For Better, For Honour

AVA They didn’t knock. The front door flew open, and masked men poured into the house. Before I could begin to grasp what’s happening around me, I was shoved onto the ground, a gun pinning me down. A startled scream cut through the air as my sister fell on the ground next to me. The rest of the mask men are on Dad, despite the chaos, I could still make out about five of them. “What the fuck is it going to be, Dagger?” Their leader demanded, signaling to his men to pause. Dad lets out a disgruntled groan, spitting out blood on the carpet.“The fucking code, Dagger!” The leader hissed impatiently, sticking out his leg and storming on Dad’s throat with his boot. “Please stop!” Mom cried, struggling against the men that restrained her. “Take whatever you want—“ Her words trailed off as one of the men retraining her grabbed a hold of her head, forcing back her neck. Seeing this, Dad snapped, attempting to launch at the man but is held back by their leader now applying more pressure on

AVA I couldn’t go back to class and face everyone after what happened. Mostly because I’m not sure I could hold myself back from attacking Maddie if I see her. Dropping under the shade, my usual hangout spot with my friends. I wipe away my tears with the back of my hand. Being one of the school ambassadors would have done wonders to my college application and Maddie ruined that. I look up abruptly in a certain direction, feeling the air on the back of my neck standing as the sense of being watched hit me. My frown deepened as I disregarded the thought. It's the early hours of school, everyone is in class. Some minutes later, the bell rings, snapping me out of my depression. I stood up, debating whether or not to attend the second period. That became a fleeting thought as Fallon and Avery raced towards me. Fallon never runs anywhere, so when she starts running toward me, I knew she must have been so worried about me. “It’s fine,” I informed them. “The principal wasn’t that harsh

AVA It’s one of the nights when Dad joins us for supper. Usually he’s working late. I knew the demanding nature of his job, it’s something I grew up with and accepted. Watching my parents interact from across the table, I smile. Sometimes it hurts that people have the wrong opinion about my parents and their marriage just because Dad happens to be the second in command of a mafia empire. Don isn’t like that too, he treats Asher’s Mom with so much respect. It was one thing I admire from the world I was thrust into. “There’s something I want to say.” I blurted out before my courage fails me. “I don’t want to marry Caden Tuhka, not now… not ever.” My declaration was met with silence. When Dad dropped his spoon, it made a sound that made it seem like someone dropped a glass or something. “Why?” He finally asked, paying all his attention to me. “Isn’t it obvious? Ava is definitely concerned over his recent behaviour, as she should. This is someone she is going to spend the rest of

AVA “Is it true?” Fallon, one of my friends and classmates asked, falling into steps beside me as we made our way to class.“I heard. Everyone is talking about it.” Our other friend, Avery interjects, joining the conversation. “Really? Words travel fast around here.” I sighed, feigning innocence, like that isn’t exactly the effect I was hoping for. We were about to enter the classroom, same time as Maddie. One would think she would pause for us to walk through, seeing that we got to the entrance first. She squeezed between us, forcefully creating a space for herself. Fallon attempted to go after her. I pulled her back, shaking my head.I couldn’t bring myself to care about her passiveness. Maybe it had something to do with how happy I am. Besides, she’s a senior, we only have to tolerate her for one period of class. By the time it was lunch hour, I wanted people to forget about my broken betrothal. They approached and offered consolations, one would think someone died with how the

AVA “So, are you finally going to tell Asher how you feel?” Avery snickered, on our way back from school. It’s been seven years since Caden died. Life goes on, especially after the bloodshed. I went to college and got a degree. My plan was to go straight to fashion school, but Dad wouldn’t hear of it. He wanted me in the family business if I’m going to waste my life pursuing child’s play. So, in order to get him off my back, I needed to prove to him how passionate I am about fashion. I got the degree and handed it over to him. Having done a year—an exciting year, out of fashion school, chasing a dream that made my parents skeptical. Dad fumed for days, until he finally calmed down and made peace with my decision. That aside, for some odd reasons, my friends think I’m in love with Asher. Being at the front, I turn to look at them while walking backward. “I told you several times, Asher and I are just friends—” I bumped into someone, causing me to turn just as they gripped my sho