LOGINThree long years had passed since the chaotic night on the hillside, and the world had irrevocably changed. In a dimly lit factory, the rumble of machinery formed a constant backdrop.
Max ascended a creaking staircase to the second floor, his footsteps echoing through the cavernous space. The room he entered held an air of quiet anticipation, and his eyes fell on the figure sitting within, the one he had searched for all this time.
"Francisco, James hasn't given us any updates. What should we do next?" Max's voice held a note of urgency.
Francisco was a strikingly handsome and enigmatic young man. His ocean-blue eyes, as deep and unfathomable as the sea itself, stared off into the distance as he casually exhaled a plume of cigarette smoke.
"You are aware of our methods in this case, Max," Francisco replied calmly, his voice carrying the weight of experience. He turned his gaze towards Max, and it was as if he carried the secrets of the world within his eyes, a knowledge that transcended their shared past.
**
In the shadowy underworld of the city, Francisco was a name that sent shivers down spines. As the leader of the gangsters, he ruled with an iron fist, his reputation preceding him wherever he went. He was ruthless, callous, and unapologetic in his pursuit of power and control. Killing, drug dealing, property jacking, money heists, and drug supply were all part of his dark repertoire. Francisco's reach extended even to the corridors of power, where he subtly manipulated the government to serve his interests.
His physical presence was just as imposing as his reputation. At 6'3" with a diamond-shaped face, broad shoulders, and a hot figure, he could easily mesmerize anyone who crossed his path. His ocean-blue eyes held a depth that concealed the coldness within, and his aura exuded an undeniable charisma.
But it wasn't just his intimidating presence that made Francisco a force to be reckoned with. He was a man who could handle any dangerous situation with ease. Proficient in shooting and boxing, he was a formidable defender. His extensive experience in trafficking, kidnappings, and murder made him a master of the criminal underworld. He possessed a sharp mind and competence that allowed him to navigate hazardous circumstances effortlessly.
Max, on the other hand, was the other half of this sinister duo. A friend, partner in crime, and manager of Francisco's illicit businesses, he was just as skilled in his own right. With dark brown eyes, a height of 6'1", and broad shoulders, Max possessed a magnetic allure that made him a formidable presence. His hot body and rugged features were a dangerous combination that drew both admiration and fear.
Max was not to be underestimated. He was proficient at shooting and boxing, just like Francisco, and he had a unique talent for manipulating people to do his bidding. His silver tongue was a weapon that he wielded with precision, making him an expert in the art of persuasion.
Max and Francisco stood side by side, their eyes scanning the surroundings of the dimly lit factory. They were deep in conversation, their voices low, as they discussed their next move. The air was thick with tension and anticipation, the weight of their illicit operations pressing down on them.
"Okay, we are heading there now," Max said, his tone resolute as he began to turn away, ready to execute their plan.
But before Max could take another step, Francisco's abrupt words cut through the air like a blade. "No."
Max came to an abrupt halt, a puzzled look on his face. He watched as Francisco tossed his cigarette aside and turned back towards him. The exchange had an air of finality, as if Francisco had made up his mind.
"I can manage the port on my own," Francisco declared, his tone firm and unyielding.
Max's shock was palpable. "What? It's impossible, Francisco," he exclaimed, unable to hide his disbelief. He knew the risks involved in such a venture, and the idea of Francisco going in alone seemed reckless.
But Francisco appeared unruffled by Max's protests. He waved them off casually, his smirk revealing a hint of amusement. "Don't worry. I won't attack his port all by myself. I'm not a fool."
Max's brows furrowed as he struggled to understand Francisco's logic. He raised his voice, his frustration evident. "Then why can't I go?"
As Francisco turned to leave the factory, Max shouted after him, his words echoing in the empty space. But Francisco didn't look back, nor did he offer a response. He simply raised his hand in a casual wave and strode away, his footsteps echoing as he disappeared into the darkness.
"Francisco!" Max's voice rang out in the empty factory, but it fell on deaf ears. He watched as Francisco walked away without a second glance, leaving Max with a sense of frustration and unanswered questions.
Max heaved a sigh; his exhalation was a mix of resignation and understanding. He had come to recognize that when Francisco's mind was set, there was no changing it. It was a trait that had served them well in their criminal endeavors, but it also meant that Max had to learn when to step back.
With a sense of acceptance, Max turned his attention to his own tasks. He knew that Francisco had the ability to handle the situation on his own. It was one of the reasons they had become such a successful team in the world of organized crime.
**
Five hours had passed since Francisco's departure from the factory, and the scene had shifted to the port.
At the other end of a phone call, Bruce, a well-muscled man, stood; he was James's right-hand man. He reported this to James, who held the key to this high-stakes operation.
"Sir, everything is in order here. We are ready to board the girls. We are just waiting for your order." Bruce's voice was steady and unwavering, a reflection of his confidence in the operation.
James's voice crackled over the phone, his words laced with a sense of authority. "Keep your eyes open as well."
Bruce nodded, even though James couldn't see the gesture. "Sure, sir. This time, Francisco won't block our path."
**
Lilith stopped, lowered herself, and hugged Victor carefully. Her arms wrapped around him, holding on as if she needed his strength.Victor kissed her forehead, his voice soft.“I wish you a happy life, my dear.”Lilith nodded, blinking away the sting in her eyes.“Thank you, Dad.”Her manager stepped forward and gently positioned Victor’s wheelchair beside the aisle. Lilith rose, took a steady breath, and turned toward the stage.She looked at Francisco.Tradition demanded he step forward. That he extend his hand and welcome his bride.He didn’t move.He stood still, his face unreadable, his hands resting calmly at his sides.For a moment, Lilith thought he might change his mind. That he would lift his hand at the last second.He didn’t.The silence grew heavy.Murmurs rippled through the guests. Heads leaned closer. The media sensed it instantly—cameras clicked faster, greedier. This wasn’t part of the script.Lilith’s chest tightened.This wasn’t just rejection.It was a public sla
A month passed in the blink of an eye.The wedding day arrived.Lilith sat in front of the mirror, dressed in an exquisite lace gown that flowed softly to the floor. The fabric hugged her perfectly, elegant and flawless, just as everyone expected. She looked like a bride from a dream—beautiful, radiant, and poised.Yet her reflection did not calm her heart.She stared at herself, fingers clenched lightly in her lap. Happiness lingered on her lips, but fear coiled tightly in her chest. Francisco’s face haunted her thoughts.What was he thinking?Had he truly accepted everything so easily? Or was he hiding something behind that cold silence of his?The questions gnawed at her mind, tightening her breathing, driving her close to panic.A sudden knock on the door snapped her back to reality.She turned quickly.“Grandpa!” she said, standing as Francisco’s grandfather stepped inside.Kevin walked toward her with steady steps, his sharp eyes softening just enough as he looked at her.“You a
The sea was restless. Waves crashed against the shore with violent force, driven by the wind, rising and breaking again and again as if the ocean itself was angry.Lilith stood at the edge of the beach, her coat fluttering around her legs, eyes fixed on the dark water. Her face was stern, unreadable, but her thoughts were anything but calm. The longer she stared at the sea, the heavier her chest felt.She was waiting.Footsteps approached behind her. Her manager stopped a few steps away and spoke carefully.“Ma’am, I don’t think Mr. Francisco will come.”Lilith didn’t respond right away. She kept watching the waves, letting the wind whip through her hair. After a moment, she spoke, her voice low but certain. “I know he will come.”Her manager hesitated. “He hasn’t replied. It’s been hours—”“He has to,” Lilith said, cutting him off, her eyes still locked on the horizon.The manager lowered his gaze, understanding there was nothing more to say. He quietly turned and left her alone wit
Kevin let the silence sit for a long, heavy moment. Then he said calmly, “Elvish, tell someone to clean the third master’s bedroom.”Elvish bowed his head and left without a word. His footsteps faded down the corridor.Kevin’s eyes stayed on Francisco’s back. He knew exactly what that command implied—and he knew Francisco understood it too. The room was being prepared. For Francisco. For Lilith. For the deal he was certain his grandson would bend to.Francisco didn’t turn. Didn’t speak. His shoulders were rigid, every muscle pulled tight like wire.“You have three days,” Kevin announced, raising his voice just enough to be heard through the hall. “Three days to think about my proposal.”He paused, letting the words dig into the air like a blade.“I know you won’t disappoint me,” he added. “Not as a businessman.”With that parting shot, Kevin walked toward his room, his cane tapping lightly against the marble floor. The echo lingered long after he disappeared around the corner.Francis
“If I don’t give you the baby,” Hazel said, her tone cold and steady, “then what?”Kevin groaned softly, leaning back in his chair. Smoke drifted from his cigar, curling between them like a dark veil.Hazel’s eyes burned with hatred, but her voice didn’t tremble.Kevin exhaled and said, “I thought about helping you, Hazel. Giving you a way out. Separating you from my grandson before you both destroy each other.” He paused, his gaze sharp as steel. “But you won’t take it. Because you know him too well. If you try to keep that baby and run, he’ll find you. No matter where you hide.”Hazel’s fingers clenched at her sides, but she said nothing.Kevin took another slow puff, studying her like a piece of art he didn’t quite understand. “The more you stay with that child,” he continued, his tone low, deliberate, “the worse your life will get. My grandson will make sure of it—without even realizing it. You’re already in hell, girl. I’m just offering you a softer one.”Hazel’s jaw tightened, f
The room was dark, cold, and silent. The stone walls pressed in like a cage. Hazel lay on a narrow bed, wrists bound, her breath shallow. Every inch of her body ached.Across from her sat an old man, legs crossed, posture regal, eyes sharp and unblinking. Beside him stood Elvish and Alfred, watching in silence.The man was Kevin — Francisco’s grandfather.Minutes passed before Hazel stirred. Her eyelids fluttered, and the blur before her began to take shape. Slowly, she turned her head.Her temples throbbed. Her body felt like lead. And then—“How are you feeling now?”The voice was deep and commanding, each word weighted with quiet authority. Hazel froze. Then, forcing herself to stay calm, she lifted her gaze toward him.White hair, chiseled jaw, eyes as cold as glass. Despite his age, the man radiated power.Masculine.Intimidating.Dangerous.Hazel’s lips parted slightly as she pushed herself up. It hurt, but she managed, sitting upright on the edge of the bed.Her eyes locked wit







