Chapter 4

After 17 years,

"I believe I'm running low on supplies; what should I do, old man?"

"Follow that woman who came here a few years ago," he said matter-of-factly.

"What? That is not what I asked for; I cannot be under anyone else's control again. I've been fighting for myself, and I'm still alive. So why should I follow her old man?"

"Come, come and sit here," he tapped, and she walked over and sat next to him.

"In this life, we don't always get what we want right away. We have to struggle or fight for it. I'm not trying to evict you from here, Cynthia, but it'd be selfish of me to keep you to myself while you're on a mission.

"What are you trying to say, old man?" I was perplexed.

"You must awaken from your slumber. This would be the start of the real game. "Do you want to avenge your father's death?" He inquired, and I quickly nodded.

"Those men are too powerful for you to avenge, Cynthia; you must enter their world and learn from that woman."

"You must think and be wise." The job offer from that woman is the best one for you. She's handed you a ladder to climb so you can see for yourself.

"Old man, you're old, wise, and a good wordsmith. So, should I ask you a question?"

"Come on, Cynthia!"

"How do you think the best way to exact vengeance on someone?"

"Using what they are most afraid of?"

"What? "Do you mean love?"

"Not everyone is deserving of love."

"Those who cause harm or injury to others do not deserve to be loved." "Love means nothing to them."

"But it's an accessory!" I tacked on.

"You've just gotten it."

"For some, what they fear the most may be more painful than death itself. That way, vengeance will go more smoothly. Cynthia, keep your heart and eyes open, and play your cards wisely.

"Thank you very much, old man!" I'm feeling better now. But I'm sad once more because I don't want to leave you after 12 years."

"I don't want to leave you, but life must go on." We must never give up fighting for what we want."

"I'm so emotional right now," I explained, and the old man handed me tissues to wipe away my tears.

"My noodles are getting cold," the old man said as he walked away.

After so many years, I cried again that day. The old man was correct; I needed to gain powers and have someone train me to be powerful. As previously stated, it would not be easy, but I promise to fight for my father until my last breath.

Dad, I hope you get some rest after that.

Two days later.

"Cynthia, go check who's knocking," said the old man.

I dashed for the door and was surprised to see the same woman after two years.

"May I speak with you in my car?" I nodded as well. I understand that this place is inconvenient for us to talk. So I went after her.

"My name is Camilla Iniesta, which I'm sure you haven't forgotten," she said with a handshake.

Of course, I mean how can I?

"It's good to see you again, Cynthia De'lacruz."

"Is that a compliment, and should I be grateful?" I inquired, irritated.

"Certainly not."

"Can we just get right to the point, why are we here?"

"Sure"

"I'd like you to collaborate with me, Cynthia."

"I understand, but why? Why me?"

"Because you're smart, I've known about you since the first day you're here."

"Have you been following me around?"

"Not really, I have birds all over the place, and that's how I learn about your daily activities." From the time you wake up until you go to bed. What you eat and how you dress."

"Doesn't that constitute trespass?"

"Perhaps! But I require your assistance."

"So, what's the deal?" What exactly is it about?

"You sell drugs for me in exchange for being homeschooled and receiving a salary." Isn't that incredible? And you'll have a roof over your head, too?"

"Does that count as an insult?"

"Don't be a jerk, it was just a bonus, hun." Consider this: you can be my second in command as well, but you'll have to earn it.

Her final statement brought back some dreadful memories. "I was your second in command, your friend, your puppet and yet you betrayed me." That was my father's voice, and I wanted to scream.

"Promise you won't betray me," I asked, not wanting to end up like my father.

"In mafia rule, betrayal is not tolerated. Trust me, I will not betray you, but if you do, I will slit your throat, and I will not hesitate to do so."

"Are you attempting to frighten me?"

"No! It's a forewarning."

"Should we start leaving now?"

"Isn't that a little too quick? I'll need two days to get everything in order."

"Oh, yes! Have it completed within the next 52 hours? Miss Cynthia, have a nice day." I respond and return to the hut.

"Was it a wise decision I made?" I thought to myself as I sat down and awaited my order.

"After I've finished my meal, I drop some cash and head home.

"How did the meeting go?" I was asked.

"It wasn't so bad," I told the old man.

"When are you going to leave?"

"Are you trying to pursue me, old man?"

"No."

"Then?"

"Just curious," he explained as he neatly folded his cloth inside his closet.

"Yes, I see. Anyway, I request two days. At the very least, I need to spend more time with you."

"Oh, thank you so much. I'm going to miss you." He admits it.

"I will miss you as well, but don't worry, I will always come over to see you.

"Really!"

"Of course," I say.

~

"Please take care of yourself, Cynthia; I love you." Before walking me out to the car, the old man said and pecked my cheeks.

"I love you as well, old man. Eat healthily and go to bed early. Don't worry, I'll always come to see you "I spoke up, and he nodded. We parted ways after saying our final goodbyes.

He was everything to me until he reminded me that I had a mission to complete. I will be eternally grateful to him.

"Should we go?" Camilla Iniesta inquired, and I responded with a nod.

We both got out of the car when it came to a stop. My load was taken away from me, and my new boss was greeted by security.

She leads me in and welcomes me back into her home. It was a lovely home; I can't remember the last time I saw one.

She took me on a tour of the house, introducing me to each room. The last stop was the store. It was crammed with a slew of powerful, high-priced drugs. Some of their names I couldn't even say.

"We have powder cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, magic mushrooms, heroin, methadone, amphetamines, methamphetamines, cannabis, ketamine, mephedrone, tranquilizers, and anabolic steroids here." She kept mentioning it, and I had lost count.

"Wow, this is a lot. Do you buy it or does someone make it for you?"

"Yes, we have people who make them for us," she explained.

"This is marijuana and pain relievers." They have a high consumption rate here, and it sells well."

"Oh, I see," I say.

"And cannabis accounts for half of our revenue."

"Does it sell better?"

"Yeah,

"Thank you, Cynthia." I won't repeat the rules because you already know them. "I'm hoping you'll become my favorite PA."

"Of course, ma'am."

"All right, come on in and let me show you to your room; you must be exhausted."

"Yes thank you."

"Your classes begin the following day as well."

"Pardon"

"Yes, Cynthia, you need to be educated in order to understand more about this; we travel around the world meeting with our opponents, having meetings, and signing contracts. Your vocabulary will also be improved. I'm sure you're a quick study."

"Here is your room, make yourself at home," she said as soon as we arrived at the door.

Everything was new to me; was I really prepared for all of this? Well, the decision has already been made, and there is no turning back. I am willing to go to any length to have a revenge back one day.

I took a bath and changed into one of my usual black outfits. I was always at ease in it. Everything around me was dark, and luckily, even the room I was given was dark, which I prefer. It simply provides me with the desired peace of mind.

Nothing ever mystified me, so life was never merciful me. I was always stone cold, and whenever I think about how my father was murdered, I really want to strangle someone. Life is so unfair! That is why I will never again keep anyone as a friend.

I wish I could be the happy sweet girl my father dreams of, I wish I could be the real architect I aspire to be, but all my dreams crumble in a flash. For the first time in 17 years, I look in the mirror. Have matured into full-fledged adults. I couldn't look any longer. I recall checking the mirror the last time I was getting ready for school and my dad yelled my name downstairs.

I remember drawing my dad's face in class that day; unfortunately, I couldn't show him the surprise again, and I remember that little boy who became my friend that day; I was happy to have made a new friend that day, even though I lost him; I was hoping to see him the next day. I look down at the ring he gave me, and a single tear falls down my chin. I can't believe I still have it, despite the fact that it no longer fits in my hand. I put it on a chain and wear it around my neck. I'd like to see my little buddy again. I miss my former self. But it died along with my father a long time ago, when they were both burned.

When the doorbell rang, I quickly wiped away my tears. Andrew Corona advised me not to let my emotions weaken me; instead, I should always act strong. I smiled and stood up to walk to the door.

"You should come down for dinner," one of the many workers I met earlier suggested.

"Okay, thank you."

I followed suit and was surprised to see the table full of various varieties, with only the Boss seated and the entire seat empty.

"You should come with me and have your dinner," Mrs Camilla suggested.

"It's an honor, Ma'am, thank you." I appreciated it and agreed to join her. I was nervous at first, but she quickly put me at ease by introducing me to her company.

"How do you live apart from this?" I inquired because I had heard they had other work to do to cover up their underground dirt.

"I have a cosmetic plaza and other branches in countries such as the United States, Dubai, Italy, and Cairo." You don't know who I am, so you won't be aware of my other venture." She exclaimed proudly. "So don't worry, you're safe here." She continued.

"You haven't mentioned your organization's name." I reminded them.

"Oh, we tried to keep it hidden from the rest of the world because of my reputation, but you needed to know."

"Lord of the Rings," she said and I try to recall where I'd heard the name before.

"Have you ever heard that?" When she asked, I immediately said no. I don't want to start making a scene just yet. I needed to rethink the name.

The Lord of the Rings!