(Bryan’s POV) I leaned against the car seat, while my fingers were busy drumming on the wheel. Bright's face keeps flashing in my mind. That pissed-off glare, the way his lips parted like he was about to curse me out but held back. The way his eyes softened—just a little—when he talked about his sister. I get it now. I get why Cole’s losing his damn mind over him. Bright has this... pull. Something that makes you want to protect him, even when you know he doesn’t need it. It’s annoying as hell. But let’s be clear, I’m not Cole. I’m not stupid enough to fall into that trap. And there’s no way in hell that I’m gay. Still, I guess I should thank Bright for driving Cole insane. That little distraction works in my favor. At least, I know that he’s contributing in ensuring my spot.I don’t If Lord Roberto is choosing a successor, I know exactly who he’ll pick. Me. I smirked to myself and pul
(Bright’s POV) The entire time that I was in Bryan’s car, you’d be surprised because he’s actually quite nice. He’s just a little haughty sometimes. But he’s definitely a good guy… I guess. He would tell me stories about him as a child. I learned from him that Cole is actually his half brother. They’re from different mothers. And if you’re curious how that happened, I don’t know. I didn’t ask. I thought he’d tell me if he wanted me to know. Nevertheless, I learned a lot from him, especially why their father taught me so much. It turned out that Lord Roberto is actually thinking of passing the position to either of them. That explains the tension between Cole and him. There’s obviously a competition. I’m just starting to realize how serious Cole really is about marrying me. He’s willing to turn his back from his father and to the potential fortune that he might inherit. I won’t be surprised if it’s Bryan that Lord Roberto will choose
(Cole’s POV) “Get the hell out of that door,” I threatened the guy that was blocking my way. He didn't bother looking at me. He just maintained his posture there, like he wasn't already shaking from the tone of my voice alone. There are five of them there. Each of them holding a gun in their hand. I clenched my jaw when he didn't budge despite having visible fear in his eyes. His eyes were looking past me—straight to the old man sitting in the corner of the room. The main reason why they're doing this from the very start. They're never going to move unless it’s an order from him. "Don't bother wasting your time, Cole. They won't listen to you unless you have my power to give them orders," he said, knowing very well that it's the last thing I want to hear right now. I stood near the door, with my fists clenched into a hard rock. I don’t trust Lord Roberto. I never have. And I sure as hell don’t trust whatever this little meeting is ab
(Bright’s POV) This Hunting Game is brutal. It’s not just a friendly game where you try to run away from their tomato guns just so you don’t get eliminated from the game. This is an actual survival game. It’s about strategy, luck, and sometimes, betrayal. I’ve seen some of them that came in groups, but ended up shooting each other. I don't even know why I'm in this stupid thing, but here I am, running, dodging, and trying not to get caught by whatever insane rules they’ve set up. Let me tell you what. You’re not going to expect what I’m about to say next because— Bryan has saved me more times than I can count. I know it sounds dumb. It started with small things—pushing me out of the way of a trap, throwing me a weapon when I was cornered. But then it just became more thoughtful and protective. He fought for me. It’s unbelievable, but he stood between me and people who clearly wanted me eliminated in this game. He was actual
(Bright’s POV) I don’t know how it happened, but I somehow found myself lost and away from Cole. I was just wandering my eyes around the room curiously, suddenly, he’s gone. This place isn't really exactly friendly for newbies like me. Did I mention that this place is huge? Forgive me if I have already. It just needs to be emphasized more. Men in dark green uniforms filed into the room. They’re wearing blank expressions on their faces, it makes me wonder if they’re real humans or robots. The chatter among the participants quiets down as they begin distributing weapons—rifles. But not just any rifles. They shoot tomatoes. I don’t think they’re actual tomatoes, though. It’s more like red paint that looks like cherry tomatoes. I remember doing this once during my training years, but it wasn’t as weird as this. Like really? I was already scared when Lord Edmund came to the scene. I was expecting some sort of
(Bright’s POV) The moment the man stepped into the venue, the entire room went silent. Nobody has to say a thing for us to know that he’s someone respected and feared in the Mafia industry. Ironically, though. If you ask me, Lord Edmund has this angelic face. Not quite literally. But he’s definitely like your Uncle who likes to give cookies as gifts. He doesn’t look that intimidating. It’s just the vibe his surroundings—the guards—make him look untouchable. I wonder what made him the biggest enemy of the Vendetta mafia. He seemed friendly to me. A wave of unease spreads through the casino’s extravagant hall as they dominate the room with their presence. The lively atmosphere froze like someone just pressed pause on reality. I noticed how the clinking of the glasses hover mid-air, conversations die on parted lips, and shoulders stiffened as if the very air turned to ice. Even the women dancing on the poles sense the shift. Their movem