(Venal POV)
The heavy rain hasn’t stopped even after the auction ended. Master Dryzen finally arrived after signing the documents for his new collections. I sat down next to his chauffeur and watched him curiously. He was leaning his head against his seat, his eyes closed as if he was planning something. It’s impossible for him not to do anything.
Or will he let it pass as well? Just like how he let that woman and that old woman go. Maybe I should calm down. But…
“Stop the car,” Dryzen said.
Guess I was wrong.
“Give it to me.”
The driver pressed the brakes and I handed Dryzen the tablet, which I knew he wanted me to give him. It has information about the entrepreneur from earlier.
I saw him smile after reading it and kicked the car door open.
He suddenly disappeared and left us all concerned about his location. I connected to the base where my own men were for them to track Master Dryzen’s wher
(DAHLIA POV) Moonlight finally peeked through the sheets of clouds, so I was relieved since I had opted to walk home. The rain had just stopped, but my umbrella couldn’t keep me all dry. I was hoping I wouldn’t get a cold… I was close to home, faster than I expected myself to because I felt like I was being followed. The route home includes an alley and that late, I knew my neighbors were already sleeping. It was peaceful, and that’s all I ever needed to destress as a day worker. I stopped on the sidewalk and decided to just confront whoever that stalker might be. But only the wind kissed my face when I looked behind. My apprehension disappeared. I sighed. But… There were big puddles of water on the road. I paused for a moment to gaze at the clear reflection of the sky. Until I saw the silhouette, a huge bird with a snake-like head, flying across the bright moon. I immediately looked upwards to s
(Dahlia POV) “Dahlia…” “Yes?” I open the stove. Put the pan on fire and the oil is starting to heat that makes a sizzling sound. “The story that I tell you is not fiction.” I smiled at what I heard. “If a writer is as invested as you are in her story, she’ll surely get a lot of readers. Can you narrate it again Grandma? I almost feel like believing in your old story.” “Tss. I’m not joking around. I’m warning you.” “C’mon Grandma, I will listen.” She sighed. I am doing this for her not to get bored and sleep while waiting for our dinner. “Of the present age… Now called Athena... As in now.” “Yes, I know readers want modern stories and not the telltales of Mandeville times.” She was stuck with the memories of the old. The elders’ memories are the traj
(Owen POV) “Sir Owen, the senior editor wants you to come to her office.” I lifted my gaze to the office of our damned senior editor. I sighed. I knew it’s about the manuscript submitted by Yuki for publishing approval. My legs wouldn’t take me there. I already had enough from two demanding ladies. Yuki, the famous writer, and Miss Nam the senior editor. I rub my back neck. I get up from my chair wearily. What have I done for them to be spoiled? Before I could reach Ms. Nam’s office, the door opened, and several men entered like they were the authority in my office. I knew who sent them, and I knew they were looking for me. “Mr. Owen, do you have some time for a talk?” Said the man in charge of leading them. He’s Yuki's brother's secretary. Mr. Cedrick Ma. I stared back to our chief editor's office, and then to the men. Who should I prioritize?
(DAHLIA POV) I took off the apron. Grandma had already fallen asleep, too. The night was late, and my cousins were still not around. The rain has only got worse, so I closed the windows. But actually, the weather was perfect for writing. I climbed excitedly upstairs to my room. It used to be storage. I made it my comfortable room. Grandma didn't let me stay here, but I insist. I like to be here. Quiet. I can focus on my writing. But the temperature inside is whatever the temperature outside. That night it was hypothermic, but I was happy and content having this room for my own. My cousins couldn’t stand everything about it, so they took the more decent rooms. There were also vermin and termites that needed to be sprayed every month. Those little creatures were persistent in rebuilding their territory, but they’re not destroying wood, so… I just let it go. Perhaps they only wanted shelter. I stared at my desk. I smile.
(Dahlia POV) I rolled over the bed and closed my eyes after I silently prayed. The orchestral sound of the storm helped me sleep. But I was immediately woken up by Karen’s loud voice. “Hey, Dahlia.” She just got home. I get up to go down. I found her taking off her wet jacket. I put the emergency light on the table. She is about to say something again when I hush her. She is too loud. "Grandma is sleeping." “Tss.” “Uhm, where’s Carlo?” My voice was groggy. I went to the stove to reheat the stew. Then suddenly the current returned, and the sudden burst of light hurt my eyes. “Give me money.” was her answer to my question. Which makes me look at her. “Huh?” I can’t believe what I heard. Money? Give her money? “I need money,” she extended her palm to me.” Don't try any excuses because I need m
(Owen POV) Yuki's staff returned to the office before I could even decide to visit her myself. I went with them, but my wife only gave me an ominous stare without even a goodbye. Eventually, I began to wonder if my husband still loved me or not. Miss Nam, don't be tight-ass to me. I was trembling as we walked to the home of the Carter siblings. As far as I know, Yuki was an adopted child, and her foster sibling, the biological son, shot the breeze as he was leading a mafia group. I confirm it, he is really a mafia boss. Kai Carter. I thought mafia groups had been eradicated since the government was aware of what they might have to do. I almost fell when I got out of the car. Yuki. Even her life sounded like a novel. She is really a diamond pike continuously hitting me. Wouldn’t Miss Nam care if I returned home as a corpse? I swallowed hard.
(Owen POV) “Is there a problem here?” There is a strong authority behind that voice. Every of the staff bowed their heads down. Miss Yuki’s face lit up when she saw who it was. She is delighted to run into whoever arrived. Meanwhile, I tried not to piss my pants in fear. “Kai!” He’s Kai, the so-called mafia boss… What will I do? Will I accept my fate? But I recalled what my wife told me, then I added to what Miss Yuki said earlier. “Get a writer who’s willing to sell you his story.” And Yuki’s own words, “I’d like to win my reader's heart again. Why can't I do that?” I felt relieved. For a second. “What does this mean?!” Kai's voice reverberated inside the room, and nobody dared to lift their heads up. The man who took my phone pulled me to face everyone. Yuki was beside him, her arms hugging him like a little baby. Seriously, nobo
(DAHLIA POV) I am in the middle of my writing when I hear someone calling for me downstairs. The voice was loud enough to be heard throughout the entire house. My other cousin was back. Grandma might wake her up if I don’t entertain him. The ingrates who suck off their parents' hard-earned money while pretending to be good students. I pity their parents. I continued writing, but the door to my room suddenly opened. “Dahlia!” I let go of my pen and faced him. “Hush, will you? Grandma is asleep. Can you see it is still dark outside? You’re being unrespectful.” He needs to be enlightened but too obdurate. “I don’t care. I need the money. Right now!” Karen had the same reason the other night. Did they think they could milk money from me? Their parents were already giving them a generous amount of school allowance. “The money, Dahlia. Hurry!” Right