Chapt. 3 - Sign or Die

"Love? What is love? All we need now is stability. You make peace with your father, while I... a chance to live—don't want to die silly at your hands." -Jiji-

***

Mike finally released Angie unconditionally. To him, there was no point in keeping an unattractive girl like her. He could find someone like her on the streets, even more attractive with a whole body and considerable height, not petite like she was helpless.

Having a helpless female companion wasn't cool for him, who would be the heir to the organization. It would be very troublesome later. The woman to be his wife had to be like his mother, tall, well-muscled, and always carrying a gun wherever she went.

Between him, his father, and his mother, she was the only one who didn't need an escort wherever she wanted. That's what made Mike idolize her so much.

"Young Master, your parents are waiting for you in the dining room," a young man said after knocking on the door. Mike answered the call and hurried downstairs to enjoy breakfast together.

Many people thought they were a family full of tension, as that was the image that everyone had come to know. However, it was all a cover for the respect of a few and the fear of more than half of the world's population.

"I saw a woman come out of your room this morning. Is she your girlfriend?" asked a red-haired woman with a sharp gaze, welcoming Mike's arrival. It was evident that she had inherited Mike's eagle-eyed gaze.

Hearing such a direct question, Mike almost choked. However, he tried to remain calm so his parents wouldn't get suspicious and ask further questions.

"Why didn't you take her home? You know, it's not safe around here these days."

"She knows her way home. Besides, she's a nobody," Mike replied, still reluctant to lift his face and look at the other person.

"But she's wearing the shirt I bought you. Did you guys do something?" The woman asked again. She wasn't going to stop until she got clarity. She didn't believe Mike easily, as this was the first time her son had brought a woman into their home who had come out wearing his shirt.

It was nothing new for Mike's parents to question his manhood. He had never been seen in a relationship with a woman, even if it was just a one-night stand, let alone dating.

They had started to get restless, especially since Mike was now almost three and didn't have a future in mind with a woman. His thoughts were all about business and organization. It was his ambition to manage his father's company and business and take control of their black organization.

"Even if I do, trust me, it's just for fun," Mike replied matter-of-factly. To say that nothing happened while they were in the same room would be very embarrassing for him. His mom and dad would be even more suspicious and doubtful of his 'normalcy'.

"Mike, you can commit any crime, but not against a woman," said his father, who had been listening. The strapping middle-aged man put down his cutlery and looked at Mike attentively. "How old are you now?"

"Twenty-nine. Why? Are you ready to give the leadership of the organization to me?"

"Yes, I should be, but now I'm wondering—are you 'normal'?" the man said, looking thoughtful. Hearing his father's words, Mike's eyeballs almost glazed over. "You never seemed to have a girlfriend, Mike—a woman you could fall head over heels in love with. For all I know, guys like us would spend the night with many women while single."

"We're dealing with the black world. How can you even think of dating, Dad? She could be in danger, and it would be very troublesome."

"In fact, I can have a relationship with your mom."

"But even Mom is the daughter of the organization's leader. Seriously, Dad?"

"Still, Mike. We have our doubts."

Neither Mike nor his parents continued the conversation because the statement they had just heard from Genosie's great master was undeniable. It was only natural for his father to doubt and ask for proof.

"What makes you believe that I'm a real man who can be proud and take good care of all our possessions?" asked Mike, challenging his father, even though he knew the middle-aged man had only one wish.

"Bring a woman here and marry her. After that, give us a grandchild, and I'll leave the leadership of the organization and the business in your hands."

***

Angie had finished the work she had deliberately rushed through because she had important matters to attend to. She wanted to ask for clarity from her friend as to why she was in the room of an essential member of the black organization.

However, the girl who had been friends with her since childhood was trying to avoid and didn't want to provide any other information. Angie, unsatisfied with the uncertain answer given by her best friend, followed her to the lobby. However, just about to grab her friend's arm, someone grabbed and pinned her in the corner of a room, gagged her, and pointed a gun at her.

"Don't scream, or I'll shoot you!" threatened the man who looked familiar to Angie. Who else but Mike?

Angie had a hard time swallowing her saliva because, simultaneously, there was a 'click' sound from the object in Mike's hand, which then released the gag when she nodded and signalled that she would obey. For her, it was better to obey for just a moment than to lose her life tragically at the hands of a crazy bastard like Mike.

"Please get that thing away from me." Angie pushed the gun away and tried to get away, but Mike wouldn't let her free. What else did he want?

"Why do we have to meet like this? Can't you talk nicely, huh?" Mike didn't answer but wrapped his arms around Angie's neck so tightly that she couldn't breathe.

"Come with me!"

"Let go of me! It hurts, asshole! I'll scream if you keep being rude to me." Angie bluffed back, but it turned out to be the wrong move. The man responded to the threat by raising the gun to make it clear to her that he wasn't messing around. Clearly, Mike's move was successful in keeping Angie silent.

Once he was sure that Angie wouldn't fight back or make a scene, Mike led her out of the office building and into a car that seemed to be waiting.

"What are you going to do with me? Didn't you say you wouldn't kill me as long as I didn't appear in front of you again? Why are you the one who broke the agreement?"

"There is no written agreement of any kind, but if you ask, I plan to give you another agreement to sign."

"I don't want to! Let go of me!"

Mike smothered again until Angie was almost out of breath. However, not wanting to die silly, she again gave in, cupping her hands as a gesture of mercy to the sadistic man she believed had ill intentions towards her.

Mike wasn't quick to believe her. Twice already, the girl had tried to get people's attention. This time, he wasn't going to let her, so he quickly grabbed a band-aid and applied it to Angie's lips and wrists.

"You have to keep quiet until we're done. Understood?" Angie nodded and watched as Mike pulled out a folder with several sheets of paper.

Mike opened the folder and let Angie briefly read what was written there.

"Sign, then marry me, or die. The choice is yours."