Piper watched as Kai pulled out a black face mask from his pocket and put it on. He had his eyebrows pulled together as his eyes were focused on his recent victims, laying on the floor – dead, while he fill in the cartridge case. Kai’s black gloves were now stained with dust marks so was his suit. His clothes were not just dirty but crumpled as well. This hair was out of place and it had particulars stuck to it. The entire chaotic situation must have been keeping his mind off all the imperfections on him. Piper was still not sure if Kai should be here. It was getting increasingly dangerous. Currently, they were hiding in the restroom. They could hear screams, grunts, and gunshots from outside. There were already three dead bodies laying on the floor. All three of them were killed by Kai. The number of men was increasing outside, and it was getting harder for Kai and Piper to tackle them all. Kai was already running out of bullets so he and Piper came here to reload the guns. Kai cou

Faith looked down at Mateo. She doesn’t like seeing him like this. She slowly blinked as her eyes traveled to the tubes attached to his body. His eyes were closed – they have been closed for the past three weeks. It is okay, he needs to rest – he must be tired. His wounds were healing, but he was sleeping. Her eyes fell on his face. He looked paler. He has grown a beard. Levi helps him trim it now and then, but the thick stubble looks good on him. His lips were dry and chapped.Faith clicked her tongue and pull out her lip balm. She scoops some on her index finger and softly applied it to his lips. “Mateo, when will you wake? Aren’t well-rested by now? You have been sleeping for too long.” She whispered to him while spreading the balm on his cold and dry lips. She does this every day. Every day she comes to visit him, and take care of him – even when he has help around. She likes to take care of him. It has been three weeks since the alliance was finally demolished. Yes, it ended. No

Silence. Kai walked back into the art room, leaving the door wide open for Piper – while Piper was still confused. She heard him loud and clear – he asked her to come in, but still, even when she is absolutely sure that was what Kai said – she didn’t want to assume. She stood still outside while she looked inside the room. There was little to no light in there. She doesn’t understand how Kai was painting in there. She squints her eyes.When Piper didn’t follow him in. He walked back to the door, “You either come in or go away.” He said. Piper could see him more clearly in the light. She noticed that Kai has changed into a grey hoodie and dark grey sweatpants. Her eyes fell on his feet – this was the first time she saw his bare feet. He didn’t have any shoes or socks on. His paint-stained hands hang by his sides. Piper has never seen him this comfortable before.“Stop staring and make up your mind! If you choose to leave – close the door behind you.” Kai snapped at her before he walked

(A MONTH LATER) A month. It took Mateo a month to come to Blaire’s grave. After three long weeks of unconsciousness, Mateo was released from the hospital a week later. Everyone thought that the first thing he would do after his bed rest periods ended would be visiting Blaire's grave. After all, he couldn’t attend her funeral. But even when Mateo wore a mask, stitched with bravery and strength, he couldn’t bring himself to go to see one of his best friends buried deep in the ground. For the month after he was discharged, Mateo kept himself busy with work. He held online meetings. He worked from home – from his bed. He completely engrossed himself with everything that could take his mind off Blaire. He thought it would get easier for him once Aldo dies, but he was wrong. After the chaos ended, he truly started to miss her. Blaire’s absence was getting more vivid and nothing could distract him – not even Faith’s presence. Faith didn’t even try to stop Mateo from grieving – she knew ho

“You know that you now have a say in this, right? With Aldo gone, the power is now transferred to you and Kai – and, well, Dario – but since he refused to be a part of it – we are all assuming that it is just you and Kai.” Felix said to Faith as he placed the cup of coffee on the table. Faith, Kai, and Felix were in Kai’s office. Even when Faith had already shown no interest in it, Felix asked her to join the meeting – so, here she is. “I already told you, Felix. I don’t want to be a part of it either.” She heaved a sigh. She glanced at Kai, who didn’t seem like he was a part of this conversation. He was completely zoned out. She looked back at Felix, “Look, I was pushed into this situation. I don’t even know how everything works here – and if I am being completely honest with you – it is all perilous for me.” Felix hunched and placed his elbows on his knees, “Do you really believe that sitting out of this business, you will be safe? No. You are Aldo Bianchi’s daughter. He might be