I studied her eyes, desperately seeking solace in its warmness but I'm afraid it's gone as well. That was when I noticed, not only her smile was different. Her cheerful eyes were gone, blatantly replaced with a bloodshot gaze, laced with a tint of mockery. I wanted to doubt. Just for a moment, I so badly wanted to doubt the possibility of what I was thinking, to believe I've not been a fool all these while. But I couldn't. Because it was the truth. A painful truth my brain was calculating but my heart refused to accept. 'never make friends' 'friends make you weak and distracted' 'friends are like concealed poisons, choking you and depriving you of the little air left when you need them the most' 'friends are potential enemies…..' Eric's warnings bombarded my clouded mind, making me quiver as my eyes opened to the hurtful reality. Among other feelings, I was wholesomely disappointed. My initial fear just evaporated into thin air. I stared at Emma, as my tear hormones battled
Kiara's pov:Apparently, that blatant voice had unbelievably emerged from my tiny throat, leaving my larynx quiver with penitence afterwards.Eric scoffed, rubbing his palms together furiously. He turned to walk away or so I assumed, only to attack me with another slap, completely taking me off guard.I slumped, my soft butt kissing the hard floor. My nose bled from the galling effect and a little cut disgraced my lips.I didn't realize how many pounds of breath I struggled to contain. For a moment, I wasn't quite sure I understood anything, my mind completely went blank and I could only see dancing stars.I could feel my cheeks boil red as my face heated up. He lowered himself in front of me, using his hand to assault my jaws as he pulled my face upward to meet his fierce gaze."I warned you not to make friends," He began, "must you learn the hard way? Friends aren't special. I had to kill a so-called friend of mine because he stood in my way of success!"My eyes widened as his stat
Lucas's pov: She's definitely not fine. I could still remember vividly the words Doctor Kaine had muttered to my hearing. "Her cancer is at the most deadly stage, surgery would be risky but we will try our best," He had said with an assuring smile. But I just knew it, only a miracle would save her. Why do bad things happen to good guys? Does Mia really have to suffer? Why is life so unfair?! I just couldn't stop thinking. It's been fucking 2 months since Mia was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It's still hard to believe she actually has that, I mean, how come I didn't notice? not even a symptom? argh! I felt helpless watching her lay unconscious on the sick bed, I couldn't do anything. Life was drifting slowly away from her as each day her face turned paler. Is this the feeling when you're so powerful and rich and yet can do nothing but watch the one you cherish die slowly? is this really it? But then, I've been such an idiot. I should have noticed right? If only I hadn't been
Lucas's pov: 2 days later… Early morning, 7:45am. I stood in front of my window, hands on the blinds, watching the little orchard garden binded by iron bars in the backyard. It was Mia's suggestion since she normally felt lonely not being able to work for the gang or at the office. The soft rain drizzled on the little branches making them wet. They were just like me, lonely. Even their gardener couldn't attend to them anymore. I felt pity for myself and them. 'When did you start getting attached to petty feelings?' My dad's voice resounded inside my ear's again. In as much as I hate to admit it, he was right. I might have to let go. "arghhhh!" I banged the window hard, feeling devastated. I should stay strong and cold-hearted. That's the only way I can survive the Mafia race. The door swung open. It was Ray, with that usual expression on his face. But I don't think it's about the noise just now, there was more, because he looked like he was going to cry if he hadn't been cryi
Lucas's pov:I entered the huge library, carefully decorated with high shelves, each carrying a specific quantity of books all arranged accordingly. The room was quite spacious, rolls of bookshelves meeting the wall edges. I walked straight to an enclosed space, lifting a book from a shelf by my left, I took out a key underneath it. The key was meant for my study room located inside the enclosed door. Twisting the keyhole cautiously, a slight sound was created and I pulled the door open from outside.I walked in, removing my hoodie and placing it on the arm chair. I drew the high curtains apart, pinging each on their holders and a beautiful sunset adorned the little room. Perfect.This was my favorite place in the entire mansion. No one else was allowed inside and no one had access to it.Looking down on the books on my desk, I picked them up one by one, either turning a page or two and deciding whether to discard them or not. 'Not everything in the Mafia is illegal....And not eve
Kiara's pov:The next day, breakfast wasn't anything out of the ordinary as I was yet to receive the best news ever. I sat opposite Eric, observing patiently as the head cook served the dishes diligently.She wouldn't dare to make a tiny mistake as not only her job was at stake but her life included. Eric treats servants like trash, like a bunch of useless garbage destined to be discarded anytime.The round table clothed in brown linen was filled with different varieties of meal courses.I grabbed a fork, carefully cleaning it with a white napkin beside it. Slicing the warm omelet into half, I chewed with eyes closed allowing its tenderness to bless my buccal cavity.A cold silence engulfed the dining area, with only I and Eric present, each doing justice to the meals served. I chewed silently, avoiding eye contact with the stern man at the other side of the table. Meals with Eric were always boring. No unnecessary convos and strict table manners.My heart skipped as Eric suddenly cl
Lucas's pov:"Don't give me that look," I scoffed, turning towards the standing mirror to fix my tie."You're really serious about attending the interview? It's not even like we're interviewing potential managers or something, it's an interview for ordinary accountants." Ray's disappointed tone sliced through the unsettled air. Leaving me totally uncomfortable and wondering what actually was wrong with a boss interviewing his employees."What's wrong with that?" I argued, flashing him an angry look. It is true that I could order the manager to take charge of the interviewees but I just wanted to attend to it myself. "Nothing….I mean, you shouldn't stress yourself with a petty interview. I think you still need to rest, you don't look too well since Mia's-" He spoke reasonably, almost stuttering at the same time while trying to put on a convincing smile. I cut him off totally with one glance. A glance that screamed- Shut up!Sometimes, I think his old age is somehow toiling with a li
Lucas's pov:The only space separating the interviewees and I was just the rectangular table in between. I just sat, my eyes constantly peeking at the door from time to time amidst each interview. I had thought the interview was a perfect way to escape from loneliness and self pity but I was totally wrong. All day, I've just been occupied with boring people, repeating the exact same lines of how being an accountant was their dream job.Blasphemy. They all probably wanted the job due to its huge pay.I got pissed, took off my tie and placed it on the desk. I can't have this lairs work for me. The well ventilated space seemed to grow smaller with each passing hour, I just wanted to get out of here.I watched the scroll list of the interviewees after dismissing the bald man. I still had more than 6 people to go. Shit.I signaled Ms. Moorim to contact the next candidate. Once she left, I poured myself a cup of hot coffee.Before I could gulp down the creamy brown content and relax my ner