* 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 *I will not rest until I have avenged the member of my family who passed away from the incident in Singapore. Days passed and even weeks, aside from managing my business outside Italy and across Europe online, I spent most of my time in the veranda of my room at the "Family Villa" which is almost finished. For a common owner, it would take years to build a house and a place like mine to finish. But with my money and connections, I will make it possible for just less than a year. "Boss Axel!"Donte came to my view with a pleasant smile on his lips. The sign of his true age shows through his laugh lines and crow's feet by the side of his eyes. But I must say that it did not make him less strong. Donte is still the bravest and one of the most loyal friends I have, he is like my second father even when he refuses to call me by my first name but still calls me Boss. The old man has more influence on me than anyone in the family. More than my father."The sun is setting with a beau
* Axel *After the meeting with my most trusted men, I pack my clothes in a backpack. Just one set of clothes to change and then my small pocket pistol with 3 rounds of bullets. It must be not enough or just too much depending on how the business would go. The meet-up between the gang and the discreet buyer from Cebu City would be after midnight tomorrow but we have decided to head out tonight. We need to check into one of the most expensive hotels near the area of the meeting. To avoid being noticed as gangsters or mafia, we need to look like tourists.The other members, Donte and Rafael decided to buy surfing boards from the nearest surfing store to enjoy the sea and pretend like we were enchanted with the beach, the view, and the sunny weather in the morning."Daddy! Daddy!"A high-pitched tiny voice caught my attention as I sat there in the shade of a wide umbrella under the sun. I turned to look at a girl about three or four years old looking at me with her beautiful dark eyes su
* Axel *After sundown, the mood has changed, without identifying the client the Dragon gang is about to meet my men and I focus on the negotiation that is about to take place. We were three hours early at the venue equipped with all our needed weapons to fight. It is a crucial time, I don't want anyone from my team to get hurt just like the last time in Singapore. This time it should be the enemies who would suffer the wrath from all of us. Donte is looking more serious than everyone else, I could read through him the amount of pressure that I also feel.I wasn't a fool to only let the four of us here, there are more than fifty men that are all armed and ready. Taking a disguise on two yacht docks at the Port, I know that the enemies will be outnumbered. His clients will not bring in too many people to hide from the attention of the public. "Boss Axel, I received a text message from our men confirming the visitors arriving with the package in their hands."I smirked and nodded. "The
* Axel *It took three weeks before I received an important message from the Dragon gang in Singapore that I was free to go back and they would not lay a hand on my people. And their leader sent a private invitation for a formal business meeting with him. I know the rumors that the old man is nicknamed the old dragon and he does not meet anyone that easily or show his face to any of their business clients. Not that I want to do business with the gang, we have different lines of business I am less brutal than how they are. However, I could be ten times like them if they hurt me first."Boss Axel, this is very dangerous for you to accept."Donte immediately objected when I told him that I wanted to leave and pursue the opening of our casino in Singapore. It was my initial plan the first time I stepped foot in the country, however, we did not make it when the hotel that we stayed in blew up. I lost millions of dollars, but I had my revenge a few weeks ago.The money is back in my accoun
* Reda Faith *"Bye dear, have a safe flight."My grandpa was smiling ear to ear as he helped me put my luggage at the back of my car. I knew that he would go fishing at the inner harbor of Fremantle again after I left for my flight. "Thanks, Grandpa, enjoy fishing with your friends!""I do, and if there's a good catch, I'll make sure that you can have some when you come back.""Oh, thank you, grandpa."I got in the driver's seat and started the engine of my brand-new white Honda CRV. The first thing I bought after getting a job at the S&A airlines. Dad was still at work but I knew that he would send me a message before my flight, he knows that I have work starting today from Perth to Manila and Singapore then back. My job pays well, I am even earning a few dollars higher than that of my father. Grandpa is also loving the place and he has found friends who enjoy fishing. There is a huge community of Filipinos in Australia and most of them are very friendly and helpful. The idea to mi
* Reda *"Axel"I spill out his name in surprise, of all the people around the world who could have reserved all the VIP seats of the first class. Why it so happened to be him, I met his gaze and felt the familiar spark. His eyes held the same power, and yet I could tell that he did not expect to see me on board the same plane with him. The glass of whiskey in my eyes felt cold from my palm and I had to put it on the table in front of him. Feeling the heat of his gaze while I leaned over.Pretending that it was alright, but it is very much far from it. My heart is thumping wildly inside my chest, he is still the same handsome and arrogant yet I fell for him."I did not expect to see you here Reda. But this is rather a pleasant surprise, how was it since the last time we saw each other?"The question came out natural but his voice was so manly and I could only imagine the last time his lips were on my ears whispering. I had to blink my eyes and throw those memories away from my head. I
* 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