Chapter 5: Madame X

The two men watched silently as the woman and her child got into a taxi and disappeared into the flow of traffic outside the airport.

Trojack's phone suddenly buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. Glancing at the screen, he saw a message from an unknown number.

From: Unknown

Hi, this is Sheena. Can I call?

Before he could even type a response, the phone began ringing from the same number. Sighing in irritation, he answered.

“Hello?” he said in a cold, detached tone.

“Hey, this is Sheena,” the voice on the other end said, her tone overly sweet. After a brief pause, she added, “So, um, I was wondering if you’re busy?”

“Why?” Trojack’s voice remained clipped, his irritation growing.

“I have two tickets to the cinema tomorrow,” she replied, her voice bright with expectation. “Maybe you’d like to be my plus one?”

He paused, feeling uneasy. Something about the situation felt off. Finally, he replied, “Yeah, I guess. Sure. Let me know the time and place.” Without waiting for her response, he ended the call.

Placing his phone on the seat beside him, Trojack frowned. His thoughts drifted back to the woman and child he had just seen. There was something about them that stirred emotions he couldn’t quite explain.

“This isn’t right,” he muttered to himself. “I need to dig deeper into this.”

+++++

Meanwhile, Madame X sat elegantly on a plush sofa, sipping tea as she listened to the report from her staff. Despite being in her casual home attire, she still exuded an air of opulence, her diamond earrings and necklace sparkling under the soft light.

“According to our investigation,” one of the men began, “the boy’s father is not listed on any records. After thorough checks, we’ve concluded he was likely born out of wedlock.”

Madame X sighed deeply, setting her teacup down. “Poor child,” she murmured. “Rosa must feel so alone, raising him by herself.”

Her mind wandered, unbidden, to memories of Rosa’s mother. The image of the woman being stabbed eighteen times haunted her, as did the guilt of her inability to bring the culprit to justice.

The door opened, and Trojack strode in, holding his phone in one hand and a small toy in the other.

“Jakjak, you’re here!” Madame X exclaimed, her face lighting up at the sight of her favorite grandchild. She gestured for him to sit beside her, her joy evident.

Trojack sat down, though his expression remained conflicted. “Lola,” he began, “I think Rosa’s already married. We shouldn’t interfere in her life anymore. I don’t want to ruin someone else’s family or be a third party.”

Madame X waved her hand, motioning for her staff to leave the room. Once they were alone, she placed her teacup on the table and fixed her grandson with a steady gaze.

“Technically, my team found no evidence of a husband,” she said firmly. “Rosa is single. You still have a chance, apo. Use your charm to bring her and her child into this family.”

Trojack’s shoulders sagged. “Lola, I don’t need to marry her. We can repay her in other ways—ways she can’t refuse. If she’s already refusing your favors now, what makes you think she’d accept a marriage proposal?”

Madame X smiled gently, her tone soft but resolute. “You don’t need to push her. Just protect her and her child with all your heart. I know it’s hard, but love can be learned. You’re not hard to love, apo, and neither is she.”

Trojack ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “But I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love, and I definitely don’t want to ruin anyone’s life. I’d rather eat dirt for the rest of my life than do that.”

His grandmother’s expression turned somber. “Her mother sacrificed her life to save you, Trojack. You don’t know the depth of Rosa’s pain after losing her mother so brutally. Nothing can repay that kind of sacrifice—not even generations of gratitude.” She stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. “All I ask is one thing, apo.”

“And that would be tying myself to her for the rest of my life?” he asked, his voice tinged with bitterness.

“Yes, my dear,” Madame X said softly. “That’s all I ask. If you agree, I will give you everything—every penny, every mansion, and even my most precious diamonds. All I ask is that you love her and her child.”

Trojack’s gaze drifted to a painting hanging on the wall behind his grandmother. A faint, sardonic smile formed on his lips. “That’s how Lolo won you over, isn’t it? He learned how to court and love you until the day he died?”

Madame X chuckled, her expression softening. “Ah, your grandfather was different. It’s true, our Yddro charm is irresistible, but all I did was love him back. I learned how to care for someone deeply. I only wish I could end up with him again if I get reincarnated.”

Trojack smirked, teasing, “Oh, he’s definitely waiting for you… in hell.”

Madame X gasped, then swatted his arm lightly. “You brat! Can’t you say something nice for once?”

Trojack laughed, shaking his head as the tension in the room eased slightly. But deep down, he knew his grandmother wasn’t going to change her mind. And as much as he resisted, he couldn’t deny the pull of duty and the growing intrigue he felt toward Rosa and her son.