


    ¡°It¡¯s about your shipment. Just about business.¡± He smirked as everyone in the office knew she¡¯s not just after Kei¡¯s business.


    ¡°Talk to my secretary. She will give you an appointment.¡± I let them talk while tidying up around Kei¡¯s office. It looks messy when you observe it.


    I grabbed a broom and sweeped the floors.


    ¡°What are you doing?! And who the hell do you think you are?¡± Vien annoyingly turns to me. I smirked at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m his maid.¡± I nodded at Keian who gave me a skeptical look. I continued on cleaning.


    ¡°Kei?!¡±


    ¡°Just leave this office, Vien. You¡¯ll have your appointment.¡± She looks at Keian in disbelief and shot a vicious regoodness


    ¡°Argghhh! Fine!¡± She stomped her way out of the office and looked like she was in the verge of crying. Oh my goodness.


    ¡°Pffttt¡ª¡± I covered my mouth but I still can¡¯t help butugh. I must be getting crazy. It¡¯s all because of this idiot¡¯s fault.


    ¡°Seems like you¡¯re enjoying yourself.¡± Kei gives me a cold look but he can¡¯t hide the hint of amusement on his face.


    ¡°Wait, sorry. Hahaha!¡± I calmed myself down. Nass, it¡¯s not nice tough when something bad just happened. Yes, correct correct.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± I was stunned as Keian pulled me out of the office. There he goes with him pulling again.


    ¡°Now where are you taking me?!¡± Iined to him.


    ¡°To a meeting.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows, still letting him pull me.


    ¡°And you had to carry me along?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re my maid.¡± I shook my head but in the end I just let him drag me to his meeting. It¡¯s pretty boring in his office, anyway.

 Chapter 31

    My eyebrows are raised while listening to the person presenting in front of Keian at the moment.


    It was the marketing director, discussing about the proposal he just thought.


    ¡°That¡¯s all, thank you.¡± Everyone pped their hands for him except for Keian and me. Even Steven was pping his hands and even looked impressed at the director¡¯s presentation. He¡¯s dressed well right now which made him look professional.


    Keian noticed me not pping my hands and my face letting out a weird look. In the end, he sighed.


    I looked at the marketing director.


    ¡°That¡¯s a great proposal, Roxas!¡± One of the men here in the conference roompliments.


    ¡°Thank you, sir. I worked so hard for it. I¡¯m d all of it was worth it.¡± I secretly rolled my eyes and clicked my tongue.


    ¡°Ehem,¡± Kei coughed.


    Then there was silence as soon as Keian lets out a fake cough at the same time, the cold expression on his face.


    ¡°Kei?¡± Steven calls out, confused. I¡¯m quite stunned that he¡¯s Kei¡¯s right hand when ites to business. He says he¡¯s good in handling business.


    He suddenly appeared in front of me out of nowhere while walking¡ª- I mean while Kei was pulling me. The employees even turned to me the moment I screamed in shock.


    (The author don¡¯t speak french and do not know anyone who speaks french, trantions are only from an app)


    ¡°Que pouvez-vous dire de pr¨¦sentation? (What can you say about the presentation?)¡± Steven furrowed his eyebrows upon hearing Kei speaking French, so does everyone else in the room.


    ¡°Quelle? Pourquoi parlons-nous en fran?ais? (What? Why are we speaking in French?)¡± I listened to their conversation, interested even though no one can¡¯t understand what they are saying. Kei¡¯s eyes got colder as he sighed.


    ¡°R¨¦ponds juste, Steven. (Just answer, Steven.)¡± Thetter pouted as he thought of a response.


    ¡°Hmm, sa proposition est excellente, je pense que c aidera beaucoup soci¨¦t¨¦. (His proposal is great, I think it will help thepany.)¡± Everyone in the room can¡¯t seem to keep their cool as they have no idea what the two are talking about in front of them. Especially Mr. Roxas.


    ¡°Il prend tous les cr¨¦dits pour proposition qu¡¯il n¡¯a m¨ºme pas faite. (He takes all the credit for the presentation that he, don¡¯t even do.)¡± Steven¡¯s eyes widened and looked skeptical.


    ¡°What do you mean, Kei?¡± Asked Steven which made everyone¡¯s eyes on him, also breathing a sigh of relief since they finally understood something from the two.


    Keian doesn¡¯t answer Steven and touched his temple.


    ¡°Putain, je veux d¨¦j¨¤ dormir. (Damn, I want to sleep already.)¡± He whispers and I raised a brow at him as he ran his fingers through the back of his hair.


    Me and Steven¡¯s eyes met and he still looks confused than ever.


    I leaned over to my seat and crossed my arms to my chest.


    ¡°Ce n¡¯est pas lui qui a fait pr¨¦sentation mais il pr¨¦tend que c¡¯est sienne, c¡¯est ce qui Kei essaie de dire. (He isn¡¯t the one who made the presentation but he¡¯s iming it¡¯s his, is what Kei is trying to say.¡± I stated to which Steven looks at me in disbelief.


    ¡°Vous savez parler Fran?ais?! (You know how to speak French?!)¡± I saw Kei turned his head to me.


    ¡°Ne parlons pas de ?a maintenant. (Let¡¯s not talk about that now.)¡± Steven smirks and drew his face near me since we¡¯re just beside each other.


    ¡°Alors qui le fait? (Then who made it?)¡± There¡¯s somewhat excitement in Steven¡¯s eyes but when you stare at it longer, you¡¯d be frightened.


    I nodded at a woman sitting by the wall behind the people in front of us.


    They were surprised to where I nodded which made them turn to the woman.


    ¡°Elle l¡¯a fait. C¡¯est ¨¦vident parce qu¡¯il continue de regarder et qu¡¯elle donne des instructions ¨¤ son directeu. (She did. It¡¯s obvious because he keeps on looking at her and she¡¯s giving directions to her director.)¡± Steven looks at Kei who nodded and slightly smiled at my direction.


    ¡°Oww. I get it now.¡± Steven stands up and looked at Mr. Roxas, smirking. The man was surprised and looked even scared.


    ¡°Roxas!¡± Steven looks at the man seriously.


    ¡°S-Sir? Do you need anything? A question, perhaps?¡± Steven smirked again.


    ¡°Actually, yes.¡± Mr. Roxas heaved a sigh of relief, as if his chest became lighter.


    I was just looking at the woman who seemed nervous. Her eyes widened as we met eye contact. I smiled at her. She was surprised at first but smiled back eventually.


    ¡°How much is the revenue of Sanders Manufacturing Corporation, ourpetitor, wherein you stated in your presentation that we don¡¯t need to worry about?¡± Mr. Roxas was stopped upon Steven¡¯s question which made him more ufortable.


    ¡°Uhmmm, if I may recall correctly¡­¡± He turned slightly to the woman who widened his eyes at her. She jumped a bit and I noticed her lips moving.


    ¡°What?!¡± I read from Mr. Roxas¡¯ mouth.


    ¡°Mr. Roxas?¡± Keian called and because of this, the pretender jumped in surprise.


    ¡°U-Uhmm, let me just check in the slide of my presentation.¡± Really?! His presentation?! Until when is he going to pretend that he made that presentation?! Arggghh!


    ¡°You!¡± They a turned to me when I called the woman whom I kept my eyes locked on.


    ¡°Y-Yes, ma¡¯am?¡± She immediately stands up. I saw Steven smirking.


    ¡°What is the answer?¡± I asked in a slightly bossy tone. I can¡¯t help it. She took a deep breath as she kept on ncing at her boss.


    I furrowed my eyebrows at her as if telling her not to be afraid of her boss. She nodded and took a deep breath.


    ¡°That will be¡­ 59, 678 dors, ma¡¯am, sir.¡± I smiled contently.


    ¡°And why should we not be afraid of Sanders Manufacturing Corporation?¡± She took another deep breath before walking to our table and confidently smiled.


    ¡°Because based on the research of our team, many of their clients areining about their products. And also, we are using finer quality and we have more resources than them.¡± I nodded while smiling.


    ¡°Yes, Reina. That¡¯s true.¡± Mr. Roxas intervenes.


    ¡°Stop it, Roxas.¡± He went silent because of Kei¡¯s words.


    Keian looks at Reina and asked if she was really the one who made the presentation.


    ¡°Y-Yes, I did.¡±


    ¡°Liar! Don¡¯t you dare make such tales!¡± Mr. Roxas shouted which made Kei stood up from his seat.


    ¡°Shut up, Roxas.¡± He said with deep emphasis. Then there was a long deafening silence¡­


    ¡°I always knew about your doings, Roxas. And now, you won¡¯t be able to do that anymore. You¡¯re fired.¡± Mr. Roxas shed a death re at Keian.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been working here for a long time and had a lot of contributions to thispany! And now you¡¯re letting me go¡ª¡± He stopped yelling when Steven went near him and held his fist tightly.


    ¡°Roxas, you shouldn¡¯t answer back to Kei. Careful, you might be dead before you knew it.¡± Kei¡¯s face darkened as he also clenched his palms.


    I suddenly got nervous since they might actually do something to Mr. Roxas so I stood up and went to Keian.


    He looks extremely outraged but he¡¯s just controlling it. I rolled my eyes before holding his hand.


    It¡¯s my turn to pull him around! And he will just let himself pulled by me.


    He gasped as I brought him back to his office.


    ¡°Andrew,¡± I called, my hands on my waists. His eyes looked up to me.


    His gaze softened and he suddenly pulled me to his chest. I heard him breathing in a fast pace.


    He quietly burries his face on my neck. Even though I felt tickles by his breath, I just let him.


    ¡°Nass¡­¡± His grip tightened so I just wrapped my arm around him.


    ¡°Hmmm?¡± I only replied which made him silent.


    ¡°My old friend died because of work pressure.¡± My eyes widened at his statement. Did he just remember his friend from the events earlier?


    ¡°U-Uhhm.¡± I obviously don¡¯t know what to say so I just shut my mouth and listened to what he had to say.


    ¡°And I don¡¯t want it to happen again.¡± I nodded and broke the distance from him.


    ¡°It will not happen again, Kei.¡± I reassured him. To be honest I really don¡¯t know what truly happened but he¡¯s already the boss of thispany and I know nothing will happen as long as he¡¯s here.


    With a nk expression on his face, he holds my cheek with his right hand.


    Wahhh. His hand is so warm.


    I pressed my cheek nearer to his hand since I feel so light whenever he holds me.


    He tucks in the hair that was covering my eyes as we stared at each other for a long time. A very long time.


    ¡°Ehem.¡± As I heard a fake cough, I immediately distanced myself from Keian. What were you doing, Nass?! Ah!


    Keian shes another re at Steven while I lowered my head, feeling red like a tomato.


    ¡°Do you want me to go out so you can continue?¡± Steven asked, smirking. Keian rolled his eyes at him and went to his desk and sat down.


    ¡°What do you want, Prince?¡± Wait. Prince? Is that his second name?!


    ¡°Pffft-¡± I covered my mouth to prevent myughter.


    ¡°Ehhh! Kei, how dare you. Don¡¯t you call me like that! Especially in front of Nassandra!¡± Comined Prince-I mean, Steven.


    ¡°You¡¯re like a child.¡± I whispered to myself but it seems like he heard it since he red at my direction. I raised a brow at him.


    ¡°Haysst. Anyway, you okay, Alpha?¡± Steven looked at Kei who¡¯s got his head down on his desk. Reminds me of being a high school student.


    ¡°Tsk. Yeah.¡± Steven and I looked at each other.


    ¡°What happened to Mr. Roxas, Prince?¡± I asked while smirking. He sighed as he faced me.


    ¡°Call me Steven but we kicked him out of the building. Oh! And I made Ms. Reina the Marketing Director. Is that alright, Keiranz?¡± Keian looked up to him and nodded.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Kei!!!¡± We all turned our heads to Zeke who just arrived in the office, catching his breathe.


    Keian replies with his eyebrows creased.


    ¡°What happened, Nic?¡± Zeke tried to catch his breath before answering¡­

 Chapter 32

    ¡°Erick and Devon are having trouble with Buenavista¡¯s mafia. They¡¯re caught!¡± Kei stood up at what just Zeke announced. My heart suddenly raced due to nervousness. What happened?!


    ¡°What¡¯s their condition?¡± Kei¡¯s still have his cold expression but he¡¯s obviously worried for the two.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly but they sent a message to the radio of my car. They need backup.¡± Keian thought for a second before nodding at Zeke.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll talk about our n in the car.¡± Kei continuosly walked outside, just passing me by. Hello?


    ¡°Kei? How about Nassandra?¡± Steven asked. Both of the men were surprised which made them turn at me.


    ¡°Uhhmmm. I¡¯ll just go back to the mansion on my own.¡± Keian¡¯s got his eyebrows furrowed as he walked to me.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not safe.¡± He faced Zeke.


    ¡°Text Theo. Tell him to drive Nassandra home.¡± Zeke looks over to his phone and immediately types a message. Then there was an immediate notification.


    ¡°His gig at the club is going to start in 45 minutes. He said it¡¯s important, he can¡¯t leave.¡± Keian lets ouy a heaved sigh.


    ¡°Give me the damn phone.¡± Zeke hands the phone to Kei. He typed very quickly which made the notifications rummage in quickly, as well.


    As he was finished, he returned the phone to Zeke and turned to me.


    ¡°Theo will bring you to his gig. You wait there until we show up.¡± I just nodded since I might be a hindrance to their supposed destination.


    ¡°Yes, ma?tre.¡± I said with my gaze lowered. I don¡¯t know why but I have a bad feeling about this. Something bad might happen to them and I¡¯m worried.


    ¡°Nass,¡± I felt Keian held on my hand so I looked up to him.


    ¡°Just stay here in the office until Theo arrives. We¡¯ll meet in the club.¡± I took a deep breath to calm my heart down.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He stares into my eyes for a long time before turning around.


    Zeke smiles at me in reassurance while Steven hits my back yfully.


    ¡°Guys,¡± For thest time, they turned around.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t die.¡± My voice was shaking as if I¡¯m gonna cry. I¡¯m so childish today. Yes! I know I¡¯m being over reacting. Wahhh!


    They looked at each other before sharing fits ofughter.


    ¡°We¡¯ll try.¡± Says Zeke before leaving. We¡¯ll try?! So it means they¡¯re not sure??!!! Ugh!


    I went to Keian¡¯s chair behind his desk and contemted my thoughts. Along with my prayer to that they won¡¯t trip or anything.


    It¡¯s almost getting dark and I could see the sun setting from where I was sitting.


    *Tok tok* I turned to the door where someone just knocked.


    ¡°Nassandra?¡± I heard the soft voice of Theo so I stood up, carrying my bag.


    I went to the door and as I opened, I was ultimately greeted by Theo¡¯s head. I wonder if that green hair of his is natural? It¡¯s so pretty!


    He shyly lets out a smile and scratches the back of his nape.


    ¡°K-Keiranz texted me.¡± I smiled at him and nodded.


    ¡°They said they¡¯re going to Erick and Devon.¡± He nods¡­ then there was awkward silence.


    ¡°Uhmm?¡±


    ¡°Ah hehehehe. Let¡¯s go?¡± I just nodded to him again and started to walk.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes are on us again but I ignored them since I was too deep in thought.


    As we got outside, a man wearing a suit was standing by Theo¡¯s car. He handed Theo the keys.


    ¡°Nass,¡± I was pulled out of my reverie when Theo calls me and opens the car door to let me in.


    I shed him a small smile and went inside his car.


    As he sat on the driver¡¯s seat he immediately starts the car in a fast pace.


    .


    .


    .


    SILENCE~


    ¡°Ah, eh, uhmm¡­¡± I can¡¯t help but giggle at Theo¡¯s expression right now. What can we converse about?


    ¡°Where do you do your gigs?¡± I started. He sighed as he smiles.


    ¡°At the D&D club. I sing there when I have the free time.¡± I was surprised to hear what he said. I looked at him in disbelief.


    ¡°Really?¡± Who would have thought he could actually perform in front of a crowd? He chuckled while his eyes are still on the road. I¡¯m d he¡¯s not a speed driver, unlike someone else¡­


    ¡°Yes. I feelfortable when ying.¡± We really shouldn¡¯t judge people.


    ¡°Hold it! What do you y inside the club? An acoustic guitar?¡± There¡¯s a guitar at the back of his car that¡¯s probably the one he uses whenever performing.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the purely dance type of club. There are days that they allow live performances. Two days, to be exact.¡± I nodded at him and went quiet.


    ¡°Theo?¡± He slightly turns to me.


    ¡°Will they be alright?¡± I asked. Pertaining to Kei and the others who went out for Erick and Devon. He smiled.


    ¡°Hmm. Of course. They¡¯re highly skilled, after all the dangerous ces we¡¯ve been to, no one has died yet. The mafia is strong!¡± He cheerfully ims. I smiled at him being bubble which made him shy once again.


    ¡°I-I mean, they¡¯ll be alright so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡± I took a deep breath. Wishing that this heavy feeling in my chest would just disappear.


    ¡°I wish.¡±


    ¡°Sir Theo! You still have 10 minutes before your performance! You need to get ready.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there shortly!¡± Theo turns to me, serving as mypany here in a table with no one else around.


    ¡°Stay here. I¡¯ll see you here from the stage, I can keep an eye on you and you can order everything you like. I¡¯ll pay for it.¡±


    ¡°No, I can¡ª¡± I didn¡¯t got to continue what I was about to say since he was already being pulled by the staff.


    I sat on a couch here. The ce is dark but the vibe is cool. Their style is a bit rustic but it¡¯s modern. Confusing, right?


    There¡¯s a lot of people here and the venue is noisy. The club is so huge there¡¯s even a ce for V. I. P.¡¯s on the upper floors.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, would you like something to drink?¡± I turned to a young man whom I presume is a bartender.


    ¡°No thanks, I see you still have a lot of things to do. I¡¯ll go to the bar myself if I want to order.¡± He smiled at me and shook his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, ma¡¯am. I¡¯ll be the one to handle you for tonight. Sir Theo also ordered us to.¡± I pouted and thought of something to order.


    ¡°Uhmmm, I¡¯ll just ask for some water.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± The bartender left and went back to his bar.


    As he hands me the ss, I immediately drank from it and looked at the stage where Theo just climbed up, carrying his guitar.


    Everyone in the club roared and apuded. Theo sat on a stood in front of the mic stand provided.


    His eyes trailed to mine and he shed a smile. His hair is pushed to one side which felt different since he always had his bangs covering his eyes.


    A lot ofdies shrieked upon seeing him smile. Everyone¡¯s got to admit he¡¯s good-looking himself. Actually, almost all of Kei¡¯s friends are good-looking.


    ¡°Good evening, guys, Theo here. And I will be performing for you tonight.¡± He says in a smooth voice and the crowd roared once again.


    ¡°For those people who are not confident of their ws, this is a song for you. I hope you like it.¡± The ce got even more darker as a spotlight was shone upon him.


    ¡°Broken all the pieces I¡¯ve been shapingtely,


    Focused on the things that didn¡¯t make no sense,


    Guess that growing up was never meant to be easy.¡±


    Wow¡­ His voice is very good. Everyone in the club stayed quiet as they listen to him sing.


    ¡°Yeah, I got used to doing everything sideways,


    Didn¡¯t really care about how anyone felt,


    Hiding my emotions down in different ashtrays.¡±


    We met eye contact and his expression was so gentle. I smiled at him to which he dly returns.


    ¡°Oh, but what is lost ain¡¯t gone,


    No, you can¡¯t just let go,


    ¡®Cause there¡¯s a part of you that will make you strong,¡±


    He closed his eyes at that part and I noticed something dripping on his cheek. Is that sweat or¡­ tears?


    ¡°Embrace your ws¡­¡± I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯m feeling at the moment but it was as if he¡¯s muttering the lyrics of the song to himself, not just those who are listening.


    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna fight back what I¡¯ve be,


    Yeah, I¡¯ve got bruises where I came from,


    But I wouldn¡¯t change if I could restart,


    I ain¡¯t gonna hide these beautiful scars.¡±


    Everyone pped softly, in chorus along with Theo¡¯s song.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been going way too hard on myself,


    Guess that is the reason I¡¯ve been feeling like hell,


    But I wouldn¡¯t change if I could restart,


    I ain¡¯t gonna hide these beautiful scars.¡±


    Every words he¡¯s singing, I was reminded what happened to me five years ago.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been going way too hard on myself,


    Guess that is the reason I¡¯ve been feeling like hell,


    But I wouldn¡¯t change if I could restart,


    I ain¡¯t gonna hide these beautiful scars.¡±


    He continued to sing while I just sat here, enjoying the beauty of his voice.


    I also started to order some food and drinks.


    ¡°Nass!¡± Smiling, I turned to Theo. He had just finished performing and someone else had just started ying on stage.


    I stood up and went near him.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He seemed surprised that I had to hug him but he dly returns the gesture.


    ¡°W-What? Why?¡± He shyly asked. I broke the distance from him.


    ¡°Your songs are incredible, I just realized something¡­¡± He furrowed his eyebrows until he nodded.


    ¡°You should eat.¡± I pointed at the food on the table. I got hungry.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m fine.¡± Then there was silence at our table. I wanted to ask him something. But I fear what he might though of me if I do ask him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve killed someone when I was a child.¡± With a shocked face, I looked at Theo who¡¯s got his eyes on the ground.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I did but it¡¯s something I wanted when I was a child. I felt guilty then thought it¡¯s all his fault why I killed him. He almost killed my family.¡± He snapped out of his trance and smiled at me.


    ¡°Sorry, I just feel like it¡¯s rted to what you wanted to ask.¡± Is my mind really that easy to read??!! I nodded at him.


    ¡°Why?¡± His eyes widened a bit as he looked at a bracelet on his left wrist.


    ¡°I think so because I like to have my parent¡¯s attention. I¡¯ve been naughty as a child and always had a lot tricks up my sleeve. I just wanted to save them which made them abandon me more. And until now, I¡¯m still unable to get their attention. It became wider than ever, though. Good thing Katie is here. And I also got to found a new family in Kei¡¯s mafia.¡± He lets out a bitter smile.


    I patted his shoulder gently.


    ¡°Maybe one day, you will get your parent¡¯s attention.¡± Was all I could mutter out. His head shook from up and down then he drank some beer from his shot ss.


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°Theo,¡± We turned to our backs and I was surprised to see five handsome men all in ck. Keian was leading up front.


    I stood up to go to them, Theo does the same.


    ¡°What happened? Are all of you alright?¡± I stared into Keian¡¯s eyes where exhaustion was evident. He grabbed on to my hand and kissed it.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine, baby.¡± I turned red at what he just called me even though his face was wearing another cold expression.


    ¡°Ehem, ehem.¡± I turned to Steven. I checked all of them out and realized none of them looked injured at all.


    Devon¡¯s hair was a mess and Erick¡¯s clothes are tousled but aside from those, there was nothing else. It was as if they didn¡¯t came from a dangerous ce.


    ¡°Then get yourself a baby, Steven. Nassandra is mine.¡± My eyes widened as I hit Keian¡¯s arm hard. Everyone went silent that I even hear the echo from how I hit him.


    He made a face so I rubbed the part where there was a mark of a hand.


    ¡°Your hand is so heavy.¡± I rolled my eyes at him and looked the other way around.


    ¡°It¡¯s because of you!¡±


    ¡°Hayyy. Don¡¯t be all PDA here. A lot of people are watching.¡± We all turned to re at Devon who¡¯s obviously annoyed.


    ¡°You just wanted a girlfriend.¡± Zeke teased to Devon which made him blush. Wow. The guy can be shy after all.


    ¡°N-No, not at all. Girls are just an inconvenience.¡± Devon carefully said as he couldn¡¯t make eye contact with us.


    ¡°But I saw you the other day, with a woman.¡± Erick innocently tells. This made Devon¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°T-That¡¯s not true!¡± While they¡¯re mocking each other there, Keian faces Theo.


    ¡°Your gig¡¯s done.¡± He smiled as he nodded.


    ¡°Can we stay here for the meantime? They¡¯re really tired.¡± He points his thumb to the four men. Sigh, even though he doesn¡¯t admit. He looks more tired himself.


    Theo nodded.


    ¡°There¡¯s a V. I. P. room upstairs. I¡¯ll ask them to fix it.¡± Keian nods and sighed heavily as he sat on the couch of our table.

 Chapter 33

    ¡°So what exactly happened?¡± Theo asked as we went inside the V. I. P. room we¡¯re directed to. He¡¯s carrying a tray of different drinks and shot sses.


    Erick was eating some snacks while Steven and Devon were talking. Zeke¡¯s got his attention at his phone while Keian was leaning on to my shoulder while hugging me from the back, with his eyes closed.


    Theo ced the tray and sat beside Erick. The five of us turned to Theo. Whereas the four men let out a sigh.


    ¡°Some civilian was caught up in our operation, so we needed to do something about it.¡± Replied Devon with his arms crossed to his chest. Erick looks at him in disbelief.


    ¡°Really? But you were really caught. They just included the civilians ¡¯cause they also wanted to catch me.¡± Devon gasps, casting a re at Erick.


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s not true!¡±


    ¡°You can actually handle yourselves, but why did you have to call for backup?¡± Steven intervenes and pouted.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ohe on, you were so worried for them.¡± Steven¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at Theo who just smiled at him.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the case!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s alright, Steven. We love you, too.¡± Erick innocently pats Steven on the back like a child.


    ¡°Erick! Yuck! You¡¯re so clich¨¦!¡± I can¡¯t help but beam as I watch them getting into each other¡¯s nerves.


    ¡°Tsk. So noisy. When can I get some rest from them?¡± Comined the man who just tightened his grip on me. I let out a sarcastic smile.


    ¡°Could you remove your arms around me?¡± He shook his head like a child. Seriously! He¡¯s been PDA to me all day! I swear I¡¯m red like a tomato here and I can¡¯t move freely. He¡¯s so annoying.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m tired. Let me rest.¡± He shortly stated. I face-palmed and let out a sigh.


    ¡°What am I to you anyway?¡± He stopped for a bit upon hearing my question but he returned back to his cold expression immediately. I should¡¯ve just kept the question to myself. After all I know the answer all along.


    ¡°You¡¯re my maid.¡± I avoided eye contact with him. I knew it. I¡¯m not suppose to feel this way but it actually hurts in the chest.


    ¡°Ow, right, a maid.¡± I bit my lip. He looked up to me and held my chin to let me face him.


    ¡°And the girl I want to look at everyday. The girl I want to be with.¡± Ehh?? I¡¯m just looking through his eyes. Why? What¡¯s with the words he¡¯s saying? Why is my chest feeling pain earlier and now my heart is beating frantically. I could even feel something in my stomach. Huh? Is it something that I ate?


    ¡°Guys, we get it okay? Yes, we don¡¯t have any girlfriends. We are all alone so don¡¯t you dare do those stuff in front of us!¡± Devon stood up, pointing at us. I shamefully lowered my head.


    ¡°You¡¯re not alone. My mafia is there for you.¡± I turned to what Keian just said. Am I hearing his words correctly?


    ¡°You don¡¯t get it, Kei. I mean a girlfrie¡ª wait, what did you say?¡± All of our eyes turned to Keian who tried to maintain a nk expression but I noticed a smile creeping from his face.


    ¡°Nothing. Just forget I said anything.¡±


    The six of us looked at each other andughed at the same time.


    ¡°A. Ma?tre is so sweet.¡± Kei throws a re at Steven who just gestured a peace sign. I think, I can manage to be with them for a while.


    It¡¯s been days since that scene at the bar with Theo, I just realized it the next day that he¡¯s actually the owner of that club. But I wasn¡¯t surprised since he¡¯s quite fortunate himself. Right now I¡¯m lying on my bed at the maid¡¯s quarters. Tiya and I are having a video call while Brylle was asleep so I couldn¡¯t talk to him.


    ¡°By the way, Nassandra. Where are you taking Brylle tomorrow? The minute he woke up, his eyes were already shimmering. Such a cute child.¡± My smile disappeared as my eyes widened.


    Shoot! It¡¯s his birthday tomorrow!


    Tiya noticed my facial expression then suddenly got worried.


    ¡°It is Brylle¡¯s birthday tomorrow and I almost forgot about it.¡± I sighed. If Tiya didn¡¯t mention it to me, I¡¯d forget the special day tomorrow and Brylle will be upset for sure.


    ¡°Aw, Nassandra. Are you doing alright there? Truth is, it¡¯s the first time you forgot about his birthday.¡± I nodded at her in reassurance.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I was just thinking about a lot of stuff.¡± Tiya furrowed her eyebrows and I noticed she shifted position.


    ¡°Could it be you¡¯re too overworked? Is your boss treating you well? If not, don¡¯t ever hesitate to tell, we¡¯ll directly report that to the police!¡± Iughed at Tiya¡¯s tone as she¡¯s like a vendor gossiping.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay here. You should be the one taking care of yourselves.¡± Tiya shook her head.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about us, Nassandra. Just focus there at your work, okay?¡± I smiled at her and give a thumbs-up. I suddenly remembered what she asked me earlier.


    ¡°Also, Tiya.¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Why?¡± My heart was pounding with worry. I might not make it tomorrow for Brylle¡¯s birthday. It¡¯s a special day for him but I¡¯m not by his side.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if my boss is going to let me go. I¡¯ve already had two day off this month.¡± Her eyes widened as she draw the phone near her face.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just ask for another day off? Your boss might understand since it¡¯s your child we¡¯re talking about.¡± That¡¯s actually another thing I¡¯m worried about. Keian doesn¡¯t know that I have a son since I haven¡¯t told him about it and I¡¯m also not yet ready.


    I don¡¯t know, I¡¯m just scared that he might shut me out if I tell him that. It¡¯s not like my world is gonna drift apart if my so called ¡®boss¡¯ will do so in ignoring me but I know to myself that I wouldn¡¯t be pleased if that happens.


    That¡¯s great, Nassandra, you had just developed honesty for yourself. *Pat*


    Wahhhhhh! This is so stressful!


    ¡°Eh, I don¡¯t know. But I will try to ask him.¡±


    ¡°What will you do if they don¡¯t agree?¡± I lowered my gaze, thinking of what to do.


    ¡°Uhmmm, I¡¯m going to think of something?¡± I replied, questioningly. Tiya furrowed her eyebrows once again.


    ¡°Geez, Nassandra. It¡¯s all up to you. Just don¡¯t forget that tomorrow is Brylle¡¯s birthday.¡± I smiled at her and nodded.


    ¡°Yes, Tiya.¡±


    ¡°Okay fine, I still have a lot of things to do.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Tiya waves her hand at me to which I waved back. I sighed as I ended the video call.


    I looked at the door. My threepanions are already asleep but the lights are still open. If you¡¯re wondering about manang, she¡¯s still at the infirmary. She¡¯s been there for so long and we¡¯re all praying that she¡¯ll be awake soon.


    I wonder if Keiranz is still up?


    I stood up and quietly went out of the maid¡¯s quarters. I also turned the light off as I got out.


    The whole mansion is already dark but there are still lights in the kitchen since we were ordered to keep it open all the time.


    It¡¯s almost twelve and it¡¯s eerily quiet.


    I went up the stairs directly to Keian¡¯s room. I was about to knock when I suddenly heard a voice. A woman¡¯s voice to be exact.


    I dnced own the door to see if the lights are on but it isn¡¯t.


    My heart suddenly raced. Is there a chance that Keian and the woman is doing something unholy in there?


    I clenched my fists. I¡¯m afraid to open the door since I might just get irritated at the sight. But I badly want to know if my hunch is correct.


    I took a deep breath before deciding to take a peek through the door.


    Go Nassandra!


    My hand was shaking while holding the doorknob but I immediately let go as I heard a scream.


    ¡°Kei! Don¡¯t! Please!¡± I was shocked at the familiar voice. Probably from Laiza?


    ¡°Stop it, Laiza. Go back to your room and sleep. It¡¯ste now.¡± I heard Keian¡¯s cold voice. I wonder what was Laiza¡¯s purpose here. What did they talk about?


    I stepped away from the door as I heard footsteps approaching. Never got the chance to hide as Laiza got out and was ultimately greeted by my presence.


    She furrowed her eyebrows and examined me from head to toe.


    ¡°What the heck is a maid doing in front of Kei¡¯s room?¡± She asked annoyingly. Is she talking to me?


    ¡°I just came to pass by, ma?tresse.¡± I bowed to her a little as she narrowed her eyes at me.


    She rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue as she went to her room. What¡¯s her problem?


    ¡°Looks like you didn¡¯t just came to pass by.¡± I heard the cold voice again so I looked inside the room and saw Keian raising a brow.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I held my nape nervously as I stepped inside his room. He¡¯s at the veranda, drinking?


    ¡°Uhmm, I just wanted to ask something.¡± He walked to me after cing his ss on a table in his room. He closed the door behind me and grabbed my hand to pull me to his couch.


    He sat then pulled me down to hisp.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I tried to escape his grasp as he hugged me from behind. This guy literally smells good all the time.


    ¡°Stay.¡± What? Do I look like a dog now? I raised a brow at him as he got his ss and drank from it. I stared at the wine he¡¯s holding. It¡¯s been a while since I drank, though. Keian noticed that and smirked.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± He offers his ss and I gazed into his eyes. Since his drink looked awfully good, I opened my mouth. I noticed that he ced the ss on my mouth at the same spot he drank from.


    I drank the wine, flustered. The heat from the liquid felt satisfying in my throat. Ahhh it¡¯s been a while since Ist drank. I smiled as Keian put the ss away. He stared at me intently.


    ¡°So, what is it that you¡¯re going to ask?¡± He tightened his grip on me and ced his chin on my shoulder for support.


    ¡°What was Laiza doing here?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask. Like what did they even do? I was surprised when Keian held my cheeks and faced my head to his.


    ¡°We¡¯re not doing what you think we¡¯re doing.¡± I rolled my eyes at his statement.


    ¡°Why? Did you know what¡¯s in my mind?¡± Sure Nass, just pretend.


    ¡°No, I just know that you think we¡¯re having s¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oops, stop right there.¡± I ced my hand on his mouth. I sighed and looked at him straight in the eyes.

 Chapter 34

    ¡°So, what do you want to ask?¡±


    ¡°Uhmmmm, welll, uhmmm¡­¡± Staring right into my eyes, he waited for me to talk. I took a deep breath.


    ¡°Can I have another day off tomorrow? I have something important to do.¡± As I said those words, his eyebrows ultimately met.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I stilled at his question. I¡¯m not yet ready to tell him about Brylle. He might think I have a boyfriend or a husband. I quickly thought of a reason.


    ¡°I mean uh-it¡¯s my Aunt¡¯s birthday. She¡¯s the one who took care of me ever since¡­¡± I lowered my gaze and clenched my fists upon remembering my family.


    His gaze softened as he lifted my chin.


    ¡°But Nassandra, you already had a lot of day offs this month. The other maids may think it¡¯s unfair. You know you are still working here.¡± I lowered my head at his words. I know that, I¡¯m just trying to make sure.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just bring her here? I¡¯ll ask Felix to pick her up. I can make a celebration for her.¡± My eyes widened.


    ¡°What? No! You don¡¯t have to throw a party for her, it¡¯s not necessary.¡± He raised a brow at me while ying with my hair.


    ¡°Okay, but you can¡¯t leave.¡± He sternly said and made me think. I suddenly thought of showing Brylle around here. Keian¡¯s property is nice. Somehow resembles a foreign home. And maybe we can go swimming at their pool.


    ¡°But, I can bring them here, right?¡± Nothing bad will happen if I bring Brylle here, well except for the fact that he will be surrounded by mafia men. But I¡¯m sure they won¡¯t do anything that will harm my son.


    ¡°Hmm, of course.¡± He reached for his phone and faced it to me.


    ¡°Shall I call Felix?¡± I smiled as I shook my head and stood up from hisp.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just tell Zeke. He knows her very well.¡± I turned my back to him and started walking to the door but Keian suddenly carried me and ced me on the bed.


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m going to sleep.¡± Iined. My eyes widened as he took his shirt off.


    ¡°H-Hey! What are you doing?¡± He smirked at my direction and pushed me over to the bed. My heart started racing so fast. Oh geez, forgive me if I will sin. This guy is just too attractive¡­ and smelled good.


    ¡°Rx, I¡¯m not going to do that thing to you.¡± I sighed a relief at his words.


    ¡°Yet.¡± Wait, what did he say?


    ¡°W-Wait, what¡ª wahhh!¡± He suddenly pinned me over but not to the point of squishing me. He held me by the waist and closed his eyes as he smiles.


    ¡°Let¡¯s sleep.¡± My eyebrows creased at what he said.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll sleep. At the maid¡¯s quarters.¡± I said with emphasis but he doesn¡¯t get affected. I tried pushing him away but I can¡¯t seem to move him. Wow, he¡¯s so strong.


    ¡°Stop sleeping there. You should sleep here from now on. By my side.¡± His statement got me even more flustered. What the heck! Maybe he just wants me to sleep here forever, joke. Okay back to being serious.


    ¡°One,¡± He opens one eye and tightened his hold on me.


    ¡°Do I look like a child to you?¡± I can¡¯t help but smile at what he said.


    ¡°Keain!¡± He ignores me and kept silent. Hey!


    Basically I had no choice but to hug him back. In fairness, he¡¯sfortable to cuddle with.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    He loosens his grip on me so I made myselffortable,ying down.


    ¡°Goodnight¡ª¡± I gazed at Keian¡¯s face that is so close. I feel our lips in front of each other.


    His lips moved while I stayed staring into his eyes. Eh? What just happened?


    ¡°Hmmph,¡± I moaned as I felt him biting my lower lip and lets go.


    I looked into his cold eyes. Sadist.


    ¡°Good night.¡± He turns thempshade off by his side so it got dark in the room. It¡¯s a good thing so he wouldn¡¯t see my face all flustered. If that¡¯s going to be the case whenever Kei is going to let me sleep here, I literally can¡¯t take it! Huhu. I just can¡¯t!


    I calmed myself down as I let myself fall into deep slumber. Later, I find myself holding to his hand while closing my eyes.


    ¡°Sh8t.¡± I woke up to the noise that wasing from the bathroom. I sleepily opened my eyes and looked around. Kei wasn¡¯t in the bed anymore and it proves when he got out of his bathroom.


    He wore a polo and some shoes. I nced at the clock.


    ¡°Kei? Where are you going? It¡¯s two in the morning.¡± He looks at me and that¡¯s where I noticed his dark expression.


    ¡°I need to do some business. Uhmm, my friend needs me.¡± He grabbed a body bag and went to the bed.


    ¡°I will be gone the whole day. Go enjoy with your tita today and go back to sleep.¡± He held both of my cheeks and nted a kiss on my forehead. Despite the confusion, I just nodded at him.


    ¡°Take care.¡± Was all I got to say. Before leaving the room, he takes another nce at me and smiled.


    ¡°I love you.¡± Before I could even think properly, he shuts the door.


    Did I hear him right? Did he just said those three words correctly?


    I furrowed my eyebrows andid down sideways. I¡¯ll think about thatter, I¡¯ll just sleep.


    ¡°Mama!¡± I smiled as I walked towards Zeke¡¯s car and opened the door for Brylle toe out.


    ¡°Hi, baby. How are you? Happy Birthday!¡± He envelopes me into a tight hug and kissed my cheeks.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Tito Zeke sped up the car like whoooshh!¡± He even raised his hands up in the air as if he was in roller coaster. My smile faded as I turned to Zeke with a re.


    ¡°What? He wants fast. Don¡¯t you, Brylle?¡± The child happily nodded at him. That damn Zeke.


    ¡°Is something wrong, mama?¡± I returned my gaze back to Brylle and yfully pinched his nose.


    ¡°Nothing, baby. I¡¯m just going to do some happy things with your Tito Zeke.¡± His head turned sideways at what I just said. Zeke immediately distanced himself from me.


    ¡°Nass-¡±


    ¡°Ahh! What a cute little child. Nassandra, is that Brylle?¡± I turned my head to Jane, Ema, and Nathan who just got out of the mansion. I already told them about Brylle so they weren¡¯t surprised to see him here.


    I smiled at Jane and let her carry Brylle.


    ¡°Son, you¡¯ll stay with Tita Jane for a while, okay?¡± He gave me a thumbs-up and I gestured Ema to go inside which she did with a smirk on her face.


    He¡¯s just behind the car so he couldn¡¯t escape from me.


    ¡°Do you know how dangerous it is to speed driving down the streets?! What if you hit someone? Or what if you get hit yourself!¡± I continued yelling while hitting him. Yeah, I¡¯ll be brutal just for today.


    ¡°Ouch! Nass¡ªsorry! I¡¯m good at driving so you have nothing to worry about. You just don¡¯t trust me!¡± He proudly defended. I stopped hitting him as I positioned my hands on my waist.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about doing that again. It¡¯s okay if you¡¯re alone in your car. But not when Brylle and I are in there!¡±


    ¡°Pffft.¡± Hey! He justughed at me. Do I look like I¡¯m joking here?


    ¡°Yes, I won¡¯t do it again. Hahaha. Seriously, Nass, you look like a grumpy olddy with that pose.¡± I hit his nape at his statement.


    ¡°Aissh.¡±


    ¡°But hey, does Kei know about Brylle?¡± I stopped in my tracks while walking back to the mansion. Gee. The reason I told him yesterday was far beyond reality.


    He went over to my side and held me by the shoulder.


    ¡°Kei doesn¡¯t know?!¡± He hysterically asked.


    ¡°I only told him that it¡¯s my aunt¡¯s birthday.¡± He held in his frustration and gazed upon the sky.


    ¡°Damn, Nass. What if he finds out?¡± Yeah, I know. He¡¯ll be a raging hell for sure.


    ¡°He won¡¯t be home until the night. And if he finds out, then I¡¯ll just exin to him the truth.¡±


    ¡°Nass, Kei hates lying.¡± I patted his shoulder to calm him down.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it, okay? What¡¯s important is that Brylle will enjoy himself here in the mansion.¡± He lets out a heaved sigh as we entered.


    ¡°Okay, Nass. Just don¡¯t include us if ever you and him will have a fight. He might let out his anger to me, y¡¯know.¡± I smiled at him sarcastically.


    ¡°Wow, thanks for the concern, Zeke. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t tell him that you knew about Brylle ever since I started working here.¡± Zeke¡¯s expression shifted into something troubled.


    ¡°Please no. Kei is absolutely terrifying. Even if he¡¯s our friend, his anger boils like the raging hell underneath.¡± Is Keian really that scary to the point that even his best friend is afraid of him?


    I face-palmed.


    ¡°Yes, Zeke. I¡¯ll take care of you.¡± He nodded but was still in deep thought.


    ¡°Aihihihi.¡± I heard a child giggling so I turned to Brylle with a smile while he¡¯s running around with Jane.

 Chapter 35

    ¡± Mama, do you really work here?¡± Brylle¡¯s eyes with amazed expression wandered around the living room at the front door. He is sitting in the couch and beside him are Jane and friends.


    I went towards them and carried Brylle.


    ¡± Yes, son. We¡¯re going for a tourter but first, let us eat breakfast okay?¡± He nodded so I walked to the dining where there are food in the table already.


    ¡± We are your maid today Brylle.¡± Nathan said, smiling at the child. I looked at them with amazement.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to. It¡¯s okay.¡± Jane bowed and the two other followed.


    ¡± We are your servants ma?tre and ma?tresse¡± I shook my head at Jane, Ema and Nathan, chuckling. Brylle looked at me with a curious eyes.


    ¡± Mama, is that French? For master and mistress?¡± I smiled at his smart remark. I¡¯ve been teaching him sometimes about differentnguages that I know and I¡¯m super proud because he¡¯s able to pick up what I¡¯m teaching him.


    ¡± Yes baby¡±


    ¡± We are their masters?¡± The three nodded and said in unison:


    ¡± Yes, ma?tre¡± Brylle¡¯s eyes immediately glimmered as he happily moved in my hold.


    I released him down on a high chair that is on the dining room. Zeke also took the seat across Brylle.


    ¡± Wow! That¡¯s a lot of food? What¡¯s up?¡± I became stilled as I heard Steven¡¯s voice in the entrance of the dining room. Why is he here?


    ¡± Steve, why are you here?¡± Steven¡¯s eyebrow raised an eyebrow as he casually took the seat beside Zeke. He grinned at my direction.


    ¡± Huh? We just saw each other yesterday. You know that I was kicked out by Momst night right?¡± He reached for a piece of hotdog and put it in his mouth. I can¡¯t believe that he didn¡¯t noticed Brylle¡¯s presence. Can¡¯t he see? No sense of his surroundings? How is this man in a mafia?


    ¡± By the way Nassandra, why are you eating here? You¡¯re a maid right?¡± He teasingly said. My eyes just widened at his direction.


    ¡± Hotdog?¡± We all looked at Brylle with the piece on his hand, wanting to give it to Steven. Thetter nodded and reached for what Brylle gave, smiling. Brylle continued on giving the food to Steven who is still obliviously putting what Brylle is giving on his te.


    This continued until the hotdog on his te reached the number of five. This time, his smile disappeared as his head tilted at Brylle. The room became silent.


    ¡± Ha?¡± Steven confusingly mumbled, slightly realizing what is happening. Brylle shyly smiled and nodded.


    ¡± Hatdog¡±


    .


    .


    .


    ¡± Pfftt¡ª¡± I can¡¯t help but cover my mouth when I remembered something. Zeke, however, bursts out ofughter.


    ¡± Man! That is funny!¡± He pped his hand on the confused man¡¯s back.


    Steven is frozen on his seat and just staring at Brylle.


    ¡± It¡¯s my favorite. You¡¯re like our neigbor who like hotdogs too¡±


    ¡± HAHAHAHAHA!¡± I can¡¯t! The look on Steven¡¯s face is too funny. Brylle confusingly looked up at me. I touched his cheek using my right hand while wiping my tears ofughter using my left hand.


    ¡± Oh don¡¯t mind us Brylle, just go and eat¡±


    I also noticed that Ema, Jane and Nathan are slightlyughing while they are standing near the table.


    *thud*


    Steven immediately left his seat and ran towards the back of the wall seperating the kitchen and the dining room.


    ¡± W-why is there a kid? There¡¯s too much children in our house! I don¡¯t want to encounter any again!¡± He nervously stated. Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s scared of¡­ kids?


    Brylle is just happily eating, not minding us grown ups who are going crazy.


    Steven looked like a tarsier at the way he¡¯s hugging the wall. He looked at me and pointed a finger.


    ¡± Are you the one who brought him here?! Nassandra! I don¡¯t want to see a child anymore!¡± He shoited like a 9 years old.


    ¡± HAHAHA! Wait, pfftt¡ª Steven! You still have your fear of children? You¡¯re always with them at your house!¡± Zeke remarked, preventing himself from furtherughing.


    ¡± That¡¯s why! There¡¯s too much kids in the house, I¡¯m getting tired of them! And also, I¡¯m not scared! I just don¡¯t want to be with them. Huhuhu. Nassandraaa¡± he pouted to which I frowned upon.


    ¡± You¡¯re like a woman, Steven¡± I said in a serious tone. He went still because of what he heard.


    ¡± Nassandra, ouch!¡± I¡¯m a man in every possible way you can think of! You can ask the women I¡¯ve been¡ª¡± I widened my eyes at Steven while covering Brylle¡¯s ears.


    ¡± Shut up¡± I said, irritated. I don¡¯t care if he¡¯s a master. I don¡¯t even consider him as one. Mwahahahahaha.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    He raised his two hands like he¡¯s saying he surrender.


    ¡± Whewz! Your gaze is intense, Nassandra.¡± Zeke stoppedughing and nodded several times.


    ¡± I agree. Maybe if I saw her together with Kei, I won¡¯t be able to go near the two of them.¡± I rolled my eyes at the two.


    ¡± Just eat, you two¡± I grouchy said.


    ¡± You¡¯re so loud, it¡¯s still so early!¡± We turned at Devon who just ered the dining room and as usual, his eyebrows are furrowed.


    He stilled when he saw Brylle. His face became more sour as he looked at us.


    ¡± Why is a child here?¡± He asked but there¡¯s something in his voice. It¡¯s like he¡¯s getting excited? Huh?


    ¡± That¡¯s what I¡¯m confused at too! Huhuhu. I don¡¯t want to see more children!¡± Steven even pointed whileining.


    Devon¡¯s eyes wandered and stopped at Jane, Ema and Nathan¡¯s direction.


    ¡± Is this your child? How dare you bring him to work?!¡± Their eyes widened and instantly lowered their head.


    ¡± I-It¡¯s not ours, ma?tre¡± answered Nathan. Devon narrowed his eyes at him. I sighed.


    ¡± He¡¯s my son, Devon¡± I said. He looked at me.


    ¡± Y-You have a child? H-How about Kei?¡± Okay. What¡¯s up with Keian? I furrowed my eyebrows at his question.


    ¡± I¡¯m not his biological mother¡± it¡¯s like he still processed what I said and let out a breath.


    ¡± Thank God!¡± They¡¯re really scared that Keian may know? I continued on eating. I saw that Zeke is ncing at my direction every once in a while. Plus, Steven is still at the wall, taking his breakfast. Hayy.


    Devon went near Brylle like he¡¯s observing the child. Later on, he suddenly blushed?


    ¡± The child is cute! Hahahahaha!¡± He touched Brylle¡¯s cheeks and squeezed it. Oemghi. This is the first time I saw Devon act like this! Miracles are real!


    I blinked rapidly at Devon who is enjoying theughing Brylle. I looked at Zeke who just shrugged.


    I just smiled at Devon¡¯s face.


    After eating, we went outside the mansion to tour Brylle around. The three men are in our backs and I see that they have no intention of leaving the two of us.


    Devon¡¯s eyes are shining while Steven is so scared. It is obvious though that Brylle is happy that I brought him here.


    Now, Brylle and I are swimming at the shallow part of the one of the swimming pools. Brylle said that he want to swim that¡¯s why I¡¯m wearing Jane¡¯s rash guard that she brought when she started working here. Swimming in a pool was not in my n when I decided to apply for being a maid that¡¯s wht I don¡¯t have any appropriate clothes with me for this kind of event.


    Zeke, Devon and Steven are also in the water, swimming like children. I am, however, teaching Brylle how to swim. And as always, he¡¯s a fast learner.


    ¡± Helloooo!¡± We all turned our heads on where the voice came from and I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s Katie¡¯s. I got confused when all remaining friends of Kei who is not with us are now following the two siblings with green heads heading to our direction.


    Dale, Erick, Maxence, Theo and also Laiza are now with Katie. There is also another girl that I don¡¯t recognize. She looked like she¡¯s younger than me.


    ¡± What are you doing here Katie?¡± Steven questioned. Katie¡¯s smile widened while showing us her bag.


    ¡± We heard there¡¯s a celebration here so we thought we¡¯ll join.¡± She said casually before leaving her things on a table not far from the pool.


    ¡± We also brought foods to grill so that we¡¯ll have something to eat¡± I smiled at what Theo said as he shyly smiled back at me.


    ¡± Mama, who are they?¡± The ce got silent and the newers froze when they heard Brylle¡¯s voice. My grip tightened on Brylle as I don¡¯t know what to say. Should I introduce them? I¡¯m afraid that they might do something not good to Brylle.


    ¡± Ohhh, whose child is this?¡± Dale asked, smirking while his eyes are on me. My eyebrow creased at his tone.


    ¡± He¡¯s Nassandra! s son¡± Devon answered. Dale seemed to became excited at what Devon said, Erick¡¯s head slightly tilted, Maxence¡¯s attention is just on his phone while Laiza narrowed her eyes at me.


    The girl I don¡¯t recognize walked towards us. She squated in front of Brylle for her face to be leveled at his.


    ¡± Hi, my name is ra Alexandre¡± she introduced herself with a wide smile. I reached out for her hand.


    ¡± Nassandra Del Luna¡±


    ¡± My name¡¯s Brylle¡± ra¡¯s eyes glimmered as she looked like she want to touch Brylle.


    ¡± Oh my ghad, so cute!¡± She stated.


    ¡± I know right?¡± Devon suddenly emerged out of nowhere beside Brylle then the two of them started talking.


    ¡± Wait, who is the child¡¯s father Nassandra?¡± Dale asked seemingly so interested. My eyes narrowed at him but decided to answer his question still.


    ¡± He¡¯s not my real son¡± was my short answer and I even saw the disappointment in his eyes. Okay¡­ I don¡¯t get him.


    ¡± A, I thought for a second that there will be a war, that will be fun¡± I furrowed my eyebrows. What is his problem? Erick went near us then he bowed.


    ¡± Miss Nassandra¡± he greeted. I gave him a smile though his greeting made me a bit ufortable.


    ¡± No need to bow, Erick. How are you?¡± He looked at me with a slight smile.


    ¡± I¡¯m great¡± I just nodded at his response. He slightly bowed again before leaving to prepare the grill.


    I nce at Katie who removed her clothes and surprisingly, she¡¯s wearing a bikini. She snucked up behind Maxence who is busy looking at his gadget while standing beside the pool.


    ¡± Think fast, Max!¡± Thetter looked up from his phone and was about to look at Katie when he was suddenly pushed at the deep part of the pool.


    ¡± What the f¡ª?!¡± Maxence¡¯s eyes widened. He raised his hand with the phone before it sink in the water.


    ¡± The phone¡¯s saved!¡± He shouted before leaving the water. He immediately gave Katie a death re.


    Katie also pushed Erick and thetter just let her. She went to Dale as she was about to do the same to him but Dale raised his hands.


    ¡± No need to push Kate, I¡¯m going in¡± Katie smiled when Dale removed his top then jumping into the water.


    ¡± Laiza,e on!¡± She shouted at thedy who just waves her hands. Theo is also now in the water.


    ¡± No thanks. I don¡¯t want to get wet¡± Katie just shrugged at what Laiza said before going down the water and swimming near Brylle and me.


    ¡± Hi Nassandra, can I y with Brylle?¡± She asked with a smile. Brylle seemed excited at what he heard so I nodded.


    ¡± Just make sure he won¡¯t drown¡± I said to her. She gave a thumbs up before getting Brylle.


    ¡± He¡¯s in good hands. And also, this pool is not that deep, don¡¯t worry¡± she winked as she faced her back to me. It looks like all of them are good in swimming. I just they won¡¯t do something worse to Brylle.


    They all surround Brylle and started talking to him. Atleast, my son is happy.


    ¡± Stop it, Steven¡± Maxence annoyinnly said when Steven repeatedly sshed him water in the face. He¡¯s still holding his phone that looked like it broke.


    ¡± Your attention is always on your cellphone! Atleast you get rested!¡± Steven said while Maxence is still irritated.


    ¡± I don¡¯t care, I want my phone and Katie¡¯s the one who broke it¡± he looked over at Katie, fuming but thedy just smiled widely. Suddenly, Maxence¡¯s expression changed and became, excited?


    ¡± Hey!¡± Maxence is now the one who¡¯s sshing water in Steven¡¯s face. I smiled.

 Chapter 36

    I watched the people in the pool before deciding on going out of the water.


    The water dripped from my body when I stepped on the steps of the pool. I removed my hair covering the part of my face and looked at the olympic pool.


    *Wit-wew* I heard Dale whistled. I looked at his direction to saw him grinning.


    ¡± Damn sexy Nassandra¡± I raised an eyebrow at Zeke while others are also looking at me. Okay¡­


    I rolled my eyes at what Zeke stated before saying:


    ¡± I¡¯m just going to swim in the other pool. Please take care of Brylle¡± Devon nodded as an answer.


    I walked towards the other pool and that¡¯s when I noticed Laiza is looking at me with daggers in her eyes. She rolled her eyes when I passed her seat to which I just shrugged at.


    I went down the pool with a smile and floated at the big sized pool.


    I¡¯ve always liked swimming. Especially when I¡¯m alone. It gives me time to think like there¡¯s no other human on my surroundings. I¡¯m always doing that kind of thing when I¡¯m on my old house¡­


    I sighed as I started swimming in freestyle going to the other side of the pool.


    I didn¡¯t expected that we¡¯ll be joined by Kei¡¯s close friends in the pool. I don¡¯t even know some of them. I mean, I know their names and personalities but I think all of them have secrets. In all of their hearts, there¡¯s something embedded and that¡¯s the reason why they joined the mafia. To be honest, I don¡¯t know a lot of things about their mafia. What are they doing there? Are they doing any illegal things, I doubt if they¡¯re not. Are they also doing what HE did?


    When I returned to the stairs of the pool after manyps, I was surprised when I see Steven waiting for me. He¡¯s in the water, sitting on the first step of the stairs.


    ¡± You¡¯re pretty good at swimming¡± he said with matching shining eyes because of amazement.


    ¡± Yeah, uhmm. I took swimming sses when I was a child¡± after he nodded, therees silence. Although we can slightly hear the noises on the other pool.


    ¡± Maxence and ra are grilling¡± I looked at Steven and smiled.


    ¡± Uhh, I just want to tell you¡± slight awkwardly he said. I chuckled before sitting down beside him at the stairs.


    ¡± Why are you here, Steven?¡± He froze then scratched the back of his head.


    ¡± Am I that obvious?¡±


    ¡± Just a little bit, now spill it¡± He smiled as he lowered his head.


    ¡± Well I have questions, a lot of questions. And also, you might decide to get drowned again so¡­¡± I went in deep thought after what he said. My heartbeat picked up pace. I just remembered that this where I jumped after going out of the room where they locked me up.


    ¡± I can answer but don¡¯t get too personal, and I won¡¯t decide to get drowned again. It will be depressing for Brylle.¡± He touched his chin, thinking of what to ask. He¡¯s eager to find answers.


    ¡± Okay, first. How did Brylle became your son? Uhmm did you saw him in an orphanage?¡± He looked straight at my eyes with a look of unfading curiosity.


    ¡± I found him on the street while searching for a ce to stay.¡± His eyebrows creased.


    ¡± Do you mean, he¡¯s alone when you saw him? On the streets?!¡± He asked with surprise and worry. I nodded as my mind went back at the time I saw Brylle.


    ¡± The neighborhood¡¯s been taking care of him but he doesn¡¯t want toe with the families. So he just stayed at his box¡± his eyes widened more.


    ¡± In a box?! Wait a minute, how old is he when you saw him?¡±


    ¡± 2 years old¡±


    ¡± What?!¡± His hands went to his forehead as if what I¡¯m saying is giving him headaches.


    ¡± But why? Why is he there?¡± My shoulders went up and down as I also don¡¯t know the reason.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know. The only thing his parents left him is a nket with his name and a number that I assumed as his birthday¡± he nodded as he went in deep thought.


    I sshed him some water when he¡¯s started staring at nowhere too much.


    ¡± Hey!¡± Iughed at his reaction.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay now. He¡¯s alright.¡± He just nodded even though I know that what happened to Brylle is still on his mind.


    ¡± Next question,ment diable savez-vous parler couramment le fran?ais!?(How the hell do you know how to speak French fluently?!) I grinned at his direction.


    ¡± Mes parents m¡¯ont pens¨¦ment parler fran?ais. Avec 8 autresngues. ( My parents taught me how to speak french. Along with 8 othernguages)¡± his mouth gaped.


    ¡± Woah, that must be tough. It¡¯s hard to learn you know. Wahhh!¡± He said in an OA tone while even touching his head.


    ¡± Hmm, not really. I, myself, also want to learn also¡± his head slightly tilted before giving me a thumbs up.


    ¡± Okay, do you like Kei?¡± I blinked at what he asked.


    ¡± What?¡± He smirked.


    ¡± Do you have any attraction towards Kei? That¡¯s mt third question¡±


    ¡± Ah hehe¡± I thought of an answer I can give. I¡¯m not even sure in what I¡¯m feeling, how can I even answer the question? But I think there¡¯s¡­ Ahh! No no. Nevermind.


    ¡± Don¡¯t bother, I know the answer. Ahahahaha¡± I gave him a confused expression.


    ¡± What¡¯s the answer?¡± He modeled in front of me.


    ¡± It¡¯s for me to know and for you to find out¡± we bothughed at what he looked like.


    ¡± What¡¯s in your past, Nassandra? I feel that there¡¯s more to you than what we are seeing right now¡± my smile disappeared at what he said. I can¡¯t answer, it¡¯s too soon.


    ¡± Too personal?¡± I nodded at what he asked when he noticed my silence.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, you don¡¯t need to answer¡± after that, afortable silence built between us. I grinned.


    ¡± I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re not that bad, Steven¡± I mumbled. His eyes widened as he stood up and pointed a finger at me.


    ¡± Ah! You¡¯re too much Nassandra! All along you thought I¡¯m a bad person?¡± I shrugged.


    ¡± Not really, just a jerk¡± he gasped and he even covered his mouth.


    ¡± Harsh!¡±


    ¡± Ah yes yes, now stop overreacting¡± I teasingly rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡± Btw Steven, where is Kei right now?¡± His mouth went into a straight line and his expression became sad.


    ¡± He told us that he¡¯s going to visit our friend who is sick¡± Friend? Why? What happened? Why is that friend seemed so important for Kei and his friends?


    Wait a minute, why do you even care Nassandra? It¡¯s your boss¡¯ life. I just sighed and stood up.


    ¡± Do you have any more ques¡ª¡±


    ¡± Laiza! What are you doing!?¡± I didn¡¯t finish what I¡¯m saying when I heard Zeke¡¯s shout. I looked at the other pool. Worry is etched on his face. What¡¯s happening?


    The men are also confused including Katie and ra on what is happening as all of them are looking at Laiza. I turned my gaze at the direction of who Zeke¡¯s shouting at.


    ¡± Mama!¡± My eyes widened when I saw Laiza pulling Brylle towards the mansion.


    ¡± What the hell?¡± Steven cursed. I left the pool and started walking towards Brylle.


    ¡± Laiza, where are you bringing Brylle?¡± I asked. He nced at me with a smirk as she seemed excited at what she¡¯s about to do.


    ¡± To Kei!¡± She shouted. I got confused and looke at Steven.


    ¡± He said, he won¡¯t be back until night¡± I said while still following Laiza.


    Steven¡¯s eyes widened as he realuzed something. The same thing happened to me


    ¡± Sh8t¡± I started running wanting to get to Laiza. No! Something might happened to Brylle!


    ¡± Laiza! Stop it!¡± Zeke and the others also followed at our backs but there¡¯s only one thing on my mind right now. Brylle is really scared at what¡¯s happening. My fist clenched as my speed incresed.


    ¡± Nassandra!¡± I continued running fast until I reached Brylle¡¯s hand, they stopped moving.


    ¡± Let go of him, Laiza¡± I said to her. She just shook her head and shot me a death re.


    ¡± Once Kei realized you have a child, he¡¯ll give me more attention¡± what is she saying?! Is that all she want? Brylle might get hurt but all she ever wanted is attention!?


    Brylle¡¯s cries intensified so I tried removing Laiza¡¯s hand on my son.


    ¡± Ow!¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡± Laiza!¡±


    I lied on the grass after I received a kick from Laiza. I touched the part on my body that she kicjed. She¡¯s damn strong. It looks like I got hit on the part where my lungs are making it hard for me to breathe. I saw Laiza carried Brylle and immediately went inside the mansion.


    ¡± Nassandra, are you okay?¡± I ignored Theo¡¯s question who held my shoulders.


    No. I don¡¯t want to do nothing anymore. I don¡¯t want to just watch.


    I stand up, not minding my pain in my lower chest part and the blood that went out of my mouth.


    ¡± Nassandra! Stay still! You might have an internal injury!¡± I heard Zeke said. I shook my head at his direction and went inside the mansion.


    I can already hear Laiza¡¯s voice in the front door like a childining on Keian that looked like is sitting at the sofa.


    ¡± It¡¯s the maid¡¯s son Kei! Can you believe it?¡± I showed my figure to them.


    ¡± Mama!¡± Brylle called when he saw me. I gave a reassuring look. I won¡¯t let him get hurt.


    ¡± I looked at Keian who is really sitting at the sofa with a dark expression. More cold than thest time I saw him wear one.


    ¡± Kei! Why are you here so early?¡± The men entered who were surprised to see Kei.


    ¡± And I bet it¡¯s Zeke and Nassandra¡¯s son. It makes sense because he¡¯s the one who brought her here right?¡± I snapped my head my head at Laiza because of her no foundation usations. She¡¯s even making stories!


    ¡± What the f¡ª are you talking about Laiza. Cut your sh8**y nonsense!¡± Zeke angrily said. And because Laiza looked distracted I immediately held Brylle and hugged him.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Brylle¡±


    ¡± Mama, I¡¯m scared¡± my heart shattered at what he said. He shouldn¡¯t be experiencing this.


    My grip tightened around his body as I repeatedly say sorry.


    ¡± Kei, don¡¯t you f¡ªing believe her!¡± I saw Kei looked up while clenching his fist and his jaw tense.


    ¡± Enough¡± his voice is not loud but the coldness of his voice ringed on our ears. Brylle started crying again.


    ¡± Suivez mamande¡± they all looked at Keian. Wait, follow mymand? Kei stood up while staring at my direction only. His eyes are so cold and I can¡¯t help but felt uneasy.


    ¡± S¡¯aligner(Line up)¡± Zeke eyes widened when all of the others lined up at the side of the living room, he¡¯s the only one remaining not lined up.


    ¡± Don¡¯t do this Kei¡± Keian¡¯s gaze is still on my direction while he brought out a gun and pointed it on Zeke¡¯s direction. I sucked in my breath and gripped Brylle. Zeke is not surprised at what his friend did and just looked at my direction. I gave him a nod.


    ¡± We¡¯ll be fine.¡± I mouthed. I even saw Laiza¡¯s smirk on what is Zeke¡¯s doing.


    *bang*


    ¡± Wahhh!¡± Brylle cried loudly when he heard the sound made by Keian who shot a vase on disy. It¡¯s position is near where we are so I felt its pieces. I red at Keian.


    ¡± Let go of him¡± he lowered his gun while still not diverting his gaze on me. He walked towards us as he stared at Brylle who can¡¯t see Kei because I¡¯m facing thetter while the first is hugging me.


    ¡± Dale¡± he called and Dale looked like he exactly knew what Keian wants him to do.


    ¡± Yes boss¡± he went near us and pulled me away from Brylle. Because of his speed and his strength, Dale is now holding my wrist on my back. I shot him a re but he just smiled at me.


    ¡± Mama!¡± Brylle shouted. He turned to face Kei who immediately gripped Brylle¡¯s shoulders. Brylle remained silent as if enduring the pain he¡¯s feeling. Kei¡¯s looking at Brylle and surprisingly, Brylle¡¯s bravely looking back at him.


    ¡± Don¡¯t you dare hurt my son!¡± I shouted at him. His eyebrows furrowed then took hold of Brylle¡¯s cheeks.


    He roughly looked at me and my expression softened when I saw the fear and confusion in his eyes.


    ¡± Please, Keian. Release Brylle¡± He stared at my eyes and I can¡¯t stop the tears from falling out of my eyes. His gaze hardened but he removed his hold of Brylle. He coldly turned his back at us and went up the stairs.


    I noticed that Brylle is about to stumble to the floor so I free myself from Dale¡¯s grip and immediately went to Brylle¡¯s side to catch him. I checked if he has injury but thankfully I found none.


    I hugged him tightly while crying.


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry Brylle¡± I said even though I think he didn¡¯t heard me.

 Chapter 37

    ¡°F¡ª it. What the hell are you thinking, Laiza?¡± Zeke said to her. Laiza just smirked.


    ¡°I reported you, why?¡± she said childishly. You witch!


    Steven approached annoyingly and pped her.


    ¡°What are you? A child? Do you even know that Brylle is just adopted?¡± He retorted. This is the first time I saw Steven like this. He¡¯s goofy primarily and jolly. Laiza tried to punch Steven, but Devon immediately held her hand and red at her.


    ¡°Stop it already Laiza, you even made a story. Pathetic¡± Laiza stopped with eyes widened.


    Katie approached me, and I asked her to look on Brylle.


    ¡°He just fainted because of fear, but we need to check on him to make sure.¡± I nodded and let her carry Brylle.


    Theo then approached me.


    ¡°Come on, Nassandra. Laiza has a strong kick. You have to be checked too¡± I shook my head and wiped the blood on my lips.


    ¡°No, Theo. I¡¯m fine. Just check on Brylle.¡± He frowned when I stood.


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± They all looked at me. You can clearly see the irritation in Zeke, Steven, and Devon¡¯s eyes while Erick, Maxence, and ra are serious. Dale, on the other hand, is smirking.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to Keian. He misunderstood, so I¡¯m going to tell him.¡± Theo was obviously not impressed by what I said, also Zeke.


    ¡°You can¡¯t, Nassandra. He¡¯s too mad. You might get hurt.¡± I heard Maxence saying. This is the first time he talked to me. I shook my head again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± I looked at Zeke coldly when he called me. He was shocked by it.


    ¡°Please, just make sure Brylle is safe this time.¡± I coldly said. His eyes widened. I don¡¯t know, but I felt something I shouldn¡¯t. I don¡¯t want to talk to them yet.


    I turned away from them and went upstairs.


    When I reached Keian¡¯s bedroom, it¡¯s tranquil. And it¡¯s giving me chills. I¡¯m expecting to hear the breaking of things, resentment, and everything. But there¡¯s nothing.


    Without saying anything, I opened the door and entered Keian¡¯s room.


    The room is dark, and I almost can¡¯t see the whole room. I opened the lights and saw Keian sitting on the sofa smoking?


    On the ground, things were scattered. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t hear anything. The room is already messed up¡­


    I looked at Keian nkly, and he returned it by looking at me sharply while smoking his cigar.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t smoke. It¡¯s bad for your health.¡± He raised an eyebrow at me and dropped the cigar. He held the ss of alcohol at the table while looking at me.


    *crash*


    The ss shattered, and the alcohol inside of it spilled. My eyes widened when I saw Keian¡¯s bloody hands.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Suddenly he approached me and locked me in his arms while his hands held the door at my back.


    *m* he punched the door while just staring at me.


    ¡°What do you know about me? Why do you care about my health? Why?! What DO YOU CARE?!¡± he angrily asked. I stayed quiet and let him.


    ¡°WHY?¡± He shouted. My eyes stayed on his eyes thatter shed a tear.


    I held his cheek and wiped the tear from it. He grabbed my wrist and took it away from his face.


    ¡°Keian,¡± I said. His gaze softened as he let me hold his face. He brought his cheek closer to my hand.


    ¡°Why?¡± He weakly asked. Keian hugged me and brought his head to my neck.


    ¡°Damn you, Nassandra. What are you doing to me?¡± He said sadly. What should I say? Even I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening to me.


    He moved his head away from my neck then touched my cheek. We stared at each other.


    ¡°He¡¯s my foster son, Keian. Not biological. What Laiza said that Zeke is the father is not true. Please believe me.¡± He frowned and thought for a moment.


    Smiling, he looked at me again.


    ¡°I believe you, Nassandra¡± he put our foreheads together.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I can¡¯t stop myself from crying. What can I do! The situation a while ago was intense!


    He wiped my tears from my eyes that are still crying.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what I said, Nass¡± I moved away from him when I remember what he did.


    ¡°You should talk to Brylle! Say sorry! And why is Laiza like that? The child did nothing to her!¡± I said one after another.


    He looked at me apologetically.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her for what she¡¯s done. And I will do everything for your son to forgive me. I¡¯m really sorry.¡± I looked at him for a long time while pouting before I noticed his still bleeding hands.


    Aishhh! I was supposed to be still angry! Doesn¡¯t that wound even hurt!


    My face turned serious.


    ¡°Go sit on the sofa now¡± he raised an eyebrow with my order, where I also just raised my eyebrow.


    ¡°Keian.¡± I threatened when he didn¡¯t move. He frowned before shaking his head and following my order.


    He was about to get the cigarette, but I threw a pillow I got from the floor.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare pick that up!¡± he rolled his eyes, then reached for the bottle of alcohol and was about to drink it.


    ¡°Do you want to die? Don¡¯t you know that a lot of people die from drinking alcohol?¡± He raised an eyebrow and slightly leaned his head sideways before dropping the bottle and reclining on the sofa. He looked at me, amused.


    ¡°I should be annoyed, but you being so doctory is distracting me¡± I raised my eyebrow at what he said. I feel like I want to smile, but I stopped myself.


    ¡°Aish, shut it.¡± I headed to the bathroom to get his first aid kit.


    I went near him, bringing the disinfectant, cotton, and gauze.


    The room suddenly went silent while I¡¯m cleaning Keian¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m so jealous, Nassandra. I thought you won¡¯t be mine, even from the start.¡± I repeatedly blinked my eyes at what he said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t belong to you even from the start. I own myself. Also, next time let the person exin before you get angry.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± Afortable silence surrounded us again while I¡¯m wrapping his hands with gauze. I know that he¡¯s just staring at me the whole time, and I feel that I¡¯m melting. (Hehe)


    When I¡¯m done, I kissed his gauzed hand. I was about to move away when he pulled me and let me sit on hisp.


    He touched the back of my neck and kissed my lips. After that, he hugged me.


    ¡°Thank you, baby.¡± I just realized that he likes hugs. And why am I enjoying being in his arms? What¡¯s wrong with you, Nassandra!


    ¡°I love you¡± I was stunned at what he said. What am I supposed to say!? I¡¯m not sure about what I really feel!


    He noticed my silence, so he moved my head away.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to not say anything. Don¡¯t worry, baby, I¡¯ll wait.¡± I nodded my head with a smile on my lips.


    Wait¡­ I remember something.


    ¡°Who was the one you needed to visit a while ago, at dawn?¡± I asked. He looked into my eyes and sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay not to say. I understand¡± Keian shook his head and pushed aside a strand of my hair in my face.


    ¡°She¡¯s my friend, and she has a severe illness. Her doctor called me at 1:00 am to tell me that she fainted. And fainting is very dangerous to her. She can die, anytime.¡± Even though I¡¯m curious who really she is, I didn¡¯t ask further about her. I just nodded and leaned on his chest.


    ¡°Thank you for sharing¡± he kissed my forehead and rested his chin on my head.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Nass.¡±


    He continued caressing my hair. I was about to fall asleep when I hear Steven shout.


    ¡°Hey, lovebirds!¡± We looked at the window and saw the boys looking at the open veranda in the room.


    Kei red at the people waving their hands at us below. It¡¯s Zeke and Steven.


    ¡°There is some barbecue here!¡± Steven shouted. They did grill a while ago.


    I nced at Keian, who raised an eyebrow at me.


    ¡°You will get down there and say sorry to all of them. Well, except to Laiza, talk to her properly¡± he winced but nodded his head.


    ¡°The things I do for you,¡± he mumbled. I smirked at his reaction.


    I¡¯m about to stand, but I suddenly felt pain in my stomach.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Keian worriedly looked at me.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I shook my head at him and sat on the couch, panting.


    ¡°Laiza really kicks hard.¡±


    ¡°WHAT THE F¡ª!?¡± he shouted, his face darkened. He gazed at me sharply. Luh? Why me? It¡¯s me who was kicked!


    ¡°When we go down, you will immediately go with Katie and Theo so that they can check your injury. Understood?¡± he strictly ordered. I winced at what he said.


    ¡°Eh? How about the barbeque? I¡¯m getting hungry!¡± he just looked at me badly then carried me towards his walk-in closet.


    ¡°If your injury is severe, you won¡¯t be able to eat any barbeque,¡± he coldly said.


    ¡°Oh no! Eh¡ª¡±


    ¡°Change your clothes. You¡¯re still in your rash guard.¡± I looked at my clothes, and I just remembered that I was at the pool before running to the mansion because of that b¡ªwitch.


    ¡°But¨C*m*¡± I raised my head toin, but he already closed the door of the closet. What the! My barbeque!!!

 Chapter 38

    ¡°Brylle?¡± I called after entering a guest room here in the mansion, where Katieid him down. He looked at me and attempted to go down the bed, but he¡¯s too small to reach the floor, that¡¯s why I hurriedly came and hugged him.


    I just finished eating barbeque at the pool where the boys were grilling a while ago, and Emma mentioned that Brylle already woke up, so I went upstairs. My stomach is just fine. There is no severe injury¡­


    ¡°Mama!¡± I took a deep breath and stroked his hair.


    ¡°Are you okay, Brylle?¡± he pulled back and nodded.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± he then asked. I smiled at him and also nodded.


    ¡°Of course, baby¡± he suddenly had a stern look on his face, and I know why.


    ¡°Mama, I don¡¯t want to be here anymore¡± I smiled as reassurance andid us down together on the bed.


    ¡°Is it because of what happened tonight?¡± he nodded and tightened his hold on my shirt, then he went silent.


    ¡°Are you scared of the man? The one holding a weapon?¡± he shook his head and crammed to me more.


    I don¡¯t really know precisely what is really in Brylle¡¯s mind. He may not be afraid of Keian but is scared of the exact scene. It¡¯s like he doesn¡¯t want that to happen again. Well, who would really want that to happen again?


    Brylle¡¯s really intelligent, and at such a young age, he can already understand what is happening in his surroundings.


    I held his cheeks and kissed his forehead, then tightened our hug.


    ¡°The man is not evil, baby. He¡¯s kind, I assure you, and I¡¯m sorry again, Brylle. I will make sure nothing terrible will happen to you next time. Forgive me?¡± he broke our hug and smiled sweetly.


    So cute.


    ¡°Of course, mama. I love you!¡± I pinched his nose and answered back.


    ¡°I love you too, Brylle! Thank you foring into my life.¡± He kissed my cheeks before closing his eyes while he¡¯s in my arms.


    ¡°Happy Birthday, Brylle¡± I just stared at him while he¡¯s sleeping peacefully.


    And when I¡¯m about to fall asleep, someone entered the room and ced a nket over us.


    I¡¯m pretty sure I know who it is, though.


    ¡°Goodnight, Nassandra¡± I remember him kissing Brylle and me on our foreheads before turning off the lights and leaving the room.


    I slept smiling¡­


    ¡°Hmmm!¡± I stretched and ced my hand on the space on the bed beside me.


    ¡°Huh?¡± I opened my eyes and saw that Brylle is no longer beside me?!


    Did he go to the bathroom? He reached the floor?


    I scanned my surroundings, even the bathroom, but he¡¯s nowhere to be seen. I suddenly felt nervous.


    I was about to run out of the room when I heard aughing from outside?


    I turned to the veranda and saw that the ss sliding door is now open.


    I walk barefooted towards the railing of the veranda, and Keian is on the grass with¡­ Brylle ying with a full-grown wolf? No. Huh? But is that really a wolf? Or just a Siberian Husky? But it looks different!


    And another one! Kei has a dog? Andpared to Brylle, it¡¯s massive.


    ¡°Brylle!¡± I shouted from above. He stopped ying with the dog and looked at me. Keian too. Our eyes met then he smiled.


    ¡°Mama!¡± Brylle even waved, and you can see that he is thrilled with the dog that is now sitting beside him.


    ¡°Mama! Let¡¯s y with the dog!¡± I raised an eyebrow at Keian because it seems like he and Brylle are now good with each other. I then nodded at my son.


    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯ll go there!¡±


    I wore slippers and went downstairs to the first floor to go outside using the mansion¡¯s back door.


    It was about 5:30 in the morning, and the sun was just about to rise. I think other maids like me are already awake, but except for them, others are still sleeping.


    When I got out, I immediately walked towards the ce where they are right now.


    I saw their face but the wolf¡ª I mean whatever kind of dog that is, ran to me and tackled me. And now, here I am,ying on the grass while the dog smells me.


    ¡°Ah, hehehe.¡±


    ¡°Leon! Assis!(Sit)¡± The dog left the top of me then sat on the grass with its tail wagging eagerly. I then nced at Keianing towards me together with Brylle, who ran to hug the dog.


    I was about to stand by myself, but I didn¡¯t notice that Keian already carried me and helped me stand properly.


    ¡°Mama! Tito Kei said that Leon can be my dog¡± I looked at Brylle with widened eyes when he said that.


    I looked at the dog then at Keian.


    ¡°Really?¡± He nodded then kissed my forehead.


    ¡°Goodmorning, and yes.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± I want toin since it¡¯s challenging to take care of a dog, but I saw how happy Brylle was so why should I still disagree?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you have a dog¡± I nced at Keian, happily staring at Brylle.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Oh. We have. She¡¯s in France right now. Leon is his son¡± I nodded with what he said and approached Brylle and the dog.


    ¡°And is this a wolf?¡± He chuckled at what I asked.


    ¡°No. He¡¯s an skan Mmute and is intensely trained in France. He just came here a while ago,¡± he casually answered.


    ¡°Ahhhh¡ª Wait!? Just this morning?!¡± Brylle slightly tilted his head with how I shouted and quickly turned to Keian.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s directly from France?¡± Keian chuckled, and his amusement with my reaction is evident. Aha!


    ¡°Il est (He is),¡± he answered in French.


    I frowned.


    ¡°Why would you do that? How can you do that?¡± I emphasized the word how ¡¯cause I¡¯m perplexed right now.


    He went near Leon and patted his head. The dog is then leaning his head on Keian¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hmm. I want to give it to Brylle as an apology gift, so I called my men in France to ready a private jet to bring him here.¡± He casually said.


    I blinked my eyes at what he said. That must be expensive! And so much effort!


    ¡°Mama! I love Leon already!¡± Brylle cheerfully said. I smiled at him and fixed his hair.


    ¡°Do you like to keep him?¡± He swiftly nodded his head and then hugged Leon, who is happily licking Brylle. I nodded.


    ¡°Okay, Brylle,¡± I sighed and went to Keian.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. All the effort that you did.¡± He smiled at me and held my hands.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do anything. So he won¡¯t be afraid of me.¡± I just smiled back at him.


    ¡°Oh right. Are you the one that woke Brylle up?¡± I looked at my son, who is now ying with Leon again. We just watched him at the side.


    He shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been staying in the room you¡¯re sleeping in, then he woke up and wants to go to CR. You are sleeping deeply, so I brought him to the bathroom-¡±


    ¡°Wait. You were in the room all night? Did you even sleep?¡±


    ¡°No. I want to stare at your face all night. And also, to think about Brylle,¡± I wasn¡¯t able to stop myself, and I smacked him.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep just to stare at my face?! What are you? Pervert?!¡± I said annoyingly. Is he stupid? He really should be smacked!


    He quickly red at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a pervert. It¡¯s you who¡¯s getting red right now.¡± I touched my face and smiled. I hate this feeling. Traitor!


    ¡°So, after going to the CR, he said ¡®he doesn¡¯t want to sleep anymore,¡¯ so I brought him here outside. And luckily, Leon was brought here. So we yed with him,¡± he continued. Ah. Okay.


    I went silent after he spoke.


    ¡°Brylle is such an intelligent child, Nass. And you raised him well¡± he meaningfully smiled at me. I nodded as an answer.


    ¡°I know that, Keian. And I¡¯m thankful.¡±


    Afortable silence engulfed us before it was cut because I remembered something.


    ¡°Is he not hard to take care of? Especially since he¡¯s a boy? And I need to buy things Leon needs,¡± I said to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Nass. He¡¯s a trained dog, so he will not be a bother. And if you are worried about expenses, I can cover all of them. I looked at him with furrowed eyebrows and shook my head.


    ¡°No, Keian¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please. Let me take care of it.¡± What I was about to say was cut when his face came near mine.


    ¡°I did something wrong to Brylle, so let me¡­¡± Keian eyes have slight coldness in them, but there¡¯s a hint that he wishes that I let him.


    I stared at him for a while. I¡¯m weighing all the possibilities that will happen.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he grinned, then returned his look to Brylle, who is chasing Leon.


    ¡°Thank you, Keian.¡± I seriously said to him


    ¡°For every¡ª-¡± I wasn¡¯t able to finish what I¡¯m saying when he held the back of my head and brought our lips together.


    He quickly moved away and stared at my eyes.


    ¡°I want to know you better, Nass. I want to know everything about you.¡± I bit my lips at what he said, and I stared back at his beautiful brown eyes.


    ¡°Okay, Keian¡± I smiled. Even though I¡¯m smiling, I can feel my heart beating faster.


    I can¡¯t promise I will be able to tell you everything about me¡­


    *Note:


    I know I replied on reviews of other people that I¡¯ll be updating on April 23, if it is not done and became posted the next day I¡¯m very sorry. We all are trying to trante many chapters per day and give it to the app before the closing of their office hours. Thank you for reading the story. I deeply appreciate it.


    -Zeya M.

 Chapter 39

    ¡°Ba-bye Mama!!!¡± I waved back at Brylle, who is inside the car. Zeke approached us.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare speed up your car Nics. You may get into an ident.¡± I smirked at Zeke when Keian warned him. He shook his head then held it like he has a lot of problems.


    ¡°I told y¡¯all, I am a great driver. You know that, Kei. Chill guys¡ª¡±


    ¡°If you want to see again what happened yesterday, then go on. Do what you want,¡± Keian coldly said. Zeke squinted his eyes at Keian.


    ¡°Okay, fine,¡± he grinned contentedly and pushed Zeke towards his car.


    ¡°Go home now. Tiya is waiting for him¡± Zeke rolled his eyes before saying goodbye and then got inside the car.


    Still smiling, I waved at Zeke¡¯s moving car.¡±Arf!¡± I nced at Leon that is seated between Keianand me.


    I pat his head.


    Even though Keian said that the dog is Brylle¡¯s, I didn¡¯t let it go home because I¡¯m sure we will bother Tiya more. Another one is that Tiya has a lung problem.


    Bringing Leon home may danger her.¡±Nassandra¡± I looked at Keian when he called me. He looked at me smiling.¡±Hmm?¡±¡±I¡¯ll go to my study,¡± he said, then kissed my forehead.


    I looked at his figure getting farther away from me, confused. Luh? It seems like he¡¯s going somewhere far. I blinked my eyes. I sat so I can be level with Leon. Even when I¡¯m sitting, Leon is still taller than me¡­


    ¡°Que devrions nous faire Leon? (What should we do, Leon?)¡± I¡¯m thinking of what should be the answer to my answer. I¡¯m pretty sure the dog won¡¯t answer me. He is said to only understand the Frenchnguage. Really very sophisticated. He¡¯s even fresh from France!


    ¡°Arf!¡± My face was almost engulfed when he barked. He went to my back and tried to push me.


    Okayyy, what¡¯s happening? I went to his side so he can¡¯t push me.¡±Qu¡¯Est-ce que c¡¯est? (What is it?)¡± he barked again, then went inside the mansion, which I followed.


    He brought me to the kitchen at I noticed that the ce was not cleaned yet since we just finished eating dinner.


    I looked at Leon.


    ¡°You want me to clean?¡± I asked him, shocked. I was more shocked when he barked.


    Is that a yes? Wait, is it really a yes? I blinked my eyes at the dog.


    Even him is ordering me? What? He even has the traits of his owner? I just shook my head and went to the sink.


    ¡°Oui Maitre (Yes, master)¡± and here I am, cleaning.


    It¡¯s just that the three are not here. Keian gave them a special day off today. It¡¯s fine with me, in the first ce, it¡¯s the very reason why I¡¯m here. Leon just sat near the sink while I¡¯m washing dishes.


    I searched skan Mmute a while ago. It said that they are a little difficult to train, and they are mostly the dogs that pull sleds in snowy ces. You can just search for other info about them. Keian mentioned that they have different breeds of dogs in France since his mom likes them. Every single one of their dogs is trained.


    Apparently, Leon¡¯s mother is Keian¡¯s pet ever since he¡¯s a child. And the dog has the nickname of ¡®Alpha.¡¯


    ¡°Arf!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± I looked at Leon, whoid down on my feet then rolled over.


    It¡¯s kinda cute since he¡¯s pretty big and has thick fur. Iughed at what he did, then I squatted to stroke his stomach.


    Later on, he sat and licked my face. Oh wow. I¡¯m now soaked.


    ¡°E¡± I looked up to see who said that.


    I saw Laiza, who is resting at the entrance of the kitchen with her arms crossed at her chest. What is her problem? I¡¯m didn¡¯t do anything.


    I sighed then stood up to continue washing. Leon then tilted his head at Laiza. Will he follow me if I told him to chase Laiza? But never mind, I don¡¯t want to be brutal right now.


    ¡°What is it, maitresse?¡± I asked with emphasis. I saw her roll her eyes at me, and after that, she stood straight.


    ¡°Ever since the first time I saw you, I never liked you. Then that worsened because it seems like Zeke and Steven were closer to you, especially Kei¡± My eyebrow raised at what she said. It¡¯s okay because she can¡¯t see me since my back is facing her.


    ¡°I know you are hiding something from Kei, and if the timees that we see the truth, don¡¯t expect to have someone to ask for help. We hate liars-especially people who are hiding a lot.¡± I bit my lips and tightened my hold on the sponge at my hands.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°So while it¡¯s still early, leave this household. You don¡¯t belong¡ª-¡±


    ¡°What is my difference from people like you?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± she asked a little disgustingly.


    I faced her and looked at her face bravely.


    ¡°I also know that all of you are hiding something. That¡¯s why all of you are in this mafia, right? All of you have a reason. I don¡¯t know if I will ever find out what your secrets are. I won¡¯t find out ¡¯cause what is it for? Will it be good for me? If Keian thought of telling me everything about him, then I will listen. I¡¯m here to work. Did I intend to be involved with your mafia?¡±


    ¡± And is it me you are calling a liar? Then what is it that you didst night? Judging people without even knowing their story? Dragging an innocent child into danger? Making up stories that are not true? If I am hiding something, how do I differ from you?¡± Ha! I won¡¯t lose to this girl!


    She smirked and approached me. She then got her dagger and ced it on my neck.


    ¡°Maybe your secret is worse than mine. It¡¯s better to kill you right here, right now.¡± Her expression turned cold, then she pressed the dagger more in my neck. I can even feel that it¡¯s starting to wound.


    ¡± Arf! Arf!¡± I even heard Leon¡¯s bark and his growl.


    ¡± Shut up!¡± she looked at the dog then turned back at me.


    ¡± You don¡¯t belong here. Maybe next month, you won¡¯t be here anymore. Leave before I find a way to make you leave¡± I returned her look with another cold expression.


    ¡°Are¡ª¡±


    ¡°F¡ªing let go of her, Morales¡± I looked at Keian, who is beside Laiza and holding her right wrist, which is holding the knife in my neck tightly. He has a very dark expression and looks like he¡¯s ready to kill.


    Laiza immediately withdrew her dagger and moved away from me, holding her arms.


    ¡°I already talked to you, Laiza. What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Keian coldly asked. Laiza¡¯s eyes widened, and she seems nervous.


    ¡°I¡¯m just reminding her, Kei. I-I didn¡¯t¡ª¡± Laiza stopped talking when Keian came to her with fists clenched.


    ¡°Stop it, Keian,¡± I said before Kei got to do something. They then both looked at me.


    ¡°She¡¯s your friend,¡± Keian stared at me nkly.


    After a while, he approached me and pulled me to what I think is the stairs.


    I saw that Leon is just following us while Keian is dragging me.


    I just sighed.


    Keian brought me to his room, let me sit on his bed before mming the door.


    He walked in front of me, then put his hand on my chin and raised it. His eyes squinted when he saw the wound because of Laiza¡¯s dagger.


    ¡°Arghhh!¡± he pulled his hair backward then sat beside me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about Laiza¡± he looked at my eyes, then his expression changed suddenly. It softened.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Keian. I can handle myself¡± he raised his eyebrows at me.


    ¡°If you can take care of yourself, then why do you f¡ªing have a wound?¡± I rolled my eyes then felt the wound. I winced when my hand neared it. I suddenly felt a very dark auraing from the man beside me.


    I red at him then hit the back of his head.


    ¡°Stop it, Keian. I¡¯m alright.¡± I stood up to go to the bathroom and to clean my wound. I noticed that he followed me and stood beside me. His eyes are still cold when he touched my chin to look at the wound on my neck.


    ¡°Let me¡± I let him be the one to clean my wound while I watch him seriously wiping anti-septic at my neck.


    ¡°Zeke and the others are literally scared of you, Keian,¡± I said softly.


    He nced at my eyes for a moment before going back to what he is doing.¡±Good,¡± he said coldly, so my eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡°They are your friends¡± He then ¡®tsk.¡¯


    ¡°Yes. But they are still a member of my mafia, and I¡¯m their boss. They need to be scared of me¡± he sighed then after he moved away from me since he¡¯s done cleaning my wound. His cold expression vanished when we stared at each other. He touched my cheeks then smiled.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to involve yourself in my mafia¡¯s problem. Come on. Let¡¯s just talk in the bed or perhaps, cuddle¡± I suddenly turned red at what he said. What¡¯s wrong with this man.


    He noticed it andughed, then pulled me back to the bed.


    ¡°I want to know more about you, Nassandra.¡± Hey down sideways while his hands support his head. (You guys get it?)I copied his position, so now we are facing each other.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He smiled more.


    ¡°Let¡¯s visit your house tomorrow,¡± he stated. I instantly smiled at what he said and nodded.


    After that, we talked more, and it took some hours. We asked each other about or likes, favorites, etc. In the end, we slept together in his fragrant bed. He¡¯s already asleep, and it¡¯s already dark.


    But I can¡¯t sleep because I¡¯m thinking about what happened a while ago.


    ¡°Hayyyy,¡± I sighed loudly. With my eyes widened, I looked at Keian that moved slightly.


    ¡°Sleep,¡± he ordered, then ced his arm over my body.


    ¡°Hmmm¡± is my only answer to him. Before I sleep, I stared at his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you can¡¯t know everything about me,¡± I said quietly. I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s awake and he heard what I said, but he tightened his hold on me.

 Chapter 40

    I yawned after I got down the stairs. I heard noises in the kitchen, so I went there. It may be Jane and the others. I¡¯ll help them cook.


    It¡¯s just six o clock in the morning, but Keian had already left the room when I woke up. He must be at his study now and working.


    I sleepily entered the kitchen.


    ¡°Goodmorning,¡± I greeted them. He then turned to me¡­


    ¡°KEIAN?!¡± I yelled at him, shocked when I saw him topless, just wearing an apron in front of the sink, washing the dishes. He then smiled.


    ¡°Goodmorning, baby.¡±


    I looked at him from his toe to thest raised strand of his hair with my mouth wide opened. His hair is even really messy. Not to mention he¡¯s topless.


    He grinned when he noticed my reaction then came to me.


    ¡°W-why are you the one cooking? And with no clothes on?¡± I looked up at him since we are so close to each other.


    With his two hands on his back, he leaned to me then kissed my forehead.


    ¡°I want to cook for you,¡± he said shortly. My mouth widened.


    Okayyy¡­


    ¡°But you have maids, Keian. Let us do the chores¡± He shook his head, smiling, then brought me to a chair on the counter to let me sit.


    ¡°Just sit down. What I¡¯m frying is nearly done¡± he smiled at me sweetly then went back to cooking.


    I then watched him with my mouth in a wince. What went inside this man¡¯s head. But in fairness, his sleep is good.


    And why is he not wearing any clothes? Does he not know that his abs are distracti¨C


    Oops¡­ Hey Nassandra, you should stop looking at his body!


    When I looked up, my eyesing from his¡­ stomach part, I met Keian¡¯s eyes, and he can¡¯t stop smiling. My eyes widened.


    Did he see me looking there?


    I suddenly turned red.


    Wahhhh! That¡¯s embarrassing!


    ¡°Keian, wear some clothes, will you?¡± I said, pretending to be annoyed. He then shook his head and faced me.


    ¡°I¡¯mfortable with this clothing,¡± he said. I pouted really because of the looks in his eyes! Seems like he knows what I did!


    ¡°It almost looks like that you don¡¯t have any cloth¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh! It smells good!¡± we both looked towards Zeke, who just arrived.


    He stopped when he saw Keian at the stove. He turned to me with his mouth wide open.


    ¡°What did you do to Kei, Nassandra? Why is he cooking? That¡¯s new!¡± he said teasingly. Keian¡¯s expression suddenly changed and returned to his cold expression. His ¡®aura¡¯ darkened too. Luh.


    ¡°Why are you here, Nic?¡± he asked coldly. Zeke smirked at Keian¡¯s immediate change of emotion.


    ¡°To eat.¡±


    Kei red at Zeke.


    ¡°What I¡¯m cooking is only for Nassandra,¡± he emphasized.


    Zeke pouted.


    ¡°Uhhh. Why? It looks like that you cooked a lot¡± Kei¡¯s look on him sharpened when Zeke tried to get a piece from a te on the side.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare¡± Zeke just smiled, then quickly grabbed a piece of bacon on the te.


    Before he even got to eat it, Kei already caught Zeke¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Let go,¡± Kei said threateningly. My eyebrow raised at the scene I¡¯m watching in front of me now.


    ¡°No¡± Zeke shook his head like a child and tried to eat the food on his hands.


    ¡°Zeke Nics Alexandra¡± Oh, he really even said his full name?


    ¡°Hmmm. Okay,¡± Kei sighed but quickly kneeled to catch the bacon because Zeke literally dropped it¡­ to the floor.


    Keian caught the bacon, but he didn¡¯t know that Zeke got a new piece of bacon and immediately ate it.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ yummy,¡± he teased. Kei looked up with a more dark expression.


    Zeke, on the other hand, looked like he won apetition. Good luck to him.


    Zeke was about to get another piece when Keian swiftly rose up, covering the te.


    ¡°You will pay for that,¡± he seriously said. Zeke went silent and became nervous.


    ¡°U-uhmm Kei. It¡¯s just a piece of bacon, don¡¯t be serious about it, hehehe¡± Kei is just silent with his head bent downwards. Zeke widened his eyes at me like he¡¯s looking for help.


    I raised an eyebrow at him then smirked. You should take care of it yourself.


    ¡°Nassandra! Help m¡ª¡± Zeke didn¡¯t finish what he was saying when Keian pushed him to the ground, where they looked like wrestling.


    I stood up because Keian may really be angry and kill Zeke for real, but then when I saw the slight smile on Keian¡¯s lips, I just went back to sitting.


    They continued with their wrestle on the ground like a child.


    I didn¡¯t stop them and just watched what they are doing.


    ¡°Boss?¡± I looked at Erick that showed his self at the entrance of the kitchen. He looked at the two on the ground, confused.


    His eyes suddenly widened, and he seemed to realize something.


    He immediately went to the two and split them up. He almost carried the two because of his big body.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± he asked seriously. He may be thinking that the two are fighting.


    The two are panting with messy hairs and crumpled clothes. Oh, I forgot Keian almost has no clothes on.


    Their eyes met, not caring about Erick¡¯s question.


    After a few minutes, they both started tough.


    I then smiled too¡­


    ¡ª


    Frowning, I leaned to him to touch Keian¡¯s bruise on his arm.


    He suddenly red at me, like saying not to touch his bruise.


    I rolled my eyes, but I still touched what I want to touch.


    ¡°Nass,¡± he threatened.


    I red at him too, then with crossed arms, I leaned back on the seat of the car. Now, we are going to Tiya¡¯s house. He said he wants to meet Tiya.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t get why you two have to beat each other on the floor like children?¡± I asked irritatedly. He winces at me.


    ¡°He ate the bacon I cooked for you,¡± he said, also irritated. My gosh, really so childish.


    ¡°But you indeed cooked a lot, so you should¡¯ve just given it with your whole heart,¡± I answered him.


    I noticed that he¡¯s staring at me that¡¯s why I irritatedly turned to him.


    ¡°You should look at the road. What if¡ª¡±


    ¡°How can I give it with my whole heart when mine is in yours.¡± I was stunned at what he said. Wait. What did he say?


    Just a minute, I¡¯ll just process what I heard.


    .


    .


    .This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    *ting!*


    I repeatedly blinked my eyes when I processed what he said.


    I looked at Keian, who¡¯s silently staring at me and with a serious face.


    I turned to the road because we may get into an ident, but I realized we¡¯re stuck in the traffic, so the car is not moving right now.


    I faced Keian again, and I looked intently for any injury on his head.


    ¡°Did you hit your head? Do you have any injuries I didn¡¯t notice?¡± I asked him.


    He raised an eyebrow at me.


    I suddenly turned red and smiled. Curse this feeling.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any injury, Nass. I mean it.¡± I rolled my eyes so he wouldn¡¯t notice the butterflies I¡¯m feeling right now.


    I kept my mouth shut. What¡¯s wrong with this man. He¡¯s making my heart beat fast.


    I didn¡¯t expect him to say that. I really didn¡¯t.


    He continued driving, and it¡¯s obvious he¡¯s annoyed because of the traffic.


    When we arrived home, I saw Brylle waiting for us at the door with Tiya. He even waved with evident enthusiasm.


    When the car was parked in front of the house, I immediately got off the vehicle and greeted a running Brylle.


    ¡°Mama. I miss you!¡± I was delighted and held both of his cheeks.


    ¡°Baby. We were just together yesterday.¡± I then pinched his cute nose. He leaned to my chest.


    ¡°I still missed you,¡± he cutely said. I hugged him and carried him up.


    When he faced Keian, he seemed nervous and hid from his gaze.


    I saw Kei¡¯s expression changed, and then he smiled. Knowing why Brylle is shy with him.


    He approached us and even nced at me before facing Brylle.


    ¡°Hi, Brylle. How are you?¡± He cheerfully asked.


    Brylle slightly smiled and revealed his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Tito Keiranz,¡± he quietly said.


    ¡°Sorry, we weren¡¯t able to bring Leon. Your mama said that Tiya may get sick because of him,¡± Keian said. I saw Tiya looked at us, so I smiled as a reassurance.


    ¡°But is he okay there?¡± Brylle asked. Kei nodded at him, then showed him the wolf-stuffed toy he asked his people to buy a while ago.


    ¡°Of course, Brylle. I am making sure he¡¯s alright. Here.¡± Brylle looked at me first, so I nodded. He excitedly got the stuffed toy then hugged it.


    ¡°They look alike,¡± amused, he said. Keian smiled purely.


    ¡°Yes. So you can still feel that he is with you even though Leon is at the mansion,¡± Brylle stirred and looked like he wants to be carried by mypanion.


    I gave him to Keian, who dly carried him.


    ¡°Thank you, Tito Keiranz!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, baby.¡± my eyebrows furrowed because when he said the ¡®baby,¡¯ he was looking at me and grinning.


    ¡°Get inside first. The sun¡¯s starting to rise up. It¡¯s hot¡± we turned to Tiya when she spoke.


    Keian and I stared at each other, so I carried Brylle again, and we went to Tiya together.


    Keian showed Tiya a sign of respect.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he said, full of respect.


    Tiya smiled while looking up. Keian¡¯s really tall.


    ¡°Oh no, sir. Are you Nassandra¡¯s boss? She¡¯s devoted, right?


    ¡°There is no problem with Nass¡± I then saw the smirk on his lips, and we both know that I don¡¯t follow orders at the mansion well.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good. But boy, I won¡¯t allow you to abuse Nassandra. Hah. I will bring you to the police if you do.¡± Oh no, Tiya. The police may not handle Keian if you do.


    The man nodded and even held Tiya¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I won¡¯t ever do that to Nassandra. I care for her¡± Tiya contentedly nodded then we entered the house.


    ¡°Even though Nassandra only told me a while ago, it¡¯s perfect that I got to cooked lunch. You should eat here first before going to the mall¡± Tiya let us sit at the table in the kitchen.


    I then sat Brylle at his baby chair.


    ¡°Today is Brylle¡¯s check-up, Tiya?¡± She looked surprised when I said this.


    ¡°Oh yeah, I already forgot.¡±


    She looked at the two of us then smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to do somethingter so I won¡¯t be able to bring him to a doctor.


    But I can leave him to someone I know there and then fetch him in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°We will just bring him with us to the mall, so we won¡¯t bother you,¡± I said. Kei is just silently listening while Brylle is eating.


    ¡°Oh no, Nassandra, Sir Zeke just brought him to the mall yesterday and bought him things. I don¡¯t want him to go to the mall often. He might get spoiled¡± My eyebrow raised ¡¯cause I didn¡¯t have any clue that they took a detour yesterday before going home. Even Keian has the same reaction.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fetch Brylle so you two can have a date. And also, I want to visit the clinic¡± Keian smiled while I turned red. Ha! Who said we will go on a date? We won¡¯t!


    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am,¡± Kei answered. I red at him.


    ¡°Anne, where is my¡ª-¡± We turned to Tiya¡¯s room where William came from, already wearing a suit.


    His eyes widened when he saw Keian sitting beside me, then quickly bowed.


    ¡°Maitre,¡± he greeted.


    Kei then nodded.


    ¡°it¡¯s okay, William. You¡¯re not working anyway.¡± he sighed.


    ¡°Thank you, sir¡± Tiya and he looked at each other before William returned to the room.


    Oh right, they are already living together here¡­


    ¡°Oh, eat now before the food gets cold.¡±


    While eating, Keian will ask Tiya and sometimes me. He really wants to know everyone around me.


    I smiled when Keiughed at Tiya¡¯s joke.


    He is not doing any work. His smile never left his lips and even his constant nce at me.


    ¡°Mama?¡± Brylle must¡¯ve noticed that I¡¯m just staring at my muscr boss.


    I smiled at Brylle then messed his hair.


    ¡°Just eat, my son¡±

 Chapter 41

    ¡± Good morning Sir Andrew¡± I was surprised when the guard of the mall greeted Keian when we passed by the entrance.


    Keian nodded at the guard then he gave his gun for the guard to check. Wait! Why does he have a weapon with him?!


    However, the guard reached for the gun and checked it like it¡¯s a normal thing for him to do. He returned it to Keian, who put it back to its holster on his hips.


    I raised my brow at him because how can he knew the guard to allow him to bring a gun inside the mall?


    ¡± The mall is ours,¡± he answered like he knew I¡¯m going to ask him a question.


    ¡± Ah¡­ Oka¡ª Wait, this mall is yours!?¡± I almost shouted in surprise. Good thing I realized we are inside, and there¡¯s a lot of people here.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    I asionally go to this Mall, and If I only know Keian is the one who owns it, then I will totally include him whenever Brylle and I go here. Or whenever I am with Tiya. Haisttt.


    ¡± Yes. If you noticed the mall¡¯s name. It¡¯s M&T Malls that stands for my parents¡¯ surnames.¡± He stated.


    ¡± Then how about the sensors inside shops? Won¡¯t they be concerned about that?¡± His gaze lowered to me.


    ¡± Marques Manufacturing is mostly focused on selling metals and such, but we also manufacture automotive, electronics, and advanced technology devices.¡± He exined. My mouth gaped in awe. Just how many stuffs are they doing in theirpany??? No wonder they are so rich.


    ¡± What the guard checked earlier is the nano hip on the gun. It keeps it undetected under sensors,¡± he continued.


    ¡± What if someone has that chip as well? Then he entered the mall, and he has a bad intention?¡± It¡¯s not impossible to happen, you know? He raised a brow in my direction.


    ¡± Allpany inventions are secured, and it¡¯s impossible for someone to steal such things without us knowing. Also, it has a fingerprint scanner of the authorized personnel that has the permission to use the chip. If the one holding the weapon doesn¡¯t match the fingerprint in the chip, it won¡¯t work. The chip also checks the holder¡¯s movements; if it detects someone else¡¯s moves, then it will not work as well. Only my ninemanders, which is Nic and others, have this chip. Only 9 of them are authorized to use the chip, including me.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry, all sensors that are used in this country are manufactured by ourpany,¡± he casually said.


    He has a knownpany, malls in different ces all around the country, and mafia as well?!


    I can¡¯t help but wince at that thought, but I just nodded and started to walk together.


    ¡± Where do you want to go first?¡±


    Before going to the mall, we first brought Brylle to the clinic of his doctor. Tiya will be the one to fetch Brylle so that we will be in the mall until night¡­ I guess?


    ¡± You decide. You¡¯re the one who suggested to go here anyway.¡± I said. He raised an eyebrow as he stopped to face me.


    ¡± We¡¯ll go wherever you want to go,¡± Keian stated like he¡¯s evenmanding me.


    I stared at him with furrowed eyebrows while he looked back at me with cold expression. We¡¯re suddenly having a staring contest.


    .


    .


    .


    ¡± Arghh¡± he smirked when I was the first to divert my gaze from our staring contest. There¡¯s something good about his look! Something¡­ ah! I don¡¯t know.


    Why does he have to have a greek god look? Just because he¡¯s ¡®hap-hap¡¯? It¡¯s unfair:<     " Where do you want to go?" he asked again. I red at him before traveling my eyes around the mall, thinking where we should go.     " Uhmmm... Supermarket? I want to buy groceries for Tiya and Brylle" he looked in the direction of the grocery before nodding.     He holds my hand then started walking towards the entrance of the supermarket.     I can''t but blush and feel embarrassed because people are looking at the two of us. I can even hear their whispers that don''t seem like whispers at all. Mostly girls are looking at us, oh it''s not ''us,'' just at Keian.     " Hey, that one''s handsome," said a girl with a lot of make-up on her face making her look like a clown, to her friends who are staring at mypanion as well.     I nced at Keian with furrowed eyebrows as the man is only looking forward and not minding the girls.     " Oh! He looks yummy, but the one on his side might be his girlfriend." said girl #2.     " Maybe she''s just his sister. They don''t have ''chemistry,'' you know? The two of us are more suited together." the other girl even confidently said.     Oh reallyyy...?     " We''re more beautiful than her!" said the other other girl bitterly.     I almost red at them. Go on then, girl! Steal Keian, hmph!     " Let''s go and talk to him?" oh, confident much, girls? Keian will never notice you! Never!     Wait a minute, why am I even so irritated with those girls? What''s happening?     Because I can feel my head starting to ache, I stopped walking and faced the group of girls.     " Don''t ever assume that you will be noticed by mypanion! You might just cry while talking to this man." I said with gritted teeth.     Why are you starting a fight with those girls, Nass?     The eyebrows of the girls shot up as they spread out in front of me.     " Oh really? My guess is that you are just a maid of his, and you just flirted with your own boss," I winced at what she said because first, she''s right that I''m a maid, but the flirted part is not true, and second, their insults are over the top!     " Ab---"     " Just shut up," I looked at Keian in disbelief when I thought I''m the one he''s saying "shut up" to, but I saw him sending deathly res at the group of girls.     " Don''t you ever insult my girl, understood?" he said in emphasis.     The four girls looked scared at Keian, but they tried hard to hide it.     " Hmph! Let''s go! We''re just wasting our time here," the one girl said, slightly shaking, and the other three agreed.     I can''t help but smirk at my sess. Mwahahaha!     " And you," Keian''s re moved to me.     " Don''t start fights in public ces. You don''t need to be jealous," he said in a serious tone.     I gave him a nasty look so he won''t notice my embarrassment at what he said.     " Who''s jealous? I''m not jealous," I depended. He suddenly smiled then he kissed me on the forehead.     " You are." He stated before entering the supermarket.     I followed inside and looked for Tiya and Brylle''s needs while pouting. Keian also helped in buying groceries.     In the end, he insists on him paying for what we brought. And because I don''t want to give him too much trouble, I said no.     " Then I will decrease your sry pay if you want," I don''t know what I''m thinking that time that I epted his deal though I  know that he''ll never decrease my sry.     *sigh*     After the supermarket, we went to the department store, and my eyes are still shining whenever I see fancy dresses that I, unfortunately, don''t need to buy. I have a budget to follow anyway.     " Get all the things that you want. I''ll pay for it," I turned my head to Keian, who is smiling at me. I shook my head at what he said.     " It''s okay. I don''t need it anyway." He held my shoulders after sighing.     " It''s alright. It can be my gift for you."     " For what?" I raised an eyebrow when he grinned.     " Foring into my life," and of course, my heart immediately pounded hard on my chest as I jokingly hit his arm.     " Stop it," heughed at my remark, then he put his hands around my shoulder and brought me to the women''s section of the department store.     " Go on," he lightly pushed me towards the clothes.     Because he''s forceful, I happily searched for clothes.     While searching, I kept ncing in his direction because his smile almost reached his eyes while watching me shop.     This is the first time I saw him smile that way, so I can''t help smiling too.     After many minutes, I decided to buy the dress I longed to have every time I go to this mall.     I reached for the dress with a smile on my face as I show it to Keian.     " That''s all?" he asked, confused. I nodded.     " Hmm, it looks really good. I''ve been longing to buy this. I think it''s not that expensive. Maybe---" I stopped talking when I flipped the price tag of the dress, and it''s... 3, 000 pesos!?     I sucked in a breath and nced at Keian.     " Nevermind. Hehe," I started returning the dress to its original position, but Keian holds my arm and pulled me back to him.     " I don''t care if the price is too expensive. What''s important is that you''re happy." I repeatedly blinked at what he said.     I even heard the saledies near us squealed at what they heard.     I lowered my head to hide my embarrassment and my red cheeks.     He chuckled, then reached for the dress before paying for it on the counter. While me, I''m still staring at the floor and still standing like a statue.     He''s been like that since this morning in the car. Oh ghad, I might turn to a tomato if he continues with his remarks.     " Nass," I looked up at Keian, who holds my hands.     " Let---" he stopped talking when I suddenly kissed his cheeks, then took the paper bag from his hands and walked away from him while keeping my eyes on the floor.     He immediately followed, then he wrapped me with his shoulders once again, smiling.     He asked one of the mall staff, who is also his staff, to carry all of what we bought to the car. When we went outside the store, I started thinking again about where we should go next because I know that he''ll ask me to decide where to go anyway. But Keian pulled mo towards a... game station?     " Hey? Why did you bring me here?" he looked at me; though his emotion is cold, he still has a slight glimmer in his eyes.     " Do you want to y here?" He asked. I raised my eyebrow at him.     " Do YOU want to y here?" I asked back. It''s evident that he wants to go inside. He red at me.     "I asked you first" I rolled my eyes at him.     "It''s you who looked like he wants to y," I said to him. He squinted his eyes at me but just went silent.     "I admit it, I want to y," I just said. My gosh, this Keiranz. He''s allowed to say that he wants to go inside. Haisttt...     He smiled at me and swiftly went inside and went to the counter to buy a card.     We tried other games and got a lot of small prizes.     After that, he went to a ce where there is a shooting game. Shooting, as in gun shooting.     I looked at the rules posted on a wall near the shooting area. If he defeated the other yer beside us with the most target to bring down, he would get a high price at the prize section.     "Are you not still worn out of shooting?" I asked him. He smirked then gave me a gun.     "You will y," he said like he''s ordering me. Ha! He''s the one who brought me here, and now he''s telling me to y. Wow!     "Ah sure, maitre," I sarcastically said. He smiled when I took the gun.     "What? A girl? Dude, I thought you are the one ying" my attention turned to the guy in the shooting area next to ours. He''s looking at Keian.     I narrowed my eyes in his direction. Is he underestimating me?     Keian snickered and didn''t reply to what the guy said. My eyebrows raised when the guy smirked at me.     "Sorry in advance, miss, if you lose," he said conceitedly. I furrowed my eyebrows and just focused on what''s in front of me. The game is starting anyway.     "3, 2, 1, Go!" the targets came out, and I tried to hit one, but I''m not used to the gun''s weight and structure, as it''s differentpared to a real gun.     I winced when I almost reached ten miss.     Who designed this gun? It''s not even close to what a real gun is!     I nced at my enemy and saw that he still doesn''t have any missed target.     He seemed like he''s very ustomed to using the arcade''s gun.     I figured out first how the gun worked and hit a few targets, but I still almost missed.     When the timer stopped, I heard the guyughed.     "Sorry again, miss" I sadly lowered my gun and saw that the guy has a prize of 1, 000 pesos bill. Is that allowed on game arcades?!     "Uy! Jackpot!"     Keian suddenly went to the guy and stared at him.     " y again, and I''ll be your opponent," the guy grinned and held up his gun in surrender.     Wait, does Keian want to y because he wants 1, 000 pesos?     They prepared for a new game. Keian''s expression is just cold while the guy is stillughing.     Argghh. The only reason I lost was that the gun has a different feeling; it feels like it''s not a gun at all!     The game started, and simr to what happened to me, Keian had a hard time hitting the targets, but he has less missed than I have.     I just watched them until, in the end, the guy is still the winner-still no missed target.     Annoyed, Keian lowered his gun.     " Damn, " I let out a breath and went towards him to pat him on his back.     " Dude, nice game." The guy gave his hand to shake, and Keian reached for it.     The guy, smiling earnestly, walked away from us to go to other arcades. I followed his figure with a re.     " Let''s just go. He must have been ying for a long time." Keian smiled at me and nodded.     " I know."     Because we lost the energy to y another game, we decided to go out of the game station.     We were already in front of the ss door of the ce. We can see clearly what is outside.     " Ahhhhh!" as we heard a scream, I saw a guy with a cap brings out his gun and started to shoot every single person he sees.     What happened next seemed like to be in slow motion.     Keian hugged me then hid behind an arcade machine where the gunner won''t see us.     I heard screamings, people running in every direction, and shattering sses while the man outside is still not stopping on shooting using his gun.

 Chapter 42

    I heard screamings, people running in every direction, and shattering sses while the man outside is still not stopping on shooting using his gun.


    I felt someone touched my cheeks, so I turned my head to Keian with wide eyes. I saw the concern on his expression.


    ¡± Are you okay? Are you hurt? Nass?¡± I shook my head in his direction, trembling as I tried to stand up to the gunner.


    ¡± No.¡± He sternly said.


    ¡± But there¡¯s a lot of wounded people outside. Let us help them, Keian¡± I held his hand. I can¡¯t hide the fact that I¡¯m scared right now. Not for myself, but threatened that the gunner would kill more innocent people. Keian nodded at me as reassurance.


    ¡± I know Nass, I know¡± he positioned himself behind the machine then checked the man. Of course, I took the space beside him and looked from the other side of our hiding ce.


    There¡¯s almost no one outside the game station. It¡¯s either people are hiding, or they¡¯re already lying on the floor. I just wished that the situation is not what I¡¯m most afraid of happening.


    The man¡¯s eyes wandered around, and it¡¯s a good thing we were able to hide before he can see the two of us.


    ¡± Sh8t. The guards are already dead.¡± my eyes widened more at what he said.


    Keian looked at his watch and touched it several times. He wore an earpiece as he looked like he¡¯s trying to contact the people in the mansion.


    ¡± Alpha au si¨¨ge ( Alpha to headquarters)¡± base on Keian¡¯s face, someone is speaking on his earpiece.


    ¡± Damn. I still want to live, huhuhu.¡± I looked at the nearest machine where  Keian and I are hiding and saw the guy we fought earlier in the shooting game. I checked his state.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± even though I was irritated at him because of his conceited remarks when we were ying, I still don¡¯t wish for him to get hurt.


    He looked at me, surprised, while he¡¯s hugging his back bag.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m okay,¡± he stuttered. I gave him a small smile before turning my attention back to Keian.


    ¡± Bring the 3rdmando in our position. I¡¯ll send you the coordinates,¡± Keian said to the one in the earpiece. He sighed then looked at my eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯ll go out there, and you will stay here. Understood?¡± he said in a serious tone. His expression is already cold, different from what I saw a few minutes ago.


    ¡± But¡ª¡±


    ¡± Stay, Nassandra,¡± Keian said with emphasis. I have no other choice but to lower my head.


    I felt him touched my cheek before standing while holding his gun. I watched him go out of the game station and reveal himself to the shooter.


    I nervously eyed them up. Nothing terrible will happen to Keian, right? I mean, he won¡¯t be a boss if he¡¯s not skilled. Yes, yes. That¡¯s right.


    The man smiled when he saw Keian as if he expected Keian to show up.


    Why?


    ¡± Is your boyfriend crazy? Why did he go out? Didn¡¯t he know he might get killed at what he did? Aish, I don¡¯t know tp the two of you, but I don¡¯t want to die.¡± I blinked twice at the guy¡¯s direction and decided not to answer his remark.


    My attention went back to Keian and the gunner. They¡¯re still talking to each other.


    I suddenly saw men with masks and big guns in their handsing from the stairs. They look like soldiers.


    Their guns were pointed to Kei and ready to shoot him any minute. My eyebrows furrowed when Keian still hasn¡¯t noticed the heavily armed men walking in their direction, so I did what I have to do.


    I went out of my hiding ce and immediately pushed the ss door.


    ¡± Keian!¡± I shouted while pointing in the men¡¯s direction.


    He looked at where I¡¯m pointing and swiftly ducked to avoid the bullets they are shooting out.


    ¡± Sh*t! Why the hell did you go out?¡± he asked, annoyed while hiding behind a garbage can, to which I followed. I didn¡¯t answer his question and looked around.


    There¡¯s a lot of people lying¡­. all of them are in a pool of blood.


    ¡± Alpha au si¨¨ge, where is the damnmando?!¡± Keian shouted to the one he¡¯s talking to in the earpiece.


    ¡± Tell ra to f¡ª¡ª rece you. Now!¡±


    Keian peeked from behind before shooting at six men without pausing. All of them have bullets in their heads.


    Why? Why did they have to do this? They involved innocent people.


    ¡± Apo (grandchild). I¡¯m right here, my child, please, hold on.¡± I looked at where the voice ising from, feeling afraid.


    Not far from where we are hiding, an olddy is lying face down, together with a girl kid. Her eyes are still open, but the pain is obviously what she¡¯s feeling.


    ¡± L, haa¡ª w-what¡¯s happening?¡± the kid started crying. The olddy is doing the same.


    ¡± ra! Who in mymand is near the ce?¡ªthen tell him toe here immediately, we are surrounded.¡±


    I need to help them; they need to live.


    ¡± Nass?! Stay here!¡± Keian shouted when I tried to go in the olddy and child¡¯s direction.


    I looked straight at his eyes.


    ¡± Please, Kei, let me help them,¡± I pleaded.


    He looked in the olddy¡¯s direction and looked hurt while deciding what to do.


    ¡± Okay¡­ Run to them on the count of three. I¡¯ll cover you¡± I sighed in relief, then nodded at Kei. I readied myself.


    ¡± Be careful, Nassandra.¡±


    ¡± I will.¡± After sighing, his expression went to nk as he prepared his gun.


    ¡± 1¡å I only focused on the olddy and child¡¯s direction.


    ¡± 2¡­¡±


    ¡± 3!¡± Keian and I stood up at the same time. He confronted the armed men and started firing his gun while I ran to where I want to go the most.


    ¡± Ma¡¯am, are you alright?¡± her eyes widened as she looked at my eyes.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m fine. But my grandchild, please help her.¡± I held her shoulders and nodded in reassurance.


    I looked at the child whose hands are with the olddy¡¯s.


    She has a gun wound on her stomach part, and it¡¯s bleeding fast.


    I took the extra t-shirt in my bag and immediately used this to cover and put pressure on the kid¡¯s wound.


    ¡± Oww¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, you¡¯ll be okay¡± the kid looked at me with tears in her eyes.


    ¡± Nassandra!¡± I turned my attention to Keian, who is still firing his gun at many armed men.


    One of them is pointing his gun at where the olddy is, but it¡¯s toote¡­


    ¡± L-L,¡± I watched in shock as thedy tightened her hold at the child¡¯s hand.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry apo.¡±


    My breath quickened as I red at the man who shot the olddy. He is smirking.


    He shoots the child as well.


    Afterward, he pointed his gun in my direction.


    ¡± Wait! No!¡± I heard Keian shouted.


    I looked at the man with cold eyes with my fists clenched.


    ¡± What are you looking at?!¡± I stubbornly stayed my look on his face.


    ¡± Don¡¯t you dare¡ª¡± Keian ran towards the man, but its allies stopped him.


    The guy who shot everyone and everything in the mall went near me. He looked at me from head to toe before smiling.


    ¡± You¡¯re quite a beauty, miss. You want me to take you home?¡±


    ¡± I would never entertain someone like you! You murderer!¡± His eyes filled with anger at what I said and roughly held my chin upwards.


    ¡± What did you say?!¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t you dare touch her!¡± I nced at Keian, who is trying to free himself from the huge men¡¯s grip.


    No. I don¡¯t want to be weak anymore. I won¡¯t make everyone stop just to help me that I¡¯m the weak one.


    So I swiftly put my right hand on his neck and stole his gun with my left hand. Because of shock, his grip loosened.


    I faced him to his subordinates while I pointed the gun on his head.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡± You can kill him. He has no worth anyways.¡± I looked at a guy who is even wearing sunsses.


    I smirked at him before making the guy on my arms sleep by hitting the side of his neck with my hands. Then I stood up to shoot the guy in shades and the rest of the men.


    ¡­


    Breathing hard, I lowered my gun and looked around the mall.


    There are no armed men. All are now dead. Keian is shocked at what I did, but he swiftly walked towards me to make sure I¡¯m alright.


    ¡± You okay? Injured?¡± he worriedly asked.


    I smiled tiredly and shook my head.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± Keian wrapped his hands on me to engulf me in a hug while I¡¯m just staring on the floor.


    *p p*


    ¡± Marques!¡± He released when we heard someone pped.


    Because Kei¡¯s the one facing the direction of the stairs, he was the one who saw someone who has a disturbingly familiar voice.


    He protectively hides me from the anonymous person.


    ¡± Who are you?¡± Keian¡¯s voice is cold when he asked the man, firmly clutching his gun.


    I peeked from Keian¡¯s back and got confused when I saw the man¡¯s face, making me realize I already saw him elsewhere.


    ¡± Oh, I¡¯m just a nobody. I¡¯m just here to kill you, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Keian¡¯s breathing seemed to quicken, and his knuckles are almost white because he¡¯s gripping on his gun too tight.


    ¡± You f¡ªing killed the people in this mall!¡± He angrily said. Keian¡¯s voice became more profound.


    The anonymous man just smiled and nodded his head.


    ¡± You¡¯re great, Marques. Your skills did not disappoint me.¡± The man said.


    ¡± I don¡¯t need to impress a bastard like you!¡±


    ¡± Hahaha! That¡¯s true. But at least you manage to kill the men I sent here to massacre EVERYONE.¡± He emphasized the word everyone, and I can¡¯t help feeling angry at this man.


    What did he want?!


    ¡± By the way, I¡¯m Diego Evans. Nice to meet you,¡± he casually said that made Keian more aggravated.


    Diego Evans???


    He pointed his gun at the man named Diego.


    ¡± What do you want?¡± Keian nearly growled his words. Diego just smiled before touching once on his earpiece.


    ¡± I told you, I want you killed.¡±


    Later on, a new group of heavily armed men climbed the stairs, and their numbers are overwhelming than those we encountered earlier.


    I gripped Keian¡¯s shirt tightly. Then I felt his left-hand touching mine.


    Arghh! My head¡¯s spinning just from thinking where and when did I saw that Diego Evans!


    Diego¡­


    Evans¡­


    I looked back and forth at Diego and the armed men.


    Until finally¡­


    (shback)


    ¡± Hey, are you alright? Why are you crying?¡± I asked a boy child hiding behind a wall. I went near him and kneeled so I can be in level with his eyes.


    ¡± Wahhh huhuhu. It¡¯s nothing. I was scolded by my Mom earlier¡± his words are not constant, and he looks like he has trouble speaking. He sniffed before rubbing his eyes.


    ¡± Why were you scolded?¡± I asked. His mouth closed then he shook his head.


    ¡± Why would I tell you? You¡¯ll just embarrass me¡± I patted his head while smiling.


    ¡± Okay, I won¡¯t ask. Just tell me your name, please?¡± he looked up at me as he also smiled.


    ¡± Diego Evans. You?¡±


    ¡± Pat Del Luna¡±


    _


    By the time I finally remembered who Diego Evans is, his eyes went towards me as his smile slowly disappears.


    ¡± D-Diego?¡±


    ¡± Pat?¡±

 Chapter 43

    My heart pounded loudly when I remembered who Diego Evans is. I became like a statue that was unable to move.


    A person from my past. A significant person.


    ¡± You¡¯re alive? What¡ª¡± *bang* ¡± Kei!¡±


    Diego was cut off from his words when we saw Maxence arrived, who shot the spot near Diego.


    Maxence is with many men in ck suits, and all of their guns are pointed in Diego.


    ¡± Sh8t¡± Diego looked at hispanions.


    ¡± Retreat!¡± Hemanded, so the armed men immediately followed his order.


    ¡± alpha, should we shoot them?¡± One of Keian¡¯s men asked.


    ¡± No. Let them be¡­ for now.¡± Keian coldly answered.


    ¡± This is not the end, Marques!¡± Diego started running away with his armed men, but his gaze lingered in my direction. I saw once again the innocent look he always had when we were together.


    We started at each other for a while before he can entirely run out of our sight.


    My body is just frozen, and I have no energy to say a word.


    Maxence walked towards us.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry we¡¯rete, Alpha,¡± he even slightly bowed in front of us. Keian hissed while giving Maxence a death re, but he didn¡¯t say any word.


    After a few minutes, Keian calmed down as his face became nk.


    ¡± Clean this ce up. See if there¡¯s someone still alive and immediately send them to the hospital.¡±


    ¡± Yes, Alpha,¡± Maxence left the two of us and returned to the men in ck to give them an order.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± I looked at Keian, still wide-eyed.


    I smiled at him then nodded.


    After that, he coldly put distance between the two of us. There¡¯s something in his look as well. He did that maybe because he knew that I knew their mafia¡¯s enemy.


    I shakily sat on the cold floor of the mall. My mind filled with a lot of questions.


    I turned my head to the olddy and child who is now not breathing anymore; I can¡¯t help but feel extremely sad.¡±


    One by one, people who are still alive started to go out of their hiding ce. The guy we fought in the shooting area is included in that group. It is a relief that not all people here inside the mall are dead.


    I am the first one the guy saw, and his expression is bbergasted.


    ¡± Both of you are more skilled in shooting than I am,¡± he remarked, feeling goosebumps on his body before running away. I think he watched the encounter earlier.


    I sunk my head in my raised knees after letting out a shaky breath.


    I can¡¯t understand what I¡¯m feeling right now.


    Anger, sadness, confusion, and fear.


    Anger because why do they have to involve a lot of innocent human beings?! If Keian¡¯s mafia is their target, why didn¡¯t they involve only their mafia?!


    It¡¯s sad that, unfortunately, a lot of people died. Because I was unable to do something to help them. I feel like I am worthless.


    Why did it seem like Diego is the mastermind of all this? I don¡¯t understand. He had been my best friend since I was six years old, and at the eleven years we were together, I knew he¡¯s not an evil person. Why???


    Deep in my what is where my fear is. I want to run away from this ce. I just want to run away from this reality. Go back to my old life where there are no guns and killings, where I could live normally.


    I fear that the situation may worsen. That the next time Diego ns toe back for us, there¡¯ll be more people involved.


    I am afraid to see my best friend again, with myself not knowing him anymore.


    I nced at Keian and Maxence, who are giving orders to their men.


    I fear that the more I stay in my job, everyone will be in danger, not just me but also my family.


    What the Nassandra! What are you thinking!


    I shook my head as I stare at the floor.


    I don¡¯t want to be scared again.


    I don¡¯t want to run.


    I¡¯m not going to dodge what¡¯sing anymore.


    I will face my fears. I will face the consequences of what I will do from now on.


    I will n thoroughly what I should do.


    I will move.


    I will not be defeated by that damn word called ¡®fear.¡¯ I am not weak.


    So I will not just sit and watch wherein the end will be my regret.


    I will protect everyone that matters to me.


    I will not permit myself to be weak¡­


    For Brylle.


    For Tiya.


    And¡­


    For Keian.


    ¡± Nassandra, Kei said you should follow him¡± my gaze went up to Maxence when he called me.


    Then my eyes went to Kei, who is now starting to walk.


    ¡± Alright,¡± I answered, then nodded at Maxence. I stood up from the floor and started walking as well.


    I am just looking at Keian¡¯s back, suppressing myself on rolling my eyes.


    I can understand why he¡¯s ¡®like that,¡¯ but I can¡¯t help but feel irritated at what he¡¯s doing right now.


    Like what should I do?


    While he¡¯s in front of me and I¡¯m following behind him, he¡¯ll asionally stop then re in my direction!


    And of course, I will stop simrly, and we¡¯ll stare at each other¡¯s eyes, then he¡¯ll be the one whose eyes will be cold before averting his gaze! Hmph!


    He¡¯s like doing that every one minute!


    We arrived at the mall¡¯s parking lot, and we are facing each other when we are now beside his car.


    ¡± Get in,¡± he ordered. I furrowed my eyebrows at him but then gave a small smile.


    ¡± No need, I¡¯ll just go andmute,¡± I said, then started walking towards the exit.


    ¡± Just f¡ªing get in.¡± I have no other choice but to face him again because his voice is frantic.


    ¡± Yes, MA?TRE,¡± I sarcastically said. I really emphasized the word ¡®ma?tre.¡¯


    His eyebrow raised when I loudly entered his car, mming the door.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    With a cold expression, he entered as well then started the car.


    My arms are crossed on my chest while looking outside the window of the car while he¡¯s driving.


    They closed the mall, and there¡¯s a lot of police and ambnce outside.


    Fortunately, the traffic is not that heavy.


    I noticed that Keian kept on ncing in my direction, but I didn¡¯t look back. I won¡¯t mind him at all.


    On the road, I saw an olddy and a young boy crossing.


    My mind went back to the olddy and girl earlier.


    *sniff*


    I faced my face on the window more and wiped the tears falling from my eyes.


    ¡± Are you crying?¡± Keian asked in a slightly irritated voice.


    Finally, I looked at him just to give a re.


    I thought my eyes wouldn¡¯t continue to cry anymore, but then I saw a blood spot on Keian¡¯s shirt!


    So now, my head is lowered while I continue to wipe my face. I don¡¯t care anymore if Keian gets more irritated. It hurts, eh.


    ¡± Sh8t,¡± I sensed that Keian moved the car to the side of the road and turned off the car¡¯s engine.


    And because the engine is off, my cries are the only thing that can be heard inside the car.


    ¡± Haha. Wh¨Cy did you sto¨Cpped the *sniff* car?¡± I asked in broken words. I am also having trouble breathing. Curse these tears.


    His eyes softened as he touched my cheeks.


    ¡± Why are you crying? Did I do something wrong?¡± I bit my lower lip so I won¡¯t cry even more; I¡¯m such a crying mess right now.


    I just shook my head repeatedly and tried to get away from his grip, but I felt that he¡¯s holding my shaking heads and the back of my head.


    Then he leaned my forehead on his chest. It¡¯s done; I¡¯m going to let it all out now.


    Why does it really felt good to hug this man? It¡¯s unsettling¡­


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m sorry, Nassandra. I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered in my ear while stroking my hair.


    ¡± W-Why did he have to kill all those innocent people in the mall?!¡± I hastily said.


    ¡± Why did he have to do that? Huhu,¡± I felt Keian¡¯s first clenched, but his touch on me is still gentle.


    ¡± Shhh. Stop crying, please. Don¡¯t worry, Nass. I¡¯ll make sure that bastard is killed.¡± Heforted. I don¡¯t know if what he said isforting, though. I don¡¯t Keian to die, but I also don¡¯t want my old best friend to die.


    But I remained silent and continued crying on Keian¡¯s shirt.


    I also wrapped my arms around him so the hug would tighten.


    He smells good.


    *Note:


    If this is not posted in April 27th, then I¡¯m sorry, it means I emailed the chapters to the app past their office hours hehe. Our final exams are tomorrow so please understand\^_^/I hope it will be posted though. Next update will be on May 1, 2021.

 Chapter 44

    After I calmed down from crying, he started driving again.


    We went straight to the mansion, and he told me to stay in his room because he had to talk with the others regarding what happened in the mall.


    So here I am, lying on Keian¡¯s bed while staring up at the ceiling of the room.


    I never knew Keian¡¯s ceiling is beautiful. It¡¯s all ck.


    Iid on my side at the same time, sighing deeply.


    My mind is still lingering on what happened at the mall. ¡°Why?¡± That¡¯s what is the on;y thing on my mind right now.


    Why would Diego do that?


    When I first saw him hiding behind a wall when we were young, I never expected him to be my friend, but because he¡¯s living in our house at that time, we became best of friends.


    We were always together for 11 years. But when my grandmother died, he suddenly disappeared from my sight. He seemed like he doesn¡¯t want to show himself in front of me. Like he¡¯s avoiding me.


    I remembered finding ways to saw him again, and it was granted, but he¡¯s the one who really stayed away from me.


    Of course, it pained me that time, considering he¡¯s my boy best friend, but as years passed, he slowly faded in my mind.


    Especially when I started taking care of Brylle¡­


    I sighed once again turned my stare to the carpet on the floor.


    The door opened, but I¡¯m am still staring at the distance.


    ¡± Nass?¡± I felt Keian tapped my knee, so I turned my attention to him, who sat on the bed.


    I almost waited 6 hours inside this room ah! It¡¯s now 7 p. m.!


    I got up and sat across him in indian sit, while his legs are still not on the bed.


    ¡± You done with your meeting?¡± he tiredly smiled then brushed back his hair.


    ¡± Yes. And we managed to identify the mastermind of what happened in the mall,¡± my head lowered.


    ¡± Who?¡± I already know who the mastermind is, but I¡¯m just making sure.


    ¡± It¡¯s the man you KNEW, Nassandra.¡± It¡¯s obvious that he even emphasized the word ¡°knew¡± as I stopped myself from raising an eyebrow in his direction.


    ¡± How did you know him, Nassandra?¡± he coldly asked.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    I bit my lower lip because I genuinely felt sad at his tone of words, and the other reason is I don¡¯t know if I should tell him the truth or not.


    But Diego is the only one I need to mention, right? Not everything on my PAST.


    I let out a breath, then smiled and nodded.


    ¡± Diego Evans. He¡¯s my best friend since 6 years old. When my grandma died, we stopped talking. Especially when Mama and Papa died, we really have no connection with each other since then.¡± I exined.


    We looked at each other, and there¡¯s something in his eyes.


    Like he¡¯s doubting what I just said. Skeptical¡­


    ¡± Are you¡ªsure¡­?¡± I froze at his question.


    ¡± I mean, is he not contacting you or you, contacting him?¡± My smile disappeared.


    ¡± No, Keian. I¡¯m busy taking care of Brylle. I even almost forgot his being,¡± he raised his eyebrows at me, and his eyes are now totally saying he doesn¡¯t believe me.


    He tightly gripped my shoulders.


    ¡± Please, Nassandra. Of you¡¯re conversing with him, say it. Nothing terrible will happen to you,¡± he stated with a slight hint of menace.


    ¡± I told you, we¡¯re not,¡± I said in decreasing volume of my voice.


    ¡± Nassandra,¡± he clenched my shoulder hard as I felt like my bones are going to break.


    ¡± Keian. Please. You¡¯re hurting me. I¡¯m not lying to you.¡± He furrowed his eyebrows. Pushing me as he releases me from his grip.


    Ouch.


    ¡± Maybe¡­ Maybe you¡¯re his¡ª¡± he said, almost shouting.


    I shot up my brows when he is the one who cut off what he¡¯s about to say.


    ¡± Maybe what?¡± I asked in a whisper. He looked at me coldly but didn¡¯t say anything else.


    I can¡¯t believe him.


    Because of my frustration, I walked out of the room. Argh!


    I went down the stairs annoyed, and went out of the house to go to their gazebo.


    Though it¡¯s already night, the lights from the field make me able to see my surroundings.


    I then saw Leon resting in the gazebo, and when he noticed me, he started running in my direction.


    ¡± Hello, Leon.¡±


    ¡± Arf!¡± He greeted back.


    I sat down on the bench here in the gazebo and stroked Leon¡¯s fur, who is now sitting at my feet.


    I wandered my eyes around. Listening to the sound of watering from the pool and the sounds of the insects.


    It¡¯s a good thing no one is here outside because I really want to be alone now.


    Not totally alone, though. Because I have Leon here with me.


    I sighed and ponder my head with several thoughts in the middle of the peaceful silence.


    Keian and I do not really know each other well, as we just met a few months ago. So it should be expected that the both of us still don¡¯t trust each other fully considering that the two of us have a lot of secrets about our pasts.


    I already know what Keian wants to say next earlier. But even though I know, I¡¯m still frightened to hear him say it.


    ¡± Leon. tu me fais confiance, non? ( You trust me, right?)¡± the dog gazed upon me and barked in response, so I bitterly smiled.


    ¡± Thank you, Leon¡± he stood up and hugged me that I returned.


    ¡± What the hell are you doing,¡± my smile disappeared when I heard Laiza¡¯s voice.


    Leon went down, and I saw Laiza leaning on the entrance of the gazebo.


    ¡± What do you want, Laiza?¡± I¡¯m in a bad mood right now, and nothing¡¯s going to stop me.


    She rolled her eyes as she stands up properly then started walking, but she can¡¯t walk properly as her body¡¯s slightly swinging in a different direction. Huh?


    ¡± Are you drunk, Laiza?¡± she went near me, and I smelled the stench of alcohol in her mouth.


    ¡± What would you do if I am?! You¡¯ll tell Kei? Go on the, tell Kei!¡± she looked like she¡¯s about to p me but was unable to do it because she fell down on a chair before touching her head.


    ¡± The world¡¯s spinning? Why is the world spinning?¡± She mumbled.


    My eyebrows raised at what she looked like right now. She¡¯s talking to herself at the moment.


    She looked at me again and pointed a finger in my direction.


    ¡± Hey, you! I saw you went down the stairs, frustrated, so I followed you. I bet you and Keian fight, huh!¡± I held her fingers that¡¯s already poking my face.


    Oh geez, I now have no problem with the normal Laiza, just please, not the drunk Laiza. -3-


    ¡± You had a fight, yeah? Hahaha! You deserve it!¡± I sighed again.


    ¡± Laiza, just sleep already. YOu are drunk,¡± I said to her.


    ¡± Hey!¡± I became shocked when she suddenly got on her feet and looked down on me.


    ¡± Arf!¡± Leon was shocked too.


    ¡± Who are you to order me and tell me what to do!? You¡¯re the maid between the two of us,¡± I winced and can¡¯t help scratching the back of my neck.


    ¡± Okay, okay, Maitresse, go on and sleep,¡± I said in a sarcastic tone.


    She removed my hands on her body then faced me once again.


    While still looking in my eyes, she takes a seat on a bench.


    ¡± I¡¯m not sleepy!¡± she said childishly.


    ¡± Tsk.¡± I just ignored her presence and sat down once again.


    ¡± You know.¡± I noticed a cloud of smoke and what¡¯s the worst is that I inhaled the smoke, so I can¡¯t help but cough and nced at the drunk woman smoking.


    ¡± Can you please *cough* stop smoking?¡± I said, bothered.


    She gave me a snob look then showed herself smoking in front of me.


    Arghhh! Rawr! It was so peaceful here a few minutes ago; why did she have to go here and bother me??? And yes, my attitude is at its highest level.


    ¡± Keiranz. He even defended you during our meeting,¡± she revealed that made me froze in my seat.


    ¡± Who are you for him to defend? Why did he choose you than me? Why are you always with him?¡± I got confused at what she said. Is she¡­?


    ¡± Wait a minute, do you have feelings for Keian?¡± she faced me, and that¡¯s when I saw her crying with red eyes.


    ¡± I-I don¡¯t know. Huhuhu. I waited for so long just for Keian to notice me when we first met, but you¡­ Wahhh!¡± I repeatedly blink when she bawled in front of me.


    Should Ifort her? Oh no! I don¡¯t know what I should do.


    ¡± Since I was a child, I kept trying hard to get my parents¡¯ attention, and when I thought Keian¡¯s full attention is in me, you suddenly came. Wahhh!¡± because there¡¯s a tissue box on my side of the bench, I gave it to her that she immediately took a tissue to blow her nose in it so loudly.


    ¡± He is my first friend, and he is super enjoyable to be with. Even though he looked snobby, he¡¯s super sweet. Huhuhu. My Keiranzzz.¡±


    ¡± Pfft.¡± I stopped myself fromughing because the situation might get worse¡­


    ¡± Then you arrived. Even Zeke¡¯s and Steven¡¯s attention is on you. Unfair!¡± she said like a child.


    I stared at her for a few minutes while she¡¯s crying, then stood up, grimacing and slide my hands on her shoulders.


    ¡± Laiza. He¡¯s still your friend, and you know him better than I do. So don¡¯t overthink that Keian¡¯s not giving you attention. It¡¯s just that you likely ¡°kidnapped¡± Brylle, and that¡¯s the reason why your friends got mad at you. But that¡¯s alright, you all are still friends. Considering your long friendship with them, they¡¯ll never leave you alone or anyone in your circle.¡± I said.


    She looked up at me then gave a re.


    ¡± They¡¯re my friends, they¡¯ll never leave me.¡± She whispered to herself. I nodded several times. She just needed more push, and she¡¯llter n on going back to her room, finally!


    ¡± This is the first time I talked to someone like this. What¡¯s happening to you, Laiza?¡± she asked to herself.


    I patted her shoulders and was about to withdraw back, but her head suddenly fell on my body. I did nothing and stayed still.


    ¡± Hey Laiza, wake up,¡± I shook her, but she¡¯s already snoring.


    Huhuhu! Looks like I need to carry her back to her room.


    Though irritated, I smiled at Laiza¡¯s face right now.


    At least I now understand why she¡¯s like that.


    Laiza, a strong and independent woman, but she¡¯s also yearning for love and attention from those who are around her.


    I can¡¯t say that I already forgave what she did to Brylle, but now I understand why¡­

 Chapter 45

    It¡¯s been days since the massacre in the mall happened and the night Keian, and I almost fight.


    For an unsure reason, I avoided Keian, and he seemed like he doesn¡¯t want to talk to me either.


    So here I am, back to being a maid, my work before I became Keian¡¯s ¡°personal¡± maid.


    He¡¯s not asking for me, so what reason can I have to stay in Keian¡¯s study like what I used to do?


    Also, these past few days, he¡¯s always in his office, and I only saw him this morning.


    I¡¯m now cleaning at the mansion¡¯s west wing, where one can find the gym, library, theater room, and gaming room. Ah! There¡¯s a lot here, mostly for entertainment.


    While the rooms are in the east wing¡­


    I climbed down thedder I used to clean the top of the bookshelves here in the library.


    With my hands on my hips, my eyes around the whole library, and I feel like the entire room is shining after finishing cleaning.


    ¡± Good job Nass. You¡¯re great,¡± I praised myself.


    I shook my head to myself, smiling, then reached for the broom on the floor and got out of the library.


    ¡± Where should we next clean???¡± I asked myself.


    Hmmm¡­


    I happily walked towards the gaming room. I¡¯ll just look at the things inside.


    And maybe, try to use it too.


    Mwahahahaha. No one will notice anyway.


    *smack*


    I stopped walking when I heard a sounding from the direction of the gym.


    Who would work out at this time? The sun is so high in the sky.


    And of course, I hid myself on the gym¡¯s door to peek at who is inside.


    What do you expect from me!? Hahaha!


    I slowly moved my head slightly inwards the room.


    And I saw inside, in the middle of the room, is a naked man. Oh! Not totally nude, just topless.


    He punched a punching bag with matching kicking with his feet.


    He seemed like he¡¯s really agitated with the punching bag because he¡¯s hitting it so strongly.


    Who is he? Why is he so frustrated? And why is his figure familiar to me?


    .


    .


    .


    *look*


    I gasped and immediately hid behind the wall with my hand on my chest.


    Huuu!


    My heart is beating so fast¡­


    Keian¡¯s the one inside?! Why didn¡¯t anyone told me? Huhuhu.


    The fact that when Keian looked at me, he looked like he knew I was peeking, didn¡¯t help with my nerves.


    Oh, Nass! The two of you are avoiding each other right!?Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    And for that reason, I¡¯ll silently walk away like nothing happened at all, yes, yes, that¡¯s right.


    I carefully tiptoed away from the gym.


    Please don¡¯t notice, please don¡¯t notice me, Keian.


    ¡± Stop.¡± I stilled like a robot when I heard Keian¡¯s deep voicemanding me. To which I foolishly followed.


    *facepalm*


    ¡± Yes, ma?tre?¡± I smiled so sweetly when I faced him. His look at me is cold, as usual.


    ¡± Why are you here?¡±


    ¡± Uhmm, I¡¯m cleaning, sir,¡± I said with a hint of sarcastic tone.


    He raised an eyebrow at me. Hehehe. Why did you choose to clean here again Nass?


    ¡± Be my sparring partner,¡± my eyes widened at his request.


    ¡± Ehhhh¡ª-¡± before I could even oppose what he said, he already pulled me inside the gym and brought me to the boxing ring.


    Geez, this man might beat me up to the fullest.


    He meaningfully looked at me with cold eyes.


    ¡± You looked like you¡¯re knowledgeable with martial arts. Someone must have taught you how.¡± My eyebrow raised at his emphasized words.


    Is he indicating something?


    ¡± Are you serio¡ª¡± I got cut off when I had to dodge a punch he let out in my direction.


    It¡¯s a good thing I saw it right away because if not, I may have a bleeding nose already.


    I looked at Keian with a nk expression, in disbelief.


    No hesitation in punching my face! So you really want to punch me?!


    ¡± Kei!¡± I shouted when he tried to kick me but I blocked it with my hands.


    ¡± What? You know how to fight, right?! So f*cking fight! I will not hold back just because you¡¯re a woman or someone who is just working for me!¡±


    He turns around as he lifts his foot to send another kick towards me so I immediately bend down and rolled away from him before standing in a fighting position.


    I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m exactly feeling right now at what Keian did.


    I don¡¯t know if I should be angry, irritated, frightened, or pained.


    Didn¡¯t he said¡­ He loves me?


    Or is that just my illusion?


    I¡¯m not sure what I¡¯m truly feeling for him but now I¡¯m sure that I am hurt by what he¡¯s doing.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know why you applied as my maid but whatever you are nning to do, I will not let you. I can even kill you right now.


    Boom¡­


    There¡­


    I can¡¯t take it anymore, I¡¯m sure.


    That he didn¡¯t have an ounce of trust in me.


    I lowered my head and slowly dropped my hands to my side.


    I sensed that he walked towards me the pushed me to the corner of the ring.


    It hurts but I am unable to react.


    Both of his arms are on my side as he¡¯s touching what I¡¯m leaning on. He locked me in his arms.


    He put one of his hands on my neck.


    ¡± Why?¡± He asked in an angry tone.


    ¡± Why did you apply as a maid?¡±


    His grip on my neck slightly tightened and I can¡¯t do anything but clench my fist while still looking down.


    ¡± Why did you have to be in this house when I returned from France?¡±


    ¡± Why did you have to find out that we¡¯re a mafia? Or maybe you already knew from the start?¡± I bit my lower lip hard.


    ¡± Why did I see you outside my bedroom?¡±


    ¡± Why are you the one who saw manang lying unconsciously?¡±


    ¡± You want to take care of manang¡¯s wound because you want to go inside our headquarters? Is that it? Nassandra?!¡± Hepletely tightened his hold on my neck making it hard for me to breathe.


    I don¡¯t want to be weak anymore.


    I don¡¯t want to run away from the problem.


    I don¡¯t want to do things that in the end will be my regrets.


    So I looked up at Keian with a nk expression and swiftly removed his hand on my neck then kicked him on his stomach.


    Because of the shock, he was unable to do something and dropped on the floor of the boxing ring so I attempted to pin him down but he quickly kicked me resulting in me, being the one on the floor.


    My hands went to my legs in pain since that¡¯s where Keian kicked me.


    ¡± What is your agenda, Nassandra Pat Del Luna?¡± I looked at Keian with widened eyes. He jas a dark expression as he stood up and slowly walked towards me.


    ¨C


    ¡± Apo. Don¡¯t worry, this will be quick. Lolo I won¡¯t hurt you.¡± (Remember that lolo is grandpa and apo is a term for grandchild)


    ¨C


    My heart started to beat faster than ever. Not in myself, I suddenly started to back away from Keian until I have nowhere to go as he¡¯s now in front of me and if I move farther back, I might fall from the boxing ring.


    He kneeled and touched my face.


    ¨C


    ¡± Pat, thank you that your parents left you for me.¡±


    ¨C


    He held my wrist tightly as well as both of my cheeks.


    I started trembling¡­ because of fear.


    ¡± Tell me, Nass,¡± my breathing quickened.


    I don¡¯t want to be here anymore.


    ¡± K-Keian please, It hurts¡­¡± I felt that the part of my body Keian¡¯s holding is starting to redden.


    His appearance is changing in my eyes.


    He¡¯s starting to look like the demon who ruined my life in the past.


    ¨C


    ¡± Pat.¡±


    ¨C


    ¡± Nass.¡±


    My eyes started to water.


    M-My grandfather? Is in front of me?


    No. No, it can¡¯t be.


    It¡¯s Keian. He¡¯s the one in front of me.


    It¡¯s Keiranz who is my boss.


    Yes, indeed.


    When my tears fell, I pulled my hand from his grip and put my hands around him for a hug.


    ¡± Keian,¡± I called to his name while crying.


    ¡± Please¡­¡± He froze when he heard what I said.


    ¡± Sh8t.¡± He immediately stayed away from me. He can¡¯t even bnce himself causing him to fell in a sit while looking at me straight through my eyes.


    I considered this as my chance to get away from this ce. So I started running out of the gym.


    Here I go again. Where running is the only thing I know.


    Damn.

 Chapter 46

    With limping foot, I ran towards Zeke¡¯s room.


    When I arrived at his door, I repeatedly knock on it in a panicked manner thinking someone¡¯s chasing me.


    Tears are continuously falling from my eyes.


    ¡± Okay, okay! I¡¯lle out. Just wait a sec!¡± I heard Zeke shouted from inside his room.


    I anxiously waited for him to open the door.


    And when he finally opened it, I immediately went inside and wrapped my arms around him.


    ¡± N-Nass?¡± He shockingly and tensely asked.


    He closed the door as he returned my hug.


    I just want to be with someone. Someone who has trust in me¡­


    I cried on his shoulder.


    Memories from earlier kept oning back to my mind.


    Zeke patted my back.


    ¡± Nass? What¡¯s the problem?¡± I shook my head indicating that I don¡¯t want to recount what happened.


    ¡± Okay, Nass. You¡¯re alright.¡±


    With him still hugging me, he lied down on the bed causing me to lie down too.


    ¡± Shhh¡­¡± I followed the pattern of Zeke¡¯s patting on my back to calm my heart down and breathing and also to stop crying.


    Until I didn¡¯t notice that I was able to sleep in Zeke¡¯s bed¡­


    ¡ª


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Zeke carefully sat down on the bed to not wake up a sleeping Nass who is lying on his bed right now.


    ¡® What happened to Nass?¡¯ Is what¡¯s bugging his mind while staring at the figure of Kei¡¯s maid that he now considers as a friend.


    The fear in Nassandra¡¯s eyes gave him shivers when he saw the girl outside his door.


    ¡± What happened Nass?¡± He mumbled in the silence of the room.


    After a few minutes, he saw a tear fell from her eyes so he gently wiped it away.


    His hands remained on Nassandra¡¯s cheeks.


    Zeke¡¯s mind returned to the first time he saw Nass.


    Yes, it was quite entertaining to see Nassandra be annoyed, for him. But he really wanted to help Brylle. He remembers a particr child like Brylle.


    And when he saw Nass in the hospital, his want to help the mother and child grew. He¡¯s not sure on why he did that but he felt that something¡¯s going to happen in their life if Nassandra is there.


    And he was right. Bringing Nassandra into this mansion changed their lives. Especially Kei¡¯s.


    His dear friend is a terror, but he knows that Keiranz has a really deep and kind heart.


    Just like Kei¡¯s mom.


    Not to mention that he sometimes notices Kei smiling to himself when he¡¯s alone.


    Zeke really hid in Keiranz office just to see his dear friend smiling when no one is around.


    And he doesn¡¯t regret doing it though he was caught by Kei.


    Because on his mind¡­


    ¡® Kei¡¯s going crazy, he¡¯s smiling alone. It¡¯s done. He already fell hard for a certain woman.¡¯


    And he finds that very entertaining, as a matter of fact, he has a video of Kei. Do you want to see it???


    Zeke chuckled to himself as he remembers Kei¡¯s face at that time.


    His smile disappears as a question came back to his mind. What happened?


    Zeke sighed andpletely stayed away from the sleeping Nass so he won¡¯t disturb her.


    Zeke has a feeling that Kei has a knowledge of what happened to Nass, so he¡¯s going to ask him.


    He walked towards the door as he nced in Nassandra¡¯s direction before holding the doorknob to open the door.


    He was surprised to see Keiranz outside his room, seemingly restless.


    Zeke stilled at Kei¡¯s expression.


    While Keian looked through the small gap in the door, causing him to see Nassandra lying down on his friend¡¯s bed.


    His expression darkened straight away.


    ¡± Kei? What happened to you?¡± Zeke asked. Kei just gave a re to his friend.


    Zeke¡¯s hands raised as if dodging Kei¡¯s look.


    ¡± Woaahh. What¡¯s with the re? You look like you¡¯re ready to kill,¡± he joked, but his smirk suddenly disappeared when he saw how serious Keiranz is.


    ¡± Why is she in your room?¡± he asked in emphasized words.


    Zeke¡¯s brows furrowed. Suspecting if Kei is the reason why Nassandra was so afraid.


    ¡± Wait, why are you finding her? It shocked me that she¡¯s suddenly at my door,¡± Kei¡¯s expression got cold as he tried to get inside the room.


    ¡± Move aside.¡± Zeke swiftly closed his door and put his hands on Kei¡¯s chest to push him away.


    ¡± What are you going to do?¡± he asked in a worried tone.


    Kei stared sharply at Zeke. If it¡¯s the time when they are training or when they have a mission, he would be scared of the way Kei looked at him because his re is so serious.


    But not now, he cares for Nassandra because he¡¯s the one which involved the woman in this mafia mess.


    Kei slipped his hands to Zeke¡¯s shoulders and gripped it tightly.


    ¡± MOVE,¡± Kei said in a deep and demanding voice.


    Zeke shook his head. He cares for Nassandra more than for himself. That¡¯s why he¡¯ll never let Keiranz inside his room without the guy calming down first. He needs to know what happened.


    ¡± No, Kei. Tell me first what you did to Nassandra?!¡± Zeke¡¯s voice got louder since he¡¯s starting to get irritated.


    ¡± I said. Move!¡± Zeke¡¯s eyes widened when he was pushed hard by Kei.


    His dropping on the floor caused intense pain, but he endured it and quickly stands up to pull Keiranz away from the room while punching his friend in the face.


    ¡± Hahahaha!¡± Zeke was about to attack Keian again, but it suddenlyughed like a¡­ devil.


    Keiranz spits, and blood oozed out from his mouth.


    He looked at Zeke with a smirk on his face as he slowly gets up.


    Zeke suddenly felt afraid at Kei¡¯s change of emotion as he can¡¯t do anything and stood still on his feet.


    Kei held his jaw and to his cheeks that had a violet bruise.


    The two of them stared at each other.


    Zeke hid his fear and boldly looked back at Kei.


    They didn¡¯t know that ra can hear their argument, so she decided to get out of her room and saw Kei was about to punch back his brother.


    ¡± Kuya Kei! No!¡± she shouted in concern.


    (Kuya ¨C term for older brother)


    The two siblings didn¡¯t expect Kei to change his punch¡¯s direction causing him to smash his fist on the wall behind Zeke.


    Zeke closed his eyes and sighed while Kei¡¯s breathing suddenly speeds up.


    With his head lowered, he withdraws from Zeke. Not minding his bleeding fist.


    ¡± Sorry,¡± Kei¡¯s voice can hardly be heard as Zeke had to think carefully about what Kei whispered.


    The mafia boss silently went down the stairs, so ra went to check on his brother.


    ¡± Kuya, you okay?¡± Zeke looked at his sister and held her shoulders in reassurance.


    ¡± Kei¡¯s clearly the one who does not look okay.¡± He smiled and followed his friend.


    He went to the living room and saw Keiranz is sitting on the sofa while covering his face with his hands.


    ¡± Just tell me what happened,¡± Zeke calmly said.


    Kei looked at him with a pained expression.


    ¡± I-I, I¡¯m such an assh8le.¡± Zeke bit his lower lip to notugh at the serious situation he¡¯s in right now.


    What can he do? This is the only time Kei admitted that. Ha!


    Kei looked at him meaningfully.


    ¡± Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡± Kei breathed deeply before nodding.


    ¡± I hurt her,¡± Zeke¡¯s expression became cold while clenching his fist.


    ¡± W-What?¡± he wanted to make sure, he might have hurt wrong.


    ¡± I was in the gym then I saw her. I asked her to be my sparring partner. After that, I was unable to control myself.


    Zeke gritted his teeth as he looked at Kei with disbelief.


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    I can¡¯t believe him! My ghad!


    He really hurt Nassandra?! Is he out of his mind?


    ¡± What the hell?!¡± I tackled him to the ground.


    I was about to punch him continuously when someone stopped me.


    ¡± Hey! Stop it!¡± I send a deathly re in Devon¡¯s direction whose forcefully separating me from Kei.


    ¡± You know what?! F¡ª you! You can hurt us. You can hurt me or anyone of your men in the mafia, but you can¡¯t hurt innocent people! You don¡¯t hurt them. And I¡¯m f¡ªing sure that Nassandra is not involved in what¡¯s happening on our mafia!¡±


    ¡± Zeke!¡± Devon shouted.


    I let him pull me entirely away from Kei with a clenching fist.


    ¡± What¡¯s happening?¡± Katie asked, swiftly climbing down the stairs with Theo following behind.


    No one answered her as the room stayed silent.


    My re stayed at Kei while my arms are crossed across my chest.


    ¡± Oohh. Drama,¡± my gaze turned to Dale, who just also went down from upstairs.


    ¡± Dale, shut up.¡± Katie scolded then she looked at Kei and me.


    ¡± I heard shoutings, what happened?¡± Erick and Maxence went down at the same time.


    While Steven arrived from the kitchen and Laiza from the front door.


    Great! All of us are here.


    ¡± Kei? Nic? What?¡± I¡¯m pretty sure Katie¡¯s getting irritated at our silence, and I¡¯ll dly tell what HE did.


    ¡± He hurt Nass,¡± I stated, then returned my gaze to Kei, whose eyes are on the floor.


    ¡± Why are you defending her? She¡¯s not even your girlfriend.¡±


    What?


    I faced Max while biting the inside of my cheeks.


    ¡± She is my friend,¡± I uttered. His eyebrows just furrowed.


    ¡± Ow, okay. Then why are you shouting? I was ying games upstairs.¡± He nkly said to me that caused me to raise my eyebrow.


    ¡± She¡¯s my friend, and I care for her. What would I expect from you? You don¡¯t give a care to anyone! That¡¯s the reason why your family left you when you were still a kid, right?!¡± Yeah¡­ I¡¯ll regretter what I just said, but I¡¯m too angry to give a damn right now.


    He walked towards me, so I did the same.


    ¡± Nic. Stop¡± I ignored Laiza.


    ¡± You have no right to say that! You don¡¯t know me, especially on what happened to me! So don¡¯t be such a¡ª¡±


    ¡± Hey! Stop, you two!¡± Katie shouted that I didn¡¯t listen to. When Maxence holds me by my cor, Erick immediately approached me. At the same time, Steven went to Maxence to separate the two of us.


    ¡± Zeke Nics. Calm down,¡± Erick coldly said. I struggled from his hold, but his body is much bigger than mine, and he¡¯s much stronger.


    So I breathed deeply to calm down.


    ¡± It¡¯s unreasonable to bring that up, Nic.¡± I red at Devon because of what he said.


    He raised his hands.


    ¡± What? It¡¯s true.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡± He did it first!¡±


    ¡± F¡ª you,¡± Maxence cursed to me while his head is lowered. ¡± I¡¯m going upstairs. I don¡¯t even care. Why did I evene down?¡±


    I snickered.


    ¡± Coward.¡±


    ¡± Nics! Stop! Why don¡¯t you calm down first,¡± I looked at Steven in disbelief.


    So she didn¡¯t care about Nass?!


    Okay! Great. Yeah, I¡¯m a sarcastic person.


    I watched Max, smirking, turned around to climb upstairs, but we all didn¡¯t expect what happened next. So Maxence stopped walking and looked at Kei.


    ¡± K-Kei?¡± he painfully looked at Laiza.


    There, in the middle of our imperfect circle, is a kneeling Kei.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± My blood boiled at what he said.


    ¡± Why are you saying sorry to us? Say sorry to Nas¡ª¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for hurting you all.¡± After hearing the words that went out of Kei¡¯s mouth, we all went silent.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for what I¡¯ve done. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    My grip on my fist loosened as I looked at him irritatedly.


    ¡± Stand up, Kei,¡± I said to him. But he just looked at me and shook his head. Sadness is all over his eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry¡­ I-I¡±


    ¡± We are your men. You found us. You¡¯re our boss, and we work for you. We know that it¡¯s your punishment, and we epted that¡± we all looked at Theo.


    ¡± We didn¡¯t run away, we didn¡¯t leave you alone. Because when we joined this mafia. We know the consequences, and we epted them. We are still here, and we¡¯ll never leave you even though we don¡¯t show it. You did more good than bad.¡±


    S I L E N C E . . .


    ¡± Hahahahahahaha!¡± The silence broke when Daleughed loudly. We all looked at him and red.


    When he noticed, he stoppedughing.


    ¡± Uhmm. We¨CThis is serious? Like really, serious serious? Ow okay. It¡¯s just that baby Theo is not a baby anymore. Sorry.¡± Theo rolled his eyes at Dale with matching red cheeks.


    ¡± Shut up,¡± Daleughed once again, then he approached Kei.


    ¡± Come on, boss. Stand up. YOu¡¯re freaking me out. It¡¯s making me feel that you¡¯re not you.¡± I sensed that Dale¡¯s trying to lighten the atmosphere, so I slightly smiled and went near to Kei as well.


    ¡± Oh, trust me, he can be like this¡± despite his confusion, Kei red at me.


    ¡± Need an extra hand?¡± we looked at Erick, who approached too.


    ¡± Ahh. So this is the time where all will be okay? Okiii!¡± we brace ourselves as Steven jumped on the three of us.


    ¡± Uhhh. Love you guys¡± I smiled at Katie.


    Love you too, though you don¡¯tb me back:(


    ¡± We don¡¯t,¡± the seven said at the same time, then went to Kei.


    When I didn¡¯t say anything, they all looked at me.


    ¡± What?¡± I asked, confused.


    ¡± You should have said we don¡¯t with us, Alexandre,¡± Laiza sarcastically said.


    ¡± Do you¡­?¡± I widened my eyes at Theo then looked at Katie, who is blushing.


    ¡± Ohhh, let¡¯s not talk about me. Kei?¡± I said to change the topic. Kei looked up at my reached-out hand.


    The others followed.


    Kei smiled, so I smiled too.


    His head lowered, then his expression suddenly changed to cold.


    ¡± I don¡¯t have nine hands you know. Keep your hands to yourselves. I¡¯m not injured or anything.¡± he said, irked.


    The nine of us looked at each other then we simultaneously pped the back of his head.


    ¡± Bastard¡± he red at my direction but I know that he doesn¡¯t mean it¡­

 Chapter 47

    Nassandra¡¯s P. O. V.


    I thought sleeping would make my heavy emotions disappear like a bursting bubble.


    But no.


    When I opened my eyes, I thought the thoughts and memories would be gone, but when I felt sad, scared, and angry¡­


    I didn¡¯t realize I was actually tearing up.


    It seems like I was still in Zeke¡¯s room.


    I roamed my eyes around to look for him, but I found something else.


    I bit my lip to prevent the sobs from escaping due to my crying so that I wouldn¡¯t wake the sleeping Keian at the room¡¯s couch.


    *Sniff*


    It suddenly felt difficult to breathe, so I opened my mouth to let it all out, and so here it was. My cries got loud.


    ¡°Hmmm?¡± I was suddenly irritated at myself when Kei woke up.


    Geez, Nassandra.


    His tired eyes turned to me, and he immediately stands up the moment he saw my face wet with tears.


    He was about toe closer, but he stopped midway then stepped backwards.


    His head was low, and he clenched his fists.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± His voice breaks, and he was even on the verge of crying.


    I wiped away the tears on my face using my shirt while staring at him.


    Then I remembered what happened at the gym¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s not my intention to apply as a maid in this house. I just needed the money because Brylle was brought to the hospital.¡± I started, which made him look up to me.


    ¡°And since I¡¯m a maid here, of course, I had to stay in this house. I¡¯m very sure you¡¯ll see me the moment you arrive back from France.¡± His expression softened.


    ¡°I never wanted to be involved in your mafia.¡±


    ¡°I was cleaning the floor when you saw me outside your room. And most especially, it was never my intention to harm manang. I was from the maid¡¯s quarters when I saw her.¡± Keian¡¯s eyebrows creased.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know there¡¯s a headquarters here before bringing manang there.¡±


    ¡°Then WHY?!¡± His voice roared into the room that made me sigh.


    Do we really have to go back to asking the ¡®why¡¯ questions?


    ¡°Why was it when I first saw you, I felt something different. I felt that you would be the ¡®someone¡¯ who will give me hope. The one who will help me.¡± This time, it was my turn to furrow my eyebrows.


    ¡°Why is it that when you saved manang, I felt like I could trust you? That I could believe in you.¡± My jaw dropped at what he said.


    ¡°Why do I have to fall for you and be an idiot who hurt the one that he loves?¡± His grip on his own fists tightened. At the same time, I stayed frozen in my position.


    ¡°Keian¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you regret it?¡± His eyes showed a sad expression as he stared at me.


    ¡°Do you regret that you¡¯re a maid in this f¡ªing mansion? Do you regret being a maid for me? My maid?¡±


    I lowered my head and bit my lip.


    ¡°I don¡¯t belong to anyone, Keian.¡± I softly muttered but enough for him to hear.


    ¡°So you regret it?¡± I shook my head continuously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t know.¡± He came closer to me and held both of my shoulders to face him.


    I suddenly remembered my dream and all the memories that came back to me. My eyes widened as I looked at Keian.


    Scared that I might get hurt.


    We stared at each other for a while before he drew away from me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± As I immediately got down from the bed, my eyes widened to let him stand up from kneeling.


    ¡°H-Hey quit kneeling down.¡± I tried forcing him to stand up, but he¡¯s too heavy for me.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Nassandra. I¡¯m so sorry that I hurt you.¡± He sadly spoke.


    I sighed and Indian seated in front of him.


    He got confused at what I did.


    My knees hurt, I couldn¡¯t kneel down.


    ¡°Sit down,¡± I ordered. Despite his confusion, he followed and sat in front of me. His face is still forlorn.


    I held his cheeks and gently tilted it up from its lowered position, and smiled reassuringly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not you whom I¡¯m scared of, Keian. It¡¯s someone that¡¯s from my past.¡± Even though he couldn¡¯t fully understand what I¡¯m trying to say, his sad expression slowly faded away.


    ¡°What happened earlier, it¡¯s simr to what happened four years ago.¡± His mouth opened as if he wanted to say something, but he closed it and let out a small smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m still sorry, baby.¡± I smiled at him and nodded.


    A tear escaped from my eye to which he wipes away immediately.


    He stood up and carried me to ce me down on the bed. Then he pins me down.


    ¡°Heyy!¡± I can¡¯t help but feel all flustered. Seriously! He¡¯s so close to me!


    He was just starring at me, and slowly our lips are getting closer.


    So I had no choice but to close my eyes.


    But I felt his lips divert, and he pressed them on my forehead.


    Oh.


    He stuffed his head on my neck and wrapped his arms around my waist.


    Hayssttt.


    I dly returned the cuddle.


    ¡°I also hurt them.¡± I blinked several times as I heard Keian speak. Is he talking to me?


    ¡°I can¡¯t control my anger, that¡¯s why they¡¯re scared of me.¡± I was surprised at what he just admitted that I didn¡¯t know what to reply, so I just ran my fingers through his hair.


    Like what I used to do with Brylle, hehe.


    ¡°I need you, Nassandra. I know that you can help me control myself.¡±


    ¡°What happened in the gym is the proof that you can stop me, Nass. Normally, you¡¯d be beaten dead by now, but when I heard that¡­¡± I looked down at him as he trailed off.


    ¡°Okay, Keian. I will help you.¡± He tightened his grip on me.


    There was a moment of silence, and as I took a deep breath, I once again got to smell his manly perfume.


    ¡°You know, I don¡¯t have any medical license since I never got to go to college, but I knew a lot about them because my parents were both doctors. They had their own hospital, and I mostly watch them in surgery. Then when I got older, I participate in their procedure, but they just exin them to me what it is while watching them closely.¡± I opened up.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡±


    I was staring at the ceiling while a lot of questions are swimming in my mind.


    ¡°Do you think that¡¯s illegal?¡± I absentmindedly asked.


    ¡°Well, me existing is already illegal, so I don¡¯t care. As long as you¡¯re happy with what you¡¯re doing, you¡¯ll hear no objections from me.¡± I smiled at his statement.


    He was really the only one to whom I entrusted such information like that.


    At least, we¡¯re getting to know each other, and I believe that it will lead towards our trust in each other.


    We stayed like that for almost 30 minutes, and we drew away when he stood up at the edge of the bed with an expressionless face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± My eyes narrowed down at him.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± He pulled me out of bed by pulling my arm. Good thing it didn¡¯t fell off.


    ¡°Meeting.¡± He shortly replied.


    I just pouted and got out of bed.


    I haven¡¯t even stepped foot on the ground when my knee suddenly ached, which caused me to almost falling down on the floor.


    Keian immediately catches me and helps me get up.


    ¡°Sh8t.¡± Guilt immediately filled his face as he remembered he kicked me earlier.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sor¡ª¡± He stopped speaking when I shed him a re.


    ¡°Stop saying sorry.¡± He blinked and swallowed a lump in his throat before nodding.


    He carried me in bridal style and went out of Zeke¡¯s room.


    ¡°M-Ma?tre, Nass?¡± We met with Nathan outside the room, and he seemed surprised to see Keian and me.


    I gave him a smile.


    ¡°Hi, Nathan. Are you done cleaning?¡± He nced at the broom he was holding and slightly smiled.


    ¡°A-Ahh, yeah. I¡¯m about to go back to the maid¡¯s quarters.¡± He said, stuttering.


    The nervous expression on his face made me puzzled at first, but I just decided to let it slide.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Nathan bowed before Keian then left.


    We went down the stairs¨C he, rather, since he¡¯s carrying me, then directly went out of the mansion.


    When we arrived at the headquarters, we were shocked to see a lot of people hovering around in the middle of the night.


    All of them greeted us as we passed by them.


    As we went to the meeting room, everyone was already there. So does that girl named ra, I think?


    Mine and Zeke¡¯s eyes met, and we just smiled at each other.


    ¡°Katie, check her injury.¡± Keian ced me on my usual spot whenever I came here then faced me towards Katie.


    She raised her brows then smiled while walking towards me to check my ankle. That¡¯s where Kei kicked me.


    ¡°If you want, just to make sure that she doesn¡¯t have a broken bone, I can have an x-ray on her injury. But I guess she¡¯s just got a sprain.¡± Keian nodded, then nced at me.


    ¡°Do everything that you have to do. We¡¯ll wait before we start the meeting.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±

 Chapter 48

    ¡°It¡¯s just a sprain, no broken bones or anything.¡± I smiled at Katie as a ¡®thank you¡¯ and struggled to walk towards the seat I was sitting on earlier while Katie was on her ce.


    Zeke lets out a sigh in relief while Keian held my hand as he expresses his gratitude to Katie.


    ¡°Wee, Kei.¡± She sweetly says. Keian smirks a bit at this.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s start.¡± All of a sudden everyone¡¯s expressions shifted into seriousness. Even Maxence diverted his gaze away from his phone.


    ¡°Do you have any additional info about Diego Evans?¡± Keian asked everyone in the room.


    ¡°Uhmmm¡± We all turned to ra who raised her hand.


    Her eyes widened and she cleared her throat while all of our eyes are on her.


    ¡°I researched some info, I also hacked into every database that I can enter and based on what I knew, he surprisingly disappeared at the age of 16 and any records of him had vanished. But, I managed to discover his birth certificate and old records of him when he was a child.¡± Zeke¡¯s eyebrows creased at what his sister just said.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Well, the vanished records that I was saying were the time when he is Diego Evans.¡±


    ¡°He is still Diego Evans now,¡± Steven stated with his brows raised.


    My heart suddenly raced like crazy, seems like I know where this is going.


    ¡°Right. But before he is Gaius Samiano.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± I blurted which made everyone turn to me.


    ¡°Why? You don¡¯t know that, Nassandra? He¡¯s your best friend, right?¡± Dale asks while smirking which I tried hard not to throw a re.


    ¡°Dale,¡± He raised both his hands in the air as Keian muttered his name.


    ¡°Wait, as in Gaius Marius? Or Gaius Julius Caesar?¡± Asked Devon.


    ¡°Yes, Kuya Devon. Gaius.¡± ra replied to him.


    ¡°What? I like history. His name is cool, though.¡± He reasoned as we looked at Devon.


    I can¡¯t believe that the Diego that I¡¯ve known since 6 years old is not revealing his true identity.


    Maybe he doesn¡¯t know. Perhaps the name he grew up with was really Diego.


    ¡°Nass. Can you tell us, how did you know Evans?¡± I looked at Zeke and nodded.


    ¡°I was around 5 or 6 years old when I first saw him. I found him behind a wall and when I asked him why he was whimpering, he said he was scolded by his mother. Ever since that day, I always apany him because I always wanted to have a friend since my brother was busy at school and my parents didn¡¯t like exposing me to arge crowd.¡± I exined.


    ¡°Is that the truth? Maybe you¡¯re hiding something from us.¡± This time, I shed Dale a deathly re.


    ¡°What¡¯s your problem? You¡¯ve been so mean to me ever since we met.¡± I got even more annoyed when he smirked.


    ¡°Uh-uh. That is wrong, babe. You¡¯re just a maid here. You also have no right to treat me that way.¡± I clenched my fists and controlled myself not to dash him down.


    A lot of things are messing up my head especially that I¡¯ve remembered that stupid past of mine that¡¯s why I¡¯m acting this way. I don¡¯t care if I¡¯m just a maid.


    ¡°Oh just shut up, Dale.¡± Said Zeke.


    This just made the smirk on his face growing wider.


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Everyone fell silent as we heard Keian preparing his gun and directly pointed it at Dale.


    ¡°You will not talk to my girlfriend that way again. She¡¯s not just a maid and is already part of us. You¡¯re the one who told her in the first ce that we¡¯re a mafia, right?¡± He darkly said.


    The smirk on Dale¡¯s face disappeared and was reced by obvious fear in his eyes.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m¡ª-¡± Dale was about to speak again but he spoke to keep his mouth shut because of Keian¡¯s darker expression.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you are my friend or an important part of this mafia. I have to kill you if I have to.¡±


    My eyes widened and look at our otherpanions in the room.


    It¡¯s either they got their heads lowered or they¡¯re avoiding their gazes away from the scene that¡¯s currently happening.


    Even though I was furious at Dale earlier, of course, I didn¡¯t want to see him get shot right in front of me. And I will never let Kei shoot his friend.


    So what I did was to hold the end of the gun to cover its mouth if ever Keian thinks about shooting and looked into his eyes.


    ¡°Keian,¡± I softly called his name.


    It was as if he didn¡¯t hear anything and was just staring at Dale.


    I sighed and scooted my hand closer to his.


    ¡°Keiranz,¡± I muttered out again.


    Atst, he turned to me and his dark expression instantly disappeared.


    Together we ced the gun down on the table and I held his hand tight.


    He slightly turned to me and mouthed a ¡®thank you.¡¯


    Then he turns back to Dale.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± He said. Dale heaves out a sigh and nods.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, too.¡±


    My head turned sideways as I saw Zeke, Steven, Katie, and Theo smiling while the others were in a state of shock.


    ¡°Do you really know nothing about your friend¡¯s true identity, Nass?¡± Zeke returns the topic so I looked at him and shook my head.


    ¡°We may be close, but he doesn¡¯t like opening up to me. I also didn¡¯t know why he vanished when we were 16 years old.¡± Zeke sped his hands together as he thought.


    ¡°Then why did he be Diego Evans?¡± He asked his sister.


    ¡°Hmmm, maybe he was adopted? I¡¯m not sure but I¡¯ll try to find more data.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s sufficient, at least we had additional info about our enemy.¡± Everyone agreed with Keian¡¯s statement.


    He sighed and his face became more serious.


    ¡°Now, about what happened at the mall. Thest time that we had a meeting, it was chaos. Let¡¯s discuss it again.¡± He says with authority.


    ¡°Yes, ma?tre.¡± My eyes widened as everyone spoke in chorus.


    ¡°Devon,¡± Thetter stood up and distributed folders to each one of us, including me.


    ¡°Each person in that folder is identified through our security cameras. They are not discreet and it seems like they showed their faces on purpose or as if they really want to be identified. Anyone familiar to you all?¡±


    I flipped the pages one by one and read the information about the men in the folder. Even those who are wearing sunsses are being identified.


    ¡°Some are our previous men who are fired or left simultaneously.¡± Katie stated.


    ¡°True. I think they joined forces against our mafia.¡±


    ¡°But they were the ones who made mistakes that¡¯s why we fired them, right?¡± Steven asked, confused. Devon turns to him and nodded.


    ¡°But what if from the start, ever since they joined your mafia, they really had the n to tear you down?¡± They all turned to me as I spoke.


    Uh-oh, I got to say what¡¯s on my mind¡­


    I sighed, ¡°Hold on, what do you guys do, exactly. Do you steal? Or smuggle?¡± My eyes widened when a bad idea crossed my mind.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you sell or trade people!¡± I said out loud with a matching shocked face.


    I certainly wish that¡¯s not what they do.


    I gasped as almost everyone turned to me with a vicious re.


    Wow, the pressure, though.


    ¡°We buy illegal weapons from the ck market, fake documents that has something to do with the mafia, we kill the not so innocent people, and we definitely never sell or trade people,¡± Zeke exins. I pouted and just nodded at him.


    ¡°Okay, back to the topic.¡± Said Devon.


    ¡°Nass was right when she said they might have entered here with the intention of destroying us, even before they applied and we caught them or there¡¯s a possibility that they didn¡¯t like the way we treated them that¡¯s why they left.¡±


    ¡°But your men seems to be fine being a part of your mafia.¡± I pointed out. Because based on the time I treated them while they were training, I knew they are happy with their life.


    ¡°Yes, but when we were still unstable and the mafia has just been made, we have regretted rules that we¡¯ve made that time.¡± I understood what Theo meant so I nodded.


    Keian listened to us intently while he was deep in thought.


    They were all conversing while I was just looking at Kei. He noticed me and slightly smiled while his hands are around his jaw.


    ¡°Do you remember the gun that the shooter used?¡± I blinked several times since I¡¯m not sure if he was talking to me or to himself. His voice is soft which made me feel he¡¯s asking me since I was the one in the mall with him.


    I thought for a second and tried hard to recall the gun that the man used.


    ¡°It¡¯s a 9mm handgun that¡¯s gold and ck in color. I think it has a customized design since I haven¡¯t seen anything like that before.¡± Keian furrowed his eyebrows and looked at me in confusion as to how I had knowledge with guns. Looks like he also formted a theory in his mind.


    He¡¯ll figure that out one day, so I¡¯ll let him form the puzzle on his own.


    He squeezed my hand before letting go and stood up.


    ¡°Zeke, did you lost your gun?¡± Zeke looked at Keian with a shocked face.


    ¡°What gun? I don¡¯t think I have.¡±


    ¡°Your handgun.¡± Zeke furrowed his eyebrows and shook his head.


    ¡°Last time, I checked. It¡¯s stillplete.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? ¡®Cause the only way that the shooter can enter the mall with a gun is through the sensors, and our mall can detect the nano-chip in our guns. It¡¯s possible that he got to enter with the gun because the weapon is from our mafia.¡± Keian says in a calm voice but with emphasis.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Are you saying that I lost my gun and someone got it?¡± Zeke raised a brow. We quietly watched them converse with one another.


    ¡°I would never¡­¡ªoh sh8t!¡± Zeke¡¯s widened his eyes and clenched his fists.


    ¡°When I checked my gunst time, I noticed that there¡¯s something different with my it. It has the same color, same design, and it has the nano-chip but it just feels different.¡± Zeke paused till his eyes widened once again.


    ¡°Bastard.¡± I turned to Keian in disbelief. Did he just called Zeke a bastard right in front of him?!


    Everyone in the room also cursed and it seems like ra and I are the only ones who don¡¯t have any idea what¡¯s happening at the moment.


    Oh my god, don¡¯t tell me¡­


    ¡°Uhmm? What¡¯s going on?¡± ra asked.


    ¡°F¡ª. It means that Gaius Samiano has an ally from somebody in here, that¡¯s why he knows a lot about us. And it¡¯s possible that his spy entered my room to swap guns with me.¡± Zeke exins to his sister.


    Gaius Samiano, why does the name look familiar?


    And if there¡¯s a traitor here in the mansion, who could it be?


    ¡°That spy could be the one who harmed manang,¡± Theo concludes. The room fell silent once again and each one of us started thinking deeply.


    ¡°That also means they have an ally who knows a lot about technology and knowledgeable enough about Marques Manufacturing.¡± I added.


    ¡°Because of the nano-chip on Zeke¡¯s gun, it would detect the fingerprint and will not work if the handling of the gun is not of its owner. Someone might have revised the program of the nano-chip in order for the man to use it at the mall.¡± They all turned towards me.


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Erick answered.


    Wait a minute¡­


    Gaius


    Samiano????


    But as I could remember, my full name is,


    Nassandra Pat Samiano Del Luna.


    My eyes widened as I remembered something.


    ¡°What is it, Nass?¡± Keian asked me. I nervously shook my head at him.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    Could Diego be my rtive??? Could it be that he¡¯s the kid my mom was pertaining to have died in our family???


    But¡­


    ¡°What should we do now, Kei?¡± I turned to look at Maxence.


    Yeah¡­ What should I do now?

 Chapter 49

    Nathan, Ema, Jane, and I are standing here by the field along with a hundred of Keian¡¯s men who are mostly from the headquarters.


    Keian filed an order to have an inspection with every one of us here in the mansion. Even the ten main members are being inspected, of course, we¡¯re included.


    ¡°Arf!¡± I smiled as I saw Leon was running towards me.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    I knelt down to face him and pet his soft, manageable fur.


    I stepped back a bit as he started licking my face.


    ¡°Arf! Arf!¡± Leon¡¯s head turned sideways at my threepanions whom eyes are widened as they stared at all the guards that are around us right now.


    I sadly smiled and stood up near them.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ema and Jane looked at me with horrified looks on their faces while Nathan stood frozen on his spot.


    ¡°A-Ahhh, yeah. We just can¡¯t believe that the people we work for¡­ literally kills people.¡± Jane replied to me. I held them both by their shoulders.


    They finally knew about Keian¡¯s mafia just now. That¡¯s why I understand why they¡¯re reacting this way.


    ¡°They¡¯re not bad guys and they never kill the innocent ones,¡± I exined. They just looked at me, obviously, they wouldn¡¯t believe me at first but they just nodded and kept quiet.


    ¡°Nathan?¡± Thetter blinks his eyes and slightly turned to me with a smile.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°W-What?? Ahh. Yeah.¡± He shortly replies ufortably.


    I can¡¯t help but furrow my eyebrows at his behavior but I just let it slide in ignorance.


    My eyes searched for Keian who¡¯s on the other side of the field who¡¯s currently talking to Erick when an idea suddenly crossed my mind.


    He wouldn¡¯t be mad if I tell Ema and the others what I would say, right?


    I turned to my threepanions with a serious expression.


    ¡°If you want to leave, you may do so. Just please, don¡¯t ever tell the authorities because either way, they will know that you guys are the ones who told them.¡± The three looked at me in awe.


    ¡°Oh no, Nassandra. We wouldn¡¯t leave, they get suspicious of us and besides, we needed a job and our sry is very well here. The three of us are happy as long as we¡¯re together, right?¡±


    Said Ema and turns to the two.


    ¡°Yeah, Nass. We know you wouldn¡¯t betray us. Seems like you¡¯re very close to them, though.¡± I smiled at both of them and nodded.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t let you guys down,¡± I stated.


    ¡°Are you guys out of your minds? We should leave this ce before it¡¯s toote.¡± I turned to Nathan as he spoke.


    ¡°Nathan, I know you¡¯re scared but¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare step into our business, Nass, you¡¯re not my friend.¡± I was moved by his word and suddenly felt blue.


    ¡°Arf!¡± Leon barked and walked towards me tofort me. He might¡¯ve sensed my sadness. I ran my fingers through the dog¡¯s fur and nodded.


    ¡°Sorry. Fine, I¡¯ll leave you.¡± I walked away from them, carrying Leon.


    Since we¡¯re still not allowed to go back to the mansion since they¡¯re still inspecting Kei¡¯s respected men.


    So I directly went to the gazebo.


    I saw the three maids talking and it seems like none of them seems to be getting along with what they¡¯re talking about.


    While Keian and the others are very busy and just kept on talking with their men.


    I was the only one sitting down here. Everyone had their own work to do.


    I don¡¯t know why but I suddenly felt sad and feel so lonely.


    Geez Nassandra! Now¡¯s not the time to be all emotional!


    ¡°Leon!¡± My head turned up as I looked at Devon who went near and knelt down to tap his thighs.


    Leon¡¯s ears perked up and he immediately stood up and ran towards Devon and started licking his face all over.


    ¡°No! Hahaha. Yak! Pas d¡¯arr¨ºt! (No, stop!)¡± I watched the both of them and pouted.


    He just took my onlypanion! Hmph!


    I stayed quiet on my spot.


    ¡°Hey, Nassandra. Oh, you¡¯re here.¡± Devon calls in a bossy way and I raised my brows at him.


    ¡°I was with Leon earlier and you didn¡¯t even notice me?¡± I was a bit irritated as I spoke. He furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡°Why are you mad? Just because I didn¡¯t notice you.¡± He also irritatingly said. Hey!


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have work to do? Why are you here? Keian might scold you if he sees you here.¡± His eyebrows deepened.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you be scolded too? You¡¯re just here, sitting all by yourself. Just because you and Kei are all lovey-dovey on each other.¡± I pouted and shed him a re. He narrowed his eyes back at me.


    Grrrr¡­


    Devon¡¯s cheeks turned red while I smirked.


    ¡°Wow, are you hungry, ma?tre? Do you want me to cook for you?¡± I said, mocking him.


    He red at me once more.


    ¡°Shut up.¡± My smirk widens as he shut his mouth.


    After a few minutes, he gave a side nce and bit his lip.


    ¡°Argghhh. Are you really going to cook for me?¡± I raised my eyebrow at his statement.


    ¡°Of course, not. I was just teasing you. They¡¯re still inspecting inside the mansion so how am I suppose to cook for you?¡±


    ¡°Tsk. The inspection is already on the second floor. The kitchen is already done.¡± He points out.


    I gave him a judgemental look.


    ¡°What? I¡¯m hungry. Just cook for me.¡± He demands which made meugh.


    ¡°Pleaseeeee.¡± My jaw dropped as his tone suddenly turned sweet.


    Wahhh, seriously it doesn¡¯t suit him.


    ¡°Fine.¡± He beams and led the way towards the mansion along with Leon.


    While he just left me here.


    I¡¯ll cook for him since I¡¯m also bored myself. I also have no one with me. At least if I cook for Devon, I¡¯ll havepany. No matter how bossy he can be.


    Devon was talking to Leon as if it was a real person while the dog wagged his tail oh so lovingly.


    ¡°What do you want me to cook?¡± I asked him. He looks at me then thought.


    ¡°Anything will do.¡± I face-palmed at his reply.


    Geez.


    I rolled my eyes at him as he went back to talking with Leon. I started looking for ingredients.


    Good thing Keian always kept a lot of stock of food in here.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make some empanada. Is that okay?¡± He stopped and quickly turned to me.


    ( Empanadas are basically little pockets of dough that are made of: A simple, homemade dough on the outside. Some kind of protein (usually pork, chicken or beef, but sometimes fish or cheese) tucked into the inside. Usually empanadas also have at least one or two simple vegetables-think corn, diced potatoes or carrots. Source: Google)


    Huh?


    ¡°You¡¯ll make empanada for me?¡± I raised my eyebrow as I noticed his eyes getting watery.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just for you, duhh. It¡¯s for everyone.¡± I hesitatingly replied.


    He sighed and walked towards me.


    ¡°You¡¯ll make empanada for almost more than a hundred men?¡± I blinked a few times. He¡¯s right,


    I didn¡¯t realize that.


    I scratched my nape and nodded.


    ¡°Yeah, so we should start.¡±


    ¡°Hey, why me too? You¡¯re the one who¡¯s suppose to cook for me.¡± I raised a brow at him.


    ¡°If you wanted to eat, you should help me so we could finish the job quickly.¡± I annoyingly said.


    He narrowed his eyes at me but he chose toe closer to where I was standing.


    ¡°So what should we do?¡± I smirked at him.


    ¡ª


    The first batch of empanadas that we baked are already inside therge oven.


    A lot of dough are not yet done since we thought to rest for a while.


    It¡¯s literally tiring to make a lot of empanada!


    ¡°Here.¡± I handed Devon a te containing one empanada.


    I ran a taste test earlier so I already baked a few.


    The final products are in the oven.


    Devon looked at me then to the te.


    ¡°Just eat it while it¡¯s still hot.¡± He smiles at me then grabbed the te.


    I leaned over the kitchen counter in the middle and watched Devon as he ate.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± I smirked since he seemed delighted with the food he¡¯s eating right now.


    ¡°I knew I¡¯m good at baking.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at his statement.


    ¡°You just sliced the ingredients!¡± I used him like a child whom he just mocked.


    I rolled my eyes and decided to just keep my mouth shut.


    Something¡¯s bothering me, though.


    ¡°Would the others like it?¡± I absentmindedly asked myself.


    Devon looks at me with knitted eyebrows.


    ¡°Who do you think we are? People who don¡¯t know how to appreciate such stuff? You think we¡¯re all spoiled?¡± He asked seriously.


    I pouted since he¡¯s back to being bossy again.


    ¡°I¡¯m just worried that I might not reach their expectations, I don¡¯t want to hurt myself.¡± I emotionally told. Now I¡¯m so irritated at myself again.


    ¡°Never mind, just don¡¯t think about¡ª-¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± He asked, a bit annoyed.


    ¡°You¡¯re not your usual self.¡± I smiled at Devon at his statement.


    I know.


    ¡°You¡¯re overreacting, Nass, when I saw you earlier sitting on your own, I could sense you¡¯re thinking about a lot of stuff.¡±


    ¡°Huh? I thought you didn¡¯t noticed me?¡± I got confused to which made him smirk in amusement.


    ¡°I just wanted to annoy you.¡± I rolled my eyes and sighed.


    ¡°A lot of things just happenedtely, especially with Diego¨C I mean, Gaius. He¡¯s my friend you know, was.¡± There was silence and Devon became obviously ufortable with the topic.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say, but you don¡¯t have to worry yourself with our expectations, Nassandra. We¡¯re not bad guys. I appreciate that you decided to cook for me. And I know they will, too. You don¡¯t have to live in other¡¯s expectations.¡±


    I shed him a smile and nodded.


    ¡°I know that, Devon. This day has just been sad for me, that¡¯s all. I don¡¯t have the slightest idea why.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to feel that way sometimes. As long as you don¡¯t stay that way.¡± He walks over to me to flick my forehead and beamed.


    I raised my eyebrows and slowly found myself smiling back at him.


    ¡°Hahahahahahahaha!¡± His smile faded and red yfully at me.


    ¡°What are youughing at?¡± I shook my head at him.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ll start filling the other doughs.¡± I looked at his face for a second before we went back to what we were doing.


    ¡°You know, Kei¡¯s mother used to make this food for me.¡± His face suddenly turned into a sad expression.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been a childhood friend of Kei and Zeke. The three of us grew up together. And, she¡­ is so sweet. They let me into their house when I had nowhere to stay. Ever since, they became almost like my family.¡± I stopped at what I was doing and waited for him to continue.


    ¡°She¡¯s like my real mother with all the care and attention she gave me then¡­ she died.¡± His fists clenched as his eyes were filled with anger.


    ¡°No one was willing to apany me since I was a child but she made me feel that I¡¯m not worthless. And I thank her for that.¡± He touched his face and hid turned away from me as I noticed a tear escaping from his eye.


    ¡°I-I,¡± I went over to him and gave him a hug.


    ¡°You¡¯re not worthless, Devon. Everyone in this world are made with a purpose and importance. And I know that Kei¡¯s mother, your mother is proud of you for reaching this far in your life. I know you¡¯re not ready to tell me what happened in your past and I understand. If you continued on crying, you might tell me and might regret that.¡± He sniffed a few times and returned my hug for a while before gently pushing me away.


    ¡°Yeah yeah. And I¡¯m not crying.¡± He went back to his bossy tone again.


    I gave him the sweetest smile I could mutter.


    ¡°Okay. But you should wipe your mouth, you¡¯re like a child.¡± He stopped and quickly turned away from me to wipe his mouth.


    I justughed at him.


    Everyone that¡¯s in the mansion has a reason why they¡¯re here. Especially the ten main members of the mafia.


    And I think I¡¯m slowly getting to understand why.


    And if the dayes, I would tell them WHY I got here¡­

 Chapter 50

    ¡°Hey, Nass! What¡¯s that? Snacks?¡± Steven asked with twinkling eyes, then quickly went to Devon and me, who¡¯s holding the tray.


    ¡°Wait. Devon cooked too?¡± He innocently asked. Devon red at him.


    ¡°What if I say that I did cook this?¡± He asked, irritated.


    ¡°Well, is it you?¡± Steven teased.


    ¡°No, but at least I helped!¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s not you!¡± Steven started running, and Devon looked like he wants to chase him, but he nced at the tray he¡¯s holding then at mine.


    I smiled at him forcefully.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll hold that too,¡± I said sarcastically. He winked at me then gave me the other tray, which caused me to frown. After that, he went to chase Steven.


    I¡¯m just joking, though, huhu.


    ¡°Let me help you with that,¡± shocked, I turned to Theo, who just appeared beside me.


    ¡°Oh! Myghad. Don¡¯t just appear all of a sudden, Theo!¡± I said to him.


    He looked like he got shy and lowered his head.


    ¡°S-sorry¡± Oh nooo.


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m not angry. Here, get the tray and don¡¯t be sad anymore¡± why is it that when I said that, I feel that a child is in front of me.


    Theo looked up and happily got the tray that Devon was holding a while ago.


    I don¡¯t really know what¡¯s happening to me, but without thinking about it, I pat his head.


    His aura saddened again.


    ¡°Why do I feel that you think of me as a child?¡± He said sadly.


    I blinked repeatedly and messed his hair more.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you¡¯re still cute¡± his eyes widened and even turned red.


    He quickly turned his back at me, still holding the tray.


    ¡°W-where should I put this?¡± I just smiled at his actions, then looked around to find a ce to put the trays.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°In the covered field. There¡¯s a table there, right?¡± He gave me a side nce then nodded.


    He walked there first while I¡¯m just following him.


    ¡°Hey,¡± someone held my hand, so I looked at who did.


    ¡°Zeke?¡± He smiled at me then took the tray I¡¯m holding.


    ¡°You made this?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm. Devon helped me¡± Zeke was shocked at what I said.


    ¡°Devon?!¡± I furrowed my eyebrows.


    ¡°Yes. Why? Is there something wrong?¡± He looked at me, afraid.


    ¡°D-did he mixed this?¡± He asked nervously.


    I shook my head.


    ¡°He just helped me put fillings on the dough.¡± He sighed and even held his chest.


    ¡°Ghad. I¡¯m relieved¡± I furrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡°Why is that?¡± He smirked then looked at Devon, still running and chasing Steven.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s just say that he¡¯s not a great cook¡± I slowly nodded my head at him.


    ¡°Wait! Hey!¡± I shouted when he got an empanada and started eating it.


    ¡°Whaft? I¡¯fm hunfgry,¡± he said, with his mouth full.


    I just pped my head and shook it.


    ¡°Where should I put this again?¡± Theo shyly asked. I smiled at him and pointed at a part of a table beside the covered field.


    ¡°Shall I call our men?¡± I nodded at Theo.


    ¡°We cooked a lot, so it will be enough for everyone here,¡± I said. He smiled then approached a group of their men.


    I then faced Ema and signaled them toe and eat.


    They happily walked towards here.


    Except for Nathan, who¡¯s not with them.


    ¡°Where is Nathan?¡± I asked the two.


    ¡°He said he needs to go to the bathroom,¡± Ema answered.


    ¡°Ey, Nathan is not serious at what he said. He is really just like that sometimes¡± I smiled at them and nodded.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I understand¡±


    ¡°Girls,¡± Zeke offered them some empanada that they epted with their faces red.


    ¡°Thank you, Maitre,¡± Zeke smiled at them, then tried to stuff my mouth with the empanada.


    I red at him.


    ¡°Eat already. You must¡¯ve started cooking hours ago¡± I rolled my eyes at him and got the empanada and ate it.


    ¡°You can just give it. You really have to force it?¡± He just grinned, then went to their men and asked them if they want some.


    ¡°Nass¡± Keian suddenly touched my waist, so I looked at him.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± He slightly smiled, but you can see in his eyes that he¡¯s tired.


    ¡°You okay?¡± I asked. He nodded.


    ¡°Of course. Is that empanada?¡±


    ¡°Yep. Do you want me to get you one?¡± I was about to leave to get it, but he caught my wrist to eat the one I was eating a few minutes ago.


    I turned red because he¡¯s just staring at me while munching.


    Our scene is that it looked like I was feeding him.


    ¡°T-that¡¯s mine. I can just get you one.¡± He looked at me, still serious.


    ¡°It¡¯ll taste better if I eat yours¡± I frowned when he smirked.


    I punched his chest and moved away from his arms.


    ¡°Hey. Sorry¡± he hugged me from the back, and because I¡¯m too embarrassed, I didn¡¯t notice that he already ate all my empanada.


    ¡°Hmm. It tastes wonderful, baby,¡± he whispered in my ear that made my body stop.


    I let him hug me.


    I then noticed that the ce was silent. I looked at the people here with us.


    I quickly moved Keian¡¯s hand away from my waist at looked at them with wide eyes.


    They all stopped and are just looking at us.


    I turned red even more.


    ¡°Tsk¡± Keian looked at his men with daggers on his eyes.


    ¡°What are you all looking at?¡± They swiftly looked away and went back to what they were doing.


    ¡°It¡¯s because you are too ¡®PDA,''¡± Zeke teased.


    Keian looked at him like he¡¯s going to kill him.


    ¡°You¡¯re just jealous, Nic. Just ask Katie out¡± Zeke¡¯s eyes widened at what Keian said.


    ¡°What?!¡± Theo asked, shocked.


    ¡°Why? What will you ask me?¡± Zeke jumped when he saw Katie just alongside him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Nic. Don¡¯t be shy. What¡¯s the question?¡± It seems like Katie didn¡¯t hear everything Keian said.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Zeke suddenly said rudely. Katie pouted then hit him on the back of his head.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Zeke looked at Katie, who left annoyed.


    ¡°What the hell, Nic?!¡± Theo came to us with disbelieve in his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, okay?¡± Zeke nced at Keian and red at him.


    ¡°Nass. I need to tell you somethingter. Can you go to my room?¡± I nodded at him.


    He smiled before leaving to go inside the headquarters.


    I smacked Keian on his arm.


    ¡°What?!¡± he asked irritatedly. I just rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°Nassandra, the snacks are great!¡± Steven said to me, panting.


    ¡°Oof!¡±


    ¡°Ha! You ba¡ª¨C¡± Devon pinned Steven on the grass. Steven then tried to stand.


    ¡°Just admit it already! You are not really good at cooking¡±


    I simply watched them fight while Keian¡¯s hand just is holding my waist with his head on my shoulders.


    What will Zeke tell me?


    ¡ª


    ¡°*Tok tok tok*


    I knocked three times on Zeke¡¯s door and waited for him to open it.


    ¡°Hey. Come in,¡± Zeke greeted after he opened the door.


    I nced at him perplexed, but he just smiled at me and opened the door more.


    My mouth dropped when I saw how untidy his room is.


    ¡°Zeke! Why didn¡¯t you even called a maid! Your room looks like a storm hit it!¡± I said to him with wide eyes.


    He scratched the back of his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overreact, Nass. I can clean this mess all by my¡ª-¡± I started picking up clothes and pillows on the floor.


    ¡°Nass¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ops! Don¡¯t whine anymore. I can do this myself.¡± I then started to fix his bed.


    ¡°Okay, but Nass. Hear me out first¡± I ignored him and continued cleaning.


    He can just tell us to clean his room. Not that he just let his room get messier!


    ¡°Nass. Stop. I need to talk to you, remember?¡± I looked at his eyes, trying to see if what he¡¯s about to say is important.


    I sighed.


    ¡°Let me finish this first, please¡± it¡¯s his turn to sigh and lowered his head.


    I went back to cleaning with a smile on my lips. It¡¯s satisfying too sometimes when you see a ce clean.


    ¡°Spy on Nathan. The other maid you are with¡± I dropped the pillow I¡¯m holding and quickly turned to Zeke.


    He¡¯s looking at me with his face serious.


    I furrowed my eyebrows at him.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s suspicious. I also saw him near my room the day I didn¡¯t notice that I lost a gun¡± I raised an eyebrow at him.


    ¡°Maybe because he cleaned the room?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve already talked about him, Nass. Everyone thinks he¡¯s suspicious. Don¡¯t you?¡± I remember the times where he went restless and nervous without any reason.


    Also, when he suddenly vanishes while Ema, Jane, and I were talking to each other.


    ¡°You do. So I¡¯m asking you to spy on him for the sake of this mafia¡± I looked at him with disbelieve.


    ¡°He¡¯s my friend!¡± I said at him, slightly irritated that caused him to grin.


    ¡°But he said that you¡¯re not his friend¡± my face lost its expression.


    He noticed my reaction and sighed.


    ¡°Sorry. It¡¯s just that Kei assigned me to find the traitor. It¡¯s my fault a lot of people died in the mall.¡±


    I breathed deeply.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Zeke. I won¡¯t spy on him. I¡¯ll just keep my eye on him.¡± He smiled at what I said.


    ¡°Thank you, Nass,¡± he sincerely said.


    I nodded at him and resumed cleaning.


    But I just can¡¯t help to be worried¡­

 Chapter 51

    I nced at Nathan while folding my clothes here on my bed at the maid¡¯s quarters.


    Keian ORDERED me to get all my things at the maid¡¯s quarters and bring them to his room so I could sleep there. Keyword: ordered.


    Hmph!


    And it¡¯s sad because I feel like spying on Nathan.


    He¡¯s mypanion whom I treated as a friend ever since I started working here.


    His movements are just so suspicious and you could sense that he¡¯s really nervous.


    I stared at Nathan as he started looking at his phone while his hands are constantly shaking.


    ¡°Are you alright, Nathan?¡± I asked him. It¡¯s just the two of us in the room right now. Ema and Jane are roaming around Keian¡¯s property because they had just seen them yesterday, especially the headquarters.


    I reminded them not to go any closer to the HQ and at the training field so they wouldn¡¯t find anything suspicious.


    Nathan¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at me. He just nodded and lowered his head.


    I sighed as I stood up.


    I put all of my things in the bag that I was carrying ever since I worked here to bring to Keian¡¯s room.


    ¡°Uhhmm. Nathan. I think I won¡¯t be sleeping here for a while. Kei told me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± I stopped talking as he spoke.


    I blinked my eyes at what he just said.


    Carrying my bag, I went towards the door. I shed Nathan onest look before heading out.


    Taking a deep breath, I wished the heavy feeling in my chest would just disperse.


    But it had nothing to do.


    I started to climb up the stairs to Keian¡¯s room.


    It¡¯s only around five in the morning and we, maids are the only ones awake in the mansion.


    Kei ORDERED mest night to sleep there so I thought of fixing my things just now.


    As I opened the door to Keian¡¯s room, I was ultimately greeted by the masculine aroma of his room.


    Seriously, when is this scent going to fade? It¡¯s so addicting!


    I was surprised to see that Keian was still lying down on his bed. In fact, he¡¯s lying face down.


    It¡¯s definitely the first time I see him not awake at 5 o¡¯clock in the morning.


    Mostly he wakes up around four.


    I carefully shut the door and ced my bag in front of his walk-in closet.


    That¡¯s where I went near Keian¡¯s bed and knelt down on the floor.


    Resting my head on my hand, I observed his peaceful sleeping face.


    Why is it so unfair? When these people sleepte, they never get deep eyebags. Whereas for me!? Huhuhu.


    Maybe he was so exhausted yesterday that Keian had to sleep in this long.


    I absentmindedly ced my hand on his crumpled forehead even though he was sleeping.


    I gently tried to make the lines on his forehead disappear and it worked!


    Haystz.


    I stared at him with content before standing up and ced his nket up to his neck.


    I was about to get away to clean but someone suddenly held my hand and pulled me down to the bed.


    And that¡¯s where Keian hugged me tightly.


    My eyes widened.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± He says. His deep voice gave me the shivers down to my spine.


    I looked at him as his eyes are still closed while I could totally feel his breath on my neck.


    ¡°G-Good morning, too.¡±


    I took a deep breath before trying to sit down on the bed but he just tightened his grip even more.


    ¡°I-I still have to clean your room,¡± I stated.


    ¡°Hmmm? You do thatter.¡±


    This left me with no choice but to stay since I can¡¯t escape from his arms.


    ¡°What time is it?¡± He asked.


    I nced at the clock hanging on the wall.


    ¡°It¡¯s still 5:20.¡± He immediately jolted up and our eyes met before he furrowed his eyebrows and nced at the clock.


    ¡°Sh8t.¡± He quickly stands up from the bed and went directly to the bathroom.


    ¡°I have a lot of work to do! Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡± I blinked at what he just said.


    How could I know! And he needs to rest sometimes, too, y¡¯know.


    ¡°Do you want to join?¡± With creased eyebrows, I turned to Keian who¡¯s peeking from the bathroom.


    ¡°What?¡± I questioned. I¡¯m not sure of what he¡¯s trying to say since his tone is so cold.


    He smirked.


    ¡°In the shower. Do you want to join me in the shower?¡± I frowned as I threw a pillow at him.


    ¡°No!¡± His smirk widened as he closed the door.


    I sighed and face-palmed.


    Men are so¡­


    ¡ª


    Now I¡¯m left alone in the room since Keian left to go to the office.


    I wanted to tidy up but Kei told me not me. He told me as a COMMAND.


    I sighed.


    Zeke texted me that Erick will fetch me here in the room to apany me to the Headquarters.


    He told me to tell him every suspicious activity Nathan was doing even though Zeke just ordered me what to do yesterday.


    Since he¡¯s the only mander¡¯ in the mafia left in the mansion, the others went back to their own houses.


    So now I¡¯m just lying in bed, staring at the floor.


    *Tok tok*


    I sat up and looked at the door as someone knocked. That must be Erick.


    I stood up to open the door and I was ultimately greeted by Erick¡¯srge body. I had to look up to look at him in the eyes since he¡¯s the tallest of them all.


    Since he¡¯s also a bodybuilder.


    ¡°Miss Nassandra,¡± He greets and even bowed. I smiled at him.


    ¡°Hello, Erick.¡±


    ¡°Did Nic told you?¡± I nodded at him.


    ¡°Yes, but you don¡¯t have to be all respectful towards me. I¡¯m quite ashamed.¡± He smiled and I didn¡¯t get to stop him as he bowed again.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I scratched my nape.


    He offered his hand, gesturing for me to go first.


    He followed me and we quietly walked towards the headquarters.


    ¡°Have you eaten yet, Erick?¡± I asked since I can¡¯t think of anything decent to talk about as we walk.


    He smiled at me.


    ¡°Yes, Miss Nass.¡± I nodded my head and bit my lip.


    Huhu! I am so not good in starting a conversation. Wahhhh!


    I lowered my head as I went inside the HQ. Erick went first before me so can be the one who¡¯ll press the elevator button.


    As we reached the top floor of the building, we went directly to the conference room that¡¯s in the middle of the whole floor.


    I sat at where I used to sitst time while Erick faced me.


    He hands me a folder and as I opened it there were names and pictures inside.


    Why is it like this? Every time they set a meeting it¡¯s something like a vibe in the office where someone also presents. I¡¯m not saying it¡¯s a bad thing, it just felt different for me.


    ¡°Besides Nathan Fernandez. There are also a lot more people whom we¡¯re suspecting.¡± I moved my head up and down as I saw how many names there are written in here.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle the other, Miss Nass, you focus on Nathan. He¡¯s one of the people we find so dubious, besides the other workers.¡± I smiled at him a little as I stared at the paper where Nathan¡¯s name is written.


    I don¡¯t know why but somehow I¡¯m feeling a bit furious. I¡¯m not sure where this came from and I¡¯m getting more frustrated at myself because of this.


    ¡°Nassandra,¡± I suddenly looked up at Erick and that¡¯s where I noticed my fists were clenched the whole time.


    ¡°H-Huh?¡± He gives me a meaningful look before smiling.


    ¡°Kei, Zeke, and the others are not bad people, Nass. Deep down, they also didn¡¯t want to point fingers. They understand other people. They just don¡¯t admit it or they keep their mouths shut for the mafia¡¯s own good.¡± He exined even though I didn¡¯t say anything. My eyebrows met.


    ¡°B-But I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°I can see it in your eyes, Nass. You may not admit to yourself but you¡¯re somehow angry at Kei, at us. Especially when Zeke spoke to you about Nathan.¡± My eyebrows deepened.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± He shook his head in disapproval.


    ¡°One can¡¯t help but feel that way. It¡¯s normal especially when your mindset is different from the others. But everyone has kindness in their hearts. They just show it in different ways.¡± He meaningfully said.


    I processed what he just said and lowered my head.


    Looks like that¡¯s what I¡¯m actually feeling.


    Maybe I was frustrated because of talking to Zeke about spying on Nathan. And probably because of all that happened these past few days. And probably because of Keian¡¯s so-called orders.


    Everything I felt about certain situations hade together even though I didn¡¯t want to have a negative feeling, I just can¡¯t help it.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right.¡± I smiled at him and slightlyughed.


    It was as if he knew me better than myself.


    Everything that Erick said was right.


    I¡¯ll let this ¡®frustration¡¯ slide for now. Because I knew that once I think about it and realize this stuff, this bad feeling would go away.


    My smile widened as I figured out what¡¯s been raging inside me.


    I gazed upon Erick who¡¯s looking from afar. His emotion is obvious that he remembered something. So I can¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°What about you?¡± He blinked a few times before looking back at me.


    Based on his expression, he didn¡¯t hear my question.


    ¡°What can you say about yourself? What¡¯s your story?¡± He stares at me for a while before letting out a smile.


    ¡°Heh. I¡¯m just¡­ a nobody.¡± I didn¡¯t expect him to answer that way, looks like he was surprised as well.


    He observes my facial expression before his face turned serious.


    ¡°Before I got to enter this mafia, I was just living in some squatters area. Together with someone that is so important to me. We did everything to live well as long as we can. We even smuggled some drugs but nothing else mattered as long as we have each other.¡± His expression became sad as he also clenched his fists.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°I needed to make my body strong so if something bad happens to us, I¡¯ll get to save the both of us.¡±


    ¡°The two of us entered the Marques Manufacturing and was almost kicked out because of our resume. But we got epted by the CEO himself.¡±


    ¡°We were so happy that we got a decent job. But we still didn¡¯t stop with our wrong doings.¡± Erick took a deep breath as if he was preparing for what he¡¯s about to tell next.


    ¡°Then one day, we were attacked by one of those whom we once sold drugs to. I don¡¯t know why but they kidnapped her.¡±


    Her? I thought he¡¯s talking about a guy mate but it looks like Erick has a special connection with that ¡®her¡¯ he¡¯s pertaining to.


    ¡°And I had to ask for help. I heard that the owner of thepany I work in also owns a mafia so I went to his son which was the CEO. It was Kei.¡± He nces back at me and lets out a sad smile.


    ¡°Even though I was scared to die, I hid my fear to bravely ask Kei for help. And unexpectedly, he helped me.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to his assistance, we found Rhea but she had amnesia due to a head injury. It hurts that she couldn¡¯t remember me anymore. But what really matters is that she¡¯s safe and she¡¯s with her true family.¡±


    ¡°Rhea. Is she your friend?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Yes. My friend.¡± I didn¡¯t believe his answer since it¡¯s pretty obvious that their rtionship with each other is more than just friends.


    ¡°Then Kei asked me to be part of his own mafia a few yearster. As a sign of my gratitude, I dly epted it from him. I owe him my life. I just didn¡¯t expect that I¡¯ll be a mander¡¯ because of my strength.¡± Heughed and diverted his gaze.


    ¡°Thank you. For telling me.¡± He smirked at me and stood up.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Miss Nass.¡± He slightly bowed in front of me which made me giggle.


    ¡°Shall we continue?¡± I smiled at him and nodded.

 Chapter 52

    ¡°Thank you, Miss Nass.¡± I smiled at Erick and epted his hand in a handshake.


    He helps me stand up and we walked back towards the elevator.


    After Erick and I¡¯s heartfelt conversation, we started brainstorming on how to spy on the suspicious people here in the mansion.


    Now we¡¯re heading back to the mansion since we just finished doing our business.


    The field is quiet probably because all of Keian¡¯s guards/men are at the headquarters.


    I will never get tired of gazing at the scenery here.


    Erick apanies me to the kitchen and bowed once more.


    ¡°Take care, Nassandra.¡± I nodded and watched him climb up the stairs to his room.


    ¡°Nass! Huhu! This ce is actually amazing! There are a lot of handsome men around!¡± Iughed at Jane who¡¯s currently sitting on a bar chair with Ema.


    I walked to them and also sat on a high stool next to them.


    ¡°Their training field is so cool. It makes me want to try but it looks soplicated at first nce.¡± I just let them gossip because I can¡¯t deny the fact that Erick and I¡¯s conversation is still stuck in my head.


    I was in deep thought for a long time before asking the two.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Nathan?¡±


    ¡°Oh! He went to visit manang since we knew she¡¯s actually just here all along. They agreed to let us visit her. We¡¯re nning to go thereter.¡± Ema respond.


    I nodded at them repeatedly.


    ¡°Do we have work to do? Is there anything we have to finish doing?¡± Jane shook her heard and looked around.


    ¡°Nothing much. We cleaned almost everything yesterday. Since most of the ma?tres and ma?tresses are not around, we don¡¯t have to cook so much food, nor do we need to clean every second.¡± I smiled at Jane and stood up.


    ¡°Uhmmm. I¡¯ll just do something. You sure we have no tasks, alright?¡± The two waved at me happily while I walk out of the mansion.


    ¡°Yes, sure! Just go do your business!¡±


    I walked back to the headquarters, intending to visit manang. Also try making Nathan confess, to be exact.


    The people and employees at the HQ greeted me as I entered since I¡¯ve always been here every time. Sometimes, when Katie and Theo are not around, I am the one who¡¯s checking the injuries of those who are being brought to the infirmary.


    I directly went to manang¡¯s room and slowly opened the door.


    I hope Nathan wouldn¡¯t notice me¡­


    Beside manang, Nathan was sitting on a chair next to the bed.


    Even though I look suspicious while peeking here, the guard didn¡¯t mind me doing so since he knows me very well.


    A sad expression is written on Nathan¡¯s face as his hands were resting on manang¡¯s bed.


    He¡¯s just quiet while his head stayed low.


    I knocked on the door twice even though it was open. So he faced up to me with a slightly surprised expression.


    ¡°Nass?¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡°May Ie in?¡± He raises a brow at me but eventually nodded.


    I came in and closed the door then walked to the other side of manang¡¯s bed.


    The stench of alcohol is noticeable in the air which made my eyebrows furrowed.


    I nced at the machine next to him to check the vitals to see it was doing fine.


    ¡°Have you been here for a long time, Nathan?¡± He blinked several times before looking at me.


    ¡°Uhhh. Yeah. When they let us visit here, I thought of visiting manang immediately.¡± I observed him properly from head to toe.


    He¡¯s currently wearing a thick jacket. Not that it¡¯s hot in here, there are airconditioners here and around the mansion but his clothes are just thick you¡¯d think there¡¯s winter here in the Philippines.


    I don¡¯t know if I should confront him now or just wait for a couple of days. Huuu! I¡¯m so nervous! It¡¯s better to hear it from the sinner himself, right? Not that I¡¯m saying he¡¯s a spy here in the mansion, but it¡¯ll be really sad if he really is.


    ¡°Natha¡ª¡±


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± Nathan jolted up and just looked at manang.


    ¡°W-Why?¡± I stuttered out of shock.


    He points at manang so I diverted my eyes to her.


    That¡¯s where I saw her eyes moving and slowly opening.


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± My eyes widened as I immediately grabbed a small shlight.


    ¡°Manang, can you hear me?¡± She just blinked and looked around her surroundings as if she couldn¡¯t hear anything.


    I went near her and held her hand. She weakly returns the gesture.


    Still pointing the shlight at her eyes.


    ¡°Manang, I need you to follow the light, okay?¡± She squeezes my hand lightly once more.


    I slowly moved the shlight from left and right. dly, her sight followed so I turned the shlight off.


    ¡°Do you still know me?¡± She tried to speak but nothing seems toe out of her mouth.


    My heart is beating like crazy and I can¡¯t help but tremble. After so many months, manang had finally woken up!


    ¡± Blink twice for yes, if no, just once.¡± She blinked two times.


    I breath a sigh of relief and gazed up.


    ¡°Then, do you also know¡ª¡± My eyebrows creased as I realized I was being left alone in the room and the door was opened.


    Where¡¯s Nathan?


    Manang lets go of my hand as she reached for her head.


    ¡°You were in aa for months, manang.¡± She stared at me for a bit longer before a tear rolled down from her eye.


    I sat on the chair next to ber bed and wiped away the tear from her cheek. I held manang¡¯s hand once again.


    ¡°Whaa¡­¡± She tried to speak. Her speech might¡¯ve been affected after being in aa for so long. We have to observe that if she doesn¡¯t recover her speech in the next few days, that would only mean she has an injury on her brain.


    I smiled at her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just call Keian.¡± She slightly nodded so I quickly reached for my phone and dialled Keian¡¯s number.


    In just one ring, he immediately answered.


    ¡°Nassandra? Is something wrong? Why did you call?¡± I heard his deep monotone voice. I saw manang crying which made me also can¡¯t help but tear up due to the heavy feeling.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s manang. She¡¯s awake.¡±


    ¡°What?! Thank God! I¡¯ll call Katie and Theo while I¡¯m on my way there. Can you call Nic?¡± It was obvious on Keian¡¯s voice that he¡¯s ecstatic and¡­ nervous?


    ¡°Sure.¡± I dropped the call and wiped my tears away before dialling Zeke¡¯s number. He also answered like lightning.


    ¡°Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?¡± He immediately asked. I sniffed before speaking.


    ¡°Manang is awake.¡±


    ¡°Oh sh¡ª¡± I blinked as he quickly dropped the call with me. Hey! That¡¯s so rude!


    But it¡¯s fine. I could clearly understand why. Maybe he immediately hopped on to his race car and sped his way up here.


    I looked at manang who¡¯s smiling weakly but brightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re awake, manang.¡± She held up her hand to hold my cheek.


    A panting Keian suddenly emerged in the room. His eyes widened as he saw me conversing with manang.


    Keian walked to the other side of the bed and held manang¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked to which thetter blinked twice in response.


    ¡°She couldn¡¯t speak properly just yet. I told her to blink twice for yes and blink once for no.¡± Keian looks at me and nodded.


    Someone knocked on the door two times even though I knew it was open. There stood Theo, wearing a white coat with a stethoscope in his pocket.


    Theo shed a smile at me before walking towards manang to check on her.


    ¡°Manang!¡± We turned our heads to the door where Zeke emerged in, all sweaty.


    Where did hee from? Why is he sweating all over?


    He quickly rushed to manang¡¯s side and held her cheek.


    ¡°Oh my god. You¡¯re really awake.¡± Zeke cried and pressed his forehead to manang¡¯s.


    ¡°She¡¯s fully conscious, responsive to light and sound, including pain. But she couldn¡¯t speak for a while which usually happens after waking from aa. We may have to observe her for a few more days to make sure there is no brain damage. We hope at least tonight we can hear her speak.¡± Keian and Zeke sighed at the same time upon hearing what Theo said.


    I watched them for a moment before leaving the room. They don¡¯t need me there anyway.


    I silently leaned by the wall beside the door outside the room.


    That¡¯s where I thought.


    If manang could speak, she would tell us who harmed her that night. We just certainly hope she got to see the face of the thief.


    I also find it weird that Nathan disappeared out of nowhere after manang woke up. Does him leaving the room could mean something?


    ¡°Hey.¡± I turned to the one who showed up by the wall. I suddenly felt extreme exhaustion.


    ¡°Hey.¡± I replied to Theo.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Katie?¡± I asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s in Korea. She can¡¯t be here since there was a problem with her business.¡±


    ¡°What is her business?¡±


    ¡°Cosmetics and beauty products. Wait, are you really okay? You look so pale.¡± I don¡¯t know why but my heart was suddenly pounding and I feel myself dizzy.


    I gripped on the wall as support since I feel my vision spinning around.


    ¡°Nass?!¡± I felt Theo holding on to me but I got even more dizzier as I sat on the floor.


    I almost can¡¯t hear anything and all I could feel was Theo muttering my name out loud.


    I also saw Zeke and Keian emerging out of the room but I could focus on one certain figure.


    One person was standing behind the men and he was wearing thick clothes.


    Our eyes met despite him wearing a cap.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    I just gazed at his figure walking away while my eyes went shut¡­

 Chapter 53

    Third Person¡¯s P. O. V.


    The minute Theo saw Nassandra pale, he got worried.


    And as the girl leaned herself against the wall, Theo knew there was something off.


    That¡¯s why when Nassandra sat down on the floor, he immediately assists her. Whatever he does to call her, she wouldn¡¯t respond and would just look from behind him.


    ¡°What happened?!¡± Zeke and Kei both rushed outside from manang¡¯s room and arrived upon seeing a fainting Nassandra.


    Theo was confused as to why Nassandra was looking from behind but as he looked back, no one was there but a guard who obviously didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°Nass!¡± Keian went to Nassandra and held both of her cheeks.


    ¡°Baby, are you okay?¡± Slowly, Nass closed her eyes shut.


    ¡°Sh8t.¡± Keian immediately carries Nass to another room here in the infirmary.


    Theo was once again confused at the stench of alcohol on Nassandra¡¯s clothes. Its smell is familiar for him.


    Zeke and Theo quickly followed Keian.


    The doctor started to check on Nassandra¡¯s vitals. The heart rate of the woman is inaudibly fast and her blood pressure was slightly elevated.


    ¡°What happened to her?¡± Keian asked to Theo. Thetter sighed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. We were just talking to each other when she suddenly got dizzy. I can run tests on her if you like. But it could be possible that overfatigue is the reason for her to loose consciousness.


    Or not¡­


    ¡°Do everything that you have to do.¡± Keian stated as he held Theo by the shoulders as a sign of trust.


    ¡°Of course I will.¡± Kei nodded and went towards Nassandra who¡¯s lying in bed.


    He held her face gently.


    ¡°Call me if you¡¯re done with the tests. I just need to do something important.¡± He saidnto Theo.


    ¡°Okay, Kei.¡± Keian nted a kiss on Nassandra¡¯s forehead before walking back to Zeke by the door.


    ¡°Stay with manang. See if she¡¯ll be able to talk in the next few hours.¡± He nced at Theo to ask if what he told Zeke was right and the doctor rightfully nodded.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Kei was about to leave until Zeke held him back by the arm.


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Zeke asked with eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡°Father.¡± Zeke immediately understood what Kei meant so he lets go of his arm to let him leave.


    Zeke walked over to Nassandra and held her hand gently.


    ¡°Take care of her.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± Zeke shed a smile at Theo before heading back to manang¡¯s room.


    Theo took a deep breathe before calling some knowledgeable people for Nassandra¡¯s test in order for them to know the reason for her unconsciousness.


    After seeing Nassandra¡¯sboratory results¡­


    Theo¡¯s expression darkened as he quickly walks inside manang¡¯s room.


    As he got inside, he saw manang sleeping while Zeke was sitting on the side, guarding her.


    ¡°Theo? Uhmm. Manang still hasn¡¯t¡ª-¡± The doctor walks over to the bed and looks under it only to find nothing.


    He touched the side of the bed everywhere but he can¡¯t seem to find what he was looking for.


    He also looked behind the bed¡¯s frame, headboard, the drawer, every corner of the room and even behind the machine but he couldn¡¯t find anything.


    Zeke obviously looked puzzled at what Theo was doing.


    ¡°Hey. What are you looking for?¡± It was as if Theo didn¡¯t hear anything and just proceeded on looking.


    Zeke¡¯s eyebrows creased as he held Theo by the arm to stop him from walking further.


    He noticed Theo¡¯s serious expression and his fists clenched


    Theo gritted his teeth in frustration.


    ¡°Theo. What¡¯s the matter?¡± Zeke held both of his shoulders to steady him. The two men looked at each other, with Theo in his serious face and Zeke¡¯s confused expression.


    Theo sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call Kei first. Then I will tell the both of you.¡± Zeke raised a brow but he agreed and lets go of his friend.


    Theo pressed something on his smart watch and he plugs an earpiece to his ear.


    ¡°Jaguar to Alpha.¡± There was a moment of silence till Theo finally heard Kei¡¯s voice.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I already got Nassandra¡¯s test results. Can youe here? I need to tell you something, it¡¯s important.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be there in ten minutes. Out.¡±


    Theo sighed once again. He nces at Zeke before walking over to manang and checked on her.


    ¡°How long has she been asleep?¡± He asked Zeke.


    ¡°For about¡­ 30 minutes.¡± Theo nodded, forming a theory in his head.


    Theo sat on sofa, deep in thought. While Zeke returned to the spot he was sitting on beside manang¡¯s bed.


    After probably about 10 minutes, Kei arrived just in time.


    ¡°What are the results?¡± He immediately asked. Theo stood up as he saw Kei.


    ¡°Uhmmm. Let¡¯s talk outside.¡± Zeke and Kei looked at each other but followed Theo as he went outside.


    ¡°Nass¡¯ results shows that she have taken a lots of a drug called benzodiazepinemonly used as an anti-anxiety, helps with insomnia, treatment of muscle spasms and it can make you unconscious for hours.¡±


    ¡°Why would she take that drug?¡± Kei asked worriedly.


    ¡°We¡¯re not sure if she really took the drug on purpose.¡± The two men got confused.


    ( I¡¯m not a professional and the infor above are just research???)


    ¡°Are you saying that someone gave him the drug and she took it?¡± Zeke asked with his eyebrows met.


    It doesn¡¯t make sense, on why Nass had to take this drug called benzodiazepine. Is she feeling anxious that¡¯s why she started taking the drug?


    That was the main question for Zeke and Kei.


    ¡°No. We all know that Nass is not that kind of person. And based on her behaviour these past few days, I didn¡¯t notice anything bad happening to her. Do you? Maybe insomnia?¡± The two men shook their heads at the same time.


    ¡°No. We slept together the other day, she doesn¡¯t seem to have troubles in sleeping.¡± Kei respond.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    .


    .


    .


    Kei threw a vicious re at Zeke. Even Theo looked up at him.


    ¡°What?¡± He scarily asked. Zeke¡¯s eyes widened as he held both of his arms in surrender.


    ¡°What? N-No! I¡¯m not saying that we slept together and conclude she has no sleeping problem. Me too, I don¡¯t see any sign of anxiety on her. Let me finish my sentence first and then you can form such conclusions on your heads. Geez.¡± Zeke rolled his eyes and crossed his arms to his chest even though he was really nervous.


    Kei observed Zeke from top to bottom before returning back to Theo.


    ¡°Uhmm *ehem* okay. What I¡¯m saying is someone must have set her up, or someone used one of Marques Manufacturing¡¯s product.¡± Kei raised a brow as he heard the name of thepany while Zeke puts his hands to the side.


    ¡°The benzodiazepine in Nass¡¯ system is the modified version made inside Marques Laboratories called GnBA-benzodiazepine. It is made for mafia purposes. So the enemies would be unconscious through smoke or smoke bombs. Usually it¡¯s safe, it¡¯ll just make you unconscious for a few hours. But this benzodiazepine that is inside Nass is a more modified version that when you inhale or been in a room with this drug¡¯s aroma, it can kill you or make you fall in aa. I¡¯m not particrly sure what was the difference they made but based on the usualponents inside the drug, they modified a lot.¡± With Theo¡¯s statements, it immediately made Kei clench his fists in anger.


    ¡°That is the reason why I was looking for something in manang¡¯s room.¡±


    ¡°Wait. Are you saying that Nass had inhaled the drug inside manang¡¯s room?¡± Zeke asked. Theo nodded in answer.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I guess, the reason why manang woke up was due to her response to the drug. Perhaps¡­ she¡¯s in aa once again.¡± Zeke¡¯s eyes widened as he quickly rushed to manang¡¯s room to try and wake her up.


    ¡°Then, where is this¡­ smokeing from?¡± Theo shrugged.


    ¡°I checked every corner of manang¡¯s room. There is no signs of where it could be possibly from.¡±


    ¡°There really is a traitor in this mafia and it even had a source from ourpany.¡± Kei said in a deep, dark voice.


    Theo¡¯s face saddened.


    ¡°Manang didn¡¯t wake up! Theo!¡± The doctor sighed and went inside the room to check on manang.


    He shook his head.


    ¡°She¡¯s still alive, but she¡¯s back in aa again. She might have inhaled more than Nassandra.¡± Zeke ran his fingers through his hair in frustration as he didn¡¯t know what to do.


    He went to manang¡¯s side and hugged the olddy.


    Theo nced at Kei whose expression was still dark and looked like he wants to kill someone.

 Chapter 54

    Third person¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡°Alpha to F-Com.¡± Zeke and Theo turned to look at Kei as he spoke, with an earpiece stuck to his ear and he pressed something on his smart watch.


    ¡°Yes, ma?tre?¡±


    ¡°Appelez tous lesmandants dites-leur d¡¯aller ici. Il faut qu¡¯on parle. (Call all themanders, tell them to go here. We need to talk.)¡± He ordered in French. Zeke and Theo looked at each other.


    ¡°D¡¯ord, ma?tre. (Okay, master.)¡±


    ¡°Et donnez-moi une s¨¦quence des cam¨¦ras dans les couloirs de l¡¯infirmerie. Surtout celui en face de salle 203. (And give me the footage of the cameras in the infirmary hallways. Particrly the one in front of Room 203.)¡±


    ¡°Qui monsieur. (Yes, sir.)¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Keiranz removed the airpiece and looked at the two.


    ¡°Get ready, we¡¯ll have a meeting. Go up to the 4th floor and wait for me there.¡± Zeke and Theo both nodded.


    They let him go out of manang¡¯s room which thetter directly goes to Nassandra¡¯s room.


    Keian¡¯s P. O. V.


    Arghh! If Nass had inhaled more smoke, she could have died or fell intoa. And I can¡¯t have that. She¡¯s important to me and I won¡¯t let her get hurt.


    But she¡¯s hurt already¡­


    I angrily punched the wall by my side.


    *Thud*


    The wall cracked, and Nic went outside to see what happened.


    He held both of his hands in the air.


    ¡°What the hell, Kei?¡± I took deep breaths to calm myself down.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± My fists were clenched as I entered Nassandra¡¯s room.


    As soon as I saw her lying on the bed, my expression immediately softened. Her face is so innocent¡­ and she¡¯s unconscious.


    I sighed and went over to Nass to hold her cheek.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you got involved in this.¡± I said even though I don¡¯t know if she can hear me.


    Thest time she fainted, I got really scared. Scared of loosing her.


    I know we haven¡¯t been together that long but there¡¯s just this feeling. Something that¡¯s pulling me to her.


    I don¡¯t know why but I just let her pull me.


    I, for once, can be scared too¡­ and tired.


    Sometimes you just wanted to control your whole life but you can¡¯t do that forever. ¡®Cause it¡¯s exhausting¡­


    We wouldn¡¯t be in this mafia mess if what happened in the past didn¡¯t happen.


    I want to control my life but sometimes, all I could do was let myself get pulled.


    Get pulled by her¡­


    I grabbed a chair and ce it next to Nass¡¯ bed.


    I looked at her face.


    There is something about Nassandra Pat Del Luna¡­ I don¡¯t know what, but it¡¯s drawing me into her.


    I can¡¯t help but to not stop being near her.


    There¡¯s something familiar with her presence and my instinct won¡¯t let go of this presence.


    I won¡¯t ever let go of her.


    I held her hand and drew it near my forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Nass.¡± I stood up and pecked a kiss on her lips and went out of the room to climb up to the fourth floor.


    After a few hours¡­


    Nassandra¡¯s P. O. V.


    ¡°Nass!¡±


    ¡°Pat! Wake up!¡±


    I opened my eyes and was suddenly greeted by the feeling of exhaustion and dizziness.


    I held my head, wishing the nausea would disappear.


    What happened?


    Wasn¡¯t I in manang¡¯s room when she woke up then suddenly Kei and the other went in?


    Wait¡­


    .


    .


    .


    I sat on the bed as I remembered the moment before I fell unconscious.


    I can¡¯t help buty down on the bed once again because of the dizziness I¡¯m feeling with matching bad headache.


    ¡°Arghhh¡±


    Was I too overworked? Is that why I fainted?


    Why???


    I remembered what my mom and dad used to teach me back in the days.


    My eyes widened.


    AM I DRUGGED?!


    I¡¯m not feeling so tiredtely, no part of my body is in pain, I¡¯m not wounded¡­


    And manang¡­


    Where is Nathan?! I¡¯m not sure but I think it was Nathan whom Ist saw before dozing off.


    Did he just drugged me? He was my onlypanion back in manang¡¯s room.


    And where are Keian and the others?


    Due to the panic, I chose to get out of bed and walked out of the room.


    I could only guess I¡¯m still in the infirmary but in a private room.


    I can¡¯t stand properly since my knees are trembling and I could see circles everywhere.


    But I felt like something bad happened.


    So I have to walk, even though I can¡¯t¡­


    As I got out of the room, the infirmary felt like a ghost town. It¡¯s quite surprising that there aren¡¯t any guards around.


    My eyebrows creased.


    I went inside manang¡¯s room and checked on her situation before walking towards the elevator?


    What¡¯s harder? Riding an elevator while in state of dizziness or going down the stairs???


    As I hopped on the elevator, I pressed the ground floor. I just felt that something unfortunate is going to happen there.


    I leaned on the wall of the elevator which just made my sight spinning around continuously.


    Holding on to the railings, I used it as support so I won¡¯t fall down.


    You can do this, Nass!


    I took deep breaths to make myself calm since I don¡¯t have the slightest idea as to why I feel so panicked.


    When the elevator opened, I got out immediately but I almost fell butt head in the floor. Why are elevators so nauseating???


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, are you doing alright?¡± One of Keian¡¯s men that are wearing a suit asked me which I nodded. He assisted me so I won¡¯t stumble down.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m alright.¡± I brushed away his grip and walked outside.


    All of the men can¡¯t help but turn their heads to me, probably because I looked like a walking zombie but I don¡¯t care.


    I am more concerned on what¡¯s making me feel bad about something.


    ¡°Miss Nass, you need to stay in bed.¡± I heard Felix¡¯s voice but I shook my head at him.


    From here at the headquarters, I could see the scene at the training field.


    Almost a batallion of men in suit are standing there.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    I also saw Keian was there.


    ¡°No. Please, just help me get to the field.¡± He gave me a hard faced look.


    ¡°But Miss Nass, Ma?tre Andrew has strictly ordered that¡ª-¡± I held his arm real tight. Just so I could plead to him and hold tight to him before I could loose the ability to stand.


    He ced another arm around my back to straighten my posture.


    He smiled at me.


    ¡°Sure.¡± I gave him a tired smile in return.


    We walked towards Keian and the others.


    In front of the batallion of men, lined up in front of them were Steven, Erick, Devon, Theo, Dale, Zeke, and Laiza.


    While Keian was standing in front of a man kneeling down to him.


    The man¡¯s back was facing towards me so I couldn¡¯t figure out who exactly is he.


    Steven was the first to notice me walking towards their direction.


    His eyes widened as he immediately ran to me.


    At the same time, I felt my body crashing on him because of my sight getting dim.


    ¡°What the hell, Nass?¡± They all helped me get up, I also saw Theo and Zeke running over to us. Worry was evident in their eyes. Even Devon, Erick, and Laiza were looking at us nervously while Dale was smirking at the side.


    ¡°Nassandra, why are you here? You should stay in your bed.¡± Theo stated, intrigued.


    I ignored all of them and tried all my best to walk towards Keian.


    His eyes narrowed as he saw me, I turned to the man kneeling down and my eyes widened.


    It was Nathan, almost unconscious and all wounded while kneeling on the ground and Kei was hurting him!?


    My heart was racing at the sight.


    ¡°Nassandra! Don¡¯t you daree any closer to Kei!¡± I ignored what Devon said and just stared into Keian¡¯s eyes.


    His look screams that he wants to kill.


    ¡°Keian, what are you doing?¡± I weakly asked him. His jaw tightened, so does his fists.


    ¡°He¡¯s the f¡ªing traitor.¡± He stated every word with emphasis through his deep voice.


    ¡°Keian, you don¡¯t have to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up. Don¡¯te here, Pat.¡± I froze at what he said. Did he just call me Pat?!


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± I looked over to my side and saw Jane and Ema who are both crying while looking at me.


    And he really had to drag the others?!


    He didn¡¯t want me toe near him? Fine.


    I went over to Nathan and knelt down in front of him.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Clearly, he¡¯s not but I still bothered to ask. He looked at me with tears in his eyes and shook his head.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not okay, Nass! I¡¯m not OKAY!¡± He was screaming right to my face but I didn¡¯t leave his side and checked on his injuries.


    ¡°You should¡ª¨Carghhhh!¡± I crashed on the grassy field as he pushed me down at the same time, the dizziness and dark sight came back.


    ¡°F-ck.¡± I felt Keian¡¯s presence getting near so I went closer and protectively covered Nathan with my arms.


    He gave me a re.


    There was a moment of silence but I didn¡¯t leave in front of Nathan. Whilst Kei and I gave each other death res.


    ¡°Stand up.¡± I felt confused. Was he talking to me or Nathan?


    ¡°I said, stand up!¡± He pulled my arm with all his strength which caused me to stand up but I couldn¡¯t help but lean on to him due to diziness.


    He rolled his eyes and pushed me away then dragged me along¡­


    Ouch¡­


    I saw Zeke and the others were about to follow Kei to stop whatever he¡¯s doing but I gave them a reassuring nod.


    I let Keian pull me back to the room from earlier.


    I nced back at Nathan who¡¯s bring dragged by Kei¡¯s men and brought him inside another¡¯s building near the HQ.

 Chapter 55

    Keian ms open the door to the room where I came from, he did the same and loudly closed it shut.


    I red at him to which he also res back in return.


    ¡°Why did you have to get out of your bed when you were just drugged?¡± He said every word with emphasis and harshly ced me back on the bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not even sure I was drugged.¡± I pointed out to him.


    ¡°Well, the guy whom you just defended earlier is the reason why you fell unconscious.¡± He turns his back to me and stepped away to mess his hair out of frustration.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t kill him.¡± I plead to him since I have a bad feeling that they¡¯re serious about killing Nathan.


    He faces me with a look of disbelief.


    ¡°What the f¡ª Nass? He DRUGGED you.¡±


    ¡°So? He¡¯s still my friend.¡± He walks over to me and held both of my shoulders tightly.


    ¡°He¡¯s the one who attacked manang, he drugged you and he¡¯s the reason for all of this mess, Nass. I don¡¯t care if he¡¯s your friend.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at him.


    ¡°Do you think he intentionally wanted to do all of that? Isn¡¯t he working for someone else? Maybe everything he did is from his boss and he didn¡¯t want to do any of these in the first ce. So don¡¯t use him like he¡¯s really the reason why all of this started. You should know that incidents like these happen before starting your own mafia!¡± I raised my voice as I told him.


    Then I suddenly felt my world spinning around so I closed my eyes.


    There was silence and I knew he was thinking about what I just said.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re right. I¡¯m sorry.¡± His fists were clenched as he lowered his gaze at me.


    I stared at him to observe the mafia boss. His hair is a mess and he even had bloodstains on his long sleeves polo. I¡¯m sure that he¡¯s really tired right now.


    ¡°Keian,¡± He looks up to me. The sharp intensity in his eyes are still there and his eyebrows are creased but his full expression softened a bit.


    ¡°Come here,¡± I told him. He raised a brow at me in question.


    ¡°I said,e.¡± I demanded. He rolled his eyes but eventually followed mymand.


    I wrapped my arms around his masculine figure and enveloped him in a tight hug.


    ¡°I know I¡¯m not in the position to say this. I am also aware that killing is part of the mafia but you don¡¯t have to kill Nathan, Kei. Please, don¡¯t kill Nathan.¡± I said.


    The room fell silent for a few moments before he shifted position. He¡¯s now sitting on the bed while I am sitting on hisp. Despite my dizziness, I still had the urge to stare at him with wide eyes.


    He held my cheek gently.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to be hurt.¡± He sincerely said.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Keian. I know that you will not let anyone hurt me.¡± His eyebrows met in unison.


    ¡°You were just drugged! You could have died¡ª Oh God, you were hurt because of me.¡± His grip on the bedsheet was so tight you¡¯d thought it would rip any second.


    I gently held his hand until his grip on the bedsheet is loosened.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Keian. It¡¯s nobody¡¯s fault. And I can protect myself, you don¡¯t have to worry.¡± I smiled at him.


    We stared at each other for a long time before he dly returns the smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for my attitude earlier.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m already used to it.¡± I said while fixing his messy hair. Surprisingly, he pouted as if he was even sad about it.


    Out of surprise, I observed his lips. Why does his lips looks so baby-ish? You know that? His lips are so red and is never dry? Ahahahahahahaha. Just like with Brylle.


    That¡¯s why I pecked a kiss on his lips. It¡¯s what I used to do with Brylle sometimes.


    As I broke away from him, we look at each other straight to the eyes.


    Shock was evident on Keian¡¯s expression. His jaw dropped and his eyes widened.


    He held both of my cheeks again and pulled me back to him, and once again our lips met with each other.


    Wait¡­


    Wahhhhhh!!!


    Did I just kissed him?! As in, I was the first to give in?


    He shifted his hand to the back of my head to make the kiss more passionate.


    Ohhh myyyyy!!!


    So I just closed my eyes and let the moment happen.


    As we broke away, it was my turn to gape my mouth and widen my eyes¡­ due to shame. HUHUHU!


    He beams oh so wide as his gaze was focused on me.


    Holding my chin, he closes my mouth teasingly.


    ¡°You better close your mouth or else¡­ I won¡¯t be able to control myself.¡± I blinked several times at his statement.


    What did he just say???


    He stared at me once more andter on, pressed his lips to mine to kiss me again.


    I turned away from him and quickly plopped myself on bed to cover my face with a pillow due to the amount of shame I was feeling.


    ¡°I closed my mouth!¡± I muffled through the pillow.


    ¡°Guess I really can¡¯t control myself.¡± He says with a ¡®meh¡¯ tone.


    I looked at him with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because of you!¡± I pointed like a child. He looked at me with disbelief.


    ¡°What did I do?¡± He asked, smirking.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± I returned my face back to the pillow to cover it real good.


    ¡°Hahahahahaha!¡± My eyebrows creased upon hearing his loud, heartyugh.


    I turned my gaze back to Keian. He¡¯sughing! Laughing really loud! It¡¯s not forced or something. Looks like he¡¯s really that joyful.


    I sat up on the bed and watched himughing, this made a smile creep into my lips.


    ¡°Oh. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve neverughed like that in all my life, just now.¡± He stopsughing as he noticed me watching him.


    Hees to me and sat in front of me in the middle of the bed. Good thing this bed is very wide in space.


    He put his hands on my waist.


    He stared right through me as if he was searching for something in my eyes.


    ¡°Benzodiazepine.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows as he mentioned some kind of drug. His face turned into something serious.


    ¡°That¡¯s the reason why you passed out. But this benzodiazepine is more modified, it can literally kill people. Marques Manufacturing modified themon effects of benzodiazepine so the enemy would fall asleep immediately after inhaling the smoke. Someone modified our product and that¡¯s what caused you to faint. But manang is now back in aa.¡± I suddenly became worried at the new information Keian just told.


    Is he saying that Diego has someone in his circle to modify this for him? Oh no.


    ¡°Manang is back in aa?¡± He sadly nodded in response.


    ¡°When we checked the security cameras, you and Nathan were the only ones who entered manang¡¯s room before she woke up. Then we checked your friend¡¯s belongings and we found a smoke emmiter.¡±


    ¡°Then howe he didn¡¯t pass out just like I did? He wasn¡¯t wearing a mask when he went inside manang¡¯s room.¡±


    ¡°He somehow inhaled the drug and survived it. Theo thinks that Nathan is somehow addicted to the drug and also immune to it.¡± I lowered my head because it is possible that that is the case. And I know someone who can do that thing¡­


    My heart was suddenly beating frantically.


    Keian stood up toy me down on the bed and tucked a nket around me.


    ¡°You will stay here. Rest up. I know that you¡¯re still dizzy. So please, stay here.¡± My eyebrows creased at this.


    ¡°O-Okay.¡± He raises a brow.


    ¡°We will go on a mission in the middle of the night ¡¯cause we gained information from Nathan. You¡¯re safe here, so stay put.¡± I can¡¯t help it and became curious with this mission of theirs, but in the end I just nodded.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    He lets out a small smile before kissing me on the forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡± I held his arm infort.


    ¡°Be careful.¡± He touched my hand and gave it a squeeze before walking out the door.


    I watched him close the door and immediately heaved out a sigh.


    I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m feeling right now.


    It¡¯s simply all mixed feelings altogether.


    I¡¯m confused of Nathan¡¯s actions, scared of what will happen, and worried about Keian¡¯s mission tonight.


    Just like earlier, I felt like something bad is going to happen.


    Add up the fact that someone from my past is actually still living¡­


    Hayst.


    I¡¯ll just sleep these all away¡­

 Chapter 56

    Waking up around 2:45 AM, I couldn¡¯t find the heart to go back to sleep after that. The whole room is dark and I bet one of the men must¡¯ve turned it off.


    My headache and dizziness were gone for a moment but sometimes it would appear for few minutes.


    Here I am, alone in a quiet room¡­


    I know Keian told me to just stay in this room but I feel so restless.


    And I¡¯m not the kind of person who really follow one¡¯s order. Most of the time I¡¯d follow my instinct and what I feel inside.


    Yeah¡­. I know. I¡¯m stubborn.


    So I stood up from the bed and went out of the room, opposite from what Kei ordered me to do.


    It¡¯s pretty dark and awfully quiet in the whole headquarters. Looks like all of the men are sleeping.


    Although I know that there are few guards awake in these hours so I just wish they wouldn¡¯t see me.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡± I gasped and my hands immediate reached my chest as I heard someone calling me.


    My eyes widened upon looking at the guard who seemed pretty shocked himself.


    He¡¯s holding a shlight and he looks stunned to see me in this veryte hour.


    ¡°Oh, you almost gave me a heart attack.¡± The guard smiled at me. He¡¯s still young, probably much more younger than me. Perhaps he¡¯s a new recruit.


    ¡°Sorry ma¡¯am, but Ma?tre Andrew strictly ordered us not to let you out of this room.¡± I pouted at what he said.


    ¡°I feel so sweaty, I wanted to take a bath in Keian¡¯s room at this time so it¡¯d feel fresh. All of my things are there.¡± I reasoned out.


    ¡°But ma¡¯am¡ª¡±


    ¡°If you want, you could give mepany.¡±


    .


    .


    .


    ¡°W-WHAT?! U-Uhmmm, I-I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t¡ª¡± I shakily moved my hands in front of him.


    ¡°Oh no, don¡¯t get the wrong idea huhu. I must¡¯ve asked you the wrong way.¡± I realized what I just said and heaved out a sigh.


    Hayst.


    ¡°I mean, you can apany me to Keian¡¯s room, if it¡¯s alright for you, you can wait for me there and we¡¯ll go back here together.¡± I thought of what I said. Please agree, please agree. He scratched his nape and thinks for a moment.


    ¡°Sure, ma¡¯am. I¡¯ll apany you, it¡¯s really dark outside and there are a lot of men guarding this ce.¡± I beamed.


    ¡°Yes! I mean¡ª sure. Let¡¯s go.¡± I started walking so he followed me out.


    We entered the backdoor of the mansion and climbed up to Keian¡¯s room.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you here.¡± He says, smiling.


    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry for the inconvenience.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay.¡± So I opened the door and stepped in.


    I roamed my eyes around the room, searching for things to use.


    I went to the bathroom and opened the shower. So much water will be wasted but I had to do this.


    After that, I walked to Keian¡¯s walk-in closet and looked for clothes to wear.


    I¡¯m pretty sure there are no CCTV¡¯s in here and when I walked towards here in Kei¡¯s room along with the young man, I also checked where the cameras are located.


    As I found some ck pants, I wore it eventually. Good thing I already transferred my things here in this room.


    I went to the veranda and observed the green grass from above.


    Keian¡¯s room is on the third floor but I¡¯m already used to going down from very high ces because of what happened to me in the past¡­


    But wait a minute.


    The guard might notice that I didn¡¯t take a bath, for sure I needed a lot of time.


    Aish! Why did I even turned the shower on?!


    I irritatedly returned to the bathroom to turn the shower off then went to the door.


    Sorry Mr. Guard¡­


    I opened the door.


    ¡°Oh ma¡¯am, are you do¡ª¡± Sidewards, I hit my arm on his neck which made him fall asleep immediately.


    I quickly dragged him inside the room, the hallway is dark so the security cameras wouldn¡¯t see me for sure and as the camera¡¯s position is also facing the other side.


    I left the guard lying down on the floor and went down from the veranda.


    There are only a few CCTV cameras on the field so it¡¯s where I decided tond.


    I look to my left then to my right then continued my way to another building beside the headquarters, making sure I won¡¯t be caught in any one of the security cameras.


    I heaved out a sigh of relief as I reached inside the building.


    There¡¯s almost nothing on the ground floor but when I went down at some basement, I sensed it was like a prison cell. There are also a lot of guards.


    My eye catched a sliding door and as I peeked through, I saw different variations of guns and weapons.


    I walked near to it and observed the room.


    It¡¯s their armory!


    I studied their weapons carefully. I have seen most of them before but the others seems like inventions of the Marques Manufacturing.


    I saw some tranquilizer guns and grabbed a gun with a silencer. Then I immediately shoot the bullet at the CCTV inside the room.


    Then immediately grabbed a tranquilizer gun.


    I focused my eye and face to the dart and made sure this¡¯ll make anyone fall asleep immediately.


    I also brought the gun with a silencer, just in case.


    Where am I going? I¡¯ll just go visit Nathan ande back once I have already talked to him.


    But since Keian had ordered everyone not to let me out of the room,


    I know they wouldn¡¯t let me see Nathan if I just strut my way there.


    So I have to do this.


    I went to the ce where all of the guards are.


    They¡¯re all ying poker and gambling actual money.


    There are exactly five men there so I shot each one of them some tranquilizers. So there they are, asleep.


    To bepletely sure that no one sees me, I directly went to the jail cells.


    There are absolutely no one in the cells, except for Nathan who¡¯s sitting on the ground, hugging his knees close to his chest.


    ¡°Nathan!¡± He looks up to me and was ultimately confused upon me.


    ¡°Nassandra? What are you doing here?¡±


    I went near to his prison cell.


    ¡°I just wanted to speak to you. I wanted to know why you did all those things.¡± I raised a brow at him but he stayed quiet.


    ¡°Please, Nathan. Why did you have to do those? Why did you have to hurt the head maid? Are you assigned as a spy for Keian¡¯s mafia? Do you work for Diego?¡± I bombarded him with questions.


    I was puzzled when he suddenlyughed like a lunatic.


    ¡°Yes! I am! So? What are you going to do with me?¡± I looked at his body¡¯s situation.


    He¡¯s still bleeding and he seemed like he couldn¡¯t stand at all. He also had bleeding wounds everywhere in his body.


    ¡°Your wounds had to be cleaned, it might cause an infection.¡± He looks at me with a scary re.


    ¡°You don¡¯t care if I¡¯m wounded or not. I don¡¯t want to talk to you so just leave.¡± He coldly stated out.


    It¡¯s the very first time I saw him act this way. Every time we talk, he¡¯s usually jolly and always smiling.


    ¡°Nathan¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me Nathan. That¡¯s not my real name.¡± I was shocked at his sudden announcement.


    ¡°Then what?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to know that, so leave!¡± He tried pushing me away even though he was just inside his cell.


    I stepped away from him but sat in front of him, not intending to leave at all.


    ¡°Are you working for Diego?¡± He narrowed his eyes at me till it slowly became full of sadness.


    Huh?


    ¡°Y-Yeah. Please, Nass, save me. I badly want to get out of here. I can¡¯t live like this anymore.¡± I saw tearsing out of his eyes.


    ¡°Please save me, get me out of here.¡± I clenched my palms, not knowing what to do.


    ¡°Nass. It¡¯s my day off, I deserve to go out of here. Please, Nass.¡± He held the cold metal that was serving as a barrier between us.


    I swear I could feel the pain in his voice but I am absolutely clueless to what I¡¯m supposed to do. I can¡¯t just let him out, I just wanted to know the reason why?


    ¡°No, Nathan. You can¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°NO! He¡¯ll kill me, Nass. Whatever I do, they will chase and kill me. So let me go and I¡¯ll run far away from this ce!¡± He said, screaming.


    He stretched his hands out, intending to reach me.


    My eyes widened at the sight of his very frightened face.


    ¡°Please, Nass. Save. Me.¡± He held both of his ears as if he was hearing stuff.


    My eyes are suddenly getting watery with tears.


    I don¡¯t know what I should do. All that Keian told me is that he wouldn¡¯t kill Nathan and that¡¯s all I ask. Because Nathan still did something sinful.


    ¡°You¡¯re safe here, Nathan. Diego wouldn¡¯t reach you here. Keian will keep you safe, I promise.¡±


    ¡°Liar! He¡¯s a liar, Nass. How can you trust him when you don¡¯t even have an idea of his true colors? Hahaha! You thought you already know enough about the real Keiranz? Hence, be prepared! Hahahahaha!¡± He stated dramatically thenughed like crazy.


    His tears are pouring even though he was smirking at me and I can¡¯t¡­


    I can¡¯t handle seeing him in this situation anymore.


    That¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t help but grab the keys from the guards and shakily walked towards Nathan¡¯s cell.


    ¡°Please, after you go out, please run. Run as far as you can go. Nathan, please.¡± His eyes were given life as he eagerly nod at me.


    ¡°Okay, Nassandra. I promise, I¡¯ll run away.¡± I smiled, my feelings controlling over my mind.


    I used the key with his cell number on it to open the jail cell.


    He smiled and quickly got out then grabbed my wrist to run away as fast as we can.


    Wait¡­


    I didn¡¯t say anything about running away with him¡­

 Chapter 57

    ¡± Nathan! Let go of me! I stopped running and tried to remove his hands on my arm.


    I think it¡¯s already 3 o¡¯clock in the morning, and it¡¯s all quiet here in the field. No one even noticed that Nathan escaped.


    ¡± You will go with me, Nass. The two of us have something to go to.¡± I shook my head.


    ¡± I let you out because you said that you¡¯d run.¡±


    ¡± And you trusted that I¡¯d do that? You¡¯re an idiot!¡± He pulled me, but I remained where I¡¯m standing.


    ¡± No. Nathan. Please, just get out of this ce.¡± he smiled at me then approached me.


    Suddenly, the gun I was holding is now on Nathan¡¯s hands as he pointed it on my neck, causing me to be surprised.


    ¡± Can¡¯t you understand? It was my n all along for you to let me out. It was his n. So we¡¯ll go to him. Consider this as my thanks for you, letting me out.¡±


    My eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± I know that you¡¯re really scared. That you¡¯re not happy with what you¡¯re doing right now. You¡¯re just forcing yourself, Nathan! Please, stop this right now!¡± Heughed.


    ¡± Oh no. I won¡¯t stop.  Not until the Marques n is eliminated. That¡¯s our main goal, Nass. And anyone who¡¯ll stand on our way will be¡­ killed.


    I became terrified of what he said.


    He seemed like he doesn¡¯t need to think twice before killing me if I won¡¯t go ording to his n, and I don¡¯t want to die. I still want to be with Brylle, Tiya, and Keian with his friends.


    ¡± Will you get in our way, Nass?¡± He asked in a devil¡¯s tone. I breathlessly looked at his eyes, fear is evident in them.


    I shut my eyes to calm down and went silent. Then looked at him again.


    His head tilted as he smiled.


    ¡± Good girl,¡± he ruffled my hair as if I¡¯m a child, then started running again.


    I can¡¯t help but cry.


    He might make me a bait for Keian to surrender, and I don¡¯t want that to happen.


    Oh my ghad. I¡¯m so sorry, Keian.


    I let Nathan drag me to where he wants to go. Feeling so guilty and sad.


    He brought me to the main gate of the mansion. Some guards are stationed there, and when he saw us, they immediately blocked our path.


    ¡± Where are you going?¡± the brows of the one guard creased when he saw me.


    Nathan quickly shot the guards, who are now lying on the ground.


    He looked back at me.


    ¡± I told ya. I will kill everyone who will stand in our way,¡± he even smiled like he won a championship.


    I just want to p myself at what I did.


    What the hell, Nassandra?


    Stupid.


    Stupid.


    After a few minutes, we can now see the road.


    A car passed by, and Nathan stopped it.


    ¡± Hey! Are you drunk?! Get out of the car¡¯s wa¡ª¡±


    ¡± Ahhhh!¡± I can¡¯t help but scream when Nathan killed the innocent man driving the car.


    He throws the man at the side of the road like it¡¯s just garbage.


    ¡± Drive.¡± I looked at him.


    ¡± You drive! Are you deaf?! Just try and bring us to the police, I¡¯ll really kill you,¡± I opened the door on the driver¡¯s side with cold hands. It even has the blood of the previous driver.


    Nathan entered on the passenger side beside me and pointed the gun at me.


    ¡± Just go and drive first, I¡¯ll tell you the wayter.¡± I gave a small nod and held the steering wheel while trembling.


    ¡± Tsk! Move fast! Those inside the mansion may catch up with us!¡± I really hope that they could catch up, but I needed to start the car and drive until we were far enough for Keian¡¯s men to reach us.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Turn left,¡± I closed my eyes when the road became familiar.


    No.


    ¡± W-where are we going exactly?¡± I asked to make sure. If he¡¯ll answer my question.


    He looked at me then he rolled his eyes.


    ¡± To Sir Diego¡¯s uncle,¡± I sucked in my breath upon hearing that.


    I want to turn the steering wheel and go back so we won¡¯t go where Nathan wants to.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    I know exactly who Diego¡¯s uncle is. Even though I don¡¯t really know his true personality.


    While I¡¯m in deep thought, I heard Nathan¡¯s breath go faster, so I looked at him.


    He is sweating so much and restless in his seat.


    ¡± Ow,¡± based on his expression, something hurts in his body.


    He started shaking, so I stopped the car.


    ¡± Why did you stop?!¡± He asked angrily. I did not mind him and looked at his condition.


    ¡± You¡¯re having withdrawal symptoms,¡± I said.


    ¡± What?¡± He asked, irritated.


    ¡± How long have you been taking benzos?¡± He looked at me in disbelieve.


    ¡± Are you kidding me? What do you care about that?¡±


    ¡± Just answer me, Nathan¡± he rolled his eyes then grabbed at the door of the car because of the pain he is feeling.


    ¡± Ow! About 4 months already! Nassandra, it hurts!¡± I held his arm and steadied him.


    ¡± How many days have you n¡ª¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s already three days!¡± Haa¨C¡± I sighed.


    ¡± I can¡¯t do anything, Nathan. You need to endure it¡± His eyes sharpened.


    ¡± WHAT?! So what are the questions you asked a while ago for?!¡± I went silent.


    ¡± You should just drive!¡± My silence still went on.


    His eyebrows furrowed, and he drew his gun.


    ¡± I said¡ª¡±


    ¡± Which way are we going?¡± I cut what he was about to say.


    He looked in front of us.


    One reason I stopped is that the road in front of us is in two separate ways.


    His eyebrows furrowed more.


    ¡± T-to the left¡± I got confused.


    ¡± Are you sure?¡±


    ¡± Huh? Don¡¯t know. It may be to the left. I don¡¯t know, okay?¡± I don¡¯t know¡± I again sighed.


    I started the car and turned left.


    I was expecting Nathan to ask why I turned left even though he can¡¯t remember the way, but he is just leaning back on the seat with his eyes closed.


    I stopped the car across a small and old house.


    Nathan opened his eyes and looked around before getting off.


    He went to my side and opened the door beside me.


    ¡± Get down.¡± He pointed the gun, so I didn¡¯t have a choice but follow him.


    He pushed me towards the door, so I stumble in front of it.


    At that time, a man in a wheelchair came out.


    ¡± Oh. Hello, my dear niece¡± I clenched my fist then red at the one in front of me.


    ¡± You¡¯re as feisty as ever. It¡¯s good that you still know the way to my house, sweetie¡± my brows furrowed, then I realized that Nathan may have a mic.


    Sh8t. Does that mean they heard all of Keian¡¯s n?


    H pulled me, then sat me on hisp.


    I tried to stand up, but I noticed that I¡¯m already cuffed to his wheelchair.


    ¡± You crazy bastard!¡± He smiled at me and then threw something to Nathan, which I¡¯m assuming is drugs.


    ¡°Thanks for thepliment, sweetie¡± he was about toe near me and kiss me, but I quickly pped him.


    ¡± I¡¯m your niece! And get me out of this wheelchair!¡± I said at him angrily. Heughed then grabbed my neck.


    ¡± I can¡¯t risk losing you, Pat. You just arrived. Don¡¯t you want to bond with your uncle?¡± I red at him.


    ¡± Never,¡± he smirked, then after he let go of my neck and pushed the wheelchair to the house.


    How I sit in this old man is so ufortable, and I can¡¯t avoid getting angrier at him.


    Elias Del Luna.


    Papa¡¯s brother, and he¡¯s an inventor. A mad inventor. He already created gadgets and weapons that we used in the past.


    And I know exactly why he¡¯s in a wheelchair now. ¡®Cause I caused it.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t know you are still alive,¡± I spoke. He looked at me.


    ¡± And you too. I¡¯ve been finding you for years, Pat. Yet you are just close to me. You somehow stumbled upon the Keirenz Marques. I¡¯m so lucky I saw you.¡± I got confused at what he said.


    I agreed to be a maid in the mansion because it¡¯s a private property I¡¯m going to work in, and Zeke¡¯s face is not familiar to me when I first saw him.


    I never thought that Tito Elias has his eyes on the Marques Mansion.


    ¡± Ahhh, you¡¯re confused, right? Hahahaha. Later you will know why Diego is targeting Marques¡± I suddenly felt anger.


    ¡± Where are Keian!?¡± I shouted at him. At the same time, he smiled his phone ringed.


    ¡± Oh! Just in time¡± He pressed something at the tv, andter on, a video feed of a house came out.


    It seems like the camera where the video ising from is in a room, and there¡¯s no one inside.


    Although, I can see movements outside the room.


    ¡± We¡¯ve set up there at that ce so we can see their faces. Diego will be video chattingter, but we can still see all that happens. Brilliant, right?¡± I ignored him and just focused on the video feed.


    The door suddenly opened, and some men in a ck suit went inside.


    They stopped and lowered their weapons when they saw that no one is in the room.


    Keian and others he always with entered after them, whose expression darkened immediately when they saw that the gadget used to video is the only thing in the room.


    Keian approached the gadget and was about to throw it when someone spoke.


    ¡± Diego¡± I can hear its voice, but I can¡¯t see him.


    Keian¡¯s eyes turned cold and lowered, what I¡¯m thinking is a phone, to where it¡¯s ced before.


    ¡± Hello, hello. It¡¯s so dumb of you to believe what my men said. You really came here immediately¡± my fists clenched.


    I hope nothing happens to Keian.


    ¡± Keeping yourself safe by having a video call Gaius? What? Too scared to face me?¡± Keian said with a deep voice. I looked at his face, and his expression is unexinable.


    ¡± Oh no. It¡¯s all part of my n. We will face each other one day, Keiranz. Just be patient.¡± Keian¡¯s grip on his gun tightened. It¡¯s going to the point that his fist is turning white.


    ¡± However, I want to give a piece of information to you, and I know you¡¯ll be thrilled. It will help you all to kill us, promise. If you can. Hahahaha¡±


    ¡± No thanks. We can manage on our own,¡± Keian said with a t tone.


    ¡°Hahaha! You are very arrogant. I hate it¡± Diego¡¯s voice change like a demon.


    ¡± But you really need to know this, Marques. It¡¯ll really help you¡± my heartbeat suddenly beat faster, and the bad feeling I have worsened.


    Tito Elias smiled at my reaction.


    ¡± You know, you¡¯re family¡¯s mafia, and mine has been in a feud for a long time now. Your father offered my grandpa, so he has to take revenge. Then you killed his friends, so we have to kill someone from your family. Then it went to the point that you thought you already killed everyone from our n, but that is where you¡¯re wrong.¡± The questions in my mind multiplied.


    What is Diego saying? That Keian¡¯s family and ours are already rivaling each other for a long time?!¡±


    You can also see the confusion on Keian¡¯s face and everyone on the video feed.


    ¡± What the hell are you saying!?¡± Zeke shouted. I then heard Diegough.


    ¡± Does Il Massimo Impero ring a bell to you all?¡± Keian started shaking because of anger, while the others are very shocked.


    Wait. What do they have to do with Il Massimo Marques???


    ¡± Oh oh oh hahaha. Just go and get mad, Marques. Your suspicion is true. Il Massimo Impero is still alive. And guess what? There¡¯s more. It¡¯s Il Massimo Impero di Del Luna¡± all of them in the video feed were stunned.


    And I feel like my whole world crumbled because of what Diego said.


    Sh8t. Sh*t. Sh8t.


    I heard Tito Eliasugh, but I¡¯m just concentrating on Keian¡¯s face.


    ¡± What a surprise, right? That someone who is dear to you and the one you love is the one who killed your Mom¡± I started shaking because of nervousness and confusion.


    What the heck? Grandfather killed Keian¡¯s mother?!


    I stood with my whole strength and moved away from Tito. However, because I¡¯m cuffed, I can¡¯t really run away.


    ¡± What is he saying! I didn¡¯t kill anyone! Let me go! Remove these cuffs! I¡¯m not the one that killed Keian¡¯s mom!¡± I shouted while repeatedly pulling the handcuffs on the wheelchair wishing it to be removed.


    ¡± What?¡± Keian asked with emphasis.


    No, Keian. Please don¡¯t believe him¡­


    ¡± The woman you are with, in the mall, that you protect with all your strength is the reason for your mommy¡¯s death¡± anger and fear formed in my heart.


    Anger because of the nonsense Diego is saying and fear because I may not see Keian again.


    I was supposed to kill a woman when I was fifteen to see if I am ¡®worthy¡¯ of being my grandfather¡¯s servant.


    I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m doing. I immediately agreed to kill a human the first time because I owe my grandfather and the praises of people I trained with that time¡­


    I kneeled to the ground and started crying when I remembered what happened at that time.

 Chapter 58

    Late Disimer: This story is purely fictional, and the plot is not associated with actual events in real life. All characters are not real. This story is not suited for young readers. Thank you!


    -shback-


    ¡± Remember everything I told you, apo,¡± I heard Lolo whispered to my ear, so no one will notice that we are hiding in this ce.


    Even though my grandfather is already at the age of 64, he still has a good body, a result of his continuous training and asionally going to the gym.


    He and my father do look alike, but Papa got grandmother¡¯s eyes.


    Iy face down on the grass and readied my sniper rifle.


    Lolo even apanied me for my ¡°initiation.¡±


    I¡¯ve been training for already 3 years now, and I was told that I am now ready to kill.


    I¡¯m not a bad person that really wants to murder someone. It¡¯s just that Lolo told me that the one I¡¯m going to kill today did something wrong to our mafia, and this will be our ¡®revenge.¡¯


    My grandfather had been waiting for this day toe, and here I am now, and I won¡¯t disappoint him.


    They said that I¡¯m fearless when ites to training. I always excel, and all have been expecting me to have my kill today.


    So I didn¡¯t have to think twice about going here.


    ¡°Good luck, apo¡± he kissed my cheeks and slightly distanced himself from me. I smiled.


    I sighed then looked at the scope of the gun.


    I breathed deeply and was about to shoot the woman whose back is facing my direction.


    But she turned around and seemed like she¡¯s dancing.


    She gracefully danced. Her movements are light like she¡¯s doing ballet.


    I can¡¯t help but stop.


    She¡¯s so beautiful.


    And she looks so innocent.


    And sweet.


    My mouth opened in awe.


    Why would someone like her do something so bad that my grandfather wants her killed?


    She looked like she¡¯s a kind person, and she reminds me of Mama.


    ¡± Pat, what¡¯s the problem?¡± I ignored grandpa and continued to stare at thedy. I lowered my gun.


    She¡¯s looking straight at my eyes.


    Wait. She can see me?!


    I don¡¯t know what to do. Should I hide? But I felt like I want to be seen.


    My heart¡¯s telling me that she¡¯ll never do something wrong to me.


    She was shocked at first and can¡¯t help furrowing her eyebrows.


    Maybe wondering why someone like me is holding a gun at such a young age.


    I saw that she became scared as she looked at her surroundings.


    ¡± Pat, shoot her!¡± Shouted Lolo in a whisper.


    ¡± But she looks like she¡¯s innocent,¡± he frowned at what I said.


    ¡± She¡¯s not innocent, so shoot her!¡± I looked at the woman once again.


    Her head tilted at me, then felt slightly afraid again.


    Then she smiled at me.


    She gave me a sad smile.


    I started trembling.


    What am I doing?! I almost killed an innocent being.


    ¡± I can¡¯t do it, Lo.  She¡¯s innocent. I can¡¯t kill her.¡± He held both of my cheeks.


    ¡± No, Pat. This is your only chance. To prove that you¡¯re worthy of bing my granddaughter. I¡ª¡± I shook my head at him repeatedly.


    I¡¯ll be worthy of being your granddaughter after I killed someone?! No lolo! I won¡¯t kill that woman.¡± I won¡¯t ever kill someone that I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s really a bad person.


    I can see that she¡¯s a caring and kind person¡­ I can¡¯t let her die.


    Lolo gripped my shoulders tightly, it¡¯s obvious that his patience is wearing thin.


    ¡± Kill her, Nassandra¡± Grandpa rarely calls me Nassandra. He¡¯s displeased.


    I shook my head and looked at the woman once again.


    She¡¯s crying now for an unknown reason, but she¡¯s still smiling at me.


    ¡± No¡ª¡±


    *bang*


    I gasped when Lolo brought out his gun and shot the woman.


    With wide eyes, I helplessly watched the innocent woman fell down on the grass.


    I looked at lolo in horror.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go,¡± he agitatedlymanded. The others stood up to follow my grandfather¡¯smand, but I just cried while shaking my head.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go, Pat,¡± he said, angry and disappointed.


    ¡± You killed her!¡± I remarked. He just holds my arm and dragged me.


    But I swiftly get out of his grip and runs towards the woman.


    ¡± Pat! Get the f¡ª back here! Someone might see you!¡± I heard lolo shouted, but I pay it no mind.


    His silencer has a silencer, and I¡¯m sure the woman¡¯spany didn¡¯t notice the gun sound.


    I kneeled beside her, panting, and immediately puts my hands on her chest where her wound is to stop it from further bleeding.


    ¡± Haaaaa¡ª¡± she groaned.


    My tears fell down nonstop as I consistently say sorry to her.


    ¡± We need to get you in the hospital immediately,¡± I said.


    She looked at me as she touched my hand on her chest.


    ¡± Y-You¡¯re still so young,¡± her voice is soft like an angel.


    I tried to recall in my mind what my parents used to do whenever they¡¯re treating someone who got shot.


    ¡± What¡¯s your name?¡± she weakly asked. I red at her.


    ¡± You don¡¯t need to know that! You¡¯re dying here!¡± I stated. She smiled at me and weakly touched my cheek.


    ¡± That¡¯s why I need to know the name of the girl who is saving me right now,¡± my chest heavied at what she said as I almost can¡¯t see because of my tears.


    ¡± N-nassandra. Please don¡¯t die. I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said to her, sobbing loudly.


    She wiped my wet cheeks.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t have to be afraid.¡±


    ¡± Please don¡¯t die. Please don¡¯t die, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡± Nassandra. It¡¯s okay. You¡¯re not the one who shot me, and we both know that.¡±


    ¡± Mom!¡± I saw someone came out of the house, but I didn¡¯t move at where I am.


    I don¡¯t care if they capture me. I won¡¯t leave her here, dying.


    ¡± Pat. Let¡¯s go¡±  I felt my grandfather pulling, but I didn¡¯t remove my grip on the woman.


    .¡± Stay strong¡­¡± she was the one to let go of our grip at the same time her eyes closed.


    NO!


    The man runs to her mother, and our eyes met for a split second. Although my eyes are blurry due to my tears.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    -End of shback-


    I looked at Kei¡¯s eyes.


    It¡¯s his mom¡­


    I was supposed to kill his mom.


    I¡¯m feeling that Keian and I are looking at each other because he¡¯s looking at the camera.


    ¡± Nassandra Pat Del Luna. Granddaughter of Maximo Del Luna. She is the reason your mom¡ª-¡± Keian reached for the camera and throws it.


    The screen went ck as the video feed stopped.


    I immediately felt weak.


    ¡± I¡¯m not the one who killed his mom,¡± I said while looking at the ck screen.


    Oh, sweetie, the reason you were able to join Dad¡¯s mafia is that you killed the woman.


    ¡± You¡¯re not there, and you don¡¯t know what really happened!¡± I uttered angrily, to which he just only smirked at.


    Diego¡¯s face suddenly appeared on the screen.


    ¡± Hahahaha! Their expressions were price¡ª¡± I sadly looked at Diego, who stopped talking when he saw me lying on the floor.


    He looked shocked and seemed like he felt guilty before his expression darkened.


    ¡± Why is she with you, Elias?¡± he asked in emphasis.


    ¡± It¡¯s my surprise for you, Diego. Do you like it?¡±


    ¡± I never gave an order for you to take Pat from them,¡± Tito Eliasughed.


    ¡± Oh, please, it¡¯ll be more fun if Pat¡¯s here. There¡¯ll be more drama. And also, I didn¡¯t take her, she was the one who went to me.¡± I nced at Nathan, who is behind us, as he takes the drug uncle gave him.


    I felt sadder.


    ¡± Why do you have to do that, Diego?¡± I asked him.


    He looked at me, and his expression slightly softened.


    ¡± You won¡¯t understand it, Pat. You don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening in Il Massimo Impero¡± I looked at him for thest time, then dazed out on the floor.


    ¡± Hahaha, I¡¯ll take care of my niece Diego. Diego. Let me have a little fun and revenge for my legs,¡± I heard Tito said.


    ¡± Don¡¯t you dare kill her¡±


    ¡± Of course I won¡¯t.¡±


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    As their mission has no sess, Keian and his friends had to go back to the mansion.


    Confusion and anger are what Keian¡¯s feeling right now.


    Because of what Diego said, his doubts about Nassandra came back. Especially now that he knows Nassandra was a part of Il Massimo Impero.


    He doesn¡¯t want to believe that the one who killed his Mom is Nassandra, but logically thinking, It can be Nassandra who really killed his mother.


    Keian punched his steering wheel hard, causing his car to horn loudly.


    ¡± F*ck¡± he drove the car over to the side of the road and is touching his head while sitting in the middle of the night.


    His heart is hurting because of the revtion he just heard. And also, his mind might blow up any minute because of all the questions swimming inside.


    He gets out of his car as he tried to calm himself down, but he can¡¯t help but punch the car¡¯s window.


    He continued punching until it breaks.


    He didn¡¯t mind his bleeding fist and leaned his forehead at the door of the car, his right hand holding the part above the broken window.


    Panting, he stayed in one position, trembling in anger.


    After a few minutes, he was able to calm himself down.


    He lets the others go back to the mansion first, he wants to be thest to return.


    A voice came out of the earpiece he¡¯s wearing.


    ¡± Rider to Alpha,¡± Kei stood straight.


    ¡± What is it?¡±


    ¡± You need to go here, now. Nassandra¡¯s gone, and so is Nathan¡± his calm self didn¡¯tst long after hearing what Zeke just said.


    He immediately went back inside the car and swiftly drove back to the mansion.

 Chapter 59

    Kei stopped the car in front of the mansion¡¯s main door and quickly burst out of the vehicle, then barged inside the house.


    He was greeted upon entering by all of his friends standing there and waiting for him.


    Katie, who just got home from Korea, has also arrived.


    All of them are wearing serious looks on their faces.


    There were also men standing by the corner, lowering their heads.


    ¡°Kei,¡± Zeke called.


    ¡°Ma?tre,¡± Keian turned to Felix, who walked towards him.


    ¡°What happened?¡± It was undeniable in Keian¡¯s voice that he¡¯s trying to suppress his anger. His fists are clenched in rage, and he looked like he wants to kill someone out of pure anger.


    ¡°It was 2 AM when Miss Nass went out of her room in the infirmary. He saw her and told her not to leave.¡± Felix gestured towards a young guard with his gaze lowered to the floor due to fear and nervousness.


    ¡°But Miss Nass told him that she just wanted to take a bath in your room, so he apanied her there.¡±


    Felix told him everything that¡¯s happened based on the information he collected.


    ¡°The guards were shot with a tranquilizer gun, and that¡¯s why they didn¡¯t notice Nathan already escaped, with Nassandra.¡± Keian¡¯s face darkened even more upon hearing Zeke¡¯s statement.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the CCTV footage of Miss Nass escaping along with Nathan.¡± With another man holding aptop, Keian watched the video.


    Kei clearly saw how Nassandra grabbed the keys from the table of the sleeping guards and how she helped Nathan get out from his cell.


    The video isn¡¯t finished yet he couldn¡¯t help but hit theptop till it fell to pieces on the floor.


    The whole mansion fell silent.


    Keian grabbed the gun from his waist belt and directly pointed it out to Felix.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± He asked in a cold voice.


    Felix¡¯s eyes widened with the fear of dying on the spot.


    ¡°Keiranz,¡± Zeke called him pointedly. Thetter ignored him and just went on preparing his gun.


    ¡°WHERE IS SHE?!¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know, Ma?tre.¡±


    ¡°F*CK!¡± Kei threw the gun on the floor furiously.


    ¡°Find her! Do everything you have to do!¡± Kei¡¯s men immediately made their move, fearing that their master would pour out all of his frustrations on them.


    The nine main members stayed inside the mansion to which Kei pointedly looked at.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± He asked them with emphasis. The nine members stood up straight.


    ¡°Yes, Ma?tre.¡± Everyone went out and headed towards the headquarters to do their respective jobs.


    Zeke took a step towards Keian and held him both on the shoulders.


    ¡°Control yourself, Kei.¡± He doesn¡¯t look at him as he answered.


    ¡°I know.¡± Zeke lets out a sigh before leaving.


    Keian ran his fingers through his hair then went up to his room.


    All of Nassandra¡¯s belongings were there, even her clothes.


    He suddenly remembered everything that Felix told him and madly grabbed all of Nassandra¡¯s things, then threw them all on the floor in one specific spot.


    Maybe he¡¯ll burn them. Or throw them in the trash.


    That¡¯s what Keian was thinking.


    He loves Nassandra. However, with no proof, he still believed what Diego said.


    Because he indeed saw a girl when he saw her mother died.


    He didn¡¯t pay much attention to the girl that time because his mother was his priority.


    Keian messed up all of the stuff in the room. Breaking everything he could break, even windows.


    After that, he sat on the floor and leaned his back on the wall. With his hands and arms bleeding.


    But he didn¡¯t care.


    He held his head and ran his fingers at the back of his hair.


    He¡¯s not some ruthless and heartless person.


    So don¡¯t judge him for crying¡­


    Everything that happened in the past suddenly came back to him. Add up the thought that someone very important to him just ran away with his enemy.


    He didn¡¯t know what happened, but he just couldn¡¯t stop believing what Diego said earlier.


    He gritted his teeth to keep his cries silent.


    He is overwhelmed right now. Different emotions resurface, and for once, he didn¡¯t know what to do.


    He just wanted to lock himself in that room and shut the world out for a while.


    But he can¡¯t do that. Because he has a responsibility. As a mafia boss.


    And their enemy has an advantage against him. So he has to know what to do.


    He can¡¯t risk making this mafia fall. And his family to die¡­


    So he stood up.


    Wiping away the tears from his wet face.


    And went of the room wearing a cold expression as he headed towards the headquarters.


    ¡ª


    Nassandra¡¯s POV


    ¡°Eat, Pat.¡± I red at Tito Elias. A deathly one.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry,¡± I stated to him with emphasis.


    It¡¯s already around four in the morning, and they¡¯re having breakfast. Nathan was just eating silently in front of me.


    ¡°I said eat. You¡¯ll need the energyter.¡± I ignored his words and focused my eyes on the ground.


    My hands are already untied, and I have nowhere to escape to.


    Grrrrr


    My eyebrows furrowed.


    Stupid stomach getting hungry early in the morning. Probably because I didn¡¯t eat anythingst night.


    My uncleughed.


    ¡°Just eat, Nassandra. Just lower your pride down for once.¡± I red at him once again and looked at the food.


    They could¡¯ve put some poison here, right?


    I looked at Tito once again before reaching out the spoon and fork to eat.


    ¡°You know, the food has poison.¡± I choked at Tito¡¯s words. Heughed loudly.


    As I drank water, I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°Jerk.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I know.¡± I continued eating while still narrowing my eyes at my uncle due to the words he was saying.


    As we are done eating, Nathan voluntarily gathered the tes and brought them to the dirty kitchen in the house. I looked at him, emotionlessly washing the dishes.


    ¡°So how did you know where to cross when Nathan couldn¡¯t even remember the right path to go to?¡± I answered him without looking at him in the eye.


    ¡°It¡¯s easy for you to change a gun¡¯s interface and preferences, you¡¯re used to it. And modifying benzos are also your thing. The question is how you learned about their original system.¡± Myst question was the very thing swimming inside my head, and I don¡¯t expect my suspicions to be exact.


    But he smirked at me.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll know that someday.¡± My mouth gaped.


    My suspicions are correct! They have an ally inside the Marques Manufacturing who gives out information to this man!


    He raises a brow at me before his expression darkened.


    ¡°I¡¯m done joking around with you, Pat.¡± He pulled out a dagger and pointed it at my neck.


    I can feel blood dripping out of my wound.


    I shot him the same expression.


    ¡°Tell the Marques toe over here. We¡¯re going to have a little fun.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I quickly replied. His expression went back to being yful.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll just have to get your son. Maybe that¡¯ll help you convince yourself to make Keiranz go here.¡± My eyes widened at what he said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare pull Brylle into this!¡± I shouted at him.


    ¡°What¡¯s with that child that you thought of adopting him? You know, you can have as many children as you wanted when you were still in Impero.¡± My anger red as I grabbed the dagger in his hand and pointed it at his neck.


    ¡°You disgust me! I will never dream about making children in that ce! Don¡¯t you ever hurt Brylle, or I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Heughed even though my hands were already around his neck, choking him in the process.


    ¡°Ohhh. Poor you, too bad my men are waiting for my signal outside your olddy¡¯s house.¡± I suddenly felt weak at what I just heard.


    No¡­


    ¡°You have to choose, Nass. Make Marquese here, or I wille to your son.¡± I clenched my fists so tight.


    ¡°F¡ª you!¡± I let him go and distanced myself away from him.


    ¡°So, shall I tell¡ª¡± I grabbed my phone in my pocket and started looking for Keian¡¯s contact.


    ¡°Opss. My bad, let me rephrase. You will not make them go here¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    After Nathan drove me to a secluded ce next to a cliff, we both hopped out and went to a clear field.


    Tito Elias made use here since he didn¡¯t want Kei¡¯s men to know where his house is.


    That¡¯s why he made Nathan apany me.


    I shakily held my cellphone and called Keian.


    After about five rings, he picked up.


    ¡°Where the f¡ª are you?!¡± He angrily asked. My chest tightens as I heard his voice. All because of guilt and sadness.


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know, can you¡ª¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were the traitor. Nathan is just your puppet.¡± He coldly stated.


    I stopped.


    They must¡¯ve seen the security cameras.


    And now, they¡¯re treating me as the traitor.


    ¡°No, Keian, just please trace the phone,¡± I said to him exhaustingly.


    ¡°Why would I believe you, you liar.¡± I heaved out a sigh.


    Scared that Tito Elias¡¯ men would barge into Tiya Anne¡¯s house anytime.


    ¡°Please, Keiranz. Just track the phone, and you¡¯ll find me. Go here, Kei. Go here.¡± I told.


    Tito Elias wants me to bring them here.


    He doesn¡¯t want them dead, but he¡¯s got other ns in his sleeve that will make it more entertaining for him.


    There was silence at the other line before he hung up.


    I¡¯m not sure, but there¡¯s a feeling inside me telling me that he¡¯lle here.


    I anxiously waited for them to arrive.


    ¡°Nass.¡± I looked at Nathan, who¡¯s got his head lowered.


    Then he looks up at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for everything. I¡¯m sorry that I brought you here.¡± I was confused at his sudden apology.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nass.¡± He started crying.


    I walked to him without any hesitation, but he quickly takes a step back from me.


    ¡°Don¡¯te closer!¡± He shouted.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Nathan. I¡¯m not going to hurt you.¡± I reassured him.


    He shook his head.


    ¡°But I might hurt you. You see, Nass. They¡¯re controlling me. I didn¡¯t know what to do anymore. I Just wanted to be with Ema and Jane. I didn¡¯t expect this woulde to a point where I had to follow everything they say. I¡¯m so sorry, Nass.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Nathan. Like you said, they¡¯re controlling you. But you don¡¯t have to be controlled all the time. You can run. That¡¯s why I set you free in the first ce.¡± I told him. His eyebrows creased in question, and I saw a tear rolling down from his eye.


    He pulls me in a hug.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t run anymore. I have already done so much.¡± I hugged him back, not thinking that he might shoot the gun at me anytime.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please take care of Ema and Jane. They¡¯re innocent, please.¡± I nodded at him. His grip on me was so tight as if he¡¯d be gone anytime soon.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll make sure nothing bad happens to them.¡± I heard him taking a deep breath, and he closed his eyes shut.


    ¡°Thank you for everything, Nass.¡±


    I suddenly felt heavy inside.


    It¡¯s not his choice to be involved in any of this. It wasn¡¯t his fault, but he¡¯s taking the me. And it¡¯s sad that they¡¯re making Nathan this way.


    I heard carsing by. Nathan prepared the gun in his hand.


    ¡°Whatever happens, please kill me tonight, Nassandra.¡± He stated as he turned around me to face the direction of the cars and pointed the gun at my temple.


    I saw Keian, Zeke, Devon, and Laizaing out of their own vehicle along with the other members.


    There was a cold expression on Keian¡¯s face while he looks at me with a straight mouth.


    Wait¡­ what did Nathan just say?

 Chapter 60

    ¡°You¡¯re such an idiot for taking the bait. Hahaha! Now, there are snipers everywhere that you wouldn¡¯t easily find. Ready to kill¡­ her.¡± Nathan¡¯s voice suddenly changed then I started seeing a lot of red dots pointed at me.


    My eyes widened, and I can¡¯t breathe properly due to nervousness.


    Nathan was wearing an earpiece which I guess is Tito Elia¡¯s way of giving orders to Nathan.


    ¡°Nathan, please.¡± I saw Keian¡¯s facial expression softened a bit but immediately diverted back to his signature cold face.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t care if your ally dies! Typical of Il Massimo Impero.¡± Keian¡¯s deep voice sent shivers down my spine.


    ¡°Oh. She¡¯s not an ally. Believe me. She¡¯s just a f¡ªable whore. Maybe you had fun with her already?¡± Nathan¡¯s grip on his gun tightened as he spoke.


    My heart was pounding so hard.


    All because of anger towards Tito Elias.


    How dare he!


    ¡°What the f¡ª are you saying?¡± Devon asked.


    ¡°Oh, do you want to know how she¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± I shouted with fear. Scared that Keian and the others might figure out what happened to me in the past.


    Nathan was just following Tito Elias¡¯ order like a puppet. He¡¯s totally the evilest person there is to exist!


    ¡°Oh. Not to mention that I¡¯ll also kill the child.¡± Nathan gestured to me.


    ¡°You know. The foster one.¡± My eyes widened, and I tried to struggle out of Nathan¡¯s grip, but he¡¯s holding me so tight by the neck where I still got the wound from Tito Elias.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare include the child in this mess! He doesn¡¯t have anything to do with you!¡± Zeke shouted. I turned to him, and I saw how worried he is for Brylle.


    Keian pointed his gun at Nathan, and all of a sudden, a few of the red lights that were on me are pointed at him.


    ¡°Leave the child alone.¡±


    ¡°Ohh. I can do that. But someone outside the house where he sleeps right now is eager to kill somebody.¡± I blinked.


    I will never let these monsters harm Brylle.


    I¡¯m feeling different emotions, making my chest heavier every passing time. All I want to do now is to cry my heart out.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of dying?¡± Keian calmly but pointedly asked Nathan.


    ¡°Of course not. And by the situation right now, it looks like you¡¯re the ones that are the disadvantage.¡± Because of the mixed emotions and determination to make sure that Brylle is safe, I looked at the four people in front of me.


    Keian continued to converse with Nathan. I don¡¯t know why exactly, but it seems like he had a n beforeing here.


    I¡¯m hoping that they¡¯ll understand my signal.


    Devon furrowed his eyebrows, and he looked at me.


    I slightly turned my eyes to the position of a sniper at the left.


    When we arrived here, I knew Tito Elias had a lot of hidden men around here.


    While talking with Nathan, I tried to know where each of them are hiding.


    I pointed two snipers at him, which he immediately understood.


    Laiza noticed Devon and I¡¯s secret conversation, and she raises a brow at me.


    I pointed another two snipers at her.


    I just certainly wish they understood it clearly.


    Devon gestured something at Zeke, to which he caught up immediately.


    So there are seven snipers in total.


    They¡¯re so great at understanding stuff. Why are they like that?


    I looked back to Keian, whose eyes are still focused on Nathan.


    He seems to know something¡­


    ¡°Nathan, please. Stop all of this nonsense already.¡± Suddenly, his arm tightened around my neck, and I felt the pain from my wound.


    Taking this as a signal.


    Zeke, Devon, and Laiza faced the snipers where I told them to be and shot them one by one before pointing their guns at Nathan.


    Shock was evident on the man¡¯s face still holding me.


    Kei stayed calm as if he knew that was really bound to happen.


    ¡°What the hell?!¡±


    ¡°We just killed your snipers. What are you gonna do?¡±


    Nathan fell silent, which means Tito Elias fell silent, too.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Tito Elias.¡± I said because I know he¡¯s hearing everything that¡¯s happening at the moment.


    The four mafia members got confused at what I said.


    ¡°You killed my snipers, well then I¡¯ll kill you¡ª¡± I cut off Nathan¡¯s statement immediately and yelled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare drag Brylle into this!¡± I felt my chest tighten as Nathan held my neck even tighter.


    Aside from the wound, I couldn¡¯t breathe since Nathan is literally choking me.


    Keian¡¯s eyes widened as he was about to pull the trigger.


    ¡°Wait! Keian. H-He¡¯s being controlled. You told me that you wouldn¡¯t kill him! It¡¯s not his fault!¡± I said with difficulty. Nathan¡¯s grip on me was so tight that my vision is getting dark itself.


    Kei¡¯s gun went steady as he was having a hard time deciding if he should shoot him or not.


    ¡°Go on, kill me! But before that, why don¡¯t look at your phone, Nass.¡± Nathan finally lets go of me, which made me sit on the ground, catching my breath.


    I weakly grabbed my phone where a video was sent.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    As I opened it, I saw Tiya¡¯s house from the outside.


    My eyes widened.


    ¡°Don¡¯t harm Brylle!¡±


    Nathan looks at me, his movements are just like Tito Elias.


    ¡°Hahaha! Then you have to kill Nathan, oopss. You have to kill me ¡¯cause I have the button that will send a signal to my boys outside your house. The button is with ¡®him,¡¯ and you know I¡¯m an honest man, Nassandra. It¡¯s either you kill him or let me kill your son.¡± I looked at Keian, and the others, who looks awfully confused at the recent events, then looked back towards Nathan.


    ¡°Nathan, please, you don¡¯t have to do this.¡± I was on the verge of tears while pleading.


    His expression softened, and he shook his head.


    ¡°I told you, I can¡¯t.¡± He carefully raises his hand that¡¯s holding a little gadget.


    I closed my eyes and bit my lip.


    I heard Zeke running towards Nathan.


    I let out a shaky breath¡­


    Then stood up, grabbed the gun from Nathan, and pointed it to his head.


    He even gave a smile to me before I can pull the trigger.


    ¡°Take care of them for me, Nass.¡± Were hisst words before his blood shed all over me.


    He crashed on the grassy field. Lifeless.


    I lowered ng head and dropped the gun.


    My face, expressionless.


    ¡°Are you happy now?¡± I asked Tito, who I¡¯m sure is still aware of what¡¯s happening to us.


    I couldn¡¯t hear what he was saying, obviously because Nathan was his ¡®messenger.¡¯


    ¡°Nass,¡± I heard Zeke calling me from behind.


    I turned to him with no emotion and wiped my face using the handkerchief that was in my pocket all the time.


    I also looked back at Laiza, Devon, and Keian.


    Kei still holds a cold expression, but I can say that he¡¯s a little shocked at what I¡¯ve done.


    Well¡­


    I just asked him not to kill Nathan, then afterwards, I have to kill him myself.


    How ironic.


    I left their sight and started walking away. Feeling empty.


    But then I remembered the reason why I had to kill Nathan in the first ce.


    Brylle!


    I gasped as I hurriedly went inside Zeke¡¯s car.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I ignored hisint and drove off to Tiya¡¯s house.


    I hope nothing terrible happened to them.


    ¡ª


    I parked the car in front of our house, and I immediately went out of the vehicle.


    I saw the lights are still inside, so I quickly knocked on the locked door.


    ¡°Tiya!¡± The door swung open, and I was greeted by Tiya¡¯s shocked face seeing me.


    ¡°Nassandra?! W-Why do you have blood all over your clothes? Geez, there were men outside lurking around the house earlier, so I couldn¡¯t sleep.¡± I held both of her shoulders.


    ¡°Are you alright? Was anybody harmed? Where¡¯s Brylle?¡± Her face is filled with confusion.


    ¡°He¡¯s in your room. Wait. What exactly happened to you, Nass?¡± I sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Please don¡¯t bother thinking about it. Was Brylle awakened?¡±


    ¡°Not really.¡± I nodded at her and strode over to Brylle and I¡¯s room.


    He¡¯s currently lying on the bed, hugging the stuffed toy that Zeke bought for him.


    I went closer to him and held his cheeks.


    ¡°Hmmm¡± He pressed his cheek closer to my hand.


    Then I heard Tiya came into the room.


    ¡°Are you really okay, Nassandra?¡± I gave Tiya a small smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just sleep here for tonight.¡± Tiya nodded, understanding why I wanted to stay here even though she wasn¡¯t aware of what exactly happened.


    ¡°Wash yourself first so you¡¯d get rid of those bloody clothes.¡± I agreed with her.


    I went to our bathroom and took a bath.


    I even rushed doing so since I badly wanted Brylle in my arms.


    I left my dirty clothes in the bathroom and immediately changed new ones.


    I went back to Brylle¡¯s side at the bed and cuddled him.


    Events that happened earlier still weren¡¯t leaving my head.


    Tears slowly came down from my eyes due to the heavy feeling inside.


    I kept on crying, but I tried muffling the sounds since I might wake Brylle up.


    ¡°Mama?¡± I looked at Brylle, whom I have woken up.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, baby, I disturbed you from your sleep.¡± He got confused as his eyes were red from a deep slumber.


    ¡°Mama. Why are you crying? Are you okay?¡± My eyes widened because he looked like he was about to cry himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Brylle. I just missed you.¡± I told him. He pouted and cried along with me.


    ¡°Mama, don¡¯t cry. I don¡¯t like it when you cry. Wahhhh!¡± I cuddled him even closer.


    ¡°Oh baby, I also don¡¯t like it when you cry, so stop. I¡¯m sorry.¡±  A few momentster, we calmed down, so I prevented myself from crying.


    He wiped my face that was wet with tears.


    ¡°I miss you, too, Mama. I love you very much!¡± This suddenly made me want to cry again, but I stopped myself, for he might cry as well. So I shed a smile at him.


    ¡°I love you more, Brylle.¡± He scooted closer to me and pecked a kiss on my forehead.


    ¡°Go back to sleep, Brylle. I¡¯ll be right here with you.¡± He nodded and closed his eyes.


    I also closed my eyes and immediately fell asleep due to the amount of exhaustion for today.

 Chapter 61

    *mwah*


    I immediately smiled upon waking up because of Brylle¡¯s nonstop kisses on my face.


    I opened my eyes and is greeted by his cute¡¯s face.


    ¡± You¡¯re awake!¡± He stated, full of energy.


    He used to do that to me every time I wake up, and that¡¯s why I was smiling every day.


    ¡± Goodmorning, Mama,¡± he pecked a kiss then started moving around wildly.


    ¡± I want to eat already!!!¡± Iughed at his energy this morning. I nced at the clock and saw that it¡¯s already 8:00 in the morning, and I¡¯m pretty sure that Tiya is already out for work.


    ¡± Okay, baby. Let me just go to the bathroom for a while, okay?¡± he nodded with a wide smile.


    I stood up and went to the bathroom.


    My blood-soaked clothes are not there, so I guess that Tiya Anne already cleaned them.


    I hope she was not frightened when she saw me yesterday night. I can¡¯t exin to her everything that had happened.


    A pang of sadness urred to me, but I set it aside so that Brylle won¡¯t notice me being gloomy.


    After using the bathroom, I came out of the CR and saw Brylee sitting at the edge of the bed while moving his feet back and forth.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go,¡± I reached out my hand for him that he received after standing up.


    We walked out of the room.


    Closing our room¡¯s door, I was then faced to the living room.


    Where a man is casually sitting on the sofa.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    I jumped and moved backward together with Brylle because of my shock.


    When I realized who is on the sofa, grief engulfed mepletely.


    Keian is there, with his eyes closed as he seemed like he¡¯s taking a nap.


    Brylle peeked from my legs.


    ¡± Tito Kei!¡± he ran towards Keian as he jumped on his body and embraced the man tightly.


    Thetter rmingly woke up then looked at Brylle, he calmed down when he realized that the one who attacked him is just a child.


    ¡± Hello, Brylle,¡± he said, then ruffled the kid¡¯s hair.


    His eyes looked up at me, and his expression immediately turned to a cold one.


    My heart ached because of that.


    ¡± Why are you here?¡± I asked him while walking to the kitchen.


    I didn¡¯t receive any answer as Keian stayed silent.


    I looked back at him who¡¯s eyes are staring on the floor. I also noticed both bandaged hands going up to his arms.


    I didn¡¯t see his injured arms and hands yesterday night that looks like a ss wounded him.


    Brylle, who is on the sofa, was unable to catch Keian¡¯s expression.


    ¡± Mama!¡± I approached Brylle to help lift his body as the sofa is high and Brylle is not that tall.


    But Keian did the same to help, so our hands touched when we reached for Brylle.


    I turned my head to him, who is slightly shocked but returned to his darkened expression.


    ¡± Ahihihi.¡± giggled the oblivious boy.


    ¡± I¡¯ll keep himpany. You can make your breakfast,¡± my eyebrows furrowed, but I let go of Brylle so that Keian can lift him properly.


    I returned to the kitchen to start cooking.


    Not minding the heavy feeling caused by a certain someone here in the house with Brylle and me.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Let¡¯s eat.¡± Brylle immediately tried to go down and was about to fall out of Keian¡¯s grip, but thetter was able to catch Brylle to prevent him from having an injury. Keian lets him down properly.


    ¡± Brylle!¡± I called out to him in concern.


    He went towards me like nothing happened and hugged me.


    ¡± Baby, you shouldn¡¯t do that. What if you got hurt?¡± I lifted him and brought him to the dining area.


    ¡± Sorry, Mama. I¡¯m just excited to eat,¡± he said, beaming.


    I lowered him to his high chair then went back to the living room.


    ¡± Keian,¡± he gazed at me and was slightly surprised.


    ¡± Join us for breakfast,¡± I said in a low voice but enough for him to hear.


    I returned to the dining after seeing him nod. I waited for him to be seated at a vacant chair.


    We ate together in silence.


    Brylle is eating by himself, and he didn¡¯t need help anymore.


    I nced at Keian, whose eyebrows are creased in my direction.


    ¡± Lower down your spoon, the food might spill and go to waste.¡± he blinked twice as he puts the spoon inside his mouth.


    I said to lower it eh¡­


    Brylle¡¯s head tilted in my direction.


    He may be wondering what up with the tension between Keian and me.


    ¡± What is it, baby?¡± I asked him.


    He smiled at me and raised his hands, saying he wanted to be lifted up.


    I got confused, but I lifted him out of his chair and down on the floor.


    I should suggest to Tiya to remove Brylle¡¯s high chair already, for him to get used without it¡­


    Brylle approached Keian, and Brylle suddenly got shy as he looked up at the man.


    Keian¡¯s eyebrow raised at Brylle¡¯s approach.


    He looked at me as if asking why Brylle went near him, but I just shrugged because I don¡¯t know why Brylle did that as well.


    ¡± Yes, Brylle?¡± he asked the kid.


    Brylle just smiled at him while his arms are raised up.


    Keian immediately understands what Brylle wanted and lifted Brylle to hisp.


    ¡± Yeheyyy!¡± Brylle happily remarked.


    Keianter started feeding Brylle with his food, who¡¯s moving energetically on hisp.


    I don¡¯t know why. But I¡¯m feeling down.


    ¡ª


    Keian furrowed his eyebrows as he ys with Brylle.


    The two of us are entirely not talking to each other since this morning. By the way, it¡¯s already 3 o¡¯clock in the afternoon. He¡¯s been here for 7 hours already. Doesn¡¯t he have anything he needs to do in the mansion?


    Why is he even here???


    If it were not for Brylle, who is happy to see and y with Kei, I would shoo the man out of the house.


    ¡± Keian,¡± I called.


    He looked at me with a cold expression.


    One thing is that every time he looks at me, his eyes always looks cold.


    It hurts, you know¡­


    ¡± Let¡¯s talk,¡± I went inside my and Brylle¡¯s room. I know that Keian¡¯s just right behind me.


    Nothing would happen to Brylle if we left us alone in the living room, the front door¡¯s locked anyway.


    Keian entered the room with a frown.


    ¡± Thank you, for being there for Brylle. But what is the real reason you¡¯re here?¡± I calmly asked. He suddenly smiled at me.


    ¡± To keep you from running away.  I figured I¡¯d let you stay here for a while then return you to the mansion.¡± My eyebrows raised at what he said.


    ¡± I¡¯m not just an object that you can just take and throw out. I¡¯m begging you, Keian, get out of here. I¡¯ll quit my job,¡± I¡¯ve been thinking about leaving the mansion since this morning.


    It¡¯s also for their benefit.


    Anger shed in his eyes as he mmed me to the wall.


    I winced in pain. My whole body is aching, maybe because of the exhaustion of what happened yesterday.


    ¡± Keian, Brylle can see us,¡± I said in a t tone.


    ¡± I will not let you quit your job. You have no right to quit your job!¡± he said in emphasis.


    ¡± I¡¯m not the one who killed your mother.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s bullsh8t!¡± I pushed him because I¡¯m pretty sure Brylle heard that.


    ¡± Mama?¡± I saw Brylle walked towards our room while holding one of his toys.


    I was about to approach him, but Keian holds my wrist firmly.


    I red at Keian, but he doesn¡¯t let me go.


    Tiya entered the house who just came back from work.


    ¡± Nass? Is Sir Andrew still here?¡± Tiya asked. She lowered her bag on the sofa. Brylle puts the back of her hand on his forehead.


    ¡± Tiya, can you please bring Brylle out? Maybe go to the park?¡± Brylle¡¯s eyes shined upon hearing what I said.


    ¡± We¡¯re going to the park?! Mama! Come with us¡± I pulled my arms away from Keian, and he finally lets me go.


    I went to Brylle and ruffled his hair.


    ¡± I can¡¯t baby, I still have something I need to do. Go with just Tiya this time. You¡¯ll be okay right?¡± he nodded while there¡¯s a smile on his face, then he embraced me.


    ¡± See youter, Mama,¡± I hugged the kid back.


    I gave Tiya a meaningful look, and she nodded.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go Brylle¡± I looked apologetically in Tiya¡¯s direction as I mouthed ¡®thank you¡¯.


    Brylle waved at me before going out of the house.


    ( The following scenes involve mild topics about abuse(None by MCs) that might trigger emotions. So if you can¡¯t read things like that, I suggest that you skip this part. Thank you.)


    I turned back to Keian, whose expression is still the same as earlier.


    ¡± Just go home, Keian. Please,¡± He shook his head.


    ¡± No. You¡¯re going home with me.¡± He stated.


    ¡± And then what? What would you do to me?¡± Will you torture me? Will you all kill me?¡± he just shrugged at my question.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, maybe I¡¯ll make you our f¡ªable whore too.¡± I froze in shock at what he said. I searched his eyes for guilt, but there¡¯s nothing.


    I walked towards him, trembling, then pushed his chest because of my anger at what he remarked earlier.


    ¡± I did not kill your mother!¡± I said in a slightly loud voice. His jaw tightens as he swiftly held my hands like he wants to smash the bone inside.


    I kept myself from screaming in pain.


    ¡± I saw a woman before my Mom died. And going back to that time, you looked like her!¡±


    ¡± Let go of me! I told you, I¡¯m not the one who killed your Mom! Why don¡¯t you just believe me?¡±


    ¡± Why would I believe you!?¡±


    ¡± So you¡¯ll trust more the one who wants to have all of you killed than me?!¡± Every moment passing where the two of us are shouting at each other, my chest kept getting heavier, the pain increasing.


    ¡± No! I¡¯ll believe what I saw!¡±


    ¡± WHY?! Did you saw what really happened?!¡±


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you just admit that you¡¯re the one who killed her?! This argument will end!¡± I pushed him again, and because of that, I guess the rope of his patience finally breaks as he clutched my jaw in his one hand.


    ¡± Maybe they¡¯re right. That you¡¯re just a whore! Someone whom they¡¯re f¡ªing in Il Massimo Impero! But oh, I¡¯m sorry. I forgot that you¡¯re the granddaughter of that f*cking Maximo Del Luna!¡± I can¡¯t keep myself from pping him so hard to the point that his nose bled.


    ¡± It¡¯s my ¡®initiation¡¯ to be a member of Il Massimo Impero, but when I saw your mother, I backed away. I¡¯m not the one who killed her! IT¡¯S MY GRANDFATHER!¡± He didn¡¯t understand what I said as he wrapped his hands on my neck. My body hits the sofa here in the living room.


    ¡± Your family killed my mother and my brother!¡± I felt that tears are starting to fall from my eyes while trying to remove Kei¡¯s hands on my neck.


    ¡± WELL, HE KILLED MY PARENTS! His own son and daughter-inw. Then he killed my brother and his girlfriend.¡± Keian¡¯s grip loosened while I continued speaking, even though my voice is raspy because of the shouting and the strangling Keian¡¯s doing.


    ¡± Do you know what happened to me? I was locked up, in a small room! Then he would go there every night! To visit me, to y with me! He treated me like I¡¯m not his granddaughter! He¡­ He¡ª¡± I can¡¯tplete what I¡¯m saying as the grief engulfed me causing me to be a sobbing mess.


    Keian¡¯s eyes went wide in horror. He let go of my neck and clenched his fists so tight.


    ¡± I can¡¯t stay like that. So I have to run away. I have to hide. I don¡¯t have any home to return to for two years! Until Tiya found us and lets us stay in her house,¡± I exined in a raspy voice.


    ¡± I have nothing to do with your family. I don¡¯t even know my grandfather¡¯s business to you. I just want to be with my parents¡­ but I can¡¯t do that anymore!¡± He¡¯s breathing heavily like he just came from running.


    Keian¡¯s eyes are still so wide as he seemed like he gets traumatized at what I said.


    ¡± So, please¡­ I¡¯m not the one who killed your Mom,¡± I repeated in a weak voice.


    He turned his back to me and ruffled his own hair.


    ¡± K-Keian,¡± He went to the door and got out of the house without saying anything. He left me alone after saying the very secret I promised to myself I would not let others know.


    I sat on the floor, covering my face with both of my hands. And cried¡­

 Chapter 62

    I was able to fix myself before Brylle and Tiya went back from the park.


    Happiness is evident in Brylle¡¯s face but looked tired at the same time. Considering that he yed all day with¡­ Keian.


    ¡± Mama! It¡¯s so good to y at the park!¡± I embraced him when he ran towards me.


    ¡± I¡¯m d you enjoyed going out, Brylle,¡± I rubbed my hands on his back that is soaked with sweat.


    ¡± Love you, Mama.¡±


    ¡± Love you too, Brylle,¡± he leaned his head on my chest as he closed his eyes. Seemingly going to sleep.


    I smiled and shook my head.


    He¡¯s drained.


    ¡± I¡¯ll just change Brylle¡¯s clothes and put him on the bed so I can start cooking.¡± Tiya smiled.


    ¡± Don¡¯t bother cooking for me, Nass, if that¡¯s alright. Stay here for a while before going back to your work. William and I are going to someceter.¡± My eyebrows raised at what she said.


    ¡± You have a date?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡ªah wait, what? Oh no, I don¡¯t have a date. We¡¯re just going to eat outside. We¡¯re too old to go for dates,¡± I nodded while smiling.


    ¡± Okay, Tiya. Noted. It¡¯s not a date.¡± She narrowed her eyes at me while I bring Brylle to our room.


    I removed his shirt and put powder on his back, then gave him a new shirt beforeying him down on the bed.


    ¡± Sleep tight, Brylle,¡± I kissed his cheeks then went to the living room.


    I saw that Tiya is now changed to a beautiful formal dress.


    ¡± Looks like you¡¯re going to eat in a fancy restaurant.¡±


    ¡± Ah no. It¡¯s just somewhere outside.¡±


    Hays Tiya. I know you so well. Ha!


    I walked to the kitchen to cook dinner, but I have no idea what meal to do.


    ¡± What happened, Nass?¡± I nced at Tiya, who has a serious expression. I sighed.


    ¡± Should I be worried about mine and Brylle¡¯s safety?¡± I shook my head at her.


    ¡± I can¡¯t tell you what really happened; maybe someday I will. Once I¡¯m ready to tell my story. But I assure you, you and Brylle are safe.¡±


    ¡± We¡¯ll never let you get hurt.¡± I became shocked when someone spoke by the door.


    The door is opened, and standing there are William and Zeke. As usual, William is in a suit.


    ¡± Zeke,¡± Tiya smiled at him as she stands up.


    ¡± I¡¯m expecting you two to keep in mind what you said,¡± She looked at Zeke and me. I looked in his direction, but he can¡¯t look directly at my eyes.


    ¡± Anne. Let¡¯s go?¡± William asked, beaming. Tiya nodded her head and approached him.


    ¡± Nass.¡± I nodded at the two of them.


    ¡± Wait, you¡¯ll leave Zeke here?¡± Tiya Anne asked.


    ¡± Yes. Sir Nic is so kind to lend us his car in the meantime. Just this night.¡±


    ¡± No problem,¡± Zeke answered.


    ¡± Thank you, Zeke.¡± Tiya gratefully said, then she turned to me.


    ¡± I¡¯ll leave the house to you, Nass. I might go home sote.¡±


    ¡± Okay, Tiya.¡±


    The two of them departed, leaving Zeke standing by the door, still avoiding my gaze. I breathed out at his actions.


    ¡± Do you know where they¡¯re going to have their date?¡± Zeke was surprised at my question as his head snapped to meet my eyes.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Huh? Ahhh. They¡¯re going to Hotel G. There¡¯s a restaurant there, yes?¡± My eyes widened.


    ¡± It¡¯s so expensive there! Won¡¯t Tiya and William get broke after eating there??¡± Foods there are really expensive. That restaurant is the go-to ce for rich people.


    He smirked at me.


    ¡± I paid for them. It¡¯s a buffet restaurant anyways.¡± I nodded.


    The whole house went silent, and Zeke returned to stare at the floor.


    I let him do nothing and went to the kitchen.


    I found some garlic and onion and started chopping. I¡¯ll just think of what to cook while slicing¡­


    I peeled the onion¡¯s skin and minced the vegetable.


    I¡¯m still trembling from what happened earlier, especially that Zeke is here now.


    While slicing, my mind went back to all the questions I want to be answered.


    Where did Keian go? I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m really feeling right now, but I am overthinking that Keian¡¯s disgusted with what I said, so he ran away.


    You¡¯re not thinking clearly, Nass! Of course, he¡¯ll feel disgusted! Why did you say that to him?!


    ¡± Nassandra!¡± I repeatedly blinked when I heard Zeke called me, took the kitchen knife from my hand, and threw it to the sink.


    He held my hands and checked the long cut that I didn¡¯t notice.


    Oops, I wounded myself.


    Blood oozed out of the wound as it¡¯s deep. The knife is newly sharpened, so it cuts like a newly bought knife.


    I dazed off in shock.


    I wonder what does blood taste like? I never knew it because my parents are doctors, and whenever they see my wounds, they¡¯re telling me not to because it might get infected.


    I raised my hands to my mouth. Zeke confusingly looked at what I¡¯m about to do.


    ¡± Oy!¡± he immediately pulled my hands away from my mouth when I¡¯m about to lick the blood.


    Heh. I¡¯m totally going crazy.


    He stared at me with wide eyes like an owl.


    I looked back at him then took the knife to return to slicing.


    ¡± Tsk!¡± Zeke pulled the knife away from me once again.


    ¡± You may get wounded again!¡± And threw it back to the sink again, then went to go and get a first aid kit.


    He stopped the bleeding then covered my wound with gauze.


    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t put your wound in your mouth cause it might get infected,¡± I looked up at him.


    *sniff*


    He looked at me, confused, and was surprised when he saw me crying.


    That¡¯s what Papa used to say back then¡­


    ¡± Nass? Sh8t. Why? Did I do something?¡± I just repeatedly shook my head at him.


    ¡± It¡¯s the onions. They made me cry,¡± I said as an excuse. He got more confused.


    ¡± Does it hurt?¡± I cried even more at his question.


    That¡¯s what Mama asked to say too¡­


    ¡± Nass. Please, tell me what¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, slightly annoyed.


    ¡± I can¡¯t, Zeke. Huhu. I can¡¯t.¡± What I said seemed more confusing, but that¡¯s when Zeke understands what I¡¯m truly feeling.


    He held my cheeks and wiped my tears away.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, Nass,¡± he hugged, and I immediately hugged him back. I cried on his shoulder.


    ¡ª


    I¡¯m just staring at the floor while my foot is raised to the chair and sitting down in front of the food.


    Zeke is cooking in the kitchen because he insists so that I won¡¯t get injured anymore.


    ¡± Dinner¡¯s served,¡± he ced a te of pasta on the table.


    ¡± Thank you, Zeke. And sorry, you have to cook for me.¡± he ruffled my hair.


    ¡± It¡¯s alright. At least you¡¯ll get to taste my wonderful cooking.¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡± Mama?¡± I turned to Brylle, who is rubbing his eyes while walking towards me.


    I engulfed him in a hug.


    ¡± Brylle. Did we wake you up?¡± He beamed at me.


    ¡± Not really,¡± his gaze moved to Zeke, making his eyes widen.


    ¡± Tito Zeke!¡± He ran towards Zeke, who effortlessly lifted the child to embrace it.


    ¡± I missed you, Papa.¡±


    ¡± I missed you too, Brylle,¡± I smiled at the sight of those two.


    ¡± Are you hungry, Brylle?¡± he looked at me and nodded.


    The three of us ate together.


    The reason Brylle woke up is that he¡¯s hungry.


    I just finished washing the dishes and decided to go to where Zeke is. He¡¯s on the small terrace outside.


    It¡¯s really a chilly night considering that we¡¯re getting near December.


    I shivered in the cold because I¡¯m just wearing a light t-shirt.


    ¡± Here,¡± Zeke gave me his suit to which I wrapped around myself.


    ¡± Had Keian told you?¡± He looked at me in concern while leaning on the house¡¯s wall while we¡¯re facing the road.


    ¡± Yes.¡± He said in a soft voice.


    I gave him a bitter smile.


    ¡± Please, Zeke, don¡¯t tell others,¡± His fist clenched, and his eyes fill with anger.


    ¡± How could he do that to you?! He¡¯s really a mons¡ª¡± he didn¡¯t finish what he¡¯s saying, worried about my state.


    ¡± Sorry. We¡¯ll not tell the others if that¡¯s what you want.¡± I gave him a nod.


    ¡± Thank you.¡± I then debated with myself in my mind whether to ask about Keian.


    ¡± How about¡­ Keian?¡± I softly asked, sounding almost as a whisper. Zeke nced at me.


    ¡± He arrived at my house restless and uneasy. Then he told me what happened. I was angry at first but felt guilty afterwards. Keian¡¯s feeling more than what I am. He hurt you. He¡¯s scared, Nass. For you to disappear in his life because of himself. Especially after you told him¡­ that, he realized that he¡¯s such an assh8le.¡± My mouth shut at what he said.


    I didn¡¯t expect that he¡¯ll be scared. All I think is that he¡¯ll be disgusted.


    ¡± He¡¯s not disgusted, Nass. Just scared. He¡¯s in my house right now,¡± I looked up at him.


    ¡± And you have to go back to the mansion. You can¡¯t stay here. For us to ensure your safety,¡± my eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± How about Brylle and Tiya? What if Diego¡¯s men make them their targets, and they¡¯ll get hurt?¡± He approached me and slipped his hands on my shoulder.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Nass. I¡¯ll make sure they¡¯re safe. I¡¯ll deploy my men to guard them in secret,¡± I felt relieved at what Zeke said, but my concern didn¡¯t disappear.


    ¡± Can youe back home with me?¡± I closed my eyes to think for a while, then moved my head up and down.


    He smiled.


    ¡ª


    While Tiya is still on their date, Zeke stayed here in the house. He shared some embarrassing moments in his life, and I can¡¯t help butugh at every single one of them.


    ¡± Well, when are you going to tell Katie?¡± I blurted out of a sudden.


    He coughed and looked at me with wide eyes.


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± Just tell her you love her, Zeke. You might lose her. Just alk to her while it¡¯s still early.¡± he rolled his eyes in my direction.


    ¡± What are you saying?¡± he asked, irritated.


    ¡± I can also see Katie that she has feelings for you. The both are you are just waiting for each other to confess their feelings first.¡± He shifted in his seat and fixed his posture.


    ¡± Really? *ehem* I mean, why, though?¡± I looked at him in faint disappointment.


    ¡± Just tell her. Why don¡¯t you want to tell her in the first ce anyway?¡±


    ¡± Because she already has a boyfriend,¡± I gaped my mouth at what he said.


    ¡± Huh? Why isn¡¯t he showing to us or in the mansion?¡± His brows furrowed.


    ¡± Because he¡¯s useless. He¡¯s always hurting Katie. While the girl is a fool in love. So I¡¯m not sure if I should confess or what,¡± I leaned on the sofa and crossed my arms on my chest.


    ¡± I¡¯ll leave you to it, Zeke. Just remember that if you need help in confessing to her, I¡¯m your girl. Well, and girl, FRIEND. Not really your girl.¡± he smiled, but it has bitterness in it.


    ¡± We believed that you¡¯re the one who killed Tita Karina, yet you still want to help.¡±


    ¡± Though you¡¯ve done something terrible, I won¡¯t just forget all the things you all did for me. All the moments we had. I can¡¯t just ignore a friend in distress.¡± I said in a slightly teasing tone.


    He finally lets out a wide grin.


    ¡± Thank you, Nass.¡±


    When Tiya returned, we said goodbye to Brylle and went inside Zeke¡¯s sports car.


    He drove to his house because we¡¯re going to fetch Keian there. I got nervous because obviously, some tension would build up between the two of us.


    There¡¯s a guard in Zeke¡¯s gate, but the mafia men here are not that many, unlike in the mansion.


    Zeke¡¯s house is big but can¡¯tpare to the mansion.


    Zeke parked the car then went towards a man that I realized to be Felix.


    I also came out of the car and went near the two of them.


    ¡± Maitre Zeke. I want to inform you that Maitre Andrew arranged for a flight to France,¡± wait¡­ Is my hearing right? Keian left to another country?


    Zeke frowned.


    ¡± What? Sh8t. That coward,¡± he looked at Felix.


    ¡± Alright. Can you pack some of my clothes? I¡¯ll stay at the mansion in the meantime.¡±


    ¡± Of course, maitre.¡± Zeke walked to me when Felix left.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go back to the mansion,¡± I nodded at him and silently went back to the car.


    While Zeke is driving to go out of his property, he called Keian.


    It ringed, but no one answered.


    ¡± F¨C Kei! What the hell, you coward! Why did you run away to France! Stupid!¡± It went to voicemail.


    ¡± Are you allowed to say that to your boss?¡± I asked. He red at me.


    ¡± Yeah yeah. I don¡¯t care. Plus. He¡¯s really an assh8le.¡±


    All our ride to the mansion is filled with Zeke¡¯sints and curses.


    I held my temple and shook my head.

 Chapter 63

    -shback-


    ¡°Happy 18th Birthday, Pat.¡± I smiled brightly at my mom, dad, and big brother, who were all in front of me.


    My dad was holding a cake in my favorite color.


    I¡¯m still happy and satisfied even though we only have a simple celebration for my 18th birthday. As long as the four of us are together, nothing else matters.


    ¡°Make a wish, sweetie.¡± I closed my eyes and made a wish.


    Wishing that the four of us will stay together peacefully and with no conflict. Also, for my crush to notice me. Hehehe. Hoping that the rtionship between my brother and best friendst longer and wishing that my grandfather wouldn¡¯t find us.


    But as I opened my eyes, it was as if my wish was totally useless. Mama and Kuya¡¯s eyes widened as Papa stepped in front to shield the three of us.


    ¡°Dad. What are you doing here?¡± Papa asked in emphasis.


    Ever since my dad was a child, he never wanted anything to do with Il Massimo Impero. He doesn¡¯t want to kill innocent people, totally the opposite of what my grandfather wants.


    But because my grandfather was supporting Papa diligently since he was a child, he had absolutely no choice, especially since our grandmother died.


    My grandfather smirked, with a lot of his men behind him.


    ¡°It¡¯s my granddaughter¡¯s birthday, and you didn¡¯t even invite me? Hey, I needed to attend, too.¡±


    ¡°You were never invited, so you¡¯re not wee here!¡± Kuya shouted madly at Lolo. Mama covers her mouth in shock.


    Lolo turned to look at my brother.


    ¡°Khalil. Aren¡¯t you fond of your Lolo yet? We¡¯ve been through so much already, together. Look at your little sister Pat, she loves me so much.¡±


    Yes. Lolo and I used to bond almost every time, making me look up to him so much. My family could not separate the two of us because they saw how happy I was whenever I¡¯m with him. But when I realized how heartless and evil my grandfather was, I started pushing myself away from him.


    ¡°Lolo. Please don¡¯t ruin my birthday. Please, just leave.¡± He looked at me and narrowed his eyes upon hearing my words.


    ¡°What?! Pat! You were so happy being with me. And now you don¡¯t want me? You despise me!¡± I shook my head at him.


    ¡°Yes. So please, just leave.¡± He lowered his head till a smile crept his face slowly like a demon.


    ¡°Well! I¡¯ll make you happy with me again!¡± Lolo gestured at his men.


    They shot their guns at our newly-made home.


    This was our dream house, and now he¡¯s just going to ruin it!


    Papa bravely stood up to march over Lolo, but since my grandfather was more experienced than him, he dragged my father down, not even sweating.


    ¡°Papa!¡± I went near him and checked his pulse. He¡¯s still alive.


    ¡°Dad! I¡¯m begging you, stop meddling in our lives. We just wanted to live in peace.¡± Mama shouted.


    Lolo shifted at her and pulled her hair harshly.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°Mama!¡± Kuya and I both cried.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve thought of that first before marrying my son, right? If you wanted a peaceful and quiet life, then you should¡¯ve left your husband a long time ago!¡± I walked closer to Lolo.


    ¡°Please, grandpa. Just take me if all you want is to be with me. Don¡¯t involve my parents, my family!¡± Lolo looks at me, and his expression softened.


    ¡°My dear granddaughter, I would never hurt you. But them¡­ I will.¡± Lolo gestured at his men again, and they held Mama and my brother at the same time while they carried Papa out of our house.


    ¡°Come on, Pat. We¡¯ll celebrate your birthday at the mansion. There are a lot of visitors there. You will have the best debut ever.¡± Having no choice, I went with Lolo while crying.


    Everything happened so fast. The event coordinator made me wear a sparkling, long gown. They made me stand on the stage where I was disyed in front of a lot of people, and the event went on as if my family¡¯s lives aren¡¯t in danger.


    The days passed by, and I was just locked up in a room. All I could see each day was Lolo and his friendsing to y.


    Even I felt so disgusted at myself.


    Being locked in a room is driving me insane. With nobody else around¡­


    ¡°Pat. We¡¯re going to do something. I¡¯m sure this¡¯ll bring joy to you.¡± I shook my head while Lolo wasing closer.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want, Lolo! That¡¯s enough!¡± I started to cry. That¡¯s all I could ever do, cry.


    ¡°Nassandra. Why are you acting this way? I just wanted you to be happy.¡± I shook my head repeatedly.


    ¡°No Lolo! I¡¯m not happy! Please. Just let me leave this ce.¡±


    ¡°Nassandra.¡± My hands reached my ears to cover them as heughed.


    Hisughs are what causing my nightmares every night.


    I don¡¯t want it anymore! I just wanted all these to stop!


    ¡°Nassandra!¡±


    ¡°No! Please!¡±


    ¡°Nassandra!¡±


    ¡ª


    I opened my eyes and woke up with a tight feeling in my chest.


    I panicked as my chest tightens, making it hard to breathe.


    My breathing is fast, but I¡¯m feeling like no air ising inside me.


    ¡°Nassandra!¡± My eyes widened as I looked at¡­ Dale? He¡¯s currently inside Keian¡¯s room.


    Feeling rmed, I immediately scooted away from him.


    This caused me to fall off the bed, butt-faced on the floor, but I don¡¯t care about that anymore.


    Dale approached and still having a hard time breathing as I distanced myself away from him.


    ¡°Nassandra,¡± I shook my head at him.


    ¡°No! Don¡¯te near me!¡± I kept avoiding him ¡¯till I reached the veranda. I felt the cold air touching my skin, but that didn¡¯t ease the panic I¡¯m feeling.


    He¡¯s stilling closer to me, and all I suddenly wanted was to run away from him.


    ¡°Nassandra. It¡¯s me, Dale.¡± His face was filled with confusion.


    I shook my head repeatedly.


    If I am now in my right state of mind, I wouldn¡¯t be this scared and paranoid around him, but I couldn¡¯t help the fear I am feeling.


    His expression is actually sincere. Like he truly cared for me.


    As he steps closer, I stood up and absentmindedly climbed onto the metal railings of the veranda.


    His eyes widened, and immediately stepped away.


    ¡°Woah. Okay, okay. I won¡¯te any closer. But you don¡¯t have to be scared, Nass. You¡¯re not in danger.¡± I looked down at my clothes because I felt like someone has touched me.


    I tightly held my body closer to make the sensation of being touched to disappear.


    ¡°No!¡± I shouted. He worriedly walked closer to me, which resulted in me climbing up the metal railings to the point where I can fall down on the grassy field any minute.


    ¡°Nassandra. Calm down! No one will harm you!¡± I turned to him, still finding the way to breathe normally, as I could still feel someone touching me.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m scared. Where¡¯s Keian?¡± He nodded his head.


    ¡°I understand that you¡¯re scared, but Kei is in France, and he doesn¡¯t want to go back home here.¡±


    ¡°Zeke. Please get Zeke.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but he¡¯s with Katie somewhere in Mindanao, just the two of them.¡± I suddenly panicked because of that.


    ¡°I-I can¡¯t breathe.¡± He gasped.


    ¡°Shit. Wait, I¡¯ll call Theo.¡± He pressed a few things on his smartwatch.


    ¡°ze to Jaguar.¡± He waited for a while, but no one seems to respond to his call.


    ¡°Sh8t!¡± I couldn¡¯t feel my breath anymore, and I¡¯m starting to see dark spots in my vision.


    ¡°Haaa!¡± Dale looks at me, which made his eyes widened even more that his eyeballs could fall out any second.


    ¡°Double sh8t. ze to F.¡± I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening anymore, I¡¯m just focusing on my breathing.


    ¡°Dale! I can¡¯t breathe!¡± I said, panicked. His eyes widened, and he came closer.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but don¡¯te closer!¡± I climbed up at the metal, but I suddenly fell out of bnce.


    I gasped and waited for my body to crash on the ground, but it didn¡¯t happen.


    ¡°You stupid woman. Be thankful that I brought my gadget.¡± I looked up and saw Dale was holding some kind of rope.


    Then I looked down and noticed I almost reached the ground.


    I still couldn¡¯t breathe as I got a better look at Dale.


    I started trembling as I could feel my fear getting worse.


    I closed my eyes and waited for him to do something to me.


    But I was surprised when he enveloped me into a hug.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you¡¯re okay. No one will hurt you here.¡± My eyes remained closed to feel his warm body that is actuallyforting.


    He sounded so sincere.


    He¡¯s always acting like a jerk to me. I¡¯ve never seen this side of him like this before. Just now.


    I returned the gesture to him and started tearing up on his white t-shirt.


    ¡°Sir Dale!¡± I felt Dale looked down while my eyes stayed closed.


    I have a feeling that it¡¯s Felix down there.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go down, Nass.¡± I slightly nodded at him and felt Dale climbing down on the grassy field.


    Dale was talking to Felix, but I didn¡¯t bother to know what they¡¯re talking about.


    I was already breathing fine, and I¡¯m feeling a bit calm now. But still trembling.


    My eyes found themselves staring at the swimming pool.


    I don¡¯t know why but I suddenly felt the urge to go for a swim at the pool.


    Dale pats me gently while still carrying me.


    He noticed I was staring at the pool, so he asked me.


    ¡°Will it help you rx if you swim?¡± I looked at him and slowly nodded.


    He smiles at me as I blinked my eyes.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He ced me down on the grass, but I needed to hold on to Dale and Felix before I could even stand up due to my knees getting weak.


    ¡°Laiza!¡±


    I saw Laiza was also there, and it looked like she had also witnessed me almost falling.


    ¡°What?¡± She irritatedly asks.


    ¡°Help her change into her swimsuit.¡± Laiza looks at me and lets out a small smile.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll join you at the pool to make sure you don¡¯t hurt yourself. Go change first.¡± I stayed silent and just followed Laiza.


    ¡ª


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I looked at Laiza as she asked. I slightly nodded.


    She helped me wear my swimsuit since I don¡¯t have enough strength to wear it on my own.


    I stared at nowhere while Laiza dresses me up.


    I can feel her eyes on me, but I didn¡¯t bother.


    ¡°You know, Kei never acted this way for me.¡± I looked at her, a bit confused.


    ¡°Kei really cared for you, and you need to remember that he¡¯s just scared.¡± I tried giving her a small smile.


    ¡°I know.¡± We went down, and she brings me to the pool where Dale is already there.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    ¡°Hi.¡± I shyly greeted him back.


    ¡°You okay now?¡± I nodded and started diving into the pool.


    The pool gets deeper the further you go away the stairs.


    I let myself feel the cold water of the pool.


    I also let myself float freely while looking up. I could see the clear sky where the sun is not that bright, my eyes do not even hurt even though I¡¯m staring above for so long.


    I saw Dale was just watching me, and once my heart calmed down, I decided to speak with him.


    ¡°Do you believed that I killed Kei¡¯s mother?¡± He looked at me and smirked.


    ¡°When I firstid my eyes on you, I had already sensed something suspicious. The surname Del Luna is so familiar to me. And the fact that you know something about fighting and guns, yes, I believed that you killed Kei¡¯s mother.¡± I wasn¡¯t surprised at his response anymore and just continued on staring up at the sky.


    ¡°But it seems to me he had done something bad to you, as well.¡± I turned to him.


    ¡°You were screaming ¡®Lolo¡¯ repeatedly, and I heard it from outside Kei¡¯s room. That¡¯s why I barged in to check what¡¯s happening. You don¡¯t have to say it. I¡¯m already aware of the dirty stuff that man does for a living.¡± His words made me fall silent.


    Supposedly it should just be Kei and Zeke who know about it, but unfortunately, Dale figured it out on his own.


    When we arrived home here yesterday, Zeke let me go up to Keian¡¯s room. But of course, I visited Ema and Jane before doing so.


    They are still shocked that Nathan is dead. I don¡¯t know if they knew that I was the one who killed him, but it¡¯d be much better if they don¡¯t figure that one out.


    As I reached the room, I immediately changed clothes and thought of a lot of things about Keian.


    I probably fell asleep around 12:00.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Right now, it¡¯s just seven in the morning, that¡¯s why the climate was a bit cold and especially the water in this pool.


    ¡°My sister. She suffered from depression because of the Il Massimo Impero.¡± I looked back at Dale, who started speaking. He was gazing from afar while reminiscing.


    ¡°She saw one of their transactions, and they have to make sure she won¡¯t tell the police.¡± His fists clenched into a ball.


    ¡°They tortured her, just to print out on her mind the fear that she will face once she tattles. She went home one night, and she couldn¡¯t stand up properly. I¡¯m just 15 at that time. I didn¡¯t know what to do.¡± He looked back at me and saw his eyes getting red.


    I stepped out of the pool and sat beside him.


    ¡°When she died, I told myself that I¡¯ll get revenge. My n was to kill the old man alone. I nned that for years but then Kei and the others got in the picture. I was mad at first ¡¯cause they felt like a hindrance to my n, but when I found out that we have amon goal, I joined forces with Kei. When we killed Maximo, I decided to permanently be a part of Marques Mafia. Keiranz had saved me multiple times, and even if there were episodes of him almost hurting me, I didn¡¯t leave. I owe him my life and my sister¡¯s life.¡±

 Chapter 64

    I shed a smile at Dale.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯re a good guy like deep down, really deep deep down your heart even though you¡¯re a jerk.¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°You know, everyone here has a reason why they¡¯re here.¡± He looks at me with a smirk.


    ¡°What¡¯s yours?¡± I sighed.


    ¡°So you were the ones who killed my grandfather,¡± I stated.


    ¡°Yeah. God, I can¡¯t forget the feeling when I saw him dead. But I found a piece of information that Il Massimo Impero is not dead and what happened next confirmed my suspicions.¡± I stared at something from afar, in a beautiful garden full of flowers.


    ¡°After running away from home, I had nowhere to go, so I had to live alone in the streets. I never got to hear any news from Lolo. I focused on not being recognized by his men.¡± I looked at him and smiled.


    ¡°Then I found Brylle, Tiya let us stay in her house, then I had to find a job, that¡¯s why I¡¯m here today.¡± Heughed at my statement.


    ¡°Sorry, I was a jerk the first time I met you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You still are today, though.¡± We bothughed at the same time.


    ¡°Thank you. For waking me up from my nightmare.¡± He smirked at me and winked.


    ¡°Ahem.¡± We both turned to our side and saw a middle-aged man with a good body build and looks slightly like Keian?! He¡¯s wearing a suit and was standing elegantly while looking at the two of us.


    Dale and I were both surprised.


    The man looks at me, and recognition slowly filled his eyes.


    ¡°Tito Andre?¡± His face became emotionless, and his eyes returned back to usual Dale.


    I got confused.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Nics?¡± Dale looked at me before stepping out of the pool to grab a towel.


    I saw the man that I¡¯m assuming is Keian¡¯s father looked back to me again. But wait a second.


    ¡°Uhmmm, he¡¯s in Mindanao together with Katie.¡± Dale carefully answers.


    Dale reaches out a towel to me, and I dly epted it.


    I used it to wrap around my body, I bowed in front of the two before turning around to go back to the mansion.


    ¡°Stop.¡± Keian¡¯s fathermanded. So I stopped in my tracks.


    Looks like someone inherited something!


    I faced him back once again.


    ¡°W-Why?¡± He observes me from head to toe.


    ¡°Stay here.¡± This got me even more confused.


    I wanted to ask him why, but I decided to stay since he¡¯s looking at me with an intense look.


    ¡°Tito, what are you doing here? Since when did you arrive back in the Philippines?¡± This made the old man make a face.


    ¡°J¡¯ai retrouv¨¦ mon fils heir devant ma maison. Ja lui demande pourquoi il a vol¨¦ 11, 100 km et il ne me r¨¦pondra pas. J¡¯ai d¨¦cid¨¦ d¡¯aller ici pour avoir ma r¨¦ponse. (I found my son yesterday in front of my house. I asked him why he flew 11, 100 km, and he won¡¯t answer me. I decided to go here to have my answer.).¡± He spoke in French, probably to make sure I wouldn¡¯t understand their conversation.


    Heh.


    Dale gave me a side nce.


    ¡°Je ne connais pas non plus raison , mon ocle. (I don¡¯t know the reason either, uncle.).¡± I raised an eyebrow at Dale.


    I was surprised when Keian¡¯s father suddenly hit Dale on his nape.


    ¡°Ow! Tito!¡±


    ¡°C¡¯esr pourquoi je demande Zeke, pas toi! (That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking for Zeke, not you!).¡± Dale pouted as he looked over at me.


    ¡°Je suis raison pourquelle Keian est en France. (I¡¯m the reason Keian is in France.).¡± I intervened in their conversation. Keian¡¯s father looked at me from the side of his eyes.


    Then he faced me.


    ¡°And you are?¡± He asked, narrowing his eyes.


    ¡°Nassandra¡­sir.¡± He raised an eyebrow.


    He looks back at Dale before walking towards me.


    ¡°Can you tell me why? Though you have to change first, or you¡¯ll get a cold.¡± My eyes widened as he lends an arm to me.


    I hesitantly locked my arm around his.


    ¡°O-Okay.¡± I don¡¯t know why Dale looked like in a panicked state as he saw Keian¡¯s father and me heading towards the mansion.


    As we got in, we went to the living room, and he sat on a sofa.


    He nodded at me as if he was telling me to go dress up.


    So I awkwardly went up the stairs.


    There¡¯s something about his presence that I can¡¯t seem to point my finger at.


    As I changed into clean and dry clothes, I went back to the living room.


    Keian¡¯s father just roamed his eyes around the surroundings. Looks like it¡¯s been a while since he went home here in the Philippines.


    When he noticed me, he sat up properly and gestured at the sofa in front of him.


    ¡°Sit.¡± I obeyed him and sat in front of him with my head down.


    .


    .


    .


    Then there was a long moment of silence between us.


    I couldn¡¯t think of anything to say!


    ¡°Keiranz have always been¡­ fragile since he was a kid.¡± I looked up to him as he spoke.


    ¡°He inherited that trait from his mother. They¡¯re both energetic and kind-hearted.¡± He was just looking into my eyes.


    ¡°Ever since she died, Kei became low-spirited, and over time, he decided to join my mafia. I was happy as a leader because he has skills but not as a father. He only wanted to join for revenge.¡±


    ¡°But even I can¡¯t change his mind. He¡¯s stubborn. And a coward.¡± I raised an eyebrow at what mypanion just told me.


    ¡°And you,¡± I sat back up properly as he pointed at me.


    ¡°You are a maid here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± I answered with no second thoughts.


    ¡°You are the reason why Kei is in France.¡± I nodded at him repeatedly.


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Then Keiranz loves you.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡ª- I mean, what?¡± I was bbergasted at hisst statement.


    I didn¡¯t see thating.


    He lets out a small smile at me.


    ¡°I heard you killed my wife.¡± I was suddenly nervous at the topic he just brought in.


    ¡°Sir, I¡ª¡± I stopped speaking as he raised his right hand.


    ¡°Yes or no?¡± My eyebrows furrowed at this.


    ¡°No, sir.¡± I lowered my head.


    ¡°Just calm me, Tito Andre.¡± My eyes returned to him.


    ¡°O-Okay.¡±


    ¡°If your answer is no, then I believe you.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry? But¡ª¡± He scooted closer to me, but he was still sitting on the sofa.


    ¡°Now tell me why?¡± Wait. What is happening?


    Haystttt.


    I sighed.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯tpletely tell the reason, but I know Kei left the Philippines because of me.¡± His eyes studied me without any expression.


    ¡°Hmm. I won¡¯t meddle in your rtionship, I wanted the both of you to fix it up. The reason why I¡¯m here is that I wanted to know what made him like that.¡±


    I nodded my head repeatedly. Feels like he¡¯s ordering us to do something.


    ¡°Just make sure.¡± My heart skips a beat as he muttered every word with emphasis.


    ¡°You betray him or anyone in this house. If that happens, I¡¯ll rush here myself just for you.¡± I gulped at his threat.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He smiles at me after threatening me.


    ¡°Uhmmm. Have you eaten breakfast already?¡± I asked. He raised his brows at me in question.


    ¡°As a matter of fact, no. A father just can¡¯t sleep when his son is not okay.¡± I smiled at his words.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cook for you, then.¡± Since I¡¯m still don¡¯t eat breakfast myself.


    As far as I know, Zeke let Ema and Jane take a break. They¡¯re currently at the mall, that¡¯s the only ce where they could roam around there will be men watching over them.


    But I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll get to enjoy themselves, at least.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I nodded at him then went towards the kitchen. He follows suit.


    ¡°Yes, Tito. What do you want?¡± Is it just me, or, weirdly, I find myselffortable around his presence?


    Well, I can¡¯t do anything about it. His and Keian¡¯s vibe and presence are just so alike.


    ¡°Feel free to do anything, dear. I¡¯m not picky when ites to food, as long as they¡¯re delicious.¡± I nodded at him and started cooking.


    ¡°So, do you want to hear about Keiranz¡¯s embarrassing childhood?¡± I was surprised as Iughed at what Tito Andre just said.


    ¡°Oh, definitely.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s way closer with his mother, but¡­ he would always run to me when my wife bes so childish. Then, Karina would pour everything at me while he¡¯s hiding!¡± Tito and I bothughed at the story he was telling.


    We had brunch earlier, it¡¯s already afternoon time, probably around 3 o¡¯clock.


    We¡¯ve been talking here for about five hours now. All topics are about Keian.


    ¡°She seems like a great mother and a wife.¡± He stoppedughing and let out a sad smile.


    ¡°She is.¡± Then he got sad.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, it was Lolo who really killed her. I tried to save her, but he wouldn¡¯t let himself agree.¡± I suddenly felt guilty about what happened.


    ¡°Even I hate my own grandfather.¡± He sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Nass. I¡¯m not ming you.¡± We smiled at each other.


    He raised his hand, probably to hold my cheek, but someone stopped him from doing so.


    ¡°Tito Andre! We can¡¯t let you hurt her!¡± We all turned to Zeke, who held Tito¡¯s arm, Dale was in front of me while Katie and Theo went over to my side.


    ¡°Are you alright? Were you hurt?¡± I furrowed my eyebrows.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Katie checked my whole body to see if there was an injury or anything.


    ¡°What the hell, Nics?¡± Zeke swallowed a lump in his throat while he¡¯s dripping all over in sweat and his hair was a total mess.


    ¡°Tito. Nassandra is our friend. And we already know that she wasn¡¯t the one who killed Tita Karina.¡± I looked at Zeke, who seemed very nervous while speaking.


    Don¡¯t tell me¡­


    ¡°Huh? Did you guys actually thought Tito Andre would hurt me?¡± I asked, turning my head sidewards.


    The four of them turned to me with serious looks on their faces.


    My eyes widened.


    ¡°Pfft.¡± I covered my mouth to prevent myughter froming out.


    I suddenly felt a dark aura around from Tito Andre.


    ¡°Arf!¡± I smiled as I saw Leon the dog barged inside the mansion.


    He ran towards me, so I greeted him.


    ¡°Hi, Leon.¡± He continuously licked my face wet.


    ¡°The four of you stand near the wall,¡± Tito said with authority.


    The four ultimately obeyed.


    Tito walked over to the four who¡¯s got their heads lowered, looking so nervous than ever by the wall.


    I smiled while running my fingers through Leon¡¯s fur.


    ¡°Ow!¡± -Zeke


    ¡°Wah!¡± -Dale


    ¡°¡­¡± -Theo


    ¡°Hi, sweetie.¡± Tito Andre hit the three men on their napes one by one, but when he got to Katie, he immediately smiled and greeted her.


    Katie smiled back.


    ¡°Hello, Tito.¡± Tito Andre kissed Katie on the cheek before hitting her on the nape as well.


    I thought she¡¯d be safe from getting hit, though.


    ¡°All of you thought that I¡¯m going to hurt her?!¡± The four stood up straight.


    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± Their eyes widened as they realized what they just responded.


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s a no, sir.¡± Zeke scratched his head nervously.


    Tito Andre sighed.


    ¡°Look, I know you¡¯re worried, but I know her.¡± Suddenly we were all confused.


    He knows me?


    ¡°Wait, you know¡ª¡±


    ¡°I have Ricardo reporting to me every day on what¡¯s happening here. I know her.¡± The four gaped their mouths.


    ¡°So you¡¯re spying on us?¡± Tito Andre lets out a very sweet smile.


    ¡°No, gentleman. I¡¯m just¡­ checking on all of you. I have a watcher in each of your houses.¡±


    The four fell silent.


    ¡°Now, if you will excuse us. Nassandra and I have something to talk about.¡± Tito walked over to me and held me by the waist.


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave them there,¡± I smirked and followed Tito outside the mansion.


    I saw the four still had their eyes wide opened. Leon also followed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be staying here for a while, you can visit me in my house if you want!¡± I waved my hand at Tito Andre, who was about to ride on his limousine.


    ¡°Of course! Take care!¡± He smiled andpletely went inside.


    I watched the car drive away before heading back to the mansion.


    ¡°Nass. We¡¯re hungry, we want food!¡± I shook my head at what Zeke said.


    I went closer to him, as in, so close that our faces are already inches from each other.


    He got confused at my sudden move.


    ¡°Before I cook for you,¡± I turned to Katie, who seemed puzzled.


    Mwahahahahaha.


    ¡°Tell me first what you guys did in Mindanao? Why is it¡­that your hairs are disheveled?¡± I said in a mocking tone. They both widened their eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! When I saw you earlier, something was different!¡±


    ¡°I swear it¡¯s nothing!¡± Zeke suddenly blurts out.


    I saw Theo¡¯s sharp look at the both of them.


    Because even Katie is messed up herself.


    ¡°That¡¯s because we needed to rush over here since we thought something bad had happened to you. Traveling here from Mindanao is stressful, you know!¡± I nodded my head repeatedly at Zeke¡¯s reasoning and stood up.


    I saw Katie blush.


    ¡°Oh, okay. Fine. I¡¯ll get to cooking.¡± I went to the kitchen to cook since it¡¯s already nighttime and haven¡¯t eaten dinner yet.


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me, do you?!¡± I just waved my hands in the air at what he said.


    Erick, Laiza, and Devon also arrived, so they joined us at the table as we ate dinner. Since they just came from their own homes. Whereas Maxence and Steven are still doing something.


    Good thing I cooked a lot¡­

 Chapter 65

    That night I wasn¡¯t able to sleep properly. Maybe because at first, I¡¯m afraid to fall asleep and have nightmares, second is because I¡¯m alone in Keian¡¯s room that smells like him! There¡¯s just a lot of thoughts going around my mind. That¡¯s why until 1 in the morning, I still can¡¯t sleep.


    ¡°Arghhh!¡± I sat up at the bed and looked around. Dark and Quiet.


    I stood up and walked to the veranda to open its ss sliding door. The cold air greeted me.


    Because of the full moon, it looked like there¡¯s a light turned on at the field.


    ¡°Hey!¡± My eyebrows furrowed when I heard someone shout.


    I closed the sliding door and got out of Keian¡¯s room.


    I can still hear shouts, so I neared Zeke¡¯s¡­ room?


    I opened it to silence him, but I stopped when I saw whoever is in Zeke¡¯s bed.


    ¡± You stupid idiot! And why did you go to France?!¡± Zeke continued shouting.


    A quiet Keian is there¡­ sitting at Zeke¡¯s bed.


    He noticed the door open, that¡¯s why he looked at it.


    Our eyes met, and I wasn¡¯t able to stop my heart from beating faster.


    ¡°Hey, Keiranz! Are you listening?! Do you know what happened to Nassandra yesterday!?¡±


    His eyes are cold, and it looks like he¡¯s irritated at Zeke¡¯s noise.


    I bit my lip.


    He¡¯s already home?!


    ¡± What is it that you are looking¡ª Nass?¡± I looked at Zeke, who noticed that I am here.


    ¡± U-uhhmm. Sorry, did I wake you up?¡± My gaze returned to Keian, with his head lowered and just looking at the ground.


    ¡°N-no. Ah, alright. I¡¯ll go back.¡± Zeke¡¯s eyebrow raised when I gulped.


    ¡± Nassandra!¡± I almost ran going back to my room¡ª I mean Keian¡¯s room.


    I immediately closed the door and dived to the bed.


    Why do I feel like crying?


    I felt my tears fall.


    ¡± Hate this¡± I tried to wipe my tears, hoping it would stop, but it didn¡¯t.


    Why did hee home now? I¡¯m still not ready!


    My eyes widened when I heard the door open. I quicklyid to my side, facing the veranda. I covered my mouth and pulled the nket towards my face.


    I can slightly see the light from the door, and I¡¯m sure who¡¯s at the door.


    ¡± Nass,¡± I heard in his deep and manly voice.


    I closed my eyes, though it¡¯s apparent that I¡¯m not sleeping.


    I heard him sigh and close the door.


    There are two scenes I¡¯m expecting to happen.


    To feel movement at the space on the bed beside me or his going out the room.


    And I¡¯m an idiot to hope for the former.


    I continued crying until I was able to sleep.


    ¡ª


    I woke up at around 5 AM. I still don¡¯t want to get up because Ick sleep, but it¡¯s just that I¡¯m not sleepy anymore.


    I went downstairs to the kitchen to clean and cook. Some of them might eat early.


    ¡± Goodmorning, Nass!¡± I turned to Ema and Jane, who cheerily greeted me. I smiled at them.


    ¡± Goodmorning too. Are you two fine?¡± There¡¯s something weird in their presence.


    ¡± Uhmm. We¡¯re okay. Though they already buried Nathan, we were hoping to visit. Do you want toe with us?¡± My smile disappeared. That¡¯s why they are a little bit sad.


    ¡± Sorry. Uhhmm. I will visit on another day. There¡¯s something I have to doter¡± they nodded.


    To be honest, I¡¯m still not ready to see his grave. I¡¯m afraid what happened that early morning wille back to me¡­


    ¡± Did you already cook breakfast?¡± I asked and approached them.


    Ema shook her head.


    ¡± Not really. It may get cold. No one might still eat.¡±


    ¡± We just cleaned first¡± I smiled at them.


    ¡± I¡¯ll cook so you two can rest¡± Ema and Jane¡¯s eyes widened. At first, I thought they are like that because of me, but it was whoever¡¯s at my back.


    I turned to see who is the reason they are shocked, and I saw Keian¡­


    We were both stunned when our eyes met.


    He¡¯s wearing a white button-up polo and shorts? Wait! This is the first time I saw him in shorts! Mostly, he wears trousers, jogging pants or jeans. I didn¡¯t know he wears shorts.


    His expression turned cold, and he looked at Ema and Jane.


    ¡± You!¡± He pointed at Jane.


    The one he pointed at then stood properly.


    ¡± Y-yes?¡±


    ¡± Bring me food in my study.¡± He ordered.


    Jane nced at me.


    ¡± Sure, sir. But we just need to cook first¡± Keian ¡®tsked.¡¯


    ¡± Whatever. Just bring me my food¡± I raised an eyebrow at the leaving Keian.


    ¡± Nass. Why aren¡¯t you the one bringing his food? Did something happen?¡± Jane astonished.


    ¡± Ahhh. It¡¯s nothing. I don¡¯t know to him. Alright, I¡¯ll cook now while you two are resting.¡±


    ¡± But¡ª¡± they weren¡¯t able to do anything when I started cutting ingredients.


    What they didn¡¯t know is how my heart is beating so fast.


    After a few hours¡­


    I wandered around the mansion. For no reason, I just want to.


    I¡¯m done cleaning too. I don¡¯t know if I should get my clothes at Keian¡¯s room and go back to the maid¡¯s quarter. I don¡¯t know what I should do.


    While walking, I saw something on my right.


    The door of a room is opened, and inside is full of instruments and even a drum set.


    I got curious. I¡¯ve been here at the mansion for quite a while already, but I still haven¡¯t been able to enter the music room.


    It¡¯s not asionally that people enter this room and it doesn¡¯t get dirty.


    When it¡¯s dusty, I¡¯m not the one cleaning because Jane, Ema, or Nathan did it already.


    I slowly widened the opening of the door, seeing if there is someone inside.


    My breathing loosened when I saw there is no one.


    Almost at the center of the room, there is a grand piano.


    It¡¯s not a very, very big piano, just the right size.


    It¡¯s been a long time since I yed piano.


    I used to y this instrument when I was a child. Papa also knows how to y the piano, and he¡¯s the one who taught me.


    I removed the cover of the keys and examined the piano.


    Do¡­


    The keys are a little bit heavy, but the sound is good. Pianos are just mainly like that.


    I yed a piece that I learned in the past, but I can¡¯t remember it clearly, so I stop often.


    I let go of the keys and tried to remember the notes.


    Smiling, I sat at the chair opposite the piano and yed the piece I remember.


    I frowned at the end¡­


    I still have a lot of mistakes, and my hands are already aching.


    ¡± Your hands are too stiff. It makes you lose coordination¡± I felt like my heart stopped beating when I heard Keian¡¯s whisper, who is very close to me.


    He¡¯s standing behind me while holding my hand on the piano with his mouth near my ear.


    He intertwined our hands, and that¡¯s where I became more shocked.


    ¡± Too stiff,¡± He said with his husky voice.


    I almost got terrified.


    The heat I¡¯m feeling disappeared quickly.


    Keian took another stool, ced it near the piano, and sat at it.


    Eh???


    I looked at him with furrowed eyebrows.


    His cold expression is gone¡­ I can see something in his eyes, unlike what I saw this morning.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you y a song, and I¡¯ll sing?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Wait, what?


    What is happening?


    ¡± Do you know how to read notes?¡± I nodded at him. He got his phone and pressed things on it.


    He gave me the phone, and I saw a virtual note sheet there- A virtual note sheet of a song.


    Is this working???


    I pressed one note there, and it looked like it lit up.


    I tried to y some notes, and it automatically went to the next when I finished one line.


    Wah! It¡¯s great!


    My eyes widened, and I turned to Keian.


    ¡± Can you y that?¡± My eyebrows furrowed, and then I scrolled the whole notes of the song.


    It¡¯s not that fast and hard. In fact, the arrangement is excellent.


    I blinked repeatedly and nodded again.


    He wants me to y?


    I didn¡¯t nce at him and just looked at the cellphone.


    ¡± Okay¡­¡±


    ( y ¡®Sorry¡¯ by Halsey, male version)


    I started doing the intro while none of us didn¡¯t intend to look at each other.


    And then, he started singing with his beautiful deep voice.


    Don¡¯t look, Nassandra¡­ you may make a mistake. Don¡¯t look¡­


    ¡®I¡¯ve missed your calls for months, it seems


    Don¡¯t realise how mean I can be


    ¡®Cause I can sometimes treat the people


    That I love like jewelry


    ¡®Cause I can change my mind each day


    I didn¡¯t mean to try you on


    But I still know your birthday


    And your mother¡¯s favorite song.¡¯


    I was almost dumbfounded at the lyrics of the song. Why does it feel rted?


    ¡®So I¡¯m sorry to my unknown lover


    Sorry that I can¡¯t believe


    That anybody ever really


    Starts to fall in love with me.¡¯


    Since I got the tone, I was able to remove my look on the cellphone. I nced at Keian with his head dropped down and looked like he¡¯s shy but irritated?


    Huh?


    ¡®Sorry to my unknown lover


    Sorry I could be so blind


    Didn¡¯t mean to leave you


    And all of the things that we had behind


    Ooh


    Ooh


    Ooh¡¯


    He peeked at me and was shocked that I was looking at him. My gaze returned to the cellphone.


    ¡®I run away when things are good


    And never really understood


    The way youid your eyes on me


    In ways that no one ever could.¡¯


    His voice got a little hoarse, and singing got difficult, so I looked at him.


    ¡®And so it seems I broke your heart


    My ignorance has struck again


    I failed to see it from the start


    And tore you open ¡¯til the end.¡¯


    A tear came out of his eyes, so I got more shocked.


    He looked straight through me¡­


    ¡®And I¡¯m sorry to my unknown lover


    Sorry that I can¡¯t believe


    That anybody ever really


    Starts to fall in love with me.¡¯


    My heart is beating so fast. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because of the song or because of how Keian stares at me.


    ¡®Sorry to my unknown lover


    Sorry I could be so blind


    Didn¡¯t mean to leave you


    And all of the things that we had behind.¡¯


    He smiled at me. A really sincere smile, while tears are flowing from his eyes.


    And someone will love you


    Someone will love you


    Someone will love you


    But someone isn¡¯t me


    Someone will love you


    Someone will love you


    Someone will love you


    But someone isn¡¯t me.¡¯


    My eyes widened at the lyrics. All I felt returned suddenly. It all gathered. Like it wants to break free altogether.


    ¡®Sorry to my unknown lover


    Sorry that I can¡¯t believe


    That anybody ever really


    Starts to fall in love with me


    Sorry to my unknown lover


    Sorry I could be so blind


    Didn¡¯t mean to leave you


    And all of the things that we had behind.¡¯


    I bit my lips so I won¡¯t cry too.


    I hate him! Why did he sing!?


    The whole time he is singing, you can really feel his emotions. Like there¡¯s a message on every wording out of his mouth.


    ¡®And someone will love you


    Someone will love you


    Someone will love you


    But someone isn¡¯t me.¡¯


    And I can¡¯t help but feel what his true feeling are¡­


    ¡®And someone will love you


    Someone will love you


    Someone will love you


    But someone isn¡¯t me.¡¯


    I quickly move my hand away from the piano like I got electrocuted.


    I looked at Keian, who has a sad expression.


    ¡± No, Keian¡­¡± I shook my head at him.


    I want to say that it¡¯s fine. That I understand him on what he did. That it¡¯s not his fault. That he doesn¡¯t need to be afraid.


    But I can¡¯t¡­


    Like I can¡¯t talk, I¡¯m worried that when I speak, I will give up.


    His hair is messy, and his head bent over.


    I touched his wet cheeks then he looked at me.


    I can see the regret and guilt for what he has done that day.


    I stood up and stood him up too.


    ¡± Nass¡± he ced his hand on the back of my head and hugged me.


    I hid on his chest to finally cry.


    No words are needed for us to understand what happened¡­

 Chapter 66

    Actually¡­ I was able to sleep with Keian¡¯s arms around me. Maybe because of myck of sleep yesterday.


    Why do I asionally get sleepy after crying???


    I felt like someone¡¯s staring at me as I wake up, so I looked to my right.


    I saw Keian, with his hand on his chin, and is watching me intently.


    .


    .


    .


    I repeatedly blinked.


    So our ns will be just to stare at each other???


    ¡± Keian?¡± He suddenly let out a smile and moved his head nearer to me.


    I was surprised when he kissed me on my lips.


    He then distanced himself with a wide grin.


    ¡± Hi.¡±


    ¡± H-Hi?¡± Wow¡­ The one in front of may not be Keian, he¡¯s in a far great mood right now.


    He chuckled as he saw how confused I was.


    ¡± I¡¯m just happy to see you again,¡± he said.


    I slowly smiled at him.


    ¡± Me too?¡± He stands up, then went to the other side of the bed and hugged me from behind.


    My heart is beating so fast, and I find it hard to breathe properly.


    We stayed in that position for a while until he¡¯s the first one to say something.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have gone to France. I should have talked to you.¡± I sighed upon hearing what he said.


    I held his hands that are around my waist.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Keian. I understand. I knew that that would be the reaction of someone who I told my past about-¡± I was cut off on my speech when his arms tightened around me.


    ¡± Don¡¯t say that, Nass,¡± he said, slightly irritated.


    ¡± I¡¯m mad at myself for reacting that way.¡± He let out a breath and ced his face on my neck.


    ¡± I¡¯m just scared that you¡¯ll never stay by my side again after what I¡¯ve done¡­¡± I can feel Keian¡¯s hot breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine while the two of us stayed quiet for some time.


    ¡± I was fifteen when my grandfather told me I¡¯m ready to have my ¡®initiation.¡¯ I got excited at first because after all the hard work I¡¯ve done in five years in training, I¡¯ll finally be able to be in the Il Massimo Impero.¡± His grip on my hands gets right as he continues to listen.


    ¡± But when I saw your Mom, my confidence and high spirits dropped. I know that she¡¯s not a bad person. Lolo had to shoot her because I can¡¯t. After that, I rushed to her side, hoping to save her life, but before someone got to see what I really looked like, Lolo swiftly dragged me away.¡±


    ¡± After that, I slowly found out my grandfather¡¯s secrets. And I hated him for that. When I turned eighteen, my birthday celebration was only supposed to be celebrated by my mother, father, brother, and me, but Lolo arrived.¡± My fist clenched. I will never forget what happened that day¡­


    ¡± He killed my family. I needed to get out of there, I don¡¯t want to live next to him for the rest of my life. I can¡¯t find any home for 2 years until I met Brylle. Then Tiya lets us stay,¡± I breathed deeply, so I won¡¯t cry again.


    He faced me to him and made me lean on his chest while he¡¯s brushing my hair with his fingers gently.


    ¡± I was eighteen when my mother died. It took us almost 3 years to get ready for our revenge in Il Massimo Impero. He deserves to die. I saw how he does his transactions¡­ and I promised myself I won¡¯t be like him,¡± he then said. Making our foreheads meet while his eyes are shut.


    ¡± I¡¯m d you¡¯re here, baby.¡± I smiled at him and kissed him on the cheeks.


    ¡± Me too, Keian.¡±


    The two of us stared at each other adoringly as our lips slowly neared each other¡­


    *tok tok* *door opening*


    ¡± Kei! What¡¯s taking you so lo¡ª¡± my eyes widened, and I swiftly hid my face on Keian¡¯s neck when I heard Steven¡¯s barging on the room.


    Huhuhu!!!


    ¡± Did I told you toe in?!¡± Keian irritatedly asked.


    ¡± Oops, am I disturbing something?¡± Keian hissed at Steven¡¯s mocking tone.


    ¡± That¡¯s alright,e on, stand up! Continue your loving lovingter!¡± Steven, with a grin on his face, pulled Keian to stand up.


    I looked at Steven, blushing.


    ¡± Hello, Nass. Come on, stand up! Get embarrassedter!¡± he held both my arms and pulled me to my feet as well.


    Kei gazed at Steven with a raised brow.


    ¡± Is it ready?¡±


    ¡± Yes, sir!¡± Steven responded like a soldier.


    ¡± Tsk!¡± Keian holds my hands and dragged me.


    Why do I always get pulled inside this story???


    *internal facepalm*


    ¡± What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked, baffled because when we entered the HQ, we directly went to the building¡¯s third floor, where there is a huge event ce. There are arranged chairs here, and the area is filled with men and women.


    Keian¡¯s hands are on my back while observing everyone in the room.


    ¡± Today is our monthly meeting. Most of our men are here,¡± He said.


    I nced at every individual.


    Most of them are talking to each other. The others, I noticed, are looking in my direction.


    That¡¯s when I got conscious of what I¡¯m wearing, an old t-shirt and shorts.


    My eyes widened, and I hid myself behind Keian.


    He looked back at me and raised an eyebrow.


    ¡± What are you doing?¡± I just noticed that he is wearing a suit, even Steven, Zeke¡ªAh! All of them are wearing fancy clothes!


    I felt frustrated and loudly pped Keian¡¯s back.


    He red at me as I did the same.


    ¡± It¡¯s your fault! Pulling me whenever you want! You didn¡¯t say that we¡¯re going to a meeting. Why did you bring me here? Look at what I¡¯m wearing!¡± I said, ufortable.


    His eyebrows furrowed as he looks at me from head to toe.


    Then he faced his body to me.


    ¡± Why are you in that clothes? You look out of ce. And also, why did you let yourself get pulled?¡± he said in a nk tone, but I can see that he¡¯s teasing.


    My eyebrows raised, but I stayed silent and turned my back to him. I might just embarrass myself.


    He holds my waist and made me face him again.


    My eyes looked up at him, our faces are so close to each other.


    ¡± I¡¯m kidding. You don¡¯t have to change clothes for them. If they offend you because of your clothes, I¡¯ll fire them immediately, okay? Your very existence is what¡¯s important. I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re not clothed properly, baby.¡± He even has a grin on his face. My mouth gaped when he whispered the ¡®baby.¡¯


    ¡± Kei, don¡¯t be too much sweet, we get it, you have a girlfriend. We¡¯ve been waiting for you for hours already,¡± Zeke remarked with a frown.


    I immediately distanced myself from Keian and looked around to check if someone¡¯s looking at us, but I saw no one.


    I let out a breath.


    ¡± It doesn¡¯t have anything to do with what you think, Keian. I¡¯m still feeling embarrassed about what I¡¯m wearing.


    ¡± Fine.¡±


    ¡± Maxence!¡± Maxence looked up from his phone and looked at Kei.


    ¡± Hmmm?¡± He responded while walking towards us.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± Please apany Nassandra back to the mansion. She needs to change her clothes,¡± Maxence¡¯s forehead wrinkled as he turns to stare at me.


    His look returned to Keian then he sighed.


    ¡± Okay.¡± He passed by the two of us and started to walk towards the exit.


    I nced at Keian before following Maxence.


    Maxence is ying a game on his phone while we are on our way back to the mansion.


    ¡± Uhmmm¡ª¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t care,¡± I got surprised at what he said. I¡¯m not even finished with what I¡¯m about to say.


    I pouted and decided to shut my mouth.


    When we arrived at Keian¡¯s room, he stayed outside while I went inside to change into more appropriate clothes.


    I approached Keian¡¯s walk-in closet.


    I wore a simple t-shirt and jeans, but I decided to pick a jacket because it¡¯s chilly outside.


    I was about to reach for my old jacket, but my eyes caught Keian¡¯s jacket in a hanger.


    I want to get it because my old jacket is already flimsy and the leather material of Keian¡¯s jacket is enticing.


    In the end, I decided to go for the leather jacket, without asking permission from its owner.


    It¡¯s really cold outside.


    Its length reached my knee considering that Keian¡¯s truly tall.


    I saw Maxence leaning on the wall across, starting up at the ceiling.


    ¡± Maxence?¡± His eyes turned to me and I can see his expression turning nk.


    I smiled at him.


    ¡± Sorry, I made you wait.¡± He ignored what I said and started walking towards the headquarters with his hands in his pocket.


    I quietly followed behind.


    ¡± Report.¡± I heard Keian¡¯s deep voice once we reached the 3rd floor of the headquarters.


    A staff stood up and started exining some things.


    I stayed at the side of the room by the wall so my presence won¡¯t disturb their meeting.


    They¡¯re talking about their other enemies, other than Il Massimo Impero where Diego¡¯s at.


    I found out that Keian and the others have some business they need to attend toter this night. It is to collect something from a man named Fernan.


    I got curious because I don¡¯t know what they¡¯re doing in their transactions. If their way is simr to Il Massimo or different¡­


    They also talked about other issues they need to solve.


    After a few hours, men and women started standing up and leaving the room to return to their duties.


    Keian apologetically looked at me while walking towards my direction.


    ¡± Sorry, I wasn¡¯t able to be by your side.¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡± It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s entertaining to listen to your discussions.¡± He raised an eyebrow at me. Checking if I¡¯m kidding or not.


    He looked at my clothes with utter interest.


    ¡± White jacket is that? It¡¯s obviously not yours,¡± he asked with slight irritation.


    I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡± It¡¯s yours,¡± his head slightly tilted at my answer.


    ¡± Okay.¡± His face returned to an expression saying ¡°I don¡¯t care¡±.


    He held my hands and was about to leave the room but I stopped him.


    He looked at me, confused.


    ¡± I want to be on where you¡¯ll be going tonight.¡±


    ¡± What? Why?¡±


    ¡± I just want to see what you are doing,¡± his grip on my hands tightened.


    ¡± It¡¯s dangerous, Nass,¡± I nodded, I understand what he¡¯s saying.


    ¡± I know. I just¡­ want to know?¡± I¡¯m not really sure myself why I want to go with them.


    ¡± You¡¯ll just collect something from him right?¡± He winced at what I said while staring at my face.


    ¡± Okay. But you¡¯ll stay by my side all the time.¡± I smiled and nodded.

 Chapter 67

    So¡­


    I came along Keian¡¯s ¡®collection¡¯st night.


    It went pretty normal, actually. You know, they threatened the man¡¯s life. The type where he wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep at night thinking of Keian¡¯s threat.


    I¡¯m always at Keian¡¯s side that time.


    They didn¡¯t really do something dangerous because someone who is defenseless is not a ¡®threat¡¯ to them.


    I just watched them do their¡­ business.


    They also have these codenames that rte to a specific skill they are good at.


    And now, from the backdoor of the mansion, I¡¯m looking at the training field.


    They¡¯re training their men, you know, shooting them with what looks like airsoft guns.


    But this time, I think they are wearing a protective vest.


    I even heard Steven¡¯sugh when a man fell. It seems like I will be checking a lot of injuriester. I¡¯ll help Lewis siblings treat peopleter too.


    I shook my head and approached them.


    Even Keian, he shots them too.


    ¡± If you really find it entertaining to watch your men fall, why don¡¯t you try it yourselves?¡± they all turned at me.


    Steven smirked.


    ¡± Oh, Nass. We don¡¯t need the training. We already went through that,¡± he answered smugly.


    ¡± Ahhh, so you¡¯re afraid¡­¡± his eyes widened and came to me.


    ¡± I¡¯m not afraid! We are almost the first ones to go through that obstacle¡± I smiled at him sweetly.


    ¡± Okayyyy. If you say so!¡± He squinted his eyes at me before removing the jacket he¡¯s wearing.


    ¡± Fine. We¡¯ll show you how great we are! Right guys?¡± He nced at the nine others looking at us.


    They looked at each other before shrugging, then lowered their airsoft guns.


    ¡± Oh! Kei? You¡¯lle with us?¡± Devon asked with wonder.


    ¡± Why not?¡±


    ¡± You may want to watch us,¡± Devon answered, not sure about it.


    Keian shrugged.


    ¡± A race is even more fun to do than watching all of you fall,¡± he said, a little magniloquent.


    The seven looked at him.


    ¡± Is that a challenge?¡± Zeke asked, grinning.


    Keian just grinned back and didn¡¯t answer them.


    While others are preparing for the obstacles, Keian went to me and kissed me on the lips quickly.


    I avoided his eyes.


    ¡± What are you doing! There¡¯s a lot of people here!¡± I said, almost whispering.


    He turned my face back to him and looked at me seriously.


    ¡± Watch me,¡± I repeatedly blinked while staring at Keian¡¯s back.


    Okayyy¡­


    ¡± Felix, give us a head start!¡± Keian shouted. Felix nodded.


    I noticed that Katie and Maxence didn¡¯t join others on the obstacle course.


    Katie was holding a phone and looked like she will video them.


    ¡± 3 ¡±


    ¡± 2 ¡±


    ¡± 1¡­ Go!¡± People on the obstacle course rushed to run when Felix fired the gun as a head start.


    They are pretty fast. It would¡¯ve been fine if they weren¡¯t pulling or pushing each other.


    My eyebrow raised when I saw Keian leading out of them all.


    My eyes went to the table where there is the airsoft they were using a while ago.


    I smirked when I got an idea.


    Mwahahahhaha!


    I neared a gun and examined it.


    It¡¯s heavier than the pellet guns you can buy at farmer markets, and I¡¯m sure it fires stronger.


    Katie, Maxence, and the other men watching looked at me.


    ¡± Sh8t! Ow!¡± Keian widened his eyes at me when he got hit on his shoulder.


    Because of this, Steven passed him, who I shot too.


    Ahhhhh. Why is this so satisfying???


    I shot them just like what they were doing on their men.


    ¡± Ey! Nass! Don¡¯t shoot us!¡± I heard Stevenined.


    I pointed the gun at him, and he immediately raised his arms.


    I shot the space below him, and he was shocked by that.


    I¡¯m d my gun skills are still not rusty¡­


    I¡¯m not surprised that they dodged the pellet balls. They truly have the skills.


    But because I¡¯m great, I was still able to hit them.


    ¡± Nass! That looks fun!¡± Katie approached where I¡¯m standing with a wide smile.


    She took a gun and imitated what I¡¯m doing.


    ¡± Hey, Katie! Why did you join shooting?!¡± Zeke shouted while dodging a pellet ball.


    She didn¡¯t answer him and just continued shooting.


    I turned to Maxence, who¡¯s interestingly watching the people race.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡± Felix!¡± The one I called came to me. Smiling, I gave the gun to him.


    ¡± Rece me¡± he was shocked by what I said, but he still took the gun.


    ¡± Hey, Felix! Don¡¯t you dare¡± Felix hesitated at first but shot Dale first.


    I tried to refrain fromughing at what¡¯s happening now.


    I sat beside Maxence.


    He ignored me and returned his look to his phone.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you join?¡± I asked.


    .


    .


    .


    I tried not to frown.


    Almost 25 minutes have passed, I still have not received an answer!


    Hmph>_<     I was about to say something again when he finally responded.     " I don''t like it," he shortly said.     I nced at him, who''s looking at Keian and others again.     " You don''t like physical activities, or you don''t like to hang out with them?" For no apparent reason, he looked at me badly.     " I don''t care about them, especially you, so can you please not sit beside me?" You can see his annoyance at what I said.     I bit my lip because I might''ve offended him.     " Sorry, but I know your rtionship with them is good¡­" I can see him roll his eyes.     " We''re not"     " I can see it. You just think to yourself that you are not close to them" I saw his jaw tightened, and I intend to stand up to leave. I don''t want him to get mad at me.     " Oh, I will go n---"     " Wait" I looked at his hand on my wrist.     I gulped before sitting again.     " You think you are so mighty that you know everything. Well, let me tell you that you don''t know anything about me, so don''t intrude" his expression darkened but aside from that, I can see the sadness in his eyes.     I breathed deeply.     " You really cared for the people around you, but they told you not to interfere. Is that it?"     His hold on my wrist tightened, so I winced.     " What''s wrong for worrying!? I don''t understand why no one cares for me, and I still care for them?! F*** this stupid feeling! I nearly died because I cared for someone I loved!"     He let go of me and clenched his fist.     " I just want their attention. But I realized that caring for someone is useless. You will just get tired, mentally"     He looked at me before standing up and left.     I watched his leaving figure.     " Hey" I turned to the one who called me who is Keian.     My look returned to the obstacle course, and Steven and Devon are still there, who looked like they are now chasing each other.     " Who won?" He narrowed his eyes at me.     Later on, his hands are on both of my cheeks, pinching my face.     " What''s wrong?" I red at him.     " It''s how you are penching my cheeks! That''s whot''s wrong!" He smiled then he let go of me.     " Nothing. I just talked with Maxence" his eyebrow furrowed before he sat beside me.     " I won, obviously," he said, a little arrogantly. I quickly hit the back of his head.     " Oh? Where''s Maxence?" I asked when I didn''t saw him on the table where all of them are except for him.     " In his room, don''t want to eat," Devon answered me.     I became worried because he might really be upset with me.     " Nass. You should eat with us" I looked at Zeke and shook my head.     " I''m already done eating" I brought him a pitcher of iced tea and poured some on his ss.     " You all should just eat," he grinned at me while drinking with his ss.     " So, Zeke. Regarding the noise you and Katie were doingst night," Zeke''s eyes widened, and he even spilled the iced tea on his clothes because of shock.     He quickly stood and moved his ss away, then shoot daggers at Keian.     " Kei! We are eating!" Katie, who''s red, scolded him.     " What? It''s true! Theo also heard the two of you" I looked at Theo with his head lowered not because of shame but because of¡­ anger?     Steven, Devon, Erick, Laiza, and Keian looked at each other. Then allughed at the same time.     I kicked Keian''s feet when Zeke and Katie got more embarrassed, and Theo''s expression darkened even more.     " You''re awake!" Maxence said, shocked when he entered the kitchen.     It''s almost midnight, so practically all of them are already asleep.     I smiled at him.     " I just needed to do something" he rolled his eyes at me, then turned around maybe to go back to his room.     *Grrrr*     I grinned when Maxence stopped when his stomach rumbled.     " You didn''t eat dinner. I left some food for you," I said to him.     He faced me with a nk face.     " No thanks," I took the leftovers that I''ve set aside for him then approached him.     " Here. It''s already a little cold. You want me to re-heat it?" He looked at the tray I''m holding before looking at my eyes.     *crash* I sighed when I saw the food for Maxence on the ground.     I knew it. The food is only going to be wasted! Then I would clean the floor as well!     I took his arms and pulled him to the table. He got confused at what I did.     I pushed him down on the chair, and you can see his irritation.     Before he even got toin, I hit the table.     " Stay!" His eyes widened at me, and he slowly nodded.     " Good," I said, satisfied.     " You can just remove the food. Why do you have to throw it?! A lot of people in this world can''t eat three times a day and is hungry! I now need to cook you another food, and clean the mess you did!" I scolded him. He gulped while looking at me.     He is silent, so I just sighed again.     I went to the stove and started cooking another meal.     I''m d there is still leftover rice!     After cooking, I served Maxence who''s head is still lowered.     " I hate you" My eyes flickered to Maxence, whose food is still untouched.     Honestly, I got sad at what he said, but I understand why he said that.     " I hate that you cooked for me, I hate that you''re cleaning the mess I made. I hate that it seems like you''re caring for me" he clenched his fists.     " I hate it. I hate people like that. Stupid people who give a damn about everyone, anyone. They don''t realize that the person they care for is already using them," he nearly growled out of anger.     My mouth straightened while seriously looking at him.     " So you must''ve hated yourself" he turned to me, shocked. The anger in his eyes a while ago is already gone.     " I may not know anything, sorry about the things I said. I should not say this¡­ but if you really care for that person, you would not stop caring whatever others may say or even if you won''t get something in return. For me, it will be pointless if you will stop worrying about a person even though they are significant to you" I can see his tears fell from his eyes.     " They threw me out of our house. Like I''m not their family. Even my old friends didn''t defend me. That''s why it''s better not to care and worry. Though I really want to show how I really care" I smiled at him sadly while approaching him.     " It''s okay, Maxence. You''re not alone now, and you''re surrounded by the people who cared for you" he nodded at me before hugging me like a child, crying.     I rubbed his back tofort him¡­

 Chapter 68

    ¡± Tito Andre took me in his custody after seeing me on the streets. I owe him a lot. So I trained to be one of his men. Then he introduced me to Kei, he saved my life a couple of times, and here I am,¡± I smiled at Maxence, who is sitting on the sofa.


    We tell stories to each other after our scene earlier.


    I think it¡¯s already 2 in the morning.


    ¡± Nassandra,¡± I heard Keian¡¯s deep voice, so I looked at the stairs where the voice came from.


    His eyebrows are raised at Maxence and my direction.


    ¡± Why are you still not sleeping? What are the two of you doing outside of your rooms?¡± I nced at Maxence, who stood up.


    ¡± It¡¯s for us to know and for you to find out,¡± I smirked at Keian.


    ¡± You sounded like a father,¡± his forehead wrinkled as he approaches me.


    ¡± Maxence. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re not sleeping because of your games. Get to sleep.¡± Maxence rolled his eyes at Kei¡¯s direction but with an amused look.


    ¡± Yes, ma?tre,¡± I prevented myself from shouting when Keian lifted me like a sack of rice.


    ¡± And you, youngdy. I¡¯ve been waiting for you to enter our bedroom. I fell asleep.¡± He said to me with a nk expression.


    ¡± Who asked you to wait for me?¡± He twisted the doorknob and entered the room.


    He dropped me to the bed and pinned me down with his body.


    ¡± Oy! My body would ache tomorrow! You¡¯re heavy, you know!¡± He opened his eyes, and the two of us stared at each other.


    He kissed me on my lips before putting his face on my neck.


    ¡± Good night.¡±


    ¡ª


    ¡± Ughhh,¡± I put my hand on my nape and stretched my neck, wishing for the pain to go away.


    My neck is not the only thing that hurts, my whole body is also in pain. How would I not when Keian is sleeping on top of me the entire night!


    *sigh*


    Zeke suspiciously looked at me, and it seemed like some thoughts are forming in his mind.


    ¡± Did you¡ª¡±


    ¡± Aytz. First of all, Keian and I did not do THAT, okay? Second, why are you here? Don¡¯t you have any work you need to do?¡± He rolled my eyes at me but gave a grin.


    ¡± Really? Because you looked like you were¡ª okay! I¡¯ll shut my mouth.¡± He stopped what he¡¯s saying when I shot him a death re.


    ¡± Oh, and to answer your question, I¡¯m waiting for Kei. We¡¯ll go to the office together.¡± I nodded at him at the same time as the arrival of Keian in the living room.


    ¡± Nassandra, you okay being here? Do you want toe with me to my office?¡± I shook my head at Keian then fixed his messy hair.


    ¡± No¡­ If it¡¯s okay, can me and Brylle go to the mall?¡± He frowned.


    ¡± Gaius¡¯ men might make a move. Can you two wait until I can join you in the mall?¡± My eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to do that Keian, I can protect Brylle and myself. I know you still have a lot of work you need to do.¡± his frown still hasn¡¯t disappeared.


    ¡± Then have someone apany you. Though almost everyone is on their own houses.¡± Zeke and Keian nced at each other andmunicated using only their eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯ll apany them,¡± I gazed at Maxence, who climbed down from the stairs.


    Keian sighed, then nodded in approval at Maxence.


    ¡± Keep them safe,¡± Keian approached me and locked me in an embrace.


    ¡± I¡¯ll see you in the evening¡± he pecked my lips, then immediately leave to drive his own car.


    Zeke followed behind.


    ¡± What time are we leaving?¡± My eyes returned to Maxence.


    ¡± I¡¯ll just change clothes. If you don¡¯t mind, we¡¯ll stay at our house first as the mall doesn¡¯t open ¡¯till 10.¡± He smiled at me then nodded.


    I gave a smile back and went up to Keian¡¯s room to take a bath and change into decent clothes.


    When I finished preparing myself, I returned to the living room where Maxence is ying a game on his phone. His gaze looked up at me when he noticed my arrival.


    ¡± Let me just finish this,¡± I waited for him for some time before he was able to defeat his opponent on his game.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go,¡± he¡¯s now talking to me casually, but he still doesn¡¯t want to speak asionally.


    Maxence drove to our house, and we waited there for about 3 hours.


    I was even surprised when I saw Maxence and Brylle became close in just a limited time. Maxence did not even use his phone and chose to y with Brylle.


    ¡± Mama, can we watch a movie in the mall¡± I smiled at Brylle and ruffled his hair.


    ¡± Of course, baby, what do you want to watch?¡± he pouted as he doesn¡¯t know what to answer.


    The three of us are already on the road going to the mall, inside Maxence¡¯s car.


    ¡± Here,¡± I saw Maxence gave his phone, so I raised an eyebrow in his direction.


    ¡± Go to the mall¡¯s website and see what movies they¡¯re going to y in the cinema,¡± I reached for his phone hesitatingly and searched for the mall¡¯s website.


    I went to the mall cinema¡¯s page and winced.


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡± The movies are mostly horror,¡± he nodded in understanding and asked for the phone back.


    He texted on his phone while driving.


    I eyed the road intently, nervous that something terrible might happen.


    ¡± Here, type all the movies Brylle might want to watch,¡± I got confused at his question.


    What did he say??


    ¡± Ha?¡± he rolled his eyes at what I said.


    ¡± The mall has a VIP cinema. I rented it for a while so we can watch other movies for Brylle.¡±


    ¡± Does that mean I¡¯ll get to watch all the movies I want?¡± Brylle asked with shining eyes.


    Maxence nodded and smiled at the kid.


    I blinked at what¡¯s happening.


    ¡± Isn¡¯t that expensive? I don¡¯t that much money,¡± he red at my question.


    ¡± Who said you¡¯ll pay? Just start typing.¡± I sarcastically smiled at him.


    I just realized that this man is also a snob¡­(©¤??©¤)Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡ª


    After watching three movies continuously on the private cinema Maxence rented, we went to eat in a restaurant that mypanion said was a chain that belongs to his cousin.


    I prevented myself from feeling frustrated at Maxence.


    *sigh*


    I¡¯m more alright if he doesn¡¯t speak at all. Joke.


    I don¡¯t have any problem with that, considering that I¡¯m getting used to the boys in the mansion¡­


    ¡± Mama, CR.¡± I looked at Brylle, whose eyes are in thefort room¡¯s direction.


    ¡± I¡¯ll apany him,¡± I smiled at Maxence.


    I used to just bring Brylle to the women¡¯s restroom because he¡¯s still a child.


    ¡± Alright, I¡¯ll wait here,¡± Brylle joined Maxence, and the two of them entered thefort room for boys.


    Keian


    Are you in the mall now?


    ¡ª


    Nass?


    ¡ª


    Baby, answer me.


    A response is sufficient.


    ¡ª


    Ghad, Nassandra. It¡¯s been 2 hours already. Answer your damn phone.


    ¡ª


    Nassandra.


    Hey Nassandra.


    Nass.


    ¡ª


    If only I¡¯m not in a meeting right now, I¡¯ll rush there.


    ¡ª


    Okay. I¡¯m going there.


    I winced at the messages. I didn¡¯t notice his texts. I forgot to update him. Hehehe.


    I immediately called him because hisst message was only 2 minutes ago.


    ¡± Oy! Where¡ª¡±


    ¡± Finally! I¡¯ve been texting and calling you for the past three hours, you could¡¯ve just answered your freaking phone! Don¡¯t you know how worried I am!? Even Maxence is not checking his cellphone.¡±


    I sighed.


    ¡± Look, I¡¯m sorry okay? I didn¡¯t notice your messages. Don¡¯t go here, we¡¯re fine. We are safe. Brylle and Maence just went to the CR.¡± I heard his deep intake of breath.


    ¡± Next¡ª Hey Nassandra! Can you please scold Kei! He won¡¯t even focus on work!¡± Zeke butted in our conversation.


    ¡± Hayyy, you guys are the bosses there. Your employees might notice.¡±


    ¡± They don¡¯t care. They shouldn¡¯t care. Anyway, you will answer every one of my texts and calls from now on. Understood?¡± I scowled at hismand.


    ¡± Yes, maitre,¡± I sarcastically answered.


    ¡± Okay, okay. Go back to work.¡± Before Keian even got to respond, I immediately ended the call.


    ¡± Pat,¡± my eyes widened when someone held my wrist.


    My eyes looked up and saw Diego under the hood of his jacket.


    I suddenly got nervous because anger is evident in his face.


    ¡± D-Diego, what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡± Come with me,¡± he tried to pull me, but I stopped him.


    ¡± Please, Diego. Stop this already.¡± He sharply looked at me then signaled to some men around us.


    ¡± Those are part of Il Massimo Inpero, Pat. Oh, there¡¯s also someone in thefort rooms.¡± I sucked in my breath when I understand what he¡¯s saying.


    ¡± What do you want?¡± he didn¡¯t answer me and pulled me to a cafe.


    He told me to sit at a two-seated table, with him sitting in front of me.


    I stayed silent while he called for a waiter to order.


    ¡± Pat,¡± I looked up at him, who is now staring at me intently.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t know you had a child.¡± He stated with a hint of anger in his voice.


    I continued to keep quiet.


    ¡± Don¡¯t hurt Brylle, Diego. He¡¯s just a child.¡± He smirked and tightly gripped my hand.


    ¡± So tell me, who is the father of the child Pat. Is it Keiranz? What did you saw in that man?¡± I sighed at what he said.


    ¡± He¡¯s far more better than you, Diego.¡±


    ¡± Even when he killed L?¡± I froze at what he said.


    What?


    ¡± His father is the reason L died, Pat. An innocent olddy. So who do you think is better now?¡± I shook my head at him.


    ¡± No. Grandma died because of her sickness.¡± He red at me.


    ¡± Pat, they¡¯re the ones who killed L. Don¡¯t you find it suspicious that time?¡± I clenched my fist.


    My L, Maximo¡¯s wife, died when I was 16 years old. At that time, Diego started to avoid me.


    Lolo said that L got sicked that¡¯s why she died, but my family is hesitating if that¡¯s true. We can¡¯t find any witnesses, so that issue disappeared as time goes.


    I shook my head again at Diego.


    ¡± That¡¯s not true,¡± his head slightly tilted at me.


    ¡± Let me tell you the story of my life,¡± my eyebrows furrowed at what he said. But I¡¯m curious as to what really happened to him.


    ¡± I know that you already know my real identity, my name is Gaius Samiano. So why Samiano, you asked? Tita J adopted me, sister of your mom Pat. Unfortunately, she died, and when L saw me, she took me in her care.¡±


    Tita J is my mom¡¯s older sister who became a widow and could not bear a child. She has illness since she was a child, and I¡¯m still so young when she died.


    ¡± And do you know who my real father is?¡± my eyes widen in horror.


    ¡± Andre Marques.¡± I can¡¯t help but stand up at the information I learned, causing the other cafe customers to look at me.


    I don¡¯t want to be here anymore¡­


    ¡± When I died, I promised to get revenge for her. That¡¯s why I disappeared, Pat. I¡¯m getting ready. After two years, I discovered that you are no longer in Lolo¡¯s care, and I found out that Tita, Tito, Khalil, you, and your friend are already dead.¡± He stood up and made me sit down-his hand gripping my shoulders.


    ¡± I can¡¯t understand why you are with that Marques. Maybe you¡¯re plotting to avenge your family?¡± I looked sharply at him.


    ¡± What do you mean?¡± he put his mouth closer to my ear and whispered.


    ¡± Tell me, Pat. Are you nning something to kill every person who is in Marques Mafia? It¡¯s okay, I feel the same. He killed your family, even Lolo, and I fully understand your feelings. Come on, Pat. Join me.¡± I stared at him in horror.


    What did Lolo tell him?!


    He messed up with his mind!


    ¡± Diego, you¡¯re wrong. Keian¡¯s not the one who killed¡ª¡± I cut off what I¡¯m saying and froze in the spot when he embraced me, and I can feel his breath on my neck.


    ¡± Shhh. It¡¯s okay, Pat. I¡¯ll support you. Come back to Il Massimo Impero.¡± I can feel him kissing my neck, causing me to be a statue that can¡¯t even move an inch.


    Diego¡­ You shouldn¡¯t have believed in Lolo. He¡¯s the one who killed my family.


    I want to say that aloud, but I can¡¯t find the energy to do so.

 Chapter 69

    I had no choice but to process everything that¡¯s happened in my mind.


    ¡°Nass,¡± I shockingly looked at Zeke, my mind still not in its clear state.


    I was so bbergasted while Diego was hugging me so tight in his arms that it also feels like he was kissing my neck. Zeke¡¯s vision darkened as he swiftly pulled Diego away for me and throw him on the cafe¡¯s wall.


    Everyone in the shop screamed and quickly dashed out to the door.


    ¡°Bastard!¡± Zeke went to Diego lying on the floor and punched him in the face.


    I stared at the floor¡­


    ¡°What are you doing here?!¡± Deigo smirked at Zeke, and all of a sudden, some men arrived and immediately pointed their guns at Zeke.


    I noticed Maxence quickly barged into the cafe as he pointed his gun at another man also holding a weapon.


    They are clearly outnumbered.


    I also realized he wasn¡¯t with Brylle.


    ¡°Maxence! Where is Brylle?!¡± I asked him, worried. He turned to face me.


    ¡°He¡¯s with the guards. Don¡¯t worry, he is safe.¡± I sighed in relief but still deeply worried about Brylle¡¯s state.


    Diego stood up and spitted some blood out of his mouth.


    ¡°You¡¯re outnumbered, what are you gonna do about it?¡± Diego asks, smirking. Surprisingly, Zeke smirked back at him.


    ¡°In case you don¡¯t know. Kei¡¯s family owned this mall.¡± After saying that, five men made their entrance from the kitchen.


    For some reason, Diegoughed his heart out.


    ¡°Look outside.¡± I turned to look at the window w I can see the outside of the cafe and saw Brylle there, standing, with a man pointing his gun at Brylle¡¯s head.


    My eyes widened.


    ¡°Brylle!¡± I faced Diego.


    ¡°Don¡¯t drag him into this, Diego! Stop it!¡± He smiled at me.


    ¡°Nice acting, Pat. I¡¯ll wait for you at the Il Massimo Impero. Let¡¯s do the n together.¡± I nervously looked back at Zeke and Maxence, whose eyes are looking at me with confusion.


    That¡¯s not true!


    ¡°You will let us go, don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll leave this mall. Or if you don¡¯t want to¨C¡± He gestured towards Brylle, who kept on crying, and I could guess that he¡¯s shouting my name.


    Seeing Brylle¡¯s situation made me weak.


    ¡°Please, Zeke, Maxence.¡± Zeke¡¯s jaw tightened as he also clenched his fists.


    ¡°Go.¡± Zeke angrily told Diego.


    He smirked, and as agreed upon, they left the mall.


    I immediately went out of the cafe and pulled Brylle away from the guard that¡¯s holding him.


    The guard smirked at me then walked away as if nothing happened.


    ¡°Mama, I¡¯m scared.¡± I held him in my arms tightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Brylle.¡± I let him cry on my chest.


    Even up till now, I still couldn¡¯t believe that¡¯s what Lolo told Diego.


    And the fact that Keian and Diego are¡­ Stepbrothers.


    ¡°Nass. Say goodbye to Brylle. You needed to head back. Maxence will take him home.¡± I felt his cold treatment towards me, probably because of what Diego said.


    ¡°But¡ª¡± He red at me, which made me cut off my statement.


    I pulled away from Brylle¡¯s embrace and held his cheeks.


    ¡°I need to go, Brylle. Tito Maxence will be the one to take you home. Okay?¡± He tiredly nods at me.


    I sadly kissed him on the forehead and let Maxence carry the sleepy Brylle in his arms.


    ¡°Please, take care of him.¡± He gave me a nk look before nodding and leaving.


    Zekemanded something to his men before walking towards me.


    I felt Zeke hold my wrist and dragged me out of the mall, bringing me to his car at the parking lot.


    He harshly put me on the shotgun seat and drove the car so fast.


    ¡°Zeke¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just shut up¡­ Please.¡± I lowered my head at hismand.


    As we got back to the mansion, he told me to go to Keian¡¯s room.


    While I ignored the guard whom he ordered to look after me.


    I went to the bathroom to take a bath and change into morefortable clothes.


    Then I went to the veranda and stared at nowhere.


    For sure, Zeke will tell Keian everything that¡¯s happened. And I¡¯m sure that he wouldn¡¯t be happy once he gets home.


    ¡ª


    (Warning: The following part may contain sexual scenes, so please be advised! I warned you. If you¡¯re aware that you can¡¯t read this stuff, you could just skip and don¡¯t read. This is just mild since I¡¯m not used to writing things like these. Nothing will happen, the information wouldn¡¯t be gone.)


    I didn¡¯t bother looking at the door when someone came to open it.


    It¡¯s already nine in the evening, and it¡¯spletely dark outside.


    I can¡¯t leave this room, and someone ising in to give me food to eat, so I would not go out of this quarter.


    I could hear Keian taking off his suit and harshly dropped his bag on the sofa.


    Still not looking at him even though I could feel him going towards the veranda.


    I just felt his hands on my jaw and forced me to look up at him.


    Anger could be clearly seen in his eyes. There was absolutely no trace of the sweet and caring Keian.


    ¡°Maxence and Nic told me everything that happened.¡± He held me tighter, and I can¡¯t help but heave out a sigh.


    He misunderstood.


    ¡°Keian, I didn¡¯t¡ª¡± I stopped speaking the minute Keian crashed his lips to mine in a not so gentle manner.


    Due to the shock, I just stayed frozen on the spot.


    He broke away, anger and frustration evident in his expression.


    ¡°So you let that bastard kiss you in the neck, and it looks like you enjoyed it so much.¡± He brushed my hair away from my neck to expose it.


    He stared at some spot of my neck.


    ¡°And he left you a hickey.¡± He lets out a demonicugh.


    I can¡¯t understand why is Keian reacting this way.


    I wish that he¡¯d hear out my exnation first about what happened, but he seemed blinded by anger.


    He kissed me again on the lips, but this time, I returned his gesture despite the fear and pain that was pounding on my chest.


    His head went down to my neck and wildly nted some kisses there.


    I can¡¯t help but clench my fists into a ball.


    ¡°Keian¡­¡± He gazed at me with a nk look.


    He kissed me again and bit the lower part of my lip.


    I gasped as I felt the pain of it as I saw blood dripping.


    He licked the blood away, and I had no choice but to snake my arms around him.


    He ced his hands on my waist and carried me.


    Then he pushed me on the wall as he growled.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine.¡± Fondness was very evident in his eyes-lust¡­ not love.


    I sadly let him take off his clothes.


    ¡°Strip for me.¡± I took a deep breath and shook my head.


    ¡°No. Keian, please. Let me exin.¡± His eyebrows furrowed as he put his hands around my neck.


    ¡°You will do everything that I will say, Pat. You¡¯re just a wh*re.¡± I was astounded at his choice of words.


    So he took off my clothes by ripping them apart.


    His hands travelled all over my body. Till his face got lower and lower.


    ¡°Pat.¡± I shook upon hearing his voice.


    I grabbed his hair to make his gaze look up at me.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t call me Pat. Please.¡±


    I don¡¯t want anyone calling me Pat, everything that happened in the past just kepting back.


    ¡°Pat,¡± He calls me while looking deep into my eyes.


    I closed my eyes.


    ¡°Pat, it¡¯s okay. You will like this¡­¡±


    Keian brought me to the bed and continued on what he was doing to me earlier.


    I am trembling, not because of the cold temperature in the room but because of fear¡­


    I¡¯m seeing my grandfather in Keian, and I don¡¯t want that to happen.


    He looked up at me again.


    ¡°Tell me, Pat. What did Diego tell you? And what is this n he¡¯s talking about?¡± I looked at him and shook my head.


    ¡°What he¡¯s saying isn¡¯t true, Keian. Please, just stop doing this.¡± His jaw tightened as he drew closer to my ear.


    ¡°I want you so bad, Pat.¡± I let out a shaky breath.


    I closed my eyes and waited for Keian to do what¡¯s he intends to do.


    A tear rolled down from my eyes as I felt pain in my lower part.


    He outrageously moved, and I couldn¡¯t help but cry.


    I felt him stop, so I opened my eyes.


    I saw Keian¡¯s cold expression, but behind it was obvious worry.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He whispered, asking. I shook my head.


    I am so close to seeing Lolo in Keian.


    ¡°Baby, please. Don¡¯t be like my lolo, please.¡± His eyes widened as I mutter out those words.


    I continued to weep. My cries were the only thing that can be heard in the room.


    A few momentster, I felt Keian draw himself away from me.


    He gently touched my cheeks.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, baby.¡± He painfully distanced himself away from me and sat at the end of the bed.


    I calmed myself down first.


    Telling myself that¡¯s this guy I¡¯m with is not Lolo.


    ¡°Keian.¡± He doesn¡¯t turn to me as he just buried his face in his hands.


    I sighed as I hugged him from behind.


    ¡°I¡¯m such a jerk.¡± I noticed he was shaking a bit.


    I made his head face me, and now he couldn¡¯t look into my eyes.


    I pressed our lips together, to which he immediately responds.


    We continued what we¡¯re doing, but Keian became gentler this time.


    ¡ª


    I turned to my side, intending to cuddle the one beside me, but I realized no one else was at the bed anymore.


    I opened my eyes and was ultimately greeted by the rays of the sun from the ss door separating the veranda.


    It¡¯s funny how I learned to ept the sadness I¡¯m feeling right now.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Roaming my eyes around the room, his presence was not found.


    I sighed and bit my lip while standing up to go check the bathroom despite the pain I am feeling all over my body.


    I wore a shirt that has a high cor to hide what¡¯s on my neck.


    Then I went down, hoping to find Keian. But I didn¡¯t. Even when I checked every corner of the mansion.


    I went inside the kitchen and saw that Jane and Ema were already there.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I smiled while greeting them.


    ¡°Good morning, Nass.¡± Jane cheerfully greets me back.


    I grabbed a broom and a new bedsheet cover in the storage room in the kitchen.


    I noticed the two exchanged nces.


    ¡°Are you alright, Nassandra? Why do you seem¡­ sad?¡± I tried giving them a genuine smile so that they wouldn¡¯t have to worry.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll just go clean.¡±


    ¡°But you haven¡¯t eaten yet!¡± I pretended not to hear what Ema said and went on cleaning the house.


    I also bothered to change the sheets on Keian¡¯s bed.


    While I was sweeping floors in the hallways, I saw Zeke.


    With hope, I went over to him.


    ¡°Zeke, do you know where Keian?¡± He sharply gave me a look without answering my question.


    I furrowed my eyebrows at his figure walking away.


    Then I prevented myself from shedding tears.


    I wanted to ask Keian what happenedst night.


    I kinda expected to see him the moment I woke up, but he wasn¡¯t there.


    As I continued with my chore, I also went to ask the other mafia members whenever I passed by their room. But even Steven and Laiza aren¡¯t answering where Keian is.


    After that, I decided to stay silent and stop asking the others. It seems like they¡¯re avoiding me.


    It¡¯s already past lunchtime, but I still don¡¯t have the appetite, I¡¯m not feeling any hunger at all.


    So I busied myself by cleaning despite my body aching all over.


    ¡°Miss Nass. Have you eaten yet?¡± I turned to Erick, who¡¯s right in front of me.


    I shed him a smile and nodded.


    ¡°Ah. Yes.¡± His eyebrows creased. He must¡¯ve seen right through my lie.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see you in the dining room or in the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because I ate alone. Besides, you were not here yet that time.¡± Since I knew he had just arrived here in the mansion.


    He nodded approvingly, then left my sight.


    The whole day went by, and I couldn¡¯t talk to anybody as they just kept their distance from me.


    I didn¡¯t want to show myself at Jane and Ema since they might just get worried.


    I went inside a guest bathroom since I didn¡¯t want to stay in Keian¡¯s room right now.


    I changed my sanitary pad and underwear. Even though today¡¯s not suppose to be my period, I was bleeding since this morning.


    I just chose to ignore it since I might¡¯ve just been shocked fromst night.


    I was about to turn the doorknob when I suddenly felt dizzy, and my vision was getting dark.


    Leaning my body against the wall, I sat down so I wouldn¡¯t stumble.


    I felt the burning sensation of exhaustion and closed my eyes.

 Chapter 70

    Warning: Topics for this chapter may be sensitive to others and may be ufortable to read.


    I opened my eyes and realized I was still inside the bathroom.


    Looking up at the clock, I saw that it¡¯s already dawn.


    I¡¯ve been unconscious for five straight hours?!Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Taking a deep breath, I weakly tried to get up on my knees.


    I was shaking due to exhaustion.


    Since falling unconscious bothered me, I decided to go to the infirmary. I just certainly wish Katie is there.


    There wasn¡¯t a single man when I walked across the field.


    It¡¯s a good thing so that no one sees me walking like a zombie.


    I weakly went inside the infirmary and tried to stand up straight.


    The guards didn¡¯t bother stopping me as I rode the elevator to go up to the infirmary.


    As the elevator opened, I went straight to Theo and Katie¡¯s clinic that actually exists. I just discovered this a week ago.


    I was about to knock, but then I suddenly heard many voices talking in another room.


    My eyebrows met, and I walked near the door of the room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, Aedin. You¡¯re here now, we are here with you.¡± I heard Steven¡¯s voice from inside.


    ¡°But you don¡¯t have to bother.¡± I was surprised at the unfamiliar voice. Her voice is so gentle, just like Tita Karina, Keian¡¯s mother.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We don¡¯t mind. You are important for us than anyone else.¡± My heart sank upon hearing Keian¡¯s voice.


    It felt like years since west saw each other; I miss him so much¡­


    My vision darkened, and I couldn¡¯t help but stumble over a cart. It fell down, causing its contents to roll down on the floor.


    I held my chest as I feel like I couldn¡¯t breathe properly again.


    Hearing everybody dash out of the room made me panic, so I immediately stood up, ced the cart back to its original position, and leaned on it for support.


    I saw all of them are there, all ten of them.


    I smiled as they all looked at me with puzzled expressions.


    ¡°Nass? What are you doing here?¡± Steven asked me.


    I turned to Keian, who¡¯s avoiding eye contact with me before answering Steven.


    ¡°Uhmm. I just wanted to ask Katie something.¡± Zeke, Devon, and Laiza narrowed their eyes at me as if they were suspecting me.


    Since I am really that suspicious.


    ¡°Why?¡± I couldn¡¯t find the courage to look straight at Laiza because my vision getting blurry.


    ¡°U-Uhmm.¡±


    Zeke walked over to me and held both of my shoulders tight.


    ¡°Are you spying on us?¡± I let out a bitter smile.


    ¡°No. I just needed to ask Katie something.¡± Some of them rolled their eyes while the others avoided eye contact.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± Keian was the first to walk back to the room, followed by the others.


    Wow, that doesn¡¯t hurt at all.


    Katie was left behind, with a slight curve on her lips.


    ¡°So¡­?¡± My eyes stay glued on the floor as I spoke to her.


    ¡°Can we talk in your clinic?¡± She raises a brow at me but nodded as we walked towards her clinic.


    I followed her.


    I immediately sat on a chair and sighed.


    ¡°You look very pale. Are you sick?¡± I shook my head.


    ¡°Uhmmm, not really. I fainted in the guest bathroom.¡± She was slightly shocked at what I said.


    ¡°How long have you been unconscious?¡±


    ¡°Around five hours.¡± She slowly nods her head.


    ¡°Uhmm. I¡¯m bleeding right now, and I thought it has something to do with why I passed out.¡± She smiled at me.


    ¡°That¡¯s possible. When did your period start?¡± I couldn¡¯t stay still in my position because of me struggling to stay awake.


    ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to. My monthly period has always been normal, and I¡¯m not supposed to have it till next next week.¡± She suddenly got confused.


    ¡°So why are you¡ª¡± She fell silent upon realizing the possible reason as to why I was bleeding.


    ¡°You bled after¡­¡± I nodded at her.


    ¡°I just noticed it this morning.¡± I saw her eyes got sad, and it seems like she¡¯s out of words to say.


    ¡°Uhhmm. Sure, you want me to check?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s okay.¡± She smiled at me and nodded.


    ¡°Of course. But we need to go to another room for you to be examined.¡± I let out a weak smile and followed her.


    Since there are no beds here in the clinic.


    She assisted me while walking to another room.


    ¡°Have you eaten anything yesterday?¡± I lowered my head in shame.


    I never got to eat dinner, at least. I didn¡¯t have an appetite the whole day.


    ¡°Oh, Nass. You should eat. Maybe that¡¯s the reason why you fainted because of an empty stomach.¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± She sighed and opened the door.


    She was about to close the door when someone suddenly shouted her name.


    We looked at each other, and a few momentster, we saw Dale by the door.


    ¡°Katie! Aedin is tlining.¡± Katie¡¯s eyes widened, and she immediately helps me get down on the bed.


    ¡°Uhmm, Nass. Just wait here for a while, is that okay? I-I need to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sure, go on.¡± She gives me a smile, and I heard the door closed as she immediately ran.


    I sighed.


    I felt like I just got weaker.


    Physically and mentally.


    I could feel a literal burning on my lower part, and I remembered the feeling of doing it the first time.


    Out of panic, I tried getting out of bed, but I ended up butt-faced on the floor because of pain.


    I wanted to run and call Katie because everything that¡¯s happened rushed back to my mind, but then I realized she¡¯s actually busy.


    I didn¡¯t have the energy to go back to bed, so I justid down on the floor, sidewards.


    Closing my eyes to remove the thoughts about Lolo in my head.


    ¡ª


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Nass didn¡¯t know how long has she been lying down on the floor.


    She was just alone in the room and couldn¡¯t help but stare at the wall due to the memories that came back to her.


    Her world was spinning around, and she¡¯s thankful that she hasn¡¯t lost consciousness just yet.


    But her body is still weak, and she couldn¡¯t find the nerve to stand up from the floor.


    Meanwhile, Katie and Theo have finally stabilized Aedin.


    It was as if Katie had utterly forgotten about Nass because of the amount of worry she felt for her dear friend, Aedin.


    ¡°Theo?¡± Her brother turns to her. They¡¯re both tired since they haven¡¯t slept a wink, and they were worried about Aedin almost being on the verge of death.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I just remembered, Nassandra is in the other room. I hope she didn¡¯t get impatient waiting.¡± Everyone in the room got confused.


    There are approximately ten of them guarding the sleeping Aedin. Which means all of them are here.


    ¡°Why? Did you admit her?¡± Her eyes flickered to Kei before answering Theo.


    ¡°She said she fainted at the guest bathroom. She woke up five hourster. She told me that she didn¡¯t eat the whole day and¡­ she¡¯s bleeding.¡± Theo furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡°Is she having her menstrual period today?¡± Katie bit her lip which made everyone in the room even more confused.


    ¡°She said that she¡¯s not supposed to have her period until next next week and that she has a normal monthly period.¡± Keian starred at Katie because of what she said.


    The others looked over at Keian. It¡¯s obviously clear what Katie is trying toprehend.


    Theo heaved out a sigh and stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll check her up.¡±


    Sounds weird but one of Theo¡¯s specialty is gynecology. Katie just offered herself to Nass to check on her since she¡¯s also a woman and has a few knowledge about being a gynecologist.


    ¡°She¡¯s in room 207.¡±


    Katie shed a smile at his brother before Theo went out.


    So Theo went in front of the room Katie was talking about.


    As he opened the door, Theo was surprised at what he just saw.


    He immediately strode over to Nassandra, who¡¯s lying on the floor with eyes opened.


    He could see some bloodstains on the floor and shorts the part under her feminine part.


    ¡°Nass!¡± Theo shook thedy, but she doesn¡¯t respond despite her eyes wide open. She was just staring at the void.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Theo quickly carries Nass to the bed.


    Nassandra felt Theo¡¯s presence, but she didn¡¯t give a damn about it.


    She was even more interested in the white wall in front of her.


    ¡°Nass. Nassandra!¡± Theo gently ps Nassandra¡¯s cheek to get her attention, but she just stayed still.


    Theo got worried, and he quickly ran back to Aedin¡¯s room to get his stethoscope that he identally left behind.


    ¡°Theo? Why are you in a rush?¡± Devon asked him.


    The doctor doesn¡¯t bother answering him and immediately goes back to Nass¡¯ room after getting the stethoscope.


    The nine mafia members looked at each other as they were left in Aedin¡¯s room.


    Theo went on to check Nassandra¡¯s heartbeat and her lung situation because there¡¯s a possibility that Nass was suffocated. After all, the room ispletely closed.


    Nassandra¡¯s heartbeat was very weak.


    That¡¯s when Nassandra snapped back to reality and looked at Theo, wearing a worried face.


    ¡°T-Theo?¡± Almost instantly. She felt her chest tightened, and her breathing pace quickened.


    It was as if she had a nightmare with her eyes opened, and she just realized what¡¯s on her mind now.


    ¡°Nass! Calm down, okay? Hey, Nass!¡± Seeing Nass couldn¡¯t breathe adequately on her own, Theo grabs an oxygen mask and quickly put it on the girl.


    This made Nassandra grip Theo¡¯s hand tightly while holding the oxygen mask.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s okay. Inhale, exhale.¡± Nassandra shakily nods and started following along to Theo¡¯s breathing instructions.


    Out of worry, Keian went in front of Nass¡¯ room. His eyes widened the minute he saw her situation.


    The two nced at each other.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Now tell me what happened.¡± Nassandra removed her gaze from Keian then back to Theo.


    She repeatedly shook her head.


    ¡°Okay. Then let me check your¡­ uhmm. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m a gynecologist.¡± Theo shyly stated out.


    Nassandra was about to agree, but then she suddenly remembers something.


    ¡°No! Please. Close the door.¡± Theo nodded so the girl wouldn¡¯t panic.


    He ced the garter of the oxygen mask at the back of her head and walked away to close the door.


    He sadly looked at Keian, who¡¯s standing outside with wide eyes while looking at Nass.


    ¡°Kei.¡± He closed the door before heading back to Nassandra.


    Thetter nodded, but before Theo could check her lower part, she held his hands.


    Her breathing pace got faster.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Theo got confused at what Nass just muttered, but he insisted on holding the girl¡¯s hand tightly and smiled.


    Theo pulls down Nassandra¡¯s underwear.


    Nassandra was bleeding real hard, and he also noticed something tear upon her feminine part.


    Theo¡¯s eyes went to her upper thighs, and he saw scars as if they were done on purpose.


    His eyes widened.


    ¡°K-Kei?¡± He shortly asks.


    Nass calmed herself down and shook her head.


    As Theo was enlightened, he clenched his hands.


    He let out a shaky breath.


    ¡°The tear is not really big. If you want, I will get a test sample to be sure.¡±


    Nassandra¡¯s POV


    I nodded at Theo. It was obvious that he¡¯s trying to contain his anger.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you under I. V. Katie said you didn¡¯t eat anything all day yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± That was all I could respond to.


    He smiled at me and pats my head gently.


    ¡ª


    I fell asleep for a while, but I woke up with the lights off.


    I saw Theo¡¯s head down at the side of my bed, and he was sleeping.


    I don¡¯t know, but I guess it¡¯s already around four in the morning right now.


    The air-condition is turned on, and my body was wrapped in a warm thick nket.


    Theo suddenly wakes up, so I pretended to sleep.


    I felt him pull the nket to my neck and tucked in a strand of hair on my face.


    ¡°Theo,¡± I heard Keian called as he just entered the room.


    ¡°Kei.¡±


    ¡°W-What happened to her? Did I¡­?¡± I noticed the sadness in Keian¡¯s voice which gave me a littlefort.


    ¡°No. She fainted because she didn¡¯t eat anything yesterday. But you managed to put a tear on her lower part, Kei.¡± Theo stated in a slightly irritated tone.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry.¡± Theo sighed.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay with her?¡± There was a brief moment of silence.


    ¡°But if Aedin wakes up without me at her side, she might get panic attacks.¡± I gulped at what I heard.


    ¡°So she¡¯s more important than Nass?¡±


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you care about Aedin more than Nassandra?¡± Keian slightly raised his voice.


    ¡°You left her alone yesterday morning after almost raping her.¡± I opened my eyes a bit only to see Keian hold grabbed Theo by the cor.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know anything! You just wanted me to guard Nass since you didn¡¯t want to stay here!¡± The next thing I knew, my eyes are getting watery with tears.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m doing. You love her, right?! Why is it that the others are more important than her?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been with Aedin for a long time! I¡¯ve been with her for five years! Nassandra will not die while lying on the bed, but Aedin will!¡±


    ¡°Just leave me alone¡­ please.¡± The two men looked at me in surprise that I¡¯m awake.


    Who wouldn¡¯t be awakened by the both of them yelling at each other?


    I smiled at both of them.


    ¡°Leave me alone.¡± Theo intended to walk towards me, but in the end, he just turned around.


    He gave Keian a sharp look before heading out.


    I could feel Keian¡¯s eyes on me, but I didn¡¯t look up at him.


    As Keian went out of the room, I immediately heaved out a sigh.

 Chapter 71

    I took a peek from outside the door to check out Aedin who¡¯s currently lying in bed. Laiza is with her in the room.


    It¡¯s been five days since the incident of me, fainting and Keian wasn¡¯t minding me, so does the others.


    Of course, that made me sad.


    Why can¡¯t they just hear out my exnation first before ignoring me tantly like this?


    ¡°Nassandra,¡± I gazed up at Laiza who¡¯s actually right in front of me.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I lowered my head and thought of what to respond.


    ¡°Just came to pass by.¡± Laiza raised an eyebrow at me.


    ¡°Laiza? Who are you talking to?¡± Says a gentle voice of a woman from inside the room.


    I don¡¯t know why but I¡¯m feeling annoyed at her even though she hasn¡¯t done anything to me. There¡¯s something about her, her face looks familiar, as well.


    Laiza held my arm and pulled me into Aedin.


    My eyes widened as I looked at herrge smiling face.


    She¡¯s pretty, I could also say she¡¯s tall despite her lying down in bed and she¡¯s got an innocent face.


    ¡°H-Hi,¡± I greeted her. She waves her hand at me.


    ¡°Hello. You must be Nassandra.¡± My eyebrows creased.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°Kei told me a lot about you.¡± Just by hearing Keian¡¯s name ultimately gives me a forlorn feeling.


    ¡°Ah, o-okay. I still have a lot of things to do. Buh-bye!¡± I said as I quickly walked out of her room.


    Since she came here, all of the equipment she needs to use for her treatment is being moved here in the mansion.


    They say she was diagnosed with brain cancerst January even before I had arrived here in the mansion.


    She was just stage 3 at that time but now it got worse and became stage 4.


    I still don¡¯t know who she was for Keian and the others but I chose not to want to know.


    So I went to the field and thought of contemting my thoughts at the gazebo.


    It¡¯s quiet here and it makes mefortable.


    ¡°Arf! Arf!¡± I turned to where the barking sounds came from and saw Leon trying to run towards me despite him wearing a leash that was being held by someone.


    ¡°Woah!¡± I went over to Leon and grasped his body gently.


    ¡°Bonjour, Leon.¡± He licks my face which made me pull away from him.


    ¡°Seems like he really likes you.¡± I smiled at what the man said as I focused my attention on Leon.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Well, I like him too.¡± I heard himugh and I can¡¯t help but look up at him.


    My smile disappeared as I saw a familiar face.


    No wonder the voice is awfully familiar to me.


    He stoppedughing as he noticed me staring at him.


    ¡°Ahhh, ma¡¯am?¡± He asked ufortably.


    I slowly stood up while still staring at him.


    ¡°K-Khalil?¡± His eyebrows met.


    ¡°E-Excuse me?¡±


    My eyes widened even more at the fact that he exactly looks like my brother!


    This made me run over to hug him.


    All I thought was that Lolo killed him but I am definitely sure the man before me is my Kuya Khalil.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m sorry but Ma?tre Andrew might see me and punish me.¡± He formally stated out.


    I broke away from my embrace to him and stared right into his eyes.


    ¡°Kuya! Don¡¯t you recognize me?¡± He steps away from me.


    ¡°No, now I need to do something so farewell.¡± He quickly got out of my sight along with Leon.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I gazed at his figure walking away and frowned.


    Maybe I was just hallucinating because of all the stress that¡¯s happened these past few days.


    I sighed and went back inside the mansion.


    ¡°Nass!¡± I turned to Ema who¡¯s currently holding a tray of food.


    ¡°Why?¡± I asked her, smiling.


    She scratches her nape.


    ¡°Uhmm, just a favor. Could you bring this up to Ma?tresse Aedin¡¯s room? Ma?tre Andrew¡¯s presence makes me nervous.¡± I nodded at her and epted the tray from her.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll handle this.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Nass!¡± I watched her walk back to the kitchen before going up to Aedin¡¯s room.


    Keian and Aedin had been spending time together more often.


    That¡¯s okay for me since I understand how Aedin is doing with her situation.


    I was already in front of her room as I saw the door was slightly open.


    I took a deep breath and peeked through the small creak of the door to check if Aedin is awake.


    But what I saw was totally unexpected.


    My heart sank at what I¡¯m seeing right now.


    I smiled bitterly.


    I had nothing to do about it, anyways. That¡¯s just how life works.


    I opened the door and it seems like they didn¡¯t notice my presence so they continued on snogging each other.


    I ced the tray on the table to create a loud noise which made the two look at me.


    Keian and Aedin look at me with shock.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your food, Ma?tre, Ma?tresse,¡± I said to them in a t tone and started striding out of the room.


    ¡°Nass,¡± I felt Keian grabbed my arm tightly which caused me to stop walking out of this ce.


    I turned to him with a smile but it seems more of a grimace.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Keian.¡± His expression turned cold and he lets go of me.


    With my head down low, I went down to go to the kitchen.


    But I was just in the living room when I ran into Theo whose eyes widened the minute he saw me.


    Huh?


    He immediately walks over to me.


    ¡°Hi, Nass.¡± This got me confused.


    ¡°Hello?¡± He grabbed onto my hand and almost sped up to take me out of the mansion.


    ¡°H-Hey! Where are we going!¡± He stopped walk-running as he sat on the grassy field while catching his breath.


    His eyes shifted to me.


    ¡°Nothing. Come on, just sit here.¡± He pats the space next to him.


    Even though I was so confused with all of his sudden actions, I chose to follow and sat beside him.


    He nervously smiled and started typing on his cellphone.


    Since I was curious to know why he¡¯s acting this way, I slowly leaned over to him, making myself not obvious as possible.


    But he noticed me and also leaned to his right so I wouldn¡¯t see what¡¯s on his cellphone.


    I pouted.


    ¡°Ah, hehe.¡± I frowned and just decided to stare at the grassy field.


    Sooner orter, I¡¯ll know what he¡¯s up to anyway.


    I ced my head on his shoulder. He stiffened up and I can feel his eyes on me.


    Later, he rxed and ced his head on my head, as well.


    ¡ª


    ¡°Surprise!¡± I blinked several times as confetti was thrown all over at me.


    Right in front of me were Zeke, Theo, Katie, William, Ema, Jane, Tiya, and Brylle.


    Brylle immediately runs over to hug me.


    ¡°Happy Birthday, Mama!¡± There were decorations everywhere in the dining room. There are also a lot of food on the table.


    I smiled and returned the hug from Brylle.


    ¡°Thank you, baby.¡±


    ¡°We were not yet done setting up that¡¯s why I had to distract you,¡± Theo says, shyly.


    I turned to him.


    ¡°That¡¯s alright. I really appreciate this.¡±


    ¡°We know that some things, for now, are still not clear, but let¡¯s forget it today. Happy Birthday, Nass.¡± I shed a smile at Katie as she and her brother hugged me at the same time.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Anne told us that it¡¯s actually your birthday and identally, Sir Zeke heard it.¡± I also went over to Tiya and William to thank them.


    I faced Zeke who¡¯s got his head lowered.


    ¡°I¡ª¡±


    Before he could even speak, I also gave him an embrace.


    He smiles and dly returned the gesture.


    We weren¡¯t speaking but I guess we both know what the other has to say.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡± I carried Brylle and went near the table with food.


    All of these are my favorite!


    ¡°Jane, Ema! Come on over!¡± They shyly went near me.


    ¡°Sorry, Nass. We don¡¯t have a gift¡±. Says Jane.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right! We forgot, too. We were also surprised at the sudden celebration.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at them.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright if I don¡¯t receive any gifts. What¡¯s important is that I got to be a year older.¡±


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s up?¡± Our heads turned to Steven and Maxence who just entered the dining room. Zeke nods at me.


    ¡°It¡¯s Nassandra¡¯s birthday.¡± The two widened their eyes as they nced at me.


    ¡°H-Happy Birthday, Nass.¡± I smiled at Steven.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t that surprised at their reactions. It¡¯s been like six days since they started ignoring me.


    ¡°Go get yourselves some food.¡± They quietly went to the table to help themselves.


    A few momentster, the others arrived all except for Keian.


    The tension earlier when we were just a few lessened because of the yfulness of ourpanions here.


    ¡°Wah Nass! It¡¯s Brylle!¡± Steven pretends to hide behind me because of Brylle chasing after him.


    Brylle furrowed his eyebrows while tilting his head sidewards.


    ¡°Let¡¯s y, Tito Steven!¡± Steven shook his head from behind me.


    ¡°NO!¡± He rather said loudly.


    Brylle bit his lip till his eyes are getting watery.


    ¡°I just want to y! Wahhhhhh. Huhu. Mama!¡± I knelt down to properly embrace Brylle crying due to Steven yelling.


    I threw Steven a re who¡¯s now pouting.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t like children!¡± Brylle tightens his arms around me and his cries got louder.


    ¡°Hey, Steven! Don¡¯t be a shag and just y with the kid.¡± Steven narrowed his eyes at Dale before looking back at Brylle.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll y with you, just please don¡¯t cry, please, Brylle.¡± Steven says stuttering as if he was about to cry too.


    Brylle peeked through my shoulders to look at Steven.


    Almost immediately, Brylle pulls away from me and beamed.


    ¡°Yehey!¡± Brylle dashed over to Steven and held his hand.


    Steven was frowning but he insisted on going with the child.


    ¡°Even the kid can win against you.¡± Devon teased. Steven doesn¡¯t mind him and just went on to entertaining Brylle with a frown on his face.


    We allughed.


    Till the room fell silent and they all turned their heads to me.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡ª why? Why are you *sniff* guys looking a-at me?¡± My voice breaks and I felt a tear falling down from my eye.


    I smiled while wiping away the tears but I still kept on crying anyway.


    Don¡¯t me me, I¡¯m also confused as to why I¡¯m crying.


    I looked at them who are either staring at me in shock or with lowered gazes.


    ¡°Sorry, I also don¡¯t know why I¡¯m being emotional. *Sniff*¡± I felt Brylle hugging me.


    ¡°Mama, don¡¯t cry. Are you sad?¡± I shook my head at Brylle¡¯s question.


    ¡°No, baby. Mama is just happy.¡± I pressed our foreheads against each other as I tried calming myself down with his presence.


    ¡°Hey, guys!¡± I felt something eerie as I heard Aedin¡¯s voice.


    I pretended not to see the smiles of mypanions.


    I observed her from my shoulder and saw that she¡¯s in a wheelchair with Keian pushing her from behind.


    ¡°Nass, is it your birthday? Well, I wish you a happy birthday¡ª wait, are you crying?¡± I bit my lower lip before facing her.


    ¡°This is nothing. I¡¯m just happy. Thanks, by the way.¡± She shes a smile at me then down to Brylle.


    Recognition filled her face as she stares at Brylle. She was a bit frozen and Keian noticed that.


    ¡°Aedin?¡±


    I furrowed my eyebrows as I saw her tearing up.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s Brylle.¡±


    ¡°How did you know his name?¡± She didn¡¯t answer me and just covered her mouth to keep on weeping.


    For some unknown reason, I hid Brylle at my back to protect him from Aedin.


    I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening anymore¡­


    ¡°Aedin? What¡¯s the matter?¡± Keian kneels in front of Aedin and held both of her cheeks.


    ¡°Kei. It¡¯s Brylle! M-My Brylle.¡± I may not fully know what¡¯s happening, but I¡¯m starting to step away from her along with Brylle.


    Because of what I¡¯m doing, Brylle looked scared and he holds on to my shirt while I was stepping backward.


    Keian thinks for a while before he put two and two together and finally gets what Aedin was saying.


    His eyes widened while looking at Brylle and me.


    And that confirmed my suspicion.


    ¡°No,¡± I stated.


    I don¡¯t care if I¡¯ll look like a viin here.


    ¡°Nass?¡± Keian calls with a pinch of anger in his voice as if he were warning me.


    ¡°I-I left him at my friend so he¡¯d be taken care of but I never thought that she¡¯ll abandon him like this.¡± I gave her a sharp look.


    ¡°I found him on the street ALONE when he was just 2 years old! Why didn¡¯t you find him?¡± She shook her head and tried going over to us but since her body is weak and fragile, she ended up falling on the floor.


    ¡°Aedin!¡± Keian immediately assists her back up.


    ¡°I never got to handle Kayden¡¯s death that¡¯s why I imprisoned myself. Please, I just wanted to hold my child.¡± I narrowed my eyes at her.


    I can¡¯t understand what she¡¯s trying to say.


    I don¡¯t know how long exactly Brylle has been living on the streets but didn¡¯t she ever bothered looking for him?!


    All I know is that Lolo died a year after I left his household. That means Tita Karina died almost 8 years ago.


    I raised an eyebrow at her.


    ¡°How long have you been living without Brylle?¡± My face showed no emotion.


    I can¡¯t point a finger as to what I¡¯m feeling but I don¡¯t want to hand Brylle to her.


    Her face is so familiar, I just can¡¯t remember where or when did Ist saw her.


    ¡°Nass! She just wants to hug Brylle!¡± I turned to Theo as he shouted.


    I shook my head, carrying Brylle in my arms real tight.


    ¡°Answer me.¡± Pain filled her eyes and she moaned in pain.


    ¡°A-Almost 5 years now.¡± I smiled bitterly at what she said.


    ¡°Nass! Just give Brylle to her.¡± I shed all of them a re and ran outside the mansion¡­

 Chapter 72

    ¡°Mama,¡± I heard Brylle whispered so I looked at him. He was looking from behind so I stopped.


    ¡°What is it, baby?¡± His grip on my shoulder tightened.


    ¡°Mama, thedy is crying. Why are you running away?¡± I took a deep breath and faced the ce where we just came from.


    ¡°Aedin!¡± I saw Aedin chasing after us.


    She was sitting on the grassy field and tried crawling towards us.


    I sighed, dropped Brylle on the ground, and helped her stand up.


    ¡°Please, let me hold my baby.¡± She looks at me hysterically.


    I furrowed my eyebrows at her.


    ¡°Tell me one thing that only the two of us would know about Brylle.¡± She stared straight to my eye.


    I thought she wasn¡¯t gonna be able to answer but she spoke.


    ¡°He has a mole at his left upper tigh.¡± She says, panting.


    I closed my eyes then turned to Brylle who seems like he wanted to get close to Aedin.


    ¡°Brylle,e here.¡± I smiled. He nods then went closer to me.


    ¡°Who is she, mama?¡±


    I bit my lip.


    ¡°She¡¯s your real mother, Brylle.¡± I stepped away from them and let Aedin envelope Brylle tightly in her arms.


    I turned away from the rest of them and went towards the gate.


    I don¡¯t want to stay here for a while.


    ¡ª


    I stopped in my tracks and curiously looked at a small cabin in the middle of the forest where the path leads to the mansion.


    I¡¯m curious about what¡¯s in this forest so I went here.


    And by walking, I ended up in this ce.


    There was a clearing and there were no trees surrounding the cabin.


    I went over the wooden cabin and looked through the window to check if there¡¯s anyone inside.


    I slid the sliding door and was surprised to have it opened.


    Could there be someone living here?


    Oh no! I might get issued for trespassing.


    ¡°Hello?¡± My voice echoed through the cabin. Nobody answered¡­


    I looked outside and made sure no one can see me before sliding the door back behind me.


    I don¡¯t think anyone lives here¡­ The ce is so dusty, there are a lot of cobwebs and the floor is dirty.


    Although the furnitures are covered by a cloth.


    I roamed my eyes around.


    This cabin is small.


    There are only three rooms in here, one for a living room, the other was a kitchen where there was a table standing.


    I opened another door and saw a bedroom that had a bathroom on the side.


    My eyebrows creased upon noticing that the room is tidy.


    Walking towards the bathroom, I also find it clean.


    Another thing I noticed is that the living room isn¡¯t that dirty or dusty.


    I sat on the bed, the nkets are neatly organised along with the pillows.


    I could only guess that someone goes here to sleep but never uses the kitchen. I turned my head sideways as Ie face to face with a closet.


    Perhaps no one woulde out of it, right???


    I stood up then slowly walk towards it.


    As I opened it, I was greeted by multiple pictures being contained in a stic.


    I grabbed the stic and my eyes widened as I saw the photograph contained a little boy that looked a lot like Keian.


    Getting all of the pictures out, I checked the solo pictures of Keian one by one when he was still a child.


    I smiled. He was so cute when he was little!


    I also checked the other photographs in the stic.


    .


    .


    .


    My smile faded as I saw a picture of Aedin with a man that seems to resemble Keian. In fact, he looks like Tito Andre.


    He must be Kayden.


    Keian¡¯s brother was just in high school when he met Aedin because most of the pictures shows them wearing a uniform. I also saw a few pictures of them in France.


    I grabbed a solo picture of Aedin when she was a child. She¡¯s so white and looks like a half-Filipina.


    My eyes trailed to the side of the picture.


    There¡¯s a child wearing a polo shirt that Diego liked to wear when he was young, as well.


    Realization hit me and immediately grabbed more of Aedin¡¯s pictures.


    The others pictures showed Diego¡­


    My hands covered my mouth as I saw a photo where Diego and I could be seen.


    I remember her!


    She¡¯s a kid who Diego and I used to y with a long time ago.


    I checked the back of the photograph and saw something was written.


    ¡®Aedin Fuentes. In the wonderful house of Khalil. I love you babe, you have the sweetest smile in the world.¡¯


    Sh8t!


    Kayden was kuya¡¯s friend who often visits the house along with another kid!


    If I remembered correctly, Diego and I were 7 years old at that time and Kuya was in the sixth grade.


    Don¡¯t tell me, our family had known Keian¡¯s family far longer than we thought!


    * crash *


    I jumped slightly as I heard some noises outside.


    I quickly returned the pictures in the stic then put it back inside the closet and closed it shut.


    I went out from the kitchen and saw Steven and Laiza who was shocked to see me here.


    Well, the feeling is mutual.


    ¡°You¡¯re actually here.¡± Laiza stated coldly.


    ¡°Uhhmm, sorry, I saw the cabin while walking. I¡¯ll leave now.¡± I was about to directly stride to the door but Steven held my arm to stop me.


    ¡°How selfish can you be?¡± My eyebrows creased, confused at what Steven just said even though I could feel a hinch of pain¡­


    ¡°If you just didn¡¯t took Brylle away from Aedin, she wouldn¡¯t have fainted.¡± I was shocked at what he said.


    I can¡¯t help but feel frustrated.


    ¡°You almost killed her, because you¡¯re selfish.¡± I lowered my head before letting out a bitter smile at Steven.


    ¡°I¡¯m just protecting Brylle. It¡¯s been almost five years since Brylle was taken away from Aedin, but why didn¡¯t she looked for him? We¡¯re just in one freaking town. I just thought it¡¯s disturbing that nobody ever bothered to look for him.¡± Laiza raised a brow at me.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you heard what Aedin said? She was depressed that time. Loosing your loved one is not easy. You don¡¯t know how that feels because you¡¯re just a careless and selfish b*tch.¡± I slowly blinked at Laiza.


    ¡°And one more thing, Aedin was being treated in a different province.¡± She adds.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m thinking this way because I¡¯ve been Brylle¡¯s mother for almost 3 years. I can¡¯t stand seeing a child on the streets all alone. I¡¯m sorry if I looked careless, but Laiza, I didn¡¯t just loose a loved one. I lost FOUR.¡± After saying this, I went out of the cabin.


    I know my reaction was all of a sudden and I could possibly offend another person but for me, it¡¯s just Brylle whom I¡¯m thinking about. Even though Aedin is his real mother, I can¡¯t just give him away just like that. Brylle was left on the streets and he could literally die if he stayed there.


    I was also kind of shocked at what Steven said. Maybe Aedin is really just that important to them.


    I went to a portion with a lot of trees and didn¡¯t realize that I¡¯m going in a different direction.


    I sighed at the conclusion that I¡¯m lost in the middle of nowhere.


    And those pictures that I saw earlier aren¡¯t doing any help.


    ¡°We can¡¯t really act right now. It¡¯s too risky. Their attention is all on Aedin.¡± I hid behind the trees as I heard voices talking to each other.


    I peeked and saw three men and a woman forming a loose circle.


    The three men are wearing suits like those of Keian¡¯s men.


    My eyes widened upon realising who the woman is.


    What is Jane doing here? And why is this group secretly talking? There¡¯s something suspicious on what they¡¯re talking about.


    I nearly gasped when I saw my older brother.


    I am not totally sure if that¡¯s him but he really looks like my brother.


    His face showed a serious expression and his eyes are cold.


    ¡°We have to think of another n. I don¡¯t know why but Nassandra just called me her kuya. When I¡¯ve been observing her, she seems really suspicious.¡±


    Talk about ME being suspicious. They¡¯re the ones having a rendezvous here.


    ¡°Nass? But why?¡± The guy who resembles my brother shrugged in response.


    ¡°Maybe someone from my past. Of course, I couldn¡¯t remember her. I still can¡¯t remember anything even after 3 years since that ident.¡±


    He had amnesia?! Then that means there¡¯s a possibility that he is really my brother! I never saw him die. After the death of Mama and Papa, I never heard anything about them anymore.


    ¡°Il Massimo Impero is also not making a move, that¡¯s great news.¡± Says another guy.


    His face is familiar and it looks like he¡¯s one of the guards whom I always run into.


    Looks like their nning something but I don¡¯t feel like their move is something bad or evil.


    ¡°Il Massimo Impero, however is still not stopping doing their monkey business. We need to barge in to their brothel, their victims are increasing.¡± My supposedly brother nods at what the other guy said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Chief, we need to act fast indeed.¡±


    ¡°Well, we need to convince Marques to help us, we¡¯re all going to the same destination anyway.¡± ¡®Kuya¡¯ shook his head.


    ¡°If we¡¯ll manage to make him agree. I¡¯m not really worried about their mafia business and besides, Chief said that we¡¯ll just let them be.¡± My mouth gaped in shock.


    Hold on! Are they police? And what kind of police would let a mafia go on? I¡¯m confused¡­


    As if noticing me, ¡®My brother¡¯ turned to the tree where I¡¯m hiding at.


    They fell silent and I heard footstepsing over to my direction.


    ¡°Hey,e out! We won¡¯t do you any harm.¡± Said one of the men.


    I don¡¯t fully trust what he said but I decided and slowly showed myself to them.


    If anything happened, I can do self defense, and I¡¯m pretty confident on my self defense skills.


    From his crouching position, My ¡®brother¡¯ stood up properly.


    ¡°It¡¯s you.¡± He pointed out. I nodded and he sighed.


    ¡°Just how long have you been hiding there?¡±


    ¡°Enough to find out that you¡¯re spying. But I¡¯m not sure if you really are the police.¡± While speaking, I set aside the fact that the man before me could be my brother whom I believe that died almost 5 years ago.


    He closed his eyes as he pinched the bridge of his nose.


    My heart beat fastened because that¡¯s what kuya exactly does to me whenever he¡¯s irritated or mad.


    ¡°No point in hiding. Yes, we¡¯re spying and we¡¯re not the police.¡± My head slightly turned sideways.


    ¡°Then, who are you? I¡¯m sure if Keian finds out that someone is spying on him, he will not be pleased.¡± I pointedly looked at Jane who bit her lip.


    ¡°Pshhh. You think they¡¯ll believe you? They almost threw you away like some trash.¡± My eyes stung at what he just said.


    Not because I was offended with his words but because the way he spoke is really like my older brother. Straightforward and usually speaks what¡¯s on his mind. Though he¡¯s really kind and sweet.


    Another man elbowed him and his eyes widened as he looked at me.


    Guilt filled his eyes.


    ¡°Shoot. Sorry, I am naturally like this.¡± I smiled.


    ¡°You sounded just like my brother.¡± He stopped at what I said and sighed.


    ¡°Let me make it clear, I don¡¯t really know you. I had amnesia and I still can¡¯t remember what exactly happened to me before my ident. If you think that I¡¯m your brother, then I cannot assure you. I¡¯m sorry about that.¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡°So what exactly are you doing here? I can¡¯t believe that Jane is not just a maid¡­¡± Jane pouted.


    ¡°Sorry. But the friendship that we developed isn¡¯t an act. I promise!¡± She cheerfully said. I shook my head at her and smirked.


    The man who looked like my brother raises a brow at me.


    ¡°You won¡¯t tell?¡± I sighed.


    ¡°Well, what you just said is right. They can¡¯t even let me exin first before making a judgement.¡± He gave me a side nce so I quickly add.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Not that I¡¯m not happy to be with them, and I know they are just protecting themselves.¡± He nodded at me.


    ¡°We work for an agency called D. I. A, it¡¯s not working for the government and it¡¯s still new. It¡¯s privately owned but we sometimes work together with the police and military.¡± I observed everything he just told.


    I never knew there¡¯s something like that here in the Philippines???


    ¡°We are here to observe Marques Mafia, and so far we have no problem.¡± My eyebrows creased.


    ¡°Even though they smuggle some weapons?¡± He took a deep breath and nodded.


    ¡°They are no threat to the society. Most of those that they kill are in our most wanted list. They care for innocent people. They¡¯re not far from us or the police. They don¡¯t really smuggle much, so it¡¯s fine. They even had the nerve to donate their profits. That¡¯ll serve as a payment. We mostly involved ourselves with criminals. We lend those who smuggle to the police.¡± I was surprised at what he said.


    First, is because that¡¯s what actually Keian and the others are doing and second, it¡¯s amusing that they don¡¯t think of Marques Mafia as an enemy.


    ¡°Wow, I¡¯m surprised you can still work with the police and military.¡± He shrugged.


    ¡°Me too.¡± He observes me from head to toe before speaking.


    ¡°Il Massimo Impero, however is not the same as here.¡±

 Chapter 73

    ¡± Il Massimo Impero, however, is not the same as here,¡± I slightlyughed at what he said.


    He used to be part of that mafia¡­


    ¡± So you won¡¯t do something about Keian and his friends?¡± His eyebrows arched at my question.


    ¡± No. Our enemy is Gaius Samiano,¡± I can¡¯t help but lower my head at the mention of the real name of Diego.


    ¡± Jax, we¡¯re going back,¡± My ¡®brother¡¯ nodded at the two men and turned to face Jane.


    ¡± Do you have something you need to do?¡± she looked at me and mowed her head up and down.


    Then I got surprised when she suddenly hugged me.


    ¡± I hope you¡¯ll still treat me the same as before,¡± she said with a hint of sadness in her tone.


    ¡± Of course,¡± she beamed at me then followed behind the two men.


    ¡± Come.¡± I became confused when Jax held out a hand in front of me.


    ¡± Huh?¡± He rolled his eyes, then held my hand and pulled me.


    ¡± I want to show you something,¡± we then reached the top of a cliff where there¡¯s a great view of the sun.


    I looked down the cliff and saw that there¡¯s water and I¡¯m guessing that there¡¯s a sea nearby.


    Wow. I didn¡¯t know there¡¯s something like this in the town.


    ¡± So? Is there any proof that you¡¯re working for an agency?¡± He chuckled at what I said.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    He reached for something inside the pocket of his suit then he showed me an ID that serves as proof that he¡¯s an agent.


    ¡± I never got to hear anything about that DIA,¡±


    ¡± You¡¯ll get to know it soon. I told you, it¡¯s still newly established.¡± I heaved out a sigh.


    I decided to sit down on the edge of the cliff, and it clearly made Jax nervous.


    ¡± You might fell there!¡± I ignored his remark and watched the disappearing sun.


    If I fell, at least I¡¯ll fell to the water.


    ¡± What happened to you? I mean, after your ident.¡± He looked at me in disbelief then sit down beside me on the edge of the cliff as well.


    *sigh*


    ¡± I woke up in a hospital, all alone. There was a doctor there, he was a military doctor, and he decided to adopt me. He paid for all my hospital bills. The police said that they found me full of bruises, gunshots, and blood in my clothes lying on the road. I¡¯m lucky I¡¯m still alive.¡±


    ¡± Jax? Is that your name?¡± He nodded.


    ¡± Hmmm. That¡¯s what Mr. Benji said. Honestly, I already let go of the thought that my family might still be alive 3 years ago, not that I remember them. But I used to think, I will remember them someday.¡± He nced at me with a smile on his face.


    ¡± I¡¯ll be really happy if you happened to be my sister. I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll rely on myself in the meantime.¡± I smiled back at him.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, I understand,¡± he stands up and ruffles my hair.


    Just like what he used to do when we¡¯re together as a family.


    ¡± Come on, let¡¯s go back,¡± I returned my eyes to the view in front of me.


    ¡± I¡¯ll stay here for a little while.¡±


    ¡± Okay, don¡¯t let yourself fall, alright?¡± after saying that, he left.


    I enjoyed the scenery alone.


    ¡ª


    I sighed as the sunpletely disappeared.


    I need to go back. I just remembered that Tiya is in there. I hope they¡¯re treating her well¡­


    When I faced the direction of the way back, I can¡¯t help but suck in my breath when I saw Keian standing right in front of me.


    I jumped in shock, and for a second, I thought I¡¯m going to fall down the cliff, but he managed to catch my hands.


    We stared at each other with wide eyes.


    ¡± Why are you on the edge of the cliff?!¡± He pulled to a safer ce, and I confusingly looked at him when he messed up his hair in frustration.


    ¡± Why are¡ª¡± I was cut off at what I¡¯m saying when I felt Keian¡¯s arms around me.


    He put his hands on the back of my neck and leaned my forehead on his chest.


    I can feel him slightly trembling.


    The beating of my heart is so fast¡­


    After being ignored for 5 days, he¡¯s now here in front of me, embracing me.


    I can¡¯t help but felt more confused.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry.¡± My eyebrows furrowed.


    I don¡¯t get him. He¡¯s been really cold and then now¡­


    I gently pushed him away from me.


    ¡± Uhmm¡ª what are you doing here? Oh wait, I¡¯m the one who stumbled in this ce, okay. I¡¯ll go now.¡± He tightly held my arms.


    ¡± What were you thinking, running like that? Aedin could¡¯ve¡ª¡± I gripped his shirt.


    ¡± I know that, Keian. It¡¯s a fact that I nearly killed her. That I¡¯m so selfish, careless, thoughtless, yeah yeah, I get it. Why did you even go here?¡± His forehead wrinkled.


    ¡± I want to talk to you,¡± I smirked at him.


    ¡± You could¡¯ve done that these past few days. I don¡¯t understand Keian. What did I do? What Diego said in the cafe is not true. After somehow spending the night with me, you suddenly disappeared. Not even showing yourself to me, avoiding me. Is that how much you regretted what we did that night? Don¡¯t you know how I feel¡ª oh, wait, I shouldn¡¯t exin myself. I won¡¯t destroy all your assumptions about me. I don¡¯t deserve to exin.¡± His eyebrows met, giving me a sharp look.


    ¡± I had to go to Aedin because she had an emergency. She¡¯s my brother¡¯s wife.¡± I grunted.


    ¡± Yeah, then I found you two kissing each other.¡± He froze at what I said.


    ¡± Kei, if you want, I¡¯ll go out of your life. I don¡¯t want to further danger Brylle so that the pain I¡¯m feeling won¡¯t get deeper. Just say the word.¡± His expression darkened.


    ¡± You¡¯re not leaving,¡± his voice is so cold and deep that it sends shivers down my spine.


    I let out a sigh.


    ¡± What are we, Keian?¡± He lowered his head and clenched his fist.


    ¡± If you only consider me as someone to be always by your side, then what for are the words you said to me in the past? Are all of those just faux? Not true? You can¡¯t expect me to always stay by your side when you are not mine. You told me and everyone that I¡¯m not just a maid, but I feel like I¡¯m worst than that.¡± He stepped closer to me, and for the first time this week, he looked at me without coldness.


    ¡± Don¡¯t you¡­ love me?¡± His voice is shaky and sad.


    I touched his cheeks.


    ¡± You clearly care more for someone else. Maybe she¡¯s the one you truly love. Don¡¯t hurt me more than what I¡¯m feeling right now. Maybe THIS TIME is not for us.¡±


    I left him staring mindlessly on the ground.


    I walked back to the road that I went on earlier.


    Trying to keep my tears from falling.


    I stopped walking when I heard a scream. My eyes raised at a bright light on my right side, where the mansion is ced¡­


    ¡± F*ck.¡± I looked at Keian¡¯s figure, swiftly running towards the mansion with wide eyes.


    My nose picked up the smell of burning wood and smoke.


    .


    .


    .


    ¡± Brylle!¡± I shouted and started running as well.


    The mansion is on fire!


    I saw a lot of people outside the house when I reached the gate.


    Most of them are just standing there, and others are helping to get water so the fire in the east wing, where the bedrooms are located, won¡¯t ignite further.


    The others are seated on the grass, coughing or have burns on their skin.


    ¡± Nassandra!¡± I looked at Tiya, who is on the grass with William on his side.


    ¡± Tiya!¡± I checked her body, and fortunately, she has no burns or injury.


    ¡± Are you alright?¡± She nodded at me.


    ¡± Y-Yes,¡± Her difficulty with breathing got my attention. She might have inhaled a lot of smoke.


    ¡± But Nassandra, I think Brylle is still inside.¡± My heart sank at what I heard.


    I nced at William, asking for him to take care of Tiya for a while, he nodded.


    I immediately run towards the mansion.


    ¡± Nassandra!¡± I ignored Tiya¡¯s shout and other men¡¯s rms and continued on running.


    It¡¯s been a while since I ran this fast. The anxiety that Brylle is in danger mixed with the adrenaline I¡¯m feeling.


    ¡± Nass.¡± Someone holds my wrist, so I looked up at Erick.


    My eyebrows furrowed, and forcefully pulled my wrist away from his grip and entered the mansionpletely.


    I was greeted by thick, suffocating smoke, but I didn¡¯t bother myself with it and ran in the bedrooms¡¯ direction.


    ¡± Brylle!¡± I opened the room¡¯s doors one by one, hoping to find Brylle.


    I¡¯m guessing that the fire started in Keian¡¯s bedroom¡­


    ¡± Mama.¡± I heard a soft voice called so I faced the direction I heard it from.


    I entered Aedin¡¯s bedroom and saw Brylle lying on the floor.


    I panicky approached his frail body.


    ¡± Brylle, it¡¯s me! Your Mama!¡± He weakly opened his eyes.


    He inhaled a lot of smoke already!


    I quickly carried him and brought Brylle outside the mansion.


    ¡± Nass!¡± I went to Jane that looked like doesn¡¯t have any injury.


    ¡± Go to the infirmary! We have a few agents there helping Maitre Theo and Maitresse Katie,¡± I nodded at her in thanks and runs to the HQ.


    When I entered the infirmary, I saw that many people are already lying in the beds. Most of them are wearing oxygen masks.


    ¡± Brylle! Brylle!¡± I tried waking up Brylle, but he won¡¯t open his eyes.


    ¡± Sh8t,¡± I dropped him to an avable bed and put an oxygen mask on his mouth and nose.


    I looked around to search for a stethoscope. When I saw one, I shakily reached for it.


    I leaned on the bed to not fall on the ground because my knees are getting weak and shaky because of the fear and nervousness I¡¯m experiencing.


    ¡± Nassandra.¡± I felt Theo helped me to stand properly.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡± His face is calm, but it¡¯s apparent that he¡¯s worried about what¡¯s happening right now.


    ¡± Brylle!¡± He looked at Brylle and nodded.


    ¡± Okay. I¡¯ll take care of him, I promise. You need to calm down. You might get into shock.¡±


    ¡± Please don¡¯t let him die.¡± He slightly smiled at me.


    ¡± Of course,¡± after that, I gave Theo space for him to start checking on Brylle.


    I know he¡¯s in good hands.


    I walked out of the infirmary, bbergasted.


    Then I realized that I have important things I left in Keian¡¯s room.


    The remaining physical objects I have to remember my family.


    Without hesitation, I ran back inside the mansion again.


    Not caring that the mes in Keian¡¯s room are already huge. I entered the room and searched for my bags where my things are located.


    I sighed in relief when I saw that the fire hasn¡¯t touched it yet.


    I took it quickly and was about to leave the room when I sat down on the floor and started coughing.


    I reached for a nket and wets it with water in the CR.


    Before I can entirely leave Keian¡¯s room, I also took a red box on his nightstand.


    Keian might need it¡­


    I heard shoutings when I was about to go down the stairs.


    ¡± Stop this already, Gaius! What you¡¯ve done this time is unforgivable!¡± I approached the ce where the voices are from, it¡¯s from one of the guest rooms here.


    Is that Aedin!?


    ¡± Come with me, Aedin. They took you from me. I did everything you want me to do. I even gave up our son, Brylle, just for you! You¡¯ll be happier with me, Aedin.¡±


    I peeked and saw Diego and Aedin talking.


    ¡± No, Gaius. This is too much. Besides, I will not stay long in this world anymore. And I¡¯m with Brylle again. He has an amazing mother. Stop this already. Nothing good will happen in revenge.¡± I got surprised at what Aedin said.


    So they¡¯ve known each other for so long?


    ¡± Why did you suddenly went to their side?! You used to help me manipte that Keiranz in the past!¡±


    ¡± I¡ª¡± Aedin fell to the floor as she holds her head.


    Diego took that moment to pull Aedin.


    I came out of my hiding ce and removed Diego¡¯s hand on Aedin¡¯s.


    His eyes widened upon seeing me.


    ¡± Ahhh, Nass. You are finally here to conduct your n? Just tell me, and I¡¯ll help you.¡± I coldly looked at him in his eyes.


    ¡± Are you the one who started this fire?¡± He grinned and nodded.


    ¡± Yeah, I¡¯m pretty great, right?¡±


    ¡± Diego¡­¡± I tightly embraced him.


    ¡± I¡¯ll meet you in Tito Elias¡¯ house,¡± He froze at what I said but immediatelyughed when he got hisposure back.


    ¡± Ow, okay! Hahaha! So you really do have a n. Okay okay. I¡¯ll go. Aedin! YOu¡¯re definitelying with me next time.¡± He left through the window, and I don¡¯t even want to know how he sneaked inside.


    I turned my head to Aedin when she coughed.


    ¡± T-The two of you have ns?¡± She weakly asked.


    ¡± No, it¡¯s nothing. Trust me,¡± she didn¡¯t question me further and just smiled.


    ¡± Hey,e on. Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± she shook her head.


    ¡± No. Just leave me here alone. I¡¯ll just slow you down,¡± I got frustrated at what she said.


    ¡± You think I¡¯m going to let you here to die?! Why don¡¯t you think of Brylle! I heard your conversation with Diego, but he¡¯s still your son! So don¡¯t underestimate me!¡± She softly chuckled.


    ¡± Sorry.¡± I rolled my eyes at her.


    ¡± I just wish that I got to get the box in Kei¡¯s room. Why did I even leave that there?¡± I rolled my eyes again and carried her in bridal style.


    ¡± I took it.¡± She smiled at me.


    Ha! I¡¯m strong, you know.


    ¡± Wow. I wish to be as strong as you.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t say that to me, I¡¯m getting ufortable,¡± yeah¡­ I¡¯m not friendly.


    ¡± Haha. Keian and you are perfect for each other.¡± I got silent at her remark.


    ¡± Thank you.¡± She leaned her head on my shoulder and her grip on my neck tightened.


    I swiftly went down the stairs, and I saw Keian entered the mansion.


    He got surprised when he saw Aedin and me.


    ¡± Is she alright?¡± I ignored his questions and came out to bring her to the headquarters.


    ¡± Nass!? What¡¯s her status?¡± I red at him.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know Keian, I can¡¯t check because I have to get her out of the fire immediately.¡± His jaw tightens.


    I just looked straight at the way to the HQ and ignored his reaction.


    ¡± Aedin!¡± When I entered the infirmary, Katie and Theo immediately went closer to Aedin.


    Iy Aedin down on a bed and distanced myself away to give the siblings some space.


    I went to a secluded area of the room, panting.


    Zeke and the others arrived and went to Aedin.


    I can¡¯t help but pull Maxence to me, who is thest to arrive.


    ¡± Nass?¡± I firmly put him beside me and leaned my head on his shoulders.


    ¡± Let me lean on somebody for a while¡­ let me sleep.¡±

 Chapter 74

    Third Person¡¯s POV


    It¡¯s been minutes since Nassandra closed her eyes, and Maxence is getting uneasy because his shoulder is getting numb.


    But he doesn¡¯t want to wake Nassandra from her rest because thedy really looked tired.


    Maxence sighed and gently faced Nassandra while supporting her head. He ns to carry Nassandra into one of the rooms here in the infirmary.


    He admits that he became close to Nassandra and considers her as a friend after their talk that night. She made him realize something he can¡¯t, and he¡¯s thankful for that.


    Maxence got confused when Nassandra¡¯s head falls on his chest.


    ¡± She¡¯s already in a deep sleep¡­¡± He mumbled.


    ¡± Nass.¡± He shook her shoulders to wake her up because he¡¯s not used to carrying someone in bridal style. He¡¯s nning on bringing her on his back.


    ¡± Hey. I¡¯ll carry you inside one of the rooms here. Please ride my back.¡± He didn¡¯t receive any response from Nassandra, so he gently pped her face.


    ¡± Hey,¡± still no response¡­ She¡¯s still not waking up.


    Maxence suddenly got nervous for an unknown reason, so he checked her pulse.


    ¡ª! He can¡¯t feel any pulse!


    His eyes widened, and he tried waking up Nassandra once again.


    ¡± Uhmm. Theo? Katie?¡± He looked at the two, but both of them are busy. Katie is tending to Aedin, and Theo¡¯s attention is on other patients.


    ¡± Maxence. What is it?¡± Katie asked as she¡¯s feeling restless because of Aedin state.


    ¡± I think Nassandra¡¯s not breathing! I can¡¯t feel a pulse either!¡± Theo looked at Maxence with a frown.


    ¡± She looks like she just fell asleep. Bring her to one of the private rooms so you will not obstruct anyone here in the infirmary. Almost everyone here is in worse conditions and already not breathing properly.¡± Maxence is not surprised at Theo¡¯s tone of speaking. He can hide his embarrassment when it¡¯s necessary, and this is one of those times.


    Maxence tried to wake Nass again, but the woman is not even flinching at all.


    Then suddenly, Nass almost fell to the floor, good thing that Maxence caught her before that happened.


    ¡± What happened?¡± He saw one of their men in ck who is helping here in the infirmary approached their position. The man has a license and a registered doctor.


    It¡¯s Jax.


    ¡± She¡¯s not waking up. I checked her pulse, but I didn¡¯t feel anything.¡± Jax furrowed his eyebrows and checked Nassandra¡¯s pulse himself.


    ¡± Shit,¡± Jax immediately carried Nassandra.


    ¡± Move! She got no pulse!¡± A man lying on a bed near them immediately got out of his mattress.


    Jax reached for his stethoscope and assessed Nass¡¯s airway and heartbeat.


    ¡± What the f*ck.¡± He swiftly climbed up the bed and started doing CPR.


    He can¡¯t hear any heartbeat on Nassandra, and it seems like shecks oxygen. It can be really dangerous for the brain, especially that she is unconscious.


    Jax removed Nassandra¡¯s top clothes.


    ¡± Theo! The defibritor!¡± Theo became shocked and just looked at the equipment Jax needed.


    ¡± W-Why?¡±


    ¡± Are you stupid?! The defibritor is near you! Hurry!¡± Theo froze in his position and became like a statue because of shock.


    Jax turned to Maxence.


    ¡± Maxence! Get the defibritor,¡± Maxence nodded and runs to take the defibritor while Jax is doing chestpressions.


    They prepared the equipment, and Jax reached for the two paddles that are used to revive.


    Theo¡¯s eyes widened in realization, and he instantly stepped closer so he will be the one who¡¯ll assist Jax.


    The weak heartbeats of Nassandra can be heard in the room until in went to tline.


    ¡± Charge¡­ Clear!¡±


    The ce went silent as they waited for the result of their charging.


    ____________


    Jax took a deep breath.


    ¡± Charge 300!¡± Theo nodded.


    The word ¡®clear¡¯ got out of Jax¡¯s mouth again.


    _____________


    Jax returned to doing CPR.


    But Nassandra¡¯s heartbeat remained tlining.


    The whole infirmary is quiet. Everyone is surprised at what happened.


    ¡± Come on.¡±


    ¡± H-Hey, it¡¯s been ten minutes¡­¡± Jax gave Theo a re and pped thetter¡¯s hand that he used to pat Jax¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡± Let¡¯s do it again.¡±


    ¡± B-But.¡±


    ¡± Just shut up and do your job!¡± Theo nodded while shaking and went closer to the defibritor again.


    ¡± Clear!¡±


    ____?__?__? (lmaoo is my heart monitor alright??? Hahahaha)


    Jax heaved out a sigh as he leaned on the bed frame, then he puts an oxygen mask on the woman.


    ¡± Nass¡­¡± Jax looked at the two doctors he¡¯s with now in this room.


    ¡± You¡¯re too upied with that friend of yours that you didn¡¯t think to even check Nassandra¡¯s condition!¡± The two Lewis siblings lowered their heads.


    Jax took the stethoscope he used then gave it to Theo.


    ¡± Next tie, when someone told you a person has no pulse, act like a doctor.¡± Theo clenched his fist at what he heard.


    Guilt filling his mind. Not only him but all his friends that are one this room as well.


    ¡ª


    Nassandra¡¯s POV


    I weakly opened my eyes.


    Hmmm?


    What happened to me?


    I looked around me and realized that I¡¯m in one of the rooms in the infirmary.


    A dextrose is injected into me, and there¡¯s even a heart monitor at my side.


    ¡± You¡¯re awake. We had to revive you. It¡¯s a good thing you didn¡¯t obtain any damage to your brain.¡± I looked at my brother, who is leaning on the wall while looking at me. Oh, my bad. He¡¯s not my brother, he¡¯s Jax. My mind went back to how many times I came back to the mansion that was in mes.


    I let out a sigh.


    Why does miss author always dangers my life?


    I nodded at Jax and stayed silent.


    How is Aedin? What happened to the mansion?


    ¡± What about Brylle?!¡± I sat down on the bed, and wants to leave the room for me to see Brylle.


    ¡± He¡¯s alright. He¡¯s recovering from smoke inhtion. Other than that, he doesn¡¯t obtain any more injury.¡± I lowered my gaze.


    I can¡¯t help but think that I¡¯m the one to me for what happened to Brylle.


    ¡± Ow.¡± I touched my head when I felt it ache.


    ¡± Hey, justy down for now. You lose consciousness for three days.¡± My eyes widened at what he said.


    Three days?! I was supposed to meet Diego two days ago!


    Shems.


    ¡± What¡¯s the matter?¡± I nced at Jax. He has dark eye bags under his eyes, and he looks super tired.


    He¡¯s only wearing a in t-shirt and jeans.


    Is he the one who stayed with me when I¡¯m still not awake?


    ¡± I-It¡¯s nothing.¡± His eyebrows met then he flicked my forehead.


    ¡± What the?!¡± I repeatedly blinked when I saw that he¡¯s smiling at me while tears are flowing out of his eyes.


    ¡± I remembered the time when we¡¯re still kids, and you almost died because of a fire. I don¡¯t know what I should do, and I med myself for that.¡±


    My mouth gaped.


    Does that mean¡­?


    ¡± Then when you woke up, you immediately asked for me even though I¡¯m the reason why you almost died.¡±


    I know that it happened when my brother is already in high school, and I¡¯m just in elementary school.


    One of our safe houses located far from Lolo that we always go to every summer got destroyed because of fire.


    My older brother is ming himself because he got out first, and I was left in my room alone.


    ¡± Y-You remembered?¡± He wiped his tears and nose then tightly embraced me.


    ¡± After seeing you in the field, my mind was always aching. I just remembered after the night I revived you.¡±


    ¡± Kuya!!!¡± I started crying as well.


    All along, my brother is alive. I thought that my family is gone forever, that I¡¯m all alone.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I left you alone.¡±


    ¡± I thought you were already dead¡­ After finally running away from Lolo, I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m supposed to do. I almost died because of hunger.¡± I told him.


    Can you me me for saying these things now? Before I even got to meet Brylle, I¡¯m all alone, there¡¯s no one there for me. I¡¯m not used to wandering on the streets because my parents do not really let me go out of our house.


    ¡± I know¡­ It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m here now. I won¡¯t leave you alone again.¡± I cried on his shoulders.


    In the past, we¡¯re always getting grossed out whenever we¡¯re hugging but not now.


    ¡± How did you manage to run away from Lolo?¡± I asked him after our cries stopped.


    ¡± I found the right time to get out of that ce. They managed to shoot me with 5 bullets, and I got a brain injury when I fell due to exhaustion. After that, my memories disappeared.¡± I nodded at what he said.


    ¡± I¡¯m so happy we¡¯re together, Khalil,¡± I smirked at him, and he pped the back of my neck.


    ¡± Me too, Pat.¡± My smile faded.


    ¡± Oh, sorry. Nass¡ª¡±


    ¡± Kuya, you need to help me.¡±


    His eyebrows furrowed in confusion.


    ¡ª


    2 dayster¡­


    ¡± Hey.¡± My eyes went up to the door where Keian entered.


    ¡± Hey.¡± He coldly looked at me then took a seat beside my bed.


    I¡¯m still in the infirmary, recovering. I also got to visit Brylle, and he¡¯s all fine now, but I know that he¡¯s Aedin¡¯s care.


    The renovation at the destroyed mansion is also starting.


    ¡± Uh, I¡¯m unable to visit you these past few days¡­ I apanied Aedin,¡± I smiled bitterly.


    ¡± It seems like it,¡± he was slightly surprised but then returned to his cold expression.


    ¡± So uhh, how are you?¡± I looked at him in disbelief.


    ¡± What are we, Keiranz?¡± I asked, slightly irritated.


    He got confused at my question.


    ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± What are we? What is our rtionship? Is it just a simple maid and boss rtionship? Friends? Or more than that? I don¡¯t understand you, Keiranz. You can¡¯t expect me to be okay after spending the night with someone important to me then found out that that person is gone in the morning. I tried to ignore the way you all are ignoring me, but I¡¯m not blind. I can also feel pain. Just say if you love Aedin so that I can distance myself from you. I want your attention too.¡± His expression darkened.


    ¡± Aedin is sick, Nass. I can¡¯t just leave her alone.¡± I clenched my fist at what he said.


    ¡± Should you be the one to take care of her? There¡¯s a lot of you who cares a lot for her. Can¡¯t you just speak to me to clear things up? YOu can¡¯t even look at me without being so cold. I got hurt, but your attention is still on hers. I almost died, but you can¡¯t visit these past two days. Sorry if I look pathetic to you. Maybe it¡¯s my fault for assuming. But Kei, please don¡¯t say that you love me, but here you are now. Your attention is on other people, it hurts. It¡¯s not right, but I envy her, Kei. I love you, so please don¡¯t torture me.¡± He froze upon hearing my words and stayed silent after.


    There. I said it.


    It took me two days to have the courage to say that in front of him.


    I feel frustrated. At the same time, sad.


    It¡¯ll be better if I leave this ce.


    ¡± I¡­¡±


    ¡± Please, let me quit, Keian. Let me go. Let me leave this ce. I¡¯m resigning from my job. Thank you for everything, but I can¡¯t stay here.¡± Suddenly, his eyes fill with panic.


    ¡± What?!¡±


    ¡± I sighed.


    ¡± I qui¡ª¡±


    ¡± No! No, you can¡¯t. I won¡¯t allow it. I want you to stay here, Nass.¡±


    ¡± Kei¨C¡±


    ¡± You¡¯ll stay with me. By my side.¡± I can hear the fear in his voice. I don¡¯t understand? What is he afraid to happen?


    ¡± Please, I don¡¯t want to be here anymore. Besides, Brylle might get in danger more,¡± he repeatedly shook his head.


    ¡± No. He¡¯s staying with Aedin,¡± I got surprised at his announcement.


    Oh wait, I just remembered I¡¯m not his real mother.


    ¡± You¡¯re staying with me, Nass,¡± he approached me and held my cheeks.


    ¡± Keian, I won¡¯t stay here¡ª¡±


    ¡± Look! I¡¯ll give you the attention that you want! Just, just don¡¯t go,¡± okayyy, at the way he said that, I just felt that he was forced to say that.


    ¡± I¡¯ll stay with you. I won¡¯t go to Aedin anymore. I¡¯ll give you everything you want. We¡¯re going to build a happy family if you want. So please, Nass. No¡­¡± I looked sadly in his direction.


    ¡± I think it¡¯s toote for you to say that,¡± to my surprise, I saw a tear fell down from his eyes.


    ¡± I want you, Nass. I¡¯m so sorry. I love you. I just worried so much for Aedin. And the reason why I can¡¯t talk to you is that I¡¯m feeling guilty about what I¡¯ve done. I nearly raped you, and I¡¯m scared that you¡¯ll go away after that. I thought I¡¯ll give you some space.¡±


    ¡± Well, the space you gave is too much.¡± He put his hand on the back of my neck and kissed me.


    I pushed him away gently.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Nass. I¡¯ll listen to you from now on. I¡¯ll stop being an asshole. I¡¯ll turn my back on everything for you. So don¡¯t say that you¡¯ll leave me. I don¡¯t want you to leave.¡±


    He put his head on the crook of my head and cried there.


    Right now, what I¡¯m seeing is the fragile Kei that Tito Andre told me about.


    It hurts me to see him like this, but nothing will change my mind anymore.


    I kissed him slowly, passionately until we have to separate to get some air.


    His manly hands hold my waist.


    ¡± I¡¯ll leave tomorrow,¡± his gaze breaks. Like a ss. All the effort he was doing to conceal his emotion is gone.


    He hugged me tightly and cried loudly.


    I¡¯m sorry, Keian¡­


    ¡ª


    ¡± Brylle. You stay here with your Mama Aedin, okay? I¡¯lle and visit you if I can.¡± He sadly nods his head at me.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Brylle and I already talked yesterday night, he insists that I stay with him, but I can¡¯t¡­ Aedin¡¯s there anyway.


    Aedin and I also talked about the conversation between her and Diego that I heard the night of the fire. That Brylle is not Kayden¡¯s son.


    That information is bothering, but I have no ns to tell that to Keian, especially since our problem is still not solved.


    ¡± I¡¯ll miss you, Mama. I love you so much,¡± I smiled at him and gave him a tight embrace.


    ¡± Me too, Brylle.¡±


    I¡¯m going home today to Tiya Anne. William and her returned to the house just two days ago. Tiya is okay and has no injury, she just happened to inhaled a lot of smoke.


    I stood up and looked at Keian standing far from us. I can see his cold expression that even seemed angry.


    I lowered my head and went to the car William is driving.


    ¡± Nass.¡± I nodded at William and entered the car.


    ¡± William, can we go to somece else before to our house?¡± He looked at me from the rearview mirror with confusion.


    ¡± Sure.¡±

 Chapter 75

    ¡°Manong, kindly drop me here.¡± The taxi driver looks at me with a confused expression.


    ¡°Miss, where are you really going? There are no people around here. This is a dangerous ce.¡± I turned to the old man.


    While he was giving me a ride, we were conversing with each other a bit and I could think he¡¯s a good guy. So I smiled at him.


    ¡°Just please drop me here, I¡¯ll walk my way down the road.¡± His eyebrows furrowed and he scratched his nape.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you, then. Fine, take care.¡±


    ¡°Yes, here¡¯s my payment. Thank you.¡± I went out of the taxi and as the car drove away, I started walking down the familiar road.


    I was here not too long ago¡­


    I left the mansion yesterday and I have decided to visit this ce today.


    That¡¯s where an old house showed itself in front of my very eyes¡­


    Memories of Nathan came rushing back to me and everything that¡¯s happened that dawn time.


    ¡°Pat!¡± Two men walked out from the house and I concluded that one of them is Diego while the other is Tito Elias.


    My eyebrows met the minute Diego immediately runs over to me and wrapped me around his arms.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°Oh my ghad. I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay.¡± What? I¡¯m so confused right now¡­


    ¡°I heard you nearly died because of that fire. Oh¡ªsorry, Pat.¡± I blinked my eyes several times.


    What on earth is Diego saying? It¡¯s like he¡¯s not the man I saw in the mansion, different when I first saw him in the mall.


    ¡°W-What?¡± He breaks away from me and held both of my cheeks.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± My jaw dropped and I immediately removed his hands away from my cheeks.


    ¡°What are you saying, Diego? You¡¯re sorry that you set up that fire? What¡¯s going on? It¡¯s like you¡¯re a whole different person than when I saw youst time?¡±


    His face saddened as he and Tito Elias looked at each other.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside first.¡±


    I stopped him when he tried to pulled me in.


    ¡°Wait¡ª¡± His grip tightened on my arm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go inside.¡± He muttered out with emphasis.


    My expression turned cold and so I let him pull me inside.


    I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on but it looks like there will be changes to my n.


    We went towards the couch inside the house and I can¡¯t help but notice Tito Elias silence whole time.


    I raised my eyebrows but stayed quiet while waiting for Diego to speak.


    .


    .


    .


    ¡°Look, we¡¯re being watched so we have to put an act. He¡¯s got watchers and cameras everywhere.¡± This made me even more confused.


    ¡°An act? And who is HE?¡± Diego hesitantly looks through my eyes.


    ¡°Your Lolo, Nass. He¡¯s still alive.¡± Call me a crazy woman but this made meugh out loud.


    Since I¡¯m feeling they¡¯re trying to make meugh.


    ¡°Haha. Lolo? Alive? But Keian and the others already killed him!¡± He looked at me with a serious expression.


    ¡°Do you think a newly established and young mafia can kill Maximo? You and I both know how difficult it is to kill that old man. And now, he¡¯s got more allies. He have a loyal dog by his side, and that dog is powerful so that makes him more powerful. And HE KNOWS that you¡¯re still alive, Pat.¡± I shook my head at him.


    That¡¯s a joke, right? I alreadyughed so why aren¡¯t they stopping their prank yet?


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    ¡°Pat¡±


    ¡ª


    ¡°Pat. You need to believe me. Maximo got our necks in his leash so we don¡¯t have a choice.¡± Diego points his thumb at himself then to Tito Elias.


    I took a nce at Tito, for once, I got to see his gentle face. Wearing a forlorn expression.


    ¡°No! That¡¯s not true!¡± I shouted.


    I am so puzzled at everything that I didn¡¯t know what to do. Panic is rising inside me.


    Diego went closer to me and firmly held both of my shoulders.


    ¡°Pat! Look at me!¡± I continued to shake my head and struggled to get away from him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me Pat. I¡¯m disgusted by that name.¡± He was a bit surprised at what I said and he seemed like he wanted to ask something but he chose to calm me down first.


    He held my chin so we were both looking at each other.


    ¡°Pa¨C Nassandra. Calm down. It¡¯s okay. You¡¯re safe here. There are no cameras here, this ce is clean.¡± I didn¡¯t believe his words and decided to look around the house so I could make sure of it myself.


    But I can¡¯t see anything. Just like what he said.


    ¡°B-But how?¡± He grips on my shoulders more tightly.


    ¡°You may not know this but Maximo has a twin brother. He¡¯s most likely the grandfather you bonded with. And that one L fell in love with. But Maximo took everything that his brother owned. The man that Keian¡¯s mafia killed was not Maximo, but his brother.¡± I fell silent.


    I honestly didn¡¯t know what to say.


    I¡¯ve heard too much information right now.


    Diego helps me sit on a chair because my knees are trembling as it¡¯s making me weak.


    ¡°So Tito Elias being a jerk is all just an act?¡± I threw him a re.


    He helped Lolo Maximo¡­


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m still that person. I didn¡¯t change. I¡¯m sorry for everything that I¡¯ve done to you, Nass. Dad has crossed the line too much already so I had to do everything to stop him.¡± I heaved out a sigh at what he said.


    ¡°So who is yours and Papa¡¯s real father?¡± As I asked, he quickly turns away to avoid eye contact with me.


    ¡°My real father is Maximo. But your father¡¯s¡­¡± I nodded, understanding what he¡¯s trying toprehend.


    That my Papa¡¯s real father was Lolo Maximo¡¯s twin brother.


    This family is a mess.


    I wonder if Papa knows any of this?


    ¡°How can you be so sure that Lolo doesn¡¯t have any hidden cameras in here?¡± Tito Elias shrugged.


    ¡°I check this ce everyday. I don¡¯t want anybody observing my every move. Somebody might know what I¡¯m doing. I¡¯m an inventor, Nass. Not a fool.¡± I narrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡°Then how can I be sure that you two are not just putting an act, saying you¡¯re acting the whole time?¡± I saw sadness crossed on Diego¡¯s face.


    ¡°We can¡¯t show you how but you need to put your trust in us. We all have the same enemy, Nass. And that¡¯s Maximo.¡±


    ¡ª


    My eyes followed Diego who ced a cushion on the floor and goes back to the closet to get some pillows. Lastly he puts them all on his bed.


    I am outside the house, sitting on an old swing that was there, all day.


    I didn¡¯t bother eating lunch and I am also nning on not eating dinner but Diego convinced me to.


    Now, since there are only two rooms inside Tito Elias¡¯ house, one room belongs to Tito and the other had me and Diego share in it.


    He insisted that I sleep on his bed.


    That¡¯s why he¡¯s currently preparing his sleeping ce.


    ¡°Nass. Your look actually scares me so stop.¡± I shot him another re and pouted.


    I still don¡¯t have the nerve to trust him but for now I¡¯ll just go with the flow. I¡¯m also starting to think of a back-up in case I discover that they¡¯re not that trustworthy.


    ¡°You used to say that to me.¡± He looked back at me from his shoulder and smiled bitterly.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    I looked down on the floor and moved my feet back and forth like a child.


    ¡°What happened to you, Diego? Why didn¡¯t we see each other again when we were 16 years old?¡±


    His whole body stiffened, then he turns away from me and sat Indian seated on the floor.


    He sighs.


    ¡°That time, when L died, I couldn¡¯t handle staying at the mansion. I considered her as my real mom. Lolo Maximo told me that it was Keiranz¡¯s father who killed L, I believed him that time that¡¯s why I nned to have revenge. For two years, I trained. I observed the Marques. I even went to France. Then when ¡®Lolo¡¯ died, I went back to the Impero to check if you¡¯re doing alright because both of you were so close to each other.¡± I saw Diego¡¯s fists were clenched.


    ¡°When I came back, I heard that you were gone. Lolo said that you died. He acted like the innocent and pitiable twin brother of Maximo and I was deceived by that. He made me believe that the Marques were the ones who killed you and my family so I grew angrier at them. He took me in, trained me more hardly. Not long after six months, I unveiled his secret. That he¡¯s just acting as his twin brother. But that didn¡¯t change my perspective of the Marques.¡± He faced me and I could see sadness and anger in his fearures.


    ¡°Until recently, I found out you were still alive and us meeting at the mall was the proof. I asked him about you, Nass. And he had known for a long time that you¡¯re still living. He even knows about Brylle. I started suspecting him, that he¡¯s still hiding something from me and my hunch was right. Keian wasn¡¯t the one who killed your family. And that¡¯s where I also knew that my real father is Sir Andre. I was holding so much anger for him without knowing I¡¯m also a Marques.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°I talked to Tito Andre yesterday.¡± He looked at me, shocked.


    Tito Andre is still here in the Philippines and he¡¯s giving support to Keian right now especially a part of the mansion was burned.


    Yesterday I went to him first before going to Tiya¡¯s house.


    -shback-


    ¡°You¡­ are Gaius Samiano¡¯s real father?¡± He looked at me with surprise that he almost spilled the wine he¡¯s drinking. We¡¯re currently in his office inside his mansion.


    ¡°H-How did you know¡­?¡± I bit my lip.


    ¡°He¡¯s my friend.¡± I couldn¡¯t exin Tito Andre¡¯s expression, but I could see a hint of nervousness on his face.


    ¡°H-Have you told Kei yet?¡± I shook my head in response to his question which made him sigh in relief.


    ¡°Thank God.¡± His hands reached his face to cover.


    I waited for him to calm down.


    He gazed up at me with a tired expression written all over his face.


    ¡°He¡¯s your friend?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. I call him Diego.¡± He raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Diego¡­ where did you first met¡ª wait. You were a part of Il Massimo Impero!¡± He shouted and stood up.


    My eyes widened with fear and nervousness. I know Tito Andre is scary but I didn¡¯t expect it to be more than what I think¡­


    ¡°Y-Yes sir. But not anymore. I will never go back there ever again.¡± His face was filled with confusion and the next thing he had is a cold expression.


    ¡°I¡­ regret cheating on Karina. She doesn¡¯t deserve me. I wanted J to abort the child but at the same time, I don¡¯t want to kill an innocent baby. So I provided support for them, secretly. When J died, I lost connection with my son. But it went back when Maximo died.¡± Just by mentioning Maximo¡¯s name, Tito Andre¡¯s eyes were ultimately filled with anger.


    My heart was suddenly racing as soon as I thought of what possibly happened.


    ¡°Tito¡­ are you somehow letting Diego get inside Marques Manufacturingbs?¡± He took a sip from his wine ss and casually nodded.


    ¡°Yes. He seems to be really interested on the products.¡± Upon hearing that, it felt like a punch in the guts.


    -End-


    ¡°He didn¡¯t know you¡¯re in Il Massimo Impero.¡± He wasn¡¯t surprised at my statement anymore.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I nned. The benzos and the gadgets, we were able to modify it because I get to enter theirbs whenever I wanted. You, getting drugged is not my intention, Nass. I knew how Lolo lied that time but he had already held me and Tito Elias by our necks. I care for Brylle even though we haven¡¯t seen each other yet and he threatened to kill him including your Tiya.¡± I gasped.


    Lolo knows about me and Brylle! All this time I thought the ce we¡¯re living in ispletely safe.


    That thought makes me want to puke in sadness.


    I even got to drag Tiya in all these problems of mine.


    ¡°I also had to put the mansion on fire, I¡¯m sorry Nass.¡± I feel empty. I¡¯m so useless. If worsees, I couldn¡¯t protect Brylle and Tiya alone.


    ¡°Nassandra,¡± He softly said almost loud enough to be a whisper.


    ¡°Why did you have to run away from home? We both know that Lolo Maximo wouldn¡¯t dare hurt you let alone kill you even  though the old man you used to spend a lot with when we were children was his twin brother. They both equally loved you.¡± My eyebrows creased and I could feel furiousness building up inside me.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± He looked puzzled.


    ¡°Which?¡±


    ¡°That Lolo made me his¡­ whore.¡± Diego¡¯s eyes widened as if he had just seen a ghost.


    ¡°He PLAYED with me, while he¡¯s torturing my parents. He was the one who killed Mama and Papa. It¡¯s too much, I didn¡¯t want to be in that ce anymore so I had to leave.¡± My voice almost became t as I spoke.


    That memory did not help on what I¡¯m feeling right now.


    ¡°What the f¡ª?!¡± Diego stood up and quickly goes closer to me.


    ¡°He f¡ªing what?! He was also the one who killed your parents?!¡± I furrowed my brows at him again.


    ¡°You thought Keian killed Mama and Papa?¡± I raised my voice a bit.


    He stopped.


    ¡°He¡­ he¡ª¡± He leans his head on my shoulder while still standing up.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have left you, Nass. I-I thought that¡­¡± I looked down as I saw a tear falling from his eyes and he didn¡¯t even bothered wiping it away.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Nass. This is all my fault. I¡¯m going to KILL him.¡± I enveloped him in a hug and carefully rubbed circles around his back to calm him down.


    Why do I feel like Brylle and Diego gives me the same vibe and aura? They¡¯re totally father-son.


    Haistttt.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Diego. It¡¯s in the past now.¡±


    ¡ª¨C

 Chapter 76

    ¡°You knew what happened to Nassandra yet you didn¡¯t do anything about it?!¡± I winced as Diego punched Tito Elias once again which made him fall down on the floor with his nose and mouth bleeding.


    His face is already swelling with all the punches he received.


    I actually feel bad for him.


    So before Diego could throw him another punch, I already pulled him away from our uncle.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Diego. I¡¯m okay. I am right here with you. So please, stay calm.¡± He stared at me for a second. His expression slowly softened.


    He held my cheeks as if he was in pain just by looking at me.


    Then he runs out of the house to which I just let him be.


    I looked at Tito Elias.


    ¡°Wow. That look suits you.¡± He shots me a re.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± He sarcastically replied.


    With his left leg up, he rests his left arm on it then looks back at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Pat. I mean, Nass. For everything.¡± I see guilt in his eyes. I rolled my eyes at his statement.


    ¡°Wait a second. I¡¯ll just grab my cellphone and record your apology.¡± He made a grimaced face.


    Yeah. I hate him¡­


    ¡°You b*tch.¡± I can¡¯t contain myughter anymore and I almost stopped as he alsoughed along with me. As in, he is really happilyughing. Not like a demonicugh or something.


    ¡°Okay. Thest time I saw you, you weren¡¯t like this. Are you high? You might¡¯ve been using too many drugs.¡± He narrowed his eyes at me.


    ¡°Firstly, I don¡¯t take drugs. Secondly, I got to see my familyst week but my father decided to kill them.¡± My mouth gaped upon hearing what he just told.


    ¡°You have a family?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. They¡¯re on the other side of this country but Dad still managed to find them.¡±


    His eyes flickered to me.


    ¡°Now, I know what you¡¯re feeling when you lost your family. I¡¯m such a jerk, Nass. I want to say sorry for that.¡± My face turned serious.


    ¡°You know that I can¡¯t forgive you that easily, but I¡¯m giving you a chance here. So don¡¯t let me take it from you.¡± I am so close to getting my phone and take a picture of Tito Elias smiling from ear to ear.


    ¡°Okay, Nass¡­ Thank you.¡± I narrowed my eyes.


    He surely did change a lot¡­


    ¡°Once Keiranz arrive here, act the way you should. That¡¯s your n when you came here, right?¡± I raised my eyebrow at him.


    ¡°What?¡± He just smirks at me in response.


    Later on, I heard someone shouting.


    ¡°Let me go! Where is Nassandra?!¡± I stopped as I heard Keian¡¯s voice. And he¡¯s also getting closer to the house.


    I turned to Tito Elias whoughed as if he transformed back to the way he was before.


    ¡°I told you, she¡¯s inside.¡± I bit my lip and turned around to look at the door.


    They know my purpose ining here?


    But¡­


    My eyes widened as the door opened and saw Keian with a wound on his shoulder as if a bullet grazed him. Diego was right behind him who also returned to his cold expression.


    Keian looks at me.


    ¡°Nass! Are you okay?¡± Despite being confused at everything, I nodded.


    ¡°Why did you text me, Nass? What are you doing here with these bastards?!¡± I observed Keian and saw he was just wearing in old jeans and a in t-shirt. Totally different from how I always see him wearing a suit.


    They used my number to text Keian and make hime here?!


    What on earth are they nning to do?!!!


    I felt Tito Elias getting up from the floor and went behind me then held both of my shoulders firmly.


    I saw Keian¡¯s jaw tightens at how Tito is so close to me.


    ¡°Come on, Nass. Act.¡± My eyes went to Diego who simply nods his head at me.


    I didn¡¯t expect any of this.


    Yes. I nned to pretend to be a traitor to Keian and also pretend that I¡¯m siding with Diego. But then I discovered that they¡¯re just leashed under Lolo¡¯s finger.


    This is what I nned but feels like I¡¯m not ready to execute it for now.


    ¡°Nass?¡± I returned my gaze back to Keian whose face was filled with confusion.


    I heaved out a sigh and made my face expressionless.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious, Kei? It¡¯s a bait. You¡¯re always biting whenever Diego and I make a n.¡± He was surprised at what I just announced. Even I was shocked as to where my cold voice came from.


    ¡°What are you saying¡­?¡± I smirked at him.


    This is just the beginning yet I already wanted to stop¡­


    ¡°What I¡¯m saying is, everything you suspected me with is true. I¡¯m the one giving information to Il Massimo Impero. You can¡¯t say that I¡¯m the traitor since I was never on your side from the very beginning.¡±


    Shit.


    I suddenly wanted to cry after seeing the reaction on Keian¡¯s face.


    As if he was filled with extreme sadness, then went to frustration, and went back to his casual cold expression.


    ¡°So, what are you going to do with me now?¡±


    ¡°Oh you¡¯re¡ª¡± Diego was about to answer him but he suddenly lets out a dagger out of nowhere and threw it in my direction.


    I almost couldn¡¯t breathe after realizing what is happening.


    I thought the dagger was going aimed at me but it only ended up grazing my cheek and went directly at Tito Elias who was right behind me all this time.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    ¡°Nass!¡± Keian took this opportunity to grab Deigo¡¯s gun and quickly pointed it at him.


    I sat on the floor because of the thought that I had almost been hit by Keian¡¯s knife.


    ¡°I may be fooled. But I¡¯m not dumb. I shouldn¡¯t have let you go, Nass.¡± Mine and Keian¡¯s eyes both met each other in unison.


    ¡°What should I do with your friend, Nassandra? The one behind you couldn¡¯t use his right hand anymore.¡±


    ¡°F¡ª you!¡± I turned to Tito Elias whose hand was stuck to the wall using the dagger.


    ¡°Oh!¡± I returned my eyes to Keian and saw that he stabbed Diego right on his abdomen.


    ¡°Diego!¡±


    ¡°I want to kill him but I¡¯ll torture him first. For all those innocent people he killed.¡± Anger shed in his eyes and once again he stabbed Diego.


    ¡°Keian! Wait.¡± Thetter just stared at me as he repeatedly stabbed the man in his arms.


    ¡°N-Nass.¡± Blood was already dripping down from his mouth. I immediately stood up.


    ¡°No Keian, stop!¡± He was about to stab Diego once more till I shouted.


    ¡°He¡¯s your brother!¡± After hearing that, he ultimately lets go of the weapon he¡¯s holding.


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± I was about to answer him but Diego quickly hits him on the neck which caused him knocked down on the ground.


    I went closer to Diego and tried making his wounds stop bleeding.


    It¡¯s deep¡­


    I was already shaking with nervousness and fear that Diego might die and also because of telling Keian that he has another sibling.


    ¡°That bastard! He broke my hand!¡± I turned back at Tito Elias with a re.


    ¡°Call some help! Diego might run out of blood real soon!¡± He madly looks at me.


    ¡°If you want to keep him alive, we have to go where Maximo is. We can¡¯t just go to other hospitals. We might get caught and our n would be ruined!¡± I bit my lip as I am already running out of options to do.


    I don¡¯t want to see Lolo! Maybe¡­ that thing that happened to me in the past will repeat itself.


    Tito Elias thought of what he just said and chose to shut up.


    I sighed.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I look at him with a determined look.


    Hopefully, I wouldn¡¯t see Lolo as soon as possible.


    ¡ª¨C


    Arghhhh!


    This is so irritating!


    I just mentioned earlier that I didn¡¯t want to see Lolo. But as the men from Il Massimo Impero arrived to treat Diego and imprison Keian, we are now walking towards Lolo¡¯s room.


    I was not very familiar with the house we came in.


    I didn¡¯t know what happened to the mansion where we used to live but I could only guess that this house is a safe house owned by Lolo.


    ¡°Hi, Miss Pat. Long time no see.¡± I narrowed my eyes at one of the men that are with us right now.


    I remembered he¡¯s one of Lolo¡¯s loyal men who¡¯s been working for him for a long time which his attitude was as ugly as the boss himself.


    Oops. That was a bit harsh.


    I didn¡¯t bother entertaining the man so I chose to keep silent.


    Aside from the fact that I¡¯m irritated, there was a crawling feeling inside of me that just gets worse in every step I took, getting closer to the door of the room.


    I also noticed Tito Elias stayed quiet.


    We entered inside a room and I immediately saw an old man sitting on the bed with a nket wrapped around the lower part of his body and beside him was a man with a pretty good body build.


    Fear immediately ran through my system as I saw Lolo¡¯s face.


    It¡¯s real. He is alive!


    My knees got weak and suddenly I felt exhausted but I forced myself to stand up on my ground.


    ¡°Pat. My granddaughter.¡± I started trembling as I heard his voice.


    ¡°You¡¯re still pretty as ever. It looks like your body became more mature.¡± I wanted to scream right in front of his face but it was as if I had lost my voice.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to change sides, Pat. WHAT¡¯S YOUR PLAN?¡± I closed my eyes and mentally told myself to calm down.


    Whatever happens, I won¡¯t respond to him.


    ¡°Oh? We¡¯re in silent treatment terms? How unfortunate.¡± I lowered my head so he wouldn¡¯t see the expression on my face at the moment.


    It looks like I had just seen a ghost.


    Well, all I thought, Lolo was dead. But here he is right in front of my very eyes, alive and kicking.


    Lolo gestured something at the man beside him and I saw it walked closer to me.


    He harshly held my arm and pulled me towards Lolo¡¯s bed.


    That¡¯s where I noticed the I. V. being attached to him.


    As I got closer to Lolo, he immediately pulls my hair from the back of my head.


    I avoided eye contact with him.


    ¡°You thought you¡¯ve run away?!¡± He held my jaw and made me face him.


    Looking through his eyes, EVERYTHING that he¡¯s done to me came rushing back to my memory.


    ¡°You can¡¯t run away from me, Pat. And now you¡¯re here. I guess you missed me so much that¡¯s why you left that Marques¡¯ir!¡± I am still not speaking as I bravely looked at him.


    Even though there were tears flowing down from my eyes¡­


    ¡°Oh, Pat. You know that I won¡¯t hurt you. We had fun 4 years ago. Why don¡¯t we do it again.¡± This made me want to cover my ears in annoyance. Just so I wouldn¡¯t hear everything he¡¯s saying.


    I wanted to run so his face wouldpletely get out of my sight.


    ¡°Sir,¡± Called Lolo¡¯s personal man.


    Lolo¡¯s heart rate quickens and I could feel his grip on me getting lighter every second.


    He lets me go which made me sit on the floor.


    The men carried me away from Lolo who¡¯s now having difficulty breathing.


    ¡°See you, Pat. Don¡¯t run, you are surrounded.¡±


    They dragged me out of the room while Tito Elias was being left inside.


    They let me go once we were out of the room.


    ¡°Wow. What a show.¡± I looked at the man whom as far as I can remember, his name is Tim.


    I angrily pushed him against the wall and held his neck real tight to choke him.


    ¡°Ack!¡± The other men were about toe over to me but Tim gestured for them to stop.


    ¡°Stop.¡± He looks at me.


    ¡°Oh, are you panicking, Pat?¡± I squeezed his neck even more.


    All of the emotions that I felt earlier were directly focused on him.


    I can feel that his lungs are not receiving enough oxygen and we both know it.


    ¡°You should be the one panicking.¡± As I said those words, the panic was literally seen in his eyes now.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Diego?¡±


    ¡°H-He¡¯s at the 3rd floor, the fourth room from the stairs.¡±


    As soon as his eyes are about to close on their own, that¡¯s where I decided to let him go.


    Walking away from them, another man was about toe to touch me but I immediately pointed Tim¡¯s gun at them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t follow me. We all know that I can kill you all within seconds.¡± They all looked at each then took a step back.


    Since we all knew that I couldn¡¯t run away from this ce anymore.


    The security in this ce is totally far from an exaggeration. Much worse than those at Keian¡¯s.


    And besides, I needed to execute my n¡­


    I clenched my fists while marching my way to the room where Diego is.


    I went inside and saw the man was walking around in circles back and forth as if he wasn¡¯t stabbed three times.


    He turns to me.


    ¡°Nass!¡± He was about toe over and hug me but his wound prevented him to do so I assisted him back to his bed.


    ¡°You should stay in bed.¡± I sat on the sofa beside the bed.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stay still. Because of me, you were already brought here early.¡± I looked at him with no emotion.


    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself. I would end uping back here whatever we do. What¡¯s wrong with getting here early?¡± He furrowed his eyebrows at me.


    ¡°What did he do to you?¡± He angrily asked.


    ¡°Nothing. He just dug up some memories.¡± He looks at me sternly before letting out a sigh.


    ¡°Well, I have to warn you. Your life here will gonna be hell.¡±


    ¡°It already is.¡±

 Chapter 77

    Warning: May have sensitive scenes in this chapter. Please be open-minded. Thank you.


    ¡± Where are we going?¡± I asked Trikj. He¡¯s the one who is always by my grandfather¡¯s side.


    I think he¡¯s one of what Lolo called as powerful allies. Trikj seemed like he owns a gang, and my grandfather owns it and controls it.


    Trikj told me his name though I¡¯m not even asking for it. His name is odd. It looks like it¡¯s Russian.


    We sometimes talk, and I can feel his warm heart. He¡¯s a good person. But he seemed like he has a lot of debt to pay to Lolo, so he¡¯s willing to do anything to Lolo.


    ¡± I was ordered, miss, to bring you to this ce.¡± I don¡¯t know why but he and Erick have simrities. Both of them have a big build, bodybuilders, and almost with the same voice.


    We are currently walking in an underground facility, and there¡¯s a never-ending line of rooms on my left and right.


    This is my 2nd day here, and I¡¯m fortunate that my grandfather has not done anything to me yet.


    *thud*


    My eyes widen when I hear someone getting hit.


    We reached a room with its door opened, and there, I saw Keian getting whipped.


    I sucked in my breath when I saw the state he¡¯s in right now. He has a lot of injuries and wounds on his upper body.


    He is only wearing rugged pants, and its color is almost covered with Keian¡¯s blood. He is lying on the floor, with chains keeping him from running away as he struggled with all his strength.


    He noticed me and looked in my direction.


    ¡± Are you pitying me? YOU¡¯RE THE ONE WHO BROUGHT ME HERE!!!¡± He stands up and nned to walk to me, but he was stopped by the chains on his wrists.


    It¡¯s like he has no injuries at all at the way he¡¯s trying to pull the chains.


    I diverted my gaze from him and leaned on the wall.


    ¡± What are you doing?¡± I asked Trikj in a soft voice. He raised a hand, and the men stopped what they¡¯re doing to Keian.


    ¡± Sir Maximo will give you a conditionter. If you refuse, he¡¯s going to be beaten till death.¡± I heaved out a sigh.


    ¡± Wait! Maximo?!¡± Trikj gave a signal, and the men inside the room came out and locked the door.


    ¡± Maximo is alive?!¡± They ignored Keian¡¯s question and apanied me towards my grandfather¡¯s room.


    ¡± Oh. Good morning, Pat.¡± I red at him and didn¡¯t respond to his greeting.


    ¡± You¡¯re making my heart ache, Pat. Talk to me.¡± I lowered my head.


    ¡± So, did you see Marques?¡± When I don¡¯t answer him, he sighed.


    He¡¯s standing right now, and he¡¯s not on his bed.


    I¡¯m not sure what exactly is his sickness, but I¡¯m certain that because of this disease, it¡¯s decreasing Lolo¡¯s years.


    Good.


    ¡± I know that Trikj made sure that you were able to see Keiranz¡¯s state.¡±


    He approached me and locked me in his embrace.


    My eyes widen at what he did.


    No¡­


    ¡± Pat. You brought him here¡­ so I¡¯m going to use his him against you. Before you even turned on us.¡± His hold tightened around me.


    ¡± You will be my nurse since you knew about medicine,¡± my eyes flickered to the nurse inside the room.


    Its eyes immediately widened as she kneeled in front of Lolo.


    ¡± Please! I¡¯m begging you! Don¡¯t take my job away from me! Is there something wrong that I did?¡± She pleaded.


    ¡± So, Pat? Do you agree?¡± I looked at the nurse once again, who is staring at me with pleading eyes.


    ¡± Oh. Are you worried about her? Don¡¯t be. Here.¡± He signaled to Trikj. My mouth gaped when blood spilled to my cheeks.


    Lolo killed the nurse!


    I angrily turned to him.


    ¡± Why did you killed her?!¡± He gave me a smirk.


    ¡± You finally speak. Well, YOU did kill her. You¡¯re looking at her with pity.¡± I stepped backward at what he said.


    ¡± No.¡± While I¡¯m backing up, Lolo is taking steps towards me.


    ¡± Every time you refuse on what I said, someone will die, or Keiranz will be beaten. Come on, Pat. Choose.¡± I¡¯m disgusted by him!


    Everything I do, someone will still die.


    Do I have a choice!?


    I spoke with clenched fists.


    ¡± Fine.¡±


    I backed up but Trikj already behind me whose eyes are staring straight.


    I was unable to do anything when Lolo embraced me.


    ¡± Good. Now get me my medicine. I¡¯m f¡ªing exhausted.¡± I swallowed a lump in my throat before going to a table where his medicines are located.


    I can see dome medicine for stroke so I¡¯m assuming that he might have a mild stroke.


    ¡ª


    I am just sitting here at the corner of the room while my grandfather is talking to someone else on the phone.


    He won¡¯t let me leave his room. And I feel like I¡¯m going crazy because I¡¯ve been seeing his devious face every day. It¡¯s either he¡¯ll tell me that because of my words, I¡¯m getting other people killed. Sometimes he¡¯ll even remind me of the days and night we¡¯ve spent together in the past and I almost want to puke at the intense grief I¡¯m feeling.


    It¡¯s my fourth day here.


    I can¡¯t eat properly, I just have no appetite to take foods leisurely.


    I know that it¡¯ll affect my body especially I just recovered from almost dying but I can¡¯t help but be this way. It¡¯s too much.


    It¡¯s been almost a week since I cried. Am I going crazy???


    ¡± Trikj,¡± I looked up when Trikj dragged me and brought me to Lolo¡¯s bed.


    My grandfather is standing beside it.


    I got shocked and scared when he cuffed me to the bed¡¯s headboard and forced me toy down.


    ¡± No!¡± Trikj distanced himself and goes out of the room.


    Leaving me alone with my demonic grandfather.


    ¡± Pat.¡± He held my cheeks.


    ¡± It¡¯s been years since we had fun.¡± My eyes widened when I realized what he¡¯s about to do.


    He got up from the bed and went in front of me.


    I struggled out of his hold and is trying to get him away from me.


    ¡± No!¡± He pped me loudly.


    ¡± Every time you move, one person will die.¡± I froze at what he said.


    On the four days I¡¯ve been with him, he made me understand that every time I said no to him, he¡¯ll kill a person.


    He made me feel like I¡¯m the bad one. And sometimes, I¡¯m ming myself for all of that.


    ¡± Good girl¡­¡± He went to the crook of my neck and seemed like he¡¯s smelling me.


    ¡± Hmmm.¡± I felt his breath on my neck then I started trembling.


    It¡¯s like this¡­


    This is exactly what happened to me in the past.


    I don¡¯t want it anymore!


    I want to leave here already!


    I felt Lolo¡¯s hands on my body.


    I prevented myself from shouting out of fear.


    Happenings in the past are repeating¡­


    ¡± Please, Lolo.¡± I weakly said.


    He smirked at me and looked at me like a demon would.


    ¡± Oh, Pat¡­¡±


    ¡± Sir.¡± The door suddenly opened and Trikj entered the room.


    ¡± Who told you you cane in?!¡± Trikj slightly lowered his head.


    ¡± My apologies, but HE¡¯S here.¡± Lolo¡¯s eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± Tsk.¡± He gets away from me and fixed his self.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± I¡¯m going out. You can go wherever you want,¡± I heard what he said but my mind is not running properly.


    I kept on having shbacks of what happened.


    I feel¡­ lifeless.


    Trikj nced at me for a second before following after Lolo who gets out of the room.


    ¡± Nass?! Damn it.¡± I noticed Diego entered the room while I¡¯m staring lifelessly at the ceiling.


    Why¡­?


    Why me?


    I heard him unlocked the handcuffs on the headboard and helped me sit down.


    ¡± Nass? Are you okay?¡± It¡¯s like I heard nothing as I just stared at the floor.


    Wait a minute, where did he get the keys for the handcuffs?


    Diego touched my cheeks as I looked up at him from my eyshes.


    ¡± Did that Maximo did something so disgusting to you?!¡± I shook my head at him and lowered my head.


    He heaved out a sigh then embraced me. I sucked in my breath at what he did so he swiftly distanced his self from me.


    ¡± Oh. Sorry,¡± His expression saddened.


    ¡± Here.¡± He removed his suit and put it on my back.


    ¡± Come on, I¡¯ll bring you to your room.¡± I shook my head again and returned his suit to him.


    ¡± I¡­ need to go somewhere,¡± Diego wondered what I meant but he lets me.


    My feet brought me to the underground facility. The ce I went to 4 days ago.


    Until I reached the door of the room where Keian is.


    I coldly looked at the guard watching me.


    ¡± Oen it.¡±


    ¡± But, ma¡¯am¡ª¡±


    ¡± My grandfather said that I can go anywhere that I want.¡± He gulped at my sharp look then opened the door.


    I then saw Keian sitting on the floor and leaning on the wall. No chains are on him anymore.


    I closed the door.


    He gave me a sharp re.


    ¡± What are you doing here?¡±


    Oh, yes. I also want to ask myself that question.


    I silently sat down on one corner and just stared at Keian.


    I feel a little relieved just by seeing him but it¡¯s not enough.


    ¡± Maximo is still alive?¡± He asked with a deep voice.


    I nodded at him and put my heads down on my raised knees.


    ¡± Nass.¡± I immediately looked up when I heard his soft and tender voice, but it¡¯s opposite to his expression right now.


    His eyes are filled with anger, and he looked like he wants to kill someone.


    ¡± You brought me here!¡± He shouted before punching the wall.


    ¡± I thought you want to talk so I went to that house. But¡­¡± I bit my lip.


    I don¡¯t know why but I suddenly started crying. The room is dark, so I think Keian can¡¯t see my face.


    ¡± Why Nass? Did I do something to you before I even met you?¡± I shook my head and turned my back to him.


    Then suddenly, the memories of what Lolo did these past few days and a few years ago returned to my mind.


    ¡± Stop whining. It¡¯s frustrating.¡± I covered my mouth with my hand.


    When will all of this stop?! I just want to disappear from this world because of what I¡¯m feeling.


    I¡¯m feeling so heavy, Keian¡¯s coldness is not helping either.


    I somehow stopped crying but after that, I started trembling so hard.


    It¡¯s like I¡¯m having a nightmare but I¡¯m awake.


    I stared at the wall.


    ¡± Pat. Let¡¯s have fun¡±


    ¡± You killed them, Pat.¡±


    ¡± Apo, Lolo loves you so much. He won¡¯t hurt you.¡±


    ¡± No! Lolo, please! Stop this already!¡±


    ¡± Mama! Papa!¡±


    ¡± You can¡¯t run away, Pat.¡±


    I covered my ears and can¡¯t help but scratch my arms.


    No! I don¡¯t want to remember!


    ¡± Pat.¡±


    ¡± You can¡¯t refuse, Pat. Or someone will die¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re just a whore!¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re a traitor!¡±


    ¡± Baby, please don¡¯t be like my Lolo.¡±


    ¡± Aedin!¡±


    I faced Keian while trembling because I can hear his voice though he¡¯s not opening his mouth.


    Iughed.


    I¡¯m really going crazy.


    I looked straight at Keian¡¯s eyes and his face slowly filled with shock.


    Keian¡¯s POV


    When I heard her sobbing, I immediately felt irritated.


    What the hell is she crying for?!


    For seeing me in this condition?!


    She¡¯s the reason why I¡¯m here in the first ce.


    I don¡¯t understand¡­


    All those times we¡¯re together. I know that her expression is genuine. I can¡¯t even wrap my head with me being in one of the safehouses of Il Massimo Impero.


    Nassandra started shivering. Like she¡¯s in a really cold ce.


    I admit that I made a mistake for what I¡¯ve done to her. Not even talking to her while I take care of Aedin.


    She even saw us kiss.


    That¡¯s bull. It¡¯s not intentional.


    I don¡¯t even have the courage to exin to her.


    I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m feeling anymore.


    I¡¯m angry, at the same time, confused. I¡¯m hurt and sad.


    So I ended up distancing myself to Nass.


    I noticed Nass faced in my direction.


    She evenughed like she¡¯s going crazy.


    But then what I saw is what surprises me.


    My eyes widen, and my mouth opened.


    I hissed at the expression I¡¯m seeing at Nass.


    Her cheeks are wet with tears, her mouth is curled up into a smile while her eyes are filled with¡­ fear.


    An intense fear of something¡­ or someone.


    This is the first time I saw her eyes like that.


    She¡¯s scared, whenever she woke up from a nightmare but this is more¡­


    You can¡¯t say she¡¯s just acting because I am sure that no one can imitate her expression right now.


    I care for her, a lot. I want to hold her, but I didn¡¯t.


    She¡¯s trembling and slightly twitching on the ground.


    I want to hold her so badly.


    Her expression, it shows great fear. And I want tofort her.


    ¡± Nass¡± I softly said.


    It looked like she started to have trouble breathing. Like she¡¯s choking¡­


    Sh8t.


    I stood up and was about to approach but then I hesitated.


    What if I¡¯m the one she¡¯s scared of?


    I took a step backwards.


    I feel like any minute, she will break, like a ss.


    And I want to prevent it.


    Arghhh!


    What should I do?


    Her feelings might worsen if Ie near her. But that can be also a possibility if I don¡¯t go near her.


    Damn.


    I swiftly went near her and tightly pulled her to an embrace.


    I don¡¯t care if I¡¯m the one she¡¯s scared about. As long as she¡¯s in my arms.


    I held the back of her head and leaned it in my bare chest.


    ¡± Nass. It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m here¡± her breathing stopped so I looked down at her face.


    It¡¯s like she¡¯s purposely holding her breath it but she intended it not to.


    It might be a reaction to what¡¯s on her mind right now.


    I held her cheeks.


    Then I started to kiss her eyes.


    ¡± Come on baby, count with me. One¡± I kissed her left eye.


    ¡± Two¡± then the right one. Her breathing¡¯s not improving¡­


    I held her waist and gently pressed it for her to give her attention to me.


    She still can¡¯t breathe properly.


    I went to her ear next.


    ¡± 3. Nass¡± I whispered in her ear and she finally looked at me.


    I continued counting while her gaze is on me.


    Good.


    ¡± Ten.¡± We both counted.


    I looked straight through her eyes.


    I kissed her on her lips.


    I may sound gay, but my heart beats fast when our lips touched.


    I missed her so much¡­


    ¡± Keian.¡± her voice breaks.


    I immediately wiped the tears that escaped her eyes.


    She looked fragile¡­


    Like something bad happened to her.


    ¡± What did they do to you, Nass?¡± She went frozen at my question.


    I put my hand on her chin and made her look up at me.


    ¡± Baby,¡± her expression suddenly changed, bingpletely cold.


    She shook her head then stood up.


    She then reached something from her pocket and handed me a no-touchscreen phone?


    Wow. It¡¯s been years since I held one.


    She looked at me before leaving without saying any word.


    ¡­


    Huh?

 Chapter 78

    Nassandra¡¯s POV


    I stormed out of Keian¡¯s room without a word.


    I know that he¡¯ll figure out what I meant by giving him that phone. It¡¯s so small. I doubt that the guards will know about it.


    The men looked at me from head to toe but I ignored him and directly walked out of the underground facility.


    Even I didn¡¯t expect what happened to me in Keian¡¯s room.


    I was also surprised when he came close to me¡­


    I just thought I¡¯d be there to cry like a crazydy.


    My heart was racing due to what Keian did.


    Whatever memories I¡¯ve been recalling that time disappeared.


    I took a deep breath.


    I shouldn¡¯t distract myself. I needed to do something.


    I was about to go back to Lolo¡¯s room till I saw a group of people gathered together around Lolo¡¯s backyard.


    I stopped the moment I saw the familiar figures of Dale and Brylle?!


    This made me rush towards the men.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Tim looks at me with a wide smirk on his face.


    ¡°Sir Maximo told us to get your son. This man here just got involved.¡± I saw Dale¡¯s eyes narrowed in my direction.


    ¡°But why did you have to drag the child?!¡± I shouted.


    Brylle¡¯s eyes are shut and it looks like they drugged him.


    ¡°You know your grandfather, Pat. He has no mercy for anyone.¡±


    ¡°Wait. What the f¡ª?! Maximo is alive?!¡± I clenched my fists.


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡± I angrily turned to Lolo who¡¯s holding a cane while Trikj was beside him and he was about to walk towards us.


    ¡°Pat. Come here.¡± I hesitated.


    I might not be able to control myself once Ie any closer to him¡­


    But then I remembered that every time I¡¯d refuse hismand, he wouldn¡¯t have second thoughts to kill someone anytime.


    I bit my lip as I went to Lolo¡¯s side.


    Lolo drew his mouth closer to my ear.


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t know where you went when I¡¯m gone?¡± I shot him a furious re.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d let go anywhere I wanted!¡± He shrugged.


    ¡°Well, except for that one.¡± He gestured and a few secondster, I saw the men dragging Keian¡¯s body towards us.


    ¡°Watch, Pat.¡± Keian looks up with an angry look at Lolo who¡¯s right beside me.


    ¡°So you¡¯re really alive, huh?!¡± Lolo smirked.


    ¡°Long time no see, Marques. How¡¯s your father? Oh and your MOTHER?¡± Keian¡¯s expression darkened and with all of his strength, he tries to struggle out of the men¡¯s grip.


    ¡°You should be dead by now!¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s my brother who you killedst time. My innocent brother¡­¡± Lolo gave me a side nce as if he knew that I was aware of what truly happened.


    Keian furrowed his eyebrows and even nced at Dale.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Keian cursed as one of the men kicked him, punched him on the guts, and continued to hit him everywhere.


    I looked away.


    ¡°You brought them here, Pat. It¡¯s your fault¡­ Now your little boy is in danger.¡± I faced Lolo but before I could do something to him, Trikj held both of my hands and harshly wrapped them around my back.


    ¡°Ah!¡± My arm felt like it could break any second with the way he twisted my arm that brutally.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you darey a finger on Brylle!!!¡± He smiled at me and held my chin.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± He nodded at Trikj and I felt him let go of my hand but he suddenly carries me like a sack of rice.


    I fell silent as I¡¯m hopelessly wishing that Lolo will not harm Brylle.


    We left the men punching Keian like mad while the other men brought Dale and Brylle to the direction of the underground facility.


    Brylle¡­


    ¡ª


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    ¡°F*ck!¡± I can¡¯t help but curse as one of our men just told us that Dale was captured with Brylle.


    Brylle wants to visit Nassandra because he missed her so much.


    The kid didn¡¯t stop crying until I said yes to bringing him home.


    Though I couldn¡¯t apany him because I still have work to do here in the mansion, so I asked Dale toe with him.


    Dale has great skills. I trust him that he can protect himself and Brylle from Il Massimo Impero.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    But now, I¡¯m regretting the fact that I let them go.


    Arghh!


    We also couldn¡¯t find Kei and it¡¯s been almost a week already.


    We just found his car in front of an old house that has no one in it and seems to be abandoned already.


    He didn¡¯t even tell any of us that he¡¯s going somewhere¡­


    *m*


    I punched the wall out of furiousness and frustration.


    Katie gave me a look, saying ¡®calm down¡¯ but not right now. I can¡¯t calm down!


    ¡°ra? Have you found Kei¡¯s location yet?!¡± ra jumped in surprise as she was typing on herptop.


    ¡°I told you Kuya, I can¡¯t but I¡¯ll still try. The Il Massimo Impero has high maximum security in every one of their safehouses. If we barge in there one by one, we¡¯ll get discovered and we¡¯ll just be wasting time.¡± I narrowed my eyes at her.


    Not that I¡¯m mad at my sister but mad at the information she just gave me.


    We¡¯re on the fourth floor of the headquarters right now and we¡¯re having a meeting about how to f¡ªing find Gaius Samiano and his Empire.


    I turned to Maxence.


    ¡°Any movement?¡± He nodded seriously.


    ¡°I¡¯ve sent men on every safehouse. Some are killed, some managed to escape. It¡¯s impossible to know movements inside.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Aedin is awake. I gotta check on her.¡± I nodded at Katie and let her leave the room.


    I grasped on my temple.


    After Kei had left, Aedin¡¯s been really depressed. And if I tell her that even Brylle was captured it might affect her mental health even worse.


    ¡°I can go to one of their clubs. I¡¯ll pretend to be a woman working there.¡± I raised an eyebrow at Laiza¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s too risky. They know our faces.¡±


    ¡°How about¡ª¡± I raised my hand to stop Devon from speaking.


    I grabbed my phone and saw someone just messaged me.


    My eyebrows met once I saw what was just being sent to me.


    From: Unknown


    2*7***5**2*4***6**3**


    3**7****8*2*8*3**


    300 6*4***5***3**7****


    What the hell is this?! Is someone pulling a prank on me?!


    ¡°What¡¯s that? What got your eyebrows deepened all of a sudden?¡± Steven asked. I rolled my eyes at him and handed him my cellphone.


    ¡°I think someone¡¯s pulling a prank on me. My ghad did they have to increase my problems.¡± Steven curiously grabbed my cellphone and looked at the message.


    ¡°What¡¯s that all about, that¡¯s a lot of asterisks. It¡¯s giving me the headache.¡± He hands it over to Devon.


    He intently looked at it till he turned back to me and Steven.


    ¡°You idiots.¡± I almost fell down from my chair as I heard what he just said.


    Well, that¡¯s just wow.


    ¡°Huh?! That¡¯s so harsh of you! What¡¯s that for?!¡±


    Devon shots Steven a hrious re.


    ¡°It might be from Kei.¡± He returns the phone back to me.


    ¡°The numbers and asterisks may have a resemnce there. Kei maybe is not in the best condition right now I think.¡±


    I looked at Devon before turning my eyes back at the message.


    .


    .


    .


    ¡°I give up!¡± I sighed and ced the phone on the table.


    If ever Kei was the one who sent that message, why can¡¯t he just directly say so? He¡¯s giving us a hard time!


    ¡°Kuya, hand it to me.¡± We all looked at each other after ra just spoke.


    Haistttt.


    She¡¯s the hacker, why did I even bother decoding that thing!


    I pushed the phone forward to her.


    One look from her at the message, she immediately types on herptop.


    ¡°Looks like Kuya Kei used a keypad phone to send that message. Remember a keypad phone contains numbers thate together with letters. I think the asterisks are for the number of times you press against the button with the number.¡± I went over to ra as she showed me a picture of a keypad phone from the inte.


    I winced as I realized that¡¯s what she was typing earlier.


    Besides, none of us owned any type of keypad cell phone¡­


    ¡°So the first number is 2 so we go to that number and look at the first letter because it only has one asterisk?¡± ra nods.


    It¡¯s A.


    Our otherpanions gathered around the room and also took a look at the message.


    After a few minutes, we got the message and it¡¯s confirmed that Kei was truly the source of that text.


    Arkaine Estate, 300 miles


    ¡°That¡¯s an almost 5-hour drive!¡± I can¡¯t help but smirk.


    ¡°Get ready¡­ we¡¯re going there.¡± The seven of us looked at each other.


    ¡ª


    Nassandra¡¯s POV


    My eyes kept throwing a deathly re at Lolo while I am sitting at the very corner of his room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that look, Pat. I can use him, in case you n to do something.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s just a child!!!¡± He smirked in my direction.


    ¡°Yes. And because of that, you value him more than anything. I could use him.¡± I was already shaking with anger¡­


    If Trikj wasn¡¯t here, I might have probably done something unearthly to Lolo.


    ¡°Come here, Nass. Let¡¯s eat together.¡± I drew my eyes away from him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have an appetite.¡± His eyebrows creased and he sighed.


    It¡¯s already nighttime¡­ probably around 9:00. I wanted to check if Brylle was doing alright.


    I wouldn¡¯t be able to handle seeing him wounded.


    If I could just leave this room to find my son, I would have already done it in a heartbeat¡­


    ¡°Pat¡ª¡± I closed my eyes as the lights in the room went off.


    ¡°What the?!¡±


    I heard Trikj walk towards the light switch to see if it would turn on.


    No electricity???


    ¡°Beta tomand. Over.¡± Nobody responded to Trikj¡¯s walkie talkie and because of that, I became more


    What¡¯s going on???


    ¡°It seems like the power is down and themunications are blocked.¡± He stated.


    ¡°Then what are you doing there!?¡± I heard Lolo yelled.


    As my vision started to adjust to the darkness, that¡¯s where I noticed outside the window that there is no light that can be seen.


    ¡°Trikj,¡± Thetter was about to leave the room when suddenly Lolo calls him and looks at me.


    ¡°Bring her to a cell.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± Trikj went closer to me and I just let him pull me up to make me stand.


    As we got out of the room, he said something to the other two men guarding outside then they follow us right behind.


    We silently went to the underground facility.


    He¡¯s quite calm despite electricity being burned down here, huh¡­


    ¡°You know that there might be an attack that can happen anytime, right?¡± He looks over at me by his shoulder and nodded.


    ¡°Yes, I know.¡± I raised my eyebrows.


    ¡°You¡¯re really calm.¡± One of the guards opened a door to a room and I entered it.


    Trikj looks at me straight in the eyes.


    ¡°We have a lot of men and our security wouldn¡¯t be taken down that easily.¡± I just nodded at him.


    He¡¯s so confident but I could feel that he¡¯s trying toprehend something different.


    I sat on the bed that was there and waited for something to happen.


    ¡ª


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    ¡°Tell me if everyone¡¯s in position,¡± Zeke whispered inside the car in front of a gigantic gate.


    His car was hidden behind other vehicles that are parked outside.


    He is wearing an earpiece and he knows that the others can hear him.


    ¡°MK. Green.¡±


    ¡°Joker. In position.¡±


    ¡°Fist. In position.¡±


    ¡°Jaguar. In my position.¡±


    ¡°Sniper¡¯s on the trees.¡±


    ¡°Hunter. ¡­.¡±


    Zeke rolled his eyes at Maxence being quiet.


    ¡°Omega. V. We¡¯re ready.¡± Zeke looked at another vehicle not that far from them where Katie and ra are hiding.


    ¡°Copy.¡±


    .


    .


    .


    ¡°Rider. The power¡¯s off and themunications are blocked.¡± Zeke smirked.

 Chapter 79

    I heard people shouting and the sound of guns being fired.


    That must be Zeke and the others.


    Since I gave Keian a keypad phone, looks like he used it to his advantage.


    But now I don¡¯t know how he¡¯s doing after being punched to death and somehow I feel like I was responsible for what happened to him.


    I buried my face on my knees that are held close to my chest.


    But I also looked up at the person who suddenly opened the door.


    ¡°Trikj?¡± He was directly looking at me as he went closer.


    What is he doing here? Isn¡¯t he supposed to be outside helping his fellow guards and men???


    ¡°Nass. Run away from here. Here are the keys. You can free the others from the too.¡± My eyebrows furrowed.


    Wait a second. I can¡¯t process everything he just said.


    He held my hand and for the first time in forever, I saw some emotion in his eyes besides being cold.


    ¡°Nass. I have to make sure Maximo is dead. Go¡­¡±


    ¡°Hold on, aren¡¯t you Lolo¡¯s right hand?¡± He lets out a sad smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been with him for almost six years already. I can¡¯t let him continue all of the dirty work he had done.¡± Somehow, my chest felt lighter at the words he said.


    Looks like it¡¯s not just us who wanted to take down Lolo, even the man he trusted the most would do everything just to end his evil doings.


    I squeezed his hand gently.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He smiled and helped me stand up.


    He takes off his suit and wraps it around my shoulders.


    ¡°Here.¡± I grabbed the keys from his hand. He also gives me a gun.


    He bows at me a little before leaving.


    I immediately went out of the room and saw there were no guards in sight.


    So I directly ran to Keian¡¯s room.


    As I opened it, I immediately saw his narrowing eyes.


    But it was filled with confusion the moment he realized that it was me who barged in his door.


    ¡°Nass?¡± Whereas for me, I was stopped upon seeing his situation.


    Even from afar, he¡¯s obviously injured especially his left arm that was slumped down on the floor.


    Blood is also dripping from his wound.


    His face and whole boy were also filled with wounds everywhere.


    ¡°Keian!¡± My heart skipped a beat as it races like crazy.


    What they have done to him is insane!


    I grabbed the suit that Trikj handed to me and shakily went over to Keian¡¯s side.


    ¡°Oh my ghad.¡± I held both of his cheeks that are all covered in blood.


    His expression turned ice-cold as he looked away.


    ¡°W-What are you doing here?¡± He softly asked. I observed all of his wounds and aside from his arm, I guess he also has an injury on the knee.


    ¡°We need to go¡­¡± I helped him stand up on his feet.


    ¡°My mafia is here.¡± He stated.


    ¡°I think so, too.¡±


    ¡°Ow!¡± He cursed as I almost let him fall down on the floor due to my weak grip.


    ¡°Keian! Are you okay?¡± With all of my strength, I assisted him on his right arm.


    Wrapping my arms around his shoulders, I helped him walk towards the door.


    He couldn¡¯t manage walking around on his own¡­


    ¡°*Ehem* Brylle and Dale¡­¡± This made me turn to him.


    ¡°You know where they are?¡± He nodded and pointed his finger in the direction where the two might possibly be.


    ¡°Lean yourself on the wall first, I need to open their doors.¡± He weakly presses his body on the wall while I took my steps towards a door and opened it. Also, while keeping an eye on Lolo¡¯s men.


    ¡°What do you want¡ª Nass?¡± My eyes went to Brylle who¡¯s holding on to Dale really tight.


    I quickly dashed over to them.


    ¡°Brylle?¡± He sleepily turns to me.


    ¡°Mama?¡± I gasped as he struggled to speak properly.


    ¡°Brylle! I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay.¡± I grabbed Brylle from Dale and held him tight in my arms.


    ¡°Me too, Mama. I missed you.¡± I pecked a kiss on his forehead.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby. I was not there for you.¡± He rested his head on my chest.


    ¡°I feel sleepy, Mama¡­¡± I rubbed his back in circles gently.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Brylle. You can sleep. I¡¯ll keep you safe.¡±


    ¡°Thank youuu.¡± He kissed my lips and closed his eyes atst.


    Then I turned to Dale.


    ¡°Are you injured?¡± He shook his head.


    ¡°Not really.¡± I gave him a small smile of reassurance.


    ¡°Good. Please assist Keian.¡± His eyes widened upon hearing that I¡¯m with Keian so he dashes out of the room.


    ¡°Oh f¡ª! You look hell.¡± I prevented myself not to roll my eyes at Dale.


    ¡°Yeahhh.¡± Dale grabs on to Keian¡¯s arm and helped him stand up in proper position.


    I led the way towards the exit but suddenly we crossed paths with Lolo¡¯s men.


    ¡°Tim.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°Nass.¡±


    Without second thoughts, I pointed the gun that I was holding at him.


    He raised both of his hands in the air.


    ¡°Hey. Chill.¡± I shot him a deathly re while still holding Brylle in my arms protectively.


    ¡°Move.¡± He smiled, lowered his hands, and went to the side to give us the way.


    Despite being puzzled by this, I continued to walk along with Dale and Keian.


    ¡°Make him pay.¡± As I heard Tim¡¯s words, I already understood what his main purpose was.


    I slightly gave him a nod and continued walking away.


    *Bang!* I immediately hid behind a wall as someone thought of shooting in our direction.


    Dale followed what I did while still holding Kei.


    I pointed my gun at where the bullet mighte from.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s down here. Over.¡± I lowered my hands as I heard Maxence¡¯s voice.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Max!¡± Dale called.

 Chapter 80

    We went out of our hiding ce and saw Maxence holding a rifle.


    His eyes widened.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯re an enemy.¡±


    ¡°You bastard. You almost shot Nass!¡± Maxence looked away at Dale¡¯s statement.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± He looked at me and nodded.


    ¡°I found them.¡± He spoke to what seems like his otherpanions through his earpiece.


    ¡°Help!¡± I turned to where we just came from.


    Is there still someone prisoned in there¡­?


    I took a deep breath and went closer to Maxence to let him carry Brylle.


    ¡°Take care of him.¡± His eyebrows creased.


    ¡°What? No. Take care of him yourself.¡± I shook my head at him.


    ¡°I have to free the other prisoners. So please, take care of him.¡± He red at me before approving on carrying Brylle.


    I shed a smile at him before meeting Keian¡¯s eyes.


    I held both of his cheeks again while his face was still wearing a cold expression.


    I searched for something in his eyes but it feels like nothing is there.


    I tried to force a smile at him and pressed our foreheads against each other.


    ¡°If anything happens, I want you to make sure that Brylle is safe. Especially Tiya.¡± He narrowed his eyes at me but had no choice but to nod and lower his head.


    I winced at his silent response.


    ¡°Get out of here.¡±


    I lightly rubbed my thumb over his cheeks and went back to where we came from earlier.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I called to the long line of rooms in here.


    ¡°H-Help!¡± I walked towards a room and quickly opened its door.


    My eyes felt alive as I saw three women inside.


    ¡°Thank you! You have to free the others. Please.¡± I nodded and one by one opened the doors that were locked.


    Other rooms have five people in them, sometimes just one.


    ¡°Nay Flores!?¡± I shockingly called an old woman whose face looks awfully familiar to me.


    Her eyes widened in surprise and immediately ran over to hug me.


    ¡°Pat!¡± I can¡¯t believe this¡­


    I thought she was dead!


    ¡°Pat. You¡¯ve grown so much!¡±


    She was my governess up until I was sixteen years old. But sadly we heard the news about her death. We even went to her funeral that time.


    ¡°H-How?¡± She gives me a sad look.


    ¡°I knew about your Lolo killing your L so he imprisoned me and made it look like I was dead.¡± I almost lost my bnce upon hearing the information¡­


    ¡°Lolo was the one who killed L?!¡± She nods.


    ¡°Is everyone okay?¡± I turned to a man whose face also looked familiar.


    Everyone responds a yes to him as if he was their leader.


    Nay Flores also noticed me look at him.


    No¡­


    ¡°Most of us have been here for a long time¡­ He¡¯s been captured 3 years ago but we let him act as our leader. Such a sweet child.¡± The guy turns to me and held my hand before letting out a beam.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ Thank you for saving us. We heard the noise outside so we figured someone attacked Maximo.¡± He has the same ent¡­ and the same face as Tito Andre, just a bit younger.


    I took a step back, shocked as ever.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I can even see Keian¡¯s features in his!


    ¡°Kayden?¡± He furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡°Pat? You know Kayden?¡± I gulped before turning back to Nay Flores.


    ¡°He is Keian¡¯s sibling.¡±


    ¡°Keian? Do you mean Kei? You know my brother?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be dead!¡± I said out of shock.


    ¡°That¡¯s Maximo¡¯s tactic. To let you all believe that we¡¯re dead.¡±


    Almost everyone who I thought were dead are actually alive.


    Is there a possibility that my parents are still alive?


    I shook my head.


    I saw them die right before my eyes.


    But that wouldn¡¯t stop the fact that I badly want to see them again.


    ¡°Hey!¡± I turned to where the voice came from and shot the man before he could even point his gun at us.


    Then I turned back to Kayden.


    ¡°You all need to get out of here.¡± I handed him the gun.


    ¡°Make sure everyone¡¯s okay.¡± We stared at each other for a moment.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    I held his hand lightly.


    ¡°If I¡¯m unable toe back, tell everyone I have something for them under my bed at the maid¡¯s quarters.¡± I smiled as I remembered what I left in that room before leaving the mansion.


    ¡°Make sure they see it. And tell Keian¡­¡± I tightened my grip on him.


    ¡°That I love him so much¡­¡± He turns to me and red.


    Heh. They had the very same reaction¡­


    ¡°You will tell them yourselves. Especially to Kei.¡± His hands reached my cheek as he wipes a tear that escaped from my eye.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to tell Kei that you love him¡­¡± I smiled at him with a righteous nod.


    ¡°Go. I still have to go somewhere.¡± He pats my head before leaving with the other prisoners that followed him.


    I took a deep breath before walking back to the room where Lolo is.


    But before I could even get there, I saw Diego lying down on the cold floor.


    ¡°Diego!¡± He looks up at me and slightly lets out a smile.


    ¡°Nass. I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay.¡±


    There¡¯s a pool of blood on where he is¡­


    I went over to him and checked his wounds.


    He¡¯s been shot on the stomach and on his chest.


    ¡°You have to get out of here. The Marques¡¯ nted bombs everywhere.¡± I gasped upon hearing what he said.


    ¡°We need to leave this ce.¡± I tried assisting him back up but he purposely weights himself down.


    ¡°What the heck, Nass! Just leave! You still have someone you need to take care of. Get out of here!¡± I ignored him and with all my strength, I tried making him stand back up.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°Nass¡­¡± I sat on the floor with him as he coughs out a lot of blood.


    ¡°Just get out! Leave me here! I know that Trikj gave you the key to run away from this ce! Why did youe back?!¡± I narrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving here without you. And I have to make sure Lolo will be dead¡­¡± I said, leaning my back against the wall.

 Chapter 81

    ¡°He¡¯s dead. Trikj killed him.¡± I nodded.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    ¡°No! Just run! I might just slow you down!¡± Out of annoyance, I pped him on the face real hard.


    He looked at me with disbelief written all over his face.


    ¡°What?! You think I¡¯m the only one who¡¯s got someone to take care of?! Brylle is your son and he¡¯s still alive. His mother is Aedin and both of you have to make up those five years of your absence in his life. You think I wouldn¡¯t be sad once you¡¯d be dead because I left you here?! After almost seven years we met again and now you want me to leave you. You¡¯re my best friend! Whatever you did as long as you realized and regretted it, I¡¯d forgive you in a heartbeat. So don¡¯t you f¡ªing tell me to leave you alone. Because without you, I¡¯ll be alone, too!¡± He threw a re at me.


    ¡°You are not alone, Nass! A lot of people love you!¡±


    ¡°Does life have to depend on the number of people loving you?! So what if you¡¯re just with one person. So what if a lot of people love you? Don¡¯t be selfish, Diego. They might¡¯ve hated you. But I¡¯m still here so don¡¯t tell me to leave you¡­¡± I rested my head on his shoulder.


    A tear rolled down my cheek but I know it didn¡¯te from my eyes.


    I turned to Diego who¡¯s now sobbing.


    ¡°Thank you, Nass.¡± I wiped away his tears and nodded.


    ¡°Try to stand up and don¡¯t weigh yourself! You¡¯re just giving me a hard time.¡± He slightlyughed and raised an arm.


    I grabbed his hand and helped him stand.


    *boom!* I felt burning from my back which caused me to stumble down on the floor along with Diego.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± He oozed in pain.


    Shit. We might not make it¡­


    I closed my eyes as I felt something burning on my back.


    ¡°Mama!¡± I heard Brylle¡¯s voice. He¡¯s scared and all I wanted to do was to hug him tight.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, baby. I know that your Tito Kei will take good care of you¡­¡± I closed my eyes as I heard another sound of an explosion.


    It¡¯s funny that thest face of a person that I saw in my mind was none other than Keian¡¯s face with his signature cold expression¡­


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    ¡°We areing out, over.¡± As the others heard Maxence¡¯s words, they turned in the direction of the underground facilities.


    While ra and Katie are inside the car, Devon is by a tree along with the other snipers.


    Inside the house were Erick and Steven who are now running for their lives to get out, aware that the bombs they just nted around the ce are about to blow up any second now.


    Whereas Zeke, Laiza, and Theo were at the backyard of the house together, shooting those of Maximo¡¯s men who might bring them trouble anytime.


    Zeke got a glimpse of Maxence who¡¯s now carrying Brylle and Dale was assisting a very weak Kei in his arms.


    ¡°Max. Bring Brylle in Katie¡¯s car.¡± He nodded and went out of the gate.


    Zeke goes over to Dale and helped him carry Kei on the other side.


    ¡°Who got you out?¡± Zeke questions Keian but he doesn¡¯t respond. Then he turns to Dale.


    ¡°It¡¯s Nassandra.¡± Zeke looked shocked.


    It¡¯s been a few days since he hasn¡¯t seen Nassandra and as she left the mansion, he had a feeling that the girl will go to Gaius.


    He wasn¡¯t sure but he felt what Nassandra was up to.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Asked Kei in a t tone.


    ¡°We arrived here and the security is not as tough as we thought. After that, we discovered that Gaius had a lot of men who also wanted to take him down and kill him.¡± Kei¡¯s expression darkened and Dale¡¯s jaw tightened.


    ¡°Maximo¡¯s alive,¡± Dale stated.


    The three looked surprised upon hearing this.


    ¡°What?! How? We saw him die! We were also the ones who buried him!¡± Laiza shrieked.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know. But we know he¡¯s alive and we saw him. He¡¯s an old hag but he has an underdog who¡¯s doing things for him.¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not him,¡± Theo said.


    ¡°No. His presence is unforgettable. I know it¡¯s him.¡± Everyone turned to Keian and for a moment there was silence.


    ¡°Sniper to Rider. Someone¡¯sing out, no firearms. Looks like men that have nothing to do with Il Massimo Impero.¡± Upon hearing what Devon said, Zeke turned to where Maxence hade out from and there stood almost twenty people going out.


    They stopped as they saw Zeke¡¯s group.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay¡­ We will not harm you.¡± Zeke goes to them.


    Some of them sighed while the others let out a smile.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Prisoners,¡± Zeke mumbled.


    ¡°Is everyone here? No one was left or wounded?¡± Zeke, Dale, Laiza, Theo, and especially Kei froze when they heard the voice.


    The all so familiar voice.


    Behind the group of people standing together, the six mafia men focused their eyes on a tall young man who went upfront.


    Zeke took a step back as he saw the man that was standing in front of him.


    Is Kuya Kayden¡¯s ghost haunting me?


    That was the thought that came to Zeke¡¯s mind.


    Because his friend¡¯s brother is ACTUALLY the man before his very eyes.


    ¡°Oh wow. Looks like you¡¯ve just seen a ghost.¡±


    ¡°W-Wait. Are you a ghost?¡± Zeke asked nervously.


    Kayden chuckled at what he heard.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m real. And yes, I¡¯m alive. I have been Maximo¡¯s prisoner for almost four years. I¡¯m not dead.¡± Upon hearing this, Zeke ultimately goes over to hug him.


    Sounds gay but he doesn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Oh. I miss you too, Nic.¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    He draws away and the others followed to weing Kayden.


    ¡°Kei. It¡¯s Kayden.¡± Zeke told Kei whose eyes are just on the house.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Nass?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Zeke went closer to him because he couldn¡¯t clearly hear what his friend is trying to say.


    The others started noticing Kei.


    ¡°Where is Nassandra?¡± Kayden shifted his eyes to Keian who¡¯s sitting on the grass, weak all over.


    ¡°Kei¡­¡±


    ¡°Where is Nassandra?!¡± The volume of his voice increased as he asked.


    ¡°Kayden?¡± As Steven and Erick arrived, they were obviously shocked at what they are seeing right now.


    ¡°She said she had somewhere to go to.¡± Kei clenched his fists and threatened to stand up.


    ¡°Kei! Your injuries!¡± He ignores Laiza¡¯s statement and walked back to the house like a slow turtle. Wishing that the good-for-nothing pain would just disappear.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go find her.¡± Kayden tried to stop his brother and their eyes met after so many years.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s dangerous.¡± Keian furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡°I don¡¯t give a f¡ª whether it¡¯s dangerous or not!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯sing back.¡± Judging Kayden¡¯s tone, it was as if he was definitely sure that Nassandra will be back.


    And that reason alone made Keian stop.


    ¡°10 seconds till the first bomb explode.¡± All of them heard that warning from their earpiece.


    ¡°We have to get out of here!¡± The men started running away from the house.


    Keian¡¯s eyes widened and he attempts to run back to the house once again.


    ¡°Kei!¡±


    ¡°F*ck!¡± He cursed as he tripped on the grassy field.


    He tried his best to crawl. Despite his injuries almost literally killing him.


    His heart was beating frantically and all he could do was to hope that Nassandra would immediately get out from that house¡¯s door and run away from harm.


    ¡°Kei. Let¡¯s go. Once the first bomb explodes, the others will follow.¡± Kei tries to get out of Zeke¡¯s grip and stood up.


    ¡°No. Nass is still inside!¡±


    ¡°Kei¡­¡± Zeke sadly says.


    ¡°Help me. Nic. Help me find her.¡±


    ¡°I know. But we have to get out of here.¡±


    ¡°5 seconds.¡± The bombs that they just set up in the whole ce are those kinds that can¡¯t be defused¡­ One of Marques Manufacturing¡¯s.


    ¡°Sh8t. Kei. Come on.¡± Zeke looked at his friend who still tries to stand and walk.


    ¡°Nass.¡±


    ¡°3 seconds¡­¡±


    ¡°F*ck.¡± Zeke had no other choice but to carry Keian and run away.


    But their bodiesnded on the ground as a bomb fired away. Then others followed suit.


    With his body turned upside down, Kei felt the heat that the bomb just caused.


    A few secondster, the whole house was on fire including the grass that surrounded it.


    ¡°Oh god,¡± Zeke mumbled while recovering from the bomb¡¯s impact.


    The rocks where Kei had stumbled upon are filled with his blood.


    Keian bit his lip to prevent himself from letting out a cry.


    He was crying real hard.


    His chest felt so heavy and all of his emotions are being brought out through his cries.


    He never cried like this before.


    Feelings are full of sadness, anger, and guilt¡­


    With his hands around the rocks, he gripped it like it¡¯s just a bedsheet.


    He tightens the hold on the rock even though he could feel it burry through his palms.


    ¡°Nass¡­¡±


    He closed his eyes and saw in his mind the figure of the woman.

 Chapter 82

    AFTER 2 MONTHS¡­


    Keian¡¯s POV


    I touched the name engraved on the stone over the brown soil.


    Other than the rectangle-shaped, grassless spot on the ground, its surroundings are color green.


    I wiped the tears that escaped my eyes.


    ¡® She is a great and reliable ally, she fought with her loved ones, and thus she will never be forgotten¡­¡¯


    ¡± Mama,¡± I faced Brylle to me and wiped the tears on his face.


    He had been crying for so long.


    ¡± Hey, Brylle. It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m here¡­¡± he hugged me tightly and I did the same.


    My heart is beating fast¡­


    I admit that I¡¯m feeling scared¡­


    She¡¯s gone.


    Her pains finally ended.


    She doesn¡¯t have to suffer anymore.


    She said it¡¯s okay.


    But for me, it¡¯s not.


    She should¡¯ve continued her life.


    Though, she looked like she¡¯s really tired.


    And I want to make her tiredness disappear.


    Now, she¡¯s resting¡­


    ¡± Kei.¡± Someone patted my shoulder and my eyes looked up at Kayden.


    He¡¯s wearing shades, just like me. But I know that he¡¯s struggling more than I am.


    His wife died¡­


    After only seeing her again these past few weeks.


    ¡± Papa.¡± Brylle separated from me and went to Kayden.


    Brylle definitely remembers Kayden, because he¡¯s the one Brylle¡¯s always with before he was abandoned.


    But we all know that Kayden¡¯s not his real father.


    It¡¯s Gaius¡­


    I stood up and walked away from the grave. I let Kayden talk to Brylle and the grave of Aedin.


    Aedin Fuentes


    A week aftering back from Arkaine Estate, her condition worsen up to the point that she gave up¡­


    She was so happy when she saw Kayden and it¡¯s like they are a happy family again.


    But then she confessed that Brylle¡¯s father is not my brother but Gaius is¡­


    I was not awake when she told everyone about that.


    I lose consciousness for about three days.


    My brother had a bad day but still decided to visit my room.


    I woke up that time and I can¡¯t exin what I was feeling. I am in no right mind as I suddenly got angry at Kayden that time.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡ªshback-


    I heard someone opened the door¡­


    And it slumped against the sofa.


    I decided to open my eyes and Kayden and I looked at each other.


    He¡¯s really alive.


    He gave me a slight smile.


    ¡± Hey¡± I don¡¯t know why but I felt a surge of energy and anger rushed through my body.


    I¡¯m not in myself when I got down the bed and raised him by the cor of his top.


    That¡¯s when I realized that I can only use my one hand at the moment. My left hand is inside an arm sling.


    ¡± You said that she¡¯sing back! Where is she?! You liar!¡± I shouted.


    I want to stop. My body¡¯s aching from head to toe.


    I know that he has no fault for what happened but I can¡¯t stop.


    ¡± Where is she?! You said she¡¯lle back!¡± We both looked at each other with deathly res.


    I noticed how deep his eyebags are.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know what will happen! Should I know all that would happen in the future?! F*ck! I wish I had that kind of power! To know if someones hiding something from you, to know what will happen in the future so that I can n ahead of what I should do. We both didn¡¯t expect what happened Kei! You and I are both clueless!¡± I froze at what he said.


    I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s talking about what happened to Nass. It seems like he¡¯s talking about something else.


    For the first time in my life, I saw him cry¡­


    He never ever shows his weakness to me. He wanted to be a role model for his younger brother..


    A strong and reliable man.


    That¡¯s why if he¡¯s feeling strong emotions, he will just smile or get angry¡­


    ¡± Kuya¡­¡±


    Ah, sh8t. Why did I say that?


    Even though he¡¯s crying, he smirked in my direction.


    ¡± For the first time! Finally, you called me Kuya!¡±


    I sat down at the top of the backrest of the sofa.


    ¡± Well, I¡¯ll consider it this time, it¡¯s your first time crying in front of me.¡± His smirk disappeared and his expression went to serious.


    ¡± Sorry. I¡­¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s alright. I understand why you reacted that way,¡± he returned his hands on his sides then mindlessly stared at the floor.


    ¡± So what happened?¡± He nced at me.


    ¡± I¡¯m not Brylle¡¯s real father.¡±


    ¡ªEnd


    I was pretty shocked that time.


    I didn¡¯t think Aedin would ever cheat on my brother¡­


    I had to ask her myself.


    She regretted doing that to Kayden but I let the two of them fix their own problem.


    She¡¯s a great woman. All of us loved her.


    ¡ªAnother shback-


    ¡± Kei¡­¡± I looked at Aedin. She¡¯s losing even more weight and bing more and more tired.


    ¡± Yes?¡± I approached her and held her hands.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I kissed you that time. Nassandra even saw us.¡± I sadly smiled at her.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Aedin. It¡¯s my fault too.¡± She squeezed my hand and stared at my eyes.


    ¡± You love her, right?¡± I bowed down my head and can¡¯t answer the simple question.


    I can¡¯t¡­ She¡¯s gone. And I can¡¯t get that thought out of my head.


    ¡± I-I miss her so much. It¡¯s all my fault,¡± yes. I feel like this is my fault.


    If I hadn¡¯t treated her badly, she might still be here, holding my hands, with me.


    I always say sorry to her but then repeatedly doing mistakes.


    ¡± Kei. Don¡¯t me yourself. I know that it¡¯s her own decision and she¡¯s just thinking of your safety.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s why it¡¯s entirely my fault!¡± She reached for my cheeks weakly.


    ¡± We both know it¡¯s not. Stop torturing yourself, okay?¡± I heaved out a sigh and nodded.


    Notpletely approving.


    ¡± You will open the red box I gave to you when my timees.¡± I touched her hands on my cheeks.


    ¡± Aedin. Don¡¯t say that. You can still fight. I know that your life is still long,¡± she let out a humorlessughter.


    ¡± Oh please, Kei¡ª¡±


    ¡± Hey, if you want me not to think I¡¯m not at fault with what happened at Nass then don¡¯t think you¡¯re dying. That¡¯s unfair.¡± I said in a serious tone.


    ¡± Okay, Kei. I will try¡­¡±


    ¡± Keiranz.¡± I looked in the direction of the door where I saw Kayden.


    ¡± Can I¡­ talk to her?¡± I gave him a small smile.

 Chapter 83

    After many days, Kayden will finally talk to Aedin.


    I distanced myself from the bed and went to the door of the room.


    ¡± Of course.¡±


    Before I even got topletely walk out of the room, Kayden slipped his hand on my shoulder.


    ¡± She told me to tell you that there¡¯s something for all of you under the bed of hers in the maids¡¯ quarters.¡± My heart raced at what he said.


    I shook my head at him.


    Not now.


    ¡ªEnd of FB-


    I left Kayden together with Brylle on the grave of Aedin and entered my car.


    I swiftly drive it back to the mansion.


    We¡­ never found her body.


    In fact, we never found anyone¡¯s body.


    Everyone included in that bombing became ashes.


    Some are identified because some pieces of clothes were still on the floor so we figured out those are the ashes of the clothes¡¯ owner.


    We managed to bury some people.


    And the fact that we saw Maximo¡¯s ashes made us really satisfied.


    We found out that the one who is always by Maximo¡¯s side is the one who helped Nic and the others to get inside the Arkaine Estate.


    We were also surprised to know that some of our men are part of an agency which makes me really frustrated.


    There are a lot of people maintaining watch on ours without our knowledge.


    I found out that Nass¡¯ brother is still alive.


    His agency also helped Nic in fighting Maximo¡¯s men.


    He gave a good beating after I recovered from my injuries because of me not taking care of his younger sister.


    I deserved that¡­


    I¡¯m somehow trying to find Nass for the past few weeks.


    But I can¡¯t even see a glimpse of her.


    My hold on the stirring wheel tightened.


    I reached for a cigarette on thepartment of the car inside and light it up.


    The cigarette is still not in my mouth when I remembered the time she told me that smoking is bad for my health.


    I sighed heavily and got out of the car, I¡¯m already outside the mansion.


    I gave my keys to one of my men so he can bring the car to the garage.


    I threw the cigarette on the stone way then stepped on it.


    ¡± Kei!¡± I looked at Nic who is in the living room with the eight others.


    They are all here¡­


    I nodded at Nic as I walk towards the maids¡¯ quarters.


    ¡± M-Maitre.¡± I nced at the other maid whose name is I think is Ema.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. Can I go inside?¡± Her eyes widened and immediately nodded.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± Of course, sir. But manang is resting inside.¡± I nodded at her.


    ¡± That¡¯s okay, thank you.¡± She slightly bowed. I don¡¯t pay attention to how fast she walks away from me.


    I sighed then opened the door.


    I was greeted by manang who is lying on one of the many beds there.


    ¡± Keiranz.¡± I approached her and kissed her cheeks.


    Manang woke up from aast month, and she¡¯s now fully recovered.


    But it¡¯s hard for her to move so much now.


    ¡± Are you sure you don¡¯t want to rest in a more spacious room?¡± She shook her head and gave a smile.


    ¡± It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m morefortable here. I might not get rested in a fancy bedroom.¡±


    I smiled at her.


    ¡± Okay¡± I looked at where Nass¡¯ bed is.


    ¡± Do you think I¡¯m ready?¡± Manang eyed me curiously.


    ¡± It¡¯s on you, Keiranz. The question is, do you think you¡¯re ready?¡±


    I closed my eyes shut and took a deep breath before going to the bed.


    I peeked under the bed and there is indeed an old shoe box.


    I reached for it and bring it into a more clean space.


    I opened the box and saw a lot of envelopes that I think what contains her letter for all of us.


    I let out a shaky breath, brought the letters with me, and went to where the others are.


    ¡± Here. It¡¯s from Nass,¡± I coldly said. They all stared at me when I lowered the envelopes on the coffee table in the middle of the sofas.


    I went to the stairs and climbed up to my room.


    The part that the fire took in is now repaired and renovated.


    However, I didn¡¯t let them change the design of my room.


    I sat down outside on the floor, beside my door.


    This is where I first saw her¡­


    My jaw tightens on what I¡¯m about to do.


    If I open this, that means I¡¯m epting that she¡¯s¡­ gone.


    ¡± Nass,¡± I mumbled.


    My envelope has a heart shape on the upper left part.


    I rubbed my thumb over that part of the paper.


    I looked up at the ceiling.


    Contemting if I should really do this¡­


    ¡± F*ck.¡± I opened the envelope and took a folded paper inside.


    My heart sank when I saw the familiar writing.


    ~


    To: Keiranz Andrew Marques¡­ My Keian


    If you¡¯re reading this right now then that means something happened¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry for leaving you, but I have to do this. I¡¯m hoping that you will never have to open this letter but what can I do if you¡¯re reading it already?

 Chapter 84

    I¡¯m afraid, baby¡­ I don¡¯t know what should I do. I¡¯m not confident I will be able to make it and if that happens, I need you to understand.


    You don¡¯t need to say sorry for all the things you¡¯ve done, I¡¯m thankful for that, in fact. I thought that I won¡¯t be able to find someone else I care for deeply other than Brylle, yet, here we are. Here I am, writing a letter to one of the most amazing men I¡¯ve ever met.


    You¡¯re not perfect, yes, I know that. Theirs is no perfect human being. All of us have ws and I know that you epted that.


    I we¡¯ll ever meet at our next life, I wish that we¡¯ll be in the same ending. But it will not end up with a sad ending. We will be having our happy ending. I want you to not feel guilty after doing such things to me. I¡¯m not the girl who likes being in the dark. I want you to be honest.


    I understand all you have done so don¡¯t feel guilty.


    What I want is for us to talk about it. You shouldn¡¯t run. It¡¯s alright to have a conversation about it.


    ¡ª  That¡¯s all for now. I want you baby to go to your father and talk to him. He¡¯ll tell you the next part of my letter.


    I know that you have no intention of talking to him because of Diego. But please, do it for me¡­


    I hope you won¡¯t get to read this.


    I won¡¯t be able to tell you this in person but I LOVE YOU¡­


    ~


    I closed my eyes as I crumpled the paper.


    I treated her badly before she leaves and I think that¡¯s her reason¡­ And I¡¯m really guilty about it.


    Even after her disappearance, I¡¯m still ming myself for it.


    I love her so much but I became a coward.


    I felt so scared that ites to the fact that I can¡¯t look straight at her eyes. I can¡¯t even speak with her.


    Scared that I might lose her.


    Damn it.


    I stood up and punched the wall.


    I¡¯m such an idiot¡­


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Nass¡­ I-I¡¯m sorry¡± I cried. I cried like a baby.


    My chests feel heavy¡­


    I clutched the paper, where Nassandra¡¯s remainingst words are located, to my chest.


    .


    .


    .


    I wiped the tears on my face, stood up straight, and came down to the living room.


    ¡± I¡¯m going to¡ª¡± I stopped talking when I saw that some of them are crying, some are staring at Nass¡¯ letter for them.


    ¡± What is it Kei?¡±  I looked at Nic whose fist is clenched tightly while the other hand is holding a paper.


    ¡± I¡¯m going to France,¡± they all looked at each other.


    ¡± You¡¯re talking to Tito Andre?¡± I nodded at Devon.


    I slightly smiled at them.


    ¡± Gotta go¡­¡± It¡¯s like they didn¡¯t hear what I said as they returned their attention to Nassandra¡¯s letter to each one of them.


    My car is already parked at the front door. I¡¯m heading straight to the airport to go ride our private jet.


    Dad returned to France a few weeks ago.


    He was happy when I told him about Kayden. He insists on going here but we can¡¯t talk to him right now¡­


    Even I can¡¯t dismiss the thought that I have a younger brother.


    That means my father cheated on my mother¡­Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I don¡¯t want to go but Nass wants me to.


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    I speedily drove my car.


    It¡¯s been 2 months since we bomb Arkaine Estate with Maximo inside but I just read Nassandra¡¯s letter just now.


    ¡± F*ck!¡± I swerved the car to the left because there was a truck in front of me.


    I heard the truck¡¯s honking and the sound of my car shing to a tree.


    ¡± Shit.¡± I held my head and noticed that I have an injury.


    I cursed a dozen times before restarting my engine and driving in the direction of my hospital.


    I parked the car and opened the door.


    People looked at me when I got outside.


    I signaled at the guard I saw.


    ¡± What is it, sir?¡± I pointed at the car and said:


    ¡± Throw it away.¡± At the same time, giving him the keys of the car.


    The guard froze in his spot so I entered the building.


    I went directly to the nurses¡¯ area and the nurse in there widened his eyes.


    ¡± Call Dr. Mendoza.¡± I coldly said to the nurse. She immediately nodded and takes the telephone with trembling hands.


    ¡± Ma¡¯am, you can¡¯t work in here anymore. I nearly got caughtst time I allowed you to clean¡­ If you want, I know someone who knows a job offering in a restaurant,¡± I turned to a nurse who is talking to a woman.


    The woman got her back faced on me so I can only see her short hair.


    ¡± And ma¡¯am, you need to pay your billst time. I don¡¯t want to be scolded, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    The woman stayed silent and clutched the eco bag she¡¯s holding.


    I sighed.


    I approached the two.


    Kei¡¯s mansion could use a maid especially the other one resigned because she¡¯s working on an agency and because the male maid is already dead.


    The one with the Ema name is the only one remaining and she need help in cleaning the mansion.


    ¡± Hey. Are you finding a job?¡± The woman froze at what I asked.


    ¡± S-Sir. Uhmm, I¡¯m so sorry. Were we too loud?¡± I shook my head at the nurse.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay. Go back to your work. I¡¯ll handle this.¡± He nodded and quickly walked away.


    My gaze returned to the woman, but she¡¯s already far away from me and was about to go into the elevator.


    My eyebrows furrowed.


    Is she running away from me?


    ¡± Hey!¡± I followed her, and when I got close to her, she slightly looked at me from her shoulder.


    I stopped walking¡­


    And the world seemed to stopped moving.


    ¡± Nass¡­?¡± I repeatedly blinked and when I saw her ran to the fire exit, I immediately chased her.


    She was about to climb the stairs but I held her wrist.


    She tried to pull her hand back but I tightly gripped it.


    ¡± Nass!¡± I faced her to me and I can¡¯t believe who is right before my eyes.


    She has a scar on her lips, but other than that and her short hair, nothing changes.


    I may look like an owl right now.


    I held her chin and make her look up at me.


    ¡± W-Why are you here?¡± She asked.


    ¡± What? Did you forgot that I¡¯m the owner of this hospital?¡± Realization hit her as she closed her eyes.

 Chapter 85

    Nassandra¡¯s POV


    Huhuhu. Why so stupid, Nassandra? You didn¡¯t think that this hospital belongs to Zeke! Huhuhu!


    I just want to p my forehead real loud.


    ¡± Is that really you, Nass?¡± I red at him because of my annoyance to myself.


    ¡± Oh, Zeke. No, I¡¯m not me. It¡¯s not Nassandra. I¡¯m just a ghost, hunting you. But I hope I can be just a ghost right now.¡± I sarcastically said.


    I am avoiding them! Then I went straight to one of their buildings?!


    Wahhh! Nass! What the heck!?


    *sniff*


    I looked at Zeke and got surprised when I saw him crying. Not to mention that his head is also bleeding and he has a wound.


    ¡± Don¡¯t say that Nass. You scared the sh8t out of us, especially Kei and Brylle.¡± I bitterly smiled at him.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry,¡± he touched my cheeks and shook his head.


    ¡± No. Don¡¯t say sorry. You¡¯ve been telling us not to say sorry in your letters but here you are apologizing.¡±


    Oh right¡­ I wrote them letters.


    ¡± Uhmmm,¡± I scratched the back of my neck because I don¡¯t know what to say next.


    I just want to say sorry to them a thousand times but Zeke¡¯s right.


    I smiled when he engulfed me in a tight embrace.


    ¡± Oh my ghad, you¡¯re real.¡± He said in disbelief.


    ¡± Yeah¡­¡± I heard him cry on my shoulders, so I let him.


    ¡± What happened? H-How?¡± I lowered my head as I still don¡¯t want to answer his question.


    And he understands that.


    ¡± Okay. Sorry. I won¡¯t ask you until you¡¯re ready.¡± I nodded at him.


    ¡± Why are you here?¡± Why do you have a bill in the hospital? Do you got sick or injured yourself after the bombing?¡± I nodded my head again.


    ¡± I had to go to the hospital because I had slight injuries that time, but up until now, Diego is still here. I had to bring him to the ER a few days after we just got discharged. I can¡¯t find any more jobs.¡±


    ¡± Diego?!¡± He asked with annoyance.


    ¡± He helped me, Zeke. He was my best friend and Lolo just manipted him from the start. He nned to kill him too.¡± He didn¡¯t quite believe in what I said, and I can understand why.


    ¡± Fine. Then I¡¯ll cover for your hospital bills, including his,¡± I gave him a re because of what he said.


    ¡± I told you that I don¡¯t want to have any debt¡ª¡±


    ¡± Then be Kei¡¯s maid again,¡± my body stilled.


    ¡± The maid Ema is the only remaining working maid in the mansion. She can¡¯t clean the house all by herself.¡± I just remembered that Jane was just working undercover in the mansion and she¡¯s not there anymore.


    I sighed.


    Why is this scene so familiar?


    He smirked at me because he knew I had no other choice.


    I raised a brow at him.


    ¡± You all are just missing me,¡± he sincerely smiled.


    ¡± Yes. We miss you so much.¡± I frowned and felt my cheeks burning.


    ¡± Shatap!¡± He loudlyughed. Making meugh as well.


    ¡± Nass,¡± Diego turned to me as his smile disappeared when he realized that I am with Zeke.


    ¡± What is HE doing here?¡± Diego asked with narrowed eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯m paying for your bills, bastard.¡±


    ¡± So?¡± Zeke¡¯s eyebrows raised.


    ¡± Can¡¯t you just be thankful?¡±


    ¡± Why would I THANK you?¡±


    ¡± If I won¡¯t pay for your bills, Nassandra will have a hard time finding jobs for her to pay for YOUR bills.¡± Diego got stilled and silent because of that.


    I kicked Zeke at what he said.


    He red at me but I can see that he¡¯s slightly feeling guilty.


    ¡± Hayyy.¡± I approached Diego and fixed his nket back to his body.


    Diego¡¯s gunshot wound got infected so I had to bring him back to the hospital.


    ¡± How are you feeling?¡± I asked Diego to which he smiled back.


    ¡± My head is slightly aching,¡± I nodded at him and fixed the things left on the sofa of the room.


    ¡± I¡¯ll still wait for Diego to be discharged before going back to the mansion.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯ll be going back to the mansion?!¡±


    ¡± Why? What is your problem with that?! Are you the one going, and yourining?!¡± I rolled my eyes at their fighting.


    ¡± Yes, Diego. You will stay there with me. We have no house to stay in. And Zeke, if you want me to return there, you will let Diego stay as well.¡±


    ¡± Nass, I have no problem if you¡¯re the only one staying, but him¡ª okay! Fine! He can stay as well.¡± I grinned triumphantly when he finally approved.


    AFTER 3 DAYS¡­


    ¡± If you do anything suspicious inside, I won¡¯t have second thoughts in kicking you outside!¡± Before Diego got to reply to Zeke¡¯s remark, I already red at the to of them.


    I¡¯ve been enduring their fightings for thest three days!


    And I just found out that the reason why Zeke was in the hospital that day is that he crashed into a tree.


    ¡± Oh yeah¡­ Kei is not in the mansion. He went to France.¡± I nodded at him.


    Maybe he went to talk to Tito Andre¡­


    I also told Zeke not to tell the others that I¡¯m not¡­ dead.


    ¡± How about Brylle?¡± It¡¯s been so long since Ist saw him and I miss him so much already.


    Diego and I looked at each other from the rearview mirror as he¡¯s the one sitting at the back of the car.


    Zeke noticed that but didn¡¯t pay it any mind.


    ¡± He¡¯s with Kayden. They are in Kayden¡¯s own house. Do you want me to make them go in the mansion right now?¡± I shook my head at him.


    ¡± No need. I might just disturb them.¡± Zeke sighed as he looked at me while driving.


    ¡± Nass. You¡¯re still Brylle¡¯s mom. You were with him for three years and there¡¯s nothing wrong in wanting to see him again.¡± I suddenly remembered Aedin.


    Zeke told me that she already passed away just thisst week. I am concerned about how everyone else is coping. I know that Aedin is so important for all of them¡­N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    I bit my lip.


    ¡± I¡¯ll be happy to see Brylle. And I think, Diego and Kayden need to talk to each other.¡±


    He moved his head up and down and returned his attention to the road.


    I took a deep breath.


    We are now here outside the mansion. Zeke parked his car in front of the house.


    Zeke is outside and is talking to somebody on the phone.


    While Diego is sitting at a rock outside, staring at the distance.


    While here I am, still inside the car.


    Preparing myself before I get to see the others again.


    ¡± Nic.¡± I looked outside the window when my brother walked to where Zeke is.


    Zeke ended his call and talked to my brother.


    Zeke said that Kuya Khalil asionally visits here because the agency and the mafia are helping each other.


    They¡¯re like partners.


    He¡¯s really alive.

 Chapter 86

    In the past two weeks, I wondered if seeing my brother live was just a dream.


    But now, I can see him again.


    He¡¯s smiling at Zeke but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes.


    Leon, who was with my brother, suddenly approached the car.


    The dog and I looked at each other. He was outside while I¡¯m inside the car.


    His tail is wagging happily and when he¡¯s sure that I¡¯m the one he¡¯s smelling inside, he trotted to Zeke and my brother then the dog wille back to me in a cycle.


    Kuya noticed the dog¡¯s excitement so he looked at the car.


    I didn¡¯t hear their conversation so much but it looks like Khalil asked Zeke if there¡¯s someone inside the car.


    Zeke nodded while my brother¡¯s forehead wrinkled in confusion.


    I heaved out a sigh and got out of the car.


    Kuya stared at me, his smile earlierpletely disappears.


    .


    .


    .


    I was just standing in front of the car while his jaw dropped and was surprised when he saw me there.


    ¡± Pat¡­?¡± I smiled.


    ¡± Kuya.¡± He gasped and walked closer to me.


    ¡± Is that you?¡± He looked at me from toe going to the head and stopped at my hair.


    It¡¯s now short¡­ In the past, I don¡¯t really like cutting my hair short because I felt like it doesn¡¯t suit me. I don¡¯t know why it¡¯s no big deal to me now that my hair is short.


    My brother¡¯s eyes returned to me.


    His hair grew, and he now has a little bit of beard.


    He¡¯s wearing ck long sleeves and jeans.


    He touched both of my cheeks.


    ¡± Pat.¡± He tightly engulfed me in an embrace. I can feel his longing for me.


    ¡± You¡¯re alive. Thank God!¡± I stayed silent and stayed in his embrace.


    After Kuya and I¡¯s dramatic scene together, we finally decided to go inside the mansion.


    The first person who saw me was Steven who ran towards me like a child while crying and jumping up and down over and over.


    All of them were surprised to see me.


    Who wouldn¡¯t? Almost everyone thought I was dead.


    So I talked to them one by one including Laiza.


    They all seemed guilty at what happened but never once I have med them for it¡­


    I also got to meet Ema who bursted in tears as she saw me.


    I also volunteered to help her prepare for supper.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    It¡¯s a quarter to six when Brylle and Kayden arrived.


    ¡°Mama!¡± The moment Brylle saw me, he already bursted into tears.


    He sat down so I went to him.


    ¡°I thought you have left me. Huhuhu. Mama!!!¡± This made me cry as I held him closer to my arms real tight.


    I¡¯ve been wanting to do this for a long time¡­


    ¡°Brylle.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave me again, Mama. I missed you so much.¡± I rubbed his back in circles.


    ¡°Me too, baby¡­. I¡¯m sorry.¡± He didn¡¯t bother letting me go anymore so I carried him up and shed a smile at Kayden.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯lle back.¡± He held one side of my cheek.


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of Brylle.¡±


    ¡°Of course, he¡¯s my son¡ª I mean, my wife¡¯s son.¡± He was a bit sad upon saying those words.


    I turned to Diego at the very corner of the room whose eyes widened while looking at Kayden.


    Our eyes met and I gave him a nod.


    He took a deep breathe before standing up and went to Kayden.


    ¡°Can I talk to you?¡± Kayden raised a brow as he turned to the person behind him.


    His expression darkened as he realized it was Diego. So he let out a sigh and nodded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk outside. Nass.¡± I smiled at the two and let them have their moment outside the mansion.


    Hopefully no one would think of punching each other¡­


    ¡°Nass! Just why didn¡¯t you show yourself in the first ce?!¡± Devon asked harshly.


    I can¡¯t help but roll my eyes yfully.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me with that tone. You could just tell me that you miss me directly, it¡¯s fine.¡± He shots a re at me.


    ¡°No, not fine!¡± I saw his face turned a light shade of red.


    I shook my head and walked to Maxence and Steven that are sitting on a sofa.


    Steven was disturbing Maxence who¡¯s ying on his phone.


    ¡°Go away, Steven. You¡¯re so noisy.¡±


    ¡°But, you¡¯ve been ying in there for more than a while. Can I try it?¡± Maxence gave Steven a look before drawing his phone away from him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna.¡± His eyes shifted to me which made him smile.


    Wow. I suddenly want to capture this on camera¡­


    ¡°Nass. Don¡¯t go away again.¡± He slowly muttered. Steven looked at me and his eyes shimmered with joy than before.


    ¡°Nass! In the next days, I¡¯ll bring you to our house when we go home, you should bring Brylle along, too. There are a lot of kids there so he¡¯ll get himself a ymate.¡±


    What they¡¯re saying are giving me a different eerie feeling.


    It¡¯s like they¡¯re really epting me. Like I¡¯m part of the family.


    ¡°Miss Nass.¡± Erick bowed himself as a greeting in front of me and sat on the sofa. Laiza nods at me as she entered the kitchen.


    ¡°Hi.¡± I turned my head to Theo who looked shy toe any further.


    ¡°Tell me how am I suppose to make up everything I have done to you. I promise I¡¯ll do them.¡± I fixed the way I held Brylle who¡¯s now sleeping and held Theo by his shoulder.


    ¡°What I want you to do is stop thinking that you did something bad to me.¡± At first he furrowed his eyebrows but the next thing he smiled and nodded in the end.


    ¡°Thank you, Nassandra.¡±


    He pecked a kiss on my cheek then ran away immediately. This made me frozen on my spot.


    I blinked.


    Huh???

 Chapter 87

    Zeke and Katie wereing closer so I diverted my attention to them.


    Katie wrapped me around her arms in wee.


    She probably did that for the tenth time now.


    ¡°I¡¯m really d you¡¯re alive, Nass. I don¡¯t know what could possibly if you really died for real.¡± She started tearing up as Zekeforted her.


    ¡°I will tell Kei that Theo kissed you in the cheek.¡± Both Katie and I turned to Zeke to give him a re.


    ¡°Woah, okay!¡± He raised both his hands in the air and took a step away from us.


    ¡°But Nass, as far as I know, Kei will be going home tomorrow.¡± I nodded at her.


    I still have time to prepare myself before seeing him again.


    The thought of seeing him again makes my heart beat faster¡­


    ¡°The food is ready!¡± We all turned to Ema as she spoke.


    Her eyes widened in shame.


    ¡°U-Uhmm, Nass? You¡¯ll be the one to handle this, okay.¡± I chuckled before nodding at Ema.


    ¡°Come on eat, everyone.¡± All of them went to the table dly.


    My heart is beating so fast¡­


    We¡¯re currently at the living room next to the front door.


    Cleaning¡­


    Because Keian will be arriving soon.


    Manang is sitting on a sofa, watching us clean up.


    There¡¯s a new maid here, a daughter of one of Keian¡¯s trusted men that has been here for a long time now.


    She¡¯s pretty young, probably around 19 years old while I¡¯m already 23.


    She¡¯s a bit shy but awfully friendly.


    Ema is in the kitchen, cleaning since we¡¯ve been assigned here.


    I shed a smile at Manang.


    My happiness wouldn¡¯t bepared to the moment Manang finally woke up from hera.


    Even though she couldn¡¯t move freely because of the struggle in her body.


    Zeke wouldn¡¯t let her go because Manang is so important to them.


    ¡°Ate(Older sister), this is actually nerve-wracking. What¡¯s going on?¡± Roxy asked in a hushed voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know the person your dad is working for?¡± She pouted.


    ¡°A little. He told me he¡¯s a very kind man but is literally serious when ites to serious situations.¡± I nodded as she was correct.


    ¡°But the problem is, he¡¯s gorgeously annoying that¡¯s why here we are right now, cleaning.¡± Roxy looked confused at what I said.


    ¡°How¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hey. Ma?tre is here.¡± Roxy¡¯s eyes widened as she lowered her head quickly.


    Manang and I looked at each other for a while before bowing our heads down.


    ¡°Wee back, Kei.¡± Zeke greeted him.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± I almost gasped as I heard his voice.


    ¡°Why is your hand bleeding? Do you have any injuries?¡± I saw the two of them enter and Keian moved his hand to remove the blood from his fist.


    His deep and manly voice.


    ¡°Someone chased me. I gave them a good beating.¡± Zeke chuckled as he looked at where Keian¡¯s gaze is.


    It was towards Roxy and I.


    ¡°Huhu. The way Ma?tre is looking at us is scary.¡±


    ¡°You hired new maids?¡± Keian narrowed his eyes at the both of us.


    ¡°Ahh. Yes. If you don¡¯t mind. There is only one maid left in here, she couldn¡¯t clean the whole mansion alone or cook for all the people living in here.¡± I can feel his eyes lingering on me.


    I gulped.


    ¡°Fine. Just make sure they¡¯re not from some agency or f¡ªed up family.¡± He coldly stated and climbed up the stairs with blood still dripping from his hand.


    How nice¡­ just like the old times.


    As we made sure Keian had entered his roompletely, we looked up from our bowing position.


    ¡°Sorry about that.¡± Zeke told me.


    I sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll just clean up all the blood. Seriously, this had to happen all the time¡­¡± Zekeughed and pats me on the back in salutation.


    ¡°Go, maid.¡± I rolled my eyes at him and started cleaning the trail of blood that went up to the stairs above.


    While getting closer and closer to Keian¡¯s room, my heart rate just kept getting faster and faster at the same time.


    When I¡¯m finally in front of Keian¡¯s door, I was pulled from the inside.


    My eyes widened in shock as I looked at the man who squeezed me against the door of the room.


    I badly missed his scent and his room¡­


    My lips curved into a smile as his eyes widened as if he just saw a ghost.


    We stayed quiet while looking at each other.


    His hair is a little bit messy and I just want to touch it.


    So I did.


    Feeling the softness of his hair, I still stared at him.


    He swallowed a lump in his throat before closing his eyes.


    ¡°Keian¡­¡± I stated his name.


    ¡°Oh God¡­¡± He snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him.


    He buried his face at the crook of my neck so I wrapped my arms around him, as well.


    I missed him¡­


    ¡°I-Is this real?¡± He stuttered.


    I bit my lip and tightened the way I was hugging him.


    ¡°Keian.¡±


    ¡°Sh8t. You¡¯re real.¡± I felt him starting to tremble.


    He tightens the grip around my waist.


    ¡°Nass?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± He groaned. He slightly pulled me away to look into my eyes.


    He¡¯s still in shock but at the same time, he¡¯s happy.


    He cupped my cheeks and wiped the tears that were rolling down from it.


    I noticed a scar on his hand as if something had gone deep in it.


    ¡°Nassandra.¡± He keeps repeating saying my name. Making himself believe that I¡¯m now in his side again.


    Later, he frowned and knelt down.


    ¡°I am so sorry, baby. I-I can¡¯t save you. I pushed you away. I¡¯m a jerk. I should¡¯ve spend more time with¡­ I thought you¡¯re gone.¡± His eyes watered.


    I did the same and held his face to wipe away the tears that are falling from his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Keian. I¡¯m the one who should say sorry. I¡¯m the reason why you saw Maximo again.¡± He lets out what seems to be a growl then stared right through my eyes.


    Our noses met as our lips are getting closer to each other.


    ¡°Nonsense. You¡¯re the best thing that ever happened to me. You¡¯re innocently beautiful.¡± He held my chin.


    His thumb rubs against my scar on the lips.


    ¡°You deserve so much better.¡±


    ¡°Then I deserve you.¡± He distanced himself again and observed me.


    After so many months, I got a glimpse of his smile again.


    ¡°I love you, Nass.¡± I smiled back at him and let our foreheads touch each other.


    ¡°I love you too, Keian.¡± He was slightly surprised at what I replied.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Was my only response.


    Our lips met.


    The longing and desire of each other lingers¡­


    I pushed myself away from him as I almost couldn¡¯t breathe anymore.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    He pressed his hands on my back so I was being pulled closer to him even more.


    He kissed me on the lips again before carrying me towards his bed.


    ¡°I missed sleeping with you.¡± He took off his shirt which made me see his outrageously gorgeous, fit body.


    Heid down beside me and held me closer and tighter.


    As if he was being careful that I might be gone once he didn¡¯t tighten his hold on me.


    ¡°Nass.¡± I rested my head on his chest, feeling the warmth of his presence.


    He held me protectively.


    ¡°Thank you baby¡­ foring into my life.¡± I felt his lips on my forehead.


    Me too. Keian¡­

 #Book 2 Chapter 1

    Nassandra


    I can¡¯t seem to calm myself down where I was currently sitting, and I know Keian noticed that.


    He kept ncing at me while I kept moving andpletely forgotten how to rx.


    I¡¯m currently in Keian¡¯s study, while he was working I was sitting on a sofa while reading a book.


    A book that I still can¡¯t keep my focus on.


    Almost a week after I returned here, it looks like everything went back to the way it was before.


    The only difference is that I get to see my brother as he always visits here, and Diego also started to dwell here.


    Tito Andre came here the other day to talk to his three sons.


    There is still tension between them, but after Tito Andre talked to them, they¡¯ve been working on their rtionship. I¡¯m happy about that.


    Brylle gets to hang around here all the time, he mostly spends a lot of time with me, but most of the time, he stays with Kayden.


    I have no problem with that as long as I still get to see my son.


    I closed the book that I never got to read at all and sighed. I heard a chair being moved, and Keian was walking towards me. He lifted me up and sat on the sofa, then ces me on hisp.


    I was a bit surprised at what he just did but decided to just shrug it off and rest my body on his chest.


    I feel so tired¡­


    He runs his fingers around the back of my head.


    ¡± Hmmm. Why?¡± He half-whispered.


    He held my chin and lifted it up to make me face up to him.


    His eyes are so truly beautiful¡­


    And he smells good as ever.


    Geez, Nass¡­


    ¡± Did anything happened today?¡± He rubbed his thumb on my cheeks, staring straight into my eyes.


    I took a deep breath. I¡¯ve been experiencing symptoms¡­


    ¡± Uhmmm¡± I looked away from him.


    He might get mad at me if I tell him¡­Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    He returns my eyes to him, and our noses touched each other.


    ¡± Come on, baby. You¡¯re restless since yesterday. I¡¯m getting worried¡± well, it was just yesterday when I realized what is happening to me.


    ¡± Uhhh, I¡¯m missing my period sincestst week. Then I started feeling sick or vomiting every morning¡­¡± He furrowed his eyebrows and looked at me with skepticism.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you tell me?! What if it¡¯s an after-effect of the injury you obtained from the explosion!?¡± I frowned at his statement and gave him a look that screams, ¡®seriously?¡¯


    His eyebrows deepened, ¡± What?¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m missing my period, I feel so tired, my breasts are tender, and I¡¯m having morning sickness!¡± He thought about what I just said.


    Whattttt?!!!!


    ¡± I¡¯m pregnant!¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re pregnant!?¡±


    We both said at the same time.


    His eyes widened inplete utter shock at what we just realized.


    I sighed.


    ¡± I¡¯m still not sure, and because of that, I can¡¯t seem to calm down.¡± His eyes are still wide with shock as he absorbed all of the information all together.


    My heart kept racing.


    What if he doesn¡¯t want to¡­?


    ¡± Keian?¡± He blinked his eyes several times.


    ¡± What should we do?¡± I frowned and leaned my body back to his chest again.


    ¡± I¡¯m thinking of taking a pregnancy test¡± I can¡¯t seem to point the finger at what he¡¯s really feeling because of his obvious nk expression.


    And all of a sudden, I don¡¯t know why I was feeling blue about it.


    He rubs my back, and I noticed the way his hands were shaking rapidly.


    ¡± Uhhmm. D-do you want me to buy you one?¡± I nodded my head while still leaning on to him.


    ¡°Just buy tons of them just to be sure¡­¡±


    ¡± Okay¡­ I-I¡¯ll¡± He fell silent for a while before lifting me up again.


    ¡± You rest in our bedroom while I go out, okay?¡±


    I nodded, and so we went to his bedroom.


    He ced me on the bed and immediately left.


    I closed my eyes, hoping to disperse what I was feeling inside.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Hey,¡± my eyes fluttered open as I saw Keian entering the room with his hair all messy. He was carrying a small stic bag.


    He carried me up again but with me standing, and we walked to the bathroom.


    ¡± Here,¡± He puts the stic on the sink and held one side of my cheek. Whereas for me, I couldn¡¯t exin the nervousness I was feeling¡­


    We stared at each other for a moment before he voluntarily left the bathroom to give me some privacy.


    My hands were trembling as I reached for the stic¡¯s contents.


    There are approximately five pregnancy tests inside.


    I grabbed one first¡­


    After a few minutes, I focused my eyes on the rectangr nk space.


    My heart was racing really fast.


    What if Keian doesn¡¯t want any of this???


    A lot of what-ifs are running in my mind, and it¡¯s driving me insane.


    I tried out all of the pregnancy tests since they all differ in brand. We never know one of them might have an error.


    But in the end, all of them showed the same result.


    Two lines¡­

 #Book 2 Chapter 2

    I took a deep breath before opening the door to get out of the bathroom.


    Seeing Keian staring at nowhere with his eyes not blinking made me even more nervous.


    As in, he isn¡¯t blinking at all!!!


    It¡¯s just the second time I saw him paced out like this.


    The first time was the next day after my return here in the mansion. He was just staring at me when I woke up and reassured his mind that I¡¯m really here. The second is right now.


    He might¡¯ve not heard me closing the bathroom door, so I gathered some courage to call him myself.


    He looked at me with a still, nk expression, so I wasn¡¯t exactly sure of what he¡¯s feeling at the moment.


    He silently stood up and went over to me.


    I showed him the results of the five pregnancy tests and lowered my gaze.


    I bit my lip.


    ¡± T-two lines. That means¡­¡± I nodded my head at him, and as his expression darkened, I felt a tear falling down from my eye.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m sorry¡± I¡¯m not sure as to why I¡¯m crying, but my chest just felt heavy with all I¡¯m feeling.


    Huhuhu.


    Keian¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡± Why are you crying? And why are you apologizing?¡± His face is filled with worry.


    I whimpered.


    ¡± For everything¡­ sorry about this. Because you might probably¡­¡± I raised the pregnancy tests.


    His mouth gaped open, and he confusingly looked at me, then back to the tests.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d be mad with me. I never thought I would¡ª¡±


    ¡± Hmphhf,¡± I stopped talking as Keian kissed me rapidly.


    As we broke away, he pressed our foreheads against each other.


    He looked at my eyes.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to worry, baby. I¡¯m just thinking about the night we spend together, that means I¡­ I should be the one apologizing¡± I shook my head at him.


    ¡± No, Keian. I don¡¯t regret what happened. It¡¯s just that¡­¡± I lowered my head, and there was a long deafening silence surrounding us.


    I don¡¯t ¡®don¡¯t want to have a baby. It¡¯s a blessing, and I¡¯m happy that I will have a child of my own.


    But I¡¯m afraid that Keian won¡¯t like having a baby. We haven¡¯t made any ns regarding that yet¡­


    I gazed up at Keian to speak, but I was surprised to see a bright grin on his face with tears escaping from his eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for everything, but I promise, Nass. I am happy. Super f¡ªing happy!¡± He lifted me up and spin me around off the ground.


    I stared at him.


    His face is so happy.


    Very happy.


    It¡¯s the first time I saw him smile like this¡­


    And it melts my heart.


    My legs are on his side, and I put my hands on his neck while his arms are around my waist.


    He stopped spinning me around and turned to me with a smile.


    ¡± I would like to have a family with you, Nass. Thank you¡± He kissed me once more and buried his face on my shoulder¡­


    With a wide smile, I also turned to him.


    ¡± I love you, Keian¡± His smile grew wider.


    ¡± I love you more, baby.¡±


    ¡ª


    Zeke and Katie¡¯s eyes trailed to us as they got out of the elevator.


    We¡¯re currently at the headquarters, fourth floor where Keian usually sat. He¡¯s sitting there right now, but I was also sitting on hisp. So he was right behind me.


    His hands are protectively around my waist, sometimes rubbing my stomach.


    He obviously didn¡¯t want to let me go.


    He kissed me on the cheek and buried his face on the crook of my neck.


    Zeke overreactingly covered himself when he saw us.


    ¡± Woah! PDA!¡± I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡± We¡¯re not even in public, Nic,¡± Keian irritatedly pointed out.


    Zeke smirked and turned to Katie.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t be jealous of you anymore.¡± He pulled Katie closer and kissed her passionately. In front of us.


    Everything ended when Katie pushed Zeke away and sat on her chair, flustered. She silently lowered her head.


    Zeke was still smirking as he sat somewhere near Keian and amusingly stared in Katie¡¯s direction.


    ¡± Ello!¡± Steven cheerfully greeted as he entered. He was followed by Maxence, whose full attention was on his cellphone.


    Soon they were followed by Devon, Erick, Laiza, and Theo, who greeted Keian and me before sitting down on their designated positions.


    ¡± Kuya!¡± I called, seeing my brothere out of the elevator along with Kuya Kayden. Whereas Diego was right behind them.


    ¡± Hello,¡± He greeted with a smile and messed my hair yfully.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kuya Kayden asked, also messing my hair like what my Kuya did.


    I pouted.


    ¡± Just sit your ass down,¡± Keian coldly told his brother, who just smirked in reaction.


    Diego grinned at the sight of me and also yed along to messing my hair.


    Hey!


    I shot him a re until he sat on a chair.


    The three siblings get to talk with one another, but their tension is still there, like an invisible wall. But they¡¯re working on it.


    So why is everyone in here? Because Keian called everyone up as if it was an urgent meeting.


    ¡± So, what exactly are we doing here?¡± Asked Devon.


    I drew myself away from Keian and sat on a nearby chair.


    He shot me a re, but I held his hand reassuringly so he wouldn¡¯t have to feel bad.


    He¡¯s acting like a child.


    He sighed and squeezed my hand a bit.


    ¡± Nassandra is pregnant,¡± He directly announced.


    Deafening silence surrounded the whole room as everyone¡¯s eyes were widened or their mouths were hung open in shock.


    ¡± You¡¯re pregnant?!¡± Diego asked in a slightly raised voice. Keian narrowed his eyes at the man.


    ¡± Is there a problem, Gaius?¡± He pointedly questions.


    ¡± I-I mean¡± Diego lowered his head and thought.


    ¡± I¡¯m assuming it¡¯s already 2 months¡± We all turned to Zeke.


    I slowly nodded in agreement.


    ¡± I¡¯m not sure since we just knew it a little while ago, and we swear we only did it once¡­¡± Zeke nodded at my reply.


    ¡± But you were hospitalized,¡± Diego softly said.


    ¡± Hmmm. When did your symptoms start showing up?¡± Theo asked.


    ¡± Juststst week.¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡± Gaius is right. You were hospitalized. The doctors should¡¯ve known you¡¯re carrying a baby inside.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at the realization that Katie must be right.


    I tightened my grip on Keian.

 #Book 2 Chapter 3

    ¡± Doctors should have realized that you¡¯re pregnant by the fifth week already by the tests,¡± Theo added.


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t undergo thorough ultrasound when I was at the hospital since I only had external injuries.¡± Theo licked his lower lip.


    ¡°So basically, your symptoms startedstst week?¡± I nodded in agreement.


    ¡°I just missed my period, and it was just the other day when I started experiencing morning sickness.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see in your test results by blood or urine that there was a change because you¡¯re pregnant.¡± Theo looked at Zeke.


    ¡°She got admitted to your hospital, right? I¡¯d like to speak to the doctor who handled her.¡±


    ¡± Sure, go ahead,¡± Zeke said with his eyebrows creased.


    ¡°Your baby might¡¯ve been affected during the bombing in Arkaine Estate, Nass. If you want, I can check up on you after this¡± I managed to let out a smile at Theo despite the nervousness.


    What he said might be true that it might have something to do with what happened 2 months ago¡­


    I hope our child is alright.


    Keian tightened his grip on my hand.


    ¡± No. I want a woman ob-gynecologist to check on her¡± Theo sighed openly and nodded.


    ¡± I¡¯ll call my friend.¡±


    My eyes turned to Diego.


    For thest few days, something was messing in my head.


    I gave him a meaningful look. He raised a brow at me till he furrowed them together, and his eyes widened.


    He gave me a look that said, ¡®are you sure?¡¯ So I nodded at him.


    He mouthed ¡®okay¡¯ then I looked at Keian because he squeezed my hand.


    He was just looking at me while waiting for me to speak.


    ¡± We were saved. That¡¯s why we didn¡¯t die¡± They all turned to me.


    ¡°Trikj, after the first explosion, he quickly carried Diego and me to the back of the resthouse. Before everything exploded, he threw us on the sea at the back of the resthouse. My head hit a rock, and that¡¯s why I have a scar on my lips. I woke up in an abandoned house. Diego wasn¡¯t there with me, and as I got out of the house, I saw Tito Elias hanged by a tree.¡± My lips were shaking, and I had to close my eyes so I wouldn¡¯t think about the gruesome sight of my uncle at that time.


    Keian looked at me with a worried expression.


    ¡± There¡¯s a letter under him. A letter for me, Diego, and for all of you¡­¡± They were shocked at the sudden statement I told.


    Me too. I didn¡¯t expect Tito would also leave some letters for them.


    ¡°I read on the letter that Tito had Diego admitted to the hospital, so I went there. I was also needed to be admitted because I lost consciousness on the way. When I got better, I immediately looked for a job because we didn¡¯t have any money.¡± Keian shifted away from his seat and pressed our foreheads to make me face him.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t you just showed yourself to us? I thought you¡¯re dead. It hurts¡­ I¡¯ve been enduring the pain for two months,¡± He whispered.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    My heart sank at what he said, my eyes started to water.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Keian¡­ I know it hurts. I¡¯m sorry I became selfish. I-I just can¡¯t¡­ I felt super guilty. Everything that¡¯s happened to you and your mafia is all because of me. Because of my family. I knew I wouldn¡¯t have the right face to show myself. Lolo took away everything from you. I can¡¯t show myself that easily. I grabbed that opportunity to distance myself away from you guys and for you to forget mepletely.¡± I said on the verge of tears.


    Suddenly I felt a dark presence in the whole room. Not just from Keian but also from everyone else that¡¯s in here.


    ¡± If Zeke just didn¡¯t saw me, all of you should have been happier by now.¡± I lowered my head and felt Keian draw himself away from me, and his eyes are sharply ring, not to me, but for some other reason.


    *p*


    My eyes widened, turning to my left, where I felt someone pped me real hard.


    I looked up at Laiza, who seemed very, very irritated.


    ¡± Laiza!?¡± Keian shouted and immediately came in between.


    I tasted the taste of blood as I bit the inside of my cheek.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you stop saying that?! Don¡¯t give me that reason! You¡¯re driving me mad! After disappearing for two months, that¡¯s what you¡¯re going to think?! Didn¡¯t you know how much we were worried sick and sad that you were gone?! We searched for you for a bloody month!¡±


    ¡± For goodness¡¯ sake! She¡¯s pregnant, Laiza!¡± Steven shouted.


    I froze at what Laiza said and lowered my head down back again.


    ¡°But what Laiza said is true, Nassandra¡± I turned to Steven while I bit my lip consciously.


    ¡± I¡¯m disappointed, Nass¡± My eyes shifted to Devon.


    ¡± Nass.¡± Keian held my chin and made me look into his eyes.


    ¡± You should not think like that. We¡¯re not ming you. We made mistakes. We¡¯re sorry for that. But always remember that we will never ever forget you.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re already in our hearts, Nass,¡± Zeke said.


    ¡± You made me realize that caring is not a bad thing¡­¡± I turned to Maxence.


    ¡± You¡¯re a sweet, mature, kind, and an independent person Nass. You should not feel guilty¡± I looked back at Erick.


    ¡± Maximo is the one to me, not you, or your family,¡± Then to Theo.


    ¡± You changed us, you changed Kei,¡± Katie stated.


    ¡± You¡¯re annoying,¡± Dale spoke. This made everyone turn to him.


    ¡± What? And I¡¯m happy you¡¯re alive. Is it okay now? Geez, this is so corny.¡± They shook their heads at Dale, and I smiled.


    ¡± Thank you for taking care of Brylle, Nass. I owe you. We all do.¡± I nodded at Kuya Kayden while Diego reached for my hand and held it withfort.


    Whereas my brother kicked me from underneath and stuck his tongue out, but in the end, he let out a smile.


    ¡± We¡¯re just happy you¡¯re here, Nass. And now, we¡¯re having a family.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry,¡± I softly muttered. Keian shook his head.


    ¡± Stop it¡± We stared at each other till our lips met in unison.


    ¡°Right, right! We¡¯re well aware that we¡¯re single!¡± Steven shouted. Keian and I broke away from each other and just smirked.


    All of them rolled their eyes except for Zeke, Katie, Kuya Kayden, and Diego.


    Thank God¡­


    I met them \^_^/

 #Book 2 Chapter 4

    I looked at myself on my reflection in the mirror here in the bathroom while brushing my teeth.


    Dark brown eyes were sharply looking back at me. Long eyshes, and it¡¯s almost four months since I had my haircut, so my hair was slightly longer with a few curl locks dangling.


    Whereas I¡¯m wearing one of Keian¡¯s t-shirts with some cycling shorts.


    He said he wanted to see me wear his clothes!


    It¡¯s like he makes me change my clothes every night.


    Hmph.


    I lowered my body to puke on the sink and wash my mouth with water.


    I felt someone wrapped their arms around me from behind. So does the way he pressed his muscr chest against me.


    I smiled while rinsing my face.


    Keian held my growing belly.


    ¡± Goodmorning, baby¡± I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s referring to me or at the baby inside, but even so, I still turned to him delightfully.


    And our lips met each other.


    ¡± Goodmorning,¡± I greeted back.


    He shed a smile at me and also lowered his body to kiss my belly, then properly stood back up.


    He grabbed a towel and gave it to me.


    I used it to wipe my face then ced it on a counter here in the bathroom.


    ¡± Vous ¨ºstes si belle, mon amour( You are so beautiful, my love)¡± Keian cupped my cheeks together.


    He rubbed my cheeks with his thumb while staring at me.


    I raised an eyebrow at him as he suddenly spoke French.


    ¡± Je suis si contente de me r¨¦veiller tous les jours avec toi ¨¤ mes c?t¨¦s. Vous ¨ºtes ici, avec moi. Merci pour ?a (I¡¯m so d I woke up every day with you by my side. You are here, with me. Thank you for that)¡± I pretended to look at him in a cruel way when in fact, I was already smiling so hard deep inside.


    Seriously, why did he had to give me all these goosebumps early in the morning?


    ¡± Eh bien monsieur, Tito Andre attend en bas. Allons-y( Well, mister. Tito Andre is waiting downstairs. Let¡¯s go)¡± I smirked after saying that and finally went out of the bathroom.


    I saw him winced, and he followed me.


    ¡± Quelle? C¡¯est seule chose que tu me diras?( What? That¡¯s the only thing you¡¯ll say to me?).¡± I faced him, and he directly furrows his eyebrows at me.


    ¡± Qu¡¯est-ce qui t¡¯arrive et tu parles fran?ais si t?t( What¡¯s with you and you¡¯re speaking French this early?)¡± He stared nkly at me.


    ¡± Vous aussi. Parlent en fran?ais ( You too. Are speaking in French)¡± I pouted at his statement.


    ¡°But you started¡ª¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s odd is that you two are speaking French while you¡¯re in the Philippines. Both of you can understand Tagalog, and both of you can also speak Tagalog. I can¡¯t understand you guys.¡± I slightly jumped upon hearing Steven¡¯s voice outside the room even though the door was closed.


    Keian narrowed his eyes at the door. The poor sweet door¡­


    ¡± Why are you here, Steven? Can¡¯t you see that we¡¯re doing something?¡± Mypanion irritatedlyined


    ¡± Hey! What are you doing there? And I can¡¯t totally see you. The door is clo¡ª¡± Before Steven could even continue his statement, Keian turned the doorknob.


    Steven smiled widely.


    ¡± What?!¡± Steven stretched his arms around me while smirking at Keian.


    ¡± Tito Andre has been looking for you all morning.¡± Keian clicked his tongue and pulled me away from Steven while pulling me down the stairs.


    ¡± Hey! Keian! Geez! He¡¯s been looking for you! Aishh. He¡¯s pissed. I¡¯m serious.¡± Keian stopped pulling and coldly turned to the person in front of him.


    ¡± Yeah. Just give us a minute,¡± He said in a serious tone.


    Steven pouted but eventually nodded and went down.


    We returned back to Keian¡¯s room to also change our attires.


    He¡¯s actually not wearing anything on top.


    Keian grabbed the first thing he sees in his walk-in closet and wore it.


    He held my hand for a while.


    ¡± Come downstairs¡± A nod was all I could respond to before he left the room.


    So I proceeded to change into more appropriate clothes.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Thepany lost almost 1 billion euro because of your idiocy!¡± I was nearly holding my breath here by the wall while watching Keian and Tito Andre talk. Katie, Theo, Zeke, Steven, and Erick were also present.


    Seeing Tito Andre mad really is frightening.


    ¡± It¡¯s the employees¡¯ fault!¡±


    ¡± Andrew!¡± Tito¡¯s voice echoed through the whole mansion.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    The way Tito Andre was speaking Keiranz¡¯s name is rming, as if he was warning him about something.


    Keian clenched his fists as he avoided eye contact with his father.


    Tito Andre sighed heavily and calmed himself down.


    ¡± I¡¯ll take care of it¡± His father shot a vicious re at Keian.


    ¡± I¡¯ve already taken care of it. What I want you to do is talk to your employees¡± Keian nodded automatically.


    ¡± Yes, Dad¡±


    ¡± For that. I want you to get out of my house.¡±


    .


    .


    .


    There was a long moment of silence as if every one of us here is absorbing what just Tito Andre told him.


    ¡± What?¡± Keian asked, looking puzzled as ever.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to see your face in this house or any establishment that the Marques¡¯ owned. Take the whole weekend¡± I blinked several times at what Tito just said.


    Is this real???


    ¡± H-huh? But Tito, all of this is not totally Keian¡¯s fault.¡± Steven intervenes in their conversation. Tito Andre turns to him.


    ¡± That¡¯s right. You too¡± Steven¡¯s jaw dropped.


    ¡°B-But¡±


    ¡± I know you did nothing terrible, but your employees are your responsibilities as a boss.¡±


    ¡°Then I should be the one whom you should ban from any establishments owned by the Marques. Besides, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s mainly assigned on the employees.¡± Keian took a step forward to Steven and shook his head.


    ¡± No. It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll pack some things¡± Tito Andre nced at Keian with a satisfied look as he walked away from us.


    The rest of us nced at each other in awe.


    ¡°I¡¯ll also pack up. Huhu. This means I¡¯ll get to see the kids in the house again.¡± Steven walks away in an emotional expression.


    Tito Andre shook his head while Theo at Katie walks over to him to show respect.


    ¡± This will be interesting, Tito. Nice punishment¡± From wincing, he immediately smirked.


    ¡± I am really that good.¡± I can¡¯t help but raise my brow at Tito.


    Katie and Theoughed then walked towards me.


    ¡± Hi, Nass. Please take care of Kei,¡± She said, smirking.


    I shook my head at her and enveloped the girl into a hug.


    ¡± Oh geez. But of course, I will.¡± I also gave Theo a hug.


    ¡± Goodmorning,¡± He greeted. I returned the greetings till everyone left the room, which leaves Tito Andre and me.


    He expectantly looked at me. As if he already knew why I was left alone with him.


    I went over to the old man and hugged him.


    ¡± How¡¯s your trip here?¡± He slightly chuckled as I sit at the space beside him on the couch.


    ¡± Good, hija. How is my apo?¡± He gently holds my belly and rubbed it.


    ¡± Making her mama fat,¡± I joked, which made Titough.


    ¡± That¡¯s what Karina also told me when she was pregnant with Kayden.¡± He looks at me and held one side of my cheek.


    ¡± Nass. I know that I¡¯m being a disturbance, but could you apany Kei when he leaves the mansion? I want to punish him, but I also care for him deeply¡± I gave him a reassuring smile.


    ¡± Of course, Tito. I¡¯ll handle him very well. I¡¯m used to living the non-luxurious life, anyway.¡± Heughed once again. We talked some more for a little while before I climbed back up to Keian¡¯s room.


    ¡ª


    Keian turned to re at some random guy near our direction here in the jeepney.


    I squeezed his hands harshly because of this.


    He¡¯s been behaving like this the whole trip!


    It¡¯s so embarrassing that manong driver might tell us to go down from here.


    Like who wouldn¡¯t be annoyed at Keian trying to scare everyone he sees in the jeepney.


    The person beside me even scooted to get away from me.


    ¡± So why are we riding here exactly? And why can¡¯t we just take a tricycle?¡± Keian asked in an irritated and low voice.


    I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡± Because riding here is much more cheaper.¡± Was all I managed to say.


    He narrowed his eyes at me then looked outside the window from behind us.


    ¡± Ine. Are you going to run away with your boyfriend?¡± I smiled at the old woman who asked me out of the blue.


    I shot a nce at the four bags that Keian brought along with him and shook my head in response to the olddy.


    ¡± Eh, not really. He¡¯s just going to stay with us for a little while.¡± I scratched my nape in embarrassment.


    Why did he even have to bring a lot of bags?! He¡¯s just going to stay with us for two days.


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± The moment the olddy spoke, that¡¯s where I noticed we¡¯re getting closer to our destination.


    I nudged Keian to get his attention.


    ¡± Para po! (Words said when asking the jeepney driver to stop.).¡± The jeepney stopped. Carrying the four loads with us, we went down in front of the house.


    ¡± That is kind of depressing.¡±


    ¡± Pffttt¡ª hahaha!¡± I can¡¯t help butugh at Keian¡¯s statement.


    ¡± Let¡¯s just go.¡± I grabbed his hand and pulled him inside the house.


    Tiya isn¡¯t home here today since she went on a vacation with William in the other province.


    As soon as I opened the door, we immediately went inside since it¡¯s horribly hot outside at this time in the afternoon.


    Keian dropped his bags by the door.


    ¡± Why did you had to bring a lot of bags, anyway?¡±


    Like what Tito Andre said, he doesn¡¯t want to see Keian in any property owned by their family, and he also asked me a favor to take care of this man in the most excellent way I can.


    So I thought that he should stay here instead of checking it at any random hotel. Tito also confiscated all of Keian¡¯s credit cards, so basically, all that was left with him was personal money.


    As if it was a punishment for losing such great amount of money from theirpany.


    Of course, I didn¡¯t want to leave him on his own that¡¯s why I came along since they technically left him in my hands.


    Keian stared right into my eyes and snaked his arms around my waist while pressing our foreheads against each other.


    ¡± It¡¯s because we are going somewhere else after this weekend. I have all the things we need¡± My eyebrows creased, and I pulled myself away from him.


    I hit him on the chest yfully.


    ¡°After Tito had given you the taste of your own medicine, you¡¯d still think about spending your money?! And why didn¡¯t you tell me right away? ¡±


    How dare this guy! nning without even informing me anything! Hmph!


    He pouted, then hugged me real tight.


    ¡± Don¡¯t get mad, please. I¡¯m sorryyy. I just want to spend a whole week alone with you,¡± He sweetly pointed out.


    ¡°One week!?¡± I shrieked.


    His expression turned cold.


    ¡± You don¡¯t want to?¡± My mouth formed a straight line.


    ¡± If you just told me that firsthand.¡± He nodded, but I saw a pinch of sadness on his face.


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t say anything about not wanting to leave with you,¡± I said in a bossy way while my face was all flustered.


    I saw a smile crept his face, and he immediately wrapped me around his arms again.


    ¡± Thank you¡± he pecked my lips then dragged all the bags towards Brylle and I¡¯s room.


    My hands found themselves rubbing my belly.


    We won¡¯t be going with Brylle since he went with Diego as they¡¯re going on a trip.


    Father to father bonding, as they call it.


    I strode over to the kitchen to cook us some lunch since we haven¡¯t eaten anything yet.

 #Book 2 Chapter 5

    ¡± Hey,¡± I jumped from where I was standing, which caused me to drop the knife I was using to chop garlic.


    I felt Keian¡¯s hands around my hips.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the ¡®hey¡¯?! You startled me! Good thing I didn¡¯t cut myself or else!¡± He stood frozen on his spot and made me turn around to face me.


    ¡± Are you okay? Are you hurt?¡± His eyes widened as he asked. Worry is evident in his eyes.


    I rolled my eyes at him and pushed him away from me.


    ¡°You kept on hugging me every second. It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t want to, but you just kept on doing it repeatedly!¡± Iined.


    Because it¡¯s true!


    Clingy much?


    ¡± I don¡¯t care. I want to hug you every time, and why are you surprised by me every time I do so? I am here since this afternoon¡± I red at him.


    It¡¯s veryte at night, and it¡¯s just now that I found the time to slice our food for our supper.


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t do anything whenever you hug me.¡±


    ¡± And why is that? Are you really that giddy inside that you don¡¯t know what to do about it?¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at his statement but also blushed because,e to think of it, it¡¯s true.


    ¡°B-But don¡¯t you have something to do or anything? Why don¡¯t you take a rest on the sofa while I cook our food?¡± I saw him pout because of this, which made him bury his face on my neck.


    ¡± Let¡¯s just order food¡­¡± He muttered out like a child.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t your credit and debit cards disabled by your father as part of the punishment?¡± He drew away and looked at me as if he was disappointed.


    ¡°What do you think of me? A person with no personal money?¡± I pouted. Right, almost forgot about that. Hehe.


    I gazed down at the chopping board and back to Keian with an expectant look.


    ¡± Fine.¡±


    He muttered out a yes and reached out for his phone.


    I lost the mood to cook for us anyway.


    ¡± What do you want?¡± One hand snaked around my waist, and he uses it to pull me down the sofa.


    I rolled my eyes at his gesture.


    ¡± Chicken wings,¡± I whispered openly. He turns to me with furrowed eyebrows.


    ¡± If that¡¯s okay?¡±


    He warmly smiled at me.


    ¡± Of course, baby, anything for my wife and child. Is that all you want?¡± I blushed at his statement, especially when he was also rubbing my baby bump, so I just nodded.


    ¡± Y-yes¡± He repeatedly nodded while looking at his phone.


    ¡± Then I¡¯m going to order chicken wings and beer, alright?¡± I was a bit shocked when he mentioned the beer, but eventually, I agreed. It¡¯s his treat anyway.


    A few momentster, our orders arrived, and Keian voluntarily epted them for us.


    He puts all of the paper bags here on the coffee table in the living room.


    *shineeeee*


    My eyes can¡¯t help but shimmer at the sight of food right in front of us.


    They look so delicious!


    Smells good too!


    I smiled and immediately grabbed a chicken.


    ¡± Hmmm¡± I turned to Keian, whose eyes were just staring at me while I was eating.


    ¡± Hey. You should eat.¡± His eyes are still focused on me as I grabbed a chicken wing for him and intended to ce it in front of his mouth.


    ¡± Herees the airne¡± After teasing him, he frowned. Opposite to his joyful face from earlier.


    Mwahahahaha.


    ¡± I¡¯m not a kid,¡± He stated out, but he bit what I gave him anyway.


    ¡± Oka¡ª¡±


    ¡± But you¡¯re mine¡± I stopped and blinked several times upon hearing what he just said.


    Okay? Where¡¯s the connection??? -_-


    He took the chicken from my hand and ate it.


    Of course, I blushed harder at what he said.


    While chewing, I felt something on my lip because of the sauce that came along with the chicken, so I raised my hand to wipe it away, but Keian prevented me from doing so.


    I gave him a questioning look.


    ¡°Why?¡± He observes my face with a serious look, particrly on my mouth.


    The next thing I knew, he was already wiping the excess off my mouth and cheeks, then he touches my lips.


    After that, he slowly drew his face closer and kisses me.


    ¡± I love you,¡± he says, then scoots away.


    My heart can¡¯t seem to calm down as it was beating frantically as if it¡¯s vibrating my whole human body.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    As if it¡¯s all I can hear at the moment¡­


    ¡± I-I love you too¡± He smiles and lets me happily resume eating his chicken.


    ¡ª


    ¡± So¡­ where are we going after this weekend?¡± Keian looks down on me because I was leaning against his chest while my eyes looked up to meet his beautiful ones.


    With his fingers tracing my hair, mellow music was ying in the background.


    ¡± In Pwan, we have a rest house there¡± I only managed to nod in response.


    Our surroundings are eerily quiet, and the only thing we could hear was the music from the speakers.


    I stared at mypanion, who looks so deep in thought.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t tell you we¡¯re leaving. I just really want to spend time. Just the two of us¡± He took a deep breath and worriedly starred back into my eyes.


    ¡± I promise, the whole week we¡¯re gonna spend will be the best week of your life. And probably mine too. It will be our first trip together. I know that you¡¯re pregnant and you might have difficulties traveling, but I will do everything for you, just tell me. I¡¯ve been nning to go on a vacation with you sincest month, I just couldn¡¯t find the right opportunity. Then I thought about it earlier that I¡¯m bringing you to Pwan after dad¡¯s ¡®punishment¡¯ to me. I don¡¯t want you to think I¡¯m forcing you. I should have asked you about this¡­ I¡¯m really sor¡ª¡± Before he could even continue his speech, I pressed my lips to his and kissed him passionately.


    He was shocked at first but immediately responded to the kiss.


    Suddenly it felt like something was moving from me inside.


    My child, is that you?


    Or it¡¯s just because of the effect this man is giving me.


    It¡¯s what I also feel in my system every time I¡¯m nervous or excited.


    Is this what they call those butterflies in the stomach?


    Keian moved our lips closer, and his hands were already around my nape.


    I held both of his cheeks together to deepen the kiss.


    I¡¯m so happy¡­


    That I¡¯m with this man¡­


    This amazing man, the father of my kid. Keian puts me down on the sofa, and he goes over me without squishing my belly.


    My back arches when his hand traveled to my waist, making the kiss deeper.


    This feeling I feel every time I¡¯m with him. I wanted to feel it all the time. Not ever wanting it to be gone.


    I don¡¯t want to lose him.


    My hands went over around his neck, and that¡¯s where we pulled away, or else we¡¯ll lose our breaths.


    As we¡¯re both catching our breaths, our foreheads pressed against each other.


    I was just looking at him while his eyes are closed, like he was feeling the essence of what just happened.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Keian. I would love to be in Pwan with you¡­¡± He opened his eyes and smiled back at me.


    ¡± Thank you, Nass. You won¡¯t regret it¡± I pouted at him.


    ¡± I don¡¯t even regret meeting you; what more if going to Pwan with you?¡± I whispered to him while ying with his hair that was getting longer.


    He didn¡¯t want to have it cut.


    His grin widened as if I just turned him on.


    Aww.


    I¡¯m so great. Ha!


    ¡± You are my life now, Nass. And I will protect you and our child¡± He goes on rubbing my baby bump, which made me smile wider at me.


    ¡± I know Keian.¡±


    Then our lips met again.

 #Book 2 Chapter 6

    ¡± Pat, we are so happy that you finally have someone to be with in life. We¡¯re sorry if we left you all alone, you and your brother¡­¡±


    ¡± Ma¡±


    ¡± Princess, always remember that we are always there for you¡­ we are here to guide you¡±


    ¡± Pa!¡±


    Mama and Papa¡¯s images suddenly became a blur. That¡¯s where I opened my eyes and I was greeted by the dark room that¡¯s only being illuminated by the light of thempshade.


    I took a deep breath before collecting my thoughts about that dream.


    I just reunited with Mama and Papa.


    I can¡¯t help but tear up and try hard not to make a sound especially that Keian¡¯s lying in bed with me.


    ¡± Huhu¡±


    I became frustrated with myself.


    Why does every time I don¡¯t want anyone hearing me weep, my cries tend to make a sound on their own?!


    -_-


    I moved my hands to wipe my tears away without waking up Keian whose arms are wrapped around me.


    ¡± Hmm?¡±


    Argghh.


    Mypanion tightened his arms around me and buried his face on my neck.


    My breathing pattern is so rapid that my chest kept going up and down at a quick pace.


    ¡± Nass?¡± Keian sleepily and softly called out.


    I turned to the clock and saw it¡¯s just one in the morning.


    Keian breaks away from me a little and opened one eye to look at me.


    As soon as he realized that I was crying and my cheeks were all wet, he opened both of his eyes and his eyebrows met in unison.


    ¡± Why are you crying? What happened?¡± I sniffed and shook my head.


    ¡± This is nothing. Just go back to sleep, Keian¡± His eyebrows deepened and he turned to look at the clock.


    ¡± Nassandra, tell me what happened,¡± He asked in a slightly bossy tone.


    I let out a shaky breath and that¡¯s where Keian turned on anothermpshade that was beside my bed.


    ¡± W-well. I just had a dream about Mama and P-papa¡± the sound of my cries got louder after saying that.


    His expression softened and he immediately hugged me again.


    ¡± Is it a bad dream?¡±


    ¡°No. They told me that they¡¯re happy that I have someone to be with me now and that they¡¯re always by my side to guide me¡± Keian smiles at me and wiped my cheeks.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, baby¡­ what your parents said is true, they¡¯ll always be here. In your heart¡± He pointed at my chest where my heart is located while his other hand was wrapped around my hips.


    I took a deep breath and smiled.


    ¡± I know Keian. Seeing them just made me all emotional.¡± He pouted and kissed the bottom of my mouth.


    ¡± You¡¯re not sad?¡± I shook my head.


    ¡°A little. But mostly I¡¯m d¡­¡± Keian smiled and nted a kiss on my forehead.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it. Now stop crying. It pains me when I see you crying¡± Once again he wipes away the tears that continuously fell from my eyes.


    So I just leaned on his chest to help myself to calm down.


    ¡°I unintentionally woke you up¡± He pats my head like I am a child.


    ¡± I¡¯d rather make you stop crying than sleep through it. I need to take care of you Nass¡­ and our baby¡± Keian knelt down and kissed my baby bump.


    ¡± And also, we need to leave the house at 3 o¡¯clock. So we¡¯d arrive in Pwan in no time.¡± As soon as he said those words, he stood up and fled out of the room.


    ¡± I¡¯ll make us breakfast¡± I just let him while I sat up on the bed and contemted my thoughts.


    Today is Monday and we¡¯re supposed to fly to Pwan.


    We already prepared thingsst night, we even had to go to the grocery so we wouldn¡¯t have anything to worry about once we get there.


    I¡¯m kind of excited¡­ since it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been on vacation. Ever since Mama and Papa died.


    I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before going to the bathroom.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Are you okay now, baby?¡± Keian asked me the minute I sat on a chair next to the table.


    He puts a ss of chocte drink in front of me and returned to making a sandwich.


    ¡± Mh-hm¡± Was my only response since I already got to take a sip from the ss¡­


    ¡± Are you sleepy? Or tired? You can sleep on theer if you like¡± I smiled at him because he turned to look at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not that sleepy¡­ and you? You woke up pretty early.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about me, baby. You should be the one getting enough sleep.¡± I pouted at him as he sat on a seat in front of me and ced a te of sandwiches on the table.


    ¡± Okaayyy. I¡¯ll try sleeping on theer.¡± He nodded approvingly as if he was satisfied with my answer.


    He pushed the te to me.


    ¡± Eat. We can also eat breakfast on the ne or in Pwan, only if you want to.¡± I nodded at him while starting to bite on the sandwich.


    .


    .


    .


    I am chewing on the sandwich while I furrowed my eyebrows in Keian¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to stop staring?!¡± I said with my mouth filled with food.


    His eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± Don¡¯t talk while your mouth is full¡± He stated out.


    I narrowed my eyes at him while swallowing the food I was eating.


    ¡± I said, aren¡¯t you going to stop staring?¡± He¡¯s seriously got his eyes locked on me the entire time and he¡¯s not eating anything with me. What is he? A spectator of my eating habit? Someone who should check how I chew?


    Hmph.


    ¡± There¡¯s nothing wrong with staring¡­ especially if I¡¯m staring into someone as beautiful as you,¡± He said in a serious tone.


    His eyes also gave off a cold vibe.


    I sighed and stood up to grab a sandwich and shoot it directly in his mouth.


    He raised a brow at me but eventually opened his mouth to let the food in.


    ¡± Just eat¡± I was about to go back to where I was seated but then he pulled me back to him which caused me to sit on hisp.


    He reached for my hand and gave back the sandwich that was left hanging in his mouth.


    ¡± Feed me¡± I opened my mouth in disbelief.


    ¡± Can¡¯t you just eat by yourself?¡± He shots me a re but smirked a few secondster.


    ¡± And what if I can¡¯t?¡± I narrowed my eyes at what he just said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about you. Now there, swallow!¡± I ordered while holding the sandwich to his mouth.


    The nerve of this guy.


    He should be thankful that I love him¡­


    *blush*


    ¡± Vhy awr hue sjhing?¡±


    ¡± What?¡± I grinned.


    ¡± Aywb hue¡± I furrowed my eyebrows and removed the bread from his mouth.


    ¡± What did you¡ª¡± I never got to continue my question for he already kissed me on the lips.


    ¡± Nothing¡± He reached for my wrist and returned the sandwich so I¡¯d continue on feeding him.


    Eh?


    ¡ª


    ¡± Quelque chose ne va pas?(Something wrong?)¡± Keian asked while sitting on a long sofa here in his private jet as if he¡¯s just sitting on a sofa back home. And he really had to speak French.


    ¡± It¡¯s so luxurious¡­ and it¡¯s been ages since I rode an aircraft.¡±


    He smiled.


    ¡± It¡¯s not that luxurious and if you feel nervous, I¡¯m always by your side. I won¡¯t leave you.¡± I lowered my gaze at his words while he also held my hand.


    I don¡¯t know if I should let these butterflies in my stomach get the better of me or should I think of this as something cheesy from a romance novel.


    Keian held my chin up and made my eyes focus on him.


    ¡± Baby? Do you want to eat? I can call the stewardess if you want.¡± I smiled at him and shook my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m not that hungry yet.¡± He nodded and started scrolling through his phone.


    I thought of a lot of stuff that could possibly happen once we arrive there.


    I certainly hope we¡¯ll only get to make happy memories there¡­


    Suddenly I felt Keian¡¯s hands around my baby bump. I turned to him who was smiling while scrolling through his phone using his right hand while the other hand is on me.


    I enveloped his hand with mine leaned my head on his shoulder.


    I felt him nt a kiss on my forehead before letting myself fall into a deep slumber.


    ¡ª


    *mwah*


    My eyebrows met as I felt someone kiss my cheek.


    *kiss*


    Huh?


    Is Brylle here?


    Why is someone kissing me the way Brylle used to do???


    ¡± Keian?¡± I called out when I opened my eyes and certainly it was him that I first saw.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    He kissed me on the forehead, then on the lips, and stood up.


    Whereas for me, my mind is still properly processing everything that¡¯s happening¡­


    ¡°Hi¡± he held my hand and also kisses it with a huge grin stered on his pretty face.


    ¡± Hello?¡± I sat up properly and that¡¯s where I suddenly felt the pain in my back and neck because of my sleeping position.


    I groaned.


    Keian¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡± Why??? Are you hurt?¡± I shed him a smile to calm him down.


    ¡± Yeah, it¡¯s just a stiff neck, I suppose¡­¡± His eyes were filled with worry.


    ¡± Sh8t, I should¡¯veid you down. I¡¯m sorry baby¡± My brows creased while shaking my head at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, don¡¯t worry. It happens naturally.¡± I said while observing everything around us.


    The ne isn¡¯t moving anymore, which means, we finallynded¡­


    Seeing my realization,


    ¡± We¡¯re here,¡± Mypanion said and stood up.


    I looked through the window and saw arge sign that says Puerto Princesa International Airport.


    My heart rate was suddenly racing frantically. Not sure if this is because of nervousness or excitement.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go?¡± I looked down at the hand Keian just offered and happily took it in eptance.


    Before I could go out of the ne, I made sure I looked fine.


    It was Keian¡¯s men who carried all of our luggage while the two of us went towards a car that¡¯s waiting down the private jet.


    Keian went to the driver¡¯s seat while I was at the passenger¡¯s seat¡­


    ¡± My men will take our bags to the house¡± Keian stated out and his face returned to its usual cold expression.


    ¡± Okayyy¡± I didn¡¯t leave all of the bags anyway. I brought along my shoulder bag that contains all of my basic essentials.


    Keian also brought a bag with me, a waist bag to be exact.


    ¡± We¡¯ll just pass by the other town, if you like, we can stay for a while there and eat lunch. After that, we¡¯ll ride a boat to the private ind.¡±


    I was happy to hear this so I nodded repeatedly in agreement.


    .


    .


    .


    Wait¡­


    PRIVATE ISLAND!?

 #Book 2 Chapter 7

    ¡± KEIAN!!¡± I loudly shrieked.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡± F***!!!¡±


    ¡± Ow!¡± I almost mmed my head on the dashboard of the car after Keian suddenly stepped on the brakes.


    He gave me an awful look and that¡¯s what I also did to him in return.


    ¡± What the hell is wrong, Nass?!¡± He asked, irritation is evident in his tone.


    I rolled my eyes and avoided eye contact with him.


    ¡°You never mentioned anything about going to a private ind.¡± He sighed and held my cheek to make him face his eyes.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t?¡± I furrowed my eyebrows pointing.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡± Well that¡¯s because it¡¯s a surprise¡­ so, surprise!¡± He lets out a sweet smile while I winced.


    ¡± But Keian, a Private Ind? You should¡¯ve told me.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at him again.


    ¡± But it¡¯s a surprise and also, it belongs to our family, specifically for Mom¡± I took a deep breath and looked straight into his eyes.


    ¡± But¡­ it¡¯s too much¡± He winced and thought for a second.


    ¡± Okay, let¡¯s rent a beach house then, in this town¡± My eyes widened at what he just said.


    ¡± What? No, don¡¯t bother¡­ fine, we¡¯ll stay at your private ind. Things must¡¯ve already been prepared in there.¡± His eyebrows deepened.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, I can ask someone to¡ª¡± He stopped speaking when I kissed him on the cheek.


    ¡± We¡¯ll go to the private ind. Sorry I was just shocked and thank you¡± He fell silent for a while as if he was absorbing what I said before letting out a smile.


    ¡± Anything for you, baby¡± he rubbed my cheeks with his thumb while we¡¯re staring at each other.


    *beeeeeepppp*


    My hand went to my chest when someone honked their car for a few seconds.


    Keian¡¯s eyes narrowed and intended to get something from thepartment in between seats of the car but I already held his arm to stop him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him anymore, we¡¯re the ones who stopped in the middle of the road anyway.¡± He winced but gave in and started driving the car.


    This Pwan trip is going smooth


    so far¡­


    ¡ª


    I shed a smile at the man who passed by our side since, y¡¯know, he smiled at me¡­


    ¡± Did you smile at that man?¡± Keian asked with a scowled face.


    ¡°He¡¯s the first one who smiled! I¡¯m not a snob.¡± Well, sometimes.


    We¡¯re currently walking down the sidewalks of town, with the beach serving as a gorgeous view at our left.


    I¡¯m wearing a brown and pink shirt while a bag was slung over my shoulder with matching sunsses because the sun is mad and it¡¯s terribly hot.


    Keian was wearing a blue suit, seems like the first time I see him not wearing a ck suit. And just like me, he¡¯s also wearing sunsses¡­


    We had just finished eating lunch so we thought of parading around the streets here in town before riding a boat to the private ind.


    Since we¡¯re just near the ocean, a lot of people here are strolling, most of them are wearing proper swimming attires. You know, swimming shorts, rash guards, bikinis¡­


    Keian fell silent and pouted. So I raised an eyebrow at him.


    ¡± Hey, don¡¯t be jealous, you¡¯re the father of my child¡± I held his hand and gently squeezed it.


    He ultimately smiled at my statement.


    ¡± Okayyy¡± He said like a child and pulled me so we¡¯d go back to walking.


    My eyes caught a specific shop and my eyes stayed there for a longer time.


    Keian noticed that and also looked at where my eyes were stayed put.


    It was a shop that¡¯s selling swimsuits and swimming equipment.


    I felt Keian squeezed my hand and said;


    ¡± Do you want to buy there?¡± I turned to him and shook my head a little.


    ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t need them anyway.¡± He raised an eyebrow at me.


    ¡± You only have rash guard and not bikini right?¡± My eyes widened and I suddenly feel my cheeks heating up.


    Mypanion smirked at my reaction.


    ¡± I bet you will look incredibly gorgeous and sexy in a bikini, baby¡± I must be blushing like a very ripe tomato so I quickly avoided eye contact.


    ¡°T-That¡¯s not true! And my baby bump is already evident enough, it wouldn¡¯t look nice.¡± I tried reasoning out.


    Because all my eyes were really focusing on where all the nice bikinis lined up in that shop.


    I have never worn anything like those before. I don¡¯t know, almost every woman wants to experience wearing those stuff, right?


    ¡± You¡¯ll still look beautiful and sexy with your baby bump and besides, we¡¯ll just be at the private ind.¡± I pouted.


    ¡°Still, it¡¯s going to be intimidating once you¡¯re there¡­.¡± Keian sighed and walked closer to me.


    ¡± Baby, you don¡¯t have to be embarrassed ¡­ Whatever you look like, even if you gain weight, I¡¯ll still love you and you¡¯re still the most beautiful girl in the world for me¡± I lowered my head.


    The nerve of this guy giving me the feels!


    ¡± Fine!¡± He smiled and immediately pulled me towards the shop.


    His expression turned cold when the saledy smiled sweetly at him.


    Keian ignored thedy and pulled me to the line of the bikinis.


    ¡± Go on,¡± He said as if it was amand.


    I shook my head at him and started rummaging through the hangers.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Nassandra?¡± Both Keian and I stopped when we heard someone calling my name. It was an awfully familiar voice I heard.


    Keian furrowed his eyebrows and we both turned behind us at the same time.


    I suddenly smiled as I saw the person that just called me.


    ¡± Lemuel!¡± Because of the excitement of seeing him again, I let go of Keian¡¯s hand and went over to hug the guy that just called me.


    Lemuel dly returned the gesture.


    ¡°What are you doing here?!¡± I asked with a mixture of shock and happiness.


    I also noticed Keian¡¯s jaw tightened on the spot.


    Psh.


    Lemuel stepped away from me a little and put his arms on my shoulders.


    ¡°I moved here in Pwanst year. It¡¯s been a long time since we saw each other!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right! How are you?¡± I asked him with a very wide smile.


    Then I felt Keian holding on to my shirt like a lost little child.


    ¡°Oh yeah, I¡¯m totally okay. What about you, Nass. Looks like you¡¯re living a pretty good life now.¡± He looked at Keian and only cast him a cold look.


    I pouted and went over to Keian.


    ¡°Yes. Thanks to you,¡± Keian furrowed his eyebrows at my statement.


    ¡°This is Lemuel. He helps me a lot when I was still living in the streets.¡± I exined to Keian in a form of an introduction.


    His mouth shifted before letting out a sigh and stretched a hand to Lemuel for a handshake.


    ¡± Keiranz Marques. Nassandra¡¯s husband¡± He coldly said with emphasis.


    The ¡®Nassandra¡¯s husband got me shook up there for a moment.


    Lemuel smiled and dly epted his hand.


    ¡± Lemuel Areno. I¡¯m d Nass is doing very good.¡± Keian nodded and made his distance.


    I creased my eyebrows at him but he avoided eye contact with me anyway.


    Lem scratched his nape in shame.


    ¡°Lem, where do you reside here in Pwan?¡± He returned his gaze up to me.


    ¡°Oh, just in one of those group of houses by the seaside. Haven¡¯t I told youst time that I always wanted to live near the sea?¡± I can¡¯t help but smile at his cheerful way of speaking about it.


    ¡°Yeah, good thing you managed to find a home here¡­ What is your work here, by the way?¡± His eyes shimmered at the question.

 #Book 2 Chapter 8

    ¡°I¡¯m a fisherman! Haha. I also bring tourists to other inds¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh is that-¡±


    ¡± Baby, we need to get to our boat already. I still have ns for youter¡± I stopped speaking when Keian nudged my arm like a child again.


    I narrowed my eyes at him but nodded and turned back to Lemuel.


    ¡°Heyy, we¡¯ll be heading off now¡­ Mypanion here is getting a little impatient.¡± Lemuel waved his hand.


    ¡°Sure! If you ever needed anything, just look for me.¡±


    ¡°How can I find-¡±


    ¡± Let¡¯s go¡± I red at Keian as he quickly pulled me away.


    I apologetically looked at Lem who only smiled at me.


    Then he followed behind us.


    Huh?


    Keian stopped in his tracks and turned to Lem.


    ¡± Why the hell are you following us?!¡± He asked,pletely annoyed.


    I lightly hit him on the arm but he didn¡¯t give a damn.


    ¡°Ah, my apologies. I have a customer on his way so I could bring him to another ind. They¡¯re gonna ride a boat going to that ind being guarded by men in ck. It¡¯s over there!¡± Lem pointed at the boat where Keian¡¯s men stood by.


    Don¡¯t tell me¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s going to take us to the private ind?¡± I cheerfully asked.


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re the ones who¡¯s gonna ride on that boat? If so, then it is I indeed.¡±


    Keian huffed as Lemuel led the way towards his boat.


    This time, it was my turn to pull Keian who¡¯s now got a frown on his face.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Bye Lem!!!¡± I waved my hand as I watched the boat where we just rode on sail away from us.


    Lemuel and I were chatting and catching up while on the boat.


    And I could notice Keian being obviously irritated.


    Like now, he was the first to walk upfront while carrying our things inside a huge and majestic-looking home. It¡¯s a one-story house but from the looks of it, there¡¯s certainly a lot to be surprised of.


    Basically, it was just me and Keian on this ind.


    The ind is wide and one could not simply walk around it but at the same time, it¡¯s not that huge.


    I sighed and followed him inside.


    Then I was amazed at all of the interiors inside the home.


    Everything in here was made in detail. It doesn¡¯t look old even if this has been made for 20 years already.


    I pouted and went over to Keian who started rummaging his clothes from the mallet that his men brought for him earlier.


    I bent over a bit and observed his face.


    Annoyance was obvious in his mood but he tries his best not to show any expression.


    ¡± Keian¡± I called to him.


    ¡± Hmm?¡± He doesn¡¯t look at me and just went on to tossing out some clothes.


    ¡°What were the ns you were saying that we¡¯re going to do?¡± I asked, trying to sound sweet as possible.


    I really would admit I have spoken to Lem quite longer and gave him most of my attention than with Keian when we were on the boat.


    In my defense, we haven¡¯t really seen each other in a long time¡­


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about it, I¡¯ll handle it.¡± He coldly stated and stood up.


    This made me pout as he went to the kitchen.


    I decided to let him be for now. Who knowster, his head would cool off in no time.


    So I roamed around the house.


    There¡¯s only one room in here, that¡¯s where Keian and I turned in our things.


    There¡¯s the bathroom, the dining room and kitchen are in one area. There¡¯s a living room and a storage room.


    Everything is so simple and the ambiance is perfect when you want a serene and peaceful vacation.


    I went to anai at the back of the house and saw the beautiful ocean, not far from here.


    I remembered the bikini I just bought earlier and suddenly felt excited to use it and go swimming.


    ¡ª


    I looked in awe at my reflection in the mirror.


    I am now wearing a swimsuit. Earlier, I was having second thoughts if I should wear it since I¡¯m not used to wearing such but then my mind went back to what Keian told me while we were checking out the bikinis.


    That¡¯s where I had the confidence.


    He¡¯s right when he said we¡¯re the only people here on the ind¡­


    That¡¯s why right now, I¡¯m checking what I look like in the mirror while wearing the ck bikini top with an off-shoulder style and a high waist bottom.


    The cloth around my body isn¡¯t that tight that way the baby inside wouldn¡¯t be squished.


    The baby bump is slightly evident but that¡¯s okay.


    I wore a see-through shirt and smiled at my reflection.


    What could be Keian¡¯s possible reaction once he sees me?


    I happily went out of the bathroom then out of the house.


    I walked towards Keian who¡¯s currently fixing some wood. He¡¯s probably nning to make a bonfire for tonight.


    ¡°Keian!¡± I called so he turns to me with his usual cold expression.


    He raised an eyebrow when I did a pose in front of him.


    ¡± What?¡± He irritatedly asked.


    I frowned upon hearing that and sadly let out a smile.


    ¡°Nothing¡­ Do you want me to help you there?¡±


    I thought his head already cooled off, that¡¯s not the reaction I was expecting from him.


    But it¡¯s okay. There¡¯s nothing special about this garment that I¡¯m wearing anyway.


    Hehe.


    Even though he was the one who picked it in the first ce.


    ¡± Tsk, don¡¯t bother. Just go swim and don¡¯t go too far¡± He avoided his gaze from me as if he was technically ignoring me.


    I sighed heavily and went over to him even if I was upset with him.


    ¡± Okay, thank you for this¡± He furrowed his eyebrows at me in confusion.


    I pecked a kiss on his cheek and walked towards the water.


    I removed the see-through cover wrapped around me as I let myself feel the touch of waves on my feet.


    I stared at the sand for a while, sighed then walked further at the sea till the water reaches my hips.


    I could understand why Keian is acting that way. This is supposed to be our vacation, after all, the two of us¡­


    But I really can¡¯t help myself because I was really d to be able to see Lemuel again.


    He helped me quite a lot before¡­


    It¡¯s also been three years since west saw each other.


    I tied my hair up in a bun and started ying by myself in the water.


    ¡°Baby¡± my heart skips a beat as I felt Keian wrapping his arms around me from behind.


    I could feel the warmth of his body. He¡¯s shirtless and he¡¯s only wearing some shorts right now.


    I took a deep breath and held both of Keian¡¯s hands that are positioned around my hips.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    ¡± He helped me survive, Keian. When I was alone and never found any ce to stay. He even helped me with my grief, when my family was taken away from me. He helped me look for part-time jobs just so I could earn money.¡± I stated to him. He tightens his hold on me.


    He slipped his face on the crook of my neck.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorryyy. I was just upset that it seems like you wanted to talk to him more than me. You were so happy while conversing with him.¡±


    I yed with his fingers that I¡¯m currently holding¡­


    ¡°Even if you were that person whom I haven¡¯t seen in three years, I would always be happy being able to talk with you again. Probably much happier than what I had shown to Lemuel today.¡± He sighed and pecked a kiss on my cheek.


    ¡± I understand.¡± He made me face him.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, again, for being cold to you¡± he smiled and cupped my cheeks together.


    I leaned at his hand.


    ¡± You look so beautiful. I knew the bikini I picked for you will look very good. You¡¯re so sexy, you¡¯re the prettiest girl I¡¯ve ever seen¡­¡± Then he kisses my face repeatedly.


    ¡± You, are the mother of my child. The love of my life. You saved me from falling down and I¡¯m grateful for that. I¡¯m grateful and happy that I met you. That you became my maid. Thank you, Nassandra¡± This made me smile.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    My heart is beating at a very fast pace and my chest felt so much.


    Not because of sadness, but with joy and pure giddiness.


    He pecked my lips then hugged me tightly.


    ¡± Thank you, Keian¡±

 #Book 2 Chapter 9

    A/N: You might get frustrated with both our characters from this chapter to the next but bear with it hehe. Thank you for understanding!


    Nassandra¡¯s POV


    My eyes fluttered open due to the rays of the morning sun hitting my sight.


    I covered the light since it¡¯s making my head ache.


    That¡¯s where I felt Keian tightened the way he wrapped his arms around me.


    ¡± Hmmm. Nassandra, let¡¯s sleep moreee¡± He said in a husky tone.


    I grabbed my phone to check what time it is.


    7:00 AM


    I had just woken up and I¡¯m not feeling hazy anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just cook us some breakfast, just stay here and enjoy your sleep okay?¡± But Keian just made sure he tightens his grip around me.


    Haystt.


    ¡± Nooooo. I¡¯m sleepyyy. I¡¯m always waking up early. This is the longest sleep I¡¯ve ever had. I wanted it tost longer, so please stayyy¡± I sighed and returned the cuddle to him.


    Despite his eyes being close, he nted a kiss on my forehead and smiled while going back to his deep slumber.


    When I heard his soft snoring, I carefully stood up from my position away from him.


    I am just not that sleepy anymore and I needed to cook us something to eat for breakfast.


    I¡¯ll just let him sleep a little more longer. He deserves all that rest. I pecked his kissable lips and went out of the tent.


    Yeah, we kinda slept in the tent.


    Keian was the one who suggested for us to sleep in the tent. Besides, I also wanted to experience what it¡¯s like to sleep in there.


    We were outside the house all night yesterday, in front of the bonfire, chatting and conversing as if we¡¯re just knowing each other more.


    It makes my heart melt.


    It felt so good.


    That moment and expressing your emotions to a person so precious in your life.


    I haven¡¯t experienced that in such a long time.


    I¡¯m d Keian¡¯s here with me.


    I closed the zipper of the tent.


    It¡¯s not that hot inside, as a matter of fact, it became cold due to the air outside.


    I cleaned up our mess fromst night that we forgot to tidy up and went to the house.


    I was still wearing the bikini but I wrapped myself with Keian¡¯s polo and short shorts.


    Before cooking, I changed my clothes first.


    ¡± Nassandra!¡± I suddenly felt nervous when I heard someone calling my name.


    Isn¡¯t this supposed to be a private ind?!


    I turned to where the voice mighte from.


    Not that far from where I was standing, I saw someone wave their hands by a boat and it was¡­


    ¡± Lemuel?¡± He smiled and ran in my direction.


    ¡°Why are you¡­ here?¡± I hesitantly asked.


    He scratched the back of his head.


    ¡°I know this is a private ind but I just wanted toe by and talk to you.¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at him but smiled warmly.


    ¡°Have you been waiting here all the while?¡±


    ¡°Not really¡­ I promise! I stayed there while waiting for you guys to wake up. I didn¡¯t roam around and barged in the house.¡± He raised his hand as if he really swore what he just said.


    I smiled widely.


    He¡¯s still the same happy-go-lucky guy that I remembered all those years ago.


    ¡± I know, Lem. You want to go inside the house? I¡¯ll just change my clothes, Keian is still asleep so we can exchange words for a while.¡± The smile on his face brightens up.


    ¡± Okay, Nass!¡±


    I invited him inside and gestured for him to sit on the sofa while I go change my clothes.


    As I got to wear proper clothes, I went back to Lem who seemed very amazed at everything he¡¯s seeing.


    ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± He turned to me.


    ¡°Ay, yes. Very¡­¡± I opened my mouth when he said that while looking at me.


    Iughed


    ¡°Oh, you.¡± He alsoughed along.


    ¡°Won¡¯t your husband be mad at me staying here?¡± I thought for a while.


    I had already exined to him everything about Lem and I know he understands that. I hope Keian doesn¡¯t go nuts with this.


    ¡°Probably not. Besides, you¡¯re my friend. And I know you won¡¯t do anything unworldly.¡± He smiled, showing all of his white teeth.


    ¡± Thank you, Nass! You¡¯re really a kind person anytime!¡± I sat beside him and held both of his hands.


    ¡°I should be the one thanking you, Lemuel. If it weren¡¯t for you, I might¡¯ve already died on the streets. I haven¡¯t thanked you enough so I wanted to express my gratitude multiple times¡­.¡± He squeezed my hands.


    ¡°Anyone who would see you in that situation will dly help you¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. That¡¯s why I¡¯m thanking you a bunch.¡± I let go of his hands and waved mine in front of him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about that. It¡¯s all happened a long time ago, you have a good life now and someone special with you. Let¡¯s talk about something else shall we?¡± I giggled at his words as I feel the burden got lighter.


    ¡± Thank you for¡ª¡± My eyes widened and I immediately ran to the bathroom.


    ¡± Nassandra?!¡± I heard Lem following me to the bathroom while I puked on the toilet.


    Ughh.


    Lem rubbed my back continuously while I continued vomiting. He also swept away my hair so I won¡¯t puke anything on it.


    ¡± Sorry,¡± I said as soon as I was done.


    I went over to the sink to wash my mouth.


    I also brushed my teeth, since it was very embarrassing¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s okay¡­ You¡¯re actually pregnant? Hehe. I didn¡¯t notice that.¡± I smiled and because of this I suddenly felt dizzy.


    ¡°Hey, are you alright? Look likes¡ª ow!¡± My eyes widened once again as I saw Lem was punched against the wall while Keian held him by the cor of his shirt.


    ¡± What the f¡ª are you doing in our house!?¡± Keian angrily shrieked.


    I intended to go over to stop them but Keian narrowed his eyes at me.


    ¡± You! You let him in here?! What are the two of you doing huh?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not doing anything, Keian. Lemuel just came by to visit.¡± Kei lifted Lem higher to the wall and it seemed like he was already choking him.


    ¡± You are trespassing, bastard! Didn¡¯t you know this is a private ind?!¡±


    ¡°I-I am aware, I-I¡¯m sorry.¡± Keian¡¯s jaw tightens.


    He banged Lem at the wall.


    My heart skips a beat. Lem is getting hurt.


    ¡± Are you nning something against Nass?! Don¡¯t you know me? I can kill you and all of your loved ones without mercy. I can make your life hell. So tell me, why are you here?¡± Keian lets out every word with emphasis.


    His eyes were filled with anger along with hismanding aura.


    Even I was scared of Keian¡¯s threat.


    ¡± Keian! He¡¯s not going to do anything bad! Haven¡¯t we already talked about thisst night? I thought you already understood?¡± I stated out loud bravely.


    Keian loosened his grip a bit and looks at me.


    ¡± He could¡¯ve hurt you, Nass. I don¡¯t want that¡± he said in a sweet but cold voice mixed together.


    ¡± But he didn¡¯t. So put him down Keian.¡± He stared at me with narrowing eyes and I didn¡¯t hesitate to return that look to him.


    A few secondster, his jaw loosened while harshly putting Lem back on the ground.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Keian walks away from the man and pointed at the door.


    ¡± Get out, before I kill you. And don¡¯t ever n toe here again¡± Lem quickly nodded and cast a nce at me.


    I mouthed ¡®sorry¡¯. He lets out a reassuring smile before dashing out of the house.


    ¡± Je ne peux pas y croire. Mes hommes l¡¯ontiss¨¦ mettre le pied sur notre ?le. Et elle l¡¯a m¨ºmeiss¨¦ entrer dans maiso(I can¡¯t believe it. My men let him set foot on our ind. And she even let him in the house)¡± I red at a mumbling in French Keian.


    ¡°You do know I can understand French, right?¡± He stopped.


    ¡± Stop it Keian, I just invited him inside for a while. It¡¯s respect and good hospitality. Why do you have to react like that?¡± His eyebrows met in unison.

 #Book 2 Chapter 10

    ¡± What?! He looked like he will do something to you and our child!¡±


    ¡°I puked! It¡¯s totally normal and he helped me get through it.¡± He took a step closer to me which I didn¡¯t back off, fearlessly.


    ¡± It didn¡¯t look like that to me! God! I just woke up and that¡¯s what I see first thing in the morning?¡± I raised an eyebrow at him and took a step back from him.


    ¡°So it¡¯s my fault why you had to wake up in a bad mood?¡± But he followed me down.


    ¡± No. He¡¯s what makes my morning bad!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t me him about all this! It¡¯s not his fault.¡± He bit his lip and trapped me in a counter here in the kitchen.


    I held his chest away so he wouldn¡¯t squish me.


    ¡± He trespassed in this ind and this house! He¡¯s suspicious¡± he coldly stated out.


    I looked my eyes up at him.


    ¡± I¡¯ve known him for almost 2 years! He helped me a lot Keian! He¡¯s there when you¡¯re not!¡± His body froze but his eyes are still focused on me.


    ¡± He didn¡¯t run away when I needed him. He didn¡¯t hurt me when I was in his hands, unlike you!¡±


    Yes, I was always alone in those times. But he always went out to look for me to help in any way he can.


    ¡± You really think I hurt you?¡± Without thinking twice, I said¡­


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    It was my turn to froze.


    Because of what I just said¡­


    I ultimately regretted what my mouth just blurted out because his face fell because of the pain my words left to him but his expression turned cold immediately.


    ¡± K-Keian¡± He distanced himself away from me. He closed his eyes for a while before coldly looking at me.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry then¡± I watched him leave the house, heading to a ce I don¡¯t know where.


    I bit my lip.


    ¡± Stupid, Nass¡±


    ¡ª


    After a few minutes of thinking, I finally decided to go out of the house to ask Keian for forgiveness.


    I went to the tent where we slept but didn¡¯t found him there or anywhere near outside the house.


    I furrowed my eyebrows.


    Where is he?


    Don¡¯t tell me¡­


    That he left me here on my own?


    My eyebrows creased deeper at the thought. Should I check this whole ind on my own?


    Maybe he¡¯s just in some other parts¡­


    ¡± Ma?tresse¡± I turned to whoever called my name out. Someone wearing a ck uniform. Keian¡¯s men.


    ¡°Yes?¡± He lowered his head a bit.


    ¡°Ma?tre Andrew left for a while to town. He wants me to tell you not to leave this ind till hees back.¡± My mouth gaped.


    He did leave me here!


    ¡°What? Why? What¡¯s his deal?¡± Kuya slightly let out a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid he didn¡¯t say anything much. Ma?tre just told us to guard you.¡± I was sad upon hearing this so I just nodded.


    ¡°Oh okay, I¡¯ll just head back to the house.¡± He bowed again and that¡¯s where I took my cue to walk back inside.


    I sat on the sofa in the house. Where Lem and I were sitting on earlier.


    I forgot I haven¡¯t cooked anything for breakfast yet. Which only means I haven¡¯t eaten anything this morning.


    I¡¯m not that hungry yet and I¡¯m not really in the mood to cook.


    Why did he leave the ind???


    Yeah, I know that he was hurt with what I said but I didn¡¯t mean to say those to him straight in the face.


    But why did he have to leave me here all alone??


    Is he running away again?


    I can¡¯t help but feel frustrated¡­


    Because!


    Does it seem like he¡¯s the only affected person here?!


    Hmph.


    I crossed my arms to my chest and tried to calm myself down.


    I wonder what is he going to do in town without me?!


    Huh.


    I saw a piece of paper lying on the sofa which I noticed just now. I confusingly grabbed it and what I saw inside was a number.


    Is this from Lem???


    I pouted¡­


    So I tucked it inside the pocket of my jogger pants.


    .


    .


    .


    The whole surroundings fell quiet mainly because it¡¯s just me here and nobody else.


    ¡± Ow!¡± I held on to my baby bump as I felt something moving inside¡­ more on kicking.


    My mouth hung open.


    It¡¯s the first time I felt our baby¡¯s kick!


    I rubbed my baby bump, feeling the sweet sensation of happiness.


    Surely Keian would be happy to know this news.


    I stood up, intending to go after him but I stopped midway as I remembered that he actually left me here all alone.


    I bit my lip and got the piece of paper that Lem left.


    I went on and dialed his number on my cellphone. After a few rings, he immediately picked up.


    ¡± Hello? Nass. I¡¯m d you saw the piece of paper I left. I was about to hand it to you but then your husband arrived.¡± I took a deep breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry about what happened to you earlier, Lem.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°That¡¯s alright, don¡¯t bother. I understand why it¡¯s that way, it¡¯s my fault since I intentionally went to your private ind.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not your fau¡ª¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Nass. It¡¯s not much of a big deal to me. I¡¯m okay and you are too. That¡¯s what¡¯s important.¡± I winced at what he said since it¡¯s a big deal for me but I thought of not mentioning it to him any further.


    ¡°By the way, could you bring me to town?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Would your husband let you?¡± I frowned at this.


    ¡°He¡¯s not here.¡±


    ¡°But what about his men? I might get in jail in the most unexpected time haha.¡± He joked but we never know it mighte true.


    I don¡¯t want to drag him into this¡­ Keian might hurt him once he caught us together.


    ¡°Hey, Lemuel. I changed my mind. I just might pull you in a lot more danger.¡± I can¡¯t help but sound forlorn about it.


    If Keian is in town, I should be there too!


    ¡°Hey, what are you, I¡¯m just kidding. It¡¯s okay if I get in jail, as long as you¡¯re happy¡­¡± I smiled at his statement.


    ¡°Are you sure? I just might be a disturbance.¡± I said through the phone.


    I heard him chuckled.


    ¡°Yes, I swear you¡¯re no disturbance. Any time you need me, I¡¯ll be there running to you right away hahaha.¡± Iughed and somehow I felt lighter.


    ¡± Thank you, Lem, for everything you¡¯ve done for me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Stop saying thank you, I¡¯m feeling butterflies here hahahaha.¡±


    ¡°Joker¡±


    ¡± Haha. Just kidding. But sure, I¡¯ll be there. Wait for me, I¡¯ll just run to my boat.¡±


    ¡± Haha sure, thanks a lot, Lemuel¡±


    ¡± I told you to stop saying¡ª¡± before he could even continue his statement, I dropped the call and happily went out of the house.


    Now, let¡¯s figure out how I can convince Keian¡¯s men to let me leave this ind.


    Hmmm¡­

 #Book 2 Chapter 11

    I watched Lem coast his boat near the sand while five of Keian¡¯s men made their way towards him.


    ¡°What are you doing here? This is private property.¡± Said the man whom I talked to earlier to Lem.


    Lemuel scratched his nape.


    ¡°Ah, your madame asked me to go here.¡± The men furrowed their eyebrows and they turned in my direction.


    I¡¯m currently sitting on the terrace of the house. I smiled at them and walked closer to rify.


    ¡± Uhmmm¡±


    ¡± Ma?tresse, Ma?tre strictly ordered us not to let you leave this ce.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Please, sir, I just badly needed to go to town.¡± Then I thought what to reason out next¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m craving food that can only be bought in town¡­ Are you going to let me and Keian¡¯s child starve in hunger?¡± Lem winced and shook his head.


    ¡°We can buy it for you, just state it to us and we¡¯ll go get it for you?¡± I pouted.


    Not good Nass.


    ¡°Being alone is making me and the baby stressed. Please, sir, you cane with us to apany me, it¡¯s okay.¡± The five men nced at each other with my suggestion.


    Ha!


    You¡¯re definitely incredible, Nass!


    ¡± Sure, ma?tresse.¡± I smiled and went back to the house to get my bag.


    I haven¡¯t eaten breakfast yet, maybe I could just eat in town. My clothes are doing great so I didn¡¯t bother changing them anymore.


    I wore just a jacket and along with my things, I went out of the house and went to Lem¡¯s boat.


    He assisted me to ride on the boat along with three men in ck who decided to join us.


    Two men were left here on the ind. But I¡¯m pretty sure Keian has a lot more men around this ind.


    ¡°Is everyone good?¡± I nodded at Lem so he started pushing the boat away from the shore.


    ¡ª


    I sighed repeatedly while walking across the seaside.


    I look like some president¡¯s daughter with three men in a suit following behind me, add up the fact that Lem is here.


    Lem and I were talking while strolling but everyone whom we passed by can¡¯t help but turn to us every time they see us.


    ¡°Hello,¡± I curiously smiled at two girls wearing bikinis who walked over to us. They¡¯re probably around the ages of 18-21.


    I caught Lem staring at the twodies. This made me shake my head.


    The twodies are absolutely dashing and gorgeous.


    ¡°Hi!¡± I greeted back.


    One of them brought out their phone.


    ¡°Can we have a picture with you? We feel like you¡¯re someone famous, you also have bodyguards.¡± I raised my eyebrows at them but maintained the smile.


    ¡°Yourpanion, not to mention, is handsome too.¡± They looked at Lem who scratched his nape in shame and also cast a smile at the two girls.


    I pouted.


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely okay if you don¡¯t want to.¡± The other said.


    ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s alright.¡± I beamed at them.


    ¡°Really? Sure, thanks.¡± They both said and so the other girl raised her phone for us to take a selfie.


    After taking¡­ a lot of pictures, the twodies squealed and even jumped in joy at the photos taken on their phone.


    ¡± Thank you again!¡± I nodded and smiled at the two.


    ¡± Wee,¡± they waved their farewells and were looking at their cellphones while walking away.


    I pouted and lowered my head as they were out of sight.


    Lemughed so I shot him a re.


    I was about to say something but I felt my stomach grumble.


    I pouted while the guy beside me just continuedughing at my mishap.


    ¡°Come on. I know a great ce to eat. Just to remove that pout off your face hahaha.¡± I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°Where is it? Could we hurry up, I¡¯m so hungry.¡± I said, a bit irritated at the situation.


    He smiled and grabbed my wrist to pull me alongside.


    He brought us to arge hut that seems to be a restaurant. There are quite a lot of people dining here.


    A waiter greeted ourpanion, along with a few residents and tourists.


    Looks like he¡¯s very well-known here.


    ¡°The food here is great but I never get to visit here a lot, the food is a little expensive.¡± We sat at a table in the very corner.


    We looked around the people eating and back to the waiters and waitresses.


    I sighed and sat on one of the seats.


    ¡°Oh well, at least you could eat now.¡± Lem smiled at me.


    My grumbling stomach got worse because of the surrounding¡¯s smell.


    The food here all looks so good!


    Finally, a waitress came to us and gave us the menu.


    Keian¡¯s men were just standing around us.


    ¡°What about you guys? What do you like?¡± I asked the three men who maintained a poker face. They looked at me at the same time and shook their heads.


    ¡± Non merci, ma?tresse. Ne t¡¯inqui¨¨te pas pour nous (No thanks, mistress. Don¡¯t worry about us.)¡± I raised an eyebrow at one of the men who spoke. I never knew we have a French man on board. Now that I noticed him, I realized he doesn¡¯t look like a Pilipino.


    Lem and the two guards nced at each other.


    ¡°Oh, ma?tresse, we apologize. He¡¯s just new here in the Philippines. He¡¯s one of Ma?tre Andre¡¯s men from France who became one of Ma?tre Andrew¡¯s men now.¡± One of the men exined.


    I studied the man who was once Tito Andre¡¯s guard.


    ¡± Ma?tre Andr¨¦ m¡¯a demand¨¦ de garder un ?il sur votre mari, ma?tresse (I was asked by master Andre to keep an eye on your husband, mistress)¡± I blushed at the part where her called Keian my husband.


    ¡± Uhmmm. Can you speak English? I think our ma?tresse can¡¯t understand¡± Said another man. I smiled at him who just spoke and shook my head.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, I can speak and understand French¡± I turned my head back to¡­


    ¡± Comment tu t¡¯appelles?(What¡¯s your name?)¡±


    ¡± Dominique, ma?tresse¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡± Tu devrais manger avec nous, Dominique et merci de garder un ?il sur Keian(You should eat with us, Dominique and thank you for keeping an eye on Keian). You guys too, you should order your food along with us. That¡¯s an order¡± the three hesitantly looked at each other till they finally decided to sit down with Lem and me.


    I smiled satisfactorily.


    After saying their orders and mine, we waited for a little while till our food finally arrived.


    While waiting for mypanions to finish their food, my eyes roamed around the ce.


    It¡¯s so beautiful here¡­ I still can¡¯t believe I got to travel here in Pwan with Keian. Which, I still don¡¯t know where he is right now.


    While thinking about that mafia boss, my eyes suddenly caught his figure not that far from this restaurant.


    I¡¯m not sure if that¡¯s really him so my eyes skipped him but I quickly looked back just to confirm if that¡¯s really him that I¡¯m seeing.


    My eyes widened.


    It¡¯s Keian! I did saw Keian!


    Who¡¯s also in a restaurant, along with a beautiful maiden who seemed to be of a different nationality, too.


    My eyebrows immediately met.


    I looked back at the men to see if they saw my reaction but they are still busy with their meals, that¡¯s good.


    I returned my eyes back to Keian. He¡¯s happily conversing with that girl.


    His eyes were shimmering. Not the typical cold expression he always shows to everybody.


    This made me even more curious.


    He seems¡­


    My mouth gaped open when Keian held the girl¡¯s hand and rubbed it as if tofort her with something.


    Who is that girl? Is she a friend of Keian¡¯s? Aren¡¯t friends supposed to do something friendly???


    ¡°Nass?¡± I turned to Lem who gave me a confused look. The three men also looked up to check on me.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± I smiled and shook my head at Lem.


    ¡°What? Oh, it¡¯s nothing. Go on and finish your meals, don¡¯t mind me.¡± He raised his eyebrow at me to indicate that he doesn¡¯t believe me.

 #Book 2 Chapter 12

    ¡°Oh, ma?tresse. We really thank you for this. It¡¯s delicious!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very wee, just eat all you want.¡± My fists clenched when I saw in my peripheral vision that the two are still happily focused on each other.


    I held on to a ss of water in front of me and drank from it to calm myself down but it was a wrong move when I turned to the other restaurant where the girl was spooning Keian some food.


    ¡± *cough* Ughh¡ª¡±


    I suddenly coughed from almost choking from the water.


    ¡°Nassandra, are you alright?¡± I felt Lem went beside me to rub my back in circles while I was still coughing for air. I could feel my eyes getting watery due to the struggle.


    Stupid water¡­


    ¡°Y-Yeah. I¡¯m okay.¡± I reached the handkerchief out from my pocket and wiped my mouth.


    Lem looks at me worriedly. ¡°Are you sure¡ª¡±


    ¡°I just needed to go to thefort room. You know anywhere near here?¡± His eyebrows creased as he thought.


    Since we can¡¯t find anyfort room here in the restaurant¡­


    ¡°There¡¯s a bathroom there in front of that restaurant. But there¡¯s a fee. Don¡¯t worry, thefort rooms are squeaky clean there.¡± I nodded at Lem and stood up to go to thefort room he was talking about.


    ¡°Hold on, I¡¯lle with you.¡± I raised my brow at Lem.


    ¡°To thefort room?¡± Heughed.


    ¡°Oh no. I¡¯ll just apany you there, I¡¯ll wait for you outside.¡± I nced at his food that was not yet finished.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be okay. Just eat first¡­¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m okay, I promise. Besides, it¡¯s just close to here. You¡¯ll see me from here and you could finish your meals.¡± Lem pouted while scratching his nape.


    ¡± Ehhh, fine.¡±


    ¡± Ma?tresse¡± I was a bit taken aback when Dominique immediately stood up.


    ¡± Laissez-moi vous apagner aux toilettes(Let me escort you to the restroom)¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s oka¡ª-¡±


    ¡± J¡¯insiste ma?tresse. Je peux voir ma?tre Andrew au prochain restaurant. Il peut vous voir ici et r¨¦aliser que vous n¡¯¨ºtes pas sur l¡¯?le (I insist mistress. I can see master Andrew at the next restaurant. He may see you here and realize you are not at the ind)¡± he actually knew Keian is just around us??? I thought I was the only one who noticed him!


    I turned to where Keian is then back to Dominique.


    ¡± Fine.¡± Our otherpanions looked confused as they didn¡¯t understand what Dominique just told me to convince me.


    I shed a smile at them.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°Finish your meals. I¡¯ll be back in a jiffy from thefort room. Then we¡¯ll head back to the ind.¡±


    Lem is about to say something but I already turned around and went in the direction of thefort room with Dominique following from behind.


    With every step I took, I knew I was getting closer to them.


    It really is Keian.


    Still talking to the girl who seems to be more fun to be with than me¡­


    I smiled widely.


    He sailed away from the ind, leaving me on my own, for what? To talk to some girl?


    Haysttt.


    Not knowing what I¡¯m feeling, I proceeded to go inside the girl¡¯s restroom with Dominique waiting outside.


    I realized it was just me in here as I went out from a cubicle.


    I washed my hands then looked at my reflection in the mirror.


    My hair is quite a mess, my lips are dry, and I feel like I¡¯m gaining some weight.


    I bit my lip as I feel my insecurities dwell inside my mind.


    I feel so ugly now, the girl Keian is currently with¡ª- is sexier and prettier than me. I watched myself cry as a tear subconsciously rolled down from my cheek.


    I¡¯m such a fool.


    I¡¯m crying just because of that.


    It¡¯s not that much of a big deal, it might just be Keian¡¯s friend all along.


    I forced a smile at my reflection and washed my face. Mypanions might notice my eyes came from crying.


    I made my way outside.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­¡± I was stopped when I realized Dominique is no longer the one waiting outside thefort room but Steven.


    ¡°Heyy!! I thought something had happened to you already. Why do you girls always spend so much time in the bathroom???¡± He cheerfully said. My eyebrow raised at him. He seems to be full of energy today.


    ¡± Steven, what are you doing here?¡± He stopped as if thinking of what to reason out.


    ¡± Uhmmm¡­ I needed to ask Keian permission about something rted to Marques Manufacturing in person. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡± After saying that, he grinned at me oh so widely.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Dominique?¡± He smirked at me.


    ¡°I sent him away. I saw him waiting outside thisfort room. I got curious, so I talked to him and heard that you left the ind when you shouldn¡¯t have.¡± My jaw dropped, didn¡¯t want to talk about me eloping.


    ¡°Have you seen Keian yet?¡± He smiled at me and nodded.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m just strolling around here.¡±


    ¡± So when are you leaving?¡± He winced and acted as if he was in pain. He even bothered to hold his chest.


    ¡± Ouch, Nass. I just came here a few hours ago and you¡¯re sending me away already? Do you dislike me that much?¡± I sighed.


    ¡± Not really¡­ I¡¯m d you¡¯re here, though.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it. You should¡¯ve told me that you missed me!¡± He puts his arms around my shoulders while we walked back to the restaurant we dined in earlier.


    ¡°Just so I could talk to someone without driving Keian mad.¡± We arrived at our table and Lem quickly went over to me.


    ¡± Ahhh, Nass. I needed to get going. I have to handle something at home. Thank you for the food! Don¡¯t worry. I already told your husband¡¯s men about the boat you can ride when you go back. It¡¯s my friend¡¯s boat! He¡¯ll bring you back to your ind.¡± He enveloped me into a hug to which I dly returned.


    ¡°Sure, Thanks a bunch, Lemuel. Take care.¡±


    ¡± Of course, anything for you. See you soon Nass!¡± I saw Lem turned to Steven for a moment before walking away while waving his hand.


    ¡± He seems oddly familiar¡­¡± I heard Steven mutter to himself.


    Keian¡¯s men are standing straight at one side with their gazes straight, probably because Steven is here¡­


    ¡± Steven?¡± Steven shook his head before turning to me.


    ¡± Yes???¡± He sat on a chair and I did the same in front of him.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the girl Keian is currently with?¡± I pointed in Keian and the girl¡¯s direction who are still deep in their conversation.


    ¡°Wait a second. Did you guys had a fight? Why aren¡¯t you two together?? Oh! It¡¯s because of that man you¡¯re with, isn¡¯t it???¡± I lowered my head at his statement. His eyes widened.


    ¡± Hey¡± He lifted my gaze up to him by holding my chin up.


    ¡± I¡¯m just kidding, I¡¯m sorry¡± he sincerely said.


    ¡°Nah, that¡¯s alright.¡±


    He sat back at his chairfortably and observed the scene from the other restaurant. I also turned my head there.


    ¡± Hmmm¡­ She¡¯s Kei¡¯s ex¡± He nced at me for a second but returned to the former scene, probably only to check my reaction. But I wasn¡¯t surprised to hear that from him anyway.


    As if, I had already expected that.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know anything much about Kei¡¯s past rtionships, even Zeke. It¡¯s you whom we got to know a lot better but, I saw her a few times 4 years ago back when Kei¡¯s still training to handle Marques Manufacturing. I think her name is¡­ Nami? They¡¯re awfully close whenever they¡¯re together. She¡¯s nice and even helped Keian get through Tita Karina¡¯s death.¡± He wasn¡¯t sure about what he was saying. I narrowed my eyes at this.


    ¡± So why did they break up?¡± He thought about it.


    ¡± I¡¯m not sure¡­ Ah! I remember! Nami suddenly left without saying goodbye to Kei¡±


    ¡± What was Kei¡¯s reaction that time?¡± Steven smirked at the question.


    ¡± Nass, I¡¯m not sure about everything I told you. At that time, Keian was still cold towards us. Even colder than the north pole. He¡¯s so vulnerable that he didn¡¯t like showing what he truly feels during those times. We¡¯re not even sure if he really was hurt with what happened.¡±


    I pouted.


    Of course, he would be hurt, looks like they get along that well.


    I turned back to Keian and the girl.


    The girl stood up to walk towards the restaurant¡¯s nearbyfort room so Keian was left unattended at the table.


    His eyes roamed around. Whereas for me I just stared at his face without noticing that he had already seen me from the restaurant he¡¯s currently in.


    ¡± Sh8t. He saw us!¡± His eyebrows creased and his expression turned cold, very different from the one he showcased when he was with Nami earlier.


    Steven and the men looked panicked.


    Keian mmed his fists on the table of the restaurant, eyes still on me, and it looks like it made a loud sound as everyone inside turned their heads at him.


    He realized it just now that I¡¯m nearby¡­


    He angrily left some money on top of the table and went out of the restaurant without hesitating, leaving Nami, and walked towards here with clenched fists and raging eyes.


    ¡± Oh f¡ª. I¡¯m out of here!¡± Steven stood up, threatening to leave.


    ¡± Cortez!¡± Keian angrily screamed which made Steven stop in his tracks.


    ¡± H-hi Kei¡± Keian ignored Steven and directly went over to me¡­

 #Book 2 Chapter 13

    A/N: Remember that French dialogues are only from a trantor as I don¡¯t really know how to speak French^-^


    ¡± H-hi Kei¡± Keian ignored Steven¡¯s greeting and directly went over to me.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡± What the hell are you doing here Nassandra?!¡± I narrowed my eyes at him when he yelled.


    People around us turned their eyes at us and this made me feel irritated.


    I stood up and went over to meet him.


    ¡± Didn¡¯t I told you to stay at the¡ª¡±


    ¡± Keian, stop yelling. You¡¯re attracting a lot of attention.¡± I half-whispered and shouted at him while we were facing each other.

 #Book 2 Chapter 14

    He red at his men who quickly walked towards us to circle me and Keian.


    He also turned to me and red.


    ¡± I told you to stay on the ind¡± He repeated the statement that I cut off.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me anything. You ran away after we talked right?!¡± His jaw tightened, so does the grip on my wrist.


    Why is he even angry?! Yeah, I did leave the ind without him knowing but who does he think I am? A prisoner?


    What? He left me on that ind just to talk to some chick.


    Could he be irritated because I just interrupted their moment together?!


    He pulled me towards the boats. Which I let him pull me anyways.


    ¡± Kei!¡± I heard a woman called which was the girl Keian was with earlier.


    Keian turned to her and heaved out a sigh.


    ¡± Stay here.¡± He told me emphasized, lets go of my wrist and ran towards Nami who¡¯s standing outside the restaurant.


    Then I suddenly felt bitterness¡­


    I¡¯m not exactly sure why.


    Keian¡¯s men are on stand-by next to me and they seemed very scared of what¡¯s about to happen with them.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you take responsibility for what happened. I¡¯m the one who¡¯s at fault here.¡± They slightly turned to me and smiled but looked back straight as Keian is on his way back to us.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go¡± he roughly holds my hand causing my heart to pump faster.


    His expression went back to being cold from the bright, cheerful one that he showed Nami while talking to her.


    Why is he acting this way???N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    I can¡¯t understand him.


    I pursed my lips and chose to keep quiet while heading back to the ind.


    ¡± How dare you disobey my words?!¡± Keian yelled at his men who were guarding us since earlier.


    While I just stood at their side with my head lowered.


    ¡°Are you all deaf?!¡± I bit my lip and gazed upon him.


    ¡± Stop it Keian! Geez! It¡¯s my fault, I forced them to get me out of the ind, okay?!¡± And so he turns to me.


    ¡± Shut the f¡ª up woman¡± My eyes widened at him cursing and the tone he used.


    I wanted to speak up for us yet I can¡¯t¡­


    ¡± Ma?tre, c¡¯est de notre faute. S¡¯il vous ?t, ne vous moquez pas de ma?tresse Nassandra. Si ma?tre Andr¨¦ est l¨¤, il le fer¡ª (Master, it¡¯s our fault. Please don¡¯t snap at mistress Nassandra. If master Andre is here he will¡ª)


    ¡± Don¡¯t involve my father here! He has no business in what¡¯s happening between us and Nassandra!¡±


    ¡± Monsieur, rappelez-vous que j¡¯ai ¨¦t¨¦ envoy¨¦ ici par ma?tre Andr¨¦ pour garder¡ª(Sir, remember that I was sent here by master Andre to keep¡ª)¡±


    ¡± Keian!¡± I shouted as he quickly rushed over to Dominique and punched him several times.


    They both had the same body built but Keian was stronger which caused Dominique not to be able to fight back.


    I turned to Keian¡¯s other men who just looked straight but fear was in their eyes.


    I furrowed my eyebrows.


    Keian still didn¡¯t stop punching the poor guard so I went closer to him.


    ¡± Keian! Stop it!¡± He ignored me and continued what he was doing.


    Holding both of his arms, I tried to stop him from making any more movement. He faced me and threatened to remove my hands off him.


    Dominique was already bleeding, just like those poor people that Lolo used to punish a long time ago.


    Is this the reason why Zeke and the others are so afraid of him? That even his own friends would have to fear him? I truly believe that deep inside he¡¯s not the monster that everyone thinks he is. He¡¯s better than being in that state.


    I eyed Keian with a threatening look.


    cing a hand on his cheek, I wiped away the blood that sshed on his face.


    ¡± Keian, don¡¯t. Please, let¡¯s just talk¡± I tried forcing out a smile to him which immediately disappeared when he pushed me on the ground and turned his back on me as if he was preventing himself.


    I sat on the sand and that¡¯s where I felt my belly aching.


    ¡± Oh!¡± I felt the burning pain and immediately got scared.


    Holding my baby bump, I tried to feel what exactly is happening to my child.


    When the pain was gone and I made sure I was not bleeding or whatsoever, I turned back to Keian with disbelief while his eyes widened in nervousness.


    ¡± N-Nass, I¡­¡± I weakly stood up on my legs and directly went to the house.


    While preventing the tears from my eyes.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Keian ran his fingers through his hair out of frustration while deep inside he just wanted to beat himself for what he just did. He nced at his men who seemed surprised.


    ¡± What!?¡± He burst out.


    His men looked at him.


    ¡± M-Ma?tre¡±


    ¡± Get out of here! Don¡¯t you dare show yourselves to me or else I¡¯ll kill you all!¡± His men immediately moved.


    They all helped Dominique stand up and quickly walked away from the house or some chose to go to a boat and leave the ind for a little while.


    He looked in the direction where Nassandra just walked away to, before walking towards a tree and hit it hard.


    His fists bled and even had small scraps of wood deepened on them.


    But he didn¡¯t give a damn.


    He pped himself on the face.


    I¡¯m so stupid!


    He thought in his mind.


    He pushed Nassandra.


    He could¡¯ve hurt their child and Nassandra.


    He wet his lips and had no other things to do but sit on the sand.


    He hurt someone he loved, at his mother¡¯s favorite ce¡­


    There are really times that he couldn¡¯t contain his own anger.


    Especially earlier where he had just reunited with Nami.


    She was once his girlfriend. Who suddenly left him out of nowhere and never showed herself for almost four years. And now they saw each other again.


    He¡¯s happy to learn that Nami is not dead.


    Kei¡¯s family and friends aren¡¯t really that aware of his past rtionships at that time.


    He never liked sharing those stuff with his friends.


    ¡± But that¡¯s not enough reason to hurt Nass and your child, stupid.¡±


    He covered his face with his bleeding bare hands, regretting what he just did.


    His rage just got worse when he saw Nass and Steven together with his men as if they were on a group date. And Nass was the only female in that little group.


    And the fact that Nass left the ind even though he didn¡¯t want her to leave a step in the first ce.


    He was hurt, by what Nassandra said to him, he went to town hoping to calm himself down and he wants to see Nassandra in the house when he gets back.


    But he saw her at the other restaurant. Just beside the one where he was chatting with Nami.


    They¡¯re just catching up with each other. His feelings for her faded but he was just happy to see a dear friend again.

 #Book 2 Chapter 15

    She changed, became more beautiful and smart. The girl is awyer now. Back in the past she was a rebel and didn¡¯t want to continue her studies.


    But she really helped Keian get through her mother¡¯s death. It was hard for him to let go.


    They became friends, developed feelings for each other, they dated, but then, Nami disappeared like a bubble.


    He tried finding her for years but it was stopped when he got busy nning schemes to avenge against Maximo.


    Rubbing his temple, he thought and thought deeper about his actions.


    ¡± That¡¯s still not enough reason to hurt Nassnadra and your child, stupid,¡± he said to himself.


    He pped himself once more and stood up to go inside the house and speak with Nassandra.


    Back to Nassandra¡¯s POV


    I didn¡¯t saw Keian following me.


    He needed to think about a lot of stuff. I sat on the sofa inside the house but I got bored technically because there¡¯s nothing for me to do here.


    The house is clean and I have already eaten, we didn¡¯t need to cook. I¡¯m just not sure if Keian has already eaten. I¡¯ll ask himter once his nerves are already at ease.


    I wiped away the tears that escaped from my eye and went to our room. There¡¯s a closet there that¡¯s full of stuff and I haven¡¯t checked what¡¯s in there yet.


    As I opened the closet, I saw a guitar and some books.


    It probably belongs to Keian¡¯s mother. Something for her to pass time.


    I smiled and grabbed the guitar.


    I started strumming the guitar and tried to recall the song that Papa taught me.


    Then I started singing.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Your voice is beautiful¡­¡± I turned to Keian by the doorframe.


    I ced the guitar on the bed and looked at him.


    His eyes are forlorn and as our eyes met, he lets out a bitter smile and lowered his head.


    I sighed and unintentionally rubbed my baby bump.


    He noticed that and I saw guilt past his face due to what he did.


    ¡± N-Nass. I¡¯m really¡ª¡± I sighed and slightly scooted space for him to sit beside me.


    ¡°Sit,¡± I stated to him.


    He looked up with confusion and nced at the empty space beside me.


    ¡± W-what?¡±


    ¡°I said, sit down¡­ Come here and sit beside me.¡± His mouth gaped.


    ¡°Are youmanding me around?¡±


    ¡°What if I am? What are you going to do?¡± I asked, feeling annoyed.


    His eyes widened and immediately did what I told him to.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll follow¡­¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡± Good¡± he sat down beside me. He stared at me for a second before lowering his gaze again.


    I sighed, again.


    ¡± Who is Nami, Keian? You looked so happy when you were with her.¡± I heard the bitterness in my voice at the first question I just threw to him.


    I knew he noticed that because he clenched his fists.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡± She¡¯s¡­ my ex¡± I observed his facial expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware that she¡¯s your ex but who exactly is she for you?¡± He nced at me but also looked away immediately.


    ¡± She was my lover, a friend, someone who helped me when I was lonely,¡± he said with a straight face.


    ¡± Uh-huh,¡± he bit his lip.


    ¡± But she suddenly disappeared. All of a sudden we never saw each other again, just like what Gaius did¡± I raised an eyebrow m


    Then I thought.


    ¡± Well, if you have Nami then I have Lemuel¡± his eyes shoot up to meet mine.


    ¡± What do you mean Nass?¡± He looked puzzled.


    I ced my hands on hisp.


    ¡± They are both from our past and they both helped us before¡± but his creased eyebrows didn¡¯t seem to get it yet.


    I took his hand while my head was shaking.


    ¡°If it¡¯s okay for you to talk to Nami, then it¡¯s okay for me to talk to Lem as well.¡±


    ¡± What do you mean?¡± Irritancy was evident in his tone.


    ¡°Whatever you¡¯re feeling about Lem, it¡¯s also what I feel about Na-¡±


    ¡± Are you saying that Nami is no good? That she¡¯s not a good person and she wanted to do something bad?¡± He stood up which made me look up to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that but if-¡±


    ¡± Let me tell you, Nass, Nami is a good person. You don¡¯t know her that much yet so don¡¯t say that she¡¯ll do nothing good¡±


    ¡± Keian¡ª¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t tell me Lem was the one who brought you to town?¡± He red at me.


    ¡°So what if it¡¯s him?! Does that matter?¡± This also made me stood up.


    He¡¯s being unreasonable¡­


    He stared at me before walking out of the room.


    ¡± I¡¯m going to kill him¡± I ran after him and held both of his arms captured before he could even rush out of the house.


    ¡± Keian, don¡¯t drag any more people with this problem of ours. Let¡¯s just talk¡± Then he faced me.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been talking for a while, Nass. Isn¡¯t it obvious that I don¡¯t want Leming back here to meet you?¡±


    ¡°Well then, if I tell you not to meet up with Nami, will you do that, as well?¡± I softly asked which made his eyes narrow down at me.


    ¡°Both of them are different, Nass! Your so-called friend is capable of doing bad things to you and your baby! Why didn¡¯t you think of that?!¡± He yelled.


    ¡± Okay? What if Nami is also nning something bad? You kept using Lem of someone who¡¯s going to do something unearthly to a friend whereas, for me, I¡¯m feeling something with Nami the same way you feel something bad with Lem. Are your words the only important thing we should hear out here?!¡±


    It¡¯s true that I could feel something odd about Nami.


    He stopped when I raised my voice.


    After that, I suddenly felt my world spinning and I thought I was about to fall on the ground but Keian caught me right on the spot.


    ¡± Nassandra!?¡± I grabbed onto his shoulders and tried standing up but Keian had already carried me in his arms in bridal style and brought me to the room toy me down on the bed.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m fine¡± I tried to sit up but Keian gently pushed me back down on the bed and draw his face near to mine.


    ¡± Stay. Please¡± I pouted and diverted my eyes away from him.


    He held one side of my cheek and made my eyes face him back.


    He sighed.


    Heid down beside me and tightly cuddled me from behind while lying down.


    ¡± Okay¡­ I understand your point. I¡¯m sorry for arguing, baby.¡± It¡¯s my turn to sigh and sped his hands that are on me.


    ¡± If you want me to not meet up with Nami, then I¡¯ll do it. But you¡¯ll do the same with Lem.¡± I bit my lip at this.


    He shifted his position in front of me. His arms supported his body so he wouldn¡¯t squeeze me underneath.


    ¡± Let¡¯s just stay here. Just the two of us. We¡¯ll spend all our time together. Okay?¡± I raised my hand and covered his mouth.


    He tried opening his mouth as if he was gasping for air to breathe.


    ¡± Nass¡±


    ¡± I¡¯d like that¡± I shed a smile at him which made him smile in return.


    He reached for my hand and pressed it near to his lips and kissed it.


    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry, for hurting you, and thank you. I promise, all my attention will be yours starting from now on¡± I nodded at him.


    ¡± Me too, Kei. I¡¯m sorry and my attention is yours forever. And you didn¡¯t hurt me.¡± His smile grew wider and our lips almost touched each other.


    ¡± I love you, baby.¡±


    ¡± I love you too, Keian.¡±

 #Book 2 Chapter 16

    Smirking from behind, I watched Keian as his back was turned to me while he¡¯s cooking for our supper.


    He volunteered so, there he is.


    It¡¯s alsote at night now and we haven¡¯t eaten our dinner yet.


    Everything¡¯s okay now. We have already talked about those people from our past. If that¡¯s what he wants, then I¡¯ll do it as long as he keeps it himself¡­


    I walked closer to him and peeked from his shoulder to see what he¡¯s cooking but hisrge built body sessfully blocked it to prevent me from seeing.


    He looked at me over his shoulder.


    ¡± Just stay seated baby¡­ I got this, trust me¡± I pouted my lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m just curious about what you¡¯re cooking.¡± He shed a smile.


    ¡± Well, it¡¯s a surprise so I can¡¯t let you know¡±


    ¡± Hmph!¡±


    He smirked and came face to face with me.


    ¡± You can stare at my face while you wait, I give you my permission,¡± He said like he was really serious.


    Iughed at what he said.


    But his face turned even more serious.


    ¡± Why are youughing?¡± When I saw that he¡¯s a bit annoyed at this, I stopped theughter escaping from my lips.


    ¡± H-huh? I¡¯m so¡ªWah!¡±


    ¡± Hahahahaha! Keian stop that!¡±


    ¡± What are youughing at huh?¡± He grinned so wide while tickling me.


    Is that so?


    I tried drawing his hands away from me but I can¡¯t seem to do so! Huhu.


    ¡°Keian, hold it, I¡¯m pregnant!¡± He immediately stopped as I said that.


    ¡± Oh sorry,¡± He said with hesitation.


    He was about to resume what he¡¯s doing but it was my turn to tickle him.


    ¡± Hahahahaha!¡± I smiled almost immediately.


    The sound of hisugh is so beautiful!!!


    He was squirming like he wanted to remove my hands from me but he chose not to for he might just end up hurting me again.


    Mwahahahhahahha.


    ¡°What are you now? Hahaha¡±


    ¡± No, baby. Okay, I¡¯m sorry hahaha¡±


    *thud*


    We crashed on the floor but instead of stopping, I sat on top of him and continued to tickle him worse than ever!


    ¡± Hahahahaha! No! Stop it! Nass, hahaha¡±


    I didn¡¯t stop tickling him as my smile stayed on my face.


    Hisughter is like music to my ears.


    ??


    ¡± Ma?tre¡± We only stopped when we heard someone¡¯s voiceing from the door.


    Keian also noticed that and we both turned to where the voice originated from.


    It¡¯s Dominique.


    Keian suddenly returned to his cold expression and so I stood up from our position so he could alsopose himself.


    ¡± *ehem* qu¡¯Est-ce que c¡¯est?(what is it?)¡± He fixed the button-up polo he was wearing while I hid myself from behind Keian because of shame.


    Dominique bowed before answering.


    ¡± Quelqu¡¯un du nom de Nami vous demande, ma?tre (Someone named Nami is asking for you, master)¡± my eyebrows creased almost immediately and I looked at Keian¡¯s face who also turned to me.


    ¡± Pourquoi? O¨´ est-elle? ( Why? Where is she?)¡± I eyed Keian because of the eagerness in his voice.


    ¡± Je ne sais pas pourquoi, monsieur. Mais elle t¡¯attend dehors(I don¡¯t know why, sir. But she is waiting for you outside.)¡± Dominique gestured his hand and pointed it in Nami¡¯s direction. Keian held my shoulders and gave me a look as if he was asking permission.


    I nodded at him and so he barged out of the house.


    I quickly grabbed my jacket, wore it, and went out to follow Keian.


    ¡± ¡ªSomeone¡¯s following me, Kei. I don¡¯t know why. They want me dead please help me!¡± I heard a beautiful but hysterical voice of a woman as soon as I stepped outside.


    Keian was beside her and they were a few steps near the boat.


    There¡¯s blood on the clothes of the woman that we presume is Nami, looks like she¡¯s wounded.


    ¡± Are you okay? Why are you bleeding?¡± Keian asked her.


    ¡± Kei, please, those people will be on their way to find me. They¡¯re going to kill me!¡± Nami¡¯s story made me shocked and suddenly I felt nervous.


    Keian¡¯s face turned serious.


    ¡°Sorry, I led them here but you¡¯re the only person I know who could help me.¡± Keian¡¯s jaw tightened and gestured for Dominique toe closer.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay¡±


    Keian told Dominique something I couldn¡¯t hear much.


    Keian told Nami toe with him while hees over to me.


    But my attention shifted to what¡¯s behind them.


    Keian uprooted his gun and pointed it to a boat where four men are caught with their weapons.


    *shoot*


    Despite the long-distance, he sessfully got to hit one of them. Then the men started shooting bullets continuously.


    ¡± Ahh!¡± Nami screamed which made her sit on the sand.


    Dominique tried assisting her to stand up but only ending up being pushed away by the girl.


    My heart was racing while I came closer to the girl staring straight on the ground.


    ¡± Hey¡± her eyes looked up at me.


    ¡± H-help me¡± I gave her a reassuring smile.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Keian and his men will protect you¡­ us¡± I said to her. Then she started trembling with fear.


    That¡¯s where I noticed she¡¯s wet everywhere.


    ¡± B-but¡ª¡±


    ¡± Shhhh, don¡¯t worry. Let¡¯s go inside so we wouldn¡¯t get hit by any bullet.¡± She nodded at me while Dominique helped her to get up from her feet.


    Before going back inside the house, I turned to Keian whose cold piercing eyes are still focused on the boat where the four men¡¯s bodiesid dead.


    ¡± Get them, we can find out who they are even though they are dead,¡± he said to one of his men.


    ¡± Yes ma?tre¡±


    As if Keian felt my gaze on him, he turned to me with a nod.


    I nodded back.


    Thank God nobody was harmed¡­


    ¡ª


    ¡± Who are you?¡± My eyes looked up at Nami.


    I¡¯m currently treating her wounds on her knees and a few scratches she got.


    The way Nami was looking at me was a mixture of confusion and¡­ annoyance.


    Trying to ignore that fact, I replied to her.


    ¡± My name is Nassandra¡± I tried to stifle out a smile.


    ¡± No, I¡¯m not asking for your name. Who are you? Why are you here with Kei?¡± I prevented myself from letting out a sarcastic and bitterugh.


    We stayed put here inside the house while Keian was still outside, talking to the rest of his men.


    ¡± Uhmmm¡± At that moment, I didn¡¯t know what to answer¡­


    ¡± She¡¯s Ma?tre Andrew¡¯s wife and ma?tre is the father of their child¡± I saw Nami winced at what Dominique just said.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    He knows how to speak English after all.


    Nami rolled her eyes and kept quiet about the matter. After wrapping and treating her wounds, I slightly distanced myself away.


    ¡± So¡­ Why are those men chasing after you?¡± Nami¡¯s eyes widened and shifted back to her panicked state.


    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t do anything!¡± I furrowed my eyebrows at her.


    Something is wrong with her¡­


    ¡°Then why¡ª¡°

 #Book 2 Chapter 17

    ¡± Nass¡± I shut my mouth the minute I heard Keian¡¯s voice as if he was giving me a warning.


    He goes over to me and Nami then held thetter on both of her shoulders.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, you are safe now¡± Keian eyed me maliciously.


    He red at me!


    I raised an eyebrow but heaved out a sigh and chose to stand up.


    ¡± She¡¯s now okay, I already treated her wound,¡± I said.


    Keian just nodded at me then went on talking to Nami.


    I prevented myself from hitting the man on his nape.


    Hey!


    I turned my back against them and decided to head to the kitchen.


    Keian didn¡¯t get to finish what he was cooking¡­


    Getting all of the stuff he brought out, I started preparing the other ingredients for what I¡¯m going to do.


    ¡± Haystt¡± I sighed for the nth time while waiting for the food on the pan to cook up.


    I can¡¯t seem to calm my nerves down and I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m feeling¡­ I can¡¯t understand what I¡¯m feeling right now.


    I¡¯m uncertain.


    I started feeling this when I saw Nami¡­


    I bit my lip.


    Stop it, Nass!


    How dare you think like that to someone who almost got killed.


    I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before diverting my attention back to the food I was cooking.


    After a few minutes, I was finally done cooking for our dinner, I prepared the table and called Nami and Keian.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡± Keian beamed at me while assisting Nami to stand up.


    I also noticed Dominique is nowhere to be found.


    With his hands on Nami¡¯s back, she used it as support to walk along with Keian.


    I sat on a chair next to the dining table and they did the same.


    ¡± Keian, I don¡¯t really have the appetite to eat¡­¡± Nami said, half whispering.


    Keian heaved out a sigh.


    ¡± Nami, you should eat. So you could be strong enough for yourself.¡± I listened to their exchange of words while eating.


    ¡± But, I¡¯m still¡­ scared¡± I stayed silent in my seat.


    ¡± Come on, just eat something,¡± Keian said.


    Nami looks at her food and tried raising her spoon to her mouth but her hand shakily drops it back down to the te.


    ¡± I-I can¡¯t¡± Nami sadly turned to Keian.


    She gave me a nce before saying;


    ¡°Please feed me.¡± I raised an eyebrow at her sudden sweet tone.


    As far as I know, her wounds are on her knees, not on her hands!


    Huhu.


    ¡± Okay,¡± I immediately choked upon hearing Keian¡¯s response.


    He didn¡¯t mind what was happening to me and raised a spoon filled with food to the other girl.


    Is he serious!?


    ¡± Hayyyyyyy¡± I sighed so loudly and stood up, can¡¯t handle the scene any longer.


    Nami and Keian both turned their heads in my direction.


    ¡± Uhmm, I¡¯ll just ask Dominique and the other men if they wanted to eat. I cooked quite a lot, after all.¡± I started walking towards the door.


    Their eyes still followed me. ¡°Nas¡ª¡±


    Before Keian could even call my name, I had already mmed the door shut.


    This made everyone outside turn to me in surprise.


    ¡± Ma?tresse¡± they bowed.


    ¡°Do you guys want to eat? There¡¯s a lot of food in here.¡± I said to the two men who went closer to me.


    They both nced at each other.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, ma?tresse, we¡¯re not starving.¡± I bit my lip and lowered my head.


    ¡°Is that so, fine. By the way, where¡¯s Dominique?¡±


    ¡°He went to town, ma?tresse¡± I nodded at them in response and intended to walk to the seashores but one of the men tried to stop me.


    ¡± Sorry, ma?tresse, but it¡¯s not safe to go to the seashores at this high tide hour. You could just stay¡ª ma?tresse?¡± I wiped tears that fell from my eyes.


    What the heck, Nass!


    Why are you crying???


    ¡°I can handle myself very well *sniff* I know you guys would protect me when something happens. I¡¯ll just go there for a while.¡± Kuya gaped his mouth at what I said and turned to his other mates.


    ¡°But ma?tresse,¡± I muttered out a smile.


    ¡± Sorry, fine, I¡¯ll just head back inside.¡± Satisfied, they didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    I just wanted some fresh air and be alone for a while but if it¡¯s not to be, then it¡¯s okay.


    ¡± Nass¡± I felt someone hold on to my arm at the same time with the sound of a very familiar voice.


    I faced the person who just called me.


    ¡± Dale!?¡± I shockingly stated out.


    Thetter smirked at me.


    ¡± The one and only¡± I smiled at his arrogant voice.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± I asked.


    His eyes widened a bit but immediately changed into a mocking expression.


    ¡± What? Am I not supposed to be here? I missed teasing the two of you¡± I narrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have better things to do than just¡­ annoying people with your mere presence?¡± I joked.


    Heughed and nodded repeatedly.


    ¡± Yes, and there¡¯s nothing you can do about it¡±


    ¡± Yeah right,¡± we both shared fits ofughter.


    ¡± So, what happened? Why were you crying when I saw you?¡± He suddenly asked in a serious tone.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m not.¡± he snickered.


    ¡± Don¡¯t fool me, Nass, I saw it with my own two eyes¡± I sighed.


    I didn¡¯t answer but just stared my eyes at the seashores.


    From the corner of my eye, I saw Dale also looking at me in observance.


    ¡± You want to go there?¡± I nodded at him.


    ¡± Ma?tre, someone strictly¡ª¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, I can protect her. I¡¯ll take responsibility for her¡± he coldly told the men, I faced myself at Dale.


    The men bowed and finally left.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go¡± Dale held my arm and aimed to pull me towards the seashores.


    Here we go again with all the dragging, yeah?


    ¡± So¡­?¡± He started as soon as we sat on the sand near the sea.


    I red at him for a moment before turning to my serious mode.


    ¡± Keian¡¯s ex is inside¡± he furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡± Huh? Which one?¡±


    I fell silent for a second¡­


    ¡± Nami¡± I looked at Dale whose eyes widened upon hearing this.


    ¡± Nami!?¡± I raised my head despite being confused by his reaction.


    ¡± Oh sh8t¡ª uhmm, Nami¡ª I mean Nass, I gotta go¡­¡± My eyebrow ultimately rose up.


    ¡°What? Why too soon?¡± He swallowed hard and quickly stood back up.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll apany you back to the house¡­ but I had to go.¡± He offered a hand impatiently.


    I took a deep breath before epting his hand.


    He pulled me to get up.

 #Book 2 Chapter 18

    ¡± It¡¯s okay. I can walk back to the house by myself.¡±


    ¡± Really? Okay then. I¡¯m really sorry Nass. Byeeee¡± I watched him run towards a boat at a very quick pace before walking back to the terrace of the house.


    I¡¯ll just stay here for a while¡­


    I sat on a chair that was sitting there since none of Keian¡¯s men told me that this is also forbidden so I decided to stay here all by myself for a little while.


    Gathering my thoughts altogether, I enjoyed the cold breeze of the ocean wind alone.


    ¡ª


    Keian narrowed his eyes at me as I enter the house.


    ¡± Where have you been?¡± He asked.


    My eyesnded on the couch, the house seemed eerily quiet.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Nami?¡± I didn¡¯t mind answering his first question.


    ¡± She¡¯s sleeping in the bedroom¡± then I turned my eyes to the room whose door was closed.


    ¡± Answer my question Nass¡± I sighed heavily.


    ¡°I just came from the terrace.¡± He strode towards me so I had to look up to meet his eyes.


    ¡± Liar¡± he whispered to himself.


    My mouth gaped in shock. But this one definitely makes me want tough my heart out.


    ¡± You went to that f¡ªing guy you call your friend¡ª¡±


    ¡°And how can you say that I did go to him?! Do you have proof that you saw me?¡± I raised my voice out of irritation and frustration.


    ¡± No. But I know¨C¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t jump into usations just like that! I was just at the terrace! You could ask your¡ª¡±


    ¡± Shut up Nass! Nami is sleeping¡± I suddenly felt a pang on my chest.


    Why? Why is he being like this again? Why do I feel less important than the other women?


    ¡°So what if she wakes up?! She shouldn¡¯t be in this ce in the first ce. If you don¡¯t want Lem here, then she shouldn¡¯t be here either!¡± He suddenly grabbed my shoulder.


    ¡± She was hurt Nassandra! Can¡¯t you understand that!?¡± I could also feel my lips tremble while speaking.


    ¡± We made a promise! You made a promise that all your attention will be mine¡± My voice was getting rough as I said those words.


    I can¡¯t help but feel the bitterness eat me. I don¡¯t care if that makes me the desperate one here.


    He made a promise. He said he will keep his promise¡­


    What I¡¯m feeling right now is probably due to my pregnancy, too.


    Don¡¯t me me for feeling¡­ all of this.


    ¡°Are you really that desperate for attention?! You are not like this. The Nassandra that I knew is understanding in any situation right no¡ª¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t tell me what I am and what I¡¯m supposed to be! You also despise Lem and never wanted him to be here. Why does Nami¡ª¡±


    ¡°Nass, we¡¯re just going around in circles in this argument!¡± his grip on my shoulder tightened.


    ¡± It¡¯s because you don¡¯t understand what I¡¯m saying!¡± He suddenly pushed me against the wall and cornered me there.


    ¡± You are the one who doesn¡¯t understand. You don¡¯t understand any of this¡­ sh8t. Nami¡­ I¡¯ve been with her for 2 years! We spent a lot of time with each other more than the two of us do. I only know you for 9 months! Who do you think is the one I know the most?! You or her?!¡± My breathing hitches. All of a sudden I just felt suffocated.


    ¡± Are you saying that she¡¯s more important than me?¡± He shed a variety of vicious re at me.


    ¡± At least she has no f¡ªed up past that could harm all the people around her!¡± Keian¡¯s outburst echoed through the house which just added to the whole dramatic effect.


    Whereas for me I felt like I just lost the ability to breathe. I went very still¡­


    ¡± Keian? What¡¯s going on?¡± Keian turned to Nami who went out of her room while I maintained my eyes on the ground.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing¡­ You should go back to sleep¡±


    ¡± I heard your argument. If you want me to leave, it¡¯s alright. I¡¯m the one being the disturbance here.¡±


    ¡± No¡ª¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Nami. You can stay as long as you want¡± I almost whispered.


    Keian nced in my direction.


    I looked at him in the eyes and suddenly his eyeballs looked like they¡¯re about to pop out.


    ¡± I am the one who has a f¡ªed up past after all¡± Keian¡¯s expression softened. He took a step back from me and lowered his head.


    ¡± I¡¯m going to stay at the tent. I have no intention of going to Lemuel¡­¡± He clenched his fists.


    ¡± Nass¡ª no, I¡¯ll stay there¡± I nced at him, looking tired as ever.


    ¡°Just leave me alone, please¡± He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something but in the end, he just nodded and turned his back on me.


    I went out of the house again and went to our tent.


    Why???

 #Book 2 Chapter 19

    I was shocked¡­


    And hurt.


    I slowly walked towards the tent outside the house, still here on Keian¡¯s own ind.


    I didn¡¯t know what to think anymore. It¡¯s like my mind was washed nk with the words he just said.


    It¡¯s a good thing we haven¡¯t put away the tent yet. Our nkets and pillows are still here¡­


    Opening the tent¡¯s zipper, I sat down facing the direction of the sea.


    There¡¯s something wrong¡­


    Keian¡¯s not like that.


    All I could formte is that Nami is really that important and dear to him. She really helped him.


    But I can¡¯t stop thinking about why would Nami show herself to Keian just recently?


    I know I shouldn¡¯t think that Nami is nning something evil¡­ I didn¡¯t want to think she¡¯s intending to steal Keian away from me.


    I rubbed my baby bump.


    I know that Keian loves me and that I love him, too.


    But I¡¯m still scared of¡­. losing him.


    I sighed andpletely went inside the tent before closing the zipper.


    I¡¯m very very sleepy but I couldn¡¯t find the urge to doze off. My chest feels so heavy and my heart is beating at a fast pace.


    The whole night, I thought about what just happened.


    I don¡¯t want to cry¡­


    Thank the heavens that I didn¡¯t tear up. Not until I drifted off to sleep.


    ¡ª


    I woke up with the sound of the tent¡¯s zipper opening the ce where I stayed the whole night.


    I kept my eyes closed.


    Just by smelling the person¡¯s scent when he entered, I could already tell who he is¡­


    ¡± Baby¡­¡± My heartbeat quickened.


    Keian touched my cheek and nted a kiss on my forehead.


    He also traced my hair away from my face.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± He whispered.


    I prevented myself not to open my eyes. Even though guilt and regret about what he said are pretty evident in his tone.


    I also thoughtst night that if I was being put in his position, I might have just done the same thing.


    I was like that with Lem¡­ That¡¯s why I thought of apologizing to Keian first thing in the morning.


    Then I felt the cold breeze of the wind from the outside, I can¡¯t help but chatter, and my body shook.


    Keian sighed.


    Then, hey down next to me.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡± Nass¡± he cuddled me.


    He held me so tight you¡¯d thought I¡¯d disappear from his grasp any time.


    My heart ached for him.


    I casually snuggled closer to him. Pretending to sleep as I reached out for a teddy bear.


    Keian sucked in a breath then immediately rxed.


    Everything around us fell silent so I drifted back to sleep.


    ¡ª


    Waking up alone, I realized I was already lying on a soft bed.


    Huh?


    I looked around and saw that I¡¯m inside our room in the house. Isn¡¯t this where Nami sleptst night? Or could it be everything that happenedst night was all but a hrious dream???


    Then I suddenly saw Nami¡¯s clothes from yesterday in theundry bag. It was just her clothes containing there.


    I think Keian let Nami borrow my clothes for a while.


    Nah, that¡¯s okay.


    Taking a deep breath, I stood up and walked into the bathroom.


    After using thefort room, I went out and walked towards the house¡¯s living room.


    Here I am, alone in this house¡­


    But where¡¯s Keian???


    And Nami?


    So I thought of going out, hoping to find Keian just outside the house.


    He must¡¯ve been the one who carried me back to the room.


    I want to talk to him.


    And I hope he is too.


    ¡± Ma?tresse¡± I almost jumped in surprise when someone called my name out of nowhere.


    I turned to Dominique with widened eyes.


    ¡± Dominique¨C didn¡¯t saw you there.¡± That¡¯s where I forgot to speak French huhu.


    Dominique¡¯s eyebrows creased but he didn¡¯t bother knowing what I just said.


    ¡± Bonjour madame. D¨¦sol¨¦ ¡­ de vous surprendre (Goodmorning ma¡¯am. Sorry¡­ for surprising you)¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡± C¡¯est bon et bonjour aussi. Au fait, savez-vous o¨´ est Keian?(It¡¯s okay and good morning too. By the way, do you know where Keian is?)¡±


    ¡± Oui ma?tresse, il apagne Miss Nami en ville. Elle a dit qu¡¯elle voit d¨¦j¨¤ partir pour ne plus vous d¨¦ranger tous les deux(Yes mistress, he¡¯s apanying Miss Nami in the town. She said she want to leave already so she won¡¯t disturb the two of you anymore.)¡± This made me lick my lips and just nodded.


    Dominique gave me a small smile.


    ¡± There¡¯s food at the kitchen for your breakfast ma?tresse¡± Dominique spoke to me with obvious difficulty in speaking English.


    ¡± Thank you¡± turning my back from him, I was about to go back inside the house when suddenly my phone made a sound.


    I fished it out and saw that a text came from¡­ Lem?


    I don¡¯t know why but I suddenly felt nervous and confused by this.


    I immediately tapped on his message and saw that there¡¯s a picture attached to it. A picture of Keian and Nami¡­ kissing.


    My mouth gaped open.


    How sweet¡­


    My eyebrows deepened as Lem¡¯s message was followed by a video.


    I could feel my hands shaking while pressing the y button.


    Nami and Keian were at a distance, while the person who took the video was probably hiding himself.


    With arms wrapped around each other, they drew themselves away and talked.


    It¡¯s pretty normal for friends to hug each other¡­ right?


    The video is taken too far so I couldn¡¯t hear what they were saying to each other but it looks like Nami was bidding her farewells to Keian.


    Later, Keian pecked a kiss on Nami¡¯s cheek.


    But then Nami suddenly pulled Keian which made their lips touch each other¡¯s warmth.


    Keian looked shocked and he stood there, frozen.


    When he realized what was happening, Keian gently pushed Nami away with a cold expression on his face.


    I saw Nami¡¯s face dropped sadly and they both separated.


    That¡¯s where the video ended.


    The video clearly shows Keian didn¡¯t return the kiss and even pushed Nami away but that¡¯s not exactly what my brain is focusing on¡­


    I swallowed a lump in my throat and all of a sudden it was hard to breathe.


    Inhale¡­


    Exhale¡­


    I stay rooted to where I was standing by the door in front of the house, my eyes starring at my phone.


    *Kringg*


    I closed my eyes and a tear fell down from my eye before I answered Lem¡¯s phone call with my heart racing so fast.


    ¡± Hi, Nass¡­¡± He said in an apologetic voice.


    ¡± Why did you send me¡­ that, Lem?¡± I asked with a soft voice.


    He chuckled.


    ¡± To show you how dumb you are, you and Marques¡± his voice changed and this made my heart beat faster.


    ¡°W-What do you mean, Lemuel?¡±


    ¡± Hahahahaha!¡± I heard his demonicugh from the other line.


    The sound of his voice gave me goosebumps.


    ¡± What I mean is, soon, your loved ones will die and so are you¡±


    I let out a shaky breath¡­


    ¡°Why?¡± I shortly asked him.


    The other line got silent for a split second before Lem spoke once more.


    ¡± Well, you¡¯re about to find out¡± instead of being enlightened, what he said just made me more confused. I was about to speak again but suddenly I heard an explosion, not from a far ce but right here on the ind itself.


    ¡± Ma?tresse!¡± I heard Dominique shouted at the same time he crashed my body on the grassy ground while he shielded me with his body after making sure he wouldn¡¯t squish me on the spot.


    *bang*


    My eyes widened upon hearing the sound of gunshots from the other direction.


    I also grasped on my baby bump when suddenly I felt pain.


    ¡± ?a va, ma?tresse?( Are you okay, mistresse?)¡± I slightly nodded.


    Dominique stood up and quickly drew his gun out to shoot a man dressed up like a fisherman who was about to aim his weapon towards me.


    I looked around us.


    All of the men around us aren¡¯t Keian¡¯s men¡­


    Almost everyone on our side is either wounded or knocked down.


    Worse was the burning bodies due to the bomb that exploded. It¡¯s probably hidden somewhere on a shed on this ind.


    Only a few men are on this ind right now so we¡¯re totally outnumbered, especially since Keian is not here.


    My eyes roamed around our surroundings with a hitching breathe until my eyesnded on a walking figure which was Lem with a smirk stered on his face.


    Is he the mastermind of all this mess????


    He was on his way towards me and Dominique, who¡¯s already bleeding, noticed him immediately.


    He gave me his gun then he ran towards Lem.


    Lem shot Dominique a deathly re, obviously annoyed at him for blocking his way to me.


    Looks like Lem has no gun with him so the two men fought each other using martial arts.


    I feel that something was about to hit me so I ward off but ended up only to be softly touched by a bullet on my cheek.


    I looked to where the bullet hade from and ultimately shot the man on the head.


    I carefully stood up and shot the other men that came along with Lem.


    As soon as it was just the three of us on this ind, Dominique, Lem, and myself, I stopped shooting.


    Almost all of our meny unconscious.


    ¡± Ma?tresse¡± I turned to Dominique.


    His face is bloody and it looks like he was wounded on the head.


    He knelt down on his knees, and that¡¯s where I noticed a knife was stabbed on his stomach.


    Lem spitted at him and walked towards me at longst.


    I raised the gun I was holding and attempted to point at him.


    Then I felt smarting pain in my hand and the gun vanished from my grip.


    Actually, it didn¡¯t vanish, the gun exploded on my hand itself and now blood is dripping all over it.


    Sniper¡­


    I gasped and tried to endure the pain in my hand. Tears were also falling from my eyes which were the tears I prevented myself from falling.

 #Book 2 Chapter 20

    ¡± Uhhh, poor Nass¡± I narrowed my eyes at him.


    ¡± Why are you doing this, Lemuel?!¡± I yelled.


    But his lips only form an evil grin.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry, Nass. You have nothing to do with my n in the first ce. But I realized you¡¯re now living with Kei, so I thought of a much better n.¡± I could hardly sit down upon hearing what he just said.


    Again¡­


    I brought danger to him again.


    ¡°What did he even do to you? You¡¯re not the Lem that I know.¡± His expression darkened.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know anything about me Nass, if you weren¡¯t so helpless at that time, I wouldn¡¯t even help you. And besides, if I only knew you¡¯re connected to the Marques, I should¡¯ve killed you a long time ago.¡± I clenched my bloody fists into a ball, not caring about the blood that¡¯s dripping from the wound.


    ¡± Wh¡ª¡±


    ¡± Ow! F¡ª!¡± Lem cursed in pain when Dominique, out of nowhere, stabbed him on his foot using what seems to be the knife that was on his body earlier.


    He actually crawled towards Lem to fight him.


    ¡± You bastard!¡±


    ¡± No!¡± I shouted when Lem stepped his foot on Dominique¡¯s head.


    When he raised his foot, Dominique was left unconscious.


    This made me sit hopelessly on the sand.


    I couldn¡¯t find the strength to stand up anymore.


    ¡°What are you on about, Lem?¡± My voice was already soft due to the dizziness I was feeling.


    ¡± I told you, I will kill Marques and everyone who will get in my way¡± one final tear came out from my eye before longst I had fallen to deep sleep.


    ¡ª


    Keian¡¯s POV


    I am now riding on a boat to go back to our ind.


    Nami and I already part ways.


    But I can¡¯t stop thinking¡­ why she kissed me.


    She¡¯s not that kind of person.


    When she knows that a person is already dating someone, she won¡¯t pursue them just like that.


    I guess she really changed a lot.


    Another thing is that I¡¯m feeling guilty.


    What I said to Nass¡­


    I rubbed my hands in my face when I remembered it again.


    I wentst night to the tent to say sorry to her, but then she¡¯s sleeping.


    I had the urge to hug her, to be with her, so I did.


    I carried her back to the house and into our bed in the room after taking a nap beside her for a while.


    I know that I made a promise to her, but I broke it.


    It¡¯s just that Nami is a girl I adored.


    I should¡¯ve kept in mind that I¡¯m with Nass now. I love her, I really do. And I love every time I spent with her.


    There are really times that I didn¡¯t think about the words I was about to say before expressing them out.


    Letting my emotions overflow my mind.


    I¡¯m not too fond of that about myself.


    ¡± Ma?tre,¡± I coldly turned to the three men I came aboard with on the boat.


    ¡± Yes?¡±


    ¡± The other ma?trise(masters) and ma?tresses justnded at the airport¡± I nodded at them and nced at my watch.


    Right in time.


    I looked up front and saw that we¡¯re getting near the ind.


    Then I bit my lip.


    Am I feeling¡­ nervous?


    Shit.


    I have to make sure Nass forgives me before¡­


    ¡± What the f¡ª?!¡± I cursed.


    Anger rummaged through my system. I can see the ind now, and bodies are lying everywhere!!!


    I clenched my fists.


    I stood from my seat and eagerly waited for the boat to reach the ind.


    ¡°Nass!¡±


    My eyes widened.


    Nass!!! Where is she?!


    Even if the boat hasn¡¯t reached the shore, I already climbed down, not caring if my pants get soaked.


    I ran towards the house.


    ¡± Check if anyone is still alive! Enemy or not,¡± I shouted at my men while still running.


    Before I could reach the house, I already saw Dominique lying t-faced on the ground.


    I went to his position.


    He¡¯s still breathing¡­


    I looked around the surface around him and there¡­ I saw Nass¡¯ phone.


    I immediately grabbed it and held it tight.


    Then quickly went inside the house to find her.


    I¡¯m mming every door.


    But no sign of her¡­


    No!


    Then I ran back to the living room. I need to find her.


    ¡± Ma?tre¡± I faced the person who just called.


    ¡°Sir Dominique and two enemies are the only ones left alive. All of them are badly injured. The rest are dead¡± I red at the one talking to me.


    ¡± Then go and get them treated already! We can¡¯t afford to lose someone we can torture¡­¡± I blurted out with a dark expression. The men took a step back and quickly nodded.


    ¡± Yes, ma?tre¡± I resist the urge to throw Nass¡¯ phone at the wall.


    Before I could step back outside the house, Nassandra¡¯s phone suddenly beeped.


    It was an unknown number.


    I have the feeling the owner of this number has a connection with all of this, so I answered it.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    I remained quiet.


    Then I heard the sinisterugh on the other side.


    And it looks like I know who is on the other line.


    ¡± Oh, Marques¡­¡± My jaw tightened.


    ¡± Lemuel,¡± I stated out. I heard the sound of hisughter once again.


    ¡± Did you like my surprise for you?¡± I ignored his question.


    ¡± Where is Nassandra?¡±


    ¡°Have a guess, hahahaha¡± I gritted my teeth.


    ¡± I can say that Nami is a great distraction for you. She¡¯s really a good girl, doing her job at her best¡± what he said made me shocked.


    ¡± You¡­ She¡¯s your ally?¡±


    ¡± Hahaha. Of course! You see! You¡¯re so dumb!¡± My breathing hitched out of anger and frustration.


    ¡± What do you want!?¡± I loudly asked.


    ¡± Hmmmm. First, I want you to look at your tv¡± I did what he told me to do and ultimately turned the TV on.


    My eyes went wide when I saw Nass lying on a white floor surrounded by white walls.


    She¡¯s got blood everywhere on her hands and clothes.


    No¡­


    ¡± Can you see her?¡± I fell silent. I can¡¯t think straight.


    My attention was only at Nass. She just woke up and observed everything around her.


    ¡± Huh? Speechless? Wow, Marques. I never thought you¡¯d be so¡­ fragile¡± I ignored him again until I saw two men entered the white room.


    ¡± What are you going to do with her!?¡± I almost screamed my lungs out due to the nervousness of what was about to happen.


    ¡± Just watch and enjoy¡­¡±


    It looks like the audio of the video shifted to the phone, and my screen is the TV because I heard her voice on the mobile phone I¡¯m holding.


    Nass: ¡°W-What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡± F-ck!¡±


    Her voice, I can feel she¡¯s tired and hurt through her voice.


    The two men didn¡¯t respond to Nass¡¯ question, then one of them pulled her hair up, which caused Nass to sit up harshly.


    ¡± No!¡±


    Nass: ¡± Ow! Don¡¯t¡­ Please,¡± I started shivering out of anger.


    I held my chest as I saw they started kicking Nass on her bottom.


    ¡± Asshole! Lem! Stop doing that to Nassandra!¡± No one answered as I continued watching the men kick my girl.


    Sh8t!


    Nass: ¡°D-Don¡¯t please¡­ I¡¯m pregnant. Spare me and have mercy.¡±


    It was as if my chest was stabbed multiple times when the men continued kicking her to the point where she started puking out blood.


    ¡± N-Nass,¡± I can¡¯t seem to stop myself from shaking.


    Especially whenever I hear Nass¡¯ cry for mercy.


    ¡± Stop it!¡± I yelled through the telephone, only ending up hearing Lemugh again.


    That¡¯s where I fell to my knees the moment I saw blood dripping on Nass¡¯ thigh.


    One of my hands touched my chest.


    My heart is hurting so much¡­


    ¡± Stop it, please¡­¡± I softly plead.


    Our baby¡­


    After a few seconds or so, the two men stopped their brutal kicking and left the room as if nothing happened.


    I walked over to the television and held the screen.


    ¡± Nass,¡± I ced down the hand that held the telephone, so now I couldn¡¯t hear what was on the other line.


    Nass wiped her thigh, and her eyes widen when she saw blood.


    I read from her lips, saying ¡°no¡± repeatedly.


    Sheid on the floor, clutching her belly.


    Then the tv¡¯s screen went ck.


    I ced the phone back to my ear.


    ¡± Did you enjoy it?¡±


    ¡± F¡ª you! If you just needed something from me, you should¡¯ve hurt me instead and not our child, you bastard!¡±


    ¡± Hahaha! That¡¯s it, Kei. Get mad. But remember what I have to say. If you want Nass back to you, you need to give me 5 billion pesos with a matching jet ne so I could finally leave this ce! Oh, and before that, I have to kill you and your father. So you had to go here. Don¡¯t worry, I have a lot of men that are skilled in killing, so we won¡¯t disappoint you¡± For thest time, I heard himugh before he ended the phone call.


    I let go of the phone.


    I leaned against the wall after feeling a whole different level of weakness.


    I sat on the floor, and my eyes stared at the television.


    Nass¡­

 #Book 2 Chapter 21

    I lightly let my head hit the wall out of frustration repeatedly.


    What should I do¡­?


    ¡± Ma?tre?¡± My eyes narrowed the moment someone called to me.


    ¡± Get out!¡± His eyes widened, and he immediately left.


    Realization hit me.


    I was shocked. Now I¡¯m not¡­.


    I tightly clenched my fists and started to grab any stuff my hand would find and threw them across the room.


    ¡± Nass,¡± I punched the wall.


    Not caring about the pain my bleeding fists is making me¡­


    I¡¯m used to it¡­


    My mind went back to the scene where the men were kicking her.


    I pressed my forehead against the wall while I¡¯m trying to grip it though impossible.


    The blood that¡¯s dripping on her thighs.


    I knelt down.


    She¡¯s hurt. Our baby is hurt¡­


    Her cries.


    My hands reached my chest once again.


    ¡± Baby¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± and after saying that, I felt my tears.


    ¡± H-ha¡± suddenly, I had difficulty breathing.


    ¡± N-Nass¡± I covered my mouth, hoping to muffle out my curses.


    I never cried like this since my mom died until now.


    I didn¡¯t even bother wiping the tears from my eyes, even if it was already making my vision blurry.


    All I can see is her¡­


    ¡± I-I can¡¯t¡± I sniffed and stood up like a drunk man due to the weakness.


    But then, I felt pain in my chest, so I sat back down.


    I wept out loud¡­ I can¡¯t stop. I don¡¯t care if my men would hear me anymore.


    I covered my face with my hands.


    Then I raised my knees to my chest and tried to bury my face there.


    ¡± I-I can¡¯t. No¡­¡±


    I¡¯m like a child.


    All of my emotions from the past month and years are now overwhelming me.


    All of the frustrations, sadness, anger, my cries are pouring everything that¡¯s been contained altogether.


    ¡± What the hell, Kei!?¡± I looked at the one who called me.


    Zeke.


    Along with our other friends and my very own Dad.


    My crying got louder.


    ¡± K-Kei, what happened?¡± I heard Katie asked.


    I shook my head repeatedly.


    ¡± I can¡¯t lose her.¡±


    ¡± Kei¡­¡± Then I heard Dad¡¯s voice.


    I saw him walk closer to me.


    ¡± What the f*ck happened that you have to destroy everything that your mother bought for this house?!¡± His voice is 1/4 concerned and 3/4 angry.


    I wept even harder as I remembered all of the stuff in this house are all of Mom¡¯s precious belongings.


    ¡± I-I-I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to destroy everything, Dad. I just can¡¯t¡­¡± I swallowed hard and continued on whimpering.


    My dad¡¯s expression softened. Then he holds both of my shoulders.


    ¡± What happened, son?¡± I closed my eyes and gazed up at him.


    ¡± I can¡¯t lose her again¡­ I can¡¯t lose them. Both of them,¡± I said in a shaky voice.


    ¡± Oh, Kei¡­¡± My father wrapped his arms around me, and I can¡¯t do anything but just lean into his embrace.


    ¡± Nass¡±


    Zeke¡¯s POV


    Nervousness ultimately ran through my system the moment I saw the lifeless bodies of these men lying on the sand as we arrived at the ind. What happened?


    ¡± Get out!¡± Hearing Kei screaming, the ten of us mafia members nced at each other in unison along with Tito Andre.


    I sprinted towards the house, and that¡¯s where I saw broken things everywhere, to which I remember Tita Karina used to organize herself a long time ago.


    I looked at the man crying like a child inside.


    ¡± What the hell, Kei!?¡± He gazed up at me and cried even louder.


    Sh8t.


    Something serious happened¡­


    Katie asked Kei what¡¯s the matter, but he didn¡¯t respond.


    Tito Andre walked closer to his son.


    Uh-oh¡­


    If there is someone who will be mad for all these broken stuff, that would be Tito Andre.


    ¡± ¡± I-I-I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to destroy everything, Dad. I just can¡¯t¡­¡± I looked at Kei, concerned.


    He¡¯s crying so much. Not even caring that lots of people are looking at him. I also roamed my eyes around while he repeatedly kept muttering the words, ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    That¡¯s when realization hit me.


    My eyes widened, and I started looking for Nass in the living room when in fact, she isn¡¯t here in the first ce.


    And Kei repeatedly saying, ¡°I can¡¯t lose her again, I can¡¯t lose them,¡± I think we all know what just gotten into him.


    Nass is in danger¡­


    My expression stiffened, and so does my otherpanions.


    ¡°They caught Nass. And it¡¯s my f¡ªing fault¡± I took a deep breath, controlling my anger before taking a step closer to Keian.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Tito Andre scooted away from him a little to give us space.


    ¡± Don¡¯t me yourself for that, Kei. Whoever took her away must pay for what he just did.¡± He lets out a bitter smile at me.


    ¡± No. It¡¯s really my fault¡± his eyes are red, his face is wet with tears.


    Then I felt Laizae closer to him as well.


    ¡± You¡¯re just shocked Kei, go rest first¡­¡±


    ¡± No! I can¡¯t rest if I know that Nass is in enemy¡¯s hands!¡± He blurted out.


    ¡± Kuya Kei¡­ Your tv has a camera? And it looks like it¡¯s hacked?¡± ra said out of nowhere while walking closer to the television.


    ¡± Yeah, tell me something I don¡¯t know¡± I stand as I observe the television.


    My eyes narrowed when I noticed something.


    I grabbed that little piece that seems to be a chip thates along with a secret camera.


    ra and I looked at each other, and from the looks of it, she could already tell what I wanted her to do.


    I handed her the chip while she ultimately brings out her miniputer.


    Tito Andre went over to me while observing the whole house.


    ¡± Check every corner, room, and walls. See if any more nano-chips or cameras are lurking in the corners,¡± he said in amanding voice.


    The eight of us looked at each other, except for ra, who¡¯s got her head focused on herptop.


    ¡± Yes, sir!¡±

 #Book 2 Chapter 22

    I leaned at the doorframe of the bedroom here inside the house.


    I crossed my arms to my chest and looked at Kei, who¡¯s sitting on the bed.


    ¡± What really happened, Kei?¡± I asked. He red at me before lowering his head. He only went silent, so I pushed myself out of the door and walked towards my friend.


    ¡± Move bastard,¡± Imanded jokingly. He messed his hair up before scooting some space for me to sit on.


    ¡± So?¡± I yfully mocked. He red at me again.


    ¡± I thought y¡¯all wanted me to rest? Why are you here?¡± He said, irritated.


    I smirked at him.


    ¡± Uhmm, to annoy you?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s perfectly working¡± I rolled my eyes at him before switching to a serious face.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡± Seriously, you can¡¯t even speak to Katie. What exactly happened to you?¡± his jaw tightened, and his fist clenched.


    ¡± I¡¯m just¡­ so dumb¡± I sighed heavily.


    ¡± Come on, Kei. What happened when we are still not here? ra¡¯s working on the nanochip so we can trace their location, so why don¡¯t you help too?¡±


    ¡± Aish! I saw Nami when I went to town on my own, so I talked to her¡­¡± I wasn¡¯t surprised anymore when he told me that Nami showed up to him.


    ¡± Yeah, Dale already told us when he talked to Nassandra outside the house the other night Nami was here¡± his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Dale was here¡ª why am I surprised?¡± He shook his head before his expression darkened.


    ¡°Because I got to see Nami again, after a lot of years since I saw her, emotions resurfaced. Especially that she helped with the aftermath of what happened to Mom¡± I nodded at him and gestured for him to continue talking.


    ¡± I said some stupid and unreasonable things to Nass. I let my emotions fill my actions¡­ I¡¯m getting mad when she¡¯s with¡­ Lem. But I didn¡¯t realize that Nass would feel the same way with Nami. I didn¡¯t realize it. I¡¯m an asshole¡± I grimaced.


    ¡± True¡± He furrowed his eyebrows at me.


    ¡± So, who¡¯s Lem?¡± His expression darkened even more.


    ¡± He happens to be the one who helped Nass when she has no home after running away from Maximo. I knew that his reappearance was suspicious. And it turns out I am right. He¡¯s our enemy.¡±


    ¡± Just this morning, I apanied Nami to the town because she¡¯s leaving. But when I returned here, there¡¯s fu¨Cing bodies everywhere, and Nass is g-gone¡± his voice breaks. Like he was about to break into tears again.


    But he prevented it froming out, so he continued telling his story.


    ¡± I picked up her phone and went inside the house. An unknown number called Nass¡¯ phone and I answered it. The television opened, and a video showed up with Nass in a white room¡­ I watched two f¡ªing men kicked her in the stomach!¡± he growled.


    Even I could feel rage upon hearing what Kei just saw.


    She¡¯s f¡ªing pregnant, for god¡¯s sake!


    ¡± Those bastards¡­¡± I cursed.


    ¡± For once in my life, I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± he softly spoke.


    I punched his arm gently.


    ¡± Well, at least once in your life, let us help you. That¡¯s why we¡¯re here¡­ You¡¯ve been leading us every time. With everyone¡¯s efforts, we¡¯ll find their location in no time, and we¡¯ll kill those bastards immediately¡± I winced at the corny statement I just let out, but I smiled.


    ¡± Fine,¡± I smiled genuinely.


    ¡± Kuya Kayden?¡± Kei and I looked at each other when we heard someone call Kayden¡¯s name.


    My eyebrows creased, so I stood up to check outside the room, and there stood Kayden in the flesh, who looks extremely exhausted.


    ¡± Kayden, I thought you wouldn¡¯t be able to go here in Pwan?¡± Asked Tito Andre.


    His eyes roamed around all of us with a stiffened expression and his fists clenched in a ball.


    He bit his lip anxiously.


    ¡± I-I need help¡± this made me confused. Kayden rarely asks for help, so whenever he¡¯s crying us for help, it means it¡¯s serious.


    ¡± Why? What happened?¡± Erick questioned.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been¡­ finding Brylle for 2 days already. He¡¯s missing¡­ And I can¡¯t f¡ªing find him¡± the whole house fell silent.


    What did he say?!


    ¡± F-ck!¡± Upon Kei cursing out loud, I quickly went over to Kayden. I held him by the cor, but before I could even raise his body upward, Theo and Maxence came intervened to stop me.


    ¡± What did you say!?¡± He bravely stared right through my eyes.


    ¡± You heard me, Nic! I know that I f¡ªed up okay?!¡±


    I was about to lunge him down again, but I suddenly stopped.


    ¡± Enough!¡± Tito Andre shouted, which made us all stop.


    ¡°First of all, Kayden, you should¡¯ve told us about your situation sooner. Brylle is also important to us and our priority. And second, Kei, you shouldn¡¯t have left Nass alone in the first ce. You know that this vacation is alone time for the two of you. How can you forget that!?¡± Keian was about to open his mouth to say something but chose to keep quiet and lower his head.


    ¡± Wait, what happened to Nass?¡± My eyes turned back to Kayden, who just asked.


    ¡± She was abducted¡­¡± Dale stated.


    ¡°Just why didn¡¯t you tell us sooner that Brylle is missing?¡± Kei held both of my shoulders and shook his head at what I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m the reason why he went missing, so I should be the one who also finds him.¡± My eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± Hayyy. I told you to stop fighting about it. Let¡¯s just start talking about what we all should do to find Brylle and Nass.¡±


    ¡± I found it!¡± We all turned to ra, who suddenly stood up while raising one of her hands in the air.


    We all went to her at the same time and hovered around herptop.


    ¡± Wait, chill. Let me sit first.¡± I hit her on the nape.


    ¡± Kuya, why did you have to hit me?¡±


    Oh. Why did I?


    I pretended to be impatiently irritated.


    ¡°Just go on with it already.¡± She rolled her eyes at me and pointed something at theptop¡¯s screen.


    Meanwhile, Keian had maintained his seriousposure.


    ¡ª


    Nassandra¡¯s POV


    My eyes fluttered open, and I saw I was still in the white room, but I was lying on a bed this time.


    I looked at my hand that has a dextrose tube injected.


    Then I suddenly felt the burning pain all over my body.


    Remembering what just happened earlier.


    I weakly looked at my thighs and saw there wasn¡¯t any blood anymore. Then my hands reached my belly that feels eerily¡­ different.


    No¡­


    My eyes widened and covered my mouth in shock.


    ¡± Hey,¡± I immediately red at the person who had the nerve to visit me in the room, which was Lem.


    He was smirking as if he had done nothing wrong in his life. I didn¡¯t utter a word, but I continued to narrow my eyes at him.


    ¡± Ohhh. I¡¯m sorry, I guess my men kicked you too hard. You know, because of that, it¡¯s gone,¡± I wanted to scream. I wanted to curse him to death, but I don¡¯t have the energy to do so. I tried hard to prevent myself from crying in front of him, but unfortunately, I couldn¡¯t manage.


    Our baby is gone¡­


    He¡¯s so evil.


    So evil that he had to include an innocent fetus that has no fault in any of this.


    I tightly clenched my fists.


    ¡± W-why¡­ are,. You d-doing t-t-this¡± I struggled to speak to him.


    Heughed.


    ¡± Marques ruined my life! My job, my family!¡± I furrowed my eyebrows.


    ¡°W-What did they even do to you t-that you really had to kill a baby¡­ that¡¯s not even born yet.¡± He made a grimaced face.


    ¡°One time, I applied at Marques Manufacturing. I dreamt of being at high ranks, you know. Theirpany is great, so great that I think I can¡¯t reach it with my own hands. But my wife inspired me. Told me that I can do anything because she said that I have great talent. But when I finally see the opportunity to be in high ranks. They turned me down. I have prepared myself for a long time, but they didn¡¯t listen to me. They said that my SKILLS aren¡¯t enough. I did everything I could, but they didn¡¯t even paid a single attention. They are cruel. I have no idea why that selfishpany is still sessful up until today!¡± I stopped at his exnation.


    My breathing hitches while trying to contain the anger I¡¯m feeling inside.


    ¡°J-Just because of that, you¡¯re g-going to do a-all this?¡± I was trembling. Shaking because of the extreme emotion I¡¯m feeling inside.


    ¡± They killed my family!¡± At first, I was surprised to hear this. If they really killed his family, then what Lem did is reasonable enough, but then I thought about it.


    ¡°H-How did your family die? Were they shot i-in front of you? Tortured? Kidnapped a-and killed for ransom?¡± He banged his fists on the metal frame of the bed I¡¯m currently lying on.


    ¡°Because of me not getting the job, I couldn¡¯t afford to sustain my family anymore. My wife is sick, the reason why I wanted the high ranks because the sry is so high. After removing me on the spot, I couldn¡¯t feed them or give them their needs. I couldn¡¯t even take care of my own child.


    ¡± D-did you even tried to find another j-job?¡±


    ¡± I spent all my life preparing for Marques Manufacturing, do you think¡ª¡±


    *boom* That¡¯s where we suddenly heard a loud explosion that was followed by the sound of guns being fired away.


    I decided to ignore that, for I was more focused on the anger I was feeling towards the man in front of me.


    ¡± What the f¡ª!¡± My eyes stared at Lem.


    He spoke to someone on his earpiece, and a few momentster, he lets out another demonicugh.


    ¡± Oh, your savior is here. Quite the entrance, eh? Well, I¡¯ll give them a great wee too¡± He strode closer to me then pulled my hair harshly.

 #Book 2 Chapter 23

    ¡°Where are those two?¡± Lem asked whoever was speaking through his earpiece while he continuously dragged my body like a toy.


    I had nothing to do but stare into nothingness.


    Even the pain on my body is making me numb all over.


    I felt relieved that Keian came for me. But then I realized his safety is at risk. Their safety is at stake.


    They might get harmed¡­


    ¡°Are they crazy? Hadn¡¯t it crossed their minds that I could kill you anytime I wanted? Hahaha¡± I wanted to smirk at his face since I know Keian and the others have a n up their sleeves, but I stayed quiet.


    Later, we arrived at a parking lot of some sort.


    There aren¡¯t any people around.


    Alive people, I mean.


    All of them are unconscious bodies.


    And that¡¯s where I saw Keian and Tito Andre, who are both holding guns in their hands.


    ¡± Lem!¡± I heard Keian shouted.


    Lem lets go of his grip on my hair, so my head dropped to the ground.


    I felt dizziness, but I still managed to gaze up to check on Keian.


    He gritted his teeth when he saw me.


    And when our eyes met¡­


    It¡¯s like he¡¯s in pain.


    His cold expression softened while still looking at me.


    I tried to force out a smile, but a tear rolled down from my eye.


    The minute Keian saw that, his vision darkened. The grip on his gun tightened while pointing it at Lem.


    ¡± We have what you want,¡± said Tito Andre and threw a bag in our direction without hesitating. Tito¡¯s aura is awfully so dark. This was the only time I got to see him like this.


    Lem narrowed his eyes at the bag.


    ¡°Do you think I would let myself fall for your tactics? This is not how you normally think! I know you have a n up your sleeves¡­¡± Lem shouted and smirked.


    ¡± Hahaha! I know what you¡¯re nning¡± Lem made me stand up, and he points the gun at my temple.


    My heart was racing like crazy, and I saw Keian and Tito Andre¡¯s eyes widened with fear.


    ¡± You won¡¯t fool me! Hahaha! Good thing I have n B¡± I heard the sound of a click, and suddenly something exploded like some atomic bomb.


    Keian started running towards me because Lem pulled me away to trap me through a door.


    Keian stopped when the ground they¡¯re standing on suddenly became unstable.


    I got extremely nervous.


    ¡°W-What are you doing?¡± Lem just smiled at me, and before we could enter through the doorpletely, I saw the cemented ground where Keian and Tito Andre stood, breaking apart from us.


    My eyes widened almost immediately.


    ¡± No!¡± Keian took a final nce at me before they fell down due to the ground breaking on their spot.


    Whereas what was left was thend where Lem and I stood.


    ¡± Keian!¡± I yelled with a breaking voice.


    That¡¯s where I realized we¡¯re actually in a high ce.


    It¡¯s like there was an earthquake and their ground suddenly copsed except for ours.


    It¡¯s like I was stabbed in my chest.


    They could be s covered and killed by rocks or cement.


    They came from a high ce, and they could die because of the impact of their fall. A lot more different scenarios started ying in my mind¡­


    And all of them aren¡¯t nice.


    And then, I finally found some strength within me.


    I grabbed the gun from Lem, twisted his arm, and hit his body hard against the nearest wall.


    ¡°Where are they!?¡± Heughed like a lunatic.


    ¡°They¡¯re probably dead by now or maybe crushed by rocks and cement, broken bones here and there. They wouldn¡¯t see the next sunlight after that.¡± That¡¯s where I lost my strength again after feeling a different level of painfulness and sat down.


    Lem sighed and watched me curse and cry in pain.


    ¡± Oh, Nass.¡± He knelt down and held my chin to make me look up to him.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve done that, now look what just happened to you.¡± After saying those words, he pped me hard on the face.


    ¡ª


    Here I am, all alone in the white room once again.


    Imagine the feeling of being kicked multiple times that caused yourself to lose your child and seeing the most important person in your life fall down and could possibly be dead by now¡­


    It¡¯s like I¡¯ve been stabbed many times to the point I feel numb because of the pain. It¡¯s like that. That¡¯s what I¡¯m feeling right now.


    The guilt, sadness, anger all mixed together resulted in me staring into nothingness, thinking I¡¯m bound to live like this forever.


    Seems to be a good feeling to have and live like this forever¡­


    I sighed and shook my head. Then my hands reached to my belly.


    I realized that after I¡¯ve been kicked at earlier, a doctor came to me while I was unconscious and treated me. That¡¯s where he removed the fetus from my womb.


    I still can¡¯t believe that Lem would do this¡­


    Just because he wasn¡¯t qualified for the high rank that he wanted?


    And just because he didn¡¯t get to feed his family due to him being jobless, and he¡¯s got the nerve to me all of them on Keian¡¯s family?!


    My fist clenched.


    Why would he have the nerve to do all that just because of a selfish reason?


    I can¡¯t understand him¡­


    *thud*


    I heard some crashing sounds by the door of the room, so I turned to face it.


    Huh?


    A few minutester, the door opened, and in came who seems to be one of Lem¡¯s allies.


    But why do I sense that he looks awfully familiar?


    ¡°Nass!¡± He went over to me and checked on my condition.


    Even his voice is familiar.


    ¡± Oh, my ghad Nass are you okay?!¡± I looked at him, confused as ever. His face is covered. How should I know?


    He noticed my puzzled expression, so he removed the cover on his face and held both of my shoulders together.


    ¡± Kuya?¡± I softly stated.


    He winced probably because of the sound of my weak voice.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m unable to save you earlier, Nass¡± he clenched his fists.


    ¡°If I only saved you sooner, then it shouldn¡¯t have¡­¡± His mouth spoke directly while looking into my eyes.


    He sighed, and we both wrapped ourselves in each other¡¯s arms.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, Nass¡± I dly returned the gesture to him.


    ¡± It¡¯s not your fault, Kuya¡± he drew away from me.


    ¡± Nass. I¡¯ve been spying on this organization for days. I¡¯m so useless. When I figured about their n, it was all toote.¡± I red at him.


    ¡± Stop it, Khalil. I¡¯m not ming you¡± he narrowed his eyes at me, but he just nodded towards the door.


    ¡± Let¡¯s get you out of here¡± I also nodded.


    ¡± Can you stand?¡±


    ¡± Yes,¡± he smiled at me as he assisted me up to stand.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I still feel weak, but I didn¡¯t want to cause any trouble for my brother to carry me. I might just be nothing but a hindrance.


    Kuya ced his hands around my back and helped me walk.


    We went out of the room and went to the right side.


    There¡¯s nobody here in the hallway, probably because my brother had already taken them down.


    ¡± Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± I reassured him with a smile and slightly nodded.


    ¡± And where are you nning to go?¡± We both stopped in our tracks and looked at whoever just spoke.


    Nami¡­

 #Book 2 Chapter 24

    So she¡¯s part of this, huh?


    I knew it!


    I just didn¡¯t expect Lem would be a part of all this. He¡¯s actually the mastermind¡­


    ¡± Oh, how¡¯s Keian, Nass?¡± She said in a sweet tone that makes me want to puke.


    I gave her a cold stare.


    ¡± You loved him, don¡¯t you?¡± She pouted and even pretended to observe her nails.


    I just noticed that she¡¯s actually holding a KATANA.


    ¡± Uhhmmm, yes. But I already moved on from him a long time ago. It¡¯s more enjoyable if I see him suffer, so I joined Lem¡± I gritted my teeth.


    They are doing all of this just because of those shallow reasons?!


    I was about to talk back, but then Kuya Khalil pressed me against the wall to shield me.


    ¡± Stay here, Nass. I¡¯ll fight her¡± Namiughed, but we ignored her.


    ¡± Okay,¡± I just agreed since I have a hard time moving properly, and like I said before, I might just be a hindrance if I disobey.


    He pats my head gently beforeing face to face with Nami.


    Nami gripped her KATANA and ran towards Kuya, who¡¯s got nothing but a gun.


    I was nervous and worried at first, but as I saw Kuya is making much more progress and is stronger than Nami, I was confident at the turn of events.


    I closed my eyes the minute I felt my world spinning around, but my eyes ultimately opened when I heard a voice.


    ¡± Wahhhh!¡± My eyes widened.


    Is that¡­


    Brylle?


    I took a step closer to the ce where I possibly heard Brylle¡¯s voice.


    ¡± Nass!¡± My attention was so focused on where Brylle¡¯s voice could be that I didn¡¯t mind responding to Kuya Khalil calling me.


    Then I felt my hair being pulled harshly by no other than Nami.


    Rage suddenly ran through my veins, so I held her wrist and twisted it around her back. Suddenly having energy again.


    ¡± Ahhh!¡± Kuya went over to us, gripped the KATANA at Nami, and pointed it right at her.


    ¡± Where were you going?¡± Kuya asked me.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡± I think I heard Brylle¡¯s voice¡± he furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡± What? But that¡¯s impossible, he¡¯s¡ª wait, Nass!¡± I started walking back to where Brylle¡¯s voice came from.


    ¡± I¡¯ll just check! Then I¡¯ll go back here after making sure!¡± I know Kuya wouldn¡¯t just let Nami go. He needs witnesses for his agency¡­


    ¡± Ah¡ª damn it! Nass!¡± I faced Kuya and saw he threw a gun at me.


    I easily caught it.


    ¡± Just make sure you won¡¯t die¡± I nodded at him as if it wasn¡¯t a big deal and continued on walking.


    I sure do hope what I heard isn¡¯t Brylle. I will never find the heart to forgive Lem if it is Brylle.


    He killed our baby, and now he wants to include Brylle in this mess!


    I took a deep breath because as I took a few steps closer, the more I felt that it is really Brylle.


    ¡± Huhuhu¡±


    ¡°Keep quiet!¡± I hid behind a wall and peeked through where the voices came from.


    There stood a man in front of another room where I suppose the crying sounds are being muffled.


    Looks like the man was annoyed at the child¡¯s cries, so he took a step back and raised his hand that was about to aim a gun.


    My eyes widened, so I immediately shot the man on the head.


    Oh geez.


    Whoever was inside surely heard what I just did.


    I took another deep breath before walking towards the door of the room.


    I grabbed the key on the man¡¯s shirt and opened the door.


    If my room earlier was all white and bright, this one is pure ck and dark inside.


    I heard a squeak.


    As if he was surprised that someone suddenly barged in here.


    ¡± N-no¡­¡± I was stopped.


    Because of the lighting from the outside, I saw the face of the child.


    It is Brylle.


    I gasped.


    He has a bruise on his face and other parts of his body.


    His face is so scared and terrified.


    ¡± B-Brylle. It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s me, Mama¡± I went closer to him, but he just scooted closer to the wall.


    I swallowed hard.


    He¡¯s so scared that he didn¡¯t even recognize me.


    I knelt down in front of him and went closer to the point of hugging him.


    He whimpered.


    He tried hard to scoot away even further.


    I came to check his whole body and sighed a relief as I saw he¡¯s not injured.


    I sadly looked at him and tightly enveloped him in a hug.


    But he tried squirming away from my grip while screaming.


    ¡± Brylle! You¡¯re okay. You¡¯re safe now.¡± I tightened my arms in reassurance.


    My heart aches so much¡­


    It¡¯s Brylle.


    It¡¯s really him¡­


    ¡± M-mama?¡± I slightly drew away and looked at him in the eyes.


    ¡± Yes, baby. It¡¯s me¡± he stared at me and cried once more.


    ¡± Mamaaa,¡± I hugged him back again.


    ¡± I-I know Brylle. I¡¯m so sorry,¡± I said in a shaking voice.


    He¡¯s hurt.


    Lem, he brought Brylle here.


    Why?


    Why does he have to do all of this?


    Running my fingers through his hair, I let him cry on my shoulder.


    ¡± I¡¯m d you¡¯re here, Mama.¡±


    ¡± Me too, baby¡­¡± I hold him until he fell asleep.


    ¡± Nass¡­¡± I turned my head at the door and saw Erick and Theo.


    My eyebrows creased at the sight of them.


    ¡± Brylle!¡± Theo surprisingly said.


    ¡± W-What are you doing here?¡± I asked.


    The two men smiled at me.


    ¡± When ites to saving you, all of us should be there¡­¡± Theo stated. But then my mind diverted back to what happened earlier.


    ¡± B-But Keian and Tito¡­¡± They both nced at each other before Erick stepped forward and lend a hand.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay now, Nass. You are safe. Both of you are safe now¡± I epted his hand, and he helps me get up while I carry Brylle in my arms.


    Erick¡¯s gesture got me confused there, but now¡¯s not the time to worry about that.


    ¡± Hah!¡± The three of us turned to the hallway, where Kuya stopped running the minute he saw using.


    ¡± Nass! Are you¡ª¡± Kuya trailed off when he saw my other twopanions.


    His eyebrows met, but then his eyesnded on Brylle.


    ¡± He¡¯s really here¡± I rubbed Brylle¡¯s back.


    ¡± Yes.¡±

 #Book 2 Chapter 25

    ¡± Ughhh¡± I almost sat on the ground when I suddenly felt dizzy again, but good thing I got to bnce myself.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    The men¡¯s eyes widened and immediately hovered around me.


    ¡± N-Nassandra!¡± Theo nervously called my name out loud.


    ¡± I¡¯ll carry Brylle,¡± So I willingly gave Brylle to Erick since I might end up dropping him at some point.


    ¡± And I¡¯ll carry you¡± I blinked my eyes several times when my brother stepped up to carry me.


    I was about to disagree, but no voice came out of my mouth, unfortunately.


    I let Kuya walk while Theo and Erick followed, carrying Brylle.


    ¡± We need to get you to the hospital fast, Nass,¡± Theo pointed out.


    ¡± I¡¯m alright,¡± I reassured.


    Theo shot a re at me.


    ¡± I¡¯m a doctor. You¡¯re not¡± I sighed and slightly smirked at Theo.


    ¡± Hey, I¡¯m almost a doctor¡± He narrowed his eyes at me.


    I kept quiet until we finally reached the exit of the building.


    Wherein outside, everyone was waiting.


    ¡± N-Nass¡± I was shocked to hear that voice.


    Then I felt Kuya isn¡¯t the one carrying me anymore.


    It¡¯s Keian¡­


    ¡± W-what?¡± He held me close to his chest.


    ¡± Y-you¡¯re okay. I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay¡­¡±


    He¡¯s alive!?


    Keian¡¯s alive?!


    I looked around us and saw Tito Andre shing a smile in our direction.


    I also looked at the other people present.


    Katie, Steven, Theo, Zeke, Maxence, Erick, Dale, Theo, Kuya Kayden, ra, Kuya Khalil, and even Devon. They¡¯re all smiling at me.


    Keian¡¯s body felt wet, and as I looked at it, I saw he¡¯s got a bullet shot near his stomach.


    ¡± K-Keian, you¡¯re bleeding¡± I¡¯m still shocked that he¡¯s here¡­


    He¡¯s here, holding me.


    He held one side of my cheek.


    ¡± I don¡¯t care, baby. I¡¯m just happy that you¡¯re saved. I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m not there for you¡­¡± I didn¡¯t get to reply to him anymore, for, at the corner of my eye, I saw Lem¡¯s lifeless body behind Keian.


    I bit my lip.


    I can¡¯t help but let myself fall butt-faced on the ground.


    Keian¡¯s eyes widened, and he knelt down in front of me with worry in his eyes.


    ¡± N-Nass? What¡¯s wrong? Are you hurt?¡± I can see the concern in his eyes.


    I touched his cheeks, his lips, his beautiful eyes, and even his sharp nose up to his soft hair.


    ¡± You¡¯re alive,¡± I whispered.


    Keian drew his face near mine.


    ¡± Yes, baby¡­¡±


    Then suddenly, there¡¯s a lump in my throat.


    Tears started streaming down my face.


    ¡± Nass¡­¡± I sobbed out loud.


    ¡± You and Tito Andre are not dead¡± after saying those, I cried so hard like a child.


    Here we go again with my never-ending cries.


    Keian pressed our foreheads against each other.


    ¡± We are not,¡± I sniffed, but I still can¡¯t stop myself from crying out loud.


    ¡± I love you so much, Keian¡­¡± I told him.


    I saw a smile crept on his face at the same time a tear fell from his eye.


    ¡± I love you too so so much, Nass¡± he kissed me on the lips before he leaned my head on his chest.


    I gripped his shirt, afraid he might leave me or that he might disappear from my grasp anytime if I don¡¯t hold him tight.

 #Book 2 Chapter 26

    Yow! I¡¯m back!!!


    I smiled in awe as I looked at Kei and Nass holding each other.


    I¡¯m d that Nass is safe.


    ¡± Brylle¡± I turned to Kayden, who went over to Erick and carried Brylle.


    ¡± I¡¯m so sorry, baby¡­¡± He said to the sleeping child. I also find myself smiling at this.


    I¡¯m sure Kayden did all he could to find Brylle, but I still wished he told us sooner.


    But what¡¯s important is that we found Brylle.


    ¡± Bibi,¡± and so I turned to Katie. My bibi.


    ¡± Yes, bibi?¡± She walked over to me, smiling, and leaned her body back on my shoulder.


    My heart was suddenly racing.


    Damn this woman.


    ¡± I¡¯m so happy for Nass and Kei¡± I looked back at those two.


    ¡± Yes, bibi. Me too¡±


    ¡± Nass¡­?¡± Kei¡¯s voice made me confused.


    He gently shook Nass¡¯ body, but she didn¡¯t open her eyes.


    My smile faded.


    ¡± Nass!¡± Katie and I looked at each other before she walked over to Nass, and so does Theo.


    They started checking on Nassandra¡¯s situation.


    ¡± She lost consciousness,¡± Theo stated. I sighed.


    She must be tired.


    And hurt¡­


    Kei ran his fingers through his hair in frustration and stood up.


    ¡± Let¡¯s get her to a hospital,¡± Kei said.


    He picked her up, wincing.


    ¡± Kei¡­¡± I called out to his name, for I saw pain is evident in his expression.


    His gaze became distant.


    ¡± Theo¡­¡± Kei said, confused.


    Theo furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡± Get Nassandra¡­¡± Theo¡¯s eyebrows deepened, but he followed Kei¡¯s order, so he stepped in to carry Nassandra.


    *thud*


    ¡± F¡ª!¡± I cursed as I saw Kei crashed on the ground.


    Katie immediately went to check on Kei, so I did the same to my friend.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Our otherpanions also got worried.


    ¡± He¡¯s bleeding¡­¡± I mumbled.


    Katie turned to me.


    ¡± He¡¯s bleeding fast, he might d¡ª¡± I gasped before Katie could even finish her statement.


    ¡± I¡¯ve already asked my men to prepare a helicopter. It¡¯ll bring them immediately to a hospital¡± we all turned our heads to Tito Andre.


    He also walked over to me and held my shoulder.


    ¡± Go¡± I nodded at Tito Andre.


    ¡± Erick,¡± he nodded and helped me carry Kei up.


    I also looked at Khalil, who¡¯s also in front of us.


    ¡± My agency and I will take care of this ce, so you don¡¯t have to worry¡± I gave him an appreciative look.


    His agency and our mafia have been helping each other for months now. I know I can trust him.


    ¡± Just take care of Nass¡± I turned to Theo, who¡¯s also carrying Nass in his arms.


    ¡± Of course¡± Khalil smiled and stepped aside to give way to us.


    ¡± Devon and Maxence, stay here and help Khalil.¡± Tito Andremanded


    ¡± Yes, sir.¡±


    Last thing I remember hearing was when we were walking over to the helicopter.


    ¡ª


    Nassandra¡¯s POV


    I heard muffled voices of people talking at my side while someone was holding my hand. My whole body felt painful, and I couldn¡¯t find the strength to move.


    ¡± You should eat, Kei. You had just woken up,¡± I heard Devon irritatedly said.


    ¡± You¡¯re not even supposed to be here. You should be in your bed. Resting¡­¡± Theo added.


    Whoever was holding my hand tightened his grip, which gave me the idea that its Keian.


    ¡± No. I will stay here. I won¡¯t leave her side ¡¯till she wakes up¡± ahh¡­ his deep voice that I always adore.


    I missed his voice so much even though we were together yesterday, I think.


    ¡°Stop being stubborn, Kei. Your gunshot wound isn¡¯t healed yet.¡± Katie points out to him.


    I remembered Keian was actually wounded¡­ when he saved me.


    I let out a shaky breath¡­


    And carefully fluttered my eyes open.


    Then looked around me.


    I think we¡¯re in the mansion¡¯s infirmary.


    My eyes observed everyone in the room at that moment.


    Their backs turned to the bed I¡¯m currently lying on.


    Even Keian, who¡¯s holding my hand, got his back turned to me.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine. Nass is the one who¡¯s not okay, so make sure she¡¯s¡ª¡± Keian stopped speaking as he felt my hand squeezing his.


    His eyebrows furrowed and faced over me. The others were also curious at this, so they all turned in my direction.


    Keian¡¯s eyes widened, but he kept quiet.


    Actually, everyone fell silent.


    They were all just staring at me, so I stared back at them.


    .


    .


    .


    ¡± Mamaaa!¡± We didn¡¯t notice that the door opened, and in came the room was Brylle followed by Diego and Kuya Kayden.


    Brylle ran towards the bed and intended to jump on top of me, but mypanions immediately intervened and stopped Brylle to ensure he wouldn¡¯t squish me down.


    Keian held Brylle, and he made him stand properly on the floor. Brylle was puzzled for a moment till he started breaking into tears.


    ¡°A-Am I not yet allowed to¡­ go to Mama?¡± Brylle asked.


    I felt my heart ache to see Brylle crying, then I remembered the time I saw him trapped in that room.


    I held my chest in pain, and Keian noticed that, so he turns to me.


    Since I didn¡¯t want to worry him, I widened my eyes at him and nodded at the sobbing Brylle.


    His eyes immediately understood, so he knelt down in front of Brylle.


    I saw him made a grimaced face.


    ¡± Brylle¡­ It¡¯s not like you¡¯re not allowed to go to your Mama. She has injuries, so we have to be gentle around her,¡± Brylle pouted as he looked at Keian.


    ¡± Mama?¡± He questioned Keian.


    He nodded at Brylle, nodding his head and turning back to me.


    ¡± You heard your Tito, Brylle¡­¡± said Kuya Kayden to the child.


    ¡± I-it¡¯s okay, he can stay beside me¡± Keian¡¯s expression darkened, probably because of my weak voice.


    Kuya Kayden smiled at me before carrying Brylle up.


    ¡± Yehey!!!¡± I weakly smiled at Brylle when he was being ced beside me.


    I ran my fingers through his hair.


    ¡± Are you okay, Mama?¡± I cupped his chubby cheeks.


    ¡± Yes, Brylle, don¡¯t worry¡­¡± He pouted again and tightly hugged me.


    I bit my lip as I snaked my arms around him.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been waiting for you to wake up, Mama. You¡¯ve been sleeping for a long time.¡± I patted his back repeatedly while staring at the ceiling.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, Brylle. I made you wait¡­¡± I softly muttered.


    I saw Keian heaving out a sigh and walks over to Brylle and me.


    He held my hand.


    ¡°Brylle, what¡¯s important is that Mama is awake.¡± Brylle slightly drew away from me to look at Keian.


    ¡± Yes, I¡¯m so happy Mama is awake¡± I was just looking at Keian while he shes a smile at Brylle and slightly messed his hair yfully.


    The moment Brylle hugged me again, I couldn¡¯t exin what I was feeling.


    I was just happy to be with my son again. I smiled, but then I realized something¡­


    My child is gone, Our child-Keian and mine.


    Keian furrowed his eyebrows, who probably saw my smile faded.


    He tried looking at my eyes, but I avoided eye contact with him.


    I roamed my eyes around our otherpanions in here.


    Theo, Katie, Devon, Dale, Kuya Kayden, and Diego are smiling while watching Brylle and me.


    They¡¯re probably d that I¡¯m finally awake and got to be with Brylle again.


    But why am I feeling theplete opposite?


    ¡± Nass,¡± Keian softly called my name.


    I still can¡¯t find the nerve to look at him till he held one side of my cheek.


    I coughed and slightly turned my head sideways. I don¡¯t know why I was exactly doing that, but I¡¯m sure Keian thinks that I¡¯m avoiding his touch.


    Maybe he¡¯s right.


    His jaw tightened, and he raised a hand to make sure he holds my hand back again.


    I slightly turned my back at him innocently while still holding Brylle.


    Our otherpanions didn¡¯t notice, but Keian surely did.


    He clenched his fist, stared right through me with a cold expression as if he was controlling his emotions.


    ¡± I¡¯lle back¡± I have to admit I felt guilty for what I did, but my heart and mind are telling me that I have to distance myself from him for a little while.


    Seriously, Nass¡­


    The six men looked at him.


    He left the room while slightly mming the door.


    Then I tried controlling my breathing.


    ¡± Uhmm, what¡¯s wrong with boss???¡± I heard Dale¡¯s question.


    Rather, he should ask what¡¯s wrong with me.


    Diego narrowed his eyes at me, but I just held on to Brylle as tight as I wanted. Not caring about the pain my whole body is feeling.

 #Book 2 Chapter 27

    I brushed Brylle¡¯s back once more before turning back to Theo and the others.


    Eventually, Brylle fell asleep, so I let himy down here on my bed in the infirmary.


    ¡± Where are the others?¡± I asked them.


    It¡¯s been an hour since Keian left, I think?


    And he hasn¡¯te back yet up until now.


    ¡°They bought some food,¡± Katie replied to me.


    ¡°Where do they even buy the food that took them such a long time? There are people cooking here in the mansion. Did they go back to Pwan to-¡±


    Pwan¡­


    I realized everything happened in Pwan¡­


    I ended up staring straight as my mind took a trip down the horrible memoryne.


    I sighed.


    ¡± Ow! Gaius, what¡¯s your deal!?¡± I noticed Diego stepped on Kuya Kayden¡¯s foot to make him stop speaking.


    Diego shed a smile at me before walking closer.


    ¡± Are you sure you¡¯re alright, Nass?¡±


    I tried to force out a smile in return.


    ¡°My body still aches a little, but I¡¯m doing just fine.¡±


    ¡°Right, I almost forgot.¡± I turned to Theo. He walks over to me to check on my vitals.


    They might¡¯ve forgotten earlier out of surprise at my sudden awakening.


    ¡°How many hours I¡¯ve been unconscious, exactly?¡± I asked them.


    Dale smirked so wide while the others froze.


    ¡± Oh, Nass¡­¡± Katie walks over to my bed and gives me a hug.


    ¡°You were asleep for almost a week.¡± Her statement made me shocked.


    ¡± W-what?¡±


    ¡± You have extreme fatigue and the fact that you overworked yourself after your miscarriage¡­¡± Theo softly stated out.


    ¡± We¡¯ve been doing shifts in taking care of you.¡± Devon backed up.


    I lowered my head while still sitting on the bed.


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t have to do all that trouble for me¡­¡±


    ¡± But we did¡± I looked at Devon and pouted at him.


    He grimaced at what I said.


    ¡± How about Keian?¡± I bit my lip upon mentioning his name.


    ¡± He had just woken upst night, and he already insisted to be by your side though he¡¯s not fully recovered. His wounds might still be painful right now for sure; we¡¯re observing him in case he has infection¡± I only managed to nod at Katie¡¯s exnation and lowered my head back down.


    ¡± Is there¡­ something wrong, Pat¨C I mean Nass?¡± I smiled at Diego, who held my shoulder infort.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing. Thank you, all of you, really I mean it.¡± Devon¡¯s eyebrows creased.


    ¡± For what?¡±


    ¡± For everything¡± after saying that, they all fell silent.


    ¡± Eyyyy!!! Here¡¯s the foo¡ª why are you all so quiet?¡± We all turned our heads towards the door when the person who spoke, which was Steven, came in along with Erick, Maxence, Laiza, ra, Zeke, and even Kuya Khalil.


    All of their eyes widened in surprise to see that I¡¯m awake.


    Kuya Khalil was the first toe closer to me and hugged me tightly.


    ¡± Nass, you¡¯re awake¡­¡± He said in a relieved voice.


    I returned him the lovely gesture and patted his back.


    ¡± Yes, kuya, awake and alive,¡± I joked bit then he broke the distance to throw a vicious re at me.


    ¡± Don¡¯t joke about that, Nass. We were scared of what happened to you¡± I sighed.


    ¡± I am too¡­¡± I looked down at my hands for a second before lifting my gaze back up at them.


    My jaw dropped when I saw all of them lined up as if they were in a fast-food cashier line. As in, it was a straight line, and they were all smirking.


    ¡°It just sunk in to us you¡¯re awake, so you¡¯re receiving individual hugs from all of us¡­¡± Said Katie, who was the first to embrace me sweetly.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°W-What?¡± I blinked several times as Zeke followed the same gesture.


    ¡± Thank god you¡¯re already awake¡± Zeke looks at me with glinting eyes and pecks a kiss on my cheek.


    I can¡¯t help but look at Katie since the gesture might¡¯ve triggered her, but I ended up raising an eyebrow when she also pecked a kiss on my cheek like what Zeke did.


    At that moment, I looked like an owl while they hug me one by one.


    ¡± I care about you, Nass. So don¡¯t stay in bed for too long¡± more surprises came upon me, especially when Maxence just spoke. I became speechless because of that.


    He patted my head gently before walking away to give others their turn.


    ¡± Nass¡­ huhuhu,¡± Iforted Theo inaudibly since he teared up while hugging me tightly.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Theo,¡± Theo sniffed before letting me go.


    Even Erick and Dale emotionally made such kind gestures.


    Because of this, I felt lighter than ever. The smile didn¡¯t leave my face while we all talked and ate together in the room I¡¯m currently staying in. And it¡¯s a good thing Brylle didn¡¯t wake up.


    But despite the smile on my face, my mind still can¡¯t get over a particr someone.


    Keian¡­


    ¡ª


    ¡± So¡­ I thought Keian and Tito Andre fell to their deaths when¡­ the building copsed but why¨C?¡± I asked everyone present.


    I briefly looked at Keian.


    His eyes are just glued on the table.


    We¡¯re currently in the usual headquarters of the mafia on the 4th floor.


    It¡¯s been a week since I woke up from the incident.


    Every time someone would ask if I¡¯m alright, I always say that I am¡­


    Because I think I am.


    It¡¯s hard, but I was able to forget what happened¡­


    I¡¯m okay.


    ¡°After we figured out about the location you were brought to, we immediately searched for info about the ce.¡± Tito Andre said.


    All of us are present here. The others even had to stand up.


    Also, with Kuya Kayden, Diego, and even Kuya Khalil came along with Jane and Kuya¡¯s two comanders from their agency.


    ¡± Attendez, qui sont-ils encore? Et pourquoi sont-ils inclus dans notre r¨¦union?(Wait, who are they again? And why are they included in our meeting?).¡± Steven asked, looking confused. Actually, a lot of the mafia members are baffled at their presence.


    All I know is that Tito Andre invited them over for this meeting.


    ¡± Commander Semil Antone, sir¡± I turned to one of the men who¡¯s got a lot of tattoos.


    Looks like they understood what Steven just said.


    He respectfully looked at Steven.


    ¡± Commander Levi Serrano¡­ We are invited by Mr. Andre Marques to discuss about what happened in Pwan, specifically the case about Mr. Lemuel Dimano¡± I can¡¯t help but notice Commander Levi has an authoritative aura surrounding him. I think he¡¯s a great leader andmander. He¡¯s got a good body built as if he¡¯s a soldier.


    ¡± What he said,¡± Kuya stated and also reached a hand towards Commander Levi.


    ¡± Ahhh,¡± Steven nodded repeatedly.


    ¡± Where is that bastard?¡± Keian coldly gazed upon Commander Levi.


    Commander also looked back at him with a professional look.


    ¡± He¡¯s in the agency¡¯s headquarters. Don¡¯t worry, sir, we¡¯ll take care of hi¡ª¡±


    ¡± Give him to me! I will kill that bastard myself!¡± Everyone kept quiet when Keian just yelled out of nowhere.


    I lowered my head at this.


    Surprisingly, all of us thought that Lem is dead. But lucky for him, he got to survive all of his injuries.


    I noticed the Commander looked annoyed at Keian¡¯s statement, but he dismissed it and immediately looked back at our mafia boss.


    ¡± We will take care of him, sir.¡± He said with emphasis.


    ¡± Kei¡­ Not only that they helped us in rescuing Nassandra, but they also gave us confidential information. They¡¯ve been observing Lemuel for days. They helped us, son.¡± Keian gritted his teeth and red at his father.


    But Tito Andre also shot back a re at his son.


    I swallowed hard while reached over to hold Keian¡¯s hand.


    He shockingly looked at me, which softened his expression a bit.


    It¡¯s been days since I touched him like this again.


    It¡¯s like we¡¯ve been ignoring each other for a week.


    I don¡¯t know why¡­


    But I know it¡¯s my fault.


    He tightened his hold on my hand before turning back to Tito Andre.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t witness what they did to Nassandra, Dad! I saw it myself! They kicked her repeatedly! They killed¡ª¡± Keian suddenly stopped speaking, blinked several times, and clenched his fist while his right hand held mine.


    I took a deep breath before holding Keian¡¯s hand tighter.


    ¡± I know it¡¯s not my ce to tell you that I know your pain, Kei. But I ask that you trust Khalil¡¯s agency.¡±


    ¡± Yes, Kei. We will do everything to make sure that man is punished¡± I looked at Kuya, who¡¯s got obvious anger in his eyes.


    Keian squeezed my hand before opening his eyes and looked at the members of the agency. Commander Semil stayed quiet, and so did Jane¡­


    ¡± Fine. I¡¯m sorry, you handle him. But if I saw him lurking around the streets and not being punished like he¡¯s supposed to, I¡¯ll make sure to bring him here and kill him with my very own hands¡± Commander Levi nodded in agreement.


    ¡± We understand¡­¡± Keian narrowed his eyes at Commander Serrano before letting out a small smile.


    The Commander seemed to be surprised to see Keian smile, so he dly returned the gesture.


    ¡± *Ehem* So¡­ Back to Nass¡¯ question.¡± We all turned to Zeke, who just spoke.


    ¡± Right¡­ So with the help of Khalil and hisrades, we managed to have the ce¡¯s blueprints. We silently sneak inside only to found out their bomb¡¯s position.¡± Tito Andre continued to exin.


    ¡± We figured out their n just by looking at all their bomb¡¯s location. We knew that they¡¯re nning to break down Kei¡¯s portion of the building that¡¯s near Nass¡¯ room.¡± I smiled at Erick.


    ¡°We also prepared some high-grades made in Marques Manufacturing. Did some calctions.¡± Laiza added.


    ¡± Thankfully, we did the right things, and we caught Tito and Kei before they even die,¡± Steven said in a very proud tone.


    I bit my lip and took a deep breath before speaking.


    ¡± Thank you¡­ I thought I won¡¯t be able to see them again. Or any of you.¡± I said in a serious tone.


    ¡± Ow!¡± I cursed when Zeke flicked my forehead painfully.


    ¡± Aisshhh!¡± I shot him a re.


    I saw Keian¡¯s jaw tightened, and he also narrowed his eyes at Zeke.


    ¡°No matter how impossible it may seem to save or see you again, we will always do everything we can to see or save you from harm. You should trust us more. You¡¯re important to us. Remember that¡± I wanted to hit Zeke on his nape, but I suddenly realized something from what he said.


    I didn¡¯t trust them.


    I sighed heavily and smiled warmly. I decided to keep silent, and everyone was bothered by this.


    In the end, they let go of my weird action and continued to talk business with the members from the other agency.


    All of a sudden I felt deaf, not being able to hear what they were talking about, for my attention was too focused on my thoughts.


    ¡ª


    After that meeting the other day, I continued ignoring Keian.


    What¡¯s wrong with me, right?


    Now I¡¯m at the gazebo near the field.


    ¡± Arf!¡± I ran my fingers through Leon¡¯s fur, who¡¯s currently resting on my feet.


    ¡± Hi Nass,¡± my eyes gazed upon Kuya Khalil, who¡¯s wearing the ck uniform from their agency.


    ¡± Hello, Kuya,¡± he lets out a sigh before sitting beside me.


    He put his arms around me and pulled me closer to him.


    ¡± Kuya!¡±


    ¡°You little child, are you avoiding us?¡± He asked.


    I looked at him.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m not¡­¡± Kuya rolled his eyes at me and suddenly pulled me into a hug.


    ¡± Nass. If something¡¯s bothering you, then talk to us¡­¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m fine, Kuya¡± he rubbed my back repeatedly.


    ¡°Oh geez. Just remember that when your emotions get the better of you, we¡¯re right here. And don¡¯t ignore us! You¡¯re making us feel like we¡¯ve done something wrong¡± I distanced myself from him and gave him an annoyed look.


    ¡± Yeah, fine¡­ Sorry. Tell the others that they didn¡¯t do anything wrong. I won¡¯t ignore them any more¡± Kuya pretended to be hurt by this and faced me.


    ¡°But what about me? Aren¡¯t you going to stop avoiding me as well?!¡± He jokingly blurts out


    ¡°No. Hahaha!¡± I said to him while also sticking my tongue out.


    Iughed when he made a sour face.


    Then I felt him nt a kiss on my forehead.


    ¡± W-what?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s good to hear youugh again¡­¡±

 #Book 2 Chapter 28

    I sighed while washing the dishes.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Oh right, do you know why we went to Pwan at that time?¡± I turned to my brother, confused.


    ¡± Huh? Aren¡¯t you all, like, called by Keian?¡± He grinned and shook his head.


    ¡± The two of you going to Pwan is all part of the n¡± I got even more confused.


    ¡± What?:


    My brotherughed before seriously looked at me.


    ¡± The two of you would go to Pwan and will spend the nights together. After that, we were supposed to follow to make preparations.¡±


    ¡± Preparations for what?¡± I¡¯m getting nervous at whatever Khalil is going to say. It seems like bad news.


    ¡± Preparations for your engagement¡± my smile vanished.


    ¡± He was about to propose to you. Ha! I made him do some work to get my approval of you, marria¡ª why is your expression like that, Nass?¡± I sadly looked at him.


    ¡± He was about to propose to me at Pwan?¡± He hesitatingly nodded.


    ¡± Why? If the proposal happened¡­ You won¡¯t say yes?¡±


    Because of unknown reasons, I felt even heavier.


    No¡­


    ¡ª


    ¡± Nass, I¡¯ll do that. I don¡¯t want to be reprimanded by maitre when he sees that you¡¯re the one washing¡­¡±  I got out of my trance and smiled at Roxy.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Roxy. I¡¯ll take care of you. I¡¯m not used to not doing any household chores¡± she lowered her head.


    ¡± B-but¡­¡±


    ¡± You still have to do something, right? There¡¯s only a few left. Let me be,¡± I said to her.


    Roxy pouted but also smiled at me.


    ¡± Ok. Then I¡¯ll go upstairs now. I¡¯ll help Ema¡± I nodded at her and watched her leave before going back to washing.


    ¡± Nass¡­¡± I stopped at what I¡¯m doing when I heard Keian¡¯s voice.


    I breathed deeply before slightly facing him and smiled.


    ¡± Why, Keian?¡± His gaze went to the floor before going back to me.


    ¡± Why are you ignoring me?¡± He asked in a hoarse voice.


    I blinked repeatedly.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m not Kei¡ª¡±


    ¡°BULLSH8T NASS! I know you¡¯re ignoring me. and you don¡¯t even want to be near me!¡± I jumped at his scream and punch on the counter here in the kitchen.


    It¡¯s good that I¡¯m not holding a te because if I am, it certainly will break on the floor.


    I lowered my head and bit my lip.


    ¡± I want to know, Nass. I¡¯m going crazy because you are not talking to me. Have I done something wrong?¡±


    ¡± You didn¡¯t do¡ª¡±


    ¡± Then why!? Why won¡¯t you talk to me? Or the others? It has just been two weeks since what happened at Pwan, and it¡¯s normal to feel depressed and¨C¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m okay, Keian. I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ve moved on,¡± I said to him with emphasis.


    ¡± I¡¯m tired of getting asked if I¡¯m okay. I have no time to be depressed¡± his expression darkened, then he neared me.


    I didn¡¯t notice that my back is now turned away from him, and we¡¯re facing the sink.


    ¡± And you won¡¯t even look at me¡­¡± I closed my eyes at what he said.


    No, Keian¡­


    ¡± I can¡¯t understand, Nass. Why are you like this?¡± I almost shivered at how cold his voice.


    I clenched my fist.


    ¡± If it¡¯s not my fault, then why?¡± Why are you being like this?¡± Keian¡¯s breathing is quick, which seems like he is holding something back.


    ¡± Because¡­¡±


    ¡± Because what?¡± I sighed.


    ¡± Because if it wasn¡¯t for me, our child wouldn¡¯t die!¡± I said it a little louder, and I heard it echoing throughout the mansion.


    My back is at Keian, so I can¡¯t see his reaction.


    I want to see his reaction to what I said, but I don¡¯t.


    Does that even make sense?


    ¡± Baby¡­¡± Based on his voice, he is not pleased with what I said.


    He put his left hand at my belly from the back while the other held my clenched fist.


    I felt him bring his mouth closer to my ear.


    ¡± You¡¯re so f¡ªing unfair, baby¡­¡± My mouth opened because of shock at what he said.


    His grip on my hand tightened.


    ¡± Nass, did¡ª¡± Keian and I both looked at Ema, who entered the kitchen.


    Her eyes widened, and she quickly lowered her head.


    ¡± S-sorry. I must¡¯ve disturbed you two. I¡¯ll leave quickly¡­¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡± No, stay here¡± I turned to Keian at what he said.


    Keian faced me to him and suddenly lifted me up like a sack.


    ¡± Keian!¡± I said at his name. We left the kitchen towards the stairs.


    ¡± Keian, bring me down!¡± His hold on me even tightened while he¡¯s walking up to his room.


    He mmed the door open and m it close too.


    ¡± Keian! Are you going to destroy¡ª¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t care about the door right now, Nass!¡± I just shut my mouth when he shouted.


    He sighed and lowered me down to


    the bed.


    I was about to sit, but he gently pushed me toy down on the bed then kneeled, his legs both on my side.


    He breathed deeply then shakingly held my cheek.


    His eyes are red¡­


    ¡± Why did you do that, Nass?¡± I wondered what he said.


    What did I do¡­?


    A tear fell down my cheek, but it¡¯s not from me.


    I looked at Keian¡¯s eyes, who bitterly smiled.


    ¡± Finally! You looked into my eyes¡­¡± I let out a shaky breath when I saw that he¡¯s crying.


    ¡± K-Keian¡±


    ¡± You shouldn¡¯t do this, Nass,¡± my eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± W-What?¡±


    ¡± Feeling guilty about what happened in Pwan. On what happened to our child! You think that all of that is your fault!¡± My hands went to his chest.


    ¡± No, I¡¯m not¡ª¡±


    ¡± Yes, you are, baby. That¡¯s what it looks like to me! Look. You¡¯re not the only one at fault for what happened. I¡¯m one to me too, one of the reasons why¡­¡± He stopped talking and closed his eyes.


    ¡± Our child died. I should be the one to me more for what happened, so why do you think it¡¯s your fault!?¡±


    I weakly hit his chest because of irritation.


    ¡± I¡¯m really the one to me! If I didn¡¯t talk to Lem, all of that wouldn¡¯t happen!¡±


    Maybe, things are getting clearer¡­


    Maybe why I¡¯m like this the past few days.


    Even in myself, I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m like this the past few days.


    ¡± IF I HADN¡¯T TALKED TO NAMI, ALL OF THAT WON¡¯T HAPPEN!¡± My eyes widened when he shouted those words.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been thinking that all over again for the past few days, Nass. I want to feel guilty for what happened to you. I am the one who¡¯d made more mistakes, Nassandra. But I¡¯m forcing myself not to think all of that. I don¡¯t want to feel guilty because you once told me that I should not feel guilty for what I¡¯ve done to you. That you understand everything that I did to you. So you should do that too. Don¡¯t feel guilty, baby. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s suffering here the most. So don¡¯t me yourself!¡± I remembered the letter I wrote for him that I¡¯m sure that he read when he thought that I¡¯m already dead.


    I slightly gripped his shirt.


    ¡± Who said I¡¯m guilty?! I¡¯m okay! I¡¯ve already moved on!¡± Maybe if I remember all I¡¯m saying right nowter, I will p myself.


    Why?


    Why am I feeling these¡­ feelings?


    Keian¡¯s expression darkened as his face went closer to mine.


    I got surprised when he kissed me on my lips.


    ¡± You¡¯re not okay, Nass¡­ You¡¯re just telling yourself you¡¯re alright. You had a miscarriage, that thought will not be forgotten after two weeks. Stop being in denial. Please don¡¯t torture yourself. It¡¯s okay to let it all out. It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t feel good. I¡¯m always here at your side. Because both of us are the cause of this mess. Not only you but the both of us. I will be with you ¡¯till I die. So I ask you to trust me more. I am not ming you too, baby. So, please.¡± I also put my hands on his cheeks and wiped a tear that fell down from his eyes.


    ¡± Kuya Khalili said that you were about to propose to me in Pwan¡­¡± His eyebrows arched.


    ¡± He told you that?¡± His voice has a hint of frustration, like he¡¯s preventing his self from being mad.


    ¡± Yes¡­ Not only did I ruin our trip to Pwan, ruin your proposal n, but I also get our child¡ªhmph.¡± What I¡¯m saying got cut off when Keian kissed me again.


    ¡± Stop it. I don¡¯t want to ever hear that again. Stop ming yourself.¡± I stared through his eyes.


    .


    .Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    .


    Then suddenly, I felt feelings of sadness, anger, and disappointment¡­


    Disappointment for myself.


    ¡± Nass¡­¡± Keian wiped the tears away from my face as I took a deep breath.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m not okay at all, Keian¡­ I¡¯m not okay *sniff*. You¡¯re right. I¡¯m feeling guilty about all that happened, and I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry Keian¡­ O-Our child is gone. And I can¡¯t help ming myself for that,¡± I sobbed loudly because, after two weeks of not crying and thinking that I¡¯m alright, I realized that I¡¯m not.


    Maybe that¡¯s the reason why¡­


    Why I¡¯m ignoring Keian, I¡¯m ignoring them.


    I touched Keian¡¯s nape, and our foreheads met.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Nass. I¡¯m here¡­¡± Keian tightly engulfed me in an embrace and let me cry on his chest.


    When I calmed down that afternoon, we continued our conversation. Clearing any misunderstandings we had.


    And because of that, I felt relieved. The heavy feeling disappeared. And my heart gets more close to Keian.

 #Book 2 Chapter 29

    10 monthster¡­


    Iid on my side and was nning on hugging the one beside me, but there¡¯s no one there.


    My eyebrows narrowed as I open one of my eyes.


    Keian¡¯s gone¡­?


    I sat upright on the bed and looked up at the clock. It¡¯s still dark because it¡¯s still 5 o¡¯clock in the morning.


    I know that Keian has no work today.


    I pouted because usually if Keian has no work, he will stay in bed.


    ¨C


    I heard noisesing from the bathroom, and I guessed he¡¯s there.


    I worried too much¡­


    I sighed and waited for Keian to go out of the bathroom.


    I¡¯m not feeling sleepy anyway.


    It¡¯s been 10 months since we went to Pwan. A lot had happened in those times.


    Not only to Keian and me but also to the members of the M9 Marques Mafia, of which I am now a part of.


    Our rtionship strengten. All of us¡­


    Even Diego is now fully epted by Keian and the others.


    Fights between Keian and me are not rare. It¡¯s normal for couples to fight. It¡¯s just small fights anyway. But every after fights, we would always talk to each other, find solutions for our problem.


    That¡¯s our deal. After every fight, there should be deep conversations.


    To avoid deeper understandings.


    And I¡¯m d I agreed with that because it helped the two of us a lot.


    What happened to Pwan still bothers me and pains me. Every time I remember that time, I¡¯m not telling myself I¡¯m okay though I¡¯m not.


    That way, my feelings won¡¯t build up, and that helps too.


    ¡± Goodmorning,¡± I smiled when Keian got out of the room and greeted me, but my smile disappeared when I saw that a towel¡¯s what only covering his lower body.


    I unconsciously bit my lip as my eyes traveled on his chiseled body.


    ¡± Hey, Nass.¡± He said, amused.


    I rolled my eyes at him though I can feel my cheeks burning.


    ¡± Why?¡± I asked with a hint of pretend irritancy.


    He went closer to the bed, not minding his wet body and the water dropping to the floor.


    ¡± The floor is getting wet, Keian! You even have carpet. That¡¯s hard to clean, you know?!¡± Heughed as he holds the towel covering his lower body.


    My eyes widened.


    ¡± Keiranz Andrew Marques!¡± I scolded him when he removed the thing covering his¡­ you know, his.


    I turned my back to him.


    My eyes even had a glimpse of THAT.


    My innocent eyes!


    I took a pillow and threw it in his direction. Because I can¡¯t see him, the pillow only ended up on the floor.


    Hmph.


    ¡± Hahaha! It¡¯s okay, Nass. This is all yours!¡±


    ¡± Wear clothes already!¡±


    ¡± You want me to dry my body, right?¡± I faced him and gave my full strength to look only at his eyes just to give him a re.


    ¡± Heh! Hurry up! Put on your clothes already!¡± Iined.


    I want to cry when my eyes are going down.


    Huhuhu. Bad eyes!


    He remained standing in front of me while staring at my eyes.


    I hissed and covered my face with a pillow.


    Then I heard Keian¡¯sugh.


    Go on,ugh¡­


    I heard him walk towards the closet.


    Good.


    *thud*


    I removed the pillow covering my face and looked at Keian when I heard someone fell down.


    ¡± Did you just tripped?¡± I asked.


    He immediately stood up and looked at me.


    ¡± No¡­¡± I smirked.


    ¡± Pfft¡ª¡± I prevented myself fromughing when he red at me.


    He nced at the one that tripped him, and that¡¯s the pillow I threw earlier.


    Hah!


    My aim is so good!


    ¡± Stupid pillow!¡± He frustratingly kicked the pillow away and entered the closet.


    When his figure disappeared from my sight, Iughed loudly.


    ¡± Karma, HAHAHAHAHAHA!¡±


    ¡± You know that I can hear you, right?¡± He shouted.


    Myugh got even louder.


    ¡± Yeah!¡±


    Minutes passed whereughing is all I did.


    Keian came out of the walk-in closet, and he¡¯s only wearing jogger pants. He didn¡¯t wear his t-shirt.


    I stared fiercely at his abs¡ª I mean at his face.


    He grinned, opening his arms wide. Like he¡¯s saying to stare at his body more.


    I heaved out a sigh.


    ¡± Wait¡­¡± I looked up at Keian, whose forehead is wrinkled.


    ¡± Is there something you want to say to me?¡± I got confused at what he asked.


    ¡± Huh? Why? Do I have something I need to say to you?¡± His eyebrows raised.


    ¡± Are you serious, baby?¡± My mouth gaped.


    ¡± What? What¡¯s up?¡± His jaw dropped as he blinked repeatedly.


    He stared at me. Waiting for me to say something.


    Huh??? Is there something I don¡¯t know?


    When he realized I had nothing to say, his expression turned cold.


    He wore his in white t-shirt and stayed quiet.


    My eyebrows furrowed.


    Wait, I¡¯m so confused¡­


    He approached me and pecked a kiss on my forehead before walking to the door.


    ¡± Wait, Keian¡­¡± I stared at the closing door.


    ¡± Had I done something?¡± I asked myself.


    I tried to remember if there is something I forgot, but I know there¡¯s nothing.


    I pouted and stood on my feet to fix myself in the bathroom.


    ¡ª


    I am just looking at the floor while walking. Thinking why Keian became like that.


    I am going to the dining room to eat breakfast.


    When I crashed to a wall?


    ¡± Nass!¡± oops, it¡¯s not a wall. It¡¯s a person.


    I looked up at Diego, who held my shoulders.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡±


    ¡± Ah, yes. Sorry, I¡¯m not looking at where I¡¯m going.¡±


    His eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± That looked like it.¡± He shook my head at me then we went to the table together.


    ¡± You want coffee?¡± Diego asked. I nodded at him.


    ¡± Yes, please¡­¡± He smiled then entered the kitchen.


    I sat on one of the chairs here in the dining room and picked a pandesal.


    I took a bite in the bread while staring at the distance.


    Why was Keian like that?


    I felt like that I¡¯m the reason for that¡­


    ¡± Nassandraaaa,¡± I blinked twice when Diego waved his hands in front of me.


    ¡± H-Ha?¡±


    ¡± Here¡¯s your coffee. Are you sure you¡¯re alright?¡± I took the cup he gave. Wait, he¡¯s so fast at making coffee¡­


    Or it¡¯s just because I¡¯ve been staring at the wall for too long that I didn¡¯t notice the time passed.


    ¡± I¡¯m really alrigh¡ª wait.¡± Diego stopped sipping and nced at me.


    ¡± Why is the house so¡­ quiet?¡±


    Almost every day, at this time, all of those who are living here in the mansion will be in the dining room. We¡¯re eating together¡­


    But other than Diego, no one is here with me.


    I know that all of our friends slept herest night¡­


    I got even more confused.


    Diego chuckled and continued drinking his coffee.


    ¡± They all drank liquor yesterday night. All of them must be still asleep.¡±


    Wait. They all drank yesterday? Why? Why didn¡¯t I know that?


    Well, I think because Keian and I are doing something yesterday night.


    .


    .


    .Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    I shook my head.


    ¡± Oh my ghad, Nass. Are you going crazy?¡± He asked with a bit of overreacting. I smacked him at the back of his neck.


    ¡± You¡¯re so OA.¡± He sighed and ate the bread that he filled with jam.


    ¡± I¡¯m just curious why you are like that.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s just that Keian asked me earlier if I have something I need to tell him, and I said I have none because there¡¯s really nothing I need to say to him. Then he became cold to me and left the room.¡± I exined to Diego.


    His eyebrows raised as he thinks of a reason.


    ¡± Hmmm¡ª Ah sh8t, you don¡¯t know?!¡± He asked with disbelief at me.


    ¡± If I knew, would I overthink what happened?¡± He rolled his eyes at me.


    ¡± You should know, Nass. You are his girlfriend.¡±


    ¡± Just tell me why¡­¡± He let out a sigh again.


    ¡± You don¡¯t know that it¡¯s Keian¡¯s birthday today?¡± I froze at what he said.


    What¡­?


    I got up to my feet when I realized Diego is right.


    ¡± Shems! We even talked about his birthday the other day!¡± Diego justughed at me while I suddenly became nervous.


    ¡°Good luck, Nass.¡± He stood up and patted my back before going out of the mansion with his cup of coffee in his hand.


    I put my hand on my temple.


    How could I forget his birthday???


    Huhuhu.


    I need to say sorry!


    I wonder where he is?


    I first went to his study to see if he¡¯s there, but he¡¯s not, so I tried to find him in the whole mansion.


    The others are still not really awake? It¡¯s so quiet in here!


    I looked for him outside the house and in the headquarters.


    I asked a lot of Keian¡¯s men, but they said they didn¡¯t saw him¡­


    Huhuhu.


    Because of my determination to see him, I visited every part of the mansion and even their property outside the house, even in the cabin in the forest.


    With pouting lips, I went to Zeke¡¯s room.


    I opened his door without even knocking.


    ¡± Nass?!¡± Zeke sat up and checked who disturbed him.


    ¡± Ugh, please, not now. My head¡¯s aching so much.¡± He even held his head. Katie¡¯s also sleeping on his bed.


    I went to the room¡¯s curtains while wondering. I moved their curtains to let the sun enter the room.


    ¡± What the f¡ª?¡± Zeke cursed.


    I¡¯m still thinking to myself when I approached the two of them and sat at the bed with them.


    ¡± W-What, Nass.¡± I slightly pushed Zeke to make space in the bed.


    ¡± What¡¯s your problem, girl? I don¡¯t know if I should be irritated that you and NIc became best friends. Even Kei won¡¯t barge in his room like this.¡± Katie angrily muttered while covering her face from the light.


    Yes, Zeke and I became best friends.


    ¡± Don¡¯t mind her. She¡¯s not a morning person.¡± Zeke said to me.


    I just nodded at him while looking at him with wide eyes.


    ¡± W-What happened, Nass?¡± Why is your expression like that?¡± Zeke asked with worry.


    Katie even looked at me in confusion.


    ¡± Huh? What happened, Nass?¡± I pouted.


    ¡± I forgot that today is Keian¡¯s birthday¡­¡± I mumbled.


    Both of them became silent.


    Then,ter on, they said at the same time¡­


    ¡± WHAT!?¡±


    ¡± How could you forget Kei¡¯s birthday, Nass?¡± Katie sat up and held my shoulders.


    ¡± I know¡­¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t find him. Do you know where he might go?¡± Zeke frowned at me.


    ¡± He might want to be alone for now. He only goes to Tita Karina¡¯s when it¡¯s his birthday. He doesn¡¯t want to celebrate¡­¡± I became sadder at what Zeke said.


    Katie elbowed him then gave me her full attention.


    ¡± Give him some time, Nass. He¡¯lle back, and I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll understand why you forgot his birthday¡­¡±


    What should I do now? Huhuhu.

 #Book 2 Chapter 30

    My hands are covering my face while I am waiting for Keian toe back.


    I am currently sitting on the sofa in the living room by the front door.


    It¡¯s been 2 hours, and he¡¯s still not home.


    Huhuhu.


    It¡¯s all my fault¡­


    I frowned then stood on my feet.


    I¡¯ll just sleep so I can stop myself from being crazy because of all my overthinking.


    That¡¯s right!


    I¡¯m sure once I wake up, he¡¯ll be back.


    I climbed up the stairs to go to our room.


    ¡± Arghhhh.¡±


    I¡¯m going to sleep on his bed when I forgot his birthday?!


    Huuuu!


    I leaned on the wall and pped my forehead.


    ¡± What were you doing, Nass¡­ huhuhu.¡±


    My eyes wandered to my surroundings.


    Why is it so quiet here??? Where are the others?!


    ¡± Aishhh¡ª¡± I froze when I saw a paper hanging on the doorknob of Keian¡¯s room.


    I became really confused, so I took it.


    There were even hearts on the paper.


    I wonder what this is?


    ¡± Nass?!¡±


    ¡± Oh, freak!¡± I held my chest when I got shocked when I heard Zeke¡¯s shout.


    Why is this man scaring me!?


    ¡± Why?!¡± I shouted back because I think he¡¯s still on the first floor.


    ¡± W-Where are you?¡± Huh? Why does he sound like he¡¯s nervous?


    ¡± Here in front of Keian¡¯s roo¡ª¡±


    ¡± Wha¡ª Ah, sh8t! Get away from there!¡± My eyes widened.


    ¡± What??? Why?!¡± I heard Zeke¡¯s fast footsteps climbing up the stairs.


    Less than seconds, and he¡¯s already reached the floor where I am.


    He looked at Keian¡¯s room¡¯s doorknob then turned his eyes to me.


    ¡± W-Where?¡± I got baffled because he looked like he¡¯s afraid of something.


    ¡± Where? Are you looking for this?¡± I raised the paper I saw earlier.


    ¡± W-Why?¡± I got even more confused.


    ¡± What will be your next question? How?¡± I joked, but he didn¡¯t evenugh and only had a serious face.


    ¡± What¡¯s with this anywa¡ª¡± I unfolded the paper and saw on the beginning the words¡­


    ¡® Dear Nass¡­¡¯


    My expression turned serious.


    ¡± Nooo! Why did you open it?!¡± I ignored Zeke and continued on reading the letter.


    ¡®Do you remember? This is where I first saw you. The first time I saw your face. It¡¯s like I fell in love at first sight¡­¡¯


    My jaw dropped.


    That¡¯s the only thing written on the paper, and it confuses my brain even more.


    ¡± W-What¡¯s this?¡± I looked up at Zeke, who is frowning.


    ¡± Nic, are the preparatio¡ª¡± I looked at Steven, who just climbed up the stairs as what he¡¯s saying got cut off when he saw me.


    Steven¡¯s eyes looked down on the paper I¡¯m holding.


    ¡± Y-You already opened it¡­? Nic? What the heck?!¡± Zeke hissed then approached.


    ¡± Aishhh!¡±


    He opened the door of Keian and my bedroom and brought me inside.


    ¡± Stay here. We just have something we need to do, so stay here¡­¡± My eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± Huh??? Wait¡ª*m*¡± I red at the closed door.


    ¡± Zeke! Just tell me what¡¯s happening!?¡± I tried opening the door, but something is forcing it close.


    I repeatedly pushing it.


    ¡± Nass! Stop trying to go out!¡± I heard Steven shouted.


    ¡± Why!? Just tell me what¡¯s happening!¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t bother to find out¡ª Ah! Go and take a bath. You stink!¡± My eyes widened at his statement.


    ¡± Hey! I don¡¯t stink, okay?¡±


    ¡± Aishhh! Just take a bath!¡± I rolled my eyes.


    ¡± You¡¯re going to let me out, or I¡¯ll jump out of the veranda?¡± Steven became silent after hearing what I said.


    I smirked.


    ¡± Are you really¡ª¡± When Steven opened the door, I immediately pushed him out of the way and dashed out of the room.


    Mwahahaha!


    ¡± Oy, Nass!¡± I continued running and was about to go down the stairs, but I crashed into a wall once again.


    A tall wall, in the middle of the hallway.


    My eyes went up to re at Erick, who intercepted my escape.


    ¡± Miss Nas¡­¡±


    ¡± Why do you all keep on locking me up in that¡ªahhhh!¡± I screamed in surprise when Erick carried me like a stic bag between his body and arms.


    Due to my shock, I didn¡¯t notice that I was back in the room, and Erick even sat me down on the bed then patted my head.


    He smiled at me then gets out of the room, but I think he¡¯s now the one guarding outside the wall.


    Iy down on my back and stared at the ceiling.


    ¡± Hayyyy.¡±


    I picked up a pillow and covered my face with it.


    It smelled like Keian¡­


    I winced.


    Why is that the first time I went here, this is the fragrance I smelled. Up until now, even though I¡¯m already sleeping here every day. I can¡¯t get used to it.


    Should I just surprise Keian?


    If I asked for Zeke and other¡¯s help, I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll agree.


    I took a deep breath then went to the bathroom.


    I¡¯m going to take a bath, so once I asked for Zeke and other¡¯s help, I¡¯ll be ready.


    I took off my clothes and opened the shower.


    .


    .


    .


    After few minutes, I finished taking a bath, but I have a feeling someone¡¯s outside the door of the CR?


    My eyebrows wrinkled as I covered my body with my towel. I was unable to bring clothes to the bathroom, so I¡¯m just going to change in the walk-in closet.


    I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open, but I froze at what I saw.


    Keian is slowly walking towards the closet as he looked like he was about to take some clothes.


    He noticed I got out of the bathroom and froze.


    His eyes traveled from my head to toe, then gulped.


    ¡± Are you done taking a bath?¡± I blinked repeatedly.


    ¡± K-Keian?¡± He smiled then runs towards the closet to pick some clothes.


    My eyes widened then I chased after him.


    But by the time I recovered from my shock, he¡¯s already by the door.


    *thud*


    And worse, I tripped¡­


    ¡± Oh! Baby! I-I¡¯m sorry I¡­ can¡¯t help you. You¡¯re not hurt, right!? I need to go¡­¡± I looked up at Keian with gritted teeth while my body is still on the floor.


    He smiled again at me then gets out of the room while biting his lower lip.


    I mmed my head to the floor.


    ¡± Is he avoiding me???¡± I heaved out a sigh then stood up.


    I went to the closet with a frown on my face to put on some clothes.


    My eyes caught a color red chiffon dress.


    My mouth gaped because I have no dress as beautiful as that.


    I touched the dress, confused.


    It¡¯s so beautiful¡­


    I smiled and wore the dress.


    ¡± Nass?¡± I went out of the closet with shimmering eyes and saw my older brother.


    He beamed when he saw me.


    ¡± You look beautiful, sister.¡±


    ¡± Thank you, Kuya,¡± He approached me then slipped his hand to my shoulders.


    ¡± I heard that you forgot Kei¡¯s birthday.¡± My smile disappeared as I became silent.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go. We have something we need to go to.


    ¡± Huh?¡± Kuya chuckled then he pulled me.


    I stayed silent while my brother is dragging me. He looked back at me through his shoulders.


    ¡± You okay?¡± My eyes went up to him from the floor.


    ¡± Hmm? Ah¨C of course.¡± He squeezed my hand before opening the door to Keian¡¯s study?!


    ¡± Kuya, why are we he¡ª¡± I stopped speaking when I saw balloons and papers scattered on the table.


    I walked towards the table and picked the paper up.


    ¡®Are all the work I¡¯ve asked you to do hard? I¡¯m sorry, not sorry. I just want to spend more time with you. I never felt alone again whenever I¡¯m working¡­¡¯


    I was deep in thought.


    I think these letters are from Keian.


    It has the same handwriting as him.


    But I don¡¯t know what these are for.


    I lowered the paper back to the table.


    ¡± Kuya, what is this¡ª Zeke!?¡± Zeke grinned at me then reached out his hand.


    ¡± Don¡¯t ask, just read.¡± My eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± Shall we go to the next one?¡± I took a deep breath then grabbed his hand.


    We went to the mansion¡¯s kitchen, where a beaming Ema is waiting for us.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡± Hello, Ema¡­¡± She gave me a piece of paper.


    I took it then read what¡¯s written.


    ¡®A lot of things about us happened here, most especially you found friends here. This is the ce where you¡¯ve worked the hardest.¡¯


    My smile didn¡¯t fade when I finished reading what¡¯s in the paper.


    I looked at Ema, who then brought me to the gazebo.


    Theo is there, waiting for us.


    He shyly reached the paper to me.


    ¡®I think we¡¯ve never been here together before, but I heard that this is your favorite ce in thisnd.¡¯


    Theo held my arm as he¡¯s the one to bring me to the infirmary in the Headquarters.


    ¡®Ahhh. I think this is your second favorite ce. You¡¯re always here! That¡¯s why whenever I go here, I always remember you¡­¡¯


    I chuckled at what I read.


    Keian is right¡­


    I can¡¯t see Theo anymore, but Diego is walking in my direction.


    ¡± Your boyfriend is so corny¡­¡± He frustratingly remarked. But I know that it is not what he¡¯s really feeling right now.


    ¡± If Keian cheated on you or hurt you, I will definitely take you from him so we can elope.¡± I hit his arms at what he said.


    Someone spoke at Diego¡¯s earpiece, and he just chuckled as a response.


    I figured Kuya Khalil, Zeke, and Theo are also wearing earpieces.


    ¡± I¡¯m still confused as to what¡¯s really happening¡­¡± I asked.


    He shook his head at me then put his arm over my shoulders.


    ¡± You¡¯ll see¡­¡±


    I have an idea of why Keian is doing these things, but I don¡¯t want to assume.


    We entered the elevator as Diego pushed the 4th floor¡¯s button.


    No men of the Marques Mafia are here, so it¡¯s quiet in the whole building.


    We went directly to the conference room, where I saw Erick.


    ¡± Hi, Nass.¡± He slightly bowed, and I¡¯m still not used to that greeting of his.


    ¡± Erick.¡± He extended his hands, and I took the paper in his hands.


    ¡®I know it¡¯s not the most memorable ce for you. But this ce for me is special just how you¡¯re special to me.¡¯


    I touched the letters engraved on the paper.


    Keian really has a way with words. It made my smile even wider.


    ¡± Come on, Nass. I¡¯ll escort you to the next location.¡± I nodded at Erick.


    We went down the building and walked to the field.


    Maxence is there, and he seemed restless.


    His expression brightened when he saw me but immediately covered it up, then gives me a re.


    ¡± You¡¯re so slow. I was waiting here for so long¡­¡± I justughed at what he said.


    ¡± I don¡¯t really do these things, but I¡¯ll make an exception for you.¡± He gave the paper.


    ¡± Hayyy Maxence¡­¡± He smiled at me.


    ¡± What?¡±


    I looked at what is written while biting my lips.


    ¡®Now that you¡¯re a part of our mafia, make sure to train hard. If you do something wrong, I¡¯ll still punish you¡­ In a different way than what I do to other members;).¡¯


    My smile disappeared at what I read.


    He even put a wink emoji¡­


    Maxence is just looking at me with a frown.


    ¡± D-Did you read this?¡± He didn¡¯t answer me and just rolled his eyes.


    I stared at him with my jaw dropped.


    He reached his hands, and I gave him back the paper, slightly blushing.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go to the parking lot. The location of the next paper is far from here.¡±


    I just gave him a nod and followed him to the parking lot.


    Waiting in front of a sports car is Devon.


    ¡± Oh, you¡¯re my driver?¡± I teased.


    He gasped then looked at me with a re.


    ¡± No. I¡¯m yourpany for the ride. Just for this day, I¡¯m going to drive for you.¡± He said with a hint of irritation in his voice.


    I just shook my head at him, amused.


    Maxence left, and Devon opened the door for me.


    ¡± Thank you.¡± He waved his hand like he¡¯s saying, ¡®it¡¯s nothing.¡¯


    I pouted and waited for him to get to the driver¡¯s seat.


    The road we¡¯re taking right now is familiar, and it looked like we¡¯re going to the mall.


    Devon and I talked while on the road.


    He may be ill-tempered, I still enjoyed talking to him and being in his presence.


    We arrived at Keian¡¯s mall, where Katie and ra were waiting outside.


    Katie excitedly approached the parked car and opened the door beside me.


    ¡± Nass!!! We¡¯re going to have a great day!¡±


    I was unable to give a response when she pulled me out of Devon¡¯s car.


    Devon waved at us then drove away.


    ¡± What are we going to do here?¡± Katie¡¯s smiles are reaching her eyes, but I have a feeling she¡¯s up to something¡­


    ¡± Oh, Ate Nass,(older sister) get ready.¡± I looked at ra with confused eyes.


    Katie giggled then suddenly pulled me towards the mall¡¯s entrance.

 #Book 2 Chapter 31

    ¡± Kei¡¯s jaw will fall off after he sees youter,¡± I want to ask Katie questions about what she just said, but there are things on my face. A lot of things.


    We are inside a salon.


    Katie and ra brought me to a famous and expensive salon.


    Later on, they started putting make-up on my face.


    They curled the lower part of my dark brown hair, and the make-up on is simple and not that thick.


    I smiled at my reflection in the mirror.


    ¡± Ahhhh! You¡¯re so beautiful, Nass. Your dress suits your hair and make-up right now.¡±


    ¡± I agree. Kuya Kei will be so happy.¡± My heart¡¯s beating skipped for a second when I heard Kei¡¯s name.


    I beamed at the two girls apanying me.


    ¡± Thank you.¡±


    After we finished on the parlor, the three of us ate at a restaurant inside the mall.


    ¡± Here.¡± Katie wiped her mouth with a handkerchief then gave me a paper.


    ¡®I know you are in good hands right now. I¡¯m excited to see your look today. Though you look beautiful every day, I know you¡¯ll look even more beautiful when I see you¡­ There¡¯s a lot of things that happened in this ce. Some are good memories but mostly bad memories. I¡¯m sorry, baby. I promise to keep you safe forever.¡¯


    ¡± Yieee. Ohmyghad, I¡¯m so kinikilig.¡± Katie joyfully eximed.


    (Kinikilig: A feeling of excitement, joy, or enjoyment. It has no direct english trantion. It¡¯s what a person feels whenever she¡¯s really happy for a couple. It¡¯s like cringing but in a good way, LOL\^_^/)


    ¡± Come on, the next destination is Marques Manufacturing¡¯s Office.¡±


    That¡¯s where we exactly went to next. Katie¡¯s the one who drove the car we¡¯re in.


    All of the building¡¯s employees are looking at us. Particrly me. They¡¯re all smiling.


    We went up to Keian¡¯s office, and Steven is waiting there.


    ¡± Oh, finally!¡± Steven stood up from sitting on Keian¡¯s swivel chair.


    ¡± Girls, thank you for bringing Nass safely here.¡± Katie and ra said their goodbyes then left.


    ¡± Here.¡± I reached for the paper Steven gave.


    ¡®I want to bring you here every time I am here. Why waste time when I can be with you. But I know you¡¯re not my secretary¡­ Can I fire my current one and make you my secretary? I¡¯m serious baby, let¡¯s talk about this tomorrow. So that I can see your face all day.¡¯


    I chuckled.


    I don¡¯t really want Kei¡¯s secretary to lose her job.


    ¡± Why doesn¡¯t he just bring me here whenever he¡¯s going to work¡­¡± I whispered.


    ¡± Ah, the effects of love. It¡¯s scary. Let¡¯s go. We still need to drive to the next destination.¡±


    ¡± Okay¡­¡±


    After the office, we went to a super familiar ce.¡±


    I saw Brylle and Tiya Anne by the door.


    Steven parked the car in front of Tiya¡¯s house.


    Other neighbors are even outside their houses and looking at us.


    Brylle jumped up and down excitedly when he saw me.


    When I came out of the car, the kid ran towards me and greeted me with a hug.


    Brylle¡¯s about to have his birthday again. He¡¯s growing up fast.


    ¡± Mama! You¡¯re here!¡± I tightened my embrace to him.


    ¡± Yes, baby.¡± He puts distance to the two of us with a smile, then he went to Tiya, who gave something to Brylle, and the kid came back to me.


    ¡± Here is Tito Kei¡¯s love letter for you.¡± I patted Brylle¡¯s head then took the paper.


    ¡®This ce is important to you, as it became important for me too. I¡¯m thankful that you happen to end up here after being in the streets for almost two years. We all learned some things regarding our past. Let¡¯s both move on from what happened. I hope you¡¯ll want me to be by your side on your every step toward the future.¡¯


    I bit my lower lip as I felt my eyes filling up with tears.


    I took a deep breath and returned the paper to Tiya.


    She smiled at me.


    ¡± Nass.¡± I looked at Kuya Kayden, who came out of the house together with William.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll drive you to the next location,¡± I said goodbye to Tiya, William, and Brylle, then entered my boyfriend¡¯s brother¡¯s car.


    ¡± Huuuuu!¡± I nced at Kuya Kayden.


    ¡± Is something wrong?¡± His attention turned to me.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just nervous for my brother,¡± I just lowered my head with a smile on my face after he said that. He started the car.


    As time passed by, my heartbeat kept on beating fast.


    I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s happening or what will really happen, but I¡¯m undoubtedly excited to see Keian.


    ¡± You know, Kei is a good man.¡± I grinned at Kuya Kayden.


    ¡± I know.¡±


    ¡± He can be cold sometimes, but that¡¯s just the way he is. Understand his behavior. I know that there were times where you felt like you can¡¯t tolerate him anymore but understand him still. You should¡ª¡± Kuya Kayden stopped what he¡¯s saying and listened to something in his earpiece.


    ¡± I¡¯m just telling the truth and giving her advice. Nothing¡¯s wrong with that.¡± After hearing what the person speaking on the earpiece said, Kuya Kaydenughed then raised his eyebrows at me repeatedly.


    I think the one he¡¯s talking to is Keian.


    I put my hand on my chest and calmed myself down.


    ¡ª


    I approached Tito Andre, who was waiting for Kuya Kayden and me beside a grave.


    Tito Andre¡¯s mouth curled up upon seeing me, then he kissed my forehead.


    ¡± Hello, hija.¡±


    ¡± Hello, Tito.¡± Kuya Kayden pats my shoulder, so I turned to him.


    ¡± I¡¯ll go first.¡± I nodded at him and said thank you.


    I was left with Tito Andre.


    I looked at the name engraved on the stone.


    Karina Marques.


    I squatted in front of the grave. There¡¯s a lit candle beside it.


    I looked at Tito Andre, who also squatted beside me.


    He reached to give me a paper.


    ¡®Hey. Here, I¡¯m introducing you to my Mom. If she¡¯s still alive, I know she¡¯ll like you at first sight and will ask me to keep you mine forever. It¡¯s been years since she died, I know you¡¯re still feeling guilty at what happened to her. But I¡¯m sure she already forgave you. If she¡¯s still alive, she will ask me to treasure you, respect you, treat you the way you deserve. And I promise, in front of my mother and to you, that I will do all of that.¡¯


    I wiped the tears that fell down from my eyes.


    Tito Andre hugged me, and I felt tears falling on my shoulder.


    ¡± Tito¡­¡±


    ¡± Stay with Kei. B-Be with him forever.¡± I tapped his back repeatedly and let him cry on my shoulder.


    ¡± I will, Tito. I will.¡±


    ¡± Thank you, Nass.¡±


    ¡ª


    ¡± We¡¯re here.¡±


    Tito Andre opened the door for me as I froze at what the ce we are looked like.


    It¡¯s already night because Tito Andre and I stayed for a while in the cemetery.


    It looked like we are in a resort that has a very beautiful garden.


    There are even lights hanging on the trees.


    From where Tito Andre parked the car, there¡¯s a path filled with rose petals and lights on either side of the way.


    It¡¯s also cold here because we are in an elevated ce.


    ¡± Go on.¡± Tito squeezed my hand before I followed the path.


    I saw Laiza waiting not far from me.


    When I got close to her, she surprisingly hugged me.


    ¡± Don¡¯t hurt Kei,¡± We separated, and I saw her slightly crying.


    I smiled at her and wiped her wet face.


    ¡± Of course, Laiza. Don¡¯t worry.¡± She sighed then gave me something.


    ¡®Hey, baby. I want to say sorry. I¡¯ve been saying this line more than once whenever I¡¯ve done something wrong, and I will never stop apologizing. I¡¯m sorry for everything. What happenedst year, and all the bad things that will happen to our next years together. Though I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t regret meeting you.


    Laiza nodded at me then pointed in the direction I should go in to.


    I returned the paper to her and continued walking.


    ¡± Nass!¡± I saw Dale waving at me, so I walked directly to him.


    ¡± Atst!¡± I peeked at his back, and there¡¯s an extensive clearing there.


    He covered what I was looking at and gave what I think is thest letter I¡¯ll receive this day.


    ¡®You¡¯re here. Just a few steps and I¡¯ll finally see you. I can finally say all the things I want to say, personally and not by papers and letters. I love you so much, Nass.


    I clenched my fist because my heart¡¯s beating really fast.


    I looked up at Dale.


    He pointed the clearing on his back with his hand.


    Is it just me or the whole clearing I am seeing is filled with rose petals¡­


    I looked around the ce in awe.


    I walked to the center of the clearing.


    I looked back to where I came from, but Dale¡¯s not there anymore.


    My eyebrows furrowed.


    The lights started turning off. Until the ce is nowpletely dark and silence is enveloping the whole area.


    Wait a minute¡­


    They won¡¯t leave me alone here, right? The staff didn¡¯t assume that no one is here, right???


    Oh no¡­ What if they all left me here?!


    I started walking back to the direction that I guessed I walked earlier in concern.


    But I¡¯m still not on my second step when someone hugged me from behind. It¡¯s dark, so I can¡¯t see who locked me in an embrace, but just in his perfume, I already know who it is.


    ¡± Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± After not seeing him for almost the whole day, he¡¯s now at my back.


    I shivered at his voice. His cold and deep voice that I love so much.


    ¡± Keian,¡± I called to his name.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been waiting anxiously for you the whole day, baby.¡± His grip on me tightened.


    ¡± Me too, Kei.¡± He chuckled.


    ¡± I¡¯m d.¡±


    ¡± Nass,¡± I felt him cover my eyes with his hand.


    ¡± Trust me and just listen to my voice, okay?¡± I moved my head up and down.


    ¡± Okay.¡± He removed his hands but put on a cloth to still cover my vision.


    I tensed.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡± Rx¡­¡± I heaved out a sigh. And just puts my attention on Keian¡¯s hands.


    I slowly calmed down.


    Keian kissed my forehead then I felt him released me from his embrace.


    The heat of his presence disappeared.


    I bit my lower lip.


    Though feeling nervous, I waited. I know he¡¯ll never leave me alone¡­


    ¡± Nassandra Pat Del Luna¡­¡± My head raised when I heard Keian¡¯s voice, and he seemed like he¡¯s in front of me.


    ¡± I admit that the first time we met, it¡¯s not like the magical scenes in the movies. I honestly felt confused when I saw you, but after that, I suddenly felt curious. Who¡¯s that maid? I¡¯ve never seen her before? Why is my heart beating so fast every time I think of her? Those are the thoughts filling my mind every now and then ever since I saw you.¡± He clutched my hand.


    ¡± That¡¯s when I started nning of making you MINE,¡± he even emphasized the word ¡®mine.¡¯


    ¡± Uhh, savage!¡± I let out augh when I heard what I¡¯m guessing is Steven¡¯s shout.


    ¡± Shut up, Steve!¡± I heard Kei shouted back.


    ¡± Uhh, sorry, babe. Where was I? Ahh.¡±


    Keian sighed.


    I focused my hearing on his voice.


    ¡± I¡¯m so happy whenever you¡¯re near, but I don¡¯t want to be obvious, or else those bastards will tease me every now and then.¡± The boys cheered and shouted.


    It seemed like all of those who gave me papers earlier are now here.


    ¡± Anyway, though I don¡¯t really show it, I know you know that I love you so much. I¡¯m getting to know you more every single day, and I¡¯m thankful for that. If something terrible happens to us or if we have fights in the future, I promise that I¡¯ll always make up for everything.¡±


    Keian became silent, and I can feel myself near to the point of sobbing aloud and weeping.


    ¡± Considering that our families have known each other longer than our rtionship, I think the two of us are fated. I don¡¯t know why. God only knows why but I¡¯m sure¡­ I¡¯m sure Nass that you¡¯re the maid for me. You¡¯re made for me.¡± He held my cheeks, so I touched his hands.


    ¡± I can¡¯t promise to give you a perfect world, a perfect rtionship, but I can give you me, I¡¯m willing to give you myself, and I will do everything to give you a better life and a better world. Let¡¯s spend our whole lives with each other. I think I can¡¯t live without you by my side. I can promise you that I will treat you like a queen. I can promise that I will protect you and our future children.¡± I felt Keianing closer to me as he touched the cloth covering my eyes.


    Keian removed the cover on my eyes, and my eyesight blurred.


    I repeatedly blinked, trying to make my vision clearer.


    I was greeted by a smiling Keian, and some distance behind him, Zeke, Steven, Katie, Theo, Erick, ra, Devon, Maxence, Diego, Kuya Kayden, Kuya Khalil, Tiya and Brylle, even manang and maids in the mansion are there each holding bouquet of roses with different colors.


    My mouth gaped, and I started crying.


    ¡± K-Keian. I¡¯m so sorry. I forgot your birthday.¡± I weep. The people behind Keianughed at what I said. I want to re at them, but I want to just keep my attention on Keian right now. He¡¯s wearing a suit, and the inner clothes are color red. The same color as the dress I¡¯m wearing.


    He dried my wet face and tightly holds my hands.


    Then he slowly kneeled.


    My crying intensified.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, baby. I don¡¯t mind you forgetting my birthday. I don¡¯t even celebrate my own birthday. I¡¯m just bing sad that the one who brought me out of this world is already gone. So Nass¡­¡± He heaved out a sigh, gulped, released my hand to reach for something in his pockets.


    I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down.


    I wiped the tears that are continuously flowing down my face.


    Keian took out a small box and opened it in front of me.


    Inside the box is a simple ring. There is no big stone in its center. But looking closer, the whole ring is covered with diamond.


    I covered my mouth in shock.


    That must be really, really expensive!!!


    ¡± My birthdays used to be sad, but please, make it happy by giving me this gift, Nass. The best gift I can ever receive is saying¡­ yes, baby.¡± He held one of my hands.


    ¡± Will you marry me?¡± I saw a tear dropped on his face, and I just want to cry the whole time.


    I touched his cheeks and nodded my head repeatedly.


    ¡± Yes, Keian! Yes.¡± The ce became silent after I said that.


    Huh?


    Even Keian froze.


    ¡± You said yes!?¡± I nodded at Keian whileughing.


    His eyes widened, and he immediately stood up to hug me.


    The people behind him shouted happily.


    ¡± Ohmyghad. Thank you so much¡­¡± I looked at Keian¡¯s eyes while he separated from me and removed the ring from its box. He carefully puts it on my left ring finger.


    Then he kissed me passionately.


    ¡± Thank you, Nass. I love you so much.¡± We hugged again, and I cried on his chest because of happiness.


    ¡ª


    It will be great if you can add it:) Can you please tell me how to avoid this problem in the future? I noticed that some scenes are cut off because of some particr symbols in the document. If it¡¯s not too much trouble. Thank you!!!

 #Book 2 Chapter 32

    ¡± Thank you, Nass¡­ I love you so much¡± We hugged each other again, and then I cried on his chest.


    ¡± I love you too, Keian¡­¡± He stroked my back.


    ¡± Stop crying, baby,¡± I chuckled.


    Then looked at his eyes.


    ¡± I¡¯m just happy.¡± He held my cheeks.


    ¡± I¡¯m happy too¡­¡± We again hugged.


    I¡¯m so lucky that I met this man¡­


    I¡¯m still can¡¯t believe that he proposed to me. At his birthday, which I forgot¡­


    ¡± Oh My Ghad Nass!¡±  I parted from Keian and looked at Katie, who immediately hugged me.


    ¡± So happy for the both of you! We need to n already the wedding date, reception, theme, who are the guests, your wedding dress¡ª¡±


    ¡± Bibi, Kei just proposed. Let¡¯s give her time to take it all in¡± Zeke approached Katie and stopped her from talking.


    Katie pouted.


    ¡± Okay, bibi. But promise me, Nass, you¡¯ll include me in your wedding nning¡± I widely smiled at Zeke, especially at Katie.


    ¡± Of course, it¡¯s not like I have any other friends or rtives who can help me, just you, re, and Tiya¡± Katie pped and hugged me again.


    ¡± That¡¯s a promise! I¡¯ll help you with everything I can do for you.¡±


    ¡± Thank you, Katie¡± she pecked my cheeks before breaking our hug and going to Keian, then hugged him.


    Let me hug my best friend!¡± Smiling, I jumped to Zeke.


    ¡± Take care of Kei Nass!¡± He said to me while we are hugging each other.


    ¡± Of course. Thank you, Zeke¡± he separated from me and looked at me with wonder.


    ¡± For what?¡±


    ¡± For everything¡­¡± he was stunned at what I said.


    I got confused at his reaction.


    ¡± N-Nass,¡± my smile disappeared when I saw a tear fell to his cheeks.


    ¡± Are you crying, bibi?¡± Katie faced us, together with Keian.


    Keian approached me and wrapped his arm at my waist.


    ¡± No! Don¡¯t look at me!¡± I saw Zeke still crying.


    He hugged Katie to hide his face from others.


    ¡± Zeke. Come here¡­¡± Zeke nced at me, sobbing.


    ¡± No, i-its embarrassing¡± I slightlyughed and felt a tear fall from my eyes again.


    ¡± I said,e here¡­¡± he pouted. He separated from Katie then hugged me.


    Keian moved away from me to give Zeke space.


    I patted his back even though I¡¯m crying too.


    ¡± I¡¯m so happy, Nass. You¡¯vee a long way, and I¡¯m d you¡¯re getting married to Kei,¡± he whispered in my ear.


    ¡± Thank you so much, Zeke¡± his hug tightened, and after a while, he pulled away.


    He faced Keian.


    ¡± I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re crying,¡± Keian said teasingly.


    Zeke red at him.


    ¡± Hey! I also saw you cry a while ago!¡± Keian¡¯s grin disappeared at what Zeke said.


    ¡± Come on, you two, if you want to hug each other, just do it. Don¡¯t just tease each other,¡± Katie said, and we bothughed.


    The two shake their heads and approached each other.


    ¡± Congrats, bro¡± they hugged in a manly way.


    ¡± Thank you, Nics.¡±


    ¡± Nass¡± I turned to the one who called me. Tito Andre¡±


    Laiza, Theo, Dale, Devon, Erick, Maxence, ra, Diego, Kuya Kayden, and Kuya Khalil approached to congratte and tease me.


    They also approached Keian and did what they did to me.


    ¡± Tiya¡± I went to Tiya, who¡¯s with Brylle and William.


    Tiya held both my shoulder.


    ¡± I¡¯m happy for you, Nass. I hope your rtionship with Keian will be great.


    ¡± Thank you, Tiya,¡± I answered her.


    From William¡¯s arm, Brylle moved to me.


    ¡± Oh Brylee. Careful,¡± he fidgeted just to reach me.


    I carried him properly.


    ¡± Congrats, Mama! I love you so much¡± I stroke his back.


    ¡± Thank you, baby. I love you too.¡±


    ¡± Nass¡± I looked at Keian, who neared us.


    ¡± Tito Kei!¡± Brylle raised his arms and looked like he wants Keian to carry him, so I gave Brylle to him.


    ¡± Hello, Brylle¡± I watched them talk.


    My heart is beating fast because of what happened earlier.


    My smile won¡¯t even go away from my lips.


    I¡¯m so thankful for Keian.


    And I¡¯m looking forward to being his wife and a mother to our future children.


    ¡ª


    11 monthster¡­


    I sat at the bed, tired, and sighed.


    I removed the tie of my hair theny down.


    ¡± Finallyyyyy!¡± I said in a whisper. I stretched while lying down.


    ¡± Oh baby,¡± Keian also whispered, then moved away from our child¡¯s crib.


    I watch him near the bed.


    He tiredly looked at me thenid on top of me.


    ¡± Ooofff!¡±


    ¡± Keian!¡± I whisperingly shouted.


    I tried to push him away because he¡¯s heavy, but he didn¡¯t even flinch and seemed like he is already sleeping on top of me.


    ¡± Haayyyyy!¡±


    I give up! He¡¯s too strongpared to me!


    I just hugged him and ced my face on his soft and fragrant hair.


    ¡± Hmmm¡± I caressed his hair, and he looked up because of it.


    I studied his face.


    His facial hair has grown. And I think he is more handsome like that.


    ¡± You¡¯re so beautiful, baby,¡± I smiled at Keian and held both of his cheeks.


    ¡± You¡¯re so handsome, my love¡± he kissed my lips, then we bothughed after.


    ¡± I feel like I haven¡¯t taken a bath for two days!¡± Keian moved from the top of me andid beside me.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay baby, I still love you, and you¡¯re still beautiful,¡± I pouted at Keian.


    ¡± That¡¯s not my point¡± he turned to me with closed eyes and brought our faces close to each other.


    ¡± Let¡¯s just have a shower then¡± I hit him lightly.


    ¡± Keian!¡±


    ¡± Tomorrow. I¡¯m just so tired right now, alright?¡±


    ¡± Not my point again!¡± he chuckled, then he hugged me again.


    I let him rest on my arms and looked at the crib.


    It¡¯s been 11 months since Keian proposed to me. We have a date nned for the wedding, but something happened.


    We were supposed to marry each otherst month¡­


    Keian¡¯s hug tightened, and then he squeezed his face to my neck.


    ¡± Let¡¯s sleep already, Nass¡± I didn¡¯t answer him, but I kissed his forehead and returned my eyes to the crib.


    ¡± Uwaaaahhhh!¡± I pouted when I heard a cry.


    ¡± H-Huh?¡± Keian rose from lying down and looked at the crib too.


    He breathed deeply and was about to stand when I stopped him.


    ¡± I¡¯ll do it¡± he reassuringly smiled at me.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, you go rest¡± before he even got to walk, I already caught his wrist and pulled him toy in bed.


    ¡± You rest. You¡¯ve been taking care of Kathriane for a while now¡±  Keian caressed his hair.


    ¡± I¡¯m alright, Nass. I should take care of my girls¡± I looked at him badly then quickly ran towards the crib.


    Keian eyes widened, and he tried to chase me, but I¡¯m the one who got to the crib first.


    ¡± Sleep already, Keian. I need some bonding time with my daughter. We¡¯re going to have girls talk,¡± he winced at me, and we even had a staringpetition before he gave up and closed his eyes.


    ¡± Fine! Goodnight baby! Love you both!¡± I raised my eyebrow at Keian, who hugged a pillow on the bed and fell asleep already? He¡¯s already snoring!


    I giggled then carried our daughter so she¡¯ll stop crying.


    ¡± Why are you crying, my dear?¡± I talked to her.


    I swayed and sang her a luby, andter on, she looked at me then stopped crying.


    I wiped her wet cheeks and kissed her forehead. She giggled, and I lovingly looked at her.


    She just wants to be with Mama¡­


    Katherine Belle Marques is our baby¡¯s name.


    She¡¯s a cute and beautiful baby¡­


    I think she looks more like Keian than me.


    But it¡¯s fine, hihihi.


    She raised her hands like she is trying to reach me, so I held her hand. I smiled widely.


    She was born four months ago¡­


    She still always cry, moreover at night, so Keian and I couldn¡¯t get proper sleep.


    Even though we are tired, we are trying to cope up. Well, we love our daughter.


    Keian¡¯s been taking care of Kathriane since this morning, so I volunteered to make her stop crying this time.


    We weren¡¯t able to becent this past few months. We need to watch her. Making sure she¡¯s alive.


    A lot had happened. Some are happy, some are sad.


    I found out 2 months after Keian¡¯s proposal that I¡¯m pregnant.


    Of course, we were delighted because God has given us a second blessing even after what happened at Pwan.


    I was cautious since I don¡¯t want to repeat what happened before.


    I reached 7 months pregnant with Kathriane.


    We even held a gender reveal, and Keian¡¯s particrly happy that our child is a girl.


    But something happened during my 7 month pregnancy period.


    I bit my lip while remembering what happened.


    ¡ª


    My hands are just on the car¡¯s shift stick, so Keian and my hand remain holding each other.


    I stroked my stomach with my other hand then looked at Keian.


    He also looked at me then smiled.


    He had a bad day, but I can sense that now that he¡¯s with me, his mood lifted.


    ¡± You¡¯re not nervous, are you?¡± I asked him. He gulped then returned his eyes on the road.


    ¡± W-What? Of course not,¡± I chuckled.


    It¡¯s pretty obvious.


    Hahahaha!


    We are going to my parents/


    Kuya found where they are buried. I¡¯m even grateful that Lolo Maximo even let Mama and Papa be buried at a cemetery.


    I¡¯ve already visited them together with my brother, and now I¡¯m returning together with Keian and Kathriane.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Keian. I know they¡¯re now in heaven¡± Keian squeezed my hand.


    ¡± Yes, I know that too and that they¡¯re looking over us here. And they¡¯ll be seeing me, and I can¡¯t stop wondering if they know all the things I did to you in the past years¡­¡± my eyebrows furrowed because Keian said it in a whisper.


    ¡± Keiranz¡ª¡±


    ¡± Yes, yes, I know. I¡¯m sorry. I just can¡¯t help it¡± he kissed my hand then nced at the side mirror.


    His expression turned cold, so I got confused.


    I just ignored it then looked out the window.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    My eyebrows furrowed even more, when I saw that we are on the wrong way.


    ¡°Keian¡ª¡±


    ¡± We¡¯re being followed.¡± I stopped at what he said and instinctively held my stomach.


    I looked at the side view mirror on my side and saw a ck car at our back.


    Keian turned at a corner, and the car is still following us.


    Keian made a lot of detours, but the car behind us is still following us.


    ¡± Sh8t,¡± my hold on Keian¡¯s hand tightened.


    He reassuringly looked at me.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry¡­¡± I nodded at him and looked at the car behind us again.


    He pressed things on the smartwatch he is wearing while still on alert at the car following us.


    Keian put an earpiece on his ear and pressed it two times.


    ¡± Alpha to rider¡±


    I¡¯m still looking at the side view mirror and watching the car.


    ¡± Get our location immediately¡­¡± Keian¡¯s jaw clenched, and he looked at the back.


    ¡± Damn it, Nics! I¡¯m serious! Get up and go to your f¡ªing car!¡± I squeezed Keian¡¯s hand to calm him.


    ¡± Look, sorry. Just get here fast¡­¡± Keian looked at me, then turned the car again.


    After maybe five minutes, we noticed that the car behind us is nowhere to be found.


    I wonder where it went?


    I didn¡¯t realize that I was holding my breath, so I sighed.


    Our car is running pretty fast, and I can¡¯t clearly see where we are going.


    There¡¯s an intersectioning up, and it¡¯s good that no one¡¯s following us anymore.


    But everything seemed to slow down when I looked at the window beside me and saw that there¡¯s a car approaching us at a fast rate and it seemed that it wants to hit us.


    ¡± Keian!¡± I shouted at his name.


    Keian looked at the window beside me, and his eyes widened.


    I¡¯m just staring at the car approaching us.


    ¡± F¡ª! Nass!¡±

 #Book 2 Chapter 33

    It happened very fast¡­


    Keian tried to turn the car to the left, but the car was too close to us, so he just let go of the steering wheel and went to me.


    He hugged me tightly and used himself as protection for any danger.


    I felt how the car crashed near the window.


    Windows were shattered, and I felt pain. Pain all over my body. I closed my eyes and tightly gripped Keian¡¯s arm.


    *crash* It seems like we also hit a tree because I felt a strong impact again.


    Blood dripped to my cheeks, and I realized it¡¯s not mine. It¡¯s Keian¡¯s.


    Even though I can¡¯t hear anything, I opened my eyes and looked at the side.


    I saw the car drive away from us and return to the road.


    I didn¡¯t know what to do because of shock.


    I heard the sound of an engine and saw a fast motor follow the car.


    I hope that¡¯s Zeke¡­


    I gasped and held my stomach.


    With wide eyes, I also looked at Keian.


    His hold on me is not that strong anymore, and his eyes are just closed.


    I caressed his cheeks with shaky hands.


    ¡± K-Kei!¡± His face is full of blood. It looks like his head was hit.


    ¡± Keian!¡± I called to him again while weakly pping his cheeks.


    My heartbeat went even faster when I noticed the smell of gasoline.


    And I know that the car we¡¯re in might blow up any minute.


    Biting my lips, I try to think of what I should do.


    I leaned Keian on the passenger seat first, then opened the destroyed door at my side and weakly got out.


    I pulled Keian out since I can¡¯t carry him.


    I quickly dragged his body on the road, away from the car.


    ¡± Keian!!!¡± I shouted again, hoping he would wake up.


    ¡± Boom!¡± I let go of Keian and sat down on the cement road when the car exploded in which the two of us were there a while ago.


    With a heavy heart, I looked at the burning car then focused my attention on Keian.


    I feel his pulse, his heart is still beating, but it¡¯s weak.


    It¡¯s like there¡¯s a lump on my throat while I¡¯m examining Keian.


    ¡± Keiranz! Wake up!¡± I looked at our surroundings, and there¡¯s no one here.


    This also one of the roads that no one really uses. There¡¯s a lot of damaged roads in this ce.


    There are also no houses around and just rice fields.


    With my breathing fast, I ripped a piece of cloth from my clothes and put it on Keian¡¯s head because it¡¯s where there is a lot of bleeding.


    I got my cellphone from my pocket, but it¡¯s destroyed.


    ¡± Baby, wake up, please¡­¡± I tearfully said to the unconscious Keian.


    I checked his pulse again, and it¡¯s slowly getting weaker and weaker.


    ¡± Keian¡­¡± I tried to move him, not knowing what to do.


    Crying, I held my stomach when I felt pain there.


    Sh8t.


    No!


    I looked in horror at my thighs.


    No! Don¡¯t! Not again!


    I shivered when I saw blood on my legs.


    I started panicking.


    I don¡¯t want¡­ I don¡¯t want to repeat what happened to me before.


    God, no¡­


    ¡± Ah!¡± Biting my lips, I tightly gripped Keian¡¯s clothes and endured the pain from my lower body.


    ¡± No- mpphh,¡± I sobbed and leaned my head on Keian¡¯s chest.


    I don¡¯t want to lose someone special to me again. Not my fiance and not my baby¡­


    I pathetically cried while waiting for something to happen.


    If I just can, I¡¯ll run and find someone to help us, but I can¡¯t.


    ¡± Hnggg¡± my eyes widened, and I looked at Keian.


    He slowly opened his eyes, and his hands immediately went to his head.


    ¡± W-What?¡±


    ¡± Keian! Keian!¡± He looked at me, confused.


    ¡± N-Nass?¡± I moved to him and brought our faces closer.


    ¡± I¡¯m d baby, ohmyghad¡­¡± I held his nape and squeezed my face on his neck.


    ¡± Oh¡­¡± I groaned when I felt weakness and dizziness.


    ¡± Nass!¡±


    It seems like Keian realized our situation and tried to sit up.


    ¡± Y-you¡¯re bleeding¡­¡± I wasn¡¯t able to answer him and just hugged Keian.


    ¡± N-nass! You¡¯re bleeding! Our baby!!¡± Keian¡¯s breathing is fast, and he is restless.


    ¡± K-Keian¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    Third Person¡¯s POV


    Fear is what Keian is feeling right now.


    No fear for himself but fear for Nass and their child.


    ¡® No¡­ This can¡¯t happen again!¡¯


    Is what¡¯s on his mind.


    Keian held Nass¡¯s cheeks and looked at her face.


    Her eyes are closed, but she¡¯s still breathing.


    He looked at Nass¡¯s bloody legs again.


    ¡± I¡¯ll get you to a hospital,¡± he said but didn¡¯t get an answer.


    Not minding the pain in his head, he slowly got up and carefully carried Nass to a piggyback.


    ¡± Don¡¯t die¡­¡± Keian said. Not just to Nass but also to their child who is yet to see the world¡­


    He started running. Towards the direction that he knows is where there is a lot of people.


    Though feeling dizzy and tired, he still endured what he¡¯s feeling.


    His fear being dominant than his physical pain.


    Just being able to bring his wife and daughter to the hospital is fine with him.


    ¡± R-Rider to Alpha! Are y-you oka¨Cy?¡± Choppy, Keian heard on his earpiece.


    ¡± N-Nic, where are you?¡± Keian weakly asked.


    ¡± F¡ª! Keian! T-Thank God you¡¯re okay!¡± Keian clenched his fist and tried not to fall.


    ¡± Where the hell are you, Z-Zeke Nics!¡± He shouted, but it¡¯s not anger you can hear in his tone, but sadness and fear.


    ¡± I¡¯m chasing the car who hit yours. ze and Sniper are already going there!¡±


    Keian¡¯s vision ckened, and he sat down, being careful not to hurt Nass.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m sorry, Keian¡­¡± He heard Nassandra said.


    He felt relieved when he saw a car. A familiar car is driving to where he and Nass are.


    Inside the car, he saw the worried faces of Devon and Dale.


    Dale stopped the car he was driving. The two quickly got out and looked at Nass and Keian with wide eyes.


    ¡± K-Kei,¡± Dale said.


    Keian ignored them and quickly put Nassandra in the backseat of the car.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go to the hospital, now!¡± The two blinked repeatedly then quickly returned to the car.


    ¡± S-she¡¯s going to lose her child ag¡ª¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t f¡ªing continue what you¡¯re about to say¡± Keian red at Dale while he¡¯s beside Nass.


    ¡± S-sorry¡­ Uhhmmm. I¡¯m going to call Theo and Katie.  We¡¯ll go to Zeke¡¯s hospital, and they are already there.¡± Dale said sadly.


    ¡± Good. Just go there fast¡­¡± Keian felt weakness and leaned back on the seat.


    ¡± Kei!¡± Shouted by the two men with him.


    ¡± Just make sure, Nass and our baby will be alive¡­¡± Hisst words before he closed his eyes.


    ¡± F¡ª! Devon, drive faster!¡± Dale shouted in panic.


    ¡± I know!¡± Devon just kept beeping to stop other cars on the road.


    Dale called Theo and Katie so they can give attention when they reach the hospital.


    ¡ª


    Keian opened his eyes, and the bright emergency room greeted him.


    His head is bandaged, and seemed like his other wounds were cleaned already.


    He looked around, and the ER is quiet.


    He¡¯s the only one here¡­


    ¡± Where¡¯s Nass!?¡± He sat up and immediately got dizzy.


    A female nurse approached him.


    ¡± Sir, please don¡¯t move yet¡ª¡±


    ¡± Where¡¯s my wife!?¡± Keian asked, angry. The nurse got scared and took a step back.


    Keian got up from the bed.


    ¡± I-I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s happening here?¡± Keian looked at Zeke, who entered the ER.


    He was shocked to see Keian standing up and quickly walked to him.


    ¡± Kei! You should not¡ª¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t f¡ªing care about my injuries! Where¡¯s Nass, Nic?!¡± Keian grabbed Zeke¡¯s cor.


    Zeke¡¯s eyes widened at Keian¡¯s question, and he lowered his head.


    ¡± S-she¡­¡± Keian glowered.


    ¡± No! Where is she!?¡± He looked around again.


    In one direction, there¡¯s a lot of men in ck clothes, guarding.


    He knows them and knows that it¡¯s his men.


    He approached them, trembling, not minding Zeke, who¡¯s trying to stop him.


    In a delivery room, outside is where all of his friends are.


    Others are sitting on the floor and looking at nothing. Others are crying, sobbing.


    Keian shook his head.


    ¡± No¡­¡± All of them looked at him.


    Some stood up properly.


    ¡± K-Kei,¡± Steven said.


    With his jaw clenched, he entered the delivery room.


    People inside were shocked when they saw Keian enter.


    ¡± Kei?¡± He looked at Theo, who¡¯s wearing surgery clothes. He also saw Katie there.


    But he¡¯s just staring at the bed inside.


    Where Nass is.


    Tears from his eyes fell while walking to Nass.


    Someone held his arm, so he looked at Theo.


    His eyes are also red, obvious that he¡¯s crying.


    Theo shook his head.


    ¡± No!¡± Keian suddenly shouted.


    Kei approached Nass¡¯s body.


    ¡°Your baby is safe, Kei, she¡­ just didn¡¯t make it¡± he looked at Katie angrily.


    ¡± No! She¡¯s not that weak!¡± He shouted.


    Theo went to Keian to calm him.


    ¡± Have you done everything you can do!?¡± Theo lowered his head.


    ¡± We¡¯ve been reviving her for 30 minutes Kei¡­¡± He went to Theo and looked into his eyes.


    ¡± Then try again¡­¡±


    ¡± Keiranz¡­¡± Katie said, who was stunned when he saw Kei¡¯s face.


    ¡± Please, just try again. Just one more time¡­¡± His face is full of supplication.


    The siblings are shocked because this is the first time they saw Keian like this.


    ¡± Kei!¡± They were even more stunned when Keian kneeled in front of Keian.


    ¡± Please¡­¡± Theo looked up and trying to stop his tears.


    ¡±  Charge¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    That¡¯s what they said is what happened to me, that I almost really died.


    I fixed Kathriane¡¯s growing hair and noticed that she already fell asleep.


    My life is constantly getting into danger, but thank God that I didn¡¯t eventually died.


    I¡¯m thankful for all the chances in life he gave me.


    We found out who followed us that day. It¡¯s one of Keian¡¯s enemies.


    I breathed deeply, returned Kathriane to her crib, and silently cried.


    My two babies may wake up¡­


    I still haven¡¯t forgotten what happened four months ago.


    Fortunately, Kathriane was born well. However, her body is very weak and needed to be observed carefully because she can die at any time.


    She¡¯s getting stronger. She¡¯s now not always sick as before.


    I bit my lips and curled my fists.


    I covered my mouth so they won¡¯t hear the sound of my crying.


    I looked at Keian, who¡¯s peacefully sleeping.


    I just cried even more when I saw his handsome face.


    I wasn¡¯t able to do anything and left the room.


    When the door closed, I sat on the floor with my hands still on my mound and still crying.


    ¡± Nass¡­?¡± I don¡¯t know how long I¡¯ve been crying, but I saw Keian got out of the room, looks like I woke him up.


    ¡± I-I¡¯m sorry¡­ I must¡¯ve woke you up¡± Keian¡¯s eyebrows furrowed when he saw that I¡¯m crying.


    ¡± What happened? Are you hurt somewhere?¡± I gulped and shook my head, crying even more.


    ¡± It¡¯s just unfair Keian¡­ Why do they need to involve our daughter? If Kathriane wasn¡¯t saved, I don¡¯t know what I would do¡­¡± I said to him, sobbing.


    Keian wiped my cheeks and brought our faces together.


    ¡± I know, Nass¡­ But she¡¯s now here with us. And she¡¯s safe. So you don¡¯t have to worry anymore. I¡¯m the one who failed to protect you and our child. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    ¡± Keian¡­¡±


    ¡± Let¡¯s just savor this moment, okay? You know it hurts me when you cry¡± I breathed deeply and hugged him.


    ¡± Yes, sorry,¡± Keian sighed and caressed my back.


    ¡± What happened¡­¡± We both looked at who said that.


    It¡¯s Katie, together with Zeke.


    I wiped my tears and looked at them, confused.


    ¡± Why are you two here?¡± I asked.


    Zeke scratched his head, and Katie looked away.


    ¡± Yoww!!!¡±


    There¡¯s a simultaneous ¡®shh¡¯ at the other side of Keian and me, so we looked there.


    Steven is the one who said ¡®yow¡¯ while the ones who scolded him are Erick, Devon, Dale, Maxence, ra, and Laiza.


    I raised an eyebrow.


    ¡± What¡¯s up?¡± Keian then asked.


    They looked away and tried to find an answer.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Uhmmm. We¡¯re just roaming around,¡± Zeke said.


    Keian and I both red at him.


    ¡± You¡¯re roaming around at 2 o¡¯clock in the morning together in front of our room?¡± Keian said coldly.


    They winced.


    ¡± Y-yes! Is it wrong to be together? We¡¯re ghost hunting¡± I repeatedly blinked at what Steven said.


    ¡± You think I¡¯ll believe that excuse?¡± Keian asked irritatedly.


    ¡± No!¡± Steven quickly said, and now the others are ring at him.


    ¡± Just tell us why all of you are here¡± ra sighed, and she¡¯s the one who answered.


    ¡± Hay Kuya Kei, Kuya even persuaded me even though I have sster in the morning. They said they want to see Katriane¡± my mouth opened at what ra said.


    ¡± At 2 o¡¯clock in the morning?¡± I said.


    ¡± Well, we heard that you are still awake¡­¡± Dale answered.


    ¡± Katriane is so cute, you know?¡± Devon said.


    ¡± Yes, she¡¯s so pretty¡± I looked at Katie.


    ¡± We¡¯ll love taking care of her while the two of you sleep¡± I looked at Erick, shocked.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll do everything for her¡± my mouth dropped when Maxence spoke.


    ¡± I guess she¡¯s really cute,¡± Laiza then said.


    Keian and I looked at each other and sighed together.


    ¡± Fine,¡± Keian said.


    Others even said ¡®yes¡¯ then they approached the door.


    ¡± Just a minute¡± I stopped them from entering.


    ¡± What?¡± I smirked at Zeke.


    ¡± First, I¡¯ll get a hug from each one of you,¡± they winced at me, but they formed a straight line in front of me.

 #Book 2 Chapter 34

    ¡± Nass! Go to sleep already! You still need to wake up early tomorrow!¡± Tiya shouted at me.


    I pouted at her.


    ¡± But I can¡¯t sleep¡­¡±


    ¡± Too excited, Nass?¡± Kuya Khalil said with a raised eyebrow.


    I red at him.


    ¡± And also, how can I sleep when the three of you are here?¡± I said at Theo, Kuya, and Zeke.


    ¡± We will leave when you fall asleep,¡± Theo said.


    I rolled my eyes at him. Theo and I are much closer now, and while we are getting closer, I can see his attitude more now! Huhuhuhu! He¡¯s turned shameless! Just Kidding.


    ¡± Hay, you three, you should leave too. You may wake up Kathriane. Also, you all need to wake up early tomorrow¡± Zeke shook his head.


    ¡± Oh no, Tiya, we won¡¯t sleep. We are going to countdown startingter at 12,¡± Zeke said at Tiya.


    Tiya¡¯s mouth slightly opened, and she repeatedly blinked at Zeke.


    ¡± What?¡±


    I hit Zeke on his arms and red at him.


    ¡± No, no, no, Tiya, we¡¯re staying here,¡± Kuya said.


    I almost kicked Kuya because of what he said.


    I looked at Tiya, who are smiling weirdly.


    Oh no¡­


    ¡± Uwahhhhhh¡± we all looked at Kathriane¡¯s crib when we heard her cry.


    I sighed and stood up to go in her direction.


    I looked at my back and saw the three, who nervously stood up near the door.


    Tiya got her slippers, smiling.


    ¡± You¡¯re gonna leave or not¡­?¡± I smiled and went to the veranda while carrying Kathriane.


    It¡¯s been 6 months since she was born, we thought of starting the wedding preparationsst month.


    Keian and I are going to be married tomorrow¡­


    ¡± Out! Now! You should know my slippers are really hard!¡±


    ¡± Tiya! We are leaving now¡ª don¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°We are not-oh! kids anymore!¡±


    I heard their screams inside.


    Kathriane slightly turned to where the noise ising from, and surprisingly she stopped crying and smiled.


    ¡± Pffttt- mwahahaha!¡± I fixed her hair, which has grown a lot.


    ¡± Oh, baby¡­ Don¡¯t mind them, okay?¡± She looked at me curiously and stretched her arms to my face.


    ¡± Did you just missed mommy that¡¯s why you cried?¡± She stared at me before switching to my hair.


    She took a strand of my hair and almost put it to her mouth.


    ¡± Oh no, Kathriane, my hair may be dirty¡­ Wait, I¡¯ll get your toy, okay?¡± She looked at me again.


    The three are already outside but are still peeking while pouting.


    Tiya approached me.


    ¡± I¡¯ll take care of Kathriane, Nass. You really need to sleep now.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s really fine Tiya, I can¡¯t really sleep¡± I took Kathriane¡¯s toy.


    A color ck wolf stuffed toy.


    Kathriane held it and examined it.


    ¡± Go ahead. I won¡¯t force you to sleep, but let me carry Kathriane. You should rest¡­¡± I smiled at her and gave Kathriane, maybe Tiya already misses carrying our child hihihi.


    I returned to the bed and sat down, then watched the three men outside the room who are still pouting.


    ¡± Is Katie not looking for you, Zeke?¡± I asked him. He looked at me and gestured to me.


    ¡± She prep talked Keian. It even seems like she doesn¡¯t want to see me. Is it us who¡¯s going to be married? Hay, that baby of mine¡­¡± I just raised him an eyebrow and sighed.


    I tousled my hair and walked to them.


    I¡¯m staying in Keian¡¯s room while he¡¯s staying in a guest room. They said we¡¯re not allowed to see each other before the wedding¡­ Kathriane was with Keian in the morning, then she¡¯s with me tonight. That¡¯s what we talked about.


    Manang and Tiya may get mad at us.


    When they saw me, they all took a step back with their eyes wide.


    ¡± O-oy Nass, you look like you are going to kill us¡­¡± Theo said, stuttering.


    ¡± Then just why are all of you still not going back to your rooms? It¡¯s the reason why I can¡¯t sleep even more!¡± The three simultaneously rolled their eyes.


    So what? They practiced?


    ¡± ¡®Cause, what if you run away from Keian or you meet each other? You may get bad luck. Do you want that?¡± Kuya threatened.


    I winced at him.


    ¡± I¡¯m following what Tiya and Manang said! I won¡¯t disobey them!¡±


    ¡°Really? Don¡¯t you know you¡¯re very mischievous?¡± My brother teased me.


    I hissed.


    ¡± Nass!¡± I looked at our side and nced at Keian¡¯s face before it was covered by wide backs of Dale, Erick, and Kuya Kayden.


    ¡± Why are you not letting me approach?!¡± Keian said, irritated.


    I walked to them, but I was stopped by Theo, Kuya, and Zeke.


    ¡± I told you, Kei, it¡¯s not allowed¡­¡± Dale said.


    Keian looked at him like shooting daggers and insisted on approaching me.


    I saw Tiya leave the room.


    I peeked inside it and saw that Kathriane are already asleep. That was fast¡­


    ¡± We talked about this already Kei, right?¡± Keian looked at Tiya and slightly pouted before avoiding his eyes.


    ¡± Yes, Tiya¡­¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡± Well then, you all should go back to your rooms now¡± the boys were a little dumbfounded at Tiya¡¯s voice and said ¡®YES!¡¯ simultaneously, then left.


    Keian and I smiled at each other before going back to our rooms.


    ¡± Try to get some sleep, Nass. I¡¯ll leave you and Kathriane now, okay?¡± I smiled at Tiya and nodded.


    ¡± Thank you, Tiya.¡± She nodded too and left.


    I watch Kathriane to make myself sleepy, then slept with a smile to prepare for tomorrow¡­


    ¡ª


    It was just three in the morning, and I was woken already to prepare.


    The wedding is still in the afternoon, but there are many preparations needed to be done.


    Tiya and Manang are assisting me with our bridesmaid, Ema, Roxy, Katie, ra, Laiza, and Jane, who even filed a leave at work to be included in the people helping me.


    We went to a hotel, it¡¯s where we were given makeup and things.


    A famous makeup artist put makeup on me, and I felt like an artist at the number of people assisting me. I would just wince sometimes while being groomed.


    Katie and ra overreacted a little bit at hiring people. They arranged who will do my makeup and groom me.


    But what I looked like after makeup is excellent.


    ¡± Wow¡­¡± said all the people inside the room where I am staying.


    They are all looking at me and studying me.


    ¡± U-uhmmmm,¡± I smiled awkwardly at them.


    ¡± Formidable! Magnifique! Parfait! (Wonderful! Gorgeous! Perfect!) My makeup artist shouted, who even came from France.


    The people inside pped.


    I smiled.


    ¡± Thank you all of you for your effort¡± Others even shouted and apuded again.


    ¡± You¡¯re so beautiful, Ate Nass,¡± ra said to me.


    I touched her shoulder.


    ¡± You¡¯re beautiful too, ra,¡± ¡¯cause she already has her makeup also the other bridesmaid.

 #Book 2 Chapter 35

    I¡¯m just staring at the door of the church while waiting for them to let me in.


    Now is the only time I will see Keian after what happenedst night.


    I bit my lip.


    My heart is beating fast. It¡¯s like there¡¯s something in my stomach.


    I just studied the flower bouquet I¡¯m holding.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡± Ma?tresse, pr¨¦parez-vous. Vous entrerez dans 5 minutes(Mistress, get ready. You¡¯ll be entering at 5 minutes)¡± I nodded at an organizer.


    ¡± Merci(Thank you)¡± she smiled at me then went back to what she was doing a while ago.


    Tiya and William went to my side to take over as my parent.


    ¡± You¡¯re so beautiful, Nass¡± I looked at Tiya and hugged her.


    ¡± Thank you, Tiya, William¡± the two nodded then we faced the closed door.


    I waited for about five minutes, and after that, the door opened in time.


    I saw all of the people inside stand up, but my attention is just focused on Keian, who¡¯s wearing a ck, elegant suit.


    I smiled, and my nervousness seemed to vanish when we looked at each other.


    His mouth opened, and he looked surprised when he saw how I look.


    He gulped when we started walking.


    I looked at Ema and Roxy, who¡¯s holding Kathriane. Brylle waved at me, who¡¯s also with them.


    I slightly waved back.


    A lot of quests are here in the church.


    Commander Serrano, who¡¯s from Kuya¡¯s agency, is even here.


    Keian¡¯s groomsmen are all the men at M9 Marques Mafia.


    Steven waved at me widely.


    Maxence¡¯s smile is wide.


    When I met Devon¡¯s eyes, he gave a thumbs up.


    Dale winked at me, then smiled.


    Erick nodded at me.


    ¡± Go ¡®Bes¡¯!¡± Theo and Zeke shouted together.


    So the people looked at them. I even saw the priest¡¯s eyebrow raise at the two.


    Theo¡¯s eyes widened, and he lowered his head while Zeke justughed.


    All of them have red polo inside and ck coat.


    Then my bridesmaids¡¯ dress is red.


    Keian sighed and fixed his clothes when we near them.


    He smiled widely when we held hands.


    ¡± You¡¯re so beautiful and sexy baby, I can¡¯t wait to go to France,¡± he whispered in my ear.


    I turned a little bit red at what he said and weakly hit him.


    We will have our honeymoon in France. Keian said he will tour me around his second home.


    ¡± We are in a church, Keian,¡± I reprimanded him.


    He just grinned at me then we faced the priest.


    The wedding ceremony started¡­


    .


    .


    .


    ¡°Are there any additional words you want to say to each other before we go to wearing the rings?¡± Father Ramon asked us, who¡¯s our priest right now.


    I smiled at him and nodded.


    ¡± Yes,¡± he smiled back and gave the mic to Keian.


    I saw Keian wince for a minute before thinking of just to stare at me.


    He breathed deeply before speaking.


    ¡± N-Nass, oh f¡ª¡± my eyes widened when Keian curse because he stuttered when he said my name.


    The priest looked at him, shocked.


    ¡± Oh, sorry, I didn¡¯t mean that,¡± he said.


    All peopleughed, especially the groomsmen, because you can clearly see Keian¡¯s nervousness. I justughed too.


    I held his hands to assure him. He breathed deeply again.


    ¡± Nass, hear a poem I researched all night yesterday¡­ I memorized it, don¡¯t worry. And sorry for people who won¡¯t understand.


    ¡± L¡¯Eternit¨¦


    Elle est retrouv¨¦e.


    Quoi? ¨C L¡¯¨¦ternit¨¦.


    C¡¯est mer all¨¦e


    Avec le soleil.


    ?me sentinelle,


    Murmurons l¡¯aveu


    De nuit si nulle


    Et du jour en feu.


    Des humains suffrages,


    Desmuns ns


    L¨¤ tu te d¨¦gages


    Et voles selon.


    Puisque de vous seules,


    Braises de satin,


    Le Devoir s¡¯exhale


    Sans qu¡¯on dise : enfin.


    L¨¤ pas d¡¯esp¨¦rance,


    Nul orietur.


    Science avec patience,


    Le supplice est s?r.


    Elle est retrouv¨¦e.


    Quoi ? ¨C L¡¯¨¦ternit¨¦.


    C¡¯est mer all¨¦e


    Avec le soleil


    ( Eternity


    It has been rediscovered.


    What? Eternity.


    It is the sea fled


    With the sun.


    Sentinel soul,


    We whisper confession


    Of the empty night


    And the fiery day.


    From human prayers,


    Frommon spirits


    You free yourself


    And thus, you fly.


    Since from you alone,


    Satin embers,


    Duty breathes


    No one says: atst.


    No hope here,


    No emergence.


    Knowledge with patience,


    Torment is certain.


    It has been rediscovered.


    What? Eternity.


    It is the sea fled


    with the sun.)


    I just listened to his poem until he stopped speaking.


    His held on my hand tightened.


    ¡± I promise that we will be together, whatever may happen, but just what is mentioned in the poem, a day may pass without us knowing, we may do mistakes we¡¯ll never regret, we¡¯ll do good without cherishing it, rtionships may grow with unknown love, hate may develop with untruthfulness and distance. We know that suffering is inevitable and forever, but people learned to lessen the pain, to not feel suffered¡± he rubbed his thumb on my hand.


    ¡± Even if we fight, even though we have misunderstandings, I promise that I will torment every hurting words we may say to each other and will not give up on our rtionship. I will find ways to make it up to you, to make our time together more efficient and solid in this bitter world we¡¯re living in.¡± I sniffed and wiped the tears that fell from my eyes.


    ¡± I will always stay by your side, by our children¡¯s side. We won¡¯t be able to escape whatever may happen to us in the future, but I know that we¡¯ll get through each obstacle we may encounter together. I promise that I will protect you and our family. I promise to love you forever and ever, Nassandra Pat Del Luna. I will love you for eternity¡± he touched my cheeks and wiped my wet face.


    Then he took my hand and put the ring on my finger.


    He held my nape then brought our bodies closer to each other.


    He kissed my forehead then gave me the mic.


    I looked at his beautiful eyes.


    ¡± Can I just say that you have the most beautiful eyes I¡¯ve ever seen?¡± Keian smiled because of what I said.


    I looked at the people here inside the church.


    I even saw Zeke, who looked like he¡¯s crying then, Katie.


    They really are a couple¡­


    ¡± I know the past year had been tough for us and for our baby,¡± referring to what happened to Kathriane and also to our first child.


    ¡± We¡¯ve done things that we didn¡¯t think carefully, poor decisions we made that led us to nearly breaking up our rtionship. Decisions that endangered our lives and the people around us. Decisions that brought us in bringing up our past lives,¡± I then said while thinking about what happened to Lolo Maximost year.


    ¡± But what¡¯s important is that we learned from that mistake. Let¡¯s remember that we are human that made mistakes. We make lots of not smart decisions, and we will continue to make that ¡¯till we die. But I know that in every mistake, we will learn, and we can use what we learned to be a better person for each other. Keiranz Andrew Marques, I promise that I will be a good mother to our children. I¡¯ll take care of you when you¡¯re sick, and I won¡¯t leave you. I will love all of you. I will love you forever. And thank you for everything¡­¡± Keian sighed, and I saw his eyes teary. He¡¯s just trying to stop himself from crying.


    ¡± Don¡¯t hold it, Kei! So I have someone to cry with!¡± Zeke shouted.


    Keian and I both red at him.


    He¡¯s in a church, and he¡¯s shouting¡­


    After the priest¡¯s other lines¡­


    .


    .


    .


    ¡± You may now kiss the bride¡± Keian grinned at me and wrapped his arms on my waist to bring my body close to him.


    ¡± I¡¯ve been waiting for this¡­¡± Our lips slowly closed on each other.

 #Book 2 Chapter 36

    ¡± Congrats!¡± Katie and Zeke greeted Kei and me, who¡¯s standing beside me.


    We returned to the hotel because that¡¯s the reception where food is located.


    The program just ended, and we¡¯re visiting each table to thank the people who went to our wedding.


    ¡± Thank you!¡± The boys hugged each other with smiles and in a manly way as Katie almost lifted me up when she engulfed me in an embrace.


    ¡± Myghaddd. You¡¯re already married! I thought Kei would never have a wife.¡± Katie and Iughed at her remark, and Kei gave a re in her direction.


    ¡± What do you think of me? Not human? Oh well, I never expected that you and Zeke will end up with each other.¡± Zeke then hugged me next.


    ¡± And why is that, Kei? What¡¯s not to like? I¡¯m handsome, hot, cool, smart, sexy, gorgeous¡ªow!¡± And because I¡¯m the one near Zeke, I pped the back of his neck yfully, and Katie followed my example before he even got to say all the positive subjectplement in the world.


    ¡± I don¡¯t like you at first, you know? You seduced me, and I hate you for that!¡± Katie said to him.


    ¡± What? Why?¡± She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms to her chest.


    ¡± There¡¯s a lot of reason why I don¡¯t like you in the first ce¡­ You¡¯re arrogant¡ª¡± Keian and I looked at each other when Katie started describing Zeke. Mwahahaha.


    Keian smiled and whispered in my ear.


    ¡± Let¡¯s get out of here before they start fighting¡­¡± I agreed with his idea then we walked towards another table, holding hands.


    To the table where the maids in the mansion are seated, including manang and the agents we met.


    Commander Levi and Semil are the first ones who approached us.


    ¡± Congrats on your wedding.¡± Commander Levi professionally greeted with a smile.


    I shook his hand, and Keian did the same. Commander Semil also greeted his congrattions.


    ¡± Thank you foring,¡± I said to the two of them.


    While Keian talked with themanders, I turned my attention to Ema, Jane, Roxy, and Manang.


    ¡± Ateeee!¡± Roxy excitedly eximed.


    ¡± Roxyyy,¡± I said her name in the same manner.


    She jumped in front of me joyously.


    ¡± You¡¯re really so pretty, ate. Congrats!!!¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s right, Nass. You beat the celebrities¡¯ looks.¡± I winced at Ema.


    ¡± Don¡¯t exaggerate. We only have the same level of beauty.¡±


    ¡± Haist, don¡¯t be so humble, Nassandra!¡± Jane then said.


    ¡± Oh, what will I do with all of you girls. All of you are pretty.¡± Manang eximed so we all looked at her.


    The three maidens looked at each other, then simultaneously said;Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡± You too, manang!¡± We allughed and talked to each other until I felt Keian¡¯s hand on my waist.


    ¡± Oy!¡± I uttered in shock at him suddenly appearing. He kissed my cheeks then stuffed his face on my neck.


    ¡± Let¡¯s get out of here immediately.¡± He whispered. I furrowed my eyebrows at him and put distance between us.


    ¡± There¡¯s still so much visitors. We haven¡¯t even greeted everyone.¡± He grinned at me.


    ¡± Eh, I can¡¯t wait to spend¡ªoof¡± He got cut off from what he was saying when I pulled him to the groomsmen¡¯s table.


    ¡± Finally! You¡¯ve decided to show to us. It looked like you even had a n of leaving early.¡± Steven said, then he engulfed me in an embrace.


    ¡± Nassss! Why did you marry Keiii? Don¡¯t you know his real attitude? Just stay with me, okay?¡± I justughed when Steven weep in front of us.


    Keian¡¯s expression became cold as he immediately separated the two of us.


    ¡± What did you say, Cortez?¡± Steven just narrowed his eyes at Keianm, then stuck his tongue out.


    ¡± You¡ª!¡± I dragged the two of them and approached the others by the table.


    ¡± You look great in white, Del Luna. You can be the whitedy by a balete tree.¡± Dale said while smirking.


    I pouted at him.


    ¡± You¡¯re too much!¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t listen to Dale, Nass. You really look great.¡± Maxence then said.


    I became happy at what he said. We¡¯re often speaking to each other now whenever we¡¯re meeting in the mansion. He now cared about his surroundings¡­


    ¡± Thank you, Maxence.¡±


    ¡± Mama!¡± I turned in the direction of the voice.


    ¡± Brylle!¡± From Kuya Kayden and Diego, he ran towards me.


    ¡± Diego!¡± The man smiled widely when I called his name.


    He traveled to another country, so this is the only time I saw him again.


    I carried Brylle and hugged him and his father.


    ¡± You¡¯re missing me too much already.¡± He teased.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t even call once when you¡¯re out of the country. How can I not miss you?!¡± I grouchily remarked. Heughed then pat my head.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry. I just became busy.¡±


    ¡± But Papa Diego, you said that you get rested very well in ahsjashjsjakmmmp,¡± Diego took Brylle from me and hugged him, putting the child¡¯s face on his clothes to prevent him from exposing the former further.


    ¡± Brylle, my son. Didn¡¯t you know? I was busy, baby.¡± I just raised my eyebrows at Diego.


    ¡± Give Brylle back to me! You¡¯re snatching him away.¡± I eximed and took Brylle back, who justughed at how we¡¯re passing him like a ball.


    ¡± Luh, Nass! That¡¯s my son, eh.¡±


    ¡± Hihihi.¡± Diego was about to get Brylle again, but someone else carried the child, it¡¯s not me.


    ¡± Let me have Brylle. End of argument.¡± Kuya Kayden stated.


    Diego and I both pouted at what Kuya Kayden did while Brylle kissed on all our cheeks.


    ¡± I love you too, Mama, Papa Diego!¡± He energetically said that made the two of us smile.


    ¡± How ¡¯bout me, Brylle? Don¡¯t you love me?¡± Keian suddenly appeared beside me and asked Brylle.


    I shut my eyes closed because I almost screamed in shock.


    I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m so jumpy today¡­


    ¡± Of course, Tito Kei! I love you too!¡±


    ¡± What about me, Brylle?¡± Devon asked with shining eyes.


    Brylle stared at him and went into deep thought.


    I then saw Devon¡¯s smile disappeared, and his expression became gloomy.


    ¡± A, that¡¯s alright, Devon.¡± Dale teasingly said. Devon looked at him with a re.


    ¡± W-Why? I¡¯m not affected, FYI.¡± He said in a nk tone, and we all know that¡¯s not what he¡¯s feeling.


    ¡± It¡¯s okay, Tito Devon. I love you too!¡± Devon¡¯s mouth straightened when he heard what Brylle said.


    Preventing his self from smiling. Hihi.


    ¡± G-Good to know,¡± We allughed at Devon¡¯s reply.


    I saw Erick approaching Keian and me, then he hugged the two of us at the same time.


    ¡± Congrats, Nass, Kei.¡± He happily greeted.


    ¡± Thank you, big guy. But please, can you let go? I-I can¡¯t breathe,¡± Erick released the two of us, patted our heads then sat on his chair.


    ¡± Uwahhh,¡¯ Keian and I looked at Tiya, who¡¯s carrying Kathriane.


    ¡± Oh, Nass. She won¡¯t stop crying.¡± I smiled at Tiya Anne then carried Kathriane in my arms. Keian gets closer to me.


    ¡± Why my child? Why are you crying?¡± I talked to her though she¡¯s still not talking.


    She suddenly stopped crying and smiled when she saw me. She also looked at Keian, and her smile widened.


    ¡± Can I hold her?¡± Keian asked.


    ¡± Of course, Kei.¡±


    I gave Kathriane to him, who has shimmering eyes while looking at our daughter.


    The maids in the mansion, manang, tiya, William, and even our friends in the mafia surrounded Keian and Kathriane.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Are you sure you don¡¯t want to stay at our estate? Kei? Nass?¡± Keian heaved out a sigh and nodded in Tito Andre¡¯s direction.


    ¡± You know very well why I don¡¯t want us to stay at your house, right?¡± I blushed at what Keian said while Tito Andreughed.


    ¡± Alright, alright. Don¡¯t be so wild, okay? Don¡¯t break the whole house down. This building is small¡­¡±


    My eyes widened.


    ¡± Tito!¡± I eximed. Keian just smirked, and Tito Andre winked at me.


    ¡± What? I¡¯m just saying, hija.¡± I pouted my lips at Tito Andre.


    ¡± And Tito. How can you say this building is small? 10 elephants can already live here!¡± I remarked. It¡¯s really not small, you know? Titoughed again.


    ¡± Yes, Nass. This is still small.¡± My mouth gaped at what he said.


    ¡± Oh, well. I¡¯ll take my leave now. Bon s¨¦jour ici en France! Au revoir!(Enjoy your stay here in France! Bye!)¡± After Tito said that, he immediately left the house.


    ¡± Our things are already arranged, so we don¡¯t need to bother ourselves with that anymore.¡± Keian suddenly whispered huskily in my ear.


    I looked at him and widely smiled.


    ¡± Is that so? Come on, bring me the tourist spots.¡± His mouth closed straight and his eyebrows almost met.


    ¡± No, let¡¯s stay here. Just until we¡ª¡±


    ¡± You said you¡¯ll tour me around, right? Let¡¯s go already. I¡¯m so excited, Kei. I¡¯ll change my clothes first, okay?¡±


    ¡± But¡ª¡±


    I continuously cut off what he¡¯s saying then I entered the bathroom while carrying my bag containing my clothes.

 #Book 2 Chapter 37

    Warning: Some slightly wild scenes, hehe.


    I took a deep breath when Keian squeezed my hips.


    ¡± Hmm,¡± He slightly growled in my ear.


    I held his hands and gave him a threatening look.


    ¡± We¡¯re in a public ce, Keian!¡¯ We¡¯re now in front of the Eiffel Tower while Keian is hugging me from behind.


    ¡± I¡¯m not even doing anything¡­¡± He said with a deep voice that sent shivers down my spine.


    I red at him with red cheeks.


    Keian¡¯s been clinging to me and always doing¡­ something ever since we left the house we¡¯re supposed to stay to in our two weeks here in France for our honeymoon. Arghhh.


    He¡¯s always making me¡­


    Making me feel¡­


    You know.


    He¡¯s teasing!


    I blushed even more at what I¡¯m saying in my mind.


    ¡± Huhuhu.¡± I groaned and separated myself from Keian.


    ¡± Hahaha!¡± I faced him when heughed.


    ¡± You think this is funny?¡± I asked, irritated.


    The jerk just smirked at me.


    ¡± What are you talking about?¡± He asked in a challenging voice.


    ¡± You keep on¡ª immmpph,¡± I covered my own mouth with my hand to stop what I was saying and ruffled my own hair.


    Hisugh got louder.


    I walked ahead of him.


    ¡± It¡¯s your fault, Nass. You know I¡¯m dying to im you!¡± I stopped walking when Keian¡¯s words echoed in the whole area.


    I looked at my surroundings with unexined embarrassment, and almost all of the people are looking in our direction.


    I went back to Keian and swiftly pulled him away, where we made a scene.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡± Do you need to shout?¡± I felt him casually just looking at me while I dragged him.


    ¡± What? They might not know English, you know?¡¯ I almost cried at what my husband is doing.


    ¡± Eh, what if they know how to speak English?¡± I looked back at him, and he just smirked again.


    *sigh mournfully*


    I pulled him to somece just to get away from the ce where he shouted.


    Until a french man carrying a DSLR camera stopped us from walking.


    ¡± Excuse me,¡± He said. It¡¯s apparent that he¡¯s having a hard time in English.


    I smiled at the man.


    ¡± Oui? Avez-vous besoin de quelque chose?(Yes? Do you need something?)¡± I think he felt relieved when he found out I can speak French.


    ¡± Parfait! Puis-je prendre une photo de toi, belle? Je pense que vous ferez partie int¨¦grante d¡¯un album que je cr¨¦e¡­(Perfect! Can I take a picture of you, beautiful? I think you¡¯ll be a great part of an album I¡¯m creating¡­)¡± I noticed that Keian¡¯s forehead wrinkled and was about to speak to the man, but I covered his mouth with my hand.


    ¡± D¡¯ord! Je serai heureux aussi(Okay! I¡¯ll be d too.)¡± Kei nned toin, but I already went closer to the photographer.


    The man took pictures of me from different angles in front of the Eiffel Tower while Keian¡¯s ring at the oblivious man.


    *ting*


    I slightly smiled when I thought of an idea.


    The photoshoot finished, and the man showed me the pictures.


    ¡± Vous ¨ºtes belle madame, merci beaucoup. Je vais y aller!(You¡¯re beautiful, madam, thank you so much. I¡¯ll get going!).¡± I also thanked the man and gave my attention to Keian, whose eyes are glued to the photographer.


    I held his cheeks and turned his head to me.


    ¡± C¡¯mon, let¡¯s get going too¡­¡± He turned his re at me but lets me pull him away.


    ¡± Ow, wait¡­¡± I faced him, and I put my lips in front of his, almost touching.


    His eyes widened, and his gaze went to my lips.


    ¡± Keian¡­¡± I mumbled his name.


    His eyes were still wide, and he was about to make our lips touch. But I stepped back and touched his chest.


    ¡± You look so handsome, baby.¡±


    ¡± What?¡± I stayed silent and didn¡¯t give a reply, walking ahead of him.


    ¡ª


    ¡± Baby¡­¡± He growled, frustrated when I put my hands on his right thigh.


    We¡¯re currently sitting beside each other inside a restaurant, waiting for our food.


    ¡± What?¡± I innocently asked.


    He raised an eyebrow at me then took a very deep breath.


    ¡± Nass.¡± He¡¯s now the one who¡¯s close to crying when my name left his lips.


    Well, I¡¯ve been¡­ teasing him for a long time now.


    Did he think he¡¯s the only one who can do that?


    Ha! If he can, then I can too.


    I squeezed his thigh, and I heard him hissed.


    I admit. He has a muscr thigh.


    ¡± Voici votre nourriture, madame, monsieur (Here¡¯s your food, ma¡¯am, sir)¡± My smile widened when a waitress arrived with our food.


    ¡± Ow, merci¡ª¡±


    Before the waitress even got to ce the tes, I saw Keian took out some money and lowered it on the table, then he dragged me out of the restaurant.


    ¡± K-Keian?¡± I faced him, and he has a dark expression.


    My heart beats faster.


    ¡± W-Where are we going?¡±


    ¡± Going back to our house.¡± I looked at him, wide eyes, and tried to free myself from his grip.


    ¡± Keian, our food, I want to eat alre¡ª¡±


    ¡± Nass¡­¡± He threatened. I repeatedly blinked in confusion and decided to stay silent.


    He opened the door for me, and I entered the car that Tito Andre lend him.


    He also entered, and I just stared at him.


    He gazed at me, panting, then he tousled his hair.


    The inside of the car stayed silent for about 5 minutes.


    ¡± Kei¡ªow!¡± My eyes widened because when I opened my mouth, he brought his face close to me. Too close.


    I examined his face.


    ¡± Doing all those things to me¡­ in public.¡± He coldly stated.


    ¡± E-Eh, you started it first.¡± He looked at me with a re for so long before a devilish smile appeared on his face.


    I suddenly got nervous.


    He put distance between us and started driving.

 #Book 2 Chapter 38

    ¡± H-Hey, what are you going to do?¡± He stayed silent from that time until we reached the house.


    Keian came out of the car first, and when I was about to open the door to my side, Keian locked the vehicle.


    I looked at Keian with a confused look as he turned to my side and unlocked the door with a cold expression.


    He opened my door for me, and I looked at him as if he¡¯s a crazy man.


    ¡± Yes, I¡¯m crazy. Crazy for you.¡± My body stilled.


    I didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡± I can see it in your face; you¡¯re asking if I¡¯m crazy, yeyeye. Now hop on my back.¡± I didn¡¯t move because I¡¯m super bewildered right now.


    ¡± Eh? You don¡¯t need to¡ªKEIANNN!¡± I screamed when he surprisingly carried me like a sack.


    ¡± Just sniff my amazing body smell and shut your mouth.¡± My face went nk at what he said.


    ¡± Remind me to never tease you again; you¡¯re getting worst,¡± I remarked.


    ¡± What the¨C Keian!?¡± I almost cursed when he smacked my behind.


    ¡± I¡¯m getting worst, huh? Then I¡¯m going to show you the worst me.¡± My heart beats faster, and I can¡¯t help but gulp.


    We went inside one of the rooms inside the house, and he lowered me to the bed. Then he removed his top clothes.


    ¡± K-Keian.¡± He smirked at me then removed his pants next.


    UwU


    I unconsciously stared at his body.


    Until he removed ALL of his clothes.


    ¡®Ohmyghaddd!¡¯


    I just want to scream right here, in front of Keian.


    I turned my gaze away from him and lowered my head.


    I felt him climbed to the bed and approached me.


    ¡± Nass.¡± He growled.


    Shems.


    He held my cheeks and made my eyes look at him.


    There¡¯s a fire in his eyes. Filled with lust and love.


    He squeezed my waist and brought our faces near each other.


    ¡± Mmmmhh,¡± I mumbled when our lips touched.


    He slightly parted our lips and looked straight into my eyes.


    ¡± Keian.¡± I held his nape and thought of kissing his neck.


    I heard his breaths quickened.


    ¡± You know I¡¯ve been feeling like this since yesterday.¡± He said, frustrated.


    ¡± Hmmm.¡± Is my only answer.


    My hands went to his chest, down to his abs, and lowered on his¡­ (you know what that is hehe ;P)


    ¡± Oh, sh8t.¡± He moaned.


    The heat I¡¯m feeling for Keian gradually increased.


    Our eyes found each other again, and our lips met.


    ¡± This is going to be a great night, baby.¡± I smiled while our lips are still on each other.


    ¡± Yeah¡­¡± I responded.


    He grinned at me, but his expression suddenly turned cold.


    ¡± I still remember what you did.¡± He huskily whispered in my ears.


    I just waited for what he¡¯s going to do to me.


    His hands went to my clothes, and he suddenly ripped them apart.


    ¡± You¡¯re so beautiful, Nass.¡±


    I let out a breath that I didn¡¯t know I was holding in.


    His hands wander in my body as he kissed every part of me.


    ¡± Keian¡­¡±


    ¡± Let¡¯s have fun, Nass.¡± I put my hands on Keian¡¯s hair and nodded.


    ¡ª


    Keian¡¯s POV


    Iid down on the bed, panting.


    My eyes turned to Nass, whose eyes are closed like she¡¯s savoring what just happened.


    I smiled.


    Our hands entangled, causing her to open her eyes and look at me.


    ¡± That was great,¡± I said softly enough for her to hear.


    She smiled genuinely. Then she went closer to me and hugged me.


    My heart beats fast whenever she¡¯s near or if she¡¯s with me.


    I inhaled deeply and hugged her back.


    ¡± Yes, Keian. That was great¡± she leaned on my chest, and I can feel her breath on my skin.


    Oh, no. Not again, I know she¡¯s tired already¡­


    ¡± I¡¯m already tired Keian, are you still not done?¡± She whined when she felt the thing that will cause me a problemter.


    ¡± What can I do, baby? You¡¯re here with me. I can feel your body, tell me, what am I supposed¡ª¡± I stopped speaking when she separated from me andid on one side of the bed.


    I gasped.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Why did you do that?¡± I asked.


    ¡± If you can¡¯t contain your¡­ what you¡¯re feeling, then I¡¯ll stay here.¡± I frowned.


    ¡± What? Okay, no. I won¡¯t feel that already, soe back here.¡± She looked back at me, smiled thenid on her side. The only I can see is her back.


    I narrowed my eyes at her back.


    ¡± Hayst.¡± I sighed and rolled to her side.


    ¡± Ow Keian!¡± My eyes widened when I rolled too much, causing us to fell on the floor.


    Good thing I changed our position in time so she won¡¯t hit the floor.


    Iughed when I felt the pain of falling down.


    ¡± Keian!¡± Nass eximed, then pped my arm.


    I fell down, and I get to be pped¡­


    ¡± I was already on the edge of the bed, and you still tried to squeeze your way. Why???¡± I just stared at her. Memorizing every part of her face.


    She repeatedly blinked.


    ¡± Keiranz Andrew Marques!!!¡± I smiled sweetly at her.


    ¡± Yes, baby?¡± She can¡¯t help but p her forehead and cover her face with her hands.


    I held her waist and took her hands away from her face.


    ¡± Why cover your face when you¡¯re so beautiful?¡± I can see she blushed at my question.


    ¡± E-eh¡­¡± I put my hand on her cheeks.


    ¡± I love you so much, Nass¡± she lovingly looked at me.


    ¡± Mahal na mahal din kita, my husband¡± I immediately smiled at what I heard. ( I purposely left this phrase in Tagalog. It means I love you so much too¡­ \^-^/)


    ¡± Thank you, my wife, for staying with me.¡±


    ¡ª


    Back to Nassandra¡¯s POV


    5:30 AM


    ¡± Keian, where do you want to go¡ª¡± I stopped walking when I saw Keian standing and staring nkly outside our room. Specifically at the living room of the house.


    My brows furrowed, and I went closer to him.


    I held his arms and looked too at where he¡¯s looking.


    My jaw dropped when I saw someone inside the house we¡¯re in. I mean, I saw everyone¡­


    Zeke, Katie, Theo, Laiza, ra, Maxence, Devon, Steven, Erick, Dale, Kuya Kayden and Kuya Khalil, even Diego is here.


    All of them are asleep.


    The girls are sleeping on the couch while the boys are either sitting on the floor or lying.


    ¡± Baby,¡± Keian called, so I looked at him. Still in disbelief at what I just saw.


    ¡± Can you get my gun?¡± He coldly asked.


    ¡± Uhmmm, why?¡± His eyes wander at the people in the living room.


    ¡± I¡¯m going to kill all these bastards¡­¡± He said with a dark expression.


    I checked if he¡¯s just joking or what, but I noticed that his fists are clenched so tight, and he¡¯s even gritting his teeth.


    Oh, he¡¯s serious.


    I winced and approached the people sleeping.


    ¡± Huuuuyyy, wake up! Hurry!¡± I said to them while shaking their bodies.


    ¡± Noooo. It¡¯s too early. Let us sleep.¡± Zeke groggily eximed.


    I scratched the back of my head and went to Katie.


    ¡± Katie, wake up!¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t bother me!¡± She angrily shouted.


    I sighed and eyed Keian, who is trying to keep his cool and not explode.


    ¡± Guys! Wake up! If you don¡¯t want to die! Why are you all even here?!¡± I shouted while still shaking the others to wake up.


    Others mumbled, and some didn¡¯t even answer me.


    I noticed that Keian went back to our room to get something.


    My eyes widened, and I tried to wake our sleeping friends even more.


    Keian came out of the room, and he¡¯s now carrying his gun.


    ¡± Hay! Don¡¯t me me if something happened to all of you!¡± I remarked and returned to Keian¡¯s side.


    ¡± Do whatever you want,¡± I said to Keian while pouting.


    He nodded, and he pulled the safety of the gun.


    I sat down on the bed since I can still see what will happen outside.


    The others curiously opened their eyes to see where does the sound of preparing the gun ising from.


    ¡± Are you going to wake up or not?¡± Keian softly but coldly asked.


    The people outside realized what¡¯s happening, and they all almost stood up at the same time as their stance, are like those of soldiers.


    ¡± Why are you all here?!¡± He asked while looking at them with a fierce re.


    I saw that the others started to get nervous.


    ¡± U-Uhmm, we can exin, Kei.¡± Said Zeke.


    Keian just red at him.


    ¡± We just want to be with the two of you, okay?¡± Kuya Kayden said.


    My eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡± But we¡¯re on our honeymoon!¡± Keian and I stated at the same time.


    ¡± Can you me us? We just missed you so much!¡± Steven then dered.


    ¡± You will go out of this house, or you¡¯re going to die? Choose.¡± The others immediately ran towards the door.


    ¡± We¡¯ll just go out, okay? Not leave.¡± I heard Dale uttered.


    ¡± Arghh!¡± Keian put his hand on his temple and looked at me.


    He froze when he saw me.


    ¡± W-Why are you crying, baby? Is it because of those¡ª¡±


    ¡± No, it¡¯s not that.¡± His eyebrows met as he went to my side.


    ¡± Then why are you crying? Please tell me.¡± I gazed at him with tears falling on my face and held his cheeks.


    ¡± I¡¯m just feeling so lucky. Because I have you, I have Tiya, I have Brylle, I have my brother and everyone else that¡¯s part of the mafia. I¡¯m so happy you all became part of me¡± his eyes softened.


    He wiped the tears falling from my eyes.


    ¡± Oh, baby¡­ We¡¯re lucky to have you too. Remember that you¡¯re loved, and we will never leave you alone¡± I smiled at him.


    ¡± Promise?¡± He also smiled.


    ¡± Promise¡­ Come on, let¡¯s talk to them.¡± I took his outstretched hands, and he helped me stand up.


    The two of us walked outside the house, where all of them are waiting.


    Thank you all for reading MAID FOR THE MAFIA BOSS, especially this short-chaptered BOOK 2. Thank you very much!!!


    End.


    ***


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