Chapter 3

I was jolted awake by a gentle tap on my shoulder. "Wake up. Breakfast is served," said Valentina, her voice soft and quiet so as not to disturb Miguel who was still sleeping soundly next to me.

I stretched my arms and let out a yawn, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "Good morning Valentina. When did you come in?" I asked, my voice still heavy with sleep.

"Good morning Sophie. I just arrived. Come on, let's start the day. The weather is beautiful for a Monday morning," she said, her voice cheerful as she held my shoulders and guided me out of the room.

As we made our way downstairs, I could see that Cassino was already seated at the dining table. He stood up and pulled out a chair for me as I approached.

"Good morning Cassino," I greeted him as I took my seat next to him.

"Morning pretty. I hope you and our little boy slept well?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

I nodded. "Yeah, I think so."

But something felt off about the couple, and I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was. Perhaps it was because Valentina had never mentioned that she was married to begin with.

"Let's eat," Valentina said, as she opened the tray of food.

I picked up my fork and knife, staring at the unfamiliar dish in front of me. "What's this?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"It's Chilaquiles. It's a traditional Mexican dish made with fried corn tortillas and topped with a spicy red salsa. It's sweet and delicious. I know you'll love it," she explained, with a smile.

I watched as she took a spoonful of the dish into her mouth, her eyes closing in pleasure as she savored the flavor. I followed suit, taking a bite and nodding in agreement. "You were right. I like it. It's spicy, but delicious," I said, as I continued to eat.

Cassino ate his meal in silence, washing it down with a glass of water. We sat in silence for a few minutes before I mustered up the courage to speak.

"How can I find my father? You said you would help me find a way," I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

They exchanged a glance before Valentina cleared her throat. "Sophie, we'll take it one step at a time. First, you should try and make some money, and then we'll file a missing person's report on your dad, even if it means seeking help from the police," she said, her voice gentle and understanding.

"I'm not looking for a job right now. The cash I brought with me can sustain my child and me for the time being. I just have to find my dad," I explained, feeling a sense of urgency in my voice.

Valentina and Cassino looked at me as if I didn't make sense. I picked up my glass of water and took a sip, trying to gather my thoughts.

"What I mean is that I've made a to-do list of things I plan to achieve in Holland, and I can assure you, finding a job wasn't one of them," I said, trying to be as sincere as possible.

Valentina nodded, understanding starting to dawn on her face. "That's alright then. We'll go with whatever you say. You just have to help me with some money to start the search for your dad without delay," she stated.

"That's not a problem as long as my father is found. Let me go grab the money now, I'll be back shortly," I said, standing up from the table.

"No, sit. We'll do it later. Don't be in such a hurry and finish your food," Valentina said, her voice taking on a motherly tone.

I chuckled and did as she instructed, my sarcasm clear in my voice as I replied, "Okay, mummy."

Valentina smiled and took a sip of her drink. We ate the remaining breakfast in silence before she spoke again.

"I run a bar around here. If you don't mind, you can help me out there while Cassino and I go look for your father. You said his name was Malton Winterfield, right?" she asked.

The mention of my father's name brought a renewed sense of urgency to me. "Thanks Valentina, I will take the job, thank you so much. I promise I won't inconvenience you guys at all. I'll be leaving soon enough," I said, excusing myself from the table and leaving the room.

I walked into my bedroom and saw my son Miguel kicking and crying loudly on the bed. I went to him and picked him up in my arms, soothing him with gentle words. "Oh my baby, it's alright. Mama's here, okay? Everything is all right," I whispered, blowing a kiss on his forehead.

Even though he could still hear my voice, Miguel continued to cry. "Okay then, I'll feed you, but then you have to be a good boy," I said, starting to hum a lullaby to calm him down.

Now I have a job too at a bar. I might not have planned it but it made me happy at the same time. It won’t be good if I run low on cash.

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LORENZO

I am Lorenzo, the second born son of a dangerous man. I am the supposed ruler of my father's organization, the closest son to him. I was meant to follow in his footsteps and become the leader, taking over SQUAD BLISS Private Cooperative organization. But I refuse to carry such a huge responsibility. I decide to live my life to the fullest, to shy away from both the organization and whatever marriage my mother was plotting for me.

I have two childhood friends, Lincoln and Rohan. The only difference between us is that I come from a prestigious family, while they are better off, but not in comparison to my family's wealth.

"I'm a free man. Guys, the bills on me. Take whatever your heart desires," I shouted as I stood at the bar with two girls on my laps. Suzzy chuckled as she caressed the seam of my lips and Trie slipped her hands inside my pants. My cock responded with full effect, standing upwards, fighting its way through the pants.

I held Trie's hand and stopped her from going further. I lowered down and crushed my lips on Suzzy's. She gasped at the sudden movement. I kissed her savagely, thrusting past her lips and savoring the taste of Tequila as I drank from her. I later eased back.

Suzzy licked her lips in an exaggerated fashion, demanding more as she slipped her soft hand inside my Top, caressing my broad chest. "No more for tonight," I said and dropped a few euros on the table for her. She chuckled and took the money as she bowed and left with Trie. Their asses were bouncing up and down as I watched them walk away.

Lincoln tapped me twice on my shoulder. "My man. You know today's our day..." Rohan cut him off by finishing the syllable. "Cause your Mum isn't here with.. What's that her name again?," he asked.

"Mally Duawa," they chorused, taunting me with their laughter.

I ignored them as I stared at the beautiful damsel who was attending to her customers. It seemed everyone in the two-bit bar was clamoring for one or the another. One of the men she was attending to was drunk as stunks. The other men at the bar were staring at the twelve-plus television blaring whatever sports program was on. I noticed the smile criss-crossed across her lips as she turned down whatever the man was proposing.

Though the bar was privately owned, every other thing was in order in case of dicks like him who may try to pull strings. The man she turned down waved his head, though embarrassed, slumped to his seat as he gulped his drink.

They followed my gaze and saw who I was intently staring at. Lincoln smiled. "Hey Man! Chill. She isn't a familiar face," he said. "Yea. I haven't seen her around here either," Rohan seconded.

I sipped my remaining Tequila. Without a word, I drew back my seat and stood up. Rohan grasped my arm for he knew where I was headed. "Man. Where are you off to? The chick's new and you're betrothed," he tried talking some sense into me because something tells him, the lady was different from all the whores we've slept with.

I wasn't buying it as I yanked free my arm and glared at him furiously. "You don't get to tell me what to do, Rohan, cause you're not my Mum. And don't ever bring up my damn engagement again," I warned.

Rohan nodded and raised both hands in the air in total surrender. My friends watched me intently as I made my way towards the bartender and settled down on the wooden surface. They have been my tight friends for years, and they knew when it's time for play and when I decide to be serious.

They knew that whatever reason made me walk to that lady earlier, whether it's a fight till death, I'm going to achieve my aim, one way or the other.