I supposed it was this whole incident that was driving me crazy because my legs were continuously shaking under the table. Josh was sitting right in front of me. Kye was nowhere to be seen. He was probably drooling in sleep while Josh was here trying to talk.
After Kye and Josh were done talking and showering, Josh called me downstairs saying he has something important to talk about.
What’s going on? I beg to know. Josh wasn’t being like himself and that was scaring me.
“Are you hurt anywhere?” He asked as his arms were crossed over one another and his legs were continuously shaking.
Damn. That’s what he is asking me after all this time. “No, not really. What about you? And who are those people? Why did they try to kidnap me?” I was in haste in case I lose my mind.
He grinned usually, “I have a debt. I thought you should know about this.”
“What debt?”
“A few years ago, when I lost my first job I had to invest some money to start my new business. And at that time my pocket barely had anything. So it forced me to go to some people and make them lend me some money. I tried my best to pay it off but the amount never seemed to lessen. They threatened me to hurt my family so I threatened them back and here we are.”
He said his words all so perfectly. As if he was telling a perfectly made story. “They knew you were my only family here in Japan so they were going to take you away to force me to repay my debt.”
“Are you- are you lying? You hid this whole thing from me?” I was in disbelief. Though I knew I couldn’t be of any help in this case I didn't expect him to hide such a thing from me.
I never knew what kind of a job Josh had. He never bothered to tell me nor did I dare to ask. Josh might be sick in his heart but he had unfillable wounds on the outside. People look at him and walk away immediately.
I never thought that he would do such a thing and hide it from me especially when he knew I hate secrets kept between us.
He was calm. None of this matters to him. “I tried my best not to but you have to understand that I do it for your sake.” He said. “Your life is in danger and those people are still looking for you. Listen to this one last time, please, go to the US.”
“Josh, can you hear yourself? You are telling me to leave you here?” Tears were running down my cheeks.
“I talked to Steve. You’ll be fine. He said you can share a room with Nabi, your friend, and start a job there. You can finally do the major you’ve always wanted.” His face was lit up as if he was getting rid of me.
“Are you getting rid of me? Do you think I can’t help you in this situation?” I argued back.
“No, it’s only because I don’t want you to get hurt in this dirty business. Please, try to understand. When I am done dealing with them. You can come back.”
“And you’re going to do that all alone?”
“No, Kye is here and Steve agreed to help me. And I have tons of helping hands. Don’t worry.”
I sighed. Considering his idea for a moment. It’s selfish for me to leave him here in that condition of his health but I can’t help it. If I stay here any longer I’ll put his life in line including mine. I trust Kye to be with him and Steve to help both of them.
I want to stay and help but I’d be a nuisance if I do so. It makes me feel useless yet still. I should do what is needed.
I looked him in the eyes. Those brown pools same as mine. “It hurts to leave you here.” I finally broke down in tears.
Kye emerged from the bedroom, yawning. He got startled seeing me and became awkward at once.
Josh brushed my cheeks with his fingers. “And it hurts me too.”
When our parents died in a car accident on the night of his birthday, he and our uncle Steve was the one to take care of us. I never felt orphan. I never felt the need to sacrifice my desires in order to have financial stability because Josh had always made sure to treat me as if the world was on its knees. Though I felt a void of my parents Steve and Josh never made me feel lonely.
Steve moved to California and Josh stayed with his job. Josh stayed by my side, making sure I had everything I needed. But when Josh was seven he has diagnosed with cancer. He paid for his own meds growing up but he was the most of my worries.
Now I had to leave him in such a situation where his cancer and debt were eating his soul away.
–
I hate farewells with the people I love most. And having to leave Josh was painful. He was my brother and my companion and I was leaving him. I guess it’d be useful for him.
I left Japan with too many tears and bags. Kye drove me to the airport because I insisted Josh not come. If I see his face at the last minute I might just not go. I hugged Kye and left as soon as I can.
Upon arriving I waited for Nabi and Steve. The humidity in the US was quite different. It was much colder. The people looked busy and they always seemed to have to go somewhere.
I stood at the corner waiting for both of them. Rubbing my sides I looked around. They were nowhere to be found. I called their number again and again yet no one picked up.
I sighed. Steve is the owner of the apartment Nabi lives in. And both of them are great troublemakers. I can’t believe what I have to go through with this duo.
I heard someone honking at me. Looking back I saw Nabi and Steve in a convertible car. Steve was wearing all the colors there were in the world and Nabi was no different. Honking and hooting me they were being so loud. Showing all of that excitement was no good because everyone at the airport was looking at me.
“What in the world is this?” I whispered. Covering my face with my hair slightly, I got in the car.
Here we go.
—
“C’mon, man. You are such a workaholic person.” Nabi whined from behind me.
I sighed. After setting in the apartment I quickly told Steve to look for a job for me. He agreed and I was soon recruited in a small cafe. The workers there were so generous and kind. It’s been 12 days exactly since I came from Japan and this is my first day.
Nabi was nagging me to go shopping with her because my clothes were too little for her liking. When I refused she started whining for the whole day.
If I was going to be here, I’m going to work my butt off. And when I am done I’m leaving for Japan.
“Doesn’t matter. Let me go and I’ll go with you at the weekend.” I said.
“You sure? No excuses on that then?” She asked.
“No excuses,” I said and headed off for work.
—
In California, this was the Ojai side. It is a beautiful countryside spread on mountains and pure water bodied. The people were admirable and generous. The hills and the small cafes and bookshops were the epitomai of beauty.
I finished my first shift today. I was surprised I didn’t struggle at all. Today I had shifted with my colleague, Sara Smith who was two years older than me. Before the cafe opened, we talked about many things and she seemed like a very chill-minded person. Though she had a cold expression on her face, she was very likable to me.
We had many common likes and dislikes. She also told me about her Jiujitsu career. She knows how to fight and she even told me about how she took down a gang of thugs. She had an extremely unbothered attitude which made me feel very safe. She was tall with short hair hanging on her neck.
I felt really comfortable around her.
We were walking. Sara insisted to take me back to the house. I agreed.
“Nice, I love nights here in Ojai. No lights, no people, very quiet.” She said.
“Are there no people here? I’m scared then.” I said while holding her arm.
“What are you scared of? Ghosts?” She asked.
“Yeah, like spirits and stuff. You know.” I said
“Honey, the only thing people should be scared of here are humans. God forbid, the spirits are afraid to roam these streets because of him.”
“Who is he?” I asked.
“No one. I do not want to scare you so early.” She said,
“Well, you already scared me,” I said scooching a little closer to her. Yeah, I was a scaredy-cat.
“Did I? Shoot sorry.” She chuckled.
“Tell me, who are you talking about?” I asked as my curiosity fueled up.
“I’m talking about The Carnival.” She said.
“Carnival? What is that?”
“A gang. Horrifying they are. They’ve been around here and ruled some places in Bhutan, Pakistan, Germany, and China. Their business are all around the world for ages but they live mainly here. These are some real confidential topics for you to know. Everybody fears them yet no one utters their name. They rule here. Though there is peace and they keep a safe barrier between civilians and them.” She sighed.
“Woah, that is… scary.” This was alarming for me. I’ve always been scared of people like these and prayed to make sure I do not get involved with people like them.
“I know but forget about it. They are mostly invisible. Anyways, can I take you to a party tomorrow?”
“A party?” I asked.
“Yeah, a party of my friend. You should find a social circle. I should help you with that.”
“I don’t really like parties,” I said. I hate parties.
“You are going to change your mind.”
–
I have never been to a party this lavish before because all that caught my eye were shiny necks and cups of expensive wine. The house was everything I could imagine in a life of eternal luxury. Diamonds here and there, costly dresses and suits, and expensive words. I didn’t know if this was a place I wanted to be in.
Sara dragged me to a corner soon after I arrived and made a shocked expression. “How in the world did you change overnight? Why do you look so magnificent?”
I smiled awkwardly, “ I don’t know, Nabi chose this for me. She was excited that I was going to a party.”
“Well, you should’ve taken her with you, as well. It would’ve been fun.” She said while handing me a glass of wine.
“Sara, I don’t drink,” I said and shoved the drink away.
She scowled and put it away. “C’mon, it’s just one night.”
“No, I can’t. I have to leave soon as well.”
“Huh? Why–.” Before she finished her sentence she was dragged away by someone into a conversation.
I decided to wait for her outside. I felt kind of uncomfortable as I felt someone was looking at me all along.
The house was unbelievably big. I lost my way. I kept walking at the same pace but sometimes I found a master bedroom or a garden or a kitchen. I walked here and there and finally, I came across a swimming pool.
I sighed. This place was so quiet. I could still hear the chaos from outside but they were muffled. The sky was clear. No sign of stars. I looked around me. There were chairs and a swing and in a small corner, there were various flowers. This place was nice and peaceful.
As I was enjoying my own company peacefully, I suddenly heard footsteps behind me. Before I could turn around, my legs slipped, and before I knew it I fell into the pool. My eyes were closed but when I opened them, my whole body went numb. I am terrified of water.
I tried to swim but I couldn’t move my legs. My hands were trying to grab the surface but they fell short as if I was being sucked into the bottom. My throat was burning from the lack of oxygen. My surrounding started to darken.
A splash!
I felt a hand grabbing onto my arms and pulling me. I opened my eyes but not being able to comprehend the figure I grabbed them as well and tried to push my way out. But their strength alone pulled me out as I breathed all I could. My eyes were closed but I felt a hand on my waist.
As I opened my eyes, I felt like I drowned again. Two dark orbs were piercing my soul. It was a man and his proximity was enough to make me breathless again. He was very close. His hands were tightly on my waist and the other held my head to keep the balance. As I fully regained consciousness, I tried to move away from him but I almost fell inside again as he held me quickly.
Those dark steely eyes had captivating intentions on them. As if a sinner was drowned in water.
His eyes were concerned. Concerned about how stupid I could be. He helped me up. I looked at him still in the water. He was dripping wet and his mullet ran down his neck. He got out of the water. I stood up to thank him but before I could, he took long strides and walked away as if nothing happened.
I tried to remember his details. Black hair, Black eyes, and a huge body. He also had a tattoo on his back which was visible as his white shirt disappeared from his body. Magnificent.
Who is he? I urged myself to remember the familiar feeling when it hit me hard. He was the guy I insulted. Not really him. But I insulted his men when I was in the street. Why is he here?
I have to keep myself guarded if I were to go to a party of the Evans. I have hated that man since my father formed a treaty between our families. His arrogance was impotent and so was he. His daughter was the one to throw a party during this winter season. I had worked with an excuse that I won’t be able to go but my father was so very adamant about making me attend this time-wasting spot. I felt he had the idea of trying to wed me off with someone like her. I’d rather throw her off a cliff than marry her because the world would be benefitted from it. Man, what a leech she is. Mira Evan.I sighed. Thankfully the car was moving slowly. That gave me some time to arrange my thoughts before we reach the party. I slid down deeper into the seat. I was tired of this and even more tired of these stupid parties. “Young Master, we are here.” I remained calm and got out. I can’t believe the speed of this whole thing when I don’t even want it to happen. The guards stood broadly as I entered
The mall was huge. Oversized corridors, hallways, and expensive branded markets shone the area lavishly. I looked around. I can’t believe Ojai had this side as well. Along with beautiful nature and mountains with vintage shops, small markets, and houses, there was a jaw-dropping townsite that looked no different than Tokyo. Nabi dragged me a little far than where we lived to do some shopping as I promised her. She kept dragging me here to there to buy me things. “Damn, it’s expensive,” I whispered to her showing her a flannel. She waved me off. “It’s meant to be, man. Try this.” She handed me a dress and shoved me to the fitting room. I sighed and took off my dress. Trying on the sleeveless dress with a beautifully embroidered chest I looked at myself. I smiled. “Pretty,” Though the dress was kind of tight and my skin was mostly showing I didn’t mind it. I grew up wearing baggy jeans and clothes and dresses only for occasions so wearing a pretty dress after a long time made me fe
The water was boiling. I spaced out moments ago. The onions were stinging my eyes. Though I stopped cutting them now. I broke out of my daze after the sound of the knife falling off of my hands resonated in the kitchen. Sighing, I picked it up and put it on the counter. I turned the stove off as the soup was ready. Placing it on a bowl I took it in front of the man who came in a few moments ago to take shelter from the rain. The storm was rising. Nabi told me that she will be staying at a friend's house today. Meanwhile, this mysterious man that I met a few times sipped the soup. He smiled and put it down. “I realized, I didn’t give you my name yet.” He said. “Yeah,” I said. “Well, I am Gloria Hensler.”“I am Zohan.” He simply said. He took another sip. Though my anxiety was eating me up from the inside I tried my best to remain indifferent. I made a mental note to review that envelope sent to me and hide it from Nabi. I can’t let her know about this. I remained quiet at the so
I looked her in the eyes and all that reflected was the pure betrayal I had performed, the fake disguise I had pulled. But did I lie to her? I never once lied to her.I told her I’d be here and I am here. In front of her with no disguise. I am what I am, naked to her eyes. A single tear rolled down her cheeks. I brushed it away. She looked helpless. I looked merciless. I smiled, “No tears allowed in front of me.”She shook her head and when I was sure the numbness and stiffness of her muscles calmed down, she shoved my hand away immediately and stood up. I was still on my knees. Her hands turned into small fists. Her cheeks turned the brightest shade of pink. She bit into her lips, unable to form words. “Do not be upset. Did I do anything to upset you?”“Bastard, you-” I stood up towering over her quivering figure as she shut up immediately. I brushed her cheeks again. I can’t stop doing this. “Bastard?”“Twisted-from-head, psychopath, bastard,” She said, fury deep in her voice.
A final tear made its way down my cheeks when I finished packing up. I sighed and looked around my room. Scattered books, my mobile phone, and everything I had brought from Japan was getting into my luggage again. I haven’t even finished unpacking but now I have to pack again. The room was a mess and I looked no different. I cried for hours after coming back from that nightmare. I still couldn’t believe that now I was married to a man I’d heard stories about. I thought precisely about every single one of my moves. I made a plan straight ahead of me. Josh called me several times today but I just didn’t dare to pick up his call. What should I say to him? Was I going to tell him that I married a man who threatened to kill all of you? He’d get himself killed but won’t let a scratch on me. Stephen was out on vacation. I couldn’t call or ask for help because he’d do the same. I could never risk Nabi’s life. She is living her dream life currently and crumpling her goals like that because
As if I wasn’t amused enough that she bought her friends up here to defend herself. She thought she could be protected from me. Her friends thoughts they could save her from me. She was furious now that I look into her eyes. I ordered Carol to prepare the contract for both of her friends because they’d make an unnecessary ruckus outside and I didn’t want my enemies to even recognize Gloria’s shadow. Because if they did, even with my tight security this villa would be bombarded. That’s how much they despised me getting an heir and honestly it didn’t bother me much. Knowing I could blast them off right here and now, I just didn’t because of business matters. Three women were sitting before me. Some huffing and one shedding tears of worry. I was unable to hide my smile. She feared me and that was delightful. Carol knocked on the door and came in. Handing me the papers he left. I put them on the table on tapped on them. There was a short-haired girl who had amused me the most. She
I stared at the whites in front of me: the white wall, white bed sheets, and white Lillies in a white vase. I lost myself a few moments ago. My thoughts circled in my head unable to be still or collected. I rethought my entire life and the choices I made. A few days ago, I was just an ordinary girl living a semi-miserable life just trying to make sure everything is in its place. Now, in a matter of a few moments, I became the wife of a man who was dreaded all over the US, a man who was feared, a man I feared who took my life in his hands and crushed it. I would have been grateful if it was just me, I am stuck here with the people I love, making them get in trouble. This was a calamity. I felt a hand on my shoulders. I looked up. Alize stood behind me, behind the bed with a tray of food in her hand. She smiled and put it on the nightstand. “Eat something, dear.”I gazed at nowhere, ignoring her presence. She sat in front of me blocking my view. I looked into her eyes. She looked so
I dragged her by the arm. Gripping as tight as I could so that she doesn’t have the chance of running away through all her fights. She tried to scratch me and yank me off but I was persistent. I dragged her from the garage and to the underground. The underground was where I kept most of my captives. Where I ruled with vengeance. I had a ruling on myself. I’d never be violent when in the house but my anger needed to be let out once in a while so I created hell under me. Screams and the sounds of pure torture were music to my ears but I couldn’t let them out in the house so underground was soundproof. I dragged her through the dark stairs. I was as calm as I could be but my anger level tipped off when she crossed her limits and now I will blast it in front of her. The huge doors were opened by guards who looked just as rusty and rough as the door. It opened to the huge hallway that led to several rooms that held a few prisoners. The smell of metal mixed with the smell of blood was