* Reda Faith *I could not stop the tears from flowing in my eyes as I rode with my father in his white Honda CRV. He is silent while on the steering wheel and I keep my eyes outside the window. I have never made him so angry and disappointed all my life, this is the first time that I have seen him this angry. He even punched a powerful man like Axel. The silence is disturbed by the ringing of his phone above the dashboard of the car."Yes, Papa?"My grandfather is on the line. How could I forget, that this is the day that they will be declaring if my grandma will be out of the confinement in the hospital?"Come again? I can't hear you properly please speak a little bit louder."The tone of his voice made me turn my head away from the window and into him. He is holding the phone in his right hand while the wheel is on his left. There was no traffic on the road as we were already heading home but my father pulled over on the side of the road and dropped the phone slowly on his lap."He
* Reda *It was the worst day of our lives, having said our goodbyes to my grandmother and finally finalizing her burial. It took us weeks to slowly accept the fact that she will no longer be with us and I do hope that she will be resting peacefully in heaven. I prayed that my Nana would be happy up there even though I cannot see her anymore, but to know that she no longer suffers is more important. I stopped blaming myself for what happened and I also felt that my father seemed to have forgotten what I did with Axel.He could have learned the fact that my family is in grief for I have received a message coming from him. "Reda, I know you are grieving and I regret the fact that I can't be there to hold you. Let your grief over soon sweetheart and I am always be right here waiting. Take care of yourself and your Dad. See you soon!"After reading his message, I saw the look in my Dad's eyes when he watched me put my phone back in my pocket. To avoid any complications, I turned my mobile
* Axel *With my territory finally expanding in the Philippines, I could not help but be occupied throughout the day. Yet when the night comes I still have the time to think about her and my father. My biological father who failed to know about me, pulled some strings to find out about my real identity. However, I had anticipated his actions even before I decided to come back to this country. He failed to learn my true blood and my real identity is still hidden from all the residents of his lands and this country as a whole."Boss Axel, the documents have arrived, congratulations on owning five thousand acres of land and property."The smile on Donte's lips is wide however I just nod and accept the big folder from his hands. "Complimenti Boss Axel! Bravo!"The greetings of my men inside the room maybe loud and cheerful as I scanned the pages one by one and they clapped their hands toward me. "Thank you everyone! We can all go out tonight and rent the nearest bar in town. Eat anything
*Axel *"Buon Viaggio!" (Happy Trip)Donte bid a normal goodbye when we were about to board the plane for the international flight. Davao City airport is neat and bigger than the one in Butuan City which only caters to local flights across the Philippines. I was a bit reluctant to go on with my business trip to Taiwan and Singapore but I must leave to deal with a huge amount of money at hand. I look around the whole place before looking at him in the eyes and seeing the rest of my men behind him.I only have three of my most trusted high-caliber men flying with me, Rocus, Rafael, and the only female who belongs in the highest-paid men working for me Devin. Although at first glance no one could tell if it was a she or a he for she always wears manly clothing but looking at her passport would clear everything up. Rocus carries my small attache case and a carry-on bag while I speak with Donte for some final commands before I leave."Begin the construction of the Villa Donte, you have all
* Axel *The plane safely landed after more than two hours of traveling above the sky. I checked my phone for a signal after the announcement of the pilot on board. The weather is hot, as the summertime is still thirty-five degrees, and time is about noon which is even more reason why the temperature is hot. I slowly get up from my seat after seeing that my men are ready to go out."Thank you for flying with us sir, hope you enjoy your stay in Taiwan!"I nodded as the flight attendants stood in line at the exit door of the plane. At the corner of my eyes, I saw the male flight attendant smiling but as soon as I was about to turn my back I caught him taking his mobile phone and typing on the screen as fast as his fingers could. With Devin ahead of me while Rafael and Rocus behind me we exited the plane as usual.The airport is a bit crowded following the line of passengers arriving, it was good that we have a separate line for all the business class. I followed Devin into the migration
* Reda *All the luggage is packed and ready to leave as I look at my reflection in the mirror. It's been a few months since the death of my grandmother and then we started processing our documents needed to go abroad. Uncle Alexander came across a business associate who offered an opportunity for my father to work and live overseas. Despite my objection and my grandfather's request to stay, he wouldn't listen. So the three of us pack our baggage and must leave soon. Australia, it's miles and miles away from the Philippines, especially from the place where I was born, but my father found an opportunity to start over. After my grandmother died, things were never the same for our small family. And also I know that my father did not forget what happened between me and Axel. Although he was not asking anything I could see from the look in his eyes that he was calculating me and trying to figure out if I have still contact with him. But if he had only asked, I would tell him how I blocked
* Axel *The business deal in Taiwan was a success after that the next destination was one of the world's cleanest countries in Asia, Singapore. However, God knows that people on the inside are only clean when it comes to their surroundings. I spent three days in the country before I was challenged by a few gang lords of the same country. "Boss Axel! We have a tip from the Dragon gang that we aren't welcome here."A worried voice coming from Rafael greeted me as I walked into the office early in the morning. Rocus and Devin are standing with him, it seems that the three are up early before me because of the bad news."Well, good morning everyone."I calmly walk passed them and sit on my swivel chair, with their eyes following my movement as they wait for the next words that I am about to say. "Good morning too Boss Axel, dispiacente."Rafael knows that I hate panicking and he is also aware that the fact that we are in this country would bring chaos to the rival gangs. We are all awar
* Axel *The two-hour flight back to the Philippines was filled with silence. As Devin was being nursed by a private doctor while on travel, I still felt glad it wasn't fatal. While I am thinking of ways to get back the money I lost and the enemies that I thought were responsible for the sudden bomber. I believed that I had been way too relaxed even when danger was already in front of me. The attack would have cost me my life and my three friends. I gritted my teeth while I sat on my seat and I saw the clouds from my window."She is stable Boss Axel, the doctor confirmed that Devin would wake up after eight hours caused of the medicine he gave her."I sighed and met Rocus's gaze as he sat beside me. "Good! Now we know that the Dragon gang is not a group that should be taken lightly. I could have taken extra precautions and bought a place that was exclusive for us rather than staying at the hotel. It was reckless and thoughtless of me. Have you contacted the other members of our family
* Axel *We were inside the limousine going back to the house when Juliana broke down and cried. There are only both of us at the back since I let Donte sit with the driver in the front."I'm sorry about your brother Juliana."I ran my hand on her back and took the box of tissues on top of a small attached table. She was gently sobbing. "He was rude but he didn't deserve to be beaten up like that in front of everyone, he was still my brother.""I know, but your father has a violent way of disciplining him."She stopped crying before we reached the hotel and I was glad that she did or I will have a lot of explaining to do to her men when they see us. It is still our first wedding night even when it is just for a show, none of her men knows about our secret agreement. The hotel we were about to spend the honeymoon is located in the center of Singapore.The whole building stood the proudest and we booked the most expensive room but I don't mind spending. I didn't let her family pay for t
* Axel *It was an exclusive gathering with only the members of the Dragon gang of higher ranks and the members of my family were invited. The gathering was held three days after I had given my positive response to marrying the daughter of Mister Goh. The differences between our organizations were deleted and we agreed to bury whatever hatred we felt for each other. We agreed to settle things peacefully now that I have become a business partner of the gang. It was not something that I had wished for nor did I need to do it but considering the safety of my people I did it.Juliana and I had an agreement, I took her word for it or their word since it was hers and Bernard's the lover that she wished to be with."I hope it's alright but I don't think Bernard would appreciate it if we have the official kiss."Her whisper is what brought me back to the moment when I did not pay much attention to what the judge was saying. I turned towards her and looked deep into her eyes, the idea of kissi
* Axel *The deal was on, but instead of rejoicing and feeling the win, I felt a lot of load weighing over my shoulder. This is one of those days that I know it would not turn out great for everyone yet I choose to go with the flow and gamble. It's lives that I am putting on the line, but I swear on my life that I would protect what is mine and protect the lives of the people who work for me. The announcement will be made soon. When the old man sends me a request for my answer it would be a yes."Boss Axel, we must extend our stay if you will hold a wedding."I look at Donte whose eyes are fixated on me. There will be a lot to prepare if the celebration is big, but I wanted to keep it simple because it won't last."This is not a normal wedding Donte, this is a deal with a business partner. Divorce will soon progress after three to six months so there is no need for trivial matters. Send home the rest of our people it would be easier for us. Let them know I will get them back here only
* Axel * She picked the restaurant not far from my hotel when I mentioned to her over the phone where I was staying. Julliana, that is what she wanted me to call her. The woman whom I should marry if I wish to land a business casino here in Singapore peacefully. Her father is the head of the dragon gang, so my mind is on a chaotic page right now. Before heading out, I opened my phone and typed a short message to the woman that I was hoping to see before I finalized my decision.But I stared at the blank screen wondering what I would tell her."Are you ready to leave Boss?"A question from Donte on the driver's seat put me back to the present. "Yes, let's go."He looked at me trying to see if I was alright and it annoyed me more than anything. "Drive Donte, I don't want her to arrive at the venue first."After I said that he nodded and started the car, there were only the two of us in a rented vehicle so I decided to take on his suggestion. We have to change cars, from the day we arri
* Axel *The night ended with only the old man smiling and the rest of the men on my team waiting for the decision that I had to come up with after three days. Life in Singapore is fancy just like how I live in Italy, the country has so much to offer and I wanted to build my business here. In my thoughts I have to talk to the woman who could help me with my business, what she needs in return if she agrees to marry me just for a show, to please her old man.I am still in doubt, I can't marry someone I don't love. Thinking about it is making me puke, however I need to help my men who are already relying on me. The men that I recruited because of my plan for business expansion here in Singapore. The purpose of my life is to build this empire that my father left and the old man is a big hindrance for me. But perhaps I can make it happen through his daughter who offered me a date this afternoon."Good morning Boss!"Donte wakes up first as I walk towards the fancy kitchen of the new hotel.
* Axel *"I have to apologize Mister Goh, but I don't think I could accept this proposal. I don't mix business with my relationship and I already have a woman in my life. This idea is absurd."I shook my head and found my eyes resting on the woman beside me whose face was smiling and lips beginning to pout at the rejection that she heard coming from me."Oh, you don't have to sound so defensive Mister Brussel."Her voice is sweet and pleading, she is younger than Reda but I could tell her boldness from how she carries herself. I bet she is deadly as well as her charms are, she learned everything from his father and the resemblance she has with her brother is slowly resurfacing.Mister Goh chuckled. "Don't give me your decision now Axel, there is only one reason that you could stay here unharmed and one reason for you to get doomed and that is me. I am giving you three days to decide, whether you marry my daughter or you get out of this country for good."My expression dimmed and I kne
* Axel *"She's harmless Axel, her name is Julie and this beside me is Anne."I smirked and the lady beside me giggled despite the gap between us I could smell the scent of her perfume. It's not something that anyone could just ignore, it invades my nostrils but nothing could ever take my mind off from the woman that I have already declared to pursue. The elevator opened and then the men who work for Mister Jo together with my men came in."It's alright Mister Goh, I am fine with lady friends for tonight. I am a man after all."My comment made the lady laugh and adore me with her smile and look but I have no plan of taking her with me if that is what she was expecting."Good, great that the boys are here."He managed to let them sit in the bar which is not far from us. Donte passed by my chair taking a look at the woman beside me. "Are you alright Boss?""Never been fine Donte, go drink with the boys. Enjoy this night it is all thanks to Mister Go over here, I think that it wouldn't
* Axel *It was not what I had expected, for the old man to come down first than the rest of his army. He walks slowly dressed up in a fancy white suit with a formal white hat on top of his head. I could tell that he has no hair underneath the expensive fabric of the hat, but his build is still strong with his legs walking evenly unlike the rest of the old men that I have seen who have reached the age of over sixty or nearly seventy years old. I opened the door beside which alerted all of my men inside."Boss Axel!"Donte who was already going down first tried to stop me, but I didn't pause for a single second and directly landed my feet on the ground to meet the old man. "Stay where you are Donte, or follow behind me but don't embarrass me by meeting him first."Donte cleared his throat to answer me that and also to stay calm. The enemy is just sitting there behind the old man who's closer to me now. "Hi there! Mister Axel Brussel in the flesh, I am glad to meet you."His cheerful vo
* Axel *"She is safe Boss."The relief surged when I heard Rafael reporting the situation with Reda. I asked him to escort her into the airport for her flight at five pm and Rafael was able to call after twenty minutes."Did she get inside the airport Rafael?""Yes Boss, I watched her pass through the security and enter the staff entrance. She is with her colleagues."I exhaled slowly. "Good job! come back now. And Rafel.""Yes Boss Axel, I am with the driver. On my way back to you at the hotel."I paused for a couple of seconds. "Thank you, Rafael.""You're welcome, Boss Axel. Anytime sir."I click the end button and look at both Donte and Rocus with all the other men inside the room. Everyone is trying to hide the most deadly weapon they have on their clothing. With me, I only have a small knife hidden in my boots and one in my belt. We can't bring anything that's going to blow since the hotel is still a strict public place with security and cameras everywhere.For more than one ho