"Sain" I utter his name the moment I answer the call.I heard some voices on the other line. I tried to understand what they were talking but then the voices slowly disappear."How are you doing?" He ask.I saw how Enzo flash a playful smile because he can hear Sain clearly. I suddenly felt annoyed because this jerk is obviously teasing me right now. "I'm fine," I replied shortly. "Have you arrive?" "Yes. The meeting will start in five minutes. I just call to make sure that you're alright" he explain.I nod my head and keep the smile that is about to form on my lips. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me, just see you later" I assure him. I need to end this conversation immediately before Sain utter a word that Enzo must not heard."Alright, I'll hang up the call now" "Okay..." I let out a sigh followed by a low laugh from Enzo who obviously making fun of me. I shot him a glare because I find him annoying. "I didn't know that someone like Czar Ildefonso is capable of talking softly"
I wish, I was more prepared with life. With my life that I drawn for fifteen years. I was molded and grew up under the teaching of Costello and I was, I prepared enough for unexpected things that might happen. I wish, I prepare myself for the weight of the revenge I wanted ever since I was just child. The responsibilities and consequences that I must face. Time flies fast. It was so fast that it made me lost track with the things I must do and my vision is starting blurry with those things that seems so clear to me before. Staring at the face of Luscio Costello in front of me made me realize how much I change. I heard what he said. I heard it clearly and even if he doesn't explain it to me, I already understand what is that for. But for the first time, I felt a sudden hesitation to do what he ask me to do. I know my mission. I can recall every detail and what is the goal of it. But the first word that came into my mouth was 'no' when he ask to kill Sain Czar Ildefonso, the son of th
"I want to hear your apologies, mi hija" he calmly utter. He's extending the short and thin patience that I am trying to test right now because of my disobedience. My father was always good to me because I never tried to challenge him nor test his patience just like Apollo. I am scared of him and I promised to myself that I will never disappoint him. But right now, I don't think I can do the same thing. I don't think it's right to kill Sain Czar Ildefonso right now. There are things that we need to consider before killing that man and that includes what I feel. I bit my lower lip and shake my head. I lifted my gaze and dare to meet his eyes that mirrors Jaxer orbs. "I'm sorry Dad, but I can't kill him right now" I bravely utter, determine to stand my point. I immediately withdraw my gaze when the flame of anger ignite once again like a wildfire. I press my lips together and mask my fear with void expression on my face. I need to stand up even just for once. I need to gather my v
"Have you forgotten? I never failed you when it comes to promises, mi hija. Why are you doubting right now? What's with you, defying my words?" I stilled on my spot as if on cue, his words drags me back to the time where I was almost get shot. I squeeze my eyes close and recall everything like a reel film inside my head. 'C-Cassinno...' I stammer, eyes are wide open because of what he did for me. 'Are you alright?' He replied in low voice as if nothing happen. 'Selena!' He shout my name when I didn't say anything and hold my arm tightly. 'I'm fine...' 'You're not hurt?' He assure and reach my arm that has a little bruised. 'Y-You have a wound' I stuttered and cover my lips to hide my gasp. 'Are you sure it was Sintti Organization's doing?' 'This is not something that you should know, Selena' he utter in a controlled tone. 'Let's go inside' 'Why?' I ask instead. 'Those men who tried to abducted me before was not part of Sintti Organization. Don't you think they are the one w
"What did Czar Ildefonso did to you that made you forgotten who really you are? You are not Selena Castania, you are not his real wife Herravie" I froze and for some reason I felt a pang of pain inside my chest as if my heart was squeeze tightly and then slowly ripped it apart. Why does it hurts? Why am I feeling this pain when in fact, my father was just stating the truth. I am not Selena Castania. I am Herravie Costello, I am not his wife. I am just using Selena's name as part of this mission. I shouldn't be hurting right now. I shouldn't care for that man. I am not supposed to be affected this way. I gritted my teeth and fisted my both hands. I am holding back my tears that is about to well out my eyes. I am not weak, I shouldn't cry just because of nonsense reason. I should remind myself that I am Herravie and not Selena. "Do you even hear me, young woman?" He strictly mutter. I lifted my gaze and mask the pain in my eyes as I look at my father. "Yes, Dad" I took a deep bre
I walk silently in the empty hallway. I saw no one lingering around in the corridor, the only noise I could hear is the sound of my footsteps that feels like a heavy beat inside my heart. I still can feel the burning sensation on my cheek. The slap was strong and painful, it feels like my head spin for a couple of seconds before I was drag back to reality. I guess, I really tested his patience. I reach the limit that's why he do that to me. Somehow, I understand why father is furious and at the same time frustrated. I never question him before, not even once. I am known for being an obedient daughter. But here I am now, defying his words. This misunderstanding between us is knew to me and I think it is new to him as well. He raised me as if I am his real daughter. He show me kindness and consideration. He gave me family I can lean on. He molded me to become a strong woman, someone who will never back down in any fight. I don't know what does love means because I live in darkness f
I guess he was not there when I and Dad started the conversation because he doesn't know that someone from Sintti Organization tried to threaten my life. For sure, after this talk he will not stop not until father tell everything. But if Dad doesn't know anything, then he will investigate on his own. His focus will be drifted away from me. "Serino is the one who carry out the mission during Laurent's burial" I added. I mentally smirk when I saw how the creased on his forehead deepened. Fabio Serino should ready himself because Apollo will not going to leave him away unless he get the answer he needed. "Did you ask Fabio? For sure there is just a mistake. Sintti will never hurt you, Herravie. You are the Hera of our organization, you are a Costello" he insist. He is calmer now compared before which made me sigh. I need him to stay calm. "That's what I thought, as well. But that's not what happen" I sound disappointed because I really am. I am not convince enough with what Dad
There is a long silence between us. Enzo didn't dare to speak and just focus on driving, eyes fixed on the road. While I am looking out of the window, my heart is heavy, and there is a lump inside my throat. I felt like crying, maybe because I feel guilty with what I did to my father. I turn my back at him just like what I did to Apollo. I didn't listen to him. I just hope he didn't hate me because of my disobedience... The car halted but before I could unfasten my seatbelt, my phone inside the pocket of my jeans vibrate. I bit my lower lip already expecting what would be the name of the caller. Carefully, I pulled out my phone. I puff out a breath when I saw the name flash on the screen. Just like what I thought... "Who's that?" Enzo ask when he sense my hesitation to answer the call. My lips curved into a smile and wave my phone in front of him. "My clingy husband" I chuckle. "You two seems in a good relationship huh" he teased, wanting to lighten up the mood. I smile even mo
"Where is Sain? Please let me see him" I pleaded as I look at the stern expression of Sixto who's standing at the door not wanting me go inside the room."Celeste enough, you haven't fully recover yet. Let's go back to your room" Zachary said who's standing beside me while holding my arm, giving me support.It's been almost three weeks since what happen. Everything are still fresh in my memory, how I escape the Ildefonso's Residence, how Antonio help me, how I killed Teofilo, how Jaxer try to kill me and how Sain was getting shot by Apollo. It's been almost three weeks and yet I haven't saw Sain even just once. They won't let me, Sixto is always stopping me as well as Zachary who disappointingly siding at Sixto. They doesn't want me to see Sain, they are even updating me about his condition. I am dying with so much anxiousness, I am worried sick how he is doing. "Just a glance. I just have to know how he is" I insist not wanting to go back.I know it was my fault but I never wanted
The car halted in a familiar place. I took a deep breath and rolled down the car window scanning my eyes around the place. It's been a while since the last time I visit here and nothing change despite how my heart change. "Are you sure that you're doing this?" Antonio break the silence that made me look at him."What do you mean by that?" I ask in return."If Enzo is the one sitting here, for sure he will ask the same Hera. This is your enemy's place, you cannot do the first move. You just have to defend" he explain.I mentally shake my head, he almost sound like Enzo. I didn't know that he's coming to me. His loyalty is only for Enzo and I didn't know he will give it to me since he was under Sintti's training. "Have I mention to you that I have a brother? A real one and I just recently find out about him" I said."And what does it has to do with this?""He will save me together with my husband. You know how powerful my husband right? So nothing will happen to me," I confidently sai
"Hera..."I stilled on my spot when I heard the familiar voice of Apollo on the other line. Unconsciously, I turn my head to look at the direction of Sain and his brothers who's occupying the living room while discussing something that I didn't know.The trio doesn't seem to notice that I am no longer on my spot because their attentions are all on the table while Sixto is talking things that I cannot understand and follow. Perhaps it was about his organization and not Ilde Famiglia. "Please Hera, spare me a minute to talk with you" I blink my eyes and took a deep breath before living the trio. I went out and head straight to the gazebo doesn't want anyone to hear me talking to someone from Costello. "What do you want Apollo?" I ask, controlling the tone of my voice.Knowing that Teofilo Romani is the person who killed my parents, there is a sudden anger rooted inside me towards my brother. They all knew and yet they didn't say anything. They all make me look like a fool. They are a
The wind is blowing softly and it gives me a shivering sensation every time it touches my bare skin. I lifted my gaze and breath calmly. I am here in the gazebo hugging myself because of the morning breeze. I did stay but I couldn't find myself to sleep after what I find out. And now that the morning came, I still don't know what to do. I don't know where to start because I couldn't believe that I was been fooled for fifteen years and I am oblivious about it.I took a deep breath and gaze down shutting my eyes close. I am not sure if making a deal with Sain Czar is the smartest thing to do, but then I already did it. I already gave him my word in exchange of a very important information. I am not interested how did he finds out, my whole focus is on Sintti Organization and Mafia Romano. Both of them made fun of me, they made me believe a made up stories and I was such an idiot. I couldn't believe that I work for the man who killed my parents. I already meet him but I didn't recogni
"That's enough!" Sixto's voice filled the whole room, breaking the dark inclement mood that is about to explode. "Celeste is no longer the child we've been searching. She become the woman we never expected, she will not be pleased once she hears this" Zacharias agree. Well, he's right. Everything that is happening right now is not pleasing and here they are fighting as if I can't make decision on my own. Maybe my driven force to live is the vengeance inside my heart, but I stop living as Celeste. I already forgotten how does it feels like to live in the shoes of that innocent girl. "I will discuss this with Father. This is very complicated and I hope we are all expect the consequences..." Sixto added, sounding like a mature brother. "I don't want to see you two fighting about it."That make sense because he is the oldest among them. He has the authority to make the two follow him even the hardheaded Sain Czar. I immediately close my eyes and pretend that I'm still sleeping when Za
My eyes widen."What the hell are you doing?!" I blurt out and pulled my wrist from his grasp.Sain look at me with those serious and tantalizing eyes that never failed to drown me but I keep my distance with him, flaunting the anger that plastered on my face right now. "I am telling them the truth. You're Celeste Astraea Cortezi, and they should know that fact" My lips parted as I look at him disbelief. "What the hell are you saying Czar?" Zacharias suddenly intervene that made me fisted my hand.I stare at Sain Czar sharply hoping that he will stop this nonsense. There is no point even if he informed everyone about my real identity. I was molded and live as a Costello for fifteen years. I killed people, numerous lives die in my hands. That won't change and the fact that I am Celeste Astraea Cortezi will not cover the bloody life I'm living. But Sain ignore my warning gaze instead he turn to look at Zacharias."You heard me. She's Celeste Astraea Cortezi, the woman we've been fin
"What do you really want from me?" I ask before he take his step inside.We're already here, I was not able to stop him because his persistent to bring me back to Ildefonso's Residence is hard to break. But I need to know what does he really want from me. I want to know why he's doing this. If this is part of his revenge then he should stop it because I don't like playing this kind of game. Sain Czar didn't speak nor turn around to face me but he didn't walk away either. I am patiently waiting for his response because I need it. I don't know what he's up to because as I said, Sain Czar is difficult to read. He's hard to predict. I don't know what's on his mind, I cannot conclude any idea. He is that mysterious and I don't want to fall with his mystery."You're not my husband no matter how much you insist. You don't have the right to my life" I added.I step back when he suddenly face me. Standing six feet tall looking so handsome yet dangerous, Sain took a step closer to me causing m
"I am still here,Little. I am still here where you left me and I am just waiting for you to come back"An unknown warmth covers my heart, I didn't know this kind of assurance is what I needed right now. But then, I know that I am not supposed to ask for it. That would be unfair for him and everything will be mess up even more. I fisted hand giving him a void expression despite his pleading eyes. For the first time, I saw a weak side of him. Another part of him that he will never let anyone figure out. I don't want to be his weakness, he should not be swayed just because of me."You don't know what you're saying""I do" he firmly replied. "I am your husband and it will stay that way until my last breath. I warned you didn't I? When you insist to marry me, I told you there will be no turning back. You cannot turn your back at me, I won't let you" he hissed in a controlled tone. He looks determine, more serious than before. I look straight into his eyes, and just like for the first tim
A loud explosion made me cover my ears as I hide myself in the corner, hoping that a piece of wood I am leaning right now could save me from those sharp bullets that trying to kill me. "I should have killed them all" I hissed to myself, frowning while holding my gun tightly.I am now on the run. Sintti Crime Organization is chasing me just like what Luscio Costello told me. They were aware about the tragic death of my parents, they are aware that Luscio is part of the assassination happens fifteen years ago and now that I am aware about it they are hunting me. Things that I don't understand before is now make sense. The council anger is not about me being a woman, it was because I am a Cortezi the little girl who supposed to be dead years ago. They are trying to kill me now after I obey all their rules and commands for fifteen years. My hands are stained with blood because I stand before them, kill those people who tried to ruined the organization because I thought it was my family