Luke decided to take a shower when he got back to his room. When he got out, he saw his phone ringing. He checked the caller ID and saw that it was Haru before answering it."Hey." Luke greeted."Hey, uhm, I noticed it was just Leon who sent Alessandra to school today," Haru said."Oh, uhm, yeah. We're currently staying at his house and I overslept so Leon sent her alone." Luke replied. "Oh," Haru replied and Luke sensed disappointment in his voice."Is there something wrong?" Luke asked."Uh, I think your relationship with Leon is a lot more complicated than I thought," Haru replied."What do you mean?" Luke asked, confused as to what Haru was insinuating."I think it's better that we remain friends," Haru replied and he was meant with silence. Luke felt more than disappointed. He was hurt. He had a chance to have a normal relationship, but once again, Valentino got in the way."Lex?" Haru called out."I, uhm, I understand. Yeah, I do think it's better to be friends." Luke said alt
It was the next day and Luke was anxiously waiting for Haru to come by. Himiko cleared out some space in the office to give them room to talk. Haru finally came by and they were immediately pushed by Himiko inside the office. Himiko gave them a cheeky smile before closing the door behind her. Luke didn't hesitate as he pulled Haru into a kiss. Haru kissed him back, wrapping his arms around Luke's waist.Haru slowly pulled away and rested his forehead against Luke's "Lex," Haru breathed out."Hmm." Luke hummed in response."You're really making it hard to resist you, huh?" Haru teased."Am I?" Luke asked innocently before placing his lips against Haru's once again."This is going to be hard for Alessandra." He muttered against Luke's lips."I know. I'll try my best to make her understand. I'm just asking for your patience," Luke said pulling away and looking into Haru's eyes."I'll try my best to be patient. I'm sorry for not talking to you first before deciding for the both of us." Ha
"What should we do for Alessandra's birthday tomorrow?" Luke asked Valentino after they tucked Alessandra into her bed."I already planned everything. You don't need to worry about it." Valentino replied.Luke's jaw ticked in annoyance. "And you didn't even bother to consult me about it?" He asked rather harshly. Valentino sighed. "I'm sorry. I just thought I would give you a break from all the planning. Just let me carry the burden for once." Valentino said."Did you do the invites as well?" Luke asked.Luke knew he should at least appreciate Valentino's efforts. It's just that he can't help but feel inadequate as a parent. Valentino's efforts feel as if he's trying to one-up Luke. "Yes, I invited her classmates, their parents, and teachers as well," Valentino replied."Thanks," Luke muttered in a low voice before turning his back to Valentino."Luke," Valentino called out.Luke sighed and turned to look at Valentino. "What is it?" Luke asked."Can we get along? At least for tomorr
The party was about to start. Valentino led Luke and Alessandra to her room. Valentino opened the door and Alessandra squealed in shock. There was a princess ballgown in the middle of the room a shiny tiara on a small table beside it. Luke was shocked upon seeing the dress. It looked like it cost thousands."Daddy, look! It's a princess gown!" Alessandra exclaimed as she ran to the dress."Do you like it?" Valentino asked."Yes!" Alessandra exclaimed in response."Valentino, how much did you spend on all of this?" Luke asked."Don't worry about that, please. Just let her enjoy the day. You too." Valentino replied. Valentino went over to Alessandra and helped her wear the dress. Luke stood by as he watched Valentino dress Alessandra up. It was clear how happy Alessandra was and Luke can't deny that she really did look beautiful being dressed up like a princess. Luke sighed in defeat. He knew he could never give this kind of thing to Alessandra so he felt the need to put his pride asid
Luke fell asleep on the floor after spending the rest of the day riddled with stress and worry. He was only awoken by the sound of the phone ringing. Luke slowly sat up from the floor, his body feeling incredibly sore. Luke answered the call and Haru greeted him from the other line."Hey, how are you?" Haru asked."I should be asking you that." Luke chuckled."I'm fine. The fork was in pretty deep, but I should be fine. It really doesn't hurt that much." Haru said."I'm really sorry about what happened. I couldn't believe Alessandra could do that." Luke sighed in disbelief. "I know, I couldn't believe it too. She never exhibited any violent behavior at school and got along with everyone." Haru said."I feel like Leon must've had something to do with her behavior, but I don't know. Maybe I'm just pointing fingers at this point." Luke said."Maybe just try talking to her first. I'm already home anyway so I can come to you if you want." Haru suggested."No. Just stay at home and rest. I
Luke was in the shower as instructed. He quickly rinsed off his body and dried himself off with a towel. He grabbed the clothes that were given to him. It was an ivory long silk slip dress and a beige cashmere knit sweater. Luke never wanted to wear dresses again, but now he is presented with no choice. Luke sighed and put on his underwear and clothes. He looked at himself in the mirror and saw the same Luke he was years ago. The same Luke he never wanted to be again. Luke put on his shoes before walking back into the cabin and taking a seat. He could feel one of the men eyeing him through his shades and it felt like deja vu. Luke took deep breaths to calm himself down. The flight seemed longer than it actually was. The attendant brought food and snacks throughout the flight, but Luke couldn't seem to find the appetite to eat despite his stomach growling in hunger. He hasn't eaten ever since he woke up and got on the plane. All he could think about was Alessandra. After a while, Luk
Luke ate silently as Valentino was sitting beside him, caressing his hair. Luke wanted to recoil from his touch, but he felt trapped. Valentino slowly dragged his hand from Luke's shoulder down to his back. Luke felt like throwing up the food in his mouth, but he kept it in. "Is the food good?" Val asked.Luke nodded as he took another spoonful into his mouth. Valentino leaned in and kissed Luke on the cheek, his lips lingering on his skin. Valentino moved closer to Luke and wrapped an arm around his waist. He nuzzled his face in his neck, inhaling his scent. Luke tried his best to ignore him as he ate his food. "I missed you so much," Valentino mumbled against his skin. "Give me another chance, Luke. Please. I'll change his time," he said before placing a soft kiss on Luke's cheek.It took everything in him not to recoil in disgust. Instead of answering, Luke just took another spoonful of food into his mouth. Valentino sighed and decided to just let it go this time, his hands never
Night came and Romero was being prepared to leave. Two men were assisting him, running him through his papers and where his family is currently located. Romero sighed in nervousness as he took the papers and the bag filled with clothes and money. They also showed him that his records are now finally clean and the mafia will no longer come after him. Romero can't do anything else but trust Valentino in this.They walk up the stairs out of the basement with the two men guarding Romero. Once they reach the upper floor, Romero is met with Luke. Luke was carrying Alessandra in his arms and once he turned, his eyes met with Romero. Romero gave him a reassuring smile, telling him that he was going to be okay before being dragged off. Luke tried following him, but Valentino grabbed his arm to stop him. "Romero!" Luke called out."I'll be fine, Luke. Goodbye," Romero said as he was being escorted out."What are you going to do to him?" Luke asked Valentino."He's going home to his family," Va
It's been two months since the incident and peace has been maintained since then. The Japanese mafia moved their main house to a gated community near the city after it was destroyed. Luke has fully recovered from his gunshot wound and Romero was granted citizenship, or faked rather, by Haru so he can stay in Japan without hiding anymore. He has also become Alessandra's personal bodyguard or babysitter.Luke and Alessandra are now living in Haru's personal home. Luke has also decided to homeschool Alessandra for now. Valentino remained true to his words and remained in contact with Luke for the sake of Alessandra. Alessandra seemed to have recovered well from the past events, seeing how she was bubbly and full of life. "Valentino's going to be here in a few hours," Luke said, worry evident in his voice. "How's Alessandra?" Haru asked."She's fine. She's actually quite excited to see him. It surprised me," Luke said. "I guess she still sees him as her father."Haru pulled Luke close a
"I want you to promise me something," Luke said as he wrapped his hand around the knife. "What are you doing?" Valentino said, barely above a whisper."Promise me something Valentino, please," Luke pleaded. "I don't want you to die, I can't. Because for some fucked up reason, part of me still loves you."Valentino weakly grabbed Luke's free hand. "That's a good thing to hear before I die," Valentino weakly chuckled, blood spurting out of his mouth."Valentino, please, promise me, you'll let me and Alessandra stay here. Please, I just want a normal life. As normal as I can have it, please let me stay," Luke said.Valentino didn't answer, he didn't know what to say. He could only let the tears flow down his face. When he still didn't answer, Luke slowly moved the knife and Valentino quickly grabbed his hand to stop him from moving it further. "I'll let you stay. I promise. I'll let you stay. As long as you won't keep Alessandra from me. I still want to see her from time to time," Vale
Haru was rounding up his men in the main house as they anticipated the attack of the Italians. As Haru was distributing the firearms among his men, an explosion sounded from the left side of the main house, shaking the grounds of the mansion. Haru cursed under his breath as he and his men split to search for more explosives planted around the house. The others went to search for wounded men.Haru pulled out his gun as he entered the living room. One of the men was holding a detonator. Haru aimed his gun at the man and warned him to put the detonator down."Put the detonator down!" Haru shouted at the man in front of him. The man only gave him a sinister smile before pressing the button, detonating the bomb. The explosion sent Haru flying across the room as rubble fell from the ceiling. Haru groaned in pain as he tried to stand up from the ground. He tried calling for his men, but another explosion shook the house. "Shit!" Haru cursed.Haru then ran to the exit as the ground shook ar
"Buenos dias, Valeria. I see you finally take over again. I'm surprised you even let your son rule for that long," Damaso said as he took a long drag from his cigar."So you're the only one who showed up huh," Valeria said as she leaned back on her chair."Yes. The British could not give a shit about this. The Greeks are probably siding with the Japanese. I don't understand why they would do that. They're both weak. Even if you combine both their manpower," Damaso exclaimed."We need firepower. We'll give them back and grab some from the Japanese once we defeat them," Valeria said."So what's your plan?" he asked."Simple, I have moles in their mafia for a long fucking time now. I'm telling you, I thought I was going to get nothing out of it, but now I've proven that I didn't waste my time on planting them," Valeria said with pride in her voice."What are the moles going to do then?" Damaso asked."Plant some bombs and once they're detonated, we'll sweep out the rest. It wouldn't be t
"What is happening?" A little voice said while looking at the gun pointed at her dad's head.Luke could no longer hold back the tears from running down his face. He desperately tried to cover his sobs. Valeria didn't bother to put her gun down as she faced the little girl."Hey, sweetheart. We're just sending your daddy back where he belongs," she said."Mother put the gun down. Alessandra could see it," Valentino said to his mother through gritted teeth."Oh shush. You saw a gun when you were three and killed someone when you were six. She'll be fine," Valeria said.Alessandra then realized what was happening and ran to her dad. Haru took this opportunity to grab both Luke and Alessandra and hid them behind his back."Don't let them hurt us, please," Alessandra cried.Valentino cursed under his breath and glared at his mother. Valeria only rolled her eyes. Valentino slowly approached Alessandra and crouched in front of her. Alessandra hid further behind Haru."Come to me, Alessandra.
"We had a truce, Valentino. For decades no one dared to turn their back on that truce. Not even you. I was wondering why all of a sudden you do something that you know will initiate a war," Haru said while maintaining a calm composure."I didn't like how she was pushing Luke away from me," Valentino said."Luke's not your property. He's an adult who can decide for himself which is something your small little brain apparently can't comprehend," Haru mocked.Valentino clenched his fists beside him. He wanted to punch Haru in the face, but they were in public and if he did, any talk of reforming the truce would be nonexistent."Why don't we have lunch together? It seems like you have already started so let me just join you," Haru said, walking past Valentino.He took the seat between Luke and Alessandra and gave Alessandra a small smile."I'm sorry for hurting you last time," Alessandra apologized."It's okay. I understand you were going through some big emotions. We can always learn how
Valentino rushed inside the house and immediately went to check on Luke. He walked into the dining area where Luke was helping Alessandra eat her breakfast."Luke," Valentino called out as he approached Luke.Luke looked up at him as Valentino inspected the wound on his neck."Are you feeling okay?" Valentino asked.Luke pulled Valentino near him to whisper in his ear. "We'll talk later," he said and then pointed his eyes over at Alessandra. Valentino nodded before taking a seat beside Alessandra. Alessandra cut her pancakes and offered them to Valentino. He graciously took the piece into his mouth and Alessandra gave him a delighted smile."You like your breakfast?" Valentino asked."Yes, but I would prefer more strawberries," Alessandra replied.Luke smiled at his little girl. He was glad she hadn't noticed the wound on his neck despite the visible bandage on it and he plans to keep it that way. Once Alessandra was done, Elisse came into the room and took her dishes away."Elisse,
Luke woke up the next day with sensations along his neck. He opened his eyes and saw Valentino on top of him, kissing and sucking the skin on his neck. Luke froze as he realized what Valentino was doing. Valentino noticed this so he lifted up his head and smiled down at Luke."Good morning," he greeted before kissing Luke on the lips. Luke kept his gaze away from Valentino as he caressed his cheek with his thumb. Valentino leaned down and kissed Luke on the cheek before going down on his neck again. Valentino left one last mark on his neck before getting off of Luke."You look even more beautiful in that gown in the daylight," Valentino said.Luke slowly sat up on the bed before getting off, but Valentino grabbed his arm. "Let's shower together. I want to see you again," Valentino said.Luke didn't answer but it was enough for a yes for Valentino. He got off the bed and pulled Luke to the bathroom. Luke stood with his back to Valentino as he took off his clothes. Valentino then wen
Night came and Romero was being prepared to leave. Two men were assisting him, running him through his papers and where his family is currently located. Romero sighed in nervousness as he took the papers and the bag filled with clothes and money. They also showed him that his records are now finally clean and the mafia will no longer come after him. Romero can't do anything else but trust Valentino in this.They walk up the stairs out of the basement with the two men guarding Romero. Once they reach the upper floor, Romero is met with Luke. Luke was carrying Alessandra in his arms and once he turned, his eyes met with Romero. Romero gave him a reassuring smile, telling him that he was going to be okay before being dragged off. Luke tried following him, but Valentino grabbed his arm to stop him. "Romero!" Luke called out."I'll be fine, Luke. Goodbye," Romero said as he was being escorted out."What are you going to do to him?" Luke asked Valentino."He's going home to his family," Va