TRIGGER WARNING: The book contains highly explicit and detailed depictions of sexual abuse, including childhood abuse, grooming, and assault. It also addresses severe trauma, self-harm, suicide, physical violence, substance abuse, and emotional and physical pain. Reader discretion is strongly advise. -------------- Tales who have a strong obligation to live no matter what, was taken as a sex slave because of his mother's debt to an organization, and he was being subdued by what he despise the most, gangsters, but because of his poor physique he was tossed aside and will likely be killed. That's when he tried to murder the boss, if he'll gonna be dead, might as well take the boss to hell with him. His naive thinking and strong sense of living captures the interest of the delinquent Ra Ja. 'You completely turned me on. ' Is what he said after being stabbed by Tales on his left hand. Ra Ja then makes him as his personal bodyguard. Can't figure out what the man is thinking, Tales can't help but be wary as he devise a new plan to escape the lion's den while carrying the head of the leader. Will his plan be successful or will it go astray and takes him to unfamiliar bloody dark path? A lot of secrets will be uncovered. What he thinks he is now might not actually be him. But seems like he's not the only one scheming the next move. Raja kept making actions that will drive him mad, crush his will and push him to the corner with no escape. A thug of war with rotten love, prideful altercation and bloody relationships.
View MoreStudents can be seen in the classroom 3-A minding their own business. Some are doing their make up, while some boys are singing and playing guitar, some were sleeping and some have nothing to do but to pick a fight with the grade conscious students or the nerds.
On the farthest part of the classroom, at the back, beside the window, sitting a student who just observed what his classmates are doing. He don't have any fun to do but observing the chaotic classroom he's in. There are some who notice him but didn't bother to interact and some are really clueless of his existence. For some who notice his presence, they would often freak out due to his clothing styles and attitude. He's always wearing a turtle neck even during summers and a black gloves. He also wear his spectacles. He had a somewhat different eyes from the rest. A yellow pupil and a green iris. Some classmates would try to give a smile but will immediately take it back upon being glared at with his piercing eyes. Since then, no one would ever approach him and they treat him as non-existent individual which is beneficial for him. He don't want to be in the spotlight and just want to study peacefully. He don't really study that much, he just study enough to get a passing grade. 'But still, if it will make me have my purpose to live, I'll do it.' After his class, he will immediately head out, not to go home but to be on his work. He have a small stall in the market as he sell different sea foods or products. That's where he get his daily expenses and the remaining money will be save for his tuition. The market is usually closed up to 9 P. M, enabling him to have enough time to sell his fishes and other products. His classes also start at 9 A. M so there's nothing to fret much, besides if he had tones of projects, he can go 3 days without sleep. "Tales!" A girl waved her hand and called his attention. He didn't gave any reaction but just go straight to where she is. Her name is Rea, living on the same apartment with the room next to his. "Did you know, that there are really many customers in the morning? They really like how fresh the fish is. And of course, they also really like accommodating I am..." she starts to blabber about what's going on when Tales is still in school. He didn't ask her to manage his stall, he's fine with himself and the money he makes but this girl insisted on helping, of course not pure help. She has a share of $4 everyday. And she's the one who insisted that, that should be her share. There's something sketchy about her, that's what Tales thought first but he can't deny the fact that she's a great help. "Okay, thank you..." he stated and grab a $4 on his wallet, handed it to her. "You can now go. I'll take care of the rest." he coldly stated. Her face distorted in some manner looking smug and disappointed. "Tch, you still haven't change Tales, but you make me fall for you harder. " she cheekily stated and wink. He look at her blankly. 'Right, she pesters me so much. ' He ignore her statement and start managing the stall. " See you at home, amore. " she exclaimed and went home. His face almost grimace. He didn't mind her and tend to the approaching customer. "How much is this?" the woman asked as she pointed the crabs. "$7.60 per kilo." he answered briefly. "Then can I get one?" "Yes." However, before he can even packed those crabs, an old woman stormed in front of him, looking at him with a mad expression. The woman shimmers with those gold jewelries and full blast make-up. Tales on the other hand doesn't seem to be surprised. " Are you Tales Rutherford? " She asked while raising her eyebrows. " Yes, I am. " " Huh. " she scoffed. " At last! " Then she put both of her hands on her waist. "Do you know how much of an effort I put just to find you!? Your mother owe me $6000. She said she would pay me back but it's been 6 months, I still haven't heard anything from her. Now, as his son, it's your responsibility to pay for her debts!! " She strongly stated. Tales expression remained blank. Though the customer seems to be startled. " I no longer live with my mother. I don't know about her debts and I don't have any intention to pay for it." He clearly stated and started to weigh the crabs. " Hey! " She shouted. " If you don't want to be in prison, pay her debts! It's your responsibility as her child! Huh! How can she have the nerve to ask for money when her son is just a vendor. " While looking at him upsidedown. Tales sighed. He's used to it now since a lot of people came to him, asking him to pay for his mother's debt. And a lot of people also belittled him. " As long as I didn't sign any paper that I will pay for her debts then I shall not. Now, would you mind to scram, my customer is feeling uncomfortable with your presence. " " You!! " the old woman shouted in anger but instead of paying attention to her, Tales just handed the 1 kg of crabs to the customer. " Thank you ma'am, come again. " "Hey old woman, Tales is working. Don't bother him or you will..." A loud thud was heard after another vendor loudly chop the meat of the pig. Yes, at times like this, the other vendors will also help him cast away these kind of people. Probably because they felt pity towards him. The woman had no choice but to leave. Tales look at her back and sighed. 'I... no longer have a mother. ' Just then, he continue to tend to his customers until 9 o'clock in the evening. After that, he went straight to his apartment which is like a 50 meters away from the market. However, the alleys are so dim because of poor street lights and there aren't much people passing by. Though he always walk alone, he can never get used to the dark. He's afraid of the dark, although he's been battling that fear. *Tak* *Tak* *Tak* The sound of shoes echoed as he walk. But it's not just his shoes. There's another one. He keep walking while his eyes slowly glance on his side, attempting to look at the man's shadow through the dim lights. He hold on tightly on the strap of his bag. As he continue to walk, he bump into something. He slowly return his eyes to the front and look upward, only to see a 6 foot tall man wearing a black tuxedo with a thug face and a bald head. Looks like a gangster. Another footsteps from behind him stop, a few centimeters away from where he is standing. Despite the fact that he's being cornered, he showed no fear and look directly to the mans eye. "What do you want?" He firmly asked. "Tales Rutherford, come with us." His authoritative voice that makes you unable to refuse but not to Tales. "I won't." "Then we have no choice but to resort to violence." Another voice from behind. As if that's the clue of what Tales has been waiting for, he immediately pull out the small knife from his pocket to protect himself, but before he could even react, a syringe with a drug was struck to the side of his neck that made him lose his strength, enough to let go of the knife. His senses also started to fade as he wobble and collapse on the road. "Carry him." "Why would I? You should carry him." "Idiot! Just carry him. I don't care how you'll do it. Drag him or something. The boss is waiting for us. " That is what Tales heard before he completely loses consciousness. 'The boss? 'Two Years LaterIt was early morning, the sun only just beginning to spill its gold over the horizon, casting soft light on the water that glistened like starlights. Gentle waves rolled onto the smooth, pale shore with a hush-hush rhythm, as though the ocean itself was content, no longer raging.The scent of freshly baked bread drifted through the open windows of the small kitchen. A warm, golden glow filled the room as the sun streamed through the window, catching on the various plants that hung from the rafters. The air smelled like saltwater and fresh herbs, mingling together creating a very fragrant smell.Tales stood at the kitchen counter, his hands moving expertly as he kneaded dough, humming under his breath. The simple rhythm of the task was grounding for him, a reminder of how far he’d come from the chaos that had once filled his life.Behind him, Raja was leaning against the doorframe, watching with a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips. His hair was ruffled becau
"I promise."Tales’ breath hitched, eyes searching Raja’s with raw desperation. His voice trembled, barely more than a whisper.It wasn't enough. He need more assurance. He needs to know that this is not just a dream.“Say that you love me.”Raja didn’t even pause. His answer came fast—like it had been sitting on the edge of his tongue for far too long. His eyes were shining from the faint street lights as he said those words.“I love you.”The air between them shifted—thick, electric, impossible to ignore. It feels like Tales' saw millions of stars in Raja's eyes. His heart beat fast and he can only clench his hands on Raja's chest before surged forward, clasping his hands on Raja's nape. This kiss wasn’t soft.It wasn’t hesitant.It was fire and hunger and every unspoken word finally released. Their mouths collided with much urgency, lips crashing together like they’d been starved—like they were desperate to claim, to prove, to feel. Hands tangled in hair, fingers fisted in clothes
"Are you out of your damn mind?!"Tales blinked because of the familiar voice. He rubbed his eyes to get a clear view of who it is and when he confirmed who it was, he immediately turned his face away. It's Raja!“Why are you... here…” Tales managed to rasp, his voice thick with the weight of everything unsaid, all the pain that had built up in his chest. "You should've just stayed hidden. You tormented me so much and now you appeared and act like a hero? If you don't love me anymore, then don't bother. Do you take me for a pushover?!"But even so... even if I am a pushover —I missed you.Raja’s gaze softened for just a second, but it was gone almost as quickly as it came. He shook his head, his voice dropping to a more dangerous tone. “You’re an idiot, you know that? You think drowning yourself in alcohol will bring me back? It won’t.”Tales stared at him, his breath coming in short gasps. His mind reeled, trying to process everything. Raja was here. Raja was standing in front of hi
Hah. Hah. Hah. Tales stopped running in the middle of the road as he put his two palms on his thighs. He was out of breath and his sweating buckets. His heart was pounding so much from running and the information he acquired. 'Oliver Ortega, even now, you're still hunting me and making me miserable.'Does Raja knew? Why? Why would he want me to know that Oliver is my father? When he could just bury it for the betterment of us. Even now, the taught of Raja's disappearance seems to bury the weight of the recent information he just acquire.Call... I should make a call—Oh.Tales crouch in frustration. He don't have a phone, and even if he had, be don't know Rajas personal number. Still, if he had, he could have ask his unanswered questions. Why hadn’t he called? He could’ve at least sent a message, some sign that he wasn’t lost to him forever. But he had vanished. Not just physically, but emotionally, disappearing without a trace, leaving him with nothing but the ache of abandonmen
Tales stand up and patted his pants before walking back inside the headquarters. He went into his room and find out that his belongings are still there. He clench his teeth. This hurts like hell. He may not want to admit it but Raja's disappearance leave a bitter taste. He packed his belongings but he stop midway when he heard that he's not alone. Who is it?Is it—It couldn't be him—The sound of footsteps echoed down the empty hallway of the headquarters. Tales immediately towards the terrace and looked down from above. His hand grips the rails tightly anticipating the person who's here but to his disappoinment it wasn't him but—“Tales?”He blinked, caught off guard by the familiar voice. Then his vision become clearer—“Ria?”She stood in the base of the staircase, a little out of breath, holding a paper bag in one hand and a curious look in her eyes. Her long black coat fluttered as she stepped inside. For a second, she didn’t move. Then she smiled.“Wow. You’re really here.”Ta
A Month Later.Tales had healed—physically, at least. The bruises had faded, the wounds had closed. He hadn't been discharged, he was just given pain meds and instructions to rest to avoid stress. But resting was impossible.Because Raja never came back.At first, Tales had understood. He told himself Raja was busy. That he was handling his men, making sure they had shelter, rebuilding what was lost.But a week turned into two. Then three. Then a full month.No visits.No calls.No messages.Tales tried to ignore it. Tried to pretend it didn’t hurt, that it didn’t eat away at him every time he glanced at his phone and saw nothing.But it did. It really did.He hated how much it affected him.How much Raja’s absence felt like a wound all on its own.Tales feels like waking up in the aftermath of a storm that only he remember—where the sky looks calm, but everything inside him is in ruins. It’s like carrying around a wave of silence in your chest, every breath echoing against his jumbl
The hospital was colder than Raja expected. Too white and too sterile. The scent of antiseptic seems to clung desperately to his skin, mixing with the dried blood in his body. He hadn’t moved from his spot beside the bed since the doctors had taken Tales in.He will not leave. Not until Tales opened his eyes.If Tales were to... No. That can't happen. It shouldn't happen or else he'll really follow him to hell.When he had first stormed into the emergency room, carrying Tales’ limp, bloody body in his arms, the entire hospital had gone silent as if the scene they're witnessing straight out of the movies. The nurses had frozen in place, their eyes widening as they took in his disheveled state."Get me a fucking doctor!" Raja had roared, his voice slicing through the silence like a blade."Sir—" one of them had started hesitantly."Put him into the bed. Now." One of the personnel that seems like a doctor shouted to gain the attention of the people who's in dazed and is hesitant to appro
Back to the present.The air smelled strongly of blood. It soaked the concrete of the building, pooling around the bodies of Jake’s men, their throats slit, skulls broken, guts spilling out onto the floor. Raja stood among the massacre with his chest heaving and sweat mixing with the splattered blood that coated his skin. His blade dripped, each drop of blood falling with a rhythmic pat against the ground.Jake on the other hand sighed after his long flashback of memories. He's irritated of why he remembered that now. He look at Raja who's attention is not on him but on Tales. “You really like him huh,” he mused, gazing towards Tales direction. “Didn't really know you like used products." He dissed.Raja flinches and his aura darkened, but after sometime, his facial expression is relax. "You can't get anything by saying such nonsense, Jake. You still have to die." He says while his focus was still on Tales. His body. His breathing even though it was shallow and faint. Too faint."Oh
Jake’s resentment festered like an untreated wound.For years, he swallowed the bitterness, forced himself to held his head high in front of Oliver, forced himself to play the loyal unambitious son, even as something in him curdled and rotted with every passing day.He should’ve given up. He should’ve accepted it. Raja became Oliver’s favorite. Raja became the chosen one. Raja was the one who mattered.But Jake wasn’t built to accept. He wasn’t built to be cast aside. He was trained for survival. So if Oliver didn’t see him as his son—Then Jake would make sure Oliver had nothing left to see at all. If he couldn’t be Oliver’s greatest creation, he would be his greatest failure.However, that alone wasn’t enough to burn Oliver’s empire to the ground. Being a disgrace would only give a little to no impact towards Oliver and the organization. No—Jake wanted to carve it apart, piece by piece, while Oliver was still alive to witness it crumble.And so, he planned.He started with Victor.
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