(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
(CEDRICK POV) “We did everything to set up the grandchild of the cafe owner, Master Kai.” He just smiled at me. In a dirty game, the real motive isn’t immediately revealed. They will first try to ensnare you in traps until you get cornered. A mafia boss-like Master Kai knew a lot of those games. Then he nodded. “Any news about the creature we’re looking for?” “The slayer of our clan? Nothing yet. He’s elusive.” “We need his blood as soon as possible,” he’s trying to control himself from shifting into his wolf form. Until we heard the commotion outside. He stared at me as to what it was about, and via the earpiece through which each staff member communicated, I got the information… “The grandson of that cafe is outside. He wouldn’t surrender their cafe but has the money.” “Invite him to come in.”
(DAHLIA POV) I waited all night for Carlo. Karen's suspicion that I liked Carlo was definitely nonsense. Why have I waited like this? For what? This is the only thing I could do for their parents who wanted them to graduate college. They are literally a headache. I felt sorry for their parents. While waiting for Carlo’s return, I also resume my writing to kill the waiting hours. The ending of my novel was only a few pages close. I just couldn’t decide how to slay it. I notice that the ending playing on my thoughts is too cliche. This is not right. It must be unique. I could cliffhang my readers or just give them an open ending, which could lead to a sequel in case it clicks to the majority. Sunlight was already peeking through the window. I stretched out my arms. I got up from my seat and opened the panes to let the wind in. There is no sign that Carlo will return. My co
(Dahlia POV)“No! You're a thief! How could you steal from me?! Are young people nowadays that cunning?”The crowd around us started taking photos or videos, but the old woman did nothing but fire up their curiosity.“I helped you, ma’am. I wouldn’t steal from you. I am not a thief.”“Don’t you dare talk back, miss!”But that’s the truth. I respect the elderly but don’t tolerate bullies… Anyway, I decided to be more patient than her.“Ma’am, let's just talk this to—”“You think I’m a liar? Do you want to take me to prison?“Wait? Was I just scammed? A gaslighting drama to extort from me? I know this kind of drama. She's playing the victim and weak, for people believe her that I robbed her.I smiled.