Chapter 4: Chosen By The Dragon

I gasped. Sarah turned to the window too. The mansion gate opened, and I saw the convoy of black luxury SUVs with tinted glass all running into our compound.

A biker in front of the vehicles carried the familiar banner, a black flag with a red dragon at the center. It's the one symbol all citizens of Valdoria recognized.

The banner of RED DRAGON, the most powerful man in the country and beyond. He was the leader of the Durango Cartel and a godfather to almost every powerful man in the country today, including my dad.

I couldn't believe my eyes. It had been 15 years since I last saw the Red Dragon in our house. My dad often said he owed everything to the mighty Mafia Lord who made him who he was today.

And growing up, I admired the Red Dragon because of his influence and power.

But when I was eighteen, my admiration became fantasies. I would spend time imagining being owned by a man like him. The thoughts embarrassed me. But with time, they faded with his long absence.

And now, he was back again. The smile that crossed my face came genuinely from within.

I felt a big relief, like everything had ended. Like I wasn't just disowned by my family. I didn't hesitate. I didn't wait. Not only that, but I turned around and ran out of the room.

“Octavia, get back here!” Sarah shrieked, but I couldn't care less.

For the first time, I wasn't afraid of her. All those years, Red Dragon liked me so much that he called me his daughter. I only hoped nothing had changed.

I got to the stairs and watched the scene unfold in the sitting room. My father stood in the sitting room with my mom beside him and some other friends.

The convoy came to a halt. One by one, the bodyguards stepped into the house first. The entire mansion fell silent. Even Father straightened his suit. Then the rear door opened again… and Red Dragon stepped into the house with effortless confidence.

He looked the same as fifteen years ago: grey hair, dark eyes, a chiseled jawline, and a tailored black tuxedo to complete the look.

He still put on calm confidence as always. Everyone lowered their heads. Even my father, Duke Beacham, bowed. I had never seen my father bow to anyone. But today, he bows, the tension on him was visible even from afar. His composure faltered.

Red Dragon stepped forward and smiled at my Mom. “Mrs Beacham… quite a long time…” his voice sounded like thunder.

My Mom raised her head and smiled, but couldn't find words. She had bowed so many times that I was even embarrassed on her behalf.

When the Red Dragon took his seat, the first question he asked… “Where is my lovely Octavia?” I was shocked. Happiness filled my bloodstream.

My gaze drifted to my Dad, and I saw fear creep up on his face. He swallowed nervously, his chin pressing hard.

Then he cleared his throat… “My Lord, forgive me… Octavia is no longer worthy of your attention.”

Silence…

Red Dragon turned slowly, and I saw my father tremble as their eyes met.

“I didn't ask if she's worthy. I asked, ‘Where is she?’”

Everybody went mute, nobody dared cough, joy filled my heart as I watched my father panic. His gaze darted back and forth, I have never seen him this afraid.

Then his gaze caught Sarah approaching from the stairs. “I’m sorry, my Lord. Octavia is not available. But I can show you to Sarah, my beloved daughter, instead.”

I swallowed hard. Then Sarah stepped into the spotlight. The moment she got to the sitting room, all eyes fell on her. She knelt before the Red Dragon, covering up her pretense. A strange feeling held me down.

I watched as she sat with Red Dragon and began to discuss, answering whatever he asked with elegance.

My heart began to pound against my ribcage. That should be me sitting there. Had he forgotten me? Was fifteen years enough to erase me from his memory? I tightened my grip on the railing.

I might've lost everything, but I wouldn't lose the Red Dragon. Not today. If I have to fight for it, so be it. I stepped back into the room and packed my clothes into my bag, leaving out my best black gown.

I freshened up and dressed in my best black gown. The Red Dragon had once told me black was his favourite colour when he was playing with me when I was a kid.

When I stepped out, my heel clicked hard on the marble floor.

All eyes turned as I descended the stairs. But I didn't look at anyone else… I had my attention on Red Dragon and him alone.

“What is she doing here?” I heard my father's voice whispering to my Mom. But I didn't look. He has disowned me.

Red Dragon turned following everyone's gaze and our eyes met. His smile was so warm that Sarah's presence beside him became irrelevant as he stood up and spread his arms wide for me.

“My beautiful, beautiful Octavia. How perfect you've grown.” I blushed and fell into his arms. His hands were so strong, hugging me tightly against his chest.

He smelled of cedarwood and expensive cologne, with a gentle smile, yet he was the most dangerous man alive.

“Come my darling, sit with me,” he held my hand gently and led me to the sofa. My eyes connected with Sarah, and I saw the pain that flickered in her eyes. Her nails dug into her palms until they almost bled.

Good. I turned back to Red Dragon. “I don't wanna stay here anymore.” I moaned softly, pouting my lips. “I wanna go with you.” I said.

My father rose and stepped forward. I saw the glare in his eyes but I didn't care. I didn't hold his gaze.

“Why? What's going on darling?” Red Dragon asked.

“Nothing, my Lord. Octavia can be like that sometimes. She's just a playful girl. You know that already.” My Dad cut in.

But Red Dragon never looked at him. His attention was fixed on me. Even when my Dad talked, he didn't look. He only cared about what I said.

His gaze held mine. I pouted. “I don't wanna stay. I wanna go with you. I'm not comfortable here anymore. I just wanna go with you.” I said.

He tapped me gently like I was something fragile. “Krul?” His deep masculine voice called out, and a huge man came forward, one of his bodyguards.

The man looked like an ex-military commander. “My Lord,” he reported his presence.

“Take Octavia to the car. Keep her entertained and make sure she gets anything she wants. She's going with us back to the island.”

Jubilation filled my heart. I blushed before my gaze met Sarah. Pain crept in her eyes. If eyes could kill, I would be dead already.

My Dad shot daggers of disdain from his eyes. His anger burned deep, but I didn't care. The Red Dragon helped me up like he was too careful with me.

Krul came forward and took my hand like a queen being shown to her throne. As we walked out of the house, my gaze met with my Mom's. She was stunned, I smiled, but she didn't smile back.

Let them see, let them hate… because when the world goes quiet, my rise will be my anchor. Even if I have to claw my way to power, I would.

After thirty minutes sitting in the car, the bodyguards came out with Red Dragon in the middle. He joined me in the car, and gently patted my shoulder.

Father stood frozen on the front steps. Sarah's smile had vanished. Mom was in disbelief, and nobody waved. I didn't wave too as the convoy disappeared beyond the gates.

Through the tinted glass, I watched the Beacham mansion grow smaller and smaller. And for the first time in weeks, I didn't look back.

Home had abandoned me. Now I was walking toward my destiny.