《Bloody Secrets》


 1 The Meeting

    Eyes like the color of the blue sea that matches his red thin rosy lips with his light brown messy hair and a body that seems to come from a God. His features from head to toe are what they call perfect. A guy who has everything, looks, wealth, brain, fame, he has it all.


    Ace Kien Fiera, 17 years of age and as of now, he is still a high school student studying at the Academy. He''s a corporate heir and his family business is known for its good production of goods and related services in the economy. Despite that, it is really hard to live in this kind of situation. As you can see, since he is still young, eyes are everywhere, watching his every move, waiting for him to commit a simple mistake.


    *Click*


    "Turn to the right-side Mr. Fiera." The photographer said. Right now, Ace is taking a photoshoot for the magazine that will be released the next day. His father already announced that Ace will be starting to manage their company in his interview and the media went wild about the news. By this, his father grabbed this opportunity to introduce him now to the world as the next heir of the Mafier Industry.


    "Okay, that''s for today." The photographer finally said while handing his camera to one of his assistants. Ace then walked away from the room. He took off his tie and tried to find the exit. When he finally found it, he was about to open the door when he heard people talking behind the door.


    Reporters.


    "Wow. They don''t get tired of chasing me?"


    He had no choice but to take the exit at the back of the building. He still needs to go to the academy to finish up the letters that are needed to be submitted for his leave of absence again next month. His father said that it was an important business so he should be there. A few moments later, he finally had the chance to escape from those cameras and was already in front of the academy. But then, he saw many students waiting for him in front of the gates. When they saw him, they started to scream and ran towards his pace.


    "Kyaaaah!" Everyone shouted.


    "Ace, please take a picture with me." The girl with pigtails said.


    "No! With me Ace." The girl from the right said. She''s wearing a see-through top and a short A-line skirt in school? How bold.


    "No! Me." The girl from the left said she looks... Nice. She''s wearing a plunging sweetheart neckline dress. He sighed. This will never get old. This often happens to him. Ace doesn''t get startled nor surprised anymore about this. However, he still gets irritated when this situation usually happens to him.


    "Excuse me." Ace coldly said and tried to walk away.


    "Awww." They all protested but, in the end, they gave way for him to go. Ace is cold towards girls. Well, there is only one reason why he is like that. They only see him as a thing, not a person and he hates people like that the most. But from time to time he still plays with girls.


    "Thanks." Ace said while waving, without even looking at them.


    "Oh. My god! He waved at me." The girl said with a pink hairband and again they all argue because of that. In his point of view, that was very fun to watch but he doesn''t have time today though. Ace continued to walk and was on his way to the teacher''s office. While he is on his way, walking at the corridors of the 3rd building.


    *Clack* *Clack* *Clack*


    He heard a sound of heels that were heading towards him though he doesn''t know which direction where it was coming from. He tried to look around, searching where it was coming from and right at the corner, a girl got out of a room. She is wearing a white lace shift dress with sleeves paired with a white stiletto; I think that''s from the new edition of Luis Vuitton. She has this black long straight hair fitted to her small face, her skin is flawless and her body is beyond compare.


    "Wait, is she studying here?" Despite describing her Ace didn''t notice that she already passed right through him. He was mesmerized by her beauty and even forgot to breathe for a second.


    "She doesn''t know me?" He whispered. All the students know him, especially girls.


    "Hey... Miss." He called and to his surprise, she turned her head to face him. Her calm face when she was walking before had changed.


    Now she looks... Terrifying.


    "What?" She asked with an irritated tone but just by looking at her he can''t start to talk.


    "Do" She took one step


    "You" And another


    "Have" And another one


    "A Problem?" and the last one. She was close to him, an inch away from his face to be exact but he didn''t mind that. Hence, she suddenly grabbed the collar of his shirt carelessly.


    "What the hell is she doing? Doing this to a guy, she must be out of her mind?"


    "Don''t underestimate me." Ace said while smirking at her but while saying that his voice cracked at the end.


    "Oh yeah?" She asked while coming even closer to his face.


    "Are you not afraid?" She added looking at him in the eye. Her eyes were cold as well as her voice and that made Ace wonder why she has those pairs of eyes?


    "Don''t come near me again if you don''t want any trouble." She said and finally let go. That left him staring at her as she walks away from the corridors of the 3rd building.


    "Ace talked to that dangerous girl?" A girl suddenly appeared behind. When he looked at her, she was looking at him pouting like a child. She''s wearing a yellow socialite plunging lace romper, paired with a white pair of wedge sandals.


    "Ava." He called.


    "Don''t come near her, she beats people." She said when he was about to pinch her face and those words echoed in his head.


    "Beat people? Hahahaha!" Ace laughed. He was trying to break the tension in the air. She looks serious, so he petted Ava''s hair.


    "I''m a guy she can''t beat me." He added but Ava stopped him from what he''s doing.


    "My bad, I did not say that right." She said and looked at him in the eye thoroughly.


    "She beats people until they die...for fun. Ace, she''s dangerous!" She added and averted his gaze. She''s worried about him.


    "Don''t come near her again." She said and so he had no choice but to nod.


    "Okay, I will never let my little sister feel anxious again." Ace answered and she smiled in return.


    "But Ace, how come that you don''t know her?" She asked out of a sudden that made her giggle.


    "It seems that Ace does not even know people, compare to me, I know everyone." She said running away while sticking out her tongue.


    "Do shut up!" Ace shouted with an irritated tone. He wasted enough time talking. He still has to finish all those letters that are needed to be submitted.


    When he finally arrived at the office of Mr. Lopez, he immediately gave Ace the papers that are needed to be arranged and written. He just decided to do this at home. So, Ace hurriedly brought the papers towards the parking lot but while he was getting inside his car, his phone suddenly rang. He first looked at the screen to see who is the one calling and it was Ava.


    "Yeah?" He asked after he swiped the answer button on his screen.


    "Dad is looking for you, he called me. I think that he wants you to meet your fianc¨¦ now?" She said on the other line.


    "That man is determined to marry me off." On the other hand, he decided to do these papers here.


    "I''m doing something." He answered but the other line became quiet. A moment later Ace heard her chewing.


    "Are you eating?" He asked and she giggled on the other line.


    "Don''t mind me, okay? I''ll just tell dad." She answered and so he had no choice but to end up the call. He then turned his gaze to the paper that he''s still holding. He looked around to find a place where he can finish these papers and not far from the academy. He saw a caf¨¦. He doesn''t want to return to the academy so he decided to go towards the cafe.


    When he was finally inside it, he realized that it was not that big. It''s somehow small and simple. Maybe that is why there are just a few customers inside but then he still liked the calm atmosphere. He ordered an Okinawa milk tea and a vanilla cake after that he started to finish what he was about to do but a minute later the surrounding became noisy.


    "Ace''s here!" A girl wearing a floral button-through collar shirt dress said and came towards Ace.


    "Ace, go on a date with me! I''m sure your family won''t mind right? After all, they already know my dad." She added while clinging unto his arms.


    "No, he will date me. His dad is the closest friend of my dad." The other girl said. She is wearing a black off-shoulder sweater with cute hounds-tooth pants, she looks pretty though. Well the two of them look pretty but that doesn''t change the fact that he is doing something and they are just interrupting him. Because of these two, he can''t concentrate and finish what is about to be finished right at this moment.


    However, in the corner of the cafe, someone attracted his attention. A girl was looking at him. He tried to avert his gaze towards her because she was too creepy to look at despite her looks. But in the end, he still looked at her and still, she is looking at him. He was surprised when she suddenly grinned, after that she went outside.


    "I need to go." He immediately said to the two girls and so the girl who was clinging onto his arm let go.


    "Already?" She protested but he did not listen. He hurriedly arranged his things and went outside the cafe. When he was finally outside, he looked around him. He finally saw her walking towards the intersection of the street so he immediately ran towards her.


    "Miss. You-" And he didn''t expect the next situation that happened. She suddenly pulled him in a very dark place and it smells a dead rat in there.


    "Miss-" He tried to talk but she didn''t let him speak by putting his face on her chest. It was uncomfortable so he tried to move and thank god she realized their situation.


    "Why-" He tried to talk but then again, she didn''t let him speak. She covered his mouth with her hands, by the way, she smells nice. Out of a sudden Ace saw numbers of men running. They were wearing suits but they look dangerous because he noticed that they were holding guns. He saw the frustration in their faces. Then he realized, maybe they were chasing her. When they were finally gone, she finally let go of his mouth.


    "They''re gone." Ace said and looked at her. However, he suddenly froze when he realized that she was looking at him seriously.


    "Really? Do you fucking want to get into trouble?" She asked irritated but that just made Ace scratch the back of his head. He can''t find the words to explain it to her.


    "This can''t be helped." She whispered.


    "What?" He asked confused but she suddenly pulled Ace and pressed her lips towards him. He doesn''t even know why but his lips just don''t want to let go of those lips. But then again, she pushed him a bit and at the same time pulled the collar of his shirt.


    "Now you''re in trouble." She whispered in his ear.


    "You''re now mine" And she left him dumbfounded.

 2 Who is she?

    ACE KIEN FIERA


    "Are you deaf?" Ava asked while waving her hands right in front of my face. We are inside the car heading towards the Academy, we are kind of late though.


    "What did you say?" I asked but she suddenly put her hands at my forehead. What''s the problem with this brat?


    "You''re not even sick." She paused as she slowly came closer towards my ear.


    "SO, WHY ARE YOU SPACING OUT?" She shouted out loud, that made me hold on to my ear. This damn brat! I can''t hear.


    "That hurts," I complained and immediately pinched her face.


    "Why are you spacing out?" She asked again. She sounds worried now. I let go and just smiled at her then I heard her sighed. She won''t get any answer from me. She knows I don''t like people asking if I have a problem or something.


    "The first day of school this semester and you''re like that. Don''t worry about your fianc¨¦ thingy so much." She said getting her bag and went out of the car. What did she say? I looked outside the car and there, at last, I realized that we are finally in front of the Academy. I also got out of the car but then again, some students gathered around when they saw me coming in from the gates. I didn''t pay any attention and just proceeds to walk but while I was walking.


    I heard it again...


    *Clack*


    *Clack*


    *Clack*


    A sound of her heels. I immediately turned my head and there I saw her walking in from the gates. She''s wearing a White Deep V-neck Sleeveless Skater Dress paired with a White Croc Lace Up Barely Heeled Sandals.


    "She''s studying here now?" They whispered.


    "Yeah. She transferred here." The girl wearing a Red Fitted Pants and White Satin Blouse said. Just right before I know it, she passed right through us. I almost didn''t breathe just by looking at her.


    "HEY." A guy suddenly shouted. She just turned her head then looks at him with a bored face.


    "You''re a fucking bitch!" He shouted and was about to punch her. I don''t know but my own feet suddenly moved and walked towards her direction then blocked the blow from this gigantic guy. After that, I didn''t know what happened next.


    Where am I? Is this a hospital or a clinic? I was about to move when the foot of a girl stopped me from doing so and when I looked at the owner, her face was covered by a book. She has nice legs though...


    "You are asking for trouble? Ha?" She said as she removed the book covering her face, there I saw her. Thank God, she''s alright.


    "Now look at your face." She stated and touches my face gently. She looks worried while I''m looking flustered.


    "What happened?" I asked but instead of answering me, she smirked at me then left without saying a word. A minute later Ava went in and hugged me very tightly.


    "I''m worried but I can''t get in. I''m scared of that girl." She said crying, I don''t know what to say so I just hugged her back. I''m not used to it, seeing this girl cry I mean. She always looks tough but today, I don''t know what has gotten onto her to cry this badly.


    "What happened?" I asked for the second time since that girl didn''t answer me. She looked at me thoroughly first then I heard her sigh.


    FLASHBACK


    AVA RHIS FIERA


    I headfirst inside the Academy. Thinking that Ace was behind me, following me towards the school building. I never thought that he wasn''t behind me anymore and he was there standing near the gate looking like a dumb person with his mouth open. He''s looking at something. No! I mean, someone!


    There I saw a girl came in from the gates of the academy. Well, I admit she''s pretty, gorgeous I mean but the rumors that I kept on hearing about her are just not good. Some say, she''s a bully, she beats up people, or she''s a gangster or she is a witch. I probably should not just get close to her. I might get in trouble if I came near her.


    "HEY." A guy shouted out of a sudden, he doesn''t look like he''s studying in this academy. He looks like a bastard searching for a fight. I looked at the girl and she just turned her head to looked at him.


    "You''re a fucking bitch!" The guy shouted and was about to punch her but Ace moved in front of the girl. What a stupid brother! IDIOT! He took the punch for her and there he was knocked out that easily. Well, he is not used to this, fighting people. Besides, that guy is huge! Who in the world would even dare to fight with him? I immediately ran towards Ace but I just can''t get near him because of that girl. Hence, I noticed the girl looking at the guy who punched my brother. Am I hallucinating things or is she raging in anger?


    "You dared to touch him?" She calmly asked. The guy was just about to open his mouth but the girl suddenly punched him and is now at the ground howling in pain.


    Everything went to fast. I can''t explain why or how it happened. It should''ve been in slow motion like what I always see in action movies but now, all I know is that guy was on the ground lying with his face covered in blood. The teachers didn''t stop her and I don''t even know why they didn''t. She just continues to punch him until she noticed that he wasn''t breathing. She finally stood up and walked away from the guy then head towards my brother. She carefully dragged him as she started to walk away.


    Where is she taking him though? I should follow them, right? However, my attention was caught on to the guy still lying on the ground, lifeless. Is he dead? Did she kill someone? She will be expelled because of this right? Then, one of the teachers came near the guy and immediately checked his pulse.


    "He''s still alive." The teacher stated as he sighed in relief. Then that''s good, right? I should follow them now, right? Besides, he''s with that dangerous girl and I don''t know what might happen if they were left alone because Ace and I don''t even know who is she.


    END OF FLASHBACK


    "So that''s what happened," I said absent-mindedly.


    "Ace, she was angry when that guy knocked you out. Others said that it was the first time that she got angry that easily." She explained then come near me.


    "What does that mean?" She asked but I just shrug my shoulders as an answer. I don''t know too.


    "TSS." She hissed and stood up then she gave me my coat.


    "It''s lunchtime. Your classmates said that nothing happened during the 2 subjects that you missed so nothing to worry about. Go and eat." She said and finally went outside.


    "Damn, that guy punched me hard." I touched my face and it still stings. Then I suddenly wonder. Does she get hurt when this kind of thing usually happens to her? Well, she fights right? So, she beats men too. She is scary but... somehow, I''m interested to know her more.

 3 In trouble

    ACE KIEN FIERA


    I''m heading now towards the cafeteria when I noticed that the students here are looking at me strangely. Maybe because of what I have done a while ago. However, I didn''t pay any attention and just proceeded to walk.


    "What the fuck Ace. Did you get into a fight?" Sean asked looking amazed.


    "The first day, first fight. Nice." Sean Lockhart, he is my best friend.


    "No." I simply replied, he just laughed at me. After that he pulled me towards a table then we began to eat. He already ordered a portion of food for me so there''s no need for me to hassle.


    "So, are you close to that D girl?" He asked before he drank his iced tea.


    "What is D girl?" I curiously asked, his eyes widened by my question.


    "Dangerous girl, Dude." He answered and takes a bite of his food.


    "Not really," I said and take a bite on mine too.


    "Really? If I were you Ace, I''ll stay away from her." He stated without even looking at me but from the tone of his voice, I know he wants to say something. This is the first time he ever warned me. He always supports me and often gives me a go signal on anything that I want but now... it seems that something is off.


    "So, that girl is having sex at the rooftop of the second building." A girl whispered at the right side of our table. I don''t know the reason but somehow my heart started beating fast when I heard those words.


    "I''m going to go somewhere. I''ll pay you later." I said to Sean, he just nods and continued to eat. I immediately ran towards that place. My heart is pounding fast that my knees are trembling like crazy. I ended up at the second building''s rooftop and now I''m holding the doorknob, soon as I open this, I''ll saw her...


    "What are you doing here?" A girl said behind me, I immediately turn to face her.


    "I was-" I was talking but she just passed through me and opened the door. I sighed when I realized that she wasn''t the one who the girls were talking about a while ago or she is?


    "Follow me." She suddenly stated that it gave me a sudden shiver. I don''t know what to do so, I ended up following her.


    "Sit." She ordered, so I did. Is she doing that? I don''t know but because of the reason that I feel nervous right now, I stupidly closed my eyes. However, I suddenly felt a cold thing on my face, is that a cold compress at my jaw.


    "You should have stayed at the clinic." She said. I slowly opened my eyes and she''s still holding it, like before she looks so worried.


    "So, why are you here?" She asked again and now looked at me in the eye.


    "Oww. That!" I said trying to avert my gaze, I noticed her grin.


    "You heard about that rumor." She said as she puts down the compress and lay down.


    "Are those even true?" I asked, she looked at me first then looked up at the sky.


    "It''s true if you believe that it is true and it''s a lie if you believe that it is a lie." She paused and looks at me again.


    "It depends on you." She added and now closed her eyes. I don''t know? I don''t even know her. I don''t even know her name.


    "By the way what''s your name?" I asked and there she opened her eyes flashing into slits. I think she''s angry?


    "If you knew my name you''ll be in trouble." She said and now covered her eyes by her arms, I think that she is about to sleep now.


    "I''m already in trouble," I whispered, just then she looked at me. She looks strange now. She''s looking at me... Sadly?


    "You said that... right?" She asked when she came to me.


    "Question is... Are you ready for the aftermath?" She asked coldly. I can''t answer. I don''t even know what she means by saying that "aftermath" word. Is it wrong to get close to her? My body is shaking like what the fuck is happening to me? Her voice is so cold that it gives me the shivers all the time I hear it. Ah! Damn. I looked down and started to think.


    Here goes nothing...


    "Yes?" I answered but I think that sounds like a question though. Hence, I looked at her but I was surprised by her shocked expression. She must have in mind that I don''t want to be in trouble since that I''m a guy that should show others how good I am because I am this and that. Well, she''s wrong. She suddenly stood up and walked away but when she was about to open the door.


    "Aviana." She said and finally left without even looking at me.


    *Ring*


    Sean is calling.


    "Yeah?" I answered.


    "Class is about to start better get here fast." He said, I immediately ended up the call and ran towards our classroom.


    "Mr. Fiera, you are late. You will sit there." The professor said while pointing an empty seat beside another empty seat. It was near the window. When I finally sat down towards my seat, the door of the classroom opened again and there I saw her coming in with that cold ambiance.


    "Your seat is there Miss." The professor said while she just proceeded to walk. Why does that professor call her miss? Does she have no surname? And wait, did that professor just pointed the seat beside me?


    Just before I know it, she''s right beside me sitting. The silence broke and they began to buzz. Based on their looks I think they are all talking about her who is currently sleeping now. The professor started to discuss Calculus, will she be okay with this? Not listening to the professor, this subject is a bit hard though? I''ll just take notes for her.


    Hours had passed and she''s still sleeping peacefully. Well, she was about to sleep a while ago when we were at the rooftop. She must be really tired. However, it''s already dismissal and she''s still sleeping. There''s no one around now instead of us. Sean already went home due to the sudden visitation of his father.


    "Hey." I poked her.


    "Hey!" I said and poked her again. She''s deeply asleep. When I attempted to do it again, she pulled me and surprisingly kissed me. After that, she smirked and got out of the classroom. I can''t breathe. Damn that girl!


    "What will I do it''s hopeless to control this feeling." I smiled realizing what I just said. Did I just actually fall for her? By the way, where did she go? Maybe she went home already.


    When I was at the parking lot and was about to get in my car, I saw figures of people not far from where I was standing. Then one figure looked familiar so I walked towards them to see if who it is. When I finally got there, I saw Aviana with some people holding knives on their hands.


    "AVIANA!" I shouted. She immediately turned her head at my pace. She looked irritated when she saw me standing here, watching her.


    "So, Aviana is your name." A guy said to her, he looks like a beggar with those unpleasant clothes.


    "You should have not come here." She whispered running towards me.


    "But-" I was about to complain when she suddenly pushed me but then I saw why she did that. Someone is standing behind me and she kicked that guy''s hand.


    "HAHAHA! The guy now is in the damsel in distress." The guy who attacked us shouted and they all laughed in unison.


    "Are you alright?" She asked worriedly.


    "Stay behind me." She added and gripped onto my wrist tightly.


    "O-okay?" I answered. They all started to attack at the same time. It''s just a shame that I can''t even protect her but dang she''s great while fighting.


    "Beside you," I shouted so she ducked and punched the guy on his face. There is no way she kills for fun. When it was finished, she finally faced me and unexpectedly embraced me very tightly.


    "They didn''t hurt you?" She asked and I nod in return. Then I heard her sigh, after that she let go and was about to walk away when I pulled her then hugged her again.


    "Why are you so worried? Is it possible that you like me?" I asked but I just heard her laugh at me. She then pushed me but at the same time pulled the collar of my shirt. After that, she pressed her lips onto mine.


    "You are mine remember?" She said and smiled. This is the first time that I saw her smile.


    It''s so wonderful to look at...

 4 Starting to Fall

    ACE KIEN FIERA


    I''ve been looking at her for an hour now. She is calmly sleeping under the shadow of this oak tree which grew behind the 1st building of the Academy. I just found out about this place when she pulled me out of the room to skip the next class and here, she is now, peacefully sleeping. Not minding if I will go back or not, she is cruel.


    Then after, I saw her move her arms away from her eyes. She''s coldly looking at me now. Did I do something again? Did she hear what I just said? At that point, she suddenly stood up and walk towards me. She''s still looking at me with those pair of dark eyes.


    "Let''s go eat." She unexpectedly said and smiled. I don''t know how to respond so I just nod at her. Aviana started to walk and so I followed her.


    When we were finally walking at the campus everyone started to stare at her. It''s been days now since she started sticking onto me or is it me that sticking onto her?


    Well, let''s just never mind that, all I''m saying is that we''ve been together since the day she said I was hers and somehow, I don''t know why but I''m glad about her saying that. We finally passed through the gates of the Academy and the security guards didn''t mind us going out or in other words, it''s as if they know her already.


    We proceeded at the parking lot and when we got there all of a sudden, she stopped walking. She''s looking at something so I looked at where her eyes were fixed. Then I saw a car thrown by paint and the windows of the car were shattered. I looked at her and she''s still calmly looking at her car then she looked at me after and smiled. She smiled despite knowing her car was ruined.


    "Can I ride with you." That''s just what she said.


    "Sure," I answered awkwardly and walk towards my car, she followed me. I got into my car and so did she. She''s not talking anymore.


    This is one of the things that I noticed about her. She does not speak too much. She''s always serious, cold, and it''s as if she''s always thinking about something. I can''t describe her well yet since that I still don''t know her. However, when the time comes, I hope that we can become closer to this. I started the car and drove away from the academy.


    "You sure about this place?" She asked looking at the restaurant that I chose. I don''t know where she wants to eat and I don''t still have the guts to talk to her. She''s scary when she looks at me coldly.


    "You don''t like it here?" I asked and now she looked at me.


    "No, it''s fine. I''m just..." She paused then averted her gaze.


    "Worried." She added and proceeds to walk inside the restaurant.


    "What does she mean worried?" I whispered onto myself. I just followed her inside. A waiter assisted her with two-seat next to a window. She then sat down and so did I. The waiter gave as the menu but she stopped him from doing so.


    "The usual." She said and the waiter bow in return, then he looked at me.


    "Oww," I said startled. Is she a regular in this place? I took a glance at her but damn she''s looking at me coldly now.


    "Sir?" The waiter then asked and that made me come back to my senses. I began to scan the menu on my hand.


    "I''ll have a butter-basted rib-eye steak and can you please bring as a..." I stated then looked at her.


    "Red wine." She said.


    "One butter-basted rib-eye steak for you sir, the usual for my lady, and a bottle of red wine." He said and finally walked away from us. I looked around and noticed that people keep on staring at us. No, they were all looking at her. Some were even taking pictures. What are their problems? Do they know privacy?


    "Don''t mind them." She stated without looking at me, her gaze was fixed looking at the window as if she was looking at something. I again looked around me, I was about to look away but someone caught my attention even more. She was hiding her face though but I can tell that it is her. I stood up and was about to come near her when she stopped me from doing so.


    "Where are you going?" She asked and looked at where I was looking before. She grinned after and let go of my wrist. She might have recognized her also.


    "Go on." She added and looked at the window beside her again. I proceeded to walk and sat down across her seat. She''s still hiding her face with that menu, so I snatched it, her eyes widened when she saw me finally sitting in front of her.


    "What are you doing here?" I asked whispering, she smiled.


    "Stalking." She answered, however, she suddenly pulled my hand and bit it.


    "Damn this brat. Are you a dog?" I asked angrily. I looked at my hand and it has her bite mark. This stupid brat! Thankfully she didn''t bite me deeply or this will surely bleed.


    "Why are you with her?" She asked.


    "Why?" I asked in return.


    "Yeah! Why?" She answered rolling her eyes.


    "None of your business now go home," I said and was about to leave when she stopped me.


    "You know that she is dangerous right? Ace every person that comes near her gets into trouble and I don''t want you to be in that situation." She said worriedly. I just smiled in return and gently patted her hair then my hands moved to her face and pinched her chubby cheeks.


    "Don''t worry... I will not be in trouble." I said and finally stood up.


    "Now go home," I added, she was about to complain again but, in the end, she nods as an answer. I went back to my seat and just on time, the food was finally served on our table. I looked at Aviana and she''s still looking at the window.


    What is she looking at? I looked at where she was looking and I saw Ava walking towards her car. I then noticed Aviana looking at me now and so I looked at her. Maybe she saw me looking at where she was looking at and maybe I shouldn''t have looked.


    I started to eat and so did she. I observed her eating her Chicken Kyiv, it looks like this is her favorite dish since she said a while ago to the waiter, the usual. I smiled thinking about it. More and more I started to realize that Aviana is not that girl who they were talking about. Yeah, maybe she is dangerous but, she is just trying to save her own life. I know that she does not want trouble and does not want to harm other people. I know she''s just like other girls.


    Realizing that, as time continues to pass by, when I am always with her my heart couldn''t stop pounding like crazy.

 5 What if?

    ACE KIEN FIERA


    Thinking of the possibilities that could happen if I am with her. She is known to be dangerous and no one who is in the right mind would want to stay by her side. Just by looking at her, how lonely is she? Is she even okay with the way that she is being treated?


    I want to be with her even though it seems impossible.


    "For real, dude?" He asked in disbelief as he strongly smacked my head. I just glared at him and continued to drink my Yakult which he bought by the way.


    We are here at the rooftop of the Business and Management Building because the girls from the Entertainment Building in this Academy keeps on bothering me and Sean. Well, Sean is a model and a singer so everyone knows and adores him. But the truth is, he is a casanova and does not want to be in a serious relationship. He doesn''t want any commitment.


    "Are you sure with that damn decision of yours?" He asked with a serious tone in his voice. I just nodded as an answer. I won''t avoid her. I know that I''m making the right decision and I hope until the end I won''t regret this.


    "You know if you continue to do this, your family will go nuts. They will investigate about that girl and when they found out that she is like that they will really. I mean let her pay for seducing you." He explained and now sat down beside me.


    "Well, she didn''t seduce me. I''m attracted to her from the beginning." I stated but he does have a point. If my family finds out that I''m interested in this kind of girl, they will find a way for me not to be with her. How uncool right? Its as if I''m the lady but its true. This is my world and I know my parents will surely not approve, even Ava doesn''t like her.


    "Whatever. So, what is your plan?" He then asked.


    "I don''t know," I replied and finally stood up. As of now, I can''t think of any. I just want to enjoy the moment that I''m always with her because I don''t know what might happen in the future.


    "Come on. It''s the next subject." I stated. We went towards our classroom fast.


    Once we got there, I saw her staring at the window. Is she spacing out? But even though she''s spacing out I find her interesting. I mean, I don''t know anything about her except about the thing that she is known as the most dangerous girl in this town. I don''t know why she is called by that. Has she done something wrong? Or better yet, did she hurt someone or worse kill? I want to know more about her. I want to know who her family is. What do they do? How did she become like this? Why is she beautiful? And why did I fell for her? So many questions that I can''t answer on my own.


    "What are you looking at?" I heard Sean asked that made me came back to reality. I looked stupid staring at her, now everyone is looking at me.


    "Nothing." I simply answered and proceed towards my seat. When I finally sat down, I realized that she''s already looking at me. She is staring and she''s still not averting her eyes. It''s kind of giving me the creeps though.


    "Let''s go home together." She said UNEXPECTEDLY. What? Did I hear her right? Then she continued to look at the window. Never mind, she''s not serious about that. Isn''t she?


    Hours had finally passed and it''s about time to go home but she''s still sleeping. I waited for a minute until our classmates finally left the room including Sean. Since that he still wants to go to the club where his girlfriend is, his 49th girlfriend for now. The hell how does he easily get bored? I don''t even have any girlfriend and he already got 49! Well, I''m already engaged. That''s worse than his.


    Wait...


    Her eyelashes are long. Her lips are so red... And she suddenly yawns in front of me then murmurs something.


    "What?" I asked and came closer.


    "Ready to go home?" She asked without opening her eyes.


    "Yeah. Let''s go?" I answered, she finally stood up and gets her bag. We head on towards my car at the parking lot and when I faced her, she''s yawning again. Is she still tired? What is she even doing every night? She''s always asleep during daylight. I always notice that though. It''s already a month since I''m sticking onto her but our relationship doesn''t have any label yet. The reason is, well I don''t want to ask.


    "Where will I take you?" I asked but she didn''t answer and got in the car. When I stepped inside the car she''s already sleeping, AGAIN. I carefully closed the door and looked at her. She is sleeping.


    "Hey," I called, she suddenly pushed me. What then?


    "H-hey!" I said but she just smirked at me.


    "Close your eyes and don''t get out of here no matter what." She whispered into my ears. What does she mean by that? I don''t know but I just closed my eyes and waited for something?


    Until I heard...


    *Crash* *Crash*


    What the hell was that? Although she told me not to go out of the car, I hurriedly went out and ran towards the people making those noises. Even though I still not know whether she is there, I managed to come near them. When I finally got there, I was surprised when seeing her fight those men again. However now, their numbers have increased and SHIT!


    "Aviana-" I was about to run towards her because she was about to be stabbed but why do I feel like I''m the one who is stabbed?


    I looked around and a guy is grinning behind me. But I was surprised when a knife flew towards this guy''s head. I saw how his blood came out and dripped from his head. Hence, I noticed something sting and I touched where that part is and...


    "B-blood?" I whispered. I looked at her and she quickly snatches the knife from the guy beside her. The next thing I know is that I''m on the ground and I''m looking at her while she kills those people one by one.


    She''s killing them...


    Don''t kill them Aviana. You''ll be imprisoned because of this.


    "A-ace?" She called when all of them were finally lying at the ground, she put my head on her lap. I wanted to talk but no words are coming out from my mouth. I hopelessly closed my eyes for a sec then open it again. I looked at her and touched her face. I don''t know why I''m smiling now but a tear just escaped from the corners of her eyes.


    "H-hey," I called but she just burst into tears even more.


    "H-how did you know my name?" I asked. I don''t know but she is the person that doesn''t care about someone. So how did she know my name? I also thought that I didn''t tell her and she is always asleep in class. So how?


    "Sorry." That''s the only thing I heard from her and my surroundings turned into darkness. I want to wake up beside you if that''s even possible.


    I woke up at the hospital with my parents looking worried. I looked around but that just made me dizzy. My head hurts and where I was stabbed too. I looked around again and tried to find the person whom I wanted to see when I wake up but she''s not here. Hence, I suddenly felt my wound sting which made me closed my eyes. It still hurts.


    "Mom?" I called, she immediately comes near me. She''s trembling when she held my hand, her hands were cold though. She looks worried and afraid.


    "Thank God you''re awake. It''s been 3 days Ace." She said and cried. I looked around for the third time, she is not here.


    "The doctors said that you were stabbed. I''m so worried." She said pressing my hands tightly.


    "How did I get here?" I asked.


    "A nurse saw you outside the hospital," Dad said and put his phone in his pocket.


    "Where is Aviana?" I asked worriedly.


    "Aviana?" Someone said and shut the door.


    "So, she is the reason why you were about to die. She is something huh?" She furiously asked.


    "Who is that Ava?" Dad asked then she glared at me.


    "She is a girl known for killing guys and such. She should not be near him. Look at his state! He was about to die because of her." She protested.


    "Is that true Ace?" Father asked.


    "N-" but I was cut by Ava.


    "Don''t you dare say she''s not." She stated. I had no choice but to stay silent. I can''t deny it because it''s true. However, it''s not right for Ava to say those things about her.


    "No," I stated boldly.


    "Oh really?" Ava sarcastically answered.


    "You will not see that girl ever again!" Dad surprisingly shouted then came near me. I didn''t talk anymore and stayed shut. Damn it, Aviana! I knew that this day would come. I didn''t expect that I won''t say anything against what Ava is saying about you. I can''t believe myself but all you ever did was to protect me, that''s all.


    "Once you get better. We will be flying next week to Europe." I heard from Dad. I looked at him but he just stared at me coldly. I didn''t even notice that it''s already time for us to go to Europe. What about her? What''s going to happen to her?


    After the talk and things, they got out of the room for me to take a rest. I breathed heavily as I remember what happened from that night. Did she kill them? I saw how she brutally stab each and one of those men. A minute later, I heard my phone rang. I reached for it and it''s an unrecognized number.


    "Hello?" I asked.


    "How are you?" A girl''s voice and it sounds like it just finished from crying.


    "Aviana?" I asked.


    "Yes." She said. Just as I thought, it''s her.


    "Where are you?" I asked worriedly. She just stopped from crying what if something happened to her?


    "Outside" She simply replied and when I looked at the door there is a person''s shadow. I immediately remove the blanket from my body and was about to get out of the bed but...


    "Don''t go outside. I can hear you moving." She said on the other line.


    "But..." I protested.


    "If you do that, I''ll take you away from here." She stated. It made me stop. I then recalled how she killed those men. She killed someone. But she did that because of me. I once again looked at the door. I want that Aviana. I want you to take me away. Aviana please let''s get away from this place. I proceed to get out of the hospital bed and went towards the door.


    When I opened the door, I saw her again. Her arms were covered in bruises, her face is pale and her eyes were swollen maybe because of crying. What happened to her? I pulled her and hugged her tightly.


    "I know that you will be in this state and if that happens, they''ll take you away." She said as she escapes from my embrace then holds my face.


    "I don''t want that." She paused and kissed me.


    "So, come with me." She then whispered in my ears.

 6 Broken Trus

    ACE KIEN FIERA


    It''s been days since we decided to run away. I don''t know what her intention is but all I know is that she wants me to be by her side and I too want that.


    "You hungry?" She asked. I nodded as an answer. We''re in a place far away from those people who knew us. I think?


    We are staying at a beach house and other than us, I don''t see any people from this place. There were a few but their place are far from us. They look like normal people and through normal, I mean they look like they don''t know about me. Its as if the people here were isolated from the world.


    Their lives are simple as I observe them from afar. They live in a nipa hut and most of the people are at the sea catching fish. Thankfully, in this house, there are a few appliances that we can use. Compare to them this house is a bit modernized. I also noticed that this place has no signal, so no internet. There is a tv but there are only a few channels.


    We rode on a helicopter to get here, a private one though I do not know how she managed to get one I''m glad that we got here already and we are finally away from them.


    "Here." She said and put a plate in front of me. The house is a bit small compared to the house I used to live in but the view from the sea is breathtaking. I turned my gaze to her and she''s now walking towards our room. So, I began to eat what she served. When I was finished, I decided to go out and see the sea.


    "The sun is setting." She said out of a sudden, she''s behind me. I gently pulled her towards me and embraced her. I didn''t notice that she followed me here.


    "I wish to be like this until the end." She said while turning her head towards me as she hugged me very tightly. I don''t know what she meant by those words of hers but I too want this until the end of our lifetime. Just the two of us living peacefully as we watch the sunrise and the sunset from here.


    However, we still don''t know what will happen in the future and I think I have a hint that her wish could never come true. I think that she senses trouble. She knows that it''s coming very soon and the outcome may not what we want. I just recently get to know this side of her. She''s very weak inside but she loves to show off with her strong personality towards other people. I don''t know why but I think she has to do it or others will surely take advantage of her. I find it rare especially to a girl.


    "Me too." I just simply answered holding her tightly.


    "I''ll be in the market tomorrow want to tag along?" She asked and I just nod. After we watch the sunset, we finally went inside and decided to watch TV. The channel was on the news. We were silently watching it until my face showed up on the screen. They are looking for me but they''re saying that I was kidnapped and it''s because of this girl. What the hell are they doing?


    Lies.


    "This is irritating," I said and turned off the TV. I noticed that she just smiled regardless of what she saw and heard. Please show me that you are sad. Don''t act like you are not hurt and please don''t ever smile like that.


    I gently pulled her face and kissed her, she responded to what I did. I carried her at my lap and just proceeded to kiss her towards her neck. I don''t know how I managed to touch her without even thinking. I remember before, I don''t even dare to talk to her.


    "W-wait." She slightly pushed me.


    "Not now." She added and kissed me.


    "I just want to touch you, because I think any minute you can be out of my sight. Damn it!" I said embracing her but she just touches my cheek and looked into my eyes. Her cold eyes before are now gone, all I can see now is her beautiful eyes.


    "I will never leave you I promise that and if I... you left me in the end, I will surely find a way to be with you." She said while grinning at me but then she continued to kiss me passionately.


    "Trust me." She stated between our kiss. After that, we proceeded to our room and sleep. What can happen if I''m taken away or she''s taken away? What could I possibly do? I''m a coward. I can''t even defend her from my family. I look at her and she''s calmly sleeping now. I embraced her and waited until tomorrow comes.


    "I''ll just get some meat over there." She said and proceeds to walk.


    We are now on the market. It''s so loud here and it stinks but never mind that, it''s for our food. I continued to look around. There is a lot of good food here, mostly are fresh fishes and kinds of seafood from the sea.


    I proceeded to walk but a minute later I found myself being lost. This is the first time that we went far from that house and for that reason, we can get lost anytime. I mean, I can get lost anytime. Damn! I looked everywhere and I noticed that there''s no one around me anymore. I started to search for an exit from this place when someone suddenly pointed something at my back, I think that it''s a gun. Is this a holdup?


    "Follow me." The person suddenly stated. I can''t see his face because he is behind me but because of his voice, I started to recognize him. I did what he asked. Then after, I noticed that he brought me in a very dark lane. This is very far from the market and from here there was no one else besides us. I was surprised when he suddenly pulled my arms which made me look at his face to face and that is when I finally saw him.


    "What the fuck is wrong with you Ace!" He shouted angrily, just as I thought, it''s Sean.


    "I want to be with her." I just simply said.


    "Are you crazy!" He shouted louder but I didn''t pay attention to what he was saying. My eyes were caught up by his hands. I was silently looking as I wonder why does he have a gun?


    "You know that she could get in danger if you continued to be with her. I know you don''t want that!" He said and pushed me towards the wall.


    "Sean," I called. He stopped as he looked at me thoroughly.


    "Where did you get that gun?" I asked boldly. He looked surprised and by that question, he immediately hid his gun.


    "None of your business." He simply stated.


    "Ace, just..." He sighed then looked at me again. I''m not used to seeing him like this. He looks so worn out and frustrated. This is the first time for me to see him like this.


    "Come with me tonight, we''ll go back together. This is the only way to save her. You know your family Ace. This is your warning. I''ll be waiting outside your house." He said then finally left.


    That''s why I feel like someone is looking at us these past few days. He''s been spying on us. Darn it! I don''t know what to do anymore. Why didn''t I even think of that she could get in danger because of me? But I still can''t forget why Sean has a gun on his hand? It''s not that he shouldn''t have one but why did he bring it here? Is he here to kill someone?


    I got back to where I was and there, I saw her.


    "Where did you go? I was worried." She said panting. I can see in her face that she''s been running for a while. Her lips were pale and she''s sweating like crazy. I wiped the sweat flowing from the corner of her face and kissed her forehead.


    "Sorry. I was lost." I explained then embraced her. She just sighed as an answer and didn''t argue anymore. Maybe she got tired when she was searching for me.


    After we finished buying all the things that are needed to be bought, we decided to go home. She seems tired. Why? Well, she just didn''t talk to me on our way home.


    "What are you cooking?" I asked and came near her.


    "It smells salmon?" I added and hugged her from behind.


    "You have a very useful nose." She answered and smiled at me.


    After minutes of waiting it''s finally cooked, then we sat down and eat. It''s been four days since she started cooking for me and I just realized that she is very good. I''m the luckiest man if I got to marry this girl. Well, I will marry her. Definitely!


    When we finished our food, she cleaned up and took a bath while I proceed to watch some movies. Hence, I noticed that my phone is vibrating... how did my phone get a signal? I looked at the screen and it''s from an unrecognized number. I got curious so I answered it.


    "Hello," I said.


    "4 hours." The man from the other line stated then ended up the call.


    "Who is that?" Aviana asked. I didn''t notice that she''s already finished taking a bath.


    "Nothing. I thought someone called. My mistake." I stated. She will ask questions if she has known that someone called. Because apart from me, she knows that this place hasn''t any reception.


    I pulled her and kissed her when she got near me. I was surprised when she responded to it for the second time. I thought she doesn''t want to do it yet but maybe that was before. I carried her to our room. I started to take off her shirt and so did she. I proceed to kiss her towards her breasts. She moaned while I was doing that but then in the middle of it, she stopped me.


    "I can''t." She said and pulled the blanket to cover her body.


    "Okay." I just said and kissed her forehead.


    "Let''s just sleep," I added and she smiled. It''s a good thing that she didn''t wash her hair, that''s why she''s fast when she took a bath. She turns away from me as I embrace her from her back then I gently caressed her hair.


    Aviana... I''m helpless.


    Hours had passed and I think she''s finally asleep. I stood up quietly and went towards the door but before I was about to close it, I looked at her for the last time.


    "I''m sorry," I whispered as I silently went out of the room. When I was finally outside, Sean is already there with a speed boat.


    "Let''s go," I stated while he started the engine.


    When we were about to leave, my skin started to feel cold. Is it the cold breeze of the night? No, it''s not. I looked behind me and I shivered in fear when I saw a figure standing at the tree where we usually stay to see the sunset. I saw her crying. I saw her disappointed face. I''m sorry Aviana, but goodbye now. This is for the best. I have to stay away for you to be safe. I don''t want you to suffer because of me. I will do whatever it takes for you to be safe. So please, Aviana. Please take care of yourself.


    I am now already in front of our gate, thinking if I should enter or just go back to her. At that moment, a hand patted my shoulder.


    "Go on." He said. I looked at him. Seems like I can''t run away now. I just decided to go inside and when I finally got in, my mom saw me and cried. She ran towards me and hugged me very tightly. There, I saw Ava too walking from upstairs.


    "What the hell Ace!" Ava shouted.


    "Where did you go?" Mom asked worriedly I didn''t answer because I saw Father walking towards me. He caught me off guard... I don''t know what to say to him.


    *Slap*


    "I know that you run away with that girl." He said.


    "Dad, don''t do anything. I''ll do anything just let her be." I pleaded. He sighed as an answer and massaged his forehead.


    "Your fianc¨¦ just called." He stated... I froze.


    "She''s asking if you''re finally home." He added. His voice seems calm and yeah. My fianc¨¦...


    I just nod then proceeded to my room. I throw myself on to my bed and remembered her face. The last face that she made is that kind of face. I can''t believe that I managed to leave her. I am a coward. Everything will finally change now and I hope it''s for the best.

 7 Hatred

    ACE KIEN FIERA


    Europe is one of the finest continents that we often go to during summer vacation but our trip to Europe now doesn''t concern us taking a vacation. We are here in Italy for a business trip, all of us to be exact. We''ve been staying here for a week now and I don''t have anything to do.


    Sean didn''t want to come with me. I pleaded him but it didn''t change his mind and the reason? Well because of his new girlfriend. Now I''m here, stuck with my Dad who keeps on letting me join him on his meetings and wants me to meet all his people because he said I will soon be managing our company, very soon he clearly stated.


    I''m here lying alone in my room. Thinking... What am I going to do? I moved to the side of my bed and turned my gaze towards the veranda of the room. I miss her... I tried to call her before I went here but, in the end, I didn''t receive anything from her. I guess that she''s really angry. Sean also told me that he hasn''t seen her at school. Did she transfer? Or did something happen to her?


    "Ace!" Someone called and barged into my room. I saw Ava dressed up. Where the hell is this brat going? Don''t tell me she already has a date when we just started to stay here for a week?


    "Where are you going?" I irritably asked.


    "Daddy said get ready. You''re about to meet your fianc¨¦, TODAY." She said. She looks excited than I am. I don''t want to meet that girl yet. I sighed.


    "Don''t have the energy," I complained and covered my face with a pillow.


    "ACE KIEN FIERA!" She shouted but I didn''t pay any attention. Then I suddenly heard footsteps coming towards my room. I immediately get rid of the pillow from my face and look at the person who got in. He is wearing his usual attire again. A formal suit... Well, it''s my dad.


    "Get ready." He simply stated but there''s an authority from his voice then left. I looked at my sister but she just laughed at me. This spoiled brat! I was about to hit her by the pillow at my hand but she immediately runs outside the room. I just closed my eyes and sighed. This is it. I have no excuse not to meet her.


    Aviana, where are you now?


    I stood up and searched for a suit to wear. After that I immediately get ready. When I was finished, I went downstairs. I saw that they are all ready and waiting for me.


    "Let''s go," Dad said and walked out first while we followed him. I noticed that many men are guarding us for today. What could happen in this meeting?


    Hours had passed and the driver finally stopped in front of a restaurant. When we finally got out of the car, reporters started to make a fuss and tried to take a statement from us. Maybe they found out that I''m going to meet my fianc¨¦ in Italy. My dad already gave them something to talk about and that is I''m engaged. Now they are here to know who the girl is. The news flies so fast if you are very well known. Even though you are out of the country they will surely follow you to gather information.


    When we were inside the restaurant one of the staff guided us to our table. There I saw someone already sitting at the table where we were heading too. Is that her? She looks... sophisticated? She looks young but I think that she thinks old. Just by seeing her with that get-up. A coat and a pencil cut skirt? And that glass of her seems like it came from an old lady. Did she just get off from work?


    "Ace let''s make a bet if your fianc¨¦ is old or not." Ava suddenly whispered while looking at the girl sitting at our table.


    "Shut up," I answered as she pouted in return. When we were in front of her, she immediately stood up from her seat and bowed to us.


    "I''m sorry Mr. Fiera but Malady is not feeling well today so she will not be able to meet you." She said. So, she''s not my fianc¨¦? That''s good to hear. I sighed, but that made them look at me.


    "I need some air." I just explained and excused myself. I head towards the elevator. I''m going to the rooftop of this building. Well, I just found out about this place when I saw its name outside. This is not only a restaurant but also a hotel.


    When I finally got up, I unexpectedly saw someone standing at the corner. She''s wearing black fitted clothing. It''s strange though she looks like an assassin in the movie that Sean and I just watched. What''s that title again? Nikita? I smiled but immediately returned to my poker face.


    "Miss?" I called for her since it''s really dangerous for people to stand at the edge of the building. What if she suddenly jumps? Is she committing suicide? Hence, she finally turns around. I can''t see her face that well because it''s too dark but I know that she looks serious. Then I noticed that she slowly went down from the railings then came towards me.


    However, I felt numb when I saw her raised something and pointed it at me. I''m dreaming, right? But hell, that thing she''s holding, that''s real. That''s a real gun! I stood there like a statue, glued up from where I was standing. I don''t know what to do. I''m terrified that I can''t move even a muscle. But if I don''t move, I''m dead. I had no choice but to close my eyes as fear controlled my whole body. This is the first time I encountered someone pointing a deadly weapon at me and there I waited.


    A second already passed and there''s nothing? I slowly opened my eyes and saw someone in front of me. I noticed that it''s a girl. She is wearing a white dress but she''s holding a katana and that made me even shiver... Are they going to kill me? Then the girl in black started to shoot her, I mean us. Hence, the girl in white parries off the bullets by the katana in her hands. When the girl in black was finally out of bullets, the other girl put down her katana. I still can''t see their faces.


    "My turn." The girl in white suddenly stated and was about to run towards the girl however that girl manages to run away from her. And by running away, I mean jumping from the building towards the next building.


    I noticed then that this girl suddenly stopped from running, is she not going to follow her? Then she finally looked at me. My body started to get numb. Is she going to kill me now? But why? In the end, she walked away.


    I''m safe.


    The next thing I know is that I feel dizzy. I woke up from the light hitting the windows from my room. I slightly opened my eyes and realized something. I looked around and I noticed that this isn''t my room. Then after, I felt that someone''s holding my hand. I looked at that person and I recognized that this is the girl from last night. How did I know? She''s still wearing that freaking white dress. I immediately snatched my hand away from her and because of that, she woke up from her sleep.


    There, I saw her face...


    "You''re awake." She said and smiled.


    What the hell?


    "Aviana?" I asked in disbelief. I can''t help myself but be shocked. What is she doing in Italy? Did she follow me? I thought she was angry at me? No, I mean, I thought she despises me from leaving her?


    "Yes, It''s me." She answered and smiled again. I suddenly came back to reality. I shouldn''t be with her, not now. I have to go. I immediately stood up from the bed but she stopped me when I was heading towards the door.


    "Where are you going?" She asked confused. Even though I''m not looking at her, I can tell that she is surprised about my behavior. I just don''t want to see her face because if I do, I might end up doing things that I shouldn''t be doing. I should hold back these emotions piling up inside my chest. I have to get out of this place, fast!


    "Away from you." The only word that slipped through my mind.


    "W-what?" She asked. I can hear the confusion from her voice. Can she not get what I''m saying? She obviously can understand me but she doesn''t want to listen.


    "You didn''t mean, that right?" She added and pulled my shoulders. It made me look at her and because of what she did, there I saw her eyes again. I saw how sad she is... What the hell are you doing to her again, Ace? You''re hurting her even more.


    "You don''t want this too, right?" She asked.


    "You don''t want this too? Tell me! I''ll do anything." She stated and started to cry. I have to do something. I have to go away. She has to let me go.


    "You''re obsessed." The word that I would never say to her finally came out from this sinful mouth. That statement made her eyes widened. She took a step back and smiled sadly. Tears continued to fall from her eyes. Yes! Cry more! I need to see you hate me to death. Hate me Aviana!


    "I''m sick and tired of playing games. So, here''s the truth Aviana." I said and came near her, holding her arms tight, letting her know that I''m angry, letting her feel that I''m tired of this.


    "I know you know me for playing around with girls. You should probably know now why I kept on sticking around with you." I said and tried to look calm.


    "But I ended up getting in trouble so I''m fucking tired of this shit. I don''t want to stay beside you. I can''t even stand being with you for a second. It feels like any minute I can die if I''m with you. So please Aviana can you do me one favor? Stay away from me." I tried to say those as if I mean it. I said it all to her face and I know that my words will surely hurt her but this is for the best. It made her cry even more.


    "You''re lying!" She confidently answered.


    "No Aviana. I''m not." I calmly answered and held her arms tighter than before. I saw how her arms started to swell. I''m holding her to tight, I''m already hurting her but she isn''t bothered by it. She''s not complaining that it hurts... all the things that I''ve been doing to her, she accepted all that. She''s been suffering because of me, ever since the day she met me.


    "I can''t stand being with you. You''re like a poison that can kill me any minute." I finally said the words that will make her resent me.


    "No." She said and that made her collapsed towards the floor.


    "That is the truth so accept it," I answered. I was about to leave but then I stopped for a minute.


    "Besides, I already have a fiance and I love her dearly," I added and finally left the room without even looking at her because if I did, I might say I''m sorry to her instead of leaving this place. Those were all lies Aviana, I haven''t even met her but because of this lie. You will surely don''t want to see me.


    When I was finally outside, I noticed that I was in some kind of hotel and men was guarding the room. Is that our men? or hers? Well, they didn''t look at me so it''s probably her bodyguards. Bodyguards? Why does she have one? Never mind. I proceeded to walk and when I was finally outside the hotel, a car suddenly parked in front of me.


    "Miss wishes you to come home safe." He stated as he opened the door for me. I had no choice but to take the ride so I just continued to go inside.


    I looked at the hotel again, when I was finally inside the car. There I realized that this was the hotel last night but someone attracted my attention and it is a girl. That made me looked at her thoroughly. She looks familiar though I don''t know where I saw here. A coat and a pencil cut skirt, and the way she ties her hair. She looks familiar.


    Then after, the driver started to drive away from that place and a few seconds later while I was looking outside from the window of the car, this sudden realization hit me. I didn''t notice last night that we passed through this road. Well, it was dark so I can''t tell but this place feels strange. There are a lot of trees and you can''t see any houses from this road.


    Minutes had passed and I haven''t seen any car passing by as of now and there are still no houses on this road. My phone suddenly rang and when I took it out of my coat. I saw a message from an unknown number. When I opened it, it made me shiver in fear.


    You will die.


    In 10 seconds.

 8 First Secret: The Family

    ACE KIEN FIERA


    I didn''t expect what happened next. I thought that these things could just happen in movies but no, this happened to me. All I know is that I''m inside the car and the following moment the car was already slammed onto a post. I looked at the driver who is now covered with his blood. It''s practically obvious that he is dead. I immediately checked his pulse though my hands kept on trembling in fear then after, I felt nothing. He is dead.


    "Shit." I cursed and moved back but the impact made me realized that I''m hurt too. Damn it! How did we even get into an accident?


    I slowly went out of the car but when I got out, I stumbled onto the grounds. I can''t feel my legs due to its numbness. Maybe it''s because of the shock from the accident that made my body run out of energy. It''s as if my soul was taken out from its physical form. I tried to crawl since I can''t do anything other than this. However, someone suddenly stepped on to my hand.


    "Ahhhhhhh!" I shouted in pain and tried to look at the person who did that foul thing. But damn I can''t see the person due to the mask covering his face. Who the fuck is this?


    "So, it''s you." The person said. It''s a guy. He has this accent that would let you know that he is not good at speaking English.


    "You die." He added as he surprisingly pointed a gun at my head. At that moment, it made me looked at my surroundings. I suddenly realized that many people are watching us, though like this guy their faces are covered in masks.


    "Say bay." He said and was about to pull the trigger when a car suddenly pulled up in front of us. Only one person went out of the car. I can''t see the face of that person since that I started to feel dizzy and my eyes started to get blur. But then I suddenly heard their gunfire. They''re killing each other.


    Who''s going to stay alive? Those armed men or that person? However, that made me think... Am I going to die? If yes, can I possibly see her for the last time?


    I would love that...


    "We should head back!" Someone shouted.


    "We can''t. Now that they know him." The other one said. Their voices sound familiar.


    I slowly opened my eyes and saw my mom and dad in front of me. They both look tired and worn out. So, they were the ones who were shouting at each other. But... I thought I was going to die. How did I get here? And where are those men who were trying to kill me?


    "Ace," Mom called when she realized that I''m finally awake.


    "I will die if you got hurt again. You''ve been missing and now that we found you, you''re at this state!" She added as she hugged me.


    "How did you find me?" I asked.


    "We searched for you." Dad started to talk. He is looking at the window as if he was looking at someone.


    "What are you talking about? A while ago." I asked, my mom escaped from her embrace. I can see in her face that she was surprised. Did they expect that I won''t hear their conversation? Well, they have been shouting in front of me.


    "Dad," I called since mom doesn''t want to talk but he just stared at me coldly. Hence, I heard him sighed.


    "You will start to manage our company right." He started to talk and I nod as an answer. What does that have to do with my accident?


    "You see. Our company is not an ordinary company. I mean... our family is not ordinary." But his words just made me confused.


    "What?" I asked. He can see that I can''t understand a word that he is saying. Then he started to walk towards mom and patted her shoulders.


    "Son. You are the next in line to handle the Fiera family." He stated.


    "I know." I confidently answered in return but I know that they still think that I can''t understand what they were talking about. What do they want to say? I can sense that this is not just a simple talk.


    "Our family is involved... in the mafia. To be precise, we are one of the mafia families." He clearly said that left me dumbfounded.


    Is he fucking serious now?


    "W-what?" I asked holding myself not to laugh in this situation.


    "You don''t know that of course." He sadly smiled at me.


    "Because after that accident we kept it from you," Mom added.


    "What accident? When? I can''t remember? Is it this accident?" I asked confused while trying to remember what they''re talking about.


    "You can''t remember because you were a baby. You were nearly killed because someone shot you after you were born." She added as I froze.


    "W-what how could that even happen?" I asked trying to process her statement.


    "Someone in the hospital went after you. When your mom gave birth, that person disguised as a nurse, then that person tried to kill you. After that, we were so afraid that your mom almost died after hearing the news." Father explained.


    "Why do they even want to kill me?" I asked.


    "Well, there''s a prophecy in our family that the one given birth with a birthmark which is our family''s emblem will be born uniquely." Mom said and smiled.


    "Uniquely?" I asked curiously.


    "I don''t know son but all I know is they contain the great ability, like powers." Mom said. Now, we are joking.


    "That''s funny," I said but they both just looked at me seriously.


    "You''re serious?" I asked in disbelief and they just nodded as their response.


    "Well, you are not born uniquely because you weren''t born with a birthmark. But still, some of your mother''s ancestors managed to have ability without having any birthmark. We do not yet know if you have an ability or not until you come of age." Dad explained.


    "And it''s near, only a month has left and we will see." Mom said as she held my hands and smiled.


    "Then let''s see if it''s true," I said and smiled at them. I didn''t ask for more questions because even if I keep on asking, I know that I won''t fully understand the things that they keep on saying. Even these things I still can''t process it through my mind. I mean our family? Mafia? Powers? I just decided to keep my mouth shut even though there are thousands of questions piling up in my head. Hence, I noticed dad went towards the door of the room.


    "Why can''t we go home yet?" I suddenly asked.


    "I heard you a while ago," I added and which made Dad return to where he was standing a while ago. He looked at Mom but why did mom smile at him sadly? Why do I feel that this family has so many damn secrets?


    "Well, something happened other than that and both of us don''t know what to do anymore." Mom started to talk.


    "Because of that incident that made you forget." She added.


    "What is that?" I asked.


    "You''ll know it soon." Dad suddenly said and patted my shoulders.


    "But the problem right now is they''re hunting you." Mom said out of a sudden.


    "What? What do they want? Me being killed because of having that strange ability that I could obtain when I come of age?" I asked curiously.


    "That''s not the only reason," Dad said.


    "It is because our family is the first in the ranking of the mafia family and they want that ranking so much that they will do anything to kill the heir of the family or the current one," Mom added and looked at Dad.


    "But of course, we would not let that happen." Mom said and now looked at me with a smile.


    "Mommy." Someone called from the door. I didn''t notice that Ava was already there. Did she hear our conversation? She looks like she''s about to cry so maybe she heard it.


    "I don''t want Dad and Ace to die." She cried and helplessly hugged mom.


    "Of course." Mom answered and hugged her very tightly. Mom then looked at me and smiled sadly. I want to feel at ease. I want to feel that we are safe. I want to know that nothing is going to happen to our family. But why do I feel that something is about to happen and someone is about to die? It''s either me or someone in our family.

 9 Second Secret: My Fiance

    ACE KIEN FIERA


    We are still here in Europe and the month of September had already passed. It''s the month of October and I can feel the coldness of the surroundings. A few days before now, an invitation was sent for a party and here I am getting ready for the said event. Father said that this party is not like any other event where I often went to before. He reminded me to look calm and as much as possible I should not attract any attention from the other guests. As if I would?


    "Ace?" Someone called. I looked at my door and Ava is standing there.


    "What is it?" I asked but she just ran and hugged me. After that, she gave me a pin.


    "What''s this?" I asked, she just smiled.


    It''s a red rose pin.


    "It''s from mom." She said but now smiled sadly.


    "She wants you to have it, for protection." She added as a tear escaped from the corner of her eyes.


    "Shhhh," I said and reached for her to calm her again but she cried even more after that. She still can''t stop crying. A week already passed after I got into that accident and after she heard what kind of family we have. Every night, I can hear her crying from her room. It''s just too hard for her to know this, she''s still young. A minute later she pulled herself away.


    "I''m okay now." She said while wiping her tears.


    "I have to get ready." She added and went outside. After she got out of the room someone knocked, when I look at that person it was Dad.


    "Yes?" I asked. He then proceeds to walk and sat at the sofa facing my bed.


    "You''ll meet your fianc¨¦ tonight." He suddenly stated. How I wish that girl won''t show up.


    "Will she show up?" I asked. He laughed as if it was a joke, it wasn''t funny after all. Hence, he didn''t answer my question. I don''t know if that''s a yes or no. He just went outside without a word.


    How strange? Until now I haven''t met my fianc¨¦. I still haven''t seen her face and I don''t know what kind of attitude she has. I don''t know whether she is quiet, loud, funny, or mysterious like her...


    "Aviana..." I whispered. In other words, I still don''t know a thing about my fianc¨¦. I wonder if father already knows her. Well, probably yes, I think?


    The loud classical music of the party and the buzzing of hundreds of people talking to each other, let us also include their laughter, all of those can be heard outside. We are finally here at the venue of the party, mom and dad are already inside with Ava greeting the other guests. While I decided to stay here since I don''t know anyone and I don''t want to talk to people. Other than that reason, my fianc¨¦ is not here yet so I''d rather stay here.


    I''m leaning against the wall, not far from the door entrance of the party when a car suddenly stopped. This guest is late. Then after, I noticed that there were other cars following that car. I wonder who might be this person? They seem to be powerful.


    Later on, men went out of their cars and one man opened the door from the third car. A girl stepped out from that car and at that very moment, I suddenly feel like I''ve seen her somewhere. She''s wearing a black fitted gown. She looks beautiful but I can''t see her face from where I was standing but I can tell she looks gorgeous. I tried to walk towards them to see her clearly when someone pulled me from behind when I look at that person it was Ava.


    "What''s the matter?" I asked.


    "Father is calling you." She said and proceeds to walk inside the venue. Before I followed her, I looked at that girl first, however, she was no longer there. I had no choice but to head back.


    When I was finally inside, I noticed that the party became quiet and the people were all looking at one specific direction. So, I decided to look at where they were looking as well. There I saw the girl from outside but now she is with someone, an old man.


    "No need to stop." The old man suddenly said. He has this Russian accent. After stating that, the music continued to play. Then my gaze turned to my dad who looks surprised by this man''s appearance at the party.


    Ava continued to walk and so did I but when dad saw as walking towards them. He pleaded not to proceed and to turn around but it was too late. Someone stopped me from walking. It was a heavy hand patting my shoulders, there I froze.


    "So, you are the boy of Don Fiera." The old man said. I turn around to see him and bowed as a sign of greeting.


    "Yes." I just confidently answered. He just answered me with a laugh then continued to walk towards my Dad while holding one of my arms. He wasn''t letting go.


    "Don Henry and Do?a Catherine." He called as he finally let go of my arm.


    "Mr. Alexander" My father greeted bowing to him, so did Mr. De Lave.


    "Now that we are all here, why don''t we introduce your son and my granddaughter to each other?" Mr. De Lave asked, my dad nodded as an answer. He looked at me, so I walked towards them as I hold on to Ava''s hand. When we were finally beside dad, I told her to hold on to mom''s hand. After that, I looked at Mr. De Lave.


    "I''m Ace Kien Fiera," I stated, to my surprise, he smiled in return.


    "My child." He called for someone behind him and the girl a while ago appeared but then, I stiffen as I look at her standing right in front of me. I stared at her for a minute to make sure that I''m not hallucinating things or something and damn.


    This is real... isn''t it?


    "Ace." She called while coldly looking at me.


    "Aviana," I answered as I notice that my family looked at her in unison.


    "Ace." I heard Ava called and hold on to my hand, she sounds worried.


    "Seems like you two know each other already." Mr. De Lave interrupted. What''s this? What is happening? Then my gaze attracted someone''s attention.


    The girl who is wearing a coat and the pencil cut skirt, her assistants'' rather attendant''s usual attire. Just as I thought, I saw that kind of fashion style before. Why didn''t I recognize her when I saw her? Why didn''t Aviana inform me that she''s my fianc¨¦? Is she testing me? What for? What does she want? I looked at her coldly but it surprised me when she sadly smiled at me.


    "May I borrow her for a sec?" I asked but I didn''t wait for Mr. De Lave''s permission. I hurriedly pulled Aviana away from them and she didn''t stop me from doing so. I stopped in a place where there was no one around. I pinned her towards a tree and kissed her brutally. I was surprised when she responded to it, which made me push her! Is she making fun of me?


    "What the hell?" I asked in disbelief.


    "Ace." She called.


    "WHAT?" I shouted that made her step back.


    "I''m sorry." She said as she started to cry. Why the hell is she crying?


    "You should not agree to marry me." She insisted, that made me hold on to her arms and kissed her brutally again. I can feel her tears continues to flow from her eyes.


    "ACE!" She shouted now and pushed me.


    "Please don''t agree to this. Please stay away." She pleaded.


    "Do you think that I would agree to that? Now that we have a reason to be together, you''re pleading me to go?" I asked in disbelief.


    "WHY?" I shouted.


    "Because this is for the best." She answered trembling.


    "Damn it! Aviana, don''t do this." I said but her tears continued to flow even more. Does she badly want me to stay away?


    "Then tell me," I said and hold on to her cheeks.


    "Tell me. WHY!" I shouted but she just smiled at me. Don''t show me that you are happy! Don''t fucking smile at me!


    "Can''t you see?" She said.


    "I used you." She added that left me dumbfounded.


    "W-what?" I asked.


    "I know you already right from the start. I knew everything about you." She said coldly as she started to walk towards me while wiping the tears that fell from her face.


    "This is nonsense," I said and turn around.


    "Think of a better reason first so that I can stay away," I said and walked away from her.


    I hurriedly ran away from her. I don''t want to listen to her voice. I don''t want to listen to her because that truth is, I think that she is telling the truth. Did she use me? Well, I think that she''s right. My family is known in the mafia world, everyone wants to attain the top and she''s involved too... in the mafia world. In other words, she used me. I stopped running.


    She used me


    I was out of my mind for a few seconds but then I started to walk. I came back to the venue when I noticed that all of Aviana''s men were not here anymore. Then after, I saw Mom with our men running towards me.


    "Where are Ava and Dad?" I asked. I was confused when I saw her surprised by my question.


    "What happened?" I asked but now, mom broke out in tears.


    "You''re finally here. I can''t find Ava." Mom said holding on to me tightly.


    "She said she''s going to follow you but she never returned. Did you saw her? Tell me you saw her Ace." She asked trembling. I can''t explain my mom''s face right now. Mom is really worried. Where the hell did you go, Ava? Hence, my body felt numb. I don''t know why but my body moved on its own and here I am now running as my heart continues to pound like crazy. I don''t know where my feet were taking me but all I know is that I am heading towards...


    *Bang*


    "AVIANA!"

 10 She Died

    ACE KIEN FIERA


    The cold breeze of the wind continues to touch my skin as I ran faster and faster towards that place. My heart continues to pound and I can''t help myself to cry. Hence at that moment, my world stopped when a gunshot rang out all over the place.


    "AVIANA!" I shouted in rage.


    I heard a gunshot. I saw how her eyes changed its gaze towards mine. I saw how she sadly smiled. I saw how she whispered my name. I saw her cried. I saw her. I saw how the bullet landed in her body. I saw it with my pair of eyes. I again looked at Aviana and she''s now looking at me crying helplessly.


    "I''m sorry." She whispered from afar and now began to run away. I tried to run after her but someone shot my leg that made me fall on to the grounds.


    "Ahhhhh." I looked at the person who did that as I howled in pain and it was none other than Mr. De Lave. That old man who''s with Aviana.


    "Don''t worry little boy. I will not kill you." He said and came near me. After that, he kissed my forehead. It surprised me, so I pushed him hard but his men caught him from falling. They were about to shoot me but he stopped them.


    "NO!" He shouted.


    "Let''s go." He commanded and finally walked away from me. The next thing I know is that a helicopter is flying in the sky. Why did this happen to us? I breathed heavily as my tears poured towards the ground.


    "AVA!" A woman suddenly shouted in despair. There I saw mom running towards my sister then she immediately hugged her body. Her body which is... I slowly came near them and when I was next to my sister. I saw her eyes closed. Her lips were pale. She looks cold so I hold on to her hands but that only made me numb. I grinned as my tears started to fall again.


    "Ava!" I called but she''s not waking up. Blood continued to fall from her chest. I touched her face and her skin is cold. I looked at mom and she''s still crying.


    "Ava, wake up!" I calmly called for her but there''s still no response. I shook her body but she still doesn''t want to wake up.


    "Why!" I asked desperately and squeezed her cold hands. Why does it have to be you?


    "M-my Princess..." I heard someone called. I looked and saw Dad walking towards us with his men holding their guns. I can see in my father''s eyes that he couldn''t believe that this happened to my sister? That this happened to her daughter. That this could happen to us.


    "Ava, my princess," Dad called my sister again. When he finally realized that she can''t wake up, he fell onto his knees. My sister didn''t move nor responded to him.


    "Ava...." He called and cried.


    Why did this happen to her?


    Why did they include her?


    My sister who does not know the world that she is living in. My sister who has no intention of hurting anyone around her. My sister who is not by our side anymore. I saw how she died right in front of me. I saw how Aviana pulled the trigger to kill her. I saw how she killed her.


    Aviana... Indeed, you are a dangerous girl. Now I know that you are a demon hidden in the form of an angel.


    Everyone is here today, my relatives I mean. Everyone was dressed in black and they were carrying white roses in their hands. I took a glimpse at my parents who were sitting in front and they were just there. Doing nothing but looking at my sister''s coffin which is currently going inside the tomb.


    I realized that ever since my mom and dad cried towards Ava''s lifeless body, I never saw them cry again. I too never cried anymore. It seems useless to cry, now that it can''t bring her back. There''s nothing we can do but to send her away because grieving to the dead won''t bring them back to life.


    I looked up the sky because I noticed that the surroundings became dark but it''s still morning. The sky seems about to cry. Looking at my sister''s tomb might be the most painful thing that ever happened to me. I didn''t even expect that she will get involved in this world of ours. Hence, yes. Let us say she''s involved but never did we expect this to happen. I didn''t expect this to happen, killing and dying.


    "Ace..." Someone called behind me. I didn''t bother to look. I''m just looking straight at the name engraved on this tombstone.


    "I took an early flight just to be here." He added and gently patted my shoulders. It made me cry. I don''t know why? But I think that I just needed a shoulder to cry on to. I''ve been holding it back since the night she died.


    "Everything will be okay." He said and hugged me.


    "She killed her Sean... She killed her." I stated in my cries. He didn''t say anything and just caressed my back.


    "Everything happens for a reason." He stated.


    "She maybe has a reason too." He added and that made me look at him.


    What does he mean she had a reason? Is he crazy or maybe stupid? She killed my sister! My only sister! Did she ever even think that this will hurt me? Did she ever think that because of this I could resent her forever? Did she ever even think of me? I thought that we can finally be together. I never expect that she could do this to me. She can kill those people whom I love deeply.


    "Don''t defend her." I just stated. I just don''t have the energy to argue now. But I started gritting my teeth.


    "She doesn''t deserve it," I added and started to walk.


    "I''ll pretend that I never heard it from you," I said then proceeded to walk away.


    Everything seems to finally change.

 11 Third Secret: The Academy

    ACE KIEN FIERA


    I''m staring at the windows of our classroom when the rain started to pour and from here, I noticed a girl standing not far from the gates of the academy. I clenched my hands when I recognized who that person was. She''s already here? Is she following me? I was about to stand up but Sean stopped me. I think he noticed me looking at her.


    "Don''t make a move yet. You''ll get your family in trouble." He said.


    "Again." He added as he looked at me seriously. A month already passed and my sister''s funeral was held in Italy. I still can''t forget what she had experienced there. How she died. Every time I remember that tragic incident, all I that I can think of is Aviana. The person who killed my sister! I want to kill her... But the question is will I be able to kill her?


    I just continued to play the red rose pin at my hand. This is what she gave me that night. She said that it could protect me so I accepted it even though it was meant for her. Mom gave it to her, not for me. Because between us two, mom knows Ava can''t protect herself.


    "Good." The professor suddenly said that made me look at him and a student suddenly came to our classroom.


    "This is Ms. Beatrice Gustavo. She is a transfer student from New Jersey." He added and everyone shouted. It''s already in the middle of the semester why did they still accept a transfer student? But never mind that, it''s not my problem to meddle with.


    Everyone''s buzzing, they seem so excited about her. Well, she''s a beauty. Good face. Good figure. She has a white complexion and tall like a model. Hence, I noticed that she looked at me. Did she saw me staring at her?


    "Careful." Sean suddenly whispered to my ears.


    "What?" I asked surprised.


    "Nothing." He then answered. I looked again at the girl and she''s still looking at me. She did not even avert her gaze. I just choose to look at the window and saw that Aviana was not standing where she was before.


    Where the hell are you now?


    "Hey wait up." Someone suddenly said behind me so that made me look at the person. I looked around and noticed that we are the only one who''s walking down the corridors, she must be calling me.


    "You''re calling me?" I asked her as I pointed myself and she nodded in return.


    "Do I know you?" I asked.


    "I''m Beatrice, the next heir of Gustavo Fa-" She blurted out that made me come near her to cover her mouth.


    Damn this girl!


    "Are you insane?" I coldly asked her. She pulled my hand away from her mouth.


    "Ohh. So frightening..." She said and acted like she was scared by what I''ve said.


    "This is our academy... An academy for a person who is involved in the Mafia world. So, tell me... why can''t I act and say what I want?" She stated which made me dumbfounded.


    "W-what?" I asked in disbelief.


    "If you don''t believe me. Ask your friend." She said and smirked at me. I noticed a shadow from a room.


    "Who''s there?" I asked. Sean immediately got out of the room.


    "Got caught. My bad." He stated with his hands up.


    "Damn it! Sean?" I said as he laughed at me.


    "Sorry for keeping it a secret okay." He said and patted my shoulders.


    "She''s a friend. No need to feel alert." He added. I don''t know what''s happening right now or what''s happening in my life but is my world this messed up?


    I already got home and saw mom sitting in our living room. Looking at Ava''s picture again. I went towards her and when she noticed me, she immediately put back the picture at the table.


    "You''re home." She said and smiled.


    "Yes. Where''s Dad?" I asked.


    "Work." She answered and came near me.


    "Ace... You need to go back to Europe. Tonight." She said.


    "Why?" I asked.


    "You need to prepare yourself." She paused and fixed my tie.


    "You see... You''ll be turning 18 next year and I don''t know if boys from our ancestors get their ability at this age. Although this is not the age that they are waiting for, we just want you to be ready at any circumstances." She added and looked at me deeply.


    "Okay," I replied in defeat. I don''t want to be away with them because I don''t want to hear any news about anyone dying. I mean them dying. Now that we know that they are capable of killing my sister. It''s not possible to happen. I want to be with them because I badly don''t want to feel this pain again.


    "Mom," I called as I looked at her in the eye.


    "I will kill them," I said coldly to her while holding her hands, reassuring her that I will do that.


    "There''s no point in avenging Ace." She said and sadly smiled at me.


    "This is our life so you have to be used to it." She added and that surprised me. What is her point? Is she saying that I should forget about what happened to Ava?


    "I''m tired now. You have to get ready. Sean and Beatrice will accompany you in Italy." She said and was about to go upstairs. I frowned and wondered why they''ll join me but then again, I remember that our schools'' students are involved in the mafia world.


    "What are they in the Mafia world?" I suddenly asked because I don''t know. I didn''t even know that Sean is actually in the mafia? I just know that he''s in the entertainment industry.


    "Sean''s Family is ranking 3rd known for having numbers of equipment in killing like guns and machines. Beatrice''s Family is ranking 5th they are known for dealing and supplying products. And when I say products, you know what I mean. Sean and Beatrice will now be the heir and heiress of their family. I also heard that they will be engaged, you could have been too." She said but stopped halfway when. I know she recalled what happened again.


    "You will also be soon managing the family. They are our allies so feel at ease." Mom just stated and proceeded to walk upstairs. I sighed as I sat down on the sofa and saw my sister''s picture, smiling. She looks happy here. I don''t know what to do anymore. Will I avenge her death or not? The question is, can I do it?

 12 Fourth Secret: First Encounter

    AVIANA SKYE DE LAVE


    I was looking at the tree which is planted in front of our house. I used to sleep and hide there while playing with our men. I am holding the pendant of the necklace that''s on my hand and this gun that Grandpa gave me when he left three months from now. This necklace is too pretty to look at. I lift it towards the sky. The pendant was a beautiful black thorns, it was sharp but it doesn''t hurt me. How fascinating.


    I was so into the necklace that I didn''t even notice that the ambiance started to change. I felt a gun pointed at my head. I didn''t tremble nor reacted to it. I just looked at the ground and noticed that rain started to pour heavily.


    "Se non puoi ucciderlo, ti uccidera. (If you can''t kill him, he will kill you)" A voice said to me. I immediately looked at the person who said that and there he is, at the door watching us while holding his wine and cigar again.


    "Nonno. (Grandpa)" I called and was about to run towards him but this guy knocked me on my head. But I didn''t faint from what he has done. I coldly stared at him and he hurriedly kneels in front of me, pleading for mercy.


    "Dannazione, Henry. (Damn it, Henry)" I said and pointed the gun at him.


    "Non voglio ucciderti ma... (I don''t want to kill you but...)" I said in suspense and came near towards his ears.


    "Voglio vedere il sangue che scorre dal tuo curpo. (I want to see those blood flow from your body)" I whispered as I slowly pulled the trigger which I pointed at his chest. I''ve been existing in this world for about 13 years now and I already killed a hundred people.


    Hence, I heard Grandpa clapping. I looked at him and he''s smiling at me. I made Grandpa happy again. I immediately ran towards him and hugged him very tightly.


    "Sei tornado. (You came back)" I said and kissed his cheeks. I missed him.


    "Ho una sorpresa per te. (I have a surprise for you)" He said and gave me a box.


    "Che cos''¨¨ questo? (What''s this?)" I asked as I slowly opened it. To my surprise, it was a handgun beautifully engraved like the guns from the early period.


    "¨¨ cos¨¬ bello. (It''s so beautiful)" I said cheerfully and hugged him.


    I''m not an ordinary child. I am not like those kids who would love to have toys, dolls and such. I didn''t grow up like them. When I opened my eyes the first thing, I saw was a gun. Funny, since I was only an infant back then but I can see everything. I''m special... That''s what my Grandpa said to me and as I grew up, he trained me to kill people. He opened my eyes to see the true image of our world. He even pointed out who our enemies are. He said that if I show any mercy to any of them, they will grab that chance to kill me. I always keep that in mind because this is our world.


    Everyone kills for power.


    Pathetic isn''t it?


    Somehow, I want to be normal like other kids that I see in movies or sometimes outside the mansion with their mom and dad but the thing is I can''t. No matter what I do... This is the person that I am fated to become.


    "Provalo (Try it)" Grandpa suddenly said to me. I didn''t even notice that he''s looking at me now. I just smiled at him and turn around. Then, I saw our men fall in line. I grinned as I watch them tremble in fear.


    This is my world, a world full of monstrous people. I began to shoot them one by one. Not missing any target... Their heart. When I was finished, I immediately looked at Grandpa and he''s happy with what I have done. I only want Grandpa to be happy. So, I will do anything for him.


    "Signore, ho notato i suoi occhi. (Sir. I noticed her eyes)" I heard one of our men talked to Grandpa. After that, I noticed Grandpa look at me and his eyes widened. I was surprised by his reaction, he''s making that face again.


    I was frightened that he might do something bad to me so I ran. I ran away from him now that I still have a chance. I have to get away from here or else, I might get killed. When I noticed that they were not following me anymore, I stopped for a while. But a moment later, I saw mom and dad got out from their cars not far from the gates of Grandpa''s house.


    "Mom... Da-" I called and was about to come near them when someone shot them at their backs. I was startled and was unable to walk from where I was standing. I saw the men who did that to them. They were wearing masks. They got out from so many cars.


    Who are they?


    And...


    What have they done?


    A tear didn''t escape from my eyes. I didn''t shed a tear because I was trembling in anger.


    How dare they?


    I hurriedly ran towards them. I ran fast. Fast as I could with these small legs of mine. When they noticed me, they were about to shoot me too but they were slow. Slower than a turtle. As a result, I shot them first. I''m still holding my Grandfather''s gift, this beautiful gun. I felt like there was adrenaline rushing through my veins. I can feel the anger coming from my heart. No one can stop me from killing all these men!


    "IL! (DIE)" I shouted.


    "IL! (DIE)" I repeated and continued to shoot them. However, I stopped when I saw that there was no one to kill anymore. I looked at my mom and dad. They''re lying on the grounds. I hurriedly ran towards them and hugged them but their bodies were cold.


    "F-freddo... (C-cold)" I said but suddenly, a hand patted my back.


    "Crying?" A boy asked me. Can''t he see the situation here?


    "Leave," I said but he didn''t move from where he is standing.


    "I said leave!" I said and pushed him. Then I pointed a gun at him. However, to my surprise, he didn''t tremble in fear. Useless... There''s no point in killing him. I turned to my parents again but then I heard him sobbing. So, I immediately looked at him.


    "What now!" I asked irritated.


    "I can''t see. I can''t go back." He stated. I was surprised by what he said. Then I looked at him thoroughly. He too looked at me. I waved my hands and he didn''t even blink. I guess that he is blind. That''s why he didn''t even tremble when I pointed a gun at him. Where the hell did he come from by the way?


    "Fine! Where''s your house?" I asked.


    "I don''t know." He answered. Is he kidding me? I stood up and pulled him to stand up also. Then I noticed a necklace from his neck. It''s red... Never mind.


    "You will be staying here for a moment until we find your parents okay?" I said and he nodded. However, when we were about to walk. More cars approached us and more men started to appear. This is not Grandpa''s men. I looked at the house and there''s no one outside.


    "Nonno auitaci! (Grandpa help us)" I shouted but no one heard me and the next thing I know is that these men pulled both of us in a car.


    I woke up in a very dark place...


    "This is her?" I heard a man asked.


    "Young... Very young. Involved in this world at the age of 13." He said and opened the lights that were above me. There I noticed that I''m in some kind of an empty room. But where is the boy?


    "WHERE IS HE!" I shouted.


    "Oh." The man said in surprise.


    "You mean my son?" He asked snickering which left me dumbfounded. I searched for the boy and saw him sleeping at the corner.


    "I will kill you all!" I shouted.


    "Don''t get me wrong. If you want to kill us all. Don''t include him. He doesn''t know anything." He stated.


    "What?" I asked confused.


    "You see... He is missing for about 4 hours now and you found him." He started to explain.


    "Didn''t you notice his necklace?" He asked.


    "It''s our family''s emblem. You have yours, too right? The Black Thorns of De Lave''s." He added and came near me.


    "Now, what should we do to you?" He asked.


    "Kill you?" He added and pointed a gun at me.


    "Go on," I said provoking him. He was surprised by my response.


    "I''m not afraid to die." I even stated so he decided to point the gun at my head.


    "Dad..." Someone called.


    "Is that you?" The boy asked and he started to walk towards us. Then that man immediately threw his gun at a corner.


    "What''s that?" The boy asked.


    "Nothing son. Come here." This man said. So, his weakness is his son.


    "Hey boy," I called and this man looked at me furiously.


    "Are you the girl a while ago?" He asked cheerfully.


    "Yes. That''s me." I said but this man ordered his men to take him away and so now we were left alone.


    "Now, where were we?" He asked.


    "You killing me," I said and looked at him coldly.


    "Okay. Goodbye, Miss De Lave. You''re now going to die at such a young age..." He stated and was about to pull the trigger when the door suddenly opened and that blind boy was there running.


    "Why is he here?" This man furiously asked his men.


    "You''re going to kill her? But she saved me." He stated and tried to search for my body.


    "I''m here," I said and he finally touched my cheeks.


    "Let go of her." He said.


    "But..." The man protested but he has no choice but to let me go. When I was finally free. The boy hugged me.


    "Thank you." He said. I gently pushed him.


    "No. Thank you." I said and smiled at him but then... the surroundings started to blur. I mean smoke started to fill the room. I hurriedly pulled this boy to get out of that place. When we were finally outside. I saw Grandpa with his men aiming at us. No, he was aiming at him so I covered him with my body.


    "Cosa fai? (What are you doing)" Grandpa asked.


    "¨¨ il figlio della persona che ha ucciso i tuoi genitori! (He is the son of the person that killed your parents)" He shouted angrily.


    "Lo so, ma lui non lo sa. (I know but he doesn''t know that)" I stated.


    "Bene! Vestiti bene! (Fine! Suit yourself)" He said and pointed a gun at me. He is willing to kill me. Funny isn''t it? I closed my eyes and waited. Then finally, I heard the gunshot. However, why didn''t I feel anything? My heart began to beat fast. I immediately opened my eyes and saw the boy in front of me. He turned to me with his head covered in blood, my eyes widened from what I saw.


    "NO!" I shouted as he collapsed in front of me.


    "HEY!" I called. I tried to stop the bleeding from his head but damn it.


    "It''s Ace..." He said and that made me look at him. His eyes were looking at me. They were beautiful to look at even though he can''t see with them. Those pairs of blue eyes...


    "My name is Ace..." He said and finally closed his eyes.


    Don''t die...


    "I''m Aviana," I said and started to cry damn it. I wiped my tears and continued to stop the bleeding from his head.


    "Did you hear me? My name is Aviana."

 13 Apologizing

    AVIANA SKYE DE LAVE


    Years had already passed but the images were still clear from what happened back then. Grandpa spared his life in exchange for me becoming the heiress of our family even though there is Lance who is my older brother. After the incident, I heard the news that he was saved from his critical state. However, when I secretly visited him one night on his residence. He didn''t remember me. He doesn''t know me. I noticed that he can see but he doesn''t remember me.


    After that encounter, I just watched him from his back. Some people want him dead because they know his identity. I tried my best to eradicate them all. Everyone who targets him. I hunt them down and kill them. It''s tiring but what can I do? I want to do this for him. He saved my life and I owe him that. If not for him, I might not be here alive and breathing.


    But after all these years. After hiding behind his shadows, after trying my best to hide from him. He noticed me. I don''t know what to do anymore. I thought, I was only protecting him but then after all these years I didn''t know that I have fallen to this guy. This guy who''s weak in my eyes. This guy. This guy became my world in the end.


    "Malady..." Jacqueline called so I looked at her.


    "He is here." She said. I stood up and checked my dress once again in the mirror. I''m wearing this white fitted gown with a slit at the lower part right side of the gown showing my white long porcelain legs. I again took a glance at the mirror and my eyes are still swollen.


    These past few days, I still can''t help myself not to cry. I knew what will happen if I continue to be near him in the first place. I''m so hard-headed that I still did so. Now, this is our outcome. He hating me to death.


    "Knock-Knock," Someone said. I looked at my door and here he is.


    "Can''t you wait?" I asked.


    "Nope." He said and threw himself at my bed.


    "You still act like a child Lance." I coldly said and came near him. I was startled when he suddenly pulled me which made me fall on to him.


    "Damn it, Lance!" I angrily shouted and looked at him but he was just blankly staring at me.


    "We''ll be late," I said and pulled myself away from him but he didn''t let me go. I know what he wants. I started to move my legs and kept him between them. I came closer then strangled him.


    "Damn-n I-t!" He said while tapping my hands. I let go.


    "You want to die? Just do so." I said and stood up now.


    "You''re still beautiful." He suddenly said.


    "That is the reason why I don''t want you near me. You haven''t changed a bit." I said and he laughed very loud.


    "Stop making me cringe or I''ll kill you. Literally!" I said and continued to walk away from him. I heard him followed me.


    When we were finally downstairs, I saw Grandpa waiting for us. He''s smiling brightly while I am just coldly looking at him. This party that we will be attending is for the mafia families to talk. Each family will now introduce their heir and heiress.


    I hate to go there since that this old man just made Ace think that I killed his sister but no. It was him. I was just pointing the gun at her. I was startled by it also. I wanted to tell Ace that it wasn''t me but I know I don''t have time to explain it to him because that night I saw how disappointed he was. Now, if he sees me, I don''t know what will happen at this party. I don''t know if he will kill me or I will kill him? However, I don''t even know if I dare to kill him.


    "Don''t worry. There will be no blood bat later." Grandpa suddenly blurted to me and patted my back. He might have noticed me feeling anxious.


    We immediately walked towards our car and when we finally got in, he poured a liquor at his glass. He''ll die sooner because of his habits.


    "Just focus later and observe." He said and drank his liquor. I looked at Lance and he is just looking at his phone. I wonder what will happen in this fucking party.


    When we finally arrived at the venue. As usual, every time that they see us walking, they will stop and stare at us. It''s as if we were judged by being invited to the party. It''s not our fault, it''s this old man''s. His way of controlling things includes killing that''s why I won''t be surprised if our family is hated by everyone.


    Everyone hates us, no one even dares to ally because they know that this old man can''t be trusted. Except for the Fiera''s, but look at just what happened. They can take revenge if they want to, they can kill us or wipe our family out so that we can not be included anymore as one of the strongest families in the mafia world. No one will stop them. I didn''t bother to look at the guest and just walk straight-faced. A few seconds later the party resumes.


    "I''ll just get some drinks," I said to Grandpa and left them. I was heading towards the bar counter when someone suddenly pulled me and the next thing I know is that I''m dancing.


    "How dare you-" I said and looked at him. That''s when I realized that his perfume smells familiar. My knees started to weaken. I feel like fainting when I recognized who this guy is.


    "You seem calm," I stated to start a conversation because I feel awkward and uncomfortable. Hence, to my surprise, he squeezed my hand, hard. He is hurting me.


    "I won''t make a fuss here..." He answered and came towards my ear.


    "Don''t worry I won''t kill you." He added. Why do I feel that this man is not the Ace that I have known before? I again looked at him and all I can see is nothing.


    No emotions.


    Blank stares.


    "I''m not afraid," I said to him and grinned.


    Ace.


    I badly want to hug you right now.


    "You''re not afraid, I already know that." He said and suddenly pulled me towards him. I can smell him even more now that he is near.


    I can smell.


    I can smell something bad.


    I turn around to look at where it''s coming from and there. I saw smoke fill over the place. What''s happening? The lights started to blink and the next thing that happened is that the lights turned off. It turned dark. I was about to walk when his handheld on to mine. I looked at him but I can''t see his face.


    It''s very dark in here.


    "Don''t go anywhere." He insisted.


    "Why is that?" I coldly asked and a second later he let go of my hand.


    Is he kidding me?


    I started to walk away from him. Even though I keep on bumping on to some people, I continued to walk. Until I got out.


    "Finally!" I said to myself and breathed heavily. I looked around and there''s a pool here. I guess that I got out of another door. I looked at the sky and there''s no moon to look at. Strange that this happened today. I have a bad feeling about this.


    Hence, I suddenly heard a click sound and when I look at the right side from where I was standing there are men aiming at me. I was about to get my gun under my gown but I was too late. That''s when I noticed that their gun has a silencer. No one will hear me dying here.


    Pathetic!


    A bullet had already landed at my leg but I didn''t fall towards the ground. I''m used to this. I was about to come near them but another man shot me on the left side of my shoulder. I still didn''t fall. I badly want to kill them now. Then another man was about to shoot me but the next scene made me numb.


    He fell into the water.


    "ACE!" I shouted and hurriedly dive into the pool to get him. When I finally pulled him out. I noticed that they were not there anymore. I looked at him and he was shot at his chest, near his heart. Ugh! Damn it.


    Why here?


    I started to tremble in fear.


    "Ace," I called and can''t help myself but to cry. I noticed that he opened his eyes and held my face.


    "Damn Aviana." He said and coughed.


    "Don''t talk," I said and was about to stand up to get some help but he stopped me from doing so.


    "Why can''t I kill you?" He said and smiled. That made me cry even more. He closed his eyes now and the lights inside finally turned on. I immediately came in towards the venue but I can''t see my Grandpa and Lance.


    Did they plot this?


    Did they try to kill me?


    If not?


    Then who?


    Who tried to kill me!


    I came back to him and carried him towards the parking lot. Blood continued to pour from my wounds but I endured the pain. When I finally arrived at the parking lot. I noticed that our car wasn''t there anymore. But one car was about to park and I realized that it looked familiar. I immediately went there and saw Sean, with a girl.


    "Help," I said not thinking what he would say. His eyes widened when he saw me carrying Ace. He snatched his body away from me and immediately get him inside the car. As I watched Sean get in the car, my tears continued to flow.


    "What are you doing there?" Sean said and looked at me furiously so I moved from the way.


    "What the?" He said irritated and got out of his car. Then he surprisingly pulled me and pushed me inside the car. He again went to the driver''s seat and started the engine.


    Now we''re heading towards the hospital. Hang on Ace, I said to my mind as I looked at him. I held his hand and noticed that his squeezing it. I bit my lip to stop myself from crying again. I just don''t like to see him in this state. After all these years, I''ve been trying to keep him safe but after all this time I didn''t expect that I am the only one who will hurt him this bad.


    I''m sorry Ace.


    I''m sorry.

 14 The Birthmark

    AVIANA SKYE DE LAVE


    We are waiting outside the emergency room. I refused to cure all of my wounds. Doctors insisted to remove all the bullets from my body but I wanted to see first what will happen to Ace. I want to see if he will make it. My body feels cold, my gown is already torn and wet.


    I looked at Sean and he is just staring at me but I didn''t bother to compete with him at a staring game. I feel nervous right now. My hands are shaking. I want him alive but he is at a critical state. I can tell that just by looking at him. When I held his hand while we were heading to the hospital, I checked his pulse. I know that there is a little chance for him to live. So right now, I''m afraid that he won''t make it.


    "Miss please let us treat your wound." The doctor again talked to me but now I glared at him.


    "Talk to me again and I will kill you," I said walking towards him but Sean stopped me by blocking my way.


    "Just let him treat you." He said but I didn''t let him finish talking by moving away from him.


    "You''ll die if you keep those bullets in your body." He said to me.


    "As if I care," I replied and looked at him blankly. This is my fault. It''s okay for me to suffer. I looked at the door and there''s still no doctor coming out. Just who the hell tried to kill me?


    "Just let her be." The girl said who''s with Sean. Then she came to me and introduced herself.


    "I''m Beatrice." She said.


    "Beatrice Gustavo." She continued. I stared at her for a second. That''s why she looks familiar when I saw her a while ago in the car.


    She looks like Frank, his brother that turned against their family and chose to become our assassin. I''m sure that she won''t like it if she will know my name. However, I should know better that no one can stop her from venting her anger because his brother left her. After all, I am the reason why he left them. I threatened him and, in the end, he didn''t have any choice but to be one of us.


    I don''t have to blame myself though. Their family in the Mafia world continues to decrease in the stage of being weak and poor among all families when it comes to rating their powers and wealth all over the world. They are helpless so everyone aims at them.


    They are last in the ranking. The 5th. They should have become our ally but they didn''t want to. Then the Fiera''s made a deal with them. We can''t do anything. So, in return, we managed to threaten a member of the family so that they can change their minds. But the Gustavo family is very hard-headed. Until now, their son is with us, continues to suffer.


    So now, what should I do?


    Should I tell her my name or not?


    "Aviana," I said and saw her took a step back when she heard my name. I noticed that her face changed but a few seconds later she smiled at me. Now, this looks interesting.


    "Nice to meet you." She said in return and went towards Sean. They walked away from me. I think they want to talk in private. I don''t have the urge to eavesdrop at their conversation.


    I again looked at the door of the emergency room. My heart''s still beating fast. I breathed heavily and closed my eyes. Ace please don''t die. I still want you by my side. I still want you to be mine. I promise that I will protect you from now on. I promise that I will try harder to kill all the people who are willing to take you away from me. I will let them pay if they hurt you again.


    So please come back to me.


    Come back to me Ace.


    "Miss." Somebody called. I opened my eyes and looked, it''s the doctor. I didn''t even notice that he is out already.


    "Yes?" I answered.


    "He''s already relieved from his critical state but right now. He''s in a coma." He said. I stood up and came near the door. It opened when I was finally standing near the door, letting me see Ace coming out from the emergency room lying at the hospital bed.


    Sleeping.


    I followed them, so did Sean and Beatrice. When we got to finally arrive in a private room where they took him. The nurses and the doctor finally left us. I looked at Ace and came near him. I held his hand tightly. Seeing him in this state breaks my heart. Again, my tears had flowed.


    "How many times do I have to see you in so much pain?" I whispered to him and kissed his hand. Sean lightly patted my shoulder so I looked at him.


    "You have to treat those wounds." He stated. I just nodded at him. Ace is treated and alive. I have to treat my wounds too or I''ll die in this state. I didn''t even bother to care for my health. As long as he is fine, I am fine.


    I finally went out of the room and searched for that doctor who continues to pester me a while ago. I asked a nurse and then she leads me towards a room. I''m still not in the right mind to think right now. I hope that this will get over soon so I can come back to him.


    When we got inside a room, they made me lie at the bed but then I noticed something strange. They weren''t the doctor and the nurses a while ago who keeps on pestering me. And other than that, why are they locking the door? Just by analyzing the situation right now. They are an assassin and wants to kill me.


    I immediately stood up and was about to come near them when someone stabbed me at my back. I touched where the part of my body stings, that hurts. I badly want to kill her. Blood continued to flow from the wound. I was about to punch her but I felt something weird in my body. Heat is controlling it and it feels like I''m suffocating. It is like someone was strangling me to death. Did they cover that knife with poison?


    I fell towards the floor but I tried to crawl towards the door. However, someone stabbed me again at my back. Then another and followed by another. I didn''t cry in pain, instead, I cried of feeling anxious. I just think that they are here to kill him also. They will surely kill him.


    Hence, the door suddenly opened letting me see a man standing at the door with a girl. Staring at them for a minute there I saw Sean and Beatrice grinning at me. Sean kneels to me and pulled my chin.


    "Why don''t you die so easily?" He stated. He stood up and reached for his gun. Afterward, he pointed it at me.


    "Now this time... You will truly die." He said and was about to pull the trigger but Beatrice stopped him. She snatched the gun from him and came near me.


    "I will do that." She stated.


    "This bitch owes me." She added and pointed the gun at my heart. I keep on gasping for air. It''s as if my lungs were running out of oxygen.


    "Oww. Do you need air?" She asked and laughed at me. I noticed her commanding someone. Just before I know it, someone stripped me. Showing them my naked body. I can''t move to cover them. I can''t feel my body.


    "M-Mam." The nurse said as she trembled.


    "What?" Beatrice asked.


    "Her birthmark..." She stated and Beatrice pushed my back to the grounds.


    "S-Sean... The rose." I heard her said to him. I tried to look at them and they''re now trembling in fear. I guess that they saw my birthmark.


    It is like a tattoo, though it isn''t. It is a birthmark. A red rose birthmark. Funny because it''s the emblem of the Fiera Family... My enemy. I again looked at them but now I can''t see anything. My surroundings started to blur. I can''t even hear a thing. What is happening?


    I feel... Dying.

 15 What is she?

    SEAN LOCKHART


    "Don''t mind it," I said to Beatrice. I''m not going to kill her. Ace is in love with her and I won''t hurt the woman he loves. I''m just going to shoot her at the part of her body where it will look like I killed her.


    I can point out where the critical parts of the body which can kill a person. I looked at Beatrice who''s still frowning until now. She''s still thinking why Aviana has that kind of birthmark. Even I was surprised and began to think of things.


    Why does she have that?


    I thought that kind of birthmark only exists towards... Never mind.


    "If you can''t do it. I''ll do it." I said to Beatrice who''s still holding the gun in her hands. Beatrice shouldn''t shoot her or else Aviana will die. I immediately snatched the gun from her and walked towards Aviana.


    When I was finally in front of her, I pointed the gun to her chest. Even though she''s naked and it bothers me, I still came near her. However, I noticed that her complexion started to pale. I let go of my gun and hurriedly checked her pulse. Then that was the time that I noticed the number of wounds in her body, its turning blue. This surely came from a dagger. They stabbed her with a poisonous dagger. I looked at Beatrice but she just grinned at me. She ordered her assassins to do it.


    "Now she''s dying." She stated. Then there''s nothing I can do. I stood up and was about to walk towards Beatrice when I felt something weird inside the room. It felt like the atmosphere had changed. And a moment later, I heard a scream. Just before I know it, someone suddenly giggled at my back. It made me shiver.


    I slowly turned my head to look behind my back and there I saw something that I can''t explain through words. I can''t even talk right now. All I did was stare at her. I wanted to step back and ran as far as I could but why is my body stuck in this position. I shivered even more when she looked at me.


    Her other eye is turning red.


    Red crimson eyes.


    I tend to move again but shit I can''t move. I looked at Beatrice and like me, she can''t move also. I noticed her tears fell towards her cheeks, then she looked at me. She''s afraid, I am too.


    "My end. It is only just the beginning." Aviana stated frighteningly. But what''s even more frightening is that she is suddenly was in front of me. Very close. Gladly she killed one of the nurses whose Beatrice''s assassins a while ago, I heard her scream. Aviana killed her to cover her body with that woman''s clothes.


    Damn it, Aviana!


    Don''t fucking scare me to death.


    "Now tell me..." She began to talk and paused.


    "Do you want to die?" She added coldly. I can see flames burning from her red-eye. It''s so beautiful to look at but very dangerous to stare at. I shouldn''t have stared at her, now I feel like I''m gasping for air.


    Can''t move...


    Can''t talk...


    Can''t breathe...


    "This is what you did to me." She said.


    "Killing me is not easy." She added and began to walk away from me. I fell on my knees then I tried to gasp for air. I can breathe now.


    I immediately looked at where she was heading and now, she''s in front of Beatrice. What is she doing? Beatrice suddenly floated in the air and that made my body numb. Aviana''s not even touching her. She''s just looking at her with those eyes of hers.


    Who the hell is she!


    No!


    What the hell is she!


    I was surprised when Beatrice looked at me and smiled.


    "Thank you." She whispered and closed her eyes. The next thing I know is that blood flowed from her eyes, nose, and mouth. I trembled in fear. I can''t move my body even though I know that I can move it already. I looked at Beatrice''s assassins and they were just watching. Useless!


    "What the hell are you all doing? STOP HER!" I shouted but they didn''t move from their positions. They''re scared.


    "STOP IT!" I shouted at Aviana which made her look at me. I felt more terrified when she grinned at me. She slowly walked towards me while I tried to move my body away from her. However, I suddenly felt the door behind me. I have no way out. I''m cornered. I tried to open the door but it was locked.


    Is this my end?


    "I''ll stop." She suddenly said. I moved away from the door but then, it suddenly opened. I thought it was locked?


    I looked at Aviana and she proceeds to walk out of the room. Even though I can feel my knees trembling and the numbness continues to take over my body I tried my best to walk towards Beatrice. I immediately touched her pulse and I can''t feel anything. I tried to hear her heart and it''s not beating anymore.


    "You shouldn''t have tried harming her, Beatrice. Now, look at what she has done to you." I said and wiped all the blood at her face. I breathed heavily before putting her body at the bed of this hospital room.


    After that, I hurriedly followed Aviana. I ran and searched for her. Hoping that I can catch up with her so that she can''t harm anyone in the hospital. Hence, I noticed that all the people that I saw were shock and crying. I think that they saw her walking in this corridor. I was about to talk to a doctor but I haven''t spoken yet when he immediately pointed a room. There I remember that it was Ace''s room.


    No...


    She will surely kill him...


    She''s not in her right mind. I hurriedly ran towards Ace''s room and when I finally opened the door. I saw Aviana peacefully sleeping at a chair near his bed. I slowly walk near her and noticed that she''s holding Ace''s hand. She loves Ace, but of course, she knows that in the end. They can''t be together. I just continued to watch her from here, silently.


    "I will leave soon." She suddenly said. I think that she noticed me from the moment I got in. She''s not looking at me but she knows that I''m here inside the room.


    "I''m afraid, I might harm him." She added. I think that she''s crying because of her voice.


    "You love him," I said.


    "He''s my everything." She answered and finally stood up from the chair.


    "I''ll let you live to protect him. In return, I''ll forget what you have done for me." She said and turn around.


    However, I was surprised when she suddenly ran towards the window and jumped. We''re on the fifth floor and it will surely break her bones if she jumped from here. I immediately ran towards the window to see and there she is, walking with a nurse''s outfit.


    "It''s already morning," I whispered as I looked at her.


    I hope that we can meet again. And I hope that you and Ace can finally have happiness.

 16 Next Mission

    AVIANA SKYE DE LAVE


    It smells blood. Damn, it stinks in here. I tried to open my eyes and found out that I''m in some kind of dungeon. Wait! I know this place. I looked around realizing this is the underground of the mansion where we kept all the people that we interrogate and kill. Funny right? Because here I am, chained by my grandfather.


    I noticed the door opened and he came in with our men unarmed. He''s looking at me with those terrified eyes again. How dare he chains me here? He knows what''s happening to me, to my body. He knows why I''m like this. He may have done this to me. He turned me into this. He turned me into a monster. But for what? To use me for his interests? That made me grin. I guess that he thought that I won''t turn against him.


    "What are you grinning at?" He asked and slapped my face. My mouth bled. I spit some of it on the ground. I still can''t stand this stinking old man.


    FLASHBACK


    Grandfather saw it again. I tried to hide myself but his men caught me hiding at the garbage bin. I looked at him and he''s staring at me with those eyes again. Those eyes of his that are afraid to stare at me right after my parents died. It''s as if I have done something wrong with him? Or did I? But I didn''t kill them.


    "Grandfather please," I begged him but he didn''t listen. His men pulled me towards the dungeon underground the mansion. I am here again. They brought me here again.


    They started to put the chains all over my body while I continued to cry and called for Grandpa but he never came down to let me go. Instead, he ordered his men to torture me to death. Whipping me and paddling me even though I pleaded for them to stop. I wanted to die but I know that it would only be a waste. Besides, I know that he''ll need me again, soon. I feel like dying. It''s not my fault that these eyes keep on changing.


    "It''s not my fault." I cried. I didn''t even do anything. I don''t know this and I don''t want this.


    What am I?


    END OF FLASHBACK


    "You have something to do. So get a grip from yourself." He suddenly said that made me snap to reality. I looked at him with my left brow raising. Is he kidding me? After this, after he tried to kill me, he wants something from me?


    "You do well know that I badly want to kill you." I only said to him but he looked at me furiously.


    "If I die..." He said walking towards me.


    "He dies." He added. From what he said, he''s implying that he can do anything as long as he wants to and that includes killing him.


    "Now accept my offer and I''ll leave him alone." He said. I stared at him for a moment. Now, he finally knows my weakness. If I don''t accept his offer, he will surely kill him.


    "Fine," I replied. He grinned at me and after that, our men unlocked the chains all over my body. I fell to the grounds. My energy had been drained out. How many days have I been staying here, hanged and chained?


    "Now, what do you want?" I furiously asked while looking at the bruises caused by those chains. Ahh... Damn. My neck hurts. I touched the part where it stings because I felt something was dripping on my neck so, I looked at it by my hands. Blood! I glared at him but he wasn''t bothered by it. He just handed me an envelope. I was about to open it when he started to talk once again.


    "Kill them." The only words that he left then got out of the dungeon. I didn''t have the chance to scold him about my neck! When I was finally left alone, I decided to open the envelope and saw pictures from it. When I got the chance to recognize the people that I''m going to kill. It made me numb.


    "Damn," I whispered while smiling devilishly. That old man badly wants him to resent me. I sighed. I badly want to rest right now. I leaned on the walls but I didn''t expect my tears to fall. I''m hopeless. I again looked at the photos and think.


    "He''ll surely resent me now," I whispered. I finally stood up and got out. I decided to go to my room. All of our men didn''t bother to stop me. Try them and I''ll surely break their bones.


    When I was finally inside my room. I looked at myself in the mirror. I killed someone. There''s nothing new about that. I''m still wearing this nurse''s uniform though. I breathed heavily. I immediately took it off and looked at myself again. Somehow, I realized that Sean and Beatrice were surprised by my birthmark at the back of my body. I turn around and looked at it. I find it odd also since the day I found out about it.


    "This is so damn frustrating," I said to myself and went towards my closet to get some clothes to put on but then the door suddenly opened. I''m still not dressed damn it! I hurriedly went to my drawer and pick up my gun inside of it. I pointed it at the person who''s staring at me right now.


    "What the fuck Lance!" I shouted and put the gun down. He loves to scare me to death.


    "That is one good figure." He said winking at me. I furiously threw my gun at him. He''s fucking getting on my nerves. I told him to stop creeping me out.


    "What the hell are you saying? You''ve seen this body so many times." I stated then wore a robe from my cabinet. After that, I walked towards him who is still now standing.


    "What do you want?" I asked but then I threw myself at the bed. I''m tired right now. I noticed that he followed me. I almost shot him. Damn this monkey!


    "Be careful." He suddenly said while staring at me. He began to look and speak seriously.


    "I''m always careful." I simply replied. I looked at him thoroughly and noticed that he is holding something. I immediately snatched it from him then opened it. It''s an invitation to a party. Which party?


    "When is this?" I asked. He looked at me first before answering. He seems worried.


    "Tomorrow." He then answered averting his gaze.


    "What''s the matter?" I asked. He sighed first before looking at me. What is this monkey''s problem? It''s as if he is more depressed than I am.


    "You will kill again tomorrow. So be careful. The arrangements are already prepared so don''t make any second thoughts." He finally said then left the room. So, I''ll assassinate in front of many people. I will kill again. I''m frustrated right now. I want to see him.


    I cleared my thoughts then head towards my cabinet and wore a white dress. Then I jumped off from the window of my room. Thank God no one noticed me. I continued to walk away from our mansion and immediately called for a cab. The driver drove fast when I finally told him the address.


    When I was finally there, I noticed that there are so many men guarding the mansion. What will I do now? I then noticed a man got out of the gates. Will he walk towards the main road? I just decided to follow him.

 17 The Family Emblem as a Birthmark

    SEAN LOCKHART


    I don''t know what''s happening around us anymore but all I know is that since Aviana left and Ace woke up from the hospital. Everything changed. Wait. That''s not right. Let me rephrase that, since Ace met Aviana everything changed. The world that we thought was peaceful became a world of darkness. War is inevitable, a war between powerful individuals that only fights for fame, money, and status.


    A week already passed. Tomorrow, every family will officially announce the next boss of each mafia. I''m nervous but in the end, we can''t refuse or escape from this since death will find us all.


    I looked at Ace and he''s just blankly staring at the dancing floor. For no particular reason, he seems to be out of this world. Ever since he has been discharged from the hospital, he doesn''t talk much and always staring at nowhere. We are here at some club, trying to cool off our minds. There are just so many things happening around us. Also, this party for the mafia family will be held tomorrow. Our schedules are full and I want to take a break right now.


    "Ace..." I called. He looked at me.


    "Let''s go?" I asked. He looks bored, it''s too obvious. He stood up from his chair without giving a word. I was right. I just followed him and so both of us proceeded to walk away from the club.


    When we finally arrived at the parking lot and got in his car, I suddenly remembered something. I want to investigate it quietly and on my own only but until now I still can''t find what is the reason why Aviana has that kind of birthmark.


    "Ace, let''s head towards your parents," I suggested. He looked at me first, probably he is thinking why I would like to meet his parents and at this time? However, he just nodded as an answer.


    He is not living with his parents anymore. He prefers to stay on a condo. I don''t know what is his reasons but this is a good opportunity for him to visit his parents. It''s also been a week when he decided to leave their mansion.


    A few minutes later we finally arrived. Tita welcomed us and she told us Tito isn''t home to welcome his son''s return. I looked around the house and everything changed. Even though I just occasionally visit here. I can tell that a lot has changed. I noticed also that there are so many men standing inside and in front of the house. Seems like they''re highly alert from their enemies. I guess this is the reason why Ace left. He''s sick of this. Well, who can blame his parents?


    When we were finally in the living room, Tita offered us to sit. A moment later, the maids served us with some beverages. I looked at Tita and she just smiled at me. She''s glad that I brought Ace here.


    "Tita. We came here because Ace wants to visit but also, I want to ask you something." I started to talk.


    "What is that?" She asked while sipping from her drink.


    "Well, I noticed someone." I paused and looked at Ace because he still doesn''t know about this.


    "But I think that it is impossible." I just said and sat properly.


    "Tell me." Tita suddenly said seriously. I decided to not ask her anymore or else this will make them confused. Since that I, myself am confused about what I found out but damn Tita looks terrifying with those eyes looking at me.


    "Well, Tita." I paused and looked at her again but she''s just still looking at me with those eyes. Here goes nothing.


    "What if I saw someone with a birthmark of your family emblem? What does that mean?" I asked. Hence, I was startled when Tita''s glass suddenly slipped from her hands. She was surprised by it. The maids helped her to clean the broken glass, then she looked at me after that.


    "What d-did you say?" She asked.


    "I said-" but Ace cut me off.


    "If you saw someone with a birthmark like our family emblem, that means he or she is a family-related. Are you sure it''s a birthmark, not a tattoo? It''s very rare for people to have a birthmark with red color in their skin." He stated. I froze. I am sure that it was a birthmark. It''s not a tattoo.


    "Well, that someone could be a great descendant of our ancestor," Tita added while wiping her clothes because some of her drink was spilled at her dress.


    "A great descendant who can inherit the Family''s ability. You already know that Sean." Tita said and my eyes widened after hearing those words.


    "Why is that?" Tita asked.


    "Well... Nothing." I said and just awkwardly smiled at them. Ace noticed me trembling and that made him glare at me. He noticed that I''m lying.


    "By the way Tita why did they became fianc¨¦s when both families are enemies?" I asked out of curiosity and to change the topic too. Tita flinched from my question.


    "I don''t know either. I just know that Mr. De Lave wants Ace to marry her Granddaughter and we agreed to that in exchange for them being our ally. You know how the mafia world works but, in the end, we''ve been played." Tita explained.


    "Now where did you saw that tattoo?" Ace suddenly asked so, I looked at him. There''s no point in lying anymore. He will ask and ask until I spill the answer, so here it goes.


    "I just saw it in Aviana''s body," I said and I noticed that the two of them froze from where they were sitting.


    "W-what do you mean?" Tita asked trying to calm herself.


    "That can''t be." Ace said as he slammed the table. Just as I thought this is too confusing for them, especially to Ace.


    "MOM WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!" Ace now shouted.


    "I don''t know okay! I don''t know!" Tita said and stood up but she suddenly fainted.


    "Tita," I called as I run towards her.


    I immediately carried her towards her room. I noticed that Ace followed us while talking to someone on the phone. I think he called the doctor of their family. After I put Tita in her bed, Ace suddenly pulled me and pushed me to the wall.


    "What the fuck are you talking about!" He asked irritated.


    "I''m telling the truth," I said.


    "You know that we tried to kill her. I saw it Ace! I saw what I saw." I said to him and that made him step back, long until I heard him laughing like crazy.


    "So, she''s my sister is that it?" He asked.


    "I don''t know okay," I answered. He looked down and refused to look at me in the eye. He seems disappointed.


    "Leave first, I''ll stay here." He said. I had no choice but to walk away.


    When I was finally outside the house, I started to walk to get into the main road. I didn''t bring any phone with me. I can''t call any taxi cab. Damn it! I didn''t bring any car too since Ace suddenly showed up in front of our house and insisted to go to a club. Just how lucky am I?


    I proceeded to walk in this very dark place when I felt like someone''s following me. I immediately looked behind me but there''s no one there. I must be imagining things. I continued to walk but faster now. I don''t feel anyone following me but I can hear footsteps coming nearer and nearer. I looked behind me for the second time but then again there''s no one there.


    However, when I was about to walk again. I almost fainted when I saw someone standing right beside me but I managed to point my gun. Like what the fuck! This person was wearing a white dress and her hair is very long. Damn! I''m trembling like crazy. I should run now, right? I was about to step back when that person started to speak.


    "How is he?" The person asked. The voice seems familiar. It''s not a ghost. I slowly put back my gun and walk in front of that person to see who it was and thanks to the light of the moon I finally see this person''s face.


    "Aviana?" I asked but she didn''t answer me. I noticed that she looked at the moon. She''s creeping me out, ever since I saw her at the hospital. Besides, I still don''t know what is she and why does she have that kind of ability?


    "Tomorrow." She started to talk.


    "Take care of him for me." She added and walked away. What does she mean? And that made realize, what will happen tomorrow?


    Aviana, what are you planning to do again?

 18 Fifth Secret: The Blood of Fieras

    SEAN LOCKHART


    The music started to irritate my ears. I took a glimpse at Ace and he''s just calmly observing everyone in the room. These are only the people who were involved in the mafia world. This means that the families and their relatives should all gathered here. I think that Ace is waiting for her. I looked at the people too but only one person caught my attention.


    "It''s Mr. De Lave" I whispered to Ace. He looked at the direction where I''m looking at. The next thing I know is that he''s heading towards him. What the hell is this guy doing?


    "Ace." I tried to stop him by calling his name but he''s still not stopping. I have no choice but to follow him. However, before we had arrived at where Mr. De Lave was standing. The host started to welcome the guests of the party. I guess the party will be starting.


    "Good evening everyone. Please let us all welcome each other." He stated and so we did. We clapped our hands as we greeted each other.


    "I hope that we will enjoy today''s party. Now let us start introducing. For the Gustavo Family, may we call on Mr. Cole Gustavo to introduce the successor of his family." Said by the host. I saw Mr. Gustavo heading towards the stage as we clapped our hands to welcome him. He doesn''t look good.


    "I humbly introduce the successor of the Gustavo Family, my only child remaining..." He paused and looked behind where we are standing. I saw Frank blankly staring at him.


    "Frank Gustavo." He added. Frank headed towards the stage and greeted everyone. I heard the news a week from now that Frank came back to their family. We don''t know the reason why but it''s just not right to think that Mr. De Lave let him go or maybe it was Aviana who brought him back to his family.


    "Now may we call on for Mr. Hudson Fonteho." The host stated. Mr. Fonteho then headed towards the stage. He looks worse than Mr. Gustavo.


    "I''m sorry to inform all of the guests and the other families." He started to tremble and the next thing we know, he started crying.


    "I have no longer any successor from our family." He added. The crowd started to buzz. This is bad. If he has no successor then his family will no longer have the ability to continue. Then his family will be out of the top rank. Why did this happen?


    "M-my son died." He said and suddenly excused himself. I somehow feel that it''s a bit odd that his son suddenly died when their families are known for being the best when it comes to fighting.


    Unless...


    I looked at Mr. De Lave and he''s grinning. He looks too satisfied. Just as I thought. It was his doing. Other than this, I know that he tried to kill Aviana but Ace was the one who was shot in the end. It occurred at the last party. We can''t do anything because if we fight them, we might lose in the end. Mr. De Lave is known for being equipped in weapons, has several men and has a great number of assassins. No one ever dares to challenge his family.


    However, he can''t reach the first ranking. The Fiera''s are known for its assets, like owning malls, companies, hotels, restaurants, and casinos. But they are not just known for being a wealthy family. They are at the top because the politicians, police, and the armies are under their jurisdiction. To put it simply, they are the family who''s ranking first because no one can beat them when it comes to wealth and fame.


    "Now may we call on for Mr. Christian Lockhart." The host stated and so my father headed towards the stage. I looked at Ace and gave him a signal that I''m going now. He nodded as an answer.


    "Good evening everyone. I introduce to you the successor of our family, Sean Lockhart. My eldest son." Father stated and I walked towards the stage, afterward, I greeted all the people then came down from the stage.


    "Now for the De Lave family. M-may we call on for Mr. Alexander De Lave." The host stated nervously. This party feels odd. I''m starting to think that something will happen here tonight or is it just my imagination?


    "I am proud to introduce the successor of our family." He said and scanned the room. I think that he is looking for Aviana.


    Hence, a moment later, the door of the venue suddenly started to creak then a girl started to walk wearing a white no, red ball gown? The color seems. She then passed through us. My eyes widened when I smell blood from her. So, the gown? It''s blood. And is that a katana in her hands? I''m getting numb. What is she holding that? I thought that weapons aren''t allowed inside the venue? What is happening now?


    "I''m Aviana Skye De Lave, the new boss of the De Lave family." She said and bowed to everyone when she got in front of the stage. The people started to murmur. I almost didn''t breathe hearing her talk while looking like that. She looks like a demon. Then I noticed that she was looking at us. I look at Ace and his face seems happy. And so, I smiled. However, that doesn''t change the fact that Aviana looks like she killed someone.


    "And now, the first ranking in the Mafia World, may we call on for Don Henry Fiera." The host stated and so Don Fiera headed towards the stage. Everyone came back to their usual self. They were applauding for Don Fiera. He is well known.


    "Thank you." He started. Everyone paid attention and stayed quiet as he started to talk.


    "My successor for today..."


    *Bang*


    What was that?


    The place started to change. No! The place started to crumble as the people screamed in terror. I froze from where I was standing. I was stunned by the frightening image that happened before my eyes. What just happened? I looked around and saw the person holding the gun.


    No...


    Aviana?


    What''s this?


    Is this why you asked to take care of Ace?


    But no! I immediately look at Ace and saw his eyes raging in anger. I have to get him away from here. I hurriedly run towards him then tried to pull him away from this place.


    "Ace let''s go," I said and tried to pull him again but Ace just pushed me. This is bad. What the fuck Aviana! What the hell did you do!


    "I''ll kill her." He said and pulled the gun under his coat.


    "ACE NO!" I said and hold on to his feet. I was still on the floor.


    *Bang*


    Another gunshot was heard. I saw Tita fell towards the ground. To my surprise, I let go of Ace. Tita is shot. Aviana shot her. She killed his parents.


    "AVIANA!" Ace shouted now crying. I can''t help myself but cry also. What is happening? I can''t think straight. What is the reason why you killed them Aviana? Damn it! You know that he will resent you for this. You know all too well that he''ll resent you for killing his family! You shouldn''t have done this to him. You shouldn''t have done this!


    "Ace," I called and held on to his feet once again but he just glared at me.


    "Get your filthy hands off me." He stated in disgust. He looks like he''s about to kill someone. I immediately let go of his feet then saw him walk towards Aviana. He''ll kill her. He''ll surely do but she might also kill him too.


    When Aviana noticed him walking, she looked towards his direction. I saw her crying. Is it that hard? Why do you even have to kill his parents? Hence, I was stunned when I continued to watch her. She wasn''t crying because of his parents. Then after, I saw her pointed the gun at Ace. Just as I thought. She might also kill him too. But why?


    "Don''t come nearer." She said but Ace is not on his right mind and just continued to walk.


    "DON''T!" She shouted as she trembles in fear.


    "I''ll end up killing you." She whispered to him and just by hearing that I immediately run towards them. I tried to pull Ace away from her. She will kill him. She''ll surely do. He can''t die. He''s the only living heir of the Fiera''s. If he dies, in the end, in this war, Mr. De Lave will win. Is he not thinking about this?


    "Let''s go," I said to Ace furiously but then again, he pushed me hard that made me fall hitting my head towards the table beside me. I feel dizzy. I tried to touch my head and blood is falling. Crap!


    *Bang*


    I heard a-another...


    I immediately looked at Ace as he slowly fell towards the floor. I looked at Aviana who''s still crying right now. She then kneels towards me. I think she noticed me looking at her. Is she going to kill me too?


    "Close your eyes. It won''t take long." She stated and that made me shiver. So, she''s going to kill me. She made me lie down towards the floor. Is this even necessary?


    Ace... We should have escaped. We should have run when we had the chance too. This is the end of it. Just then, I waited for a minute but I still haven''t heard anything. I thought she was going to kill me. I was about to open my eyes but a moment later, I heard heavy footsteps heading towards us. I didn''t bother to open my eyes after hearing that someone ks coming and I''m sure that this isn''t Aviana''s footsteps. I decided to listen to what their conversation is all about.


    "You''re done." The man said. It''s Mr. De Lave. It''s his voice, he has that Russian accent.


    "Now finish it all." He stated and again, I heard her shooting everyone in the room. I can hear them all screaming in pain, begging for mercy. I wanted to open my eyes. I wanted to help them but she said to close my eyes. That means don''t do anything.


    "HAHAHAHAHA!" Mr. De Lave surprisingly laughed.


    "Now that it''s finished and there''s nothing to worry about. I want to tell you a little secret." He suddenly stated. He sounds drunk. I want to see them. I slightly opened my eyes and saw them facing each other. Aviana was looking at him absent-minded though. She looks like a doll covered in blood. Lifeless.


    "You have no blood of the De Lave''s." The man started to say and that made Aviana snap out from reality. She slowly looked at the man talking. She began to look pale.


    "Because... you have the blood of the Fiera''s." He added.

 19 Fifth Secret: The Grandchildren of De Laves

    AVIANA SKYE DE LAVE


    "Because you have the blood of the Fiera''s." He said. The words kept on replaying inside my head.


    Fiera''s...


    The Fiera''s blood.


    I don''t have De Lave''s blood. Hence, I looked at those two person''s bodies, my parents'' body to be exact.


    I snickered a laugh.


    "HAHAHAHA." I laughed but louder. It''s as if I''m going insane right now.


    "This is so damn funny," I added and looked at him. I started to feel the numbness of my body. My hands are shaking and my head feels like it''s about to explode. I feel suffocated, damn it! Are my eyes changing again? My reflection captured my attention from the windows at my right. I look like a devil, I grinned.


    "So, you made me kill my own family," I stated. I noticed him stiffen. Just like his reaction when he always sees my eyes. This red crimson eyes. He shouldn''t have provoked me. But he has a death wish. I walked towards him but I stopped when a hand grabbed my leg, it made me looked down. It was my mother. I immediately kneel and put her head on to my lap.


    "My daughter." She said and smiled.


    "M-mom," I said trembling and touched her face.


    "I tried to kill you," I said and cried.


    "No, you didn''t." She answered while shaking her head.


    "Although it''s too late at least I had the chance to see my daughter''s face." She began and smiled. This is killing me.


    "Be brave." She added and finally closed her eyes.


    "What a lovely sight." This old man stated. He made me do this to you. My tears continued to fall. I killed you because of him. My anger started to rage. I had enough of him and I had enough of this. I tried my best to obey all of his commands but this is what he repays me? Then I''ll make him pay for what he has done to me.


    "Blood," I whispered as I put her head carefully at the floor. I stood up and looked at him in the eye.


    "Die!" I said without thinking. Just like before, after saying that word, unexplainable things happen.


    "Aviana." Someone called that made me snap out. It was from Ace. I didn''t shoot him a while ago. Just like what I told Sean, I told him to close his eyes. He hesitated at first because he''s too angry at me. But then I think that he saw that old man coming towards us so in the end, he followed my request.


    He started to shook his head. Does he want me to stop? Does he want me not to do this? He has got to be kidding me? He witnessed what happened! If I was him, he will surely kill the person who killed them. Just like what''s about to happen a while ago. So this man has to pay!


    "This isn''t you." He added.


    "Ace..." I called.


    "You''re wrong. This is me." I answered and again looked at the old man.


    I''ll kill him.


    "Funny thing is my child..." This old man started to talk.


    "He is my real grandchild." He added which made me froze.


    "You''re such an asshole," I said and smiled. How small the world is?


    FLASHBACK


    ALEXANDER DE LAVE


    "Sire." One of our men barges into my office.


    "Your daughter gave birth the same as the day as the Fiera''s. Miss hasn''t woke up yet. She still hasn''t seen her son. " He stated. He sounds excited.


    "Hmmm." I started to think.


    "I heard something interesting about the child sir." He added and so I looked at him.


    "What is it?" I asked.


    "The child will have a unique ability. An ability like the stories from their ancestors." He said. This is interesting. If I have that child, I can rule the whole world. Unique abilities eh? Just is what that child''s ability? I''m starting to wonder if I can beat the Fiera''s if I have their child.


    "Swap the child," I said.


    "Sire?" He asked confused.


    "I said swap them," I said once again.


    "But your grandson." He protested.


    "Swap them or die," I said eagerly. He didn''t bother to answer anymore.


    "Don''t let anyone know about this, not even my daughter," I said and smiled at him. He bowed at first then finally went out of the office.


    Now it''s about time to play...


    END OF FLASHBACK


    "You''re getting on my nerves," I said and walked towards him but then I stopped when someone started to walk inside the place. It was a girl.


    "Ava." Ace suddenly called.


    All this time she was alive?


    I looked at that stinking old man and he''s smiling like crazy. So, he used that drug to her. Where did this old man keep her? I noticed Sean finally stood up. So, this old man''s going to use her now.


    "Pathetic," I said and looked into his eyes. There he started to suffocate. Just die already!


    "Grandchild, kill her." He said while gasping for air. What a great ability of mine. I''ll make him pay, slowly and painfully. But just then, Ace captured my attention. He was looking at me smiling. What the hell is he doing?


    "Ava. Get your brother." This man shouted. He noticed that I was looking at Ace. He thinks that I''ll kill him. Can I do it? I accidentally let this old man go because of Ace. But Ace, what are you trying to do?


    "Ace." Ava suddenly called but...


    *Bang*


    This isn''t happening right now. My tears fell one by one. I screamed his name as he falls to the floor. I was about to run towards him but then I felt a bullet landed at my chest. Damn! I looked at Ava and she shot me. I smiled. I''m glad though. I looked at Sean who seems to be shocked.


    "See you soon Ace," I said and was about to fall but Sean immediately caught me from falling to the floor.


    "Don''t die." He pleaded but I just smiled at him. He''s fast, running from that direction to here. I broke a laugh but damn it just made me cough in blood.


    My parent''s body caught my attention. Now I''ll be able to join them. I only had the chance to know them tonight but it''s too late to say even a hello to my dad. I cried. I already met him once. I''m hopeless. Oh. God! Why? Why am I still living in this world? If only I still have the chance... The chance to meet them again and change this tragic faith of mine. I''d be really glad if that happens. I again looked at Sean who has the face I can''t explain. He looks worried. I smiled and breathed heavily.


    "I''m tired," I said.


    "Very tired," I added and sighed as my tears fall from my eyes.

 20 Awaken

    SEAN LOCKHART


    It must be hard to live in this kind of world. I often thought about that. I''m tired also, to live. But I continued my life for those people who still want me to be alive.


    I looked at Aviana and she''s still peacefully sleeping. She was put on a coma because she was shot near the heart. A lot of blood was taken from her. Hence, is that the reason why she''s still not waking up? Maybe she just purposely stayed like this because she doesn''t want to know the reality. She still doesn''t want to accept those awful things that happened to her. Realizing that, I pity her more. I came near her and her eyes were still shut.


    "When will you wake up?" I asked and held her hand as I stared at her face. She looks paler than before. Is she dreaming while she''s sleeping? What is she dreaming about? Is it even a dream? It could be a nightmare, she''s sweating like crazy.


    "You''ve been resting for too long. It''s time to wake up now." I said smiling at her. I don''t know why but my heart aches to see her at this state.


    "A year had already passed," I said and paused. I wonder if Ace is doing fine?


    FLASHBACK


    I stood up when I heard Ace called for Ava. I was in shock when I saw Ava standing here alive. However, I was more surprised when I saw Aviana there. I shivered when I saw those eyes again. Those terrifying eyes of a demon.


    "Pathetic." Aviana suddenly stated. She might have guessed why Ava is still alive.


    "Grandchild, kill her." Mr. De Lave suddenly stated. Is she going to kill her? I looked at Ava and she''s just seriously staring at Aviana. She''s going to do it. I looked at Ace and he''s now looking at me.


    "Where?" He suddenly asked pointing his head. I was confused by his question. What is he asking? But a second later my eyes widened realizing what it is. I smiled sadly as an answer. Is he going to do it?


    "I should do it," I whispered but he shook his head. I had no choice but to point the part of my head where he can shoot himself. He can''t die but, in the end, he won''t remember anything after this.


    "Ava. Get your brother." Mr. De Lave suddenly shouted.


    "Ace." Ava suddenly called. He will do it now. No. I should stop him, right? I should? I was surprised when he looked at Aviana. He will finally do it.


    *Bang*


    The gunshot rang out all over the place. I looked at Aviana and she was also shot. I immediately looked at Ava. She shot her.


    "See you soon," Aviana said to me. The next thing I know is that she was falling to the grounds so I ran immediately to catch her.


    "Don''t die." I pleaded but she just smiled at me.


    "I''m tired." She stated. She''s having a hard time to breathe. I tried to undress her for her to breath and to see the wound but I stopped when she spoke again that made me looked at her who''s still smiling but crying.


    "Very tired." She added.


    END OF FLASHBACK


    He should be better, now right? I again looked at Aviana. Her hair looks so long, now that years had already gone by. I wonder if I should cut it? I walk towards the cabinet near the windows and get a scissor. When I came back towards her. The scissors that I''m holding suddenly slipped through my hand when I saw Aviana standing, looking at me with those deadly eyes. She''s awake now. I was trembling in fear but I don''t have the time to be afraid of her. She needs my help but I should be careful too.


    "A-Aviana," I called. She finally snapped out of reality. She suddenly touched her chest. I think it hurts. I ran towards her and helped her to bring her back to bed. She''s been resting for too long so I''m not anymore surprised by the way she''s acting right now. She feels weak.


    "Don''t move yet," I stated. She just stared at me.


    "Is he dead?" She asked out of a sudden. Should I tell her the truth? If I tell her the truth that could help her recovery. Right?


    "N-no," I said and smiled awkwardly. I''m still not used to talking to her. She sighed in relief. She closed her eyes as her tears continued to fall. She finally woke up but she cried again. Hence, she''s crying because she''s happy and that''s good.


    "My parents?" She asked. I looked at her thinking. She''s still crying while looking at the floor. I sighed before answering.


    "They are gone," I said. I noticed her stiffen.


    "I took care of their bodies. If you want to visit their graves just let me know." I said and smiled at her. She just nodded as an answer without looking at me.


    "I''ll be taking care of you now. If you want me to go away I won''t." I said and so she looked at me. I was surprised when she suddenly smiled at me. That''s new to me.


    "I-I should tell the doctor," I said and nervously get my phone from my pocket but she stopped me from doing so.


    "Why?" I asked, confused by her actions.


    "I''m alright no need to call them." She said.


    "They should know so we can know if there''s still something wrong about you. Although your wound is perfectly healed it still hurts right? And you''ve been in a coma for a year now." I explained but she just smiled at me. Somehow, I feel like she is a different person. Hence, I haven''t met her and talked to her for this long so I might have known her wrong.


    "I-I should go out right?" I asked and she just nodded at me. I breathed heavily when I finally got out of the room. I touched my chest and it''s pounding fast. Damn what the hell is happening to me? I feel crazy?


    "Young Master, the reporters are here again," Belinda said when she saw me coming down the stairs. I had left the entertainment industry since the day I was announced as the new boss of the Lockhart family. However, the world now in the mafia is at war. Everyone is dead except for those who had the chance to escape including us. Mr. De Lave didn''t win this war. It''s just getting started.


    I miss singing though. I sat down the sofa reminiscing the days when I was still singing and holding my guitar. I didn''t even realize that I fell asleep.


    All I Want


    By: Kodaline


    All I want is nothing more


    To hear you knocking at my door


    ''Cause if I could see your face once more


    I could die as a happy man I''m sure


    When you said your last goodbye


    I died a little bit inside


    I lay in tears in bed all night


    Alone without you by my side


    But If you loved me


    Why did you leave me


    Take my body


    Take my body


    All I want is


    All I need is


    To find somebody


    I''ll find somebody


    Ooh oh


    Ooh oh


    Ooh oh


    Ooh oh


    Ooh oh


    Ooh ah


    Ooh oh


    But while I was dreaming about myself singing a sudden crash woke me up. I slowly sat down.


    "This is irritating," I whispered. I stood up and started to search for where it came from. It was from the window. Someone threw something. I looked for it and when I finally saw it, it was a rock. A paper was attached to it. I immediately picked it up and opened the paper. I don''t care if it''s not important.


    "She will die soon," I whispered while reading it. Well, this seems important.


    "Who will die?" Someone asked behind my back. I almost jump from being startled. Damn it! My soul almost jumped off away from my body. She always startles me. ALWAYS!


    "Don''t scare me!" I said to her but she just grinned at me. She suddenly snatched the paper that I was holding. I was hiding it from her by the way. She''s fast to react.


    "Give it back," I said but she didn''t listen.


    "It''s not easy to kill me though." She said smiling and threw away the paper.


    "I want to eat." She added and walked away.


    "What do you want to eat?" I asked as she turned her head towards me. She looks like she regained all her energy or is this just an act.


    "Cake." She said smiling brightly. Is this Aviana? I worriedly came towards her and checked for her temperature. She''s not even sick. Did she bump her head when she was shot? I looked at her confused. I don''t remember her hitting the floor because I certainly caught her. She looks and acts like a different person though?


    "Don''t act surprised. This is me. You should learn to not judge by its cover Sean." She said and proceed to walk towards the kitchen. She went to the refrigerator and saw a box. She pointed it while looking at me. I just nod. She knows how to figure a box of cake. Good thing I often eat cake at night.


    Then I saw her went towards the table and opened the box. I reached for a fork and knife from the hanging cabinet right beside me and handed it to her. After that, she started to eat. She looks like a child eating. However, is this right for her to eat? I mean she just recently woke up and she should be eating something that will regain her energy.


    "I haven''t eaten for a year." She said while looking at me. I just smiled at her. I''ll just let her eat real food later. I shouldn''t force her eating.


    "What will you do after this?" I asked. That made her stop eating then looked at me.


    "I want to visit my parents." She stated so I just nodded as an answer.

 21 Hiding something

    AVIANA SKYE FIERA


    I am lying at this bed for an hour now. I want to sleep but I don''t know why my eyes were wide awake. Maybe because I''ve been sleeping for too long. I wanted to visit my parents, the real one but Sean insisted to take me on the next day.


    I decided to stand up and head towards the closet. That''s when I found out that there aren''t any clothes for me to wear except these tons of hospital dress. How lucky. I went down to find Sean but he wasn''t in the living room. Where did he go? I still searched for him and at last, I found him. He''s at the garden watering the plants. He saw me and stopped. The next thing I know is that he is heading towards my direction.


    "Why are you outside? I thought you wanted to rest?" He asked worriedly. He still smells nice even though he is covered in sweat. I think that he is the reason why the garden is beautiful to look at. I smiled. He must be in love with the flowers.


    "Are you okay?" He now asked when I didn''t respond.


    "I''m fine." I simply answered.


    "But I don''t have any clothes to wear," I said.


    "About that. Well, you don''t know this but we''ve been transferring houses so it''s convenient for us to buy hospital gowns. Besides, I wasn''t sure if you will ever wake up." He explained. He has a point.


    "Can you buy me some? This is so uncomfortable to wear." I stated and smiled awkwardly. He smiled too in return while scratching the back of his head.


    "Wait for a minute. I''ll just take a bath." He stated and hurriedly went inside the house. I had nothing to do so I decided to look at the flowers which he was watering a while ago. They were all red roses. They were all pure red like the color of blood. I was about to pick one when Sean finally called me.


    "Let''s go." He stated. He changed clothes. No, he took a bath, fast. His hair was still wet. He probably didn''t want me to wait that long. I proceed to walk towards where he is. He was getting inside the car. I did too. He then drove away from the house.


    I don''t know where we are but this is a mall. I don''t know what place we are in right now but we drove for about two hours just to get to the city. He pulled my hand to get inside a store. A sales lady greeted us.


    "What can we help you with Sir?" The girl asked.


    "Give us bags, shoes, pieces of jewelry, clothes, and undergarments." He stated and handed the girl a black card. The girl smiled happily in return.


    "For her Sir?" She now asked. He nodded as an answer.


    "Then follow me, Mam." The girl stated and so I did. Then I saw Sean sat on a sofa. The ladies seem to like him. They''ve been looking at him and smiling like crazy. Hence, that''s when I realized that I forgot that he is a singer. This might ruin his image. I was about to walk towards him when the girl who''s attending me gave me dresses.


    "Try this all." She stated. I was about to try it inside and head towards the changing room but Sean stopped me.


    "Pack it all. We''ll be leaving." He stated. He looks serious. What happened? I look around but there''s no suspicious person inside the store. What is bothering him?


    A few minutes later, the paper bags were brought to us. He insisted to carry it all. But still I argued with him and now I''m carrying some on my hands. We were heading towards the parking lot. When we got there, we put all the paper bags at the trunk. I was about to get inside when Sean shouted.


    "GET DOWN!" He said. I immediately responded and the next thing I know is that men were shooting at us. Sean was shooting towards them too. These might be the reason why he''s uncomfortable a while ago. He is sensing something. They''ve been trailing us.


    "Give me a gun," I said but he didn''t listen. The car is being destroyed. My things are in there damn it! I decided to pick up the broken pieces of a mirror from the car and run towards those men. They were aiming at me but they''re too slow. I mean are they blind or are they purposely not shooting me? Whose men are this? When I finally got near them, I easily cut their throats one by one but fast.


    "Now it''s all over," I stated and searched for their bodies. That''s when I finally found the thing that I was looking for. That fucking family''s emblem.


    "Aviana" Sean called.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t start a fight. Not until I find him." I said and looked at him. He smiled sadly in return. I was about to talk once again but he turned his back from me.


    "Let''s head home." That''s the only thing he said and went towards the car to get the paper bags at the trunk. I immediately went towards him and helped him. He didn''t talk after that. We decided to take a cab since our car is ruined.


    We finally arrived home but he still isn''t talking to me. Did I say something bad? He''s acting strange? He went towards my room and put down the paper bags, I did too. He was about to walk outside but I stopped him.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked. He looked at me thoroughly before answering me.


    "I''m just thinking." He simply replied. I''m not satisfied with his answer.


    "About what?" I asked again. I can see in his eyes that he is about to lie. Eyes can tell what you feel.


    "About some things." He now stated and smiled. I was about to ask more but to my surprise, he patted my shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, just rest. Don''t get too worked up yet. It''s still not time." He stated. What does he mean? Is he hiding something from me? Hence, I didn''t bother to argue.


    "They probably found out about this place. So in the morning, we should leave." He added.


    "Let them come," I answered he looked at me with a stunned expression on his face.


    "What?" He asked in disbelief.


    "We can get killed." He added.


    "We can get killed yes. But they can never lay their hands on me. Because before they get near me. They will be lifeless." I stated coldly.


    I''m still not finished with that old man. I will kill him that''s for sure. I won''t stop even if he kills me a hundred times. His life can''t be compared to the pain that he caused me. I will make him suffer until he begs for death.

 22 What are you doing?

    AVIANA SKYE FIERA


    I''ve been staring at the scar on my chest for an hour now. I slightly touched it and it just reminds me of what happened at the party. A tear again had escaped from my eyes. When will I stop crying? I wiped it off and breathed heavily.


    I opened the closet and chose a white sleeveless dress and on the right side of the room, there are boxes of heels piled up. I got one and wore it. After I finished, I decided to go downstairs. Although I feel uneasy, I want to see my parents, their graves I mean.


    As I was walking, I stumbled on to something. I picked it up and it was an album, a music album. I saw Sean''s face at the cover, smiling and holding a guitar. I remember that he was a singer. I wonder if he''s still singing? I continued to walk towards the living room and there I saw him watching the news. He seems to be preoccupied.


    "Sean Lockhart, the young singer suddenly quits for personal reasons." The reporter stated on the TV. This must be the reason why he''s like that. I looked at Sean again and he''s just blankly staring at the TV. He didn''t even notice me standing here. I guess that he misses singing.


    "Sean," I called and there he finally looked at me.


    "Let''s go." He just said and smiled. He smiled like everything is okay with him. He smiled even though his eyes look so sad. He stood up from the sofa then proceeded to walk but when I was about to follow him. I suddenly felt dizzy. I know that I was about to fall but thankfully Sean caught me. I should have a rest last night. I didn''t sleep because I just can''t.


    "I guess that we should bring a wheelchair." He stated and smiled. He called for a maid and ordered her to get a wheelchair. We waited for her to get it and when she came back, she has it. I noticed that I saw this beside my bed. I carefully sat down then Sean pushed it gently.


    When we were finally outside, I looked at Sean and he''s just smiling. That smile seems fake thought. It wasn''t his real smile. Long after, we were finally in the car. He helped me to get in then he put the wheelchair at the back seat. After that, he got in also. Then he drove towards where my parents are buried.


    I just decided to look at the road. Where are my parents buried though? The question suddenly popped inside my head. I hope that they are peacefully resting. As I was silently staring at the road, he suddenly caressed my head.


    "What?" I asked. I was surprised but I didn''t make him feel awkward. I sounded like I didn''t mind.


    "Nothing." He replied and smiled brightly. He seems happy now.


    He finally stopped the car when we were in front of the cemetery. He got out then gets the wheelchair at the back. After that, he went towards me to open the door and helped me to sit in the wheelchair. Thereafter, he got the flowers that I saw a while ago at the back seat and from there he started to push me to get inside the cemetery. I noticed that the place is so beautiful.


    "Where are they?" I asked and he finally stopped.


    "Here we are." He stated.


    "I should leave you right?" He asked. I just nodded. I watched him as he walked away from me. He''s heading towards the car. After that, I looked at my mom and dad''s tombstone. Sean took care of them. I smiled without me noticing.


    "Mom... Dad..." I called and can''t help myself to sound helpless. I put down the flowers and smiled at them.


    "I''m sorry," I said.


    "I''m so sorry," I added as I broke out in tears.


    "Please forgive me." I continued to plead as I tried to wipe my tears that kept on falling.


    "I won''t let him rest. I won''t forgive him. I''ll kill him. I will let him feel this rage. I will make him suffer then I''ll send him to hell." I said and looked at the sky.


    "Just watch over me. Okay?" I added and smiled. I sighed realizing that I haven''t had the chance to be with them when they were alive. Well, yes, I met them but all I know is that they were my enemy. All I know is that they were nothing. I haven''t had the chance to experience their love.


    While I was focused on staring at the sky, I noticed on my peripheral vision that someone is looking at me for a long time now. I looked at the person to see who it was, my eyes widened when I recognized who it is. I felt my body stiffen. I was unable to move. I tried to push my wheelchair but I don''t have the energy. I feel weak. I tried to stand up but I just fell towards the ground. I''m not dreaming, right? I tried to crawl towards him. I''m not dreaming. I started to cry. I look pathetic!


    "Ace!" I called but I was surprised when he pointed a gun at me.


    "A-Ace?" I called in disbelief. He is Ace, right?


    "Aviana!" Sean suddenly shouted and pulled me. However, I was more surprised when Ace pulled the trigger but the bullet landed at the ground. Did he pull the trigger? Did he try to kill me? Ace, is this you? What are you doing? My eyes widened. I can''t believe what is happening right now.


    "Can you stand?" Sean asked me when he was finally in front of me.


    "It''s Ace," I said to him but he just stared at me sadly.


    "Why are you making that face?" I asked but now he didn''t answer my question. Instead, he carried me towards the car. I heard Ace kept on shooting us.


    *Bang* *Bang* *Bang*


    "Ahh." Sean suddenly shouted in pain. He accidentally let go of me. I noticed him in pain. He was shot at his shoulder.


    "I can walk," I said to him. We started to walk as I tried my best to lead him towards the car. Even though I feel like my body is about to give up, I can''t leave Sean.


    When we were finally in the car, I put him at the backseat, it''s much safer there. I tried to stop the bleeding by ripping a part of my dress and tied it towards his wound.


    "I''ll drive," I said and proceeded at the driver''s seat then started the engine. I drove fast as I could.


    "Don''t go to a hospital." He stated out of a sudden. I looked at him at the rear-view mirror, he looks so much in pain.


    "Fine," I answered. I just head towards the house. I know where I''m heading since that I memorized the path that we were taking a while ago. I''m not mesmerizing the scenery. I''m memorizing the road. I looked at him again and he is losing a lot of blood. Damn it! I drove faster.


    A minute had passed and we finally arrived at the house. Men helped us to get in, then we went straight to his room.


    "Get a first aid kit," I told some of his maids and they hurriedly bring a kit to me.


    "Now get out," I said and they all went outside.


    "Drink this," I said to him handing a medicine and a glass of water. He did what I ordered him to do.


    When he finally closed his eyes. I hurriedly cut off his shirt and saw the wound still bleeding. Thankfully the bullet is not that deep. I started attending his wound. After an hour, I stitch it off. I looked at him and he is just calmly sleeping.


    "Thank me when you woke up," I said. It''s a good thing that I can cure him. I''ve been addressing my wound since I was young, so this isn''t new to me. I lied down beside him


    "Thank you," I said and looked at him.


    "I owe you a lot," I added and closed my eyes.

 23 The enemy

    ACE KIEN DE LAVE


    I strangely woke up in a room. I felt a hand holding me so I immediately snatched it away. It''s from a girl. She looked at me surprised but, in the end, she smiled at me.


    "Ace." She called and suddenly hugged me tightly. I immediately pushed her. That made her look at me wondering.


    "W-who are you?" I asked, her jaw dropped.


    "W-where am I?" I asked unknowingly.


    "What is this place?" I tried to look around but it just made me feel dizzy. I touched my head realizing there was a bandage covering it. I pressed on to it but it just made me scream in pain.


    "Ace." This girl cried.


    "Don''t do that please." She said and held my hands to stop me from pressing the wound. This is strange. I don''t know her. Why don''t I remember a thing?


    "Who am I?" I asked.


    "You are Ace." Someone suddenly said from the door. It was a man. Somehow, he looks old. He is holding a cigar though it wasn''t lighted.


    "You are my grandson." He said when he was finally near me and touched my wound lightly.


    "You were about to die." He added.


    "You were almost killed." He said. I looked at the girl beside me because I noticed that she suddenly squeezed my hand.


    "Who wants to kill me?" I asked and this man sat down at my bed.


    "Aviana Skye Fiera." He said.


    "She also killed your parents." He stated that left me dumbfounded. The next thing I know is that he got out of the room. I looked at the girl again beside me and she''s crying.


    "Who are you?" I asked her.


    "I-It''s me, I am your sister." She said and came closer.


    "Ace..." She called and hugged me.


    "Please come back. I feel lonely. I don''t know what to do anymore." She stated and hugged me tighter. Somehow, I feel the urge to hug her back. But then the door suddenly opened and another man entered the room.


    "Lance." This girl said in surprise. He is looking at me seriously. Who is this now? I looked at the girl and she seems to be afraid of him.


    "Who are you?" I asked. He grinned in return. What does this mean? He suddenly pulled something from his pocket and threw it at my bed. It was a gun and a picture.


    "If you want to avenge your family. Kill her." He said then immediately left the room. I looked at the picture and it was a picture of a girl. I don''t know her.


    "Is this?" I was about to ask the girl but she snatched the photo from me.


    "Let''s just live quietly from now on. Let''s avoid this. Please, I don''t want to lose another one again." She said crying but I just blankly stared at her.


    Our family had been killed and the only thing that''s on her mind is avoiding this? She wants us to avoid the person who killed our parents? Is she stupid? Does she only want to live in peace? Does she even care for our parents? Is she even my sister?


    "What''s your name?" I asked.


    "Ava. Ava Rhis." She answered.


    "Look. Ava..." I started and faced her.


    "I don''t know what''s happening right now but someone tried to kill me, and someone killed our parents. I won''t just stand here and wait for a miracle to happen. I can''t live with that." I said and carefully stood up from the bed.


    "Can you come with me and find this girl?" I asked. Her eyes widened. I think that she knows something.


    "I think you don''t want to do that," I said, she suddenly pulled my arm. She''s still crying.


    "Ace." That''s the only thing she said. If she doesn''t want to help, I''m fine with that. I pushed her away then began to walk. However, I found myself looking at a mirror.


    "How long have I been in this state?" I asked her.


    "About three months, since the party." She answered while wiping her tears.


    "Please help me." I pleaded as she looked at me helplessly.


    "Fine." She stated in defeat. She pulled me towards the veranda then suddenly jumped towards the ground. I too jumped and thank god I landed safely.


    Although my head still hurts, I want to see that girl who killed our parents. I will surely kill her. Ava stopped in front of a car and got in. I too got inside and so she drove fast away from the mansion. The guards let us go. That''s strange. I looked back and saw the man a while ago, is that Lance? Yes, I saw him smiling. But what is he smiling at?


    An hour later she suddenly stopped the car. I looked outside and saw a house but somehow it was dark and the lights inside were turned off. But it''s still too early for them to sleep. I looked around but there are so many armed men guarding it. Then that means, there is someone there. She''s in there.


    "Attract them," I said to Ava, she didn''t bother to argue and just made the car create noise. I immediately got out of the car. Men started to ran towards Ava while I began to run away to hide. I continued to run until I still have the chance to go inside the house.


    When I was finally in front, I looked up the house and there is a veranda on the right side of it. I went there and saw the sliding door was opened. I started to climb. When I was finally up, I saw that the door is really opened. I hurriedly went inside and the lights were still turned off but thankfully the light of the moon helped me to see. I suddenly stopped when I heard a beeping sound. It''s like a bomb but that is...


    I looked at the right side of the room and saw a girl calmly sleeping. I came near to hear and looked at the monitor making the sound. Is she sick? Or is she in a coma? I looked at her carefully and that made me realize that it was her. I pulled up my gun and pointed it at her. She was the one that killed our parents. I aimed at her heart.


    However, I was distracted by her opened dress. I quietly come near her and saw the wound in her chest. Did someone shot her? I looked at her face but suddenly a tear escaped from her eyes. Is she dreaming? I came back to my senses when the door suddenly opened and a man got inside the room.


    "Ace?" He asked. Is he calling me? It made me frown. How does he know me? Do I know him?


    "Is that you Ace?" He asked me again.


    "How did you know me?" I asked but I pointed the gun at him. Still, he came nearer.


    "It''s me, Sean. Your best friend." He stated. It made me numb.


    "Don''t joke around here. I don''t know you." I said that made him smiled sadly.


    "Just as I thought. You won''t remember a thing." He stated, he was about to walk but I stopped him.


    "If you take another step, I''ll kill you," I said and so he just stood there.


    "Why are you here?" He asked now.


    "I''m going to kill her," I stated and now pointed the gun at her.


    "Why is that?" He asked. Why? She killed my parents and not just that she tried to kill me.


    "I guess that he messed up with your head." He said.


    "What do you mean?" I asked confused.


    "She didn''t kill them." He smiled.


    "And she can''t kill you." He paused.


    "Never." He added as he took a step towards me. He''s finally close to me. I let my guard down.


    "If you want to know everything. Trust me." He said and made me put down my gun. Should I trust him? I don''t know him? I don''t even know what''s happening right now?


    I noticed him walk towards the sleeping girl. He carefully caressed the girl''s face. Then he looked at me. He signaled me to come near them. So, I walk towards them. He pulled my hands and put it towards her chest.


    "She''s fighting for you." He said.


    "She''s still alive because of you." He added. That made a tear fall from my eyes. I wiped it immediately. Why am I even crying?


    "Your mind can''t remember but you see Ace, your heart still remembers her." He said and smiled sadly.


    "What do you mean?" I asked totally confused.


    "She protected you ever since she met you. That''s what you told me before but unfortunately, you don''t remember anything now." He explained.


    "But Ace..." He suddenly became serious.


    "We are not your enemy." He continued.


    "So, trust us." He added as he patted my shoulder. He then left the room. I looked at the girl and she''s still crying.


    Is she dreaming? I wiped her tears. But suddenly I heard noise coming from outside. I immediately ran towards the veranda and saw a group of men trying to get into the house. Sean came in worriedly with his men and hurriedly transferred the girl to a wheelchair.


    "Are you coming?" He asked. Am I coming with them? Then what will happen next? Should I decide now? I looked at him.


    "I trust you but to enable to catch the one who is responsible for all of this. I have to stay put." I stated and his expression turned brightly.


    "Then come back soon." He stated and got out of the room while I went into the veranda.


    "Ace." A girl called. When I looked at her it was Ava holding a gun at the corner hiding in the dark. How long has she been there?


    "That goddamn Lance followed us." She said. So that''s why he was happily smiling at the mansion when we left. Does Ava only know where Aviana is? Did he use me? He knows that if I tried to kill her, Ava will spill where her location is but why does Ava know where she is? I looked at Ava and she''s looking down at Lance who''s smiling like a monster.


    "Let''s go." I only said and got out of the house. When I was finally outside, Lance met my gaze. His smile disappeared and is furiously looking at me now.


    "You let them escape." He stated and suddenly punched me. I touched my jaw since that fucking hurts.


    "Why would I?" I stated and grinned at him.


    "I got here and they''re already gone," I added. He was about to punch me again when Ava took the blow.


    I was surprised by what he has done. It made me want to fucking kill him but I noticed that he suddenly was staring on to something. I looked at where he was staring and it was that old man. He looks angry walking towards us. The next thing I know is that Lance was slapped right in front of me.


    "These are your fucking siblings?" He stated, after that he pulled me and Ava towards the car.


    "No one can hurt you." He mumbled as the driver drove away from the house.


    No one can, except you.

 24 Voice

    ACE KIEN DE LAVE


    I don''t know what happened to me or what''s happening at first but Sean explained it all. He told me what my life was back then and what happened at the party. The party where I started not to remember the girl whom I love. I was surprised that instead of me protecting this girl, she''s been protecting me with her life.


    Every week I''ve been visiting them at their new place, secretly. I''ve been careful not to be noticed but Ava found out about it. Well, she didn''t find out she knows. How? Because of Sean. Just like before she knew where they are because of him. She was worried at first but in the end, she let me be.


    Ava also told me that she has been killed before and Aviana was accused to be the one who killed her but she did not kill Ava. I don''t remember that she even died. But still, Ava wants me to know that Aviana didn''t pull the trigger back then and it was that old man. That is the reason why she''s afraid of him, though he didn''t intend to kill her. She told me that the impact of the bullet that landed on her body seems like he wanted to kill her.


    However, that old man saved her. After the funeral, they managed to get her body and brought her back. The bullet that was used on shooting her has a poison that can stop the heart of a person for about 24 hours, so its as if she died.


    When she woke up, the old man told her that she is his granddaughter so she had no choice but to stay with him and wait for me. Because he promised to bring me back to the family, where I should be. I sighed as I tried to remember my past but this head can''t remember a thing. I again looked at the girl in front of me and stared at her wound.


    "When will you wake up?" I asked as I held her hand tightly. 10 months had already passed and she''s still sleeping in this bed. I can''t help myself but think if she will ever wake up.


    "Ace?" Someone called from the door and its Sean holding a tray. It''s food. I helped him carry it and put it at the table beside Aviana''s bed.


    "I heard..." He said and paused. I looked at him wondering how did he found out about it.


    "I think it''s for the best," I replied.


    "Then what about her?" He asked.


    "If she wakes up, inform me. Okay?" I said and finally stood up. I can''t bear to see her anymore in this state.


    "This is my last visit," I said. It made him slam the table. He was surprised by what I have said.


    "Then what about her?" He asked pointing her. He looks furious now.


    "Are you going to leave her just like that?" He added but I shook my head and smiled.


    "I feel like that this is for the best for her, for us." I only answered.


    "What if she searches for you what will you do!" He asked.


    "Then I''ll make her hate me," I said. Sean leans towards the wall and breathed heavily. He looked at Aviana and smiled.


    "Indeed, we are living in this cruel world." He stated.


    "I guess you are right about that," I stated then began to walk towards him and patted his shoulder.


    "Goodbye," I added and finally left the room. Before I got the chance to go out of the mansion, where they were hiding again. I looked at the room where she was staying. I touched my chest which is pounding very fast now. Damn, this suffocates me. I immediately turn around and never looked back again.


    Ava is still waiting for me outside the car. I smiled at her because she looks pissed. She smiled too but her expression suddenly changed. Then she immediately ran towards me. I was surprised when she hugged me.


    "Shhh." She stated. I don''t know but my hands moved on its own and touched my face. Tears had been flowing from my eyes.


    "This is for her own good. We don''t want any bloodbath anymore." She said. Yeah. This is for her.


    "Where did you go and again?" Lance asked as we got out of the car.


    "It''s none of your business," I answered and continued to walk. But then I noticed that Ava wasn''t walking beside me so I looked back and saw Lance holding her wrist. Ava is terrified by him, she''s shaking although she was smiling. I hurriedly snatched her away from him and dragged her inside the mansion.


    "Don''t come near him again," I said to her but she didn''t reply.


    "Ava." I calmly called and looked at her.


    "Grandpa said, I''m going to marry him." She said. My eyes widened when I heard those words. She''s going to marry him? Is that old man crazy? Lance is our brother!


    I left her and immediately went to his office but when I was finally inside. He wasn''t there. I furiously sat down on the chair beside me. hence, I find myself looking at a picture. I slowly walked near to it and I saw Aviana''s picture. She is wearing this...


    "Ahhh. Damn!" I screamed. My head hurts. I tried to calm myself but the pain isn''t going away. All I know is that I seem to fell asleep.


    I can''t see anything but I started to hear something...


    A man suddenly raised something. It sounds like it was heavy. I think he was holding a gun. It felt like it was pointed at me but I heard it changed on to another direction. I felt someone''s holding my hand. She was shouting but I can''t hear her words properly. I tried to see but all I can do is hear the conversations in my head.


    I curled like a lamb from the pain that is causing my head to hurt like crazy. I heard something again but my heart suddenly stopped when I heard someone was shot. It felt like it was real. It felt like it was me who was shot.


    "NO!" A girl shouted.


    "BOY!" The girl suddenly called. I can hear her.


    "It''s Ace..." I suddenly said. I think she doesn''t know my name.


    "My name is Ace..." I said and feel suffocated.


    "I''m Aviana." She said. I heard her cry.


    "Did you hear me? My name is Aviana."


    I immediately opened my eyes as I stood up from the floor where I''m lying at. My knees were trembling because of what I dreamt of. Is that a dream? Or a memory? I looked at the window from this old man''s office and it seems dark now. I massaged my forehead and felt like it was about to explode. She saved me before.


    "Aviana." I sighed. She saved me before. She''s been risking her life protecting me. I can''t help myself but cry. Damn this world! Why do we have to live like this? I smashed my head hard on to the walls.


    "Please remember," I stated and continued to smash it on to the walls. Why can''t I remember her! Why can''t I see her? I looked at my hands shaking in fear.


    I wanted to see her...


    But in the end, I gave up and again lied on the floor. Just then the door suddenly opened and Ava entered the room. She looks worried. I tried to stand up but she just let me lie on the floor. She smiled after and gave me something. It was a red rose pin.


    "I gave this to you before." She said and started to cry.


    "Before I left our family." She added.


    "What?" I asked.


    "They are not our real family but they raised us wholeheartedly and it breaks my heart that they were killed because of Grandpa." She explained and cried again.


    "I''ll find a way to end this," I said to her. Reassuring her that this will happen.


    "Please do." She stated and wiped her tears.


    I will find a way.

 25 New Fiance

    ACE KIEN DE LAVE


    "Ace wake up" Ava called while shaking my body. I slightly opened my eyes and saw her dressed formally. Where is she going? I still don''t want to stand up, so I just rolled myself to the side of the bed but then I saw a black suit hanging at my cabinet. I sighed.


    "Where are we going?" I asked without facing her.


    "Your fianc¨¦ is meeting you today." She stated.


    "That old man wants me to marry that fast?," I asked but she didn''t answer me. I now looked at her and saw her worried face.


    "Leave now. I''ll prepare myself." I said to her. She stood up after that then got out of the room.


    When she finally shut the door, I stood up and looked at the suit. I''ve been thinking not to go and just escape but what will happen to Ava? I massaged my head as I tried to think of some plan but in the end, I can''t think of any. Just then the door opened and that old man came in.


    "What do you want?" I asked pissed. I noticed that he looks angry. He suddenly threw pictures in front of me. I looked at one of the pictures and I saw myself coming into the house. The house where she is being kept now.


    "NO!" I shouted.


    "Don''t try or I''ll make you regret it." I furiously said to him but he just grinned after that. He''s planning something.


    "I won''t hurt her." He paused as he sat down at my bed.


    "You will hurt her." He added and smiled at me.


    "What are you planning?" I asked.


    "Marry your fianc¨¦." He stated and gets something from his pocket.


    "When she wakes up, scare her but don''t kill her. Because you can''t do that." He added and finally got out of my room. I looked at the gun that he gave.


    What will happen if I don''t obey him?


    Will something bad happen?


    I just decided to get ready.


    Here we are at some restaurant. I don''t know what it''s called but it seems that it''s only customers are from upper-class people. My fianc¨¦ is here, my new fianc¨¦ to be exact. She is wearing a pretty yet revealing dress. She looks pretty but not that pretty. Her body is average and she''s not that tall. I keep on looking at her and I think that she noticed that. She too looked at me and smiled.


    "So, what do you do?" She asked.


    "I''m still studying," I answered and that made her look at Grandpa.


    "He''s studying but he''s already taking over the company." He stated. I again looked at her.


    It just feels odd that this girl is not involved in the mafia world. She''s just a plain businesswoman. I have seen her in many magazines, newspapers, and television. She''s well known in the world but I think that she doesn''t know anything about the mafia. Why did this old man even choose her?


    "I''ll just go to the bathroom," I said and excused myself. When I was finally inside the bathroom. I heard that someone locked the door and so I looked at the person and recognized that it''s Sean.


    "Are you really doing this?" He asked. I just simply nod.


    "Please take care of her for me," I said. He smiled sadly.


    "I won''t argue with you. We don''t have any choice." He replied then patted my shoulder.


    "Just call me if anything is about to happen." He stated and finally unlocked the doors then got out. I smiled as I watched him disappear from the crowd inside the restaurant.


    This is our only choice.


    I finally returned to our table and they were all looking at me, that''s strange.


    "What''s the matter?" I asked curiously. I looked behind me and saw Sean standing there. What is he doing here? I froze.


    "I just want to greet my friend here who surely doesn''t remember me. Congrats on your engagement." He said and patted my shoulders. What is he doing? Get out of here. This old man already knows, stupid!


    "Take care." He whispered and smiled at everyone. He finally walked away. Everyone is still looking at me but I didn''t flinch with their stares. Especially from this old man. Instead, I sat down and began to eat the food in front of me.


    "From now on, you''ll be living with her. The things are already settled. The house, everything." Grandpa suddenly said out of nowhere. I looked at her and she''s avoiding my eyes. So, she knows about this.


    How about Ava? I can''t leave her alone. But then, I decided to not disobey him so that he won''t hurt Ava. I know that he is capable of hurting his own family. Ava can protect herself. She''s stronger than before. I think? Then, I don''t have a choice but to say...


    "Okay."


    The old man left us alone after he finishes his meal. He brought Ava with him while I''m stuck with this girl. I stared at her, she probably noticed that so she looked at me in return.


    "Do you know us?" I asked seriously. My question can lead to many answers.


    "Of course. You are the De Lave''s, you own a lot of company buildings in Russia so who won''t know your family." She answered. Just as I thought. She''s different than us. Why did that old man choose her? I still don''t get it.


    "Why did you agree to this?" I now asked her. Her face changed after that. She smiled like crazy.


    "I wanted something." She simply answered. Probably money. She''s a businesswoman. She might be struggling so she accepted this offer. But still, I want to know what it is.


    "What do you want?" I asked in return. I just hope that she''ll give me a clear answer. I can negotiate with her so that we can stop this arrange marriage from happening.


    "You." She answered which left me dumbfounded. There''s nothing to negotiate with this. Hence, I was surprised when she even more smiled. But that smile gave me a sudden chill. Why do I feel like I''m getting myself in trouble?

 26 Forge

    ACE KIEN DE LAVE


    I''ve been living here for two months now. Nothing change right from the start. We mind our own business. She''s not always home and I''m always in my room. We don''t kiss and we don''t do other things with each other. We are engaged because of money or maybe because of power. I will not involve myself in getting attached to her.


    I lean towards the window as I stared at the car parking in front of the house. She''s home. I just decided to sleep again. She''ll surely knock at the door any minute now. I looked at the clock on my wall.


    *Knock* *Knock*


    "Yes?" I asked with a bored tone.


    "Let''s go to the park today. I haven''t had the chance to..." But I cut her off.


    "I''m not in the mood," I stated but I suddenly heard footsteps coming from the back of the door. She''s with someone.


    "Then go and visit your parents. Introduce her to them." He stated. So, she called that old man to get me out of this room?


    I just decided to get a jacket. But when I was about to wear it, I noticed the gun that this old man gave me. I grabbed it and put it at my waist. Then I finally opened the door and saw him smiling happily. But I looked at her and she''s not looking at me in the eyes. She surely called him.


    "Then let''s go," I stated coldly but I stopped when I noticed that he''s following us downstairs, is he coming with us?


    "Don''t come," I said then continued to walk.


    I stopped the car when we were finally in front of the cemetery where Sean told me. I didn''t go to my real parents. I''m here for those people who raised us. I had such a peaceful life when I was with them, that''s what they said and I believe them.


    I got out of the car and searched for their graves. When I finally saw it, I smiled sadly when I realized that they are not living in this world anymore. They are dead. I looked behind me and saw Sophia still walking. That''s her name. Sophia Cassandra Smith. When she was finally beside me, she stopped and eagerly looked at the tombstone.


    "Oww." She said. She seems to be disappointed.


    "Are they your parents?" She asked.


    "The one who raised me," I stated and sat down towards the grass. She did too.


    In the next few hours, we didn''t talk to each other. I just stared at the gravestones and tried to remember those days when I was with them. But this mind still can''t remember a thing. I cried helplessly though I didn''t let her notice me. Then I stood up and proceed to the car. It felt like she followed me so I immediately wiped off my tears.


    When I was about to open the car door. A car parked not far from us. Just then, I realized that my phone kept on vibrating inside my pants. I froze when Sean had been calling me 34 times now. There''s only one message from him though.


    When I opened it.


    My phone fell as the message tried to sink into my mind.


    "She woke up," I whispered. What will I do? I strangely walked towards them. But before I got the chance to get near them Sophia stopped me.


    "Where are you going?" She asked unknowingly.


    "Get your hands off me," I said coldly, so she immediately let go. I want to come near them. But...


    "Run." I suddenly said to Sophia but before she runs, she looked at me first. She has no idea what I''m talking about.


    "I said run," I shouted at her and pulled the gun from my waist. Her eyes widened when she saw the gun from my hand so she ran fast towards the car.


    I''ve waited for them to part. When Aviana was finally left all alone near the graves of her parents. I quietly walked towards her. I''ll scare Aviana. So please, forget me after this.


    When I was near her, I was about to raise my gun. However, I was surprised when she first looked at me and didn''t dare to blink. There, she started to cry. Don''t cry. Did she recognize me? She tried to push the wheelchair to get near me but in the end, she can''t push the wheels so she stood up. But she fell towards the ground. I wanted to come near her and help her but I have to scare her. However, I was stunned when she started to crawl. Don''t do that. She''s still crying. Don''t cry. Please!


    "Ace." She called helplessly. Damn it! I raised my gun and pointed it at her.


    "A-Ace?" She called in disbelief. I have to do this.


    "Aviana!" Sean shouted and immediately pulled her.


    "Can you stand?" I heard Sean asked her. Run now. Take her away before I pull the trigger.


    "It''s Ace." She said looking at him pointing me and there I gave up. She said my name. Aviana. I can''t do this.


    "Why are you making that face?" She asked him. But Sean didn''t answer and instead carried her towards the car. Go on. Run. Get away from me. Hence, while I was focused looking at them I didn''t notice the next thing that happened.


    *Bang*


    Someone''s shooting them.


    "Ahh," Sean shouted in pain. I noticed that he was shot at his shoulder. Aviana looked at me. She''s angry. I didn''t do it. Then, they proceed towards their car and immediately left. I hurriedly look behind me and saw her holding a gun. I was surprised but I''m more furious so I ran as fast as I could towards her.


    "What did you do?" I asked her and looked at them again but the car is far away now. I looked at her once more. I never even thought that she could hold a gun and kill without any regret. Who the hell is she?


    "I''m just fulfilling my mission. So, you better do too." She stated coldly.


    "Who are you?" I asked.


    "My name is Sophia." She stated and walked towards me.


    "Your family''s well-trained assassin. Hiding in the form of a well-known person." She simply stated while she stopped walking and bowed at me.


    "Please take good care of me, my future husband." She added while grinning at me. Just as I thought. That old man will never let me marry an ordinary girl. Right from the start, I knew that this girl is hiding something. Do I have a chance to get out of this hell? If there is, please, God, tell me what should I do?

 27 Meeting an old friend

    AVIANA SKYE FIERA


    Remembering what happened yesterday. The images kept on replaying through my mind. Ace wanted to kill me. It was clear that he''s aiming at me but why? I''m here at Sean''s room to clean his wound again. I still can''t help myself to think why would Ace wanted to kill me? What happened?


    Minutes had passed I was absent-minded and focused on cleaning his wound. I didn''t even notice that he''s already awake. He''s staring at the ceiling, blankly. When I was finally finished, he looked at me.


    "He doesn''t recognize you." He said out of a sudden. It made me froze.


    "What do you mean?" I asked as I put the towel at the tray which I brought along with the food that I prepared for him.


    "He shot himself remember." He answered without looking at me. It still hurts me when I recall what he has done to himself. It was all my fault.


    "He chose to shot his head and because of that he can''t remember anything." He added. I don''t want to hear this anymore. Why does it have to be his head when there are so many parts of his body to shoot?


    I hurriedly stood up and tried not to mind what he said. It breaks my heart when I remember what happened at the party. How my parents died by my own hands. How he warmly smiled at me before pulling the trigger on to his head. It breaks me.


    "I''d go out for fresh air," I stated but he immediately stood up from his bed. I hurriedly went towards him to let him lie down. He shouldn''t be moving for now. The wound is still open and it''s not yet fully healed.


    "Don''t move," I said coldly then stood up. When I noticed that he didn''t move an inch from his bed anymore. I finally left the room. I decided to go outside the house. I want to leave this place for a short time but where should I go?


    I find myself walking towards the parking lot. I saw the car which we rode on to. I can use this right? I noticed that the keys were still inside so I tried to open the door. Thank God it''s open. I got inside and started the car.


    "Now where to go?" I said to myself. Just then I remembered the place where we went to hide before. The place where we stayed together. I smiled sadly just by thinking of him. I want to go there. I looked at my wristwatch and its 8 am. I should be arriving there at exactly 3 pm by car. I started to drive.


    When I finally got there, there''s no sign of people staying. My parents built this house, the people who raised me when I was a child. sunset. They said before when I was a child, I like to see the sunset with the sea. You can see how beautiful it is with its reflection towards the water. I smiled bitterly remembering those two people. I wonder if they even knew I wasn''t their child.


    I started to walk. I don''t know where my feet were taking me but I just continued to walk. Long until the sun had finally set before my eyes. I saw where Ace and I used to stand to witness the sunset before, the tree where we used to stand at. I decided to walk there and sat down at the white sand. I observed how the sky changed its color.


    I stayed there for an hour, looking. Until the night has finally come. I don''t know but I started to cry without any reason. I tried to stop but these tears kept on falling from my eyes. I can''t help myself to remember him.


    "I''m really tired," I whispered to the winds. Just then I felt that the surroundings started to feel strange. I know that there is someone behind me, standing and watching me. Hence, I didn''t bother to look. If he or she is here to kill me or do something. Please, do it fast.


    I closed my eyes and waited but to my surprise instead of a cold knife or a hard bullet touching my body. I felt a cloth wrapped around my body. It was a jacket, a man''s jacket. I turn around to look at the person but he wasn''t there anymore. I smell something weird and again my tears had fallen on its own.


    It smells Ace.


    I immediately stood up and run. I tried to search for him. Where did you go? I stumbled on to my knees and saw that I had scraped it. My knee hurts but I didn''t mind the pain. I proceeded to run. I continued to search for him but I can''t find him.


    I gave up in the end. I sat down desperately. Was it only my imagination? I wanted to see him so it must be. But this jacket, then who lend it to me? I sat down while closing my eyes hoping that when I opened them, I wish that he''s there right in front of me. Even just for a second. I want to see him.


    "5... 4... 3... 2..." I started to count.


    "1" I whispered as I slowly opened my eyes finding out that there''s no one else but me on this beach. I smiled bitterly.


    "This is frustrating," I said to myself and stood up. However, when I turn around, I froze seeing the figure in front of me. It''s as if my heart was about to explode in my chest. I can hear it pounding fast.


    "I''m seeing things again," I said to myself. There''s no way that he could be here because he doesn''t remember a thing. He doesn''t remember this place and even me.


    I just decided to walk but then I bumped on to him. It was like time had stopped as I slowly looked at him in the eyes. I, even more, burst into tears, realizing he was real. I tried to touch his face and yes! He is real. I cried. I can''t believe it. He is here.


    "Ace," I called. I can''t help myself but hug him.


    "Ace," I called again and cried but he didn''t answer me. He didn''t move either. He just stood there and let me be but a few seconds later the moment had changed when a woman suddenly appeared right in front of us.


    "What a lovely sight." She stated and smiled at me playfully. She''s a threat. I stared at her because she looks familiar and there, I smiled realizing who''s this bitch interrupting us.


    "If you don''t want to have a scar again better leave us alone," I said to her and heard her cursed silently.


    "We are only here to give this." She suddenly said and gave me something. It''s an envelope, an invitation perhaps. When I looked at it thoroughly it''s a wedding invitation.


    "You''re invited." She said and pulled Ace away from me. She then kissed his cheeks. The heat started to control my body. She has a death wish.


    "At our wedding." She added and that made me felt numb. Wedding? Marriage? I looked at Ace and he''s averting my eyes. Look at me you damn fool! I thought he was here alone. I thought he remembered me! I thought... I sighed in defeat.


    "Thank you for informing me but I don''t like to attend parties," I said as I looked at Ace coldly.


    "Now if you''ll excuse me." I tried to pass through them but Sophia suddenly grabbed me in the arm.


    "Get your hands off me," I said but she didn''t let it go. She''s irritating me.


    This feeling rushing through my veins are starting to wake up again. I glared at her and in just a blink of an eye, she was suddenly thrown towards the tree. I heard her howled in pain. She deserves it. But just then I heard a click sound. A gun was pointed at me? I looked at her and she is now holding a gun. Is she kidding me? I started to walk towards her but now Ace got in between us.


    "This is enough." He stated.


    "You know that she''s beneath you." He added. I snickered a laugh. I''ll let them be, for now. In the end, I had no choice but to turn around and leave them but before I had the chance to take one step away from them. He said something odd.


    "I''ll come back." He whispered. It made me turn to face him again.


    "So, take care of yourself." He added and smiled.


    Ace...


    I can''t help myself but smile at him. But my tears broke down once more. It''s a relief that he recognizes me. He knows me. He remembers me. Ace. Please come back soon. I''ll do anything to get you back.


    "Then goodbye," I said and turned my back from him.


    "For now." He answered as I continued to walk away. Yes. Goodbye for now and for later, we will welcome our reunion.

 28 Soon

    SEAN LOCKHART


    It''s raining. I thought Aviana will just walk near the house but she''s been outside for 14 hours. I stood up and walked towards the window. I can hear the thunder rumbling as if it''s tearing up the skies. She should be home by now. It''s still dangerous for her to go outside the house. Besides, none of these men followed her. How irresponsible!


    "Is there something wrong young master?" Belinda asked while holding a cup of tea. She gave it to me as I sat down at the couch. I''m still looking at the window. Please come home, Aviana. I''m really worried.


    I opened the television to keep me company. While I was busy watching a Korean drama, the title was Goblin. At last, the doorbell rang. I immediately put down my cup because I was sipping on to it. I hurriedly ran towards the door. When I finally opened it, I froze in fear. I looked behind her and my men were all dead. Her eyes were all red crimson eyes again.


    "Aviana," I called. She looked at me. She suddenly collapses and thanks to God I caught her from falling. How many times should I catch her from falling? She''s covered in blood. Is this hers? Though my wound hurts, I managed to carry her inside and put her in her room.


    Belinda saw us, so she followed us upstairs. I gently put her at her bed. I looked at her while thinking why would she do this? Did something happen while she''s outside? Something caught up my attention and it''s an envelope crushed into her palms. It''s wet. I snatched it from her hands. When I opened it, it''s an invitation. Wedding invitation for Ace''s wedding.


    I sighed. I knew about this already. She''s going to marry that girl. I should have told him that she''s no ordinary girl. Did he find out by now? That Sophia is the number one assassin in this world. De Lave''s assassin. I breathed heavily. What happened to this girl? She must be in pain. I kissed her forehead and turn my gaze to Belinda who''s still standing near the door.


    "Change her clothes. Call me when you''re finished." I said and got out of the room.


    I walked towards my room while holding the invitation in my hands. When I''m finally inside, I went towards the table near my bed and get my phone. I searched for his number and there I called. But in the end, I can''t reach him. What happened to this guy?


    "If you''re calling me, I broke my phone." Someone said. I looked at where the voice came from and someone was standing at the veranda of my room. I walk towards him and saw that he is soaking wet. Well, it''s still raining.


    "You should have changed first before going here," I suggested. He smiled in return.


    "I have to escort her safely before doing so." He answered.


    "You do well know that she doesn''t need that," I said and the surroundings broke into silence. He maybe saw what happened a while ago.


    "I know." He simply replied. I looked at him thoroughly and he is just blankly staring at my men cleaning up the bodies in front of the house. I didn''t even hear anything a while ago.


    "What happened?" I asked.


    "Sophia barged in here, I couldn''t stop her." He said. I should have heard what''s happening but why didn''t I hear anything? Is it because of the rain? Thunder or was I too immersed at the drama?


    "It''s alright now. She''s okay." I just stated.


    "Don''t go to the wedding." He said out of a sudden and that made me looked at him.


    "I know it might be a trap," I answered and he looked at me now. Just as I thought, Sophia is setting a trap for Aviana. She''s eager to kill her. However, I wonder why? Is it her mission or her grudge towards her?


    "I can''t stop Aviana too you know," I said and sadly smiled at him. Our conversation finally ended when I heard a sudden knock coming from my room.


    "She''s changed, Sir," Belinda said from the other side of the door. I looked at Ace and he''s looking now at the sky.


    "You coming?" I asked. He turned his gaze towards me, then he started to walk. I followed him and we both head towards Aviana''s room. When we finally opened the door, I was surprised when Aviana is wide awake. Belinda should have told us. Her eyes widened when she saw Ace at the door.


    "Ace?" She asked and ran towards him but before getting near him. She looked at me first. She''s asking if he is real. I nodded in return. There''s no point in lying. She suddenly broke into tears and hugged him. She still keeps on crying. I wonder when will she stop? Not like before she looks fragile now.


    "I should be going, right?" I asked but they didn''t answer. I should be going. I went outside the room and closed the door. Then I walked towards the living room and there I saw Ava. She''s probably waiting for her brother. The people know them already so they don''t make a fuss when they often come here.


    "Waiting for him again?" I asked and she nodded in return.


    "What happened?" She asked while pointing her finger outside the house.


    "You know. The usual." I said and smiled. She didn''t talk after that. She''s just playing with her tea, mixing it over and over by the use of her spoon. She''s uncomfortable.


    "How are you?" I asked. She was about to look at me but she didn''t do so and just looked at her cup. This little girl had changed too because of this world that she''s living in. She doesn''t have a choice though and, in the end, here she is. Broken.


    "Don''t worry this will end soon," I said. She looked at me now. She smiled. I saw that smile again. She used to be a cheerful young girl.


    "I hope so." She answered. Yes. This will soon end. I promise you that.

 29 Bring back whats mine

    ACE KIEN DE LAVE


    Her hands are still wrapped around my waist. I can feel her shaking. I can also feel that my shirt is getting wet even more. She''s still not stopping from crying. This suffocates me. Every time my eyes capture her, she''s already crying.


    "Aviana." I calmly called her and gently lift her chin. Tears are still flowing from her eyes. Her nose is red. I smiled but she even cried after seeing that.


    "It''s you." She whispered. She hugged me tighter as she buried her face on to my chest. She''s like a little child crying to her dad. I again lifted her chin and stared at her face. How beautiful this girl is?


    I pressed my lips on to her. She didn''t push me back. She responded to them. Although I don''t know when or did, we even kiss. This feels like the first time for me. I carried her on to the bed and continued to kiss her.


    "Ace." She called which made me look at her. She''s smiling. My heart skipped a beat. At last, I saw her smile at me. I kissed her again but then the door suddenly opened. Sean came in but when he saw us, he suddenly looked flushed.


    "I-I''m sorry. I should have knocked first." He stated and was about to go out.


    "What is it?" I asked. Something might have happened that''s why he is here.


    "She''s here... again." He said. I sighed after hearing that. Suddenly Aviana kissed my forehead and smiled.


    "I''ll get you back soon." She said.


    "Wait for me." She added and kissed me. Afterward, I stood up from the bed and got out of the room.


    When I was finally in the living room, she is calmly sipping on to her cup. This is good. She''s not making any commotion. I looked behind me and she didn''t follow us. Maybe she doesn''t want to see her. But when I turned back my gaze to Sophia, my eyes widened when I saw Aviana standing in front of her. I can see that Sophia was also stunned when she saw her. How did she get there?


    "She''s getting stronger," Sean whispered. What does he mean by that? Does that mean this is not her strongest power but the average? But her average power looks frightening? Then how about the strongest? I wonder if she can even control it.


    "Why are you here?" Aviana asked coldly to Sophia.


    "I-I''m here to get my fianc¨¦." She said trembling. She''s the number one assassin but how come she''s afraid of her? Maybe because of her power but I know there''s another reason for it.


    "Do you know why she''s afraid of her?" I asked Sean because I know he often obtains information that will benefit him for sure. He smiled after hearing me ask that.


    "She was about to die because of her. Even though she''s the number one assassin in the world, Aviana is above her. You see, Aviana is not an assassin if she is then she could have been the number one." He explained. That made it clear.


    I''ve heard Aviana saying if Sophia wants another scar when we were at the beach before. She trembled upon hearing Aviana''s words. I can see it through her face. I looked at Sophia and noticed something odd.


    "Assassin," I whispered, that made my head ached. I touched it and massaged my temple. Sean noticed.


    "Did you remember something?" He asked.


    "Let''s go." Sophia interfered and pulled my arm but Aviana blocked our path. I saw Ava laughing on the sofa. She''s enjoying this scene, that brat.


    "Move," Sophia said, however, Aviana didn''t move an inch. Instead, she grinned at her. She''s irritating Sophia at this state.


    "We should be going," I said and they all looked at me. Aviana smiled after that. I think she knows what is behind my words. She moved to the side and bowed at us as if we were royalties. When Sophia was about to pass through her she whispered something terrifying.


    "I''ll take back what''s mine and I''ll kill those who interfere." She stated as she gave Sophia one devilish smile. I felt her froze. She''s still holding on to me.


    "That''s enough Aviana," I said to her and she smiled like a child.


    "What?" She asked as if she didn''t say anything offensive.


    "I''ll take what''s mine." She said once again and raised her left brow. She''s irritating Sophia. Does she want to fight her? But I''m sure this girl doesn''t want to. She pulled my arms to get out of the house. I saw Ava followed us.


    When we were finally in front of the car, Sophia looked at me and suddenly kissed me. However, after that, she suddenly gasps as if she wasn''t breathing.


    "H-help." She said while holding her neck. I looked behind me and saw her red crimson eyes again.


    "Aviana," I shouted that made her turn her gaze towards me. That terrifying eyes were finally gone.


    "We''ll be going now," I said but she didn''t smile at me. She''s angry now. However, I smiled at her.


    "I love you," I whispered to the winds.


    It seems that she understands what I have said. Her face turned red. She looks flustered. She suddenly went inside. Sean followed her but he waved goodbye to us. I looked at Sophia who''s catching her breath. She shouldn''t have done that. I looked at Ava who''s glued on to her phone. What is she doing? I snatched it from her and saw Lance''s message.


    Bring him back or I''ll kill both of you.


    After reading the message I looked at Ava coldly but I was surprised when she smiled at me.


    "I don''t care about him. As long as you''re happy." She said out of a sudden. She''s acting strange.


    "Help her get inside. I''ll drive." I said to Ava and proceed at the driver seat. She did what she''s told. When they were finally inside, I started the car and drive.


    Why do I suddenly feel uneasy?

 30 Finally free

    AVA RHIS DE LAVE


    Its 4 p.m. Tomorrow night is the wedding, Ace and Sophia''s wedding. They are all busy preparing for it while I am here in my room treating my wounds. Lance punished me again. He said that I didn''t listen from him yesterday. However, Ace got home safely but why does he have to punish me? I don''t even have the strength to tell it to my brother, about all this. Because he will be in trouble instead of me and I don''t want that.


    I looked at my wounds again. They are getting many. I covered it with my concealer and looked at it after. By this, Ace won''t notice it. However, these wounds that came from the whipping yesterday hurt. I sighed. I can''t do anything right. I don''t want to tell this to that old man. He''ll surely kill Lance. But why don''t I tell him? Well, probably, in the end, he might take his side. I breathed heavily and looked at my ceiling, I smiled. Do I even have the chance to see my brother getting married? Not to that lady though, to Aviana.


    I looked towards my window and they are still focused on the wedding preparation. The reception will be held here so they are all running in and out of the mansion. I don''t want to help since that I''ll just be a hindrance. Oh! I noticed that I didn''t saw Lance today. Should I sneak out?


    I went towards my closet and changed my clothes. This should do it. When I opened the door, I was startled when I saw Lance standing there. Why is he here? Did I do something wrong again? I trembled in fear. He reeks of alcohol. Did he drink?


    "What is it, Lance?" I asked calmly but he suddenly pulled my wrist. Where is he taking me?


    I saw myself being dragged to the underground of this house. Is this a dungeon? It smells blood. I looked at him and he looks terrifying. What is he doing? He suddenly pushed me to the bed and started to kiss me towards my neck. Stop this! Stop it! He suddenly ripped all my clothes.


    "NO!" I shouted and tried to push him but he didn''t stop. He''s strong! I can''t push him. He just continued to play with my body upwards and downwards. I''m shaking in fear. Why is he doing this? Why?


    I froze when I saw him took off his clothes. My eyes widened realizing what he will do next. No! He should stop. Why is he doing this? I tried to stand up but he again pushed me to the bed.


    "NO!" I shouted once again. I thought that I don''t have the voice to say this to him.


    "NO! Stop this Lance." I still tried to stop him but, in the end, he thrust it on to me. He did it over and over again. There''s no use to shout now. No one will even hear me. Someone, please help me.


    The sun should be up now. I''m wide awake. I don''t know what happened. My eyes were wide open. I can''t see anything nor hear anything. I lost it when he started to thrust inside me. I''m not myself anymore. I tried to stand up. I looked at him and he''s still sleeping. My mind is going crazy. I laughed like I was about to lose my mind. What did you do to me, Lance? I started to walk upstairs, naked. I just hope that Ace won''t see me like this. He''ll kill him.


    When I was finally inside my room. I didn''t bother to take a bath. I tried to remember what happened and it just breaks my heart. Why did Lance do this to me? I loved him even though he hurts me all the time but why did he do this to me? I cried in despair. He should have whipped me to death. He should have killed me. Why did he do this without my permission? I clenched my hands in anger. How could he? He doesn''t even love me.


    I decided to wear some clothes and proceeded downstairs. Ace might still be sleeping but while I was walking, I began to cough. Am I sick? If not? Why am I coughing blood? I feel dizzy. Am I poisoned? Or maybe I''m just really sick but if yes. If I''m poisoned well then lucky me.


    After taking advantage of me, he tried to kill me. I smiled bitterly. I continued to walk outside. The guards saw me but they didn''t bother to stop me. Did they know what happened? How evil! I proceed to my car and started the engine. But where will I go? There''s nowhere to go to. No one to turn to. However, my hands and feet moved on its own and drove me to that place.


    When I finally got there, I hesitated to get out of my car at first but I saw her standing in the garden. I wanted to run towards her and hug her. I''m helpless. When she was in a coma, Ace and I often visit her. I always take care of her if Ace is talking with Sean. I treated her like a sister even though she doesn''t know it. I started to like her though at first, I hate her. She saved Ace several times and I thank her for that. So, I wished back then that she would wake up.


    I opened my car door and finally got out. She''s still standing there mesmerizing the flowers at Sean''s garden. She''s really pretty. I remember when I first saw her. She looks like a badass girl but she is gorgeous. I envied her beauty. Her skin glows even more because of the sunlight. Her wavy brown long hair flies when the wind strikes it. Her face, her body, it seems all perfect. She''s like an angel that fell from the heavens. Her existence is the living proof that being perfect exists in this world.


    I was about to walk towards her but my chest started to throb. I fell on to the grounds and began to cough continuously. I think that she noticed me because she''s running towards me now. She immediately put my head on to her lap. She''s crying. Why is she crying?


    "Ava. Hey! Stay with me! Ava! Open your eyes." She said while tapping my cheeks. Reassuring that I''m still awake.


    "What happened?" She asked. I can feel her hands trembling while touching my face. Her tears continued to drop towards my face. Even if she''s crying, she still looks pretty.


    "Take care of my brother," I said but she cried even more.


    "Hey! Don''t cry." I said and coughed. My chest hurts. I can''t breathe properly. I''m suffocating.


    "Who did this?" She asked but now she looks frightening. Her eyes were turning red.


    I held on to her face but it didn''t stop her eyes from changing. Just then, my body suddenly felt numb. This is not her doing. It''s the poison. I''m poisoned. I coughed again and there''s more blood that came out from my mouth.


    I''m helpless and really tired. Is this my time to go? I looked at her again and she''s not crying anymore. Instead, she''s looking at me with those cold red crimson eyes. She''s ready to kill. While I''m ready to take a nap, a very long nap.


    "Take care...." I whispered and closed my eyes. From this day on, I''d be free from this world that we are living on. Please take care of everyone. I think that I wouldn''t be able to see you marrying my brother.


    Goodbye Aviana, don''t die.

 31 The other side of the story

    LANCE FORD DE LAVE


    Everyone hates me. They just talk to me when they needed something. After that, I''m back to being a nobody. I got bored of it one day. I realized that they were just taking me for granted so from then on, if they talk to me I don''t answer them or sometimes I just glare at them.


    I got used to it until one day when Aviana came into my life. I thought that she was just like them but I was wrong. Like a tail, she was always behind me. Following me everywhere I go. She copies what I do, including shooting with a gun. She loved that! She always tells me stories even though I don''t listen to her. She just talks and talks. She never got tired of it.


    Until the day when she was finally being sent to Russia when she''s just 6 years old, I realized her existence became important to me. I pleaded Grandpa not to take her away but he told me one thing that made me kept my distance from her.


    "She''s not your sister." He said with an irritated tone on his voice. After what he said, I never saw her again.


    But after years went by, I heard she''s been killing people for Grandpa. Mom and Dad went to Russia after that but I was surprised when they never return and later found out that they were dead. I wanted to blame her but it is not her fault, it''s Grandpa''s.


    I''ve treated her like a real sister even though Grandpa didn''t want that. To me, she is important that''s why I never wanted for her to be hurt. Until I found out that she''s been putting her life at risk because of a boy, it was Ace. After she met him, tragic things began to happen and because of Ace. she''s no longer beside me. My little sister whom I treated dearly.


    "Lance," Grandpa called. We are inside his office. He''s at his chair while I was standing near the windows looking at the car which is parking right now. I texted Ava to come home. She knows what will happen if she can''t make it on time.


    "Yes?" I asked.


    "Ava." He stated as he took a deep breath and looked at me in the eye.


    "What about her?" I asked.


    "She''s not your sister." He then stated.


    "I know." I just simply answered. He frowned. I know already right from the start. I will never accept the marriage if she was my sister. Ace is my only brother.


    Ava is Aviana''s little sister. Just like Avianna, Ava has a warm smile like her. I often hurt her, emotionally and physically. I admit that but all I wanted is for her to hate me. I want Ava to leave this mansion. I want her to stay away from this old man. I don''t want to see her hurting but this is the only way for her to stay away.


    "Then take care of her." Grandpa finally talked and walked out of his office. Just as I thought, he will want her dead.


    Ava forgive me but please, leave this house after this.


    They are finally inside. How did I know? The maids were greeting them. I went towards them but Ace just pass through me. He immediately went to his room without meeting my gaze. However, this girl is looking at me straight on the face and is smiling like nothing is going to happen to her.


    "You''re late," I stated. She nodded after that and finally walked. She passed to her room. She already knows the consequence. She went straight to my room. I followed her inside.


    When I got in, she was finally taking off her shirt. I decided to head on to the closet and get my whip. Then I looked at her but her back was already facing me.


    I''m sorry.


    I started to whip her over and over again. Red marks from the whipping started to appear until blood flew out from it. I stopped every minute to see if she still can take it but she never cried. She never complained, even before when I started hurting her. She never wept a tear and at the end of every torture, she always smiles at me. She wants to tell me that she didn''t mind the pain. She wants to tell me that it''s okay but it''s not!


    Hence, I finally stopped when I noticed her trembling. Did I overdo it? I immediately pulled her to see her face if she was crying but to my surprise, she was smiling but her lips were bleeding. She''s been biting her lip so that I won''t heat her scream. She''s been holding it in for me.


    "I''m alright." She suddenly stated and out of a sudden, she held on to my face. I didn''t push her for that. I wanted her to hold me. Our faces moved slowly until our lips touched one another. I wanted to do more things for her but I can''t. I broke into our kiss and finally stood up. Then I took off my jacket and covered her.


    "We''re finished for today," I stated. She stood up after hearing that and walked slowly. It seems like I overdid it. I should help her. But I was about to walk when men started to come into my room. Ava was surprised but they didn''t come here for her. It''s because of me. I didn''t kill her. Ava was still looking inside the room because she was finally outside.


    "What are you looking at? PISS OFF!" I shouted and she finally left. Then I looked at these men inside my room.


    "The Master wants to talk to you." Said one of these men.


    "Okay," I said in return and head on to my closet. I picked a black shirt and wore it. After that, I get my car keys on the side table.


    "After I had a drink," I added and head outside. They didn''t bother to stop me.


    Try pissing me off and I''ll surely blow their head off. I need a drink to calm myself and to also clear my head. Because after I talk to him, I might lose my life in return.


    My life, my Ava.

 32 Its not my faul

    LANCE FORD DE LAVE


    I had three, maybe 5 bottles of brandy but I''m still thinking straight. I''m finally heading home but it''s already 3 in the afternoon. I''ve been drinking last night at the club. Even though they were supposed to close, I told them not to or else I will let them close forever. I carefully parked my car then got out when one of our men once approached me again.


    "Sir." He started but I nodded as an answer. I know what he wants to say. He seems to understand I mean because he walked away. I will head to his office later. I need to see her first.


    I head upstairs and went straight to her room. I was about to knock but I heard footsteps heading towards the door, so I waited. After a second, she finally opened the door. Her eyes widened by surprise. She didn''t expect me to be here. I looked at her from head to toe. She still looks the same, she''s still pretty as ever.


    Hence, she seems to be heading out. I''ve been forbidding her to go out of the mansion. I might have overdone restricting her. She might be suffocated because she wants to sneak out while I''m gone. I looked at her face once again. Her face began to worry.


    "What is it, Lance?" She asked calmly but I pulled her wrist. She will hate me for this but I think that this will be the last day that I might see her. I will try to take her away after this and after I explain it all to her.


    I dragged her to the dungeon. It smells blood in here because of the people we have tortured and killed but no one will interrupt us here. I pulled her inside to one of the chambers and pushed her to the bed. It might have hurt her because the bed was made out of metal. She looked at me but I just looked at her seriously.


    I''m going crazy. The brandy is finally working. My body is moving on its own. All I can think about is her. I started kissing her. From her lips on to her neck. I heard her gasp but she didn''t complain. However, even though she pleads me to stop this, I won''t stop. I decided to rip all her clothes so that when we finish she can''t run away without me.


    "NO!" She finally shouted and tried to push me. I stopped for a bit but she didn''t seem to notice because she still keeps on pushing me.


    I don''t want to stop Ava. I continued what I''m doing. I played with her body from head to toe. I kissed and touched every part of her body. Until I noticed her shaking. I looked at her for a second but she''s not crying. She''s not doing anything.


    Hence, I saw her look at me. She seems about to cry. Damn it, Ava! I took off my clothes. She was stunned because of that. I can see it by the way her eyes widened by surprise. Then she started to stand up but I pushed her to the bed once again.


    "NO!" She shouted again.


    "NO! Stop this Lance." She still tried to stop me by holding my face. She is looking through me. I''m sorry Ava. I shove her hands away from my face and look to her body. Her fragile body which I''m breaking. I finally thrust myself on to her. I did it over and over again. I don''t want to stop.


    However, I feel like I''m about to sleep. I''m getting tired. I finally stopped and looked at her. She fell asleep already. I breathed heavily as I lied down beside her. I took a glimpse of her face once again. She''s peacefully sleeping. I came near her and stole a kiss from her lips.


    "I''m sorry Ava. I hope that you can forgive me but tomorrow. I promise we will leave this place, together." I said and lied down once again.


    I woke up realizing she''s not beside me anymore. I immediately stood up and wore my clothes on. I run towards her room but she isn''t there. I was about to run once again when our men stopped me from doing so by blocking my way.


    "He''s waiting Sir." He stated. I had no choice but to come with them. He might know where she is. When we were finally inside her office, I saw him smiling devilishly. I don''t like that smile.


    "You''ve done well." He stated and snickered a laugh.


    "W-What do you mean?" I asked. My voice was trembling. He did something to her. She might be in trouble. Hence, I noticed Sophia sitting down the chair across him playing with a little black bottle. No! My knees started to weaken.


    "Did you use your whip well?" He finally asked which made me turned into a statue.


    "W-What did you do?" I asked. I can feel my voice cracking. I''m trying not to cry in front of him because he did something to her. He did something by using me.


    "WHAT DID YOU DO!" I shouted and rushed towards him when one of our men suddenly barged into the office panting. He might have run from downstairs.


    "Aviana is here." He stated. Our men suddenly pulled their guns out. Grandpa did as well but I didn''t. Aviana''s finally here. She''s here to avenge her sister. They started to walk. They were heading downstairs so I followed them too.


    Everyone is here. Grandpa, Sophia, Ace, and me. They are here to witness Aviana turning into a demon. Yes, a demon, that''s what we should call her. I don''t even know why she exists. Because if the likes of her exist, I mean if a demon exists in this world then humans will be in danger.


    Hence, I was brought back to reality when I saw Sean getting inside the house. He looked towards our direction first then looked at Ace. Ace still doesn''t know what happened to Ava. I still don''t know what happened to her. Where is she? What happened to her?


    However, I should give up asking because the answer is already here. Aviana is in rage. Some of our men were already lying down the floor, lifeless. She killed all of them. So this only means one thing. Ava is dead.


    "AVIANA!" Sean shouted at her who''s still looking at us. She then turned her face towards him. I can see him froze from where he was standing.


    Yes, her eyes weren''t crimson red anymore. They were all dark. However, I noticed him started gasping for air. She''s killing him? Then that means she doesn''t recognize anyone now. Her powers finally swallowed her. Ava would not want this. Ava, I promised you that we will leave this place together right? I will follow you soon so you won''t be lonely.


    "That''s enough Avianna. I killed your sister." I finally said and walked towards her. Sean fell towards the floor while I started to float to the air. I can''t breathe.


    "What does he mean?" I heard Ace asked.


    "Ava is dead," Sean said coughing. He froze from what he heard.


    "Someone killed her," He added. Ace looked at me. I just smiled at him. It''s alright if they will think that I killed her. It''s okay. By this, I can follow her very soon. My veins were swelling. I can feel my blood begins to boil. I''m near to my death. I inhaled for one last time.


    Ava, wait for me. I''ll finally see you soon.

 33 Take care of her

    SEAN LOCKHART


    "Young master, something happened." Belinda suddenly said while barging into my room. I stood up and hurriedly followed her. When we were finally outside, I saw Ava''s dead body in the garden. Who did this to her? I immediately went towards her.


    "Where is Aviana?" I shouted. I saw one of my men ran towards me panting. Where did this guy go?


    "She is in rage young master. She turned to that again. I tried to follow her but it''s just terrifying." He said while looking at the grounds. What happened here? How did this happen?


    "Did she do this?" I asked but he shook his head. Then if she didn''t do this, who did? Wait!


    "Where is she?" I asked calmly but my eyes widened realizing where she was headed. No way! Did someone in De Lave''s family kill Ava? Did they finally know that Ava isn''t a De Lave and she''s Aviana''s real sister? They should have found out by now and there I noticed her wound. She was poisoned.


    "Take care of her body first Belinda. I''ll follow Aviana." I said and ran towards my car.


    Aviana already knows that she''s her sister. She knows that''s why she didn''t kill her before. That''s what she told me. I don''t know what will happen now but I think Aviana is angry. I think she knows who did this to her sister that''s why she''s heading there. She should be heading there. Please, God, help me. I badly wish that Aviana wouldn''t kill anyone.


    Hence, I suddenly noticed the path that I''m taking. The trees have no leaves anymore. When did this happen? It''s in the middle of spring. I stopped my car and stepped outside. However, I was startled when I stepped on to a bird. It was dead. When I looked at the street, that''s when I saw dead birds had piled up everywhere. This is bad.


    I immediately head into the car and get my phone. I tried to call Ace but he isn''t answering the phone. So I decided to look at the files that I managed to get from the Fiera''s before they died. The file contains what could happen in the future to Aviana.


    The person who is born with the birthmark of a rose, as red as the blood with its stem containing hundreds of thorns marked through her body will obtain great power in this world but that power will turn the world into chaos and that power can also eradicate mankind.


    If not stopped, the world will be destroyed.


    How can it be stopped? I tried to scan the pages more but there''s nothing. I furiously started the car and drove fast.


    "Please don''t kill anyone".


    When I was finally at the De Lave''s, it seems quiet. But then, I saw dead bodies in front of the mansion. Did she do this? I hurriedly went inside and there I saw all of them looking at her in fear. I saw Ace standing there also. He seems confused. I think he still doesn''t know that Ava is killed.


    "AVIANA!" I shouted at her who''s looking towards them. She then turned her face towards me.


    However, I froze when I finally saw her eyes. It isn''t red crimson eyes anymore. It''s all dark. Did her power swallow her? The next thing I know is that I floated in the air. I started to suffocate. I tried to gasp for air but dang it feels like she''s stopping me from breathing.


    "That''s enough Aviana. I killed your sister." Lance suddenly appeared out of the blue. I was finally dropped to the floor. Ace ran towards me.


    "What does he mean?" He asked.


    "Ava is dead," I said coughing. He froze from what he heard.


    "Someone killed her," I added. He looked at Lance. However, I feel something odd. This doesn''t feel right.


    Lance looked at Ace and smiled. No! He didn''t kill her. He didn''t! I was about to come near him but his body exploded into bits. Blood was thrown on to us and parts of his body were everywhere. I looked at Aviana but she suddenly collapsed. Ace ran towards her and immediately carried her.


    "ACE!" Someone shouted. I saw Sophia holding a gun. Ace didn''t bother to mind her and just continued to walk outside. However, she is determined to kill him. I saw her slowly pulling the trigger. Ahh...Damn!


    "Am I going to die now?" I asked myself whispering as I snickered a laugh. I ran towards them and tried to cover them. There, the bullet safely landed at my chest. Ha? Safely? I laughed loud and clear. Ace looked at me surprised as I slowly fall towards the floor.


    "SEAN!" He shouted and ran towards me. She put her down first. This guy is crying. How gay!


    "I think I''m dying," I said and laughed but he slapped my face. How dare this guy! I''m dying here.


    "Don''t say that." He said and tried to stop my wound from bleeding. There''s no use in doing that though.


    "Take care of her. I''m going to die." I said and smiled at him.


    "NO!" He shouted. He''s hard-headed. I pushed his hands off my chest and signaled him to go but he isn''t moving.


    "GO!" I shouted now. He didn''t have a choice but to run. They''ll die if they stay here. He immediately carried her and ran outside while I tried to stand. I saw them all looking at me. All De Lave''s. I now looked at Sophia who''s beside Mr. De Lave, she''s pissed.


    "Now, where were we?" I asked and stood up straight.


    Although my chest is throbbing, I still want to give them some time to escape even if it means to give up my life. I am willing to give it to them after all, I would gladly receive my death for her. Suddenly a bullet landed at my shoulder. I looked at Sophia and she''s shooting me now.


    "Oh! I''m really dying." I said and laughed. She didn''t bother minding me and continued to pull the trigger. The bullets landed all over my body but I still tried to stand up.


    "Please kill me now, don''t play," I said to Sophia. She grinned after that and there, the last bullet finally landed on my body. It was perfectly shot in the middle of my head. Now I''m finally dying. I just hope that they had escaped.


    Goodbye, my world.


    Please make her happy, Ace.

 34 Lets try

    ACE KIEN DE LAVE


    Ava is dead. She''s truly dead. I just found out that she isn''t my sister but in my heart, she''s still my little brat. I didn''t even get the chance to be with her during her last breath. How terrifying could that be? Dying without knowing the truth.


    I''m deeply hurt but Aviana is feeling worse than me. She''s her sister. She might have thought that she''s protecting her by letting that old man think that Ava is one of the De Lave''s. But all her efforts had gone to waste.


    Sean too is dead. Three people died today. We didn''t even get the chance to get Sean''s body. My chest is so heavy but I don''t want to cry. This is too much for me but it might affect Aviana. Sean was always there for me. Both of us grew up together, depending on each other. He was like a brother and now I can''t possibly accept the fact that he was dead because of me. Even though we had the chance to run away from them. He chose to stay so we can be safe.


    I looked at Aviana who is already awake. She is staring blankly at the window of the car. We still don''t know where are we going but we both know that we can''t get out of this country. I return my gaze to the path that we are heading.


    "Just go to the Fiera''s Mansion." She stated. So I changed my direction and head there. She still looks calm even though what happened a while ago can deeply affect her. However, I stopped my car because she began to cry.


    "Shhh," I called and took off my seat belt to hug her. She''s finally crying. I think she''s been holding it in for me. She wants to be strong but in the end, she broke into tears. It''s too hard to see her at this state.


    "Everything''s going to be fine," I said while patting her head. We''ve stayed in that position for a moment until she calms down by herself.


    I proceeded to drive when I noticed that she is finally okay. I drove fast so that we can arrive soon and she can finally rest. At last, when we were finally there, thankfully they immediately opened the gates. Although, the recent owner of this mansion is dead. All of their men are loyal to them and stayed until the next owner came back.


    I carefully parked the car and got out. One man opened the door for Aviana, so she stepped out of the car too. They warmly welcomed us even though they know that I''m not their master anymore. They already know that I''m their enemy but why are they okay with this?


    "Let''s go Malady." The man who opened Aviana''s door said. Just before I know it, I recognized his face. It''s Uncle Christian.


    "Why are you here?" I asked surprised but he just looked at me in the eye.


    "You probably know why." He finally said, smiling bitterly and walked towards me. He hugged me to my surprise.


    "This is heartbreaking from a father but it is also heartbreaking for a friend and a brother." He whispered. I don''t know but after he said that I can''t help myself but to cry. He knows that his son will die and he''s ready for that to happen. How foolish am I for not protecting my friend? He should be disappointed. He should resent me but why? Why is he like this?


    "This is not your fault. It is our world." He said and took a step back to take a better look at me.


    "Now let''s go in." He said. I continued to walk. I looked at Aviana first who''s just silently looking at us. However, her eyes seem cold.


    "Let''s go inside now my lady." Uncle Christian said to Aviana but she didn''t respond to him. She just started to walk and did not wait for us.


    "Let''s take care of her from now on." Uncle Christian suddenly said that made me look at him.


    "After all, that''s what Sean wants." He added and sadly smiled. What does he mean by that?


    We proceed to walk and when we were finally inside. We went towards the dining hall. It''s as if he was waiting for us to come here. There were so many foods waiting to be eaten. I took a glimpse at Aviana who''s still standing and looking at the food at the table. Maybe she''s also thinking that this is strange. However, now is not the time to think of negative things.


    "Let''s eat." Uncle Fred said and sat down from one of the chairs. Aviana was still standing so I came towards her and was about to hold her arms when I felt her flinch when she sensed my presence.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked but she didn''t answer. She just walked away and proceed upstairs.


    "Show her, her room." Uncle Christian told one of the maids and so they obeyed his command immediately. Somehow, I feel that there''s something off.


    "Let''s eat now." He said again and so I sat down. I looked at the food that is in front of me and it was steak. I feel nauseous seeing meat today though.


    "Go on." He said. It made me look at him. Why isn''t he eating first? I took my spoon and knife to cut the steak. While I was cutting them, it''s giving me shivers that he''s just watching me. So, I stopped.


    "Are you not going to eat?" I asked.


    "These are all prepared for you. You should eat first." He said. That''s funny. How did he know that we will be arriving tonight? Should I eat it?


    I took my fork once again and started to eat. It''s good. The steak''s been cooked perfectly. I wonder who''s the chef. I continued to eat but I noticed that he is just there staring at me. I didn''t bother to mind him until I heard a scream coming from upstairs. It wasn''t Aviana. I immediately run and so did Uncle Christian.


    When we got there a maid was lying on the floor, lifeless. I remembered that she was the one that Uncle Christian commanded to show Aviana''s room. Where is Aviana? Suddenly I saw a shadow standing at the corner of the room. Her eyes were as red as blood. It wasn''t terrifying anymore like her eyes a while ago. I tried to walk towards her but then I suddenly felt my head throbbing. I fall on to my knees. I feel like my head is turning.


    "You dare to trick us." She suddenly said. Things in the room started to float. Stop it Aviana. I tried to speak but my head hurts. What is happening to me?


    "You both deserve it." Uncle Christian suddenly answered. I immediately looked at him. He''s smiling differently. No! He''s not Uncle Christian. There is a scar on his forehead. Why the hell didn''t you noticed that Ace?


    "Yes." He said when he saw me looking at him shocked.


    "I''m William." He added and was about to grab my neck when he suddenly froze. I heard Aviana walking towards me.


    "You even dare to hurt him." She said and helped me to stand up.


    "Everyone in this house will pay." She stated and again just like what happened to Lance''s body. Uncle William''s body was blown into bits. Then I began to hear screams coming from different people. I suddenly felt her covered my ears. I looked at her.


    "I''m sorry." She whispered but I smiled in return. She shouldn''t be. I was a fool not to sense danger coming before us. I too covered her ears.


    "I love you," I said even though she won''t hear me. But to my surprise, she kissed me.


    "I''ll kill those people." She said and pulled my left arm to put it at her shoulders. She dragged me out of the room.


    "Now let''s get out of this place." She said and proceeded to walk.


    As we were heading towards the door, I noticed the maids and some of the Fiera''s men were pleading for her. What did she do to them? I thought she was going to kill them like Uncle William but she is letting them die slowly? She finally put me inside the car and after that, she proceeded to the driver''s seat. I suddenly realized that my head is not aching anymore. I think she noticed me realizing that.


    "I gave them the poison. They should die slowly. Those who stab me in the back will experience my wrath." She stated.


    "You''re okay now right?" She finally asked and held my hand. I nodded. How did she do that? Her powers are limitless but by that, does that mean she can''t be killed?


    "That''s not yet impossible." She said out of a sudden. Can she read my mind? That''s impossible.


    "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says that it is possible." She answered that it made me look at her amazed. But wait, what? She can read my mind? Then I can''t think of perverted things about her? She suddenly laughed. Now that finally ease the mood. I smiled as she looked at me.


    "Let''s try to forget this and start a new life," I suggested. She nodded in return. I pulled her face and started to kiss her but she stopped me in the middle of it. She then started the car and drive.


    "Let''s live happily." She said and started to drive.


    "Let''s do that until we die," I answered and smiled in return.

 35 A Family

    ACE KIEN DE LAVE


    Avi. You want some ice cream?" I yelled. She smiled as her hair flies on to the blowing wind, yet she stabbed it behind her ear. She quickly ran towards me while holding her blue purse. Then she looks towards the available flavors of the ice cream.


    "Vanilla please." She stated and smiled at the vendor.


    We''ve been running away for five months. Every time Aviana feels strange about the people around us, we change our location. But now we managed to stay in this place for a month. We started to live peacefully but our world is still hunting us. We changed our names and settled down for a while.


    I''ve been watching and helping Aviana maintain her calmness when using her gift. Since that, if it takes her over like what happened last time. We don''t know what could happen in the future.


    She suddenly locked her arms towards mine as we waited for the vendor to give us the ice cream. When he was finished, he immediately gave it to us and we paid for it afterward. We continued to walk around the park. We often do this now. She said that we missed this in a relationship.


    Two persons often date to know each other she said. However, she felt sorry for us since we''ve been living in a strange world, far more different from normal. I wanted to get married to her and have a family. But if we had one, I''m afraid that our children will only suffer. I don''t want that to happen.


    "Let''s go home now I have to cook dinner." She said and put her head on to my shoulders while we were walking.


    "Okay. I just need to buy something. Wait for me here." I said while pointing the bench.


    "Why can''t I come with you?" She asked and stared at me. She''s reading my mind. Don''t think Ace.


    "Fine." She said and sat down. She''s angry. But she really can''t come with me.


    "Then I''ll go now," I said and proceeded to walk. I wanted to buy her the ring that I saw a while ago. Even though it''s cheap and simple. Still, I wanted to give it to her. Just that simple ring. I want to let her feel that she is special.


    When I was finally near the shop and was about to buy the ring, someone cornered me. I thought that it was them but it was just two young girls. They all look pretty but Aviana is way prettier than them.


    "Mister can we take a picture with you." The girl with long straight hair said.


    "We saw you walking and we noticed that you look like Ace Kien Fiera." The other one said she has short hair. She raised her phone so that I can see the picture on the screen.


    Yes, it was me. My hair now is dyed black and I changed my way of wearing clothes. I thought that no one will notice me but I think some people still can recognize me. Ace Fiera. People like them don''t even know that it wasn''t my real surname and it was changed into De Lave. No one knows what''s been happening around our world.


    "Can we?" They asked which made me snap to reality. I just smiled in return and was about to talk when one of the girls pulled my arm and stood beside me, the other was taking the picture. They might have misunderstood me. I don''t want to take a picture but they are taking it now. Might as well just smile.


    "1...2..." The girl with the short hair began to count but she suddenly stopped.


    "What is it?" This girl beside me asked.


    "Dad, our daughter is waiting what are you doing?" Someone behind me stated. Her voice was sweet but you can hear the coldness from it. I immediately looked behind us and there she is looking pissed.


    "I''ve been looking everywhere for you." She added. I was about to explain myself when this girl gripped on to my arm even tighter.


    "You can let go now," Aviana said and pulled my arm away from the girl but that might have hurt the girl.


    "Don''t be concerned." She suddenly said. I forgot that she can read my mind. I pulled her away now because it seems that the girls are starting to be afraid of her. Thank God she didn''t start a fight.


    "I thought you were about to buy something?" She asked irritated. I stopped dragging her towards the parking lot. She''s really angry.


    "I was going to buy something but some girls recognized me and wanted to take some pictures so..." I was still talking when she cut me off by a kiss.


    "I''m jealous." She said bluntly. I bit my lower lip to stop me from laughing. I didn''t know that she can get jealous too.


    "What did you say!" She said angrily. I smiled and kissed her again. She responded. I noticed that people are now staring at us so I stopped. We''re attracting too much attention.


    "Let''s continue this at home." She whispered on to my ear and hurriedly pulled me towards the car.


    She drove fast and it somehow feels strange. Is someone following us? I looked behind us and there''s no car though? Suddenly she stopped the car. I didn''t know that we''re already here. Afterward, she pulled me again from the car and continued to drag me inside the house. What is she doing? Until we were finally inside our room.


    "What are you doing?" I asked but she just grinned at me.


    "I can read your mind remember." She said and pushed me to the bed. She started to kiss me while I responded to it. Are we doing this now?


    "Let''s make a baby." She whispered towards my ears which made me froze.


    "What?" I asked surprised. She just smiled as an answer.


    "You wanted to have a family. I want that too." She started to took off my shirt and continued to kiss me.


    "I will protect us." She said. Then if that''s what she wants, I would love that.


    I pushed her gently and went on top of her. I kissed her lips on to her neck. I continued until I took off her clothes. She helped me take off my pants and afterward we both took off our inner garments.


    "I will not stop," I whispered and kissed her. She didn''t respond. If she''s going to stop me again for the nth time, I will never stop. She started this, we will finish it.


    "I love you." She said surprisingly and kissed me.


    "I love you... my everything," I said and began to thrust on to her. She screamed. I was startled by her reaction so I looked down. Blood? Is she? I looked at her and a tear flowed from her eyes.


    "Sorry. I didn''t know." I said and kissed her to ease the pain.


    "Just continue." She said and so I did.


    After this night. I think everything will change again. She wanted to have a family, I wanted to have one too. However, I don''t want the fact that she is the only one who will take care of our family. I want to protect our family too. As long as I''m living. I want to protect them with all of my life.


    I love you, Aviana. I''ll always will.

 36 The ring

    ACE KIEN DE LAVE


    We''ve been living away from our past for about 8 months now. Living as a normal couple, for now. We''ve been doing things that a couple should do and should not do.


    However, these past 3 months I noticed that Aviana always goes out without telling me where she''s heading. I don''t know the reason because she doesn''t want to tell me. I can''t help myself but worry. I sighed.


    What if she''s been killing those people who''ve been following us? Maybe that is the reason why we''ve been living peacefully in this place. She''s been killing them all by herself. But I don''t want that, I want her to depend on me.


    I looked at the rings in front of me again. Which of these should I buy? I''ve been searching for a ring, for about 4 months now. Ever since I saw the ring from the shop at the park, I finally decided to marry her and have a family. I took a glimpse at the ring that caught my eye once again. Then it''s decided, I picked the one that has many diamonds in it. The sales lady gasp. Is there something wrong?


    "Why?" I asked.


    "That''s worth 10 million, Sir." She said. I smiled in return. This is not even enough for the girl that will receive it. She deserves the best in the world. How foolish am I to think that a simple and cheap ring would suit her?


    I finally reached for my wallet in my pocket and gave her my credit card. Her eyes widened realizing who I am. This credit card is limitless in the world. It is known as the "black card". The people who own these kinds of cards can be counted by the hands.


    I know that this can give our enemy our location but I don''t want Aviana to receive something cheap. At least, just this once I want to use this money to give her everything. The saleslady finally wrapped it up and gave it to me carefully.


    "Good luck with your proposal Sir." She said and smiled. I nodded in return. I proceeded to walk and look for some flowers to give it to her later. Yes, later, I''ll finally propose to her.


    I already made a reservation in a restaurant not far from our house since she doesn''t want to go too far places anymore. She just wants to stay as much as possible in our neighborhood. Hence, red roses suddenly caught my attention. This should be a shop for flowers. I came in and a lady welcomed me with a smile. I smiled in return.


    "What would you like sir?" She asked. I pointed out the red roses. She smiled before getting them.


    "Do I have to wrap it, sir?" She asked.


    "No, this is okay," I said as I paid for it. I proceeded to walk towards the parking lot. I looked at my wristwatch and it''s already 10 in the evening. It''s already this late. How long have I been looking for a ring?


    I hurriedly walked and when I was finally at the parking lot. I opened the door of the car and stepped inside. I started the engine but then I felt something weird about the atmosphere inside. I tried to look behind me when a knife suddenly stopped me from turning around.


    "That might be a wrong move." She said and suddenly licked my face. What the fuck! I didn''t move even though what she did to me is fucking disgusting! She''s still holding the knife at my throat. One wrong move and she''ll surely slit it.


    "What do you want?" I asked.


    "Nothing just... you." She whispered into my ears and pulled my chin to face her. She started to kiss me but I tried not to open my mouth. She deepens the kiss but I did not give up.


    "You''re stubborn." She said and finally step outside.


    "Enjoy it while it lasts. You surely know that we will find you wherever you go even if it''s hell." She added and smiled devilishly. She started to walk away while holding the knife in her hands. I think that we can''t get married yet because of this.


    I finally went home and noticed that the lights were on. Is she finally home? I opened the door of the house and was surprised when I saw her sitting on the couch. She was reading something but she turned her gaze towards me when she heard the door opened. She''s looking at me worried. Did she wait for me?


    "Where is it?" She asked out of a sudden. What does she mean? Did I steal something from her? I don''t remember? Is it her sock? I looked at her and she''s not moving. What did I steal from her? I can''t remember anything? Or is it the ring?


    Ahh! Damn. She smiled. I forgot that she''s reading my mind. I had no choice but to go out of the house to get the flowers and ring from the car. This should be for later. I even made the reservation at the restaurant so we should be there at exactly midnight.


    I looked at my wristwatch and its already 11:45. We don''t have time anymore. She still has to prepare. Well, the surprise is ruined now. In the future, I can never surprise her because of her abilities.


    I finally went inside and she''s still waiting for me standing in the middle of the living room. She''s smiling brightly. Is she that happy? I gave her the flowers and she smelled it after.


    "I hate red roses though." She said and looked at me. What?


    "I didn''t know," I said flustered. I didn''t know. She pouted like a child. It doesn''t suit her. Then I find myself laughing.


    "What are you laughing at?" She asked irritated. I didn''t answer her. I just hugged her while I was continued to laugh.


    "Nothing," I finally said and opened the box where the ring is. She looks happy. I put it on her third finger. Then she looked at me in the eyes after and suddenly kissed me. I too kissed her passionately. However, she suddenly stopped and get something from a table. Then she handed it to me.


    It''s an invitation to a wedding, our wedding. Is this what she''s been doing? Is this the reason why she''s been going out these past few months without telling me where she''s heading? She''s preparing for our wedding? I can''t help myself but laugh again.


    "Why didn''t you tell me?" I asked. She must be tired of making all the preparations. Also, she has no one to help her except me.


    "You were busy finding a ring." She said joking and kissed me again.


    "Now let''s get married." She added and hugged me tightly.


    "Let''s do that," I said and kissed her forehead. We stayed like this until now, happy I mean. Though the world is determined to crush us we are still fighting in this war. We won''t stop from loving each other even if we die, I''ll still love her in the end. That''s all that matters.


    Many people have already died. However, we will surely make their lives worthy by living happily away from our world that is full of darkness. Even though we do not know the ending of this tragic love story, I just hope that she and I will still be together until our very last breath.

 37 Hello, little one!

    ACE KIEN DE LAVE


    The day has finally arrived. The day of our wedding. I looked downstairs and everyone is ready for the wedding. Everything is settled, the invitations, the dresses, the suits, the venue for the reception and even the church. She was prepared to get married. She has been preparing for this wedding for about three months now and she didn''t even bother to tell me. I could have helped her.


    I mean that''s what couples do right? They should help each other but she is right. I was busy finding a ring and it took me 4 months until I finally bought one. What is the reason? Well, she was always there. She suddenly shows up whenever I was about to buy a ring. I wanted it to be a surprise but she spoiled it in the end. I laughed remembering my proposal. I don''t have to complain though since it turned out well and today, we are ready to get married.


    I''m still looking at the window when my gaze was suddenly caught by the car parking in front of the house. Yes. We''ve invited the people who have been close to us for the last few months here in this place and of course, we only invited a certain family that is involved in our past life. How I wish that those people who were already gone can witness this day. Especially our parents, Ava, and Sean.


    My chest started to ache. It still breaks me even though months had already passed. I can still remember each person, how they died in front of my eyes. Their deaths were too sudden so who can forget that? I can''t and maybe Aviana too. I hurriedly went downstairs and there they are smiling when they finally saw me. I proceeded to walk towards them and Uncle Christian hugged me.


    "Congratulations." He simply said. I looked at Auntie but she''s crying. I turned to embrace her too. They became my family and I''m grateful that they are here to witness this event.


    "Sean would have been proud if he sees you right now." She said and again broke out in tears. Yes. He would be happy if he sees me getting married now. A tear had escaped from my eyes. I can''t help myself but remember him. How he sacrificed his life for us. How sad it is to think that he''s not here by my side anymore.


    He should be telling jokes right at this very moment. I know that he would make fun of me. Either because I''m getting married or because of what I''m about to wear because Aviana chose this. This isn''t my style but who can blame her. She made an effort just for this wedding to happen. I smiled remembering Sean laughing. Hence, I suddenly realized that they brought someone.


    "Hi." I greeted and kneel to take a better look at him. He''s yawning. Did he just wake up from their trip? I smiled.


    "He looks just like you," I said and pinched his cheeks. He giggled. It''s such a pity that he''s born in this world of ours. Too innocent to witness death.


    "You''ve come." Someone suddenly said behind us. It was Aviana walking towards. She is still not dressed up though. What is she waiting for? Is she waiting for them? Well, the church isn''t far from here and the venue for the reception will be held here, so I think she can manage to prepare fast.


    "Hi, Jayden." She called and kneel towards him. Uncle and Auntie looked at each other confused. They might be wondering how did she his name when she just recently meets him. She used her ability that is why. Sean doesn''t like to talk about his little brother because he badly wants him to live and away from our world.


    "Can you come with me and help me dress up." She said and smiled. The kid proceeded to walk towards her. It''s as if he was fond of her already. I smiled as they head upstairs.


    "Make yourself at home. I''d be down in a minute after I finished preparing okay?" I said to them and they nodded in return.


    I hurriedly went upstairs. The make-up artist was there already so she began to fix my face. When she was finally finished, she went outside and I began to prepare myself. I looked at the clothes that she bought me lying at the bed. It was a white suit. She chose this for me. I just can''t help myself but smile. I wore it then picked up the shoes to wear too.


    After that, I took a better look at the mirror. I look fine, I guess. One final touch though. I went towards one of my drawers and picked up the red rose pin that Mom gave to Ava. I put it towards my right chest. Now, it''s as if they are here for me. I''m ready. I just hope that nothing will happen at this wedding.


    AVIANA SKYE FIERA


    Jayden is just calmly holding my hand when we proceed to my room. I let him sat down towards the edge of the bed then I took a better look at him. He looks like Sean. I can''t help myself but cry. I was about to wipe it off but he did it for me. I smiled.


    "Why are you crying?" He asked. But to my surprise, he began to cry too. What did I do? I tried to stop him from crying by giving him a cookie from the side table of the bed. And there he finally stopped. Thank God. I sighed in relief because he doesn''t cry loud.


    "I miss my brother too." He whispered. It made me look at him. Then tears fell even more towards my cheeks.


    I tried to hold it in but I just can''t hide it. I''m too guilty to face the fact that it was my fault that he''s no longer here. No! It was my fault that all of them were no longer here. All this time, it was my fault. Just me. They all died because of me.


    "Can you do me a favor Jayden," I said to him. He looked at me first then he started to eat his cookie.


    "Be strong okay?" I said and hugged him.


    "I want you to be strong," I added and hugged him very tightly. I''m starting to feel that something will happen today but I badly hope that it won''t be what I have in mind. Because if anything happens again to these people. I might lose myself from rage.

 38 Goodbye, my love

    ACE KIEN DE LAVE


    I''m already inside the church waiting for her to arrive. I can''t help myself but feel nervous. I''m getting married. I looked in front of me and they were all smiling. They are all happy for us especially Uncle Christian, Auntie Rosalie, and Jayden who''s standing at the chair. I hope that he won''t fall there. But crap! My stomach started to feel strange. I think I''m about to take a shit here.


    Hence, the music started to play. She''s finally here. I stood up straight and looked at the aisle. My stomach calmed by itself. All I can feel right now is my heart beating faster as this girl started to walk down the aisle.


    The red carpet was overflowing with flowers. She was wearing this white laced off-shoulder ball gown with a lace veil covering her face on to her body. While, on both of her hands which was covered by laced gloves, there were red roses. She hates them but what can she do, she said that I bought it. Yes, I bought it for her because I forgot once again that she hated them. I smiled remembering how she got disappointed when I handed it to her.


    Then I breathed heavily because she''s getting close. I just can''t believe that I''m going to marry this girl who is currently walking down the aisle. I noticed her smile. How beautiful she is!


    However, the place turned dark. What just happened? Did it blackout again? It usually happens in this place so there''s nothing to do about it. We just have to wait until it turns back on. However, Aviana might get tired. She is just standing there alone at the center with those high heels. I tried to walk to find her but I suddenly felt something odd.


    ''Enjoy it while it lasts. You surely know that we will find you wherever you go even if it''s hell.''


    It suddenly replayed to my mind. I don''t know why I remembered her but the ambiance inside started to feel strange. I don''t like this. I was about to walk again but suddenly I felt that something sharp was pointed behind my back. Is that a dagger? I tried to look behind me but I just can''t see anything. It''s too dark in here!


    "Hi. Ace." She whispered on to my ear.


    "Do you remember our first encounter?" She suddenly asked.


    My head began to throb. First encounter? Hence, I finally remembered who she is. I recognize who Sophia is! Through encounter, she means the day when I was at the hotel and restaurant in Italy. The day when I was about to meet my fiance, Aviana. Sophia tried to kill me at the rooftop of the building but Aviana was there. Yes! I remember that she was the assassin who''s wearing that black outfit. She was the one that is trying to kill me.


    "I''m here to fulfill that mission." She added and to my surprise, she thrust the dagger behind my back. I didn''t scream. I''m in pain but I tried to hold it in. I don''t want to cause any commotion. It hurts yes but I don''t want everyone to see Aviana changing into that demonic figure again.


    "Scream and they will all die." She whispered once again and suddenly pulled the dagger out of my body. I was about to fall from my knee but she caught me.


    "Be careful." She said and let go. I know that she''s already gone. I heard her footsteps fading away among the voices from the guests that kept on buzzing.


    Hence, the light was finally turned on. Everyone was relieved by that. I smiled. Everything is okay now. I looked at Aviana and I froze when she is looking at me coldly. No! She is looking at the blood dripping behind my back. Everyone can''t notice it since they are all looking at her.


    ''Continue to walk''


    I said to my mind.


    ''Don''t mind me''


    I added and so she proceeds to walk as the music began to play. She is still halfway there but damn! My wound is starting to ache. Did she use poison on that dagger? I bet she did. But why did I think of that? Aviana could read my mind. Oh! No! She began to cry. I just smiled at her to let her know that I''m okay. So that she won''t stop walking but she, even more, burst into tears.


    ''Don''t cry.''


    I said to my mind.


    ''I think I won''t be staying for long.''


    I added. She suddenly stopped walking. It''s as if my words turned her into a statue. Well, it''s true. I can''t stay any longer. I tried to maintain my posture but my knees finally gave up. I fell towards the floor. Everyone screamed after seeing me. I started to suffocate. I''m gasping for air. Am I dying?


    Everything''s starting blur. Hence, I saw Aviana running towards me with her white long wedding dress on her hands. She still looks beautiful though my visions aren''t that clear anymore. She pulled up her veil to take a better look at me.


    "H-hey." She called. I felt her hands trembling when she touches my face. I held her hand tightly.


    ''I''m here.''


    I said.


    "Ace!" She cried. I tried to talk but the only thing that came out from my mouth is blood. Ah! Damn it. I continued to cough blood.


    "Don''t talk. Just don''t." She said and cried once again. She wiped the blood from my mouth by her gown. I stopped her from doing so.


    ''The gown will be ruined because of me.''


    "That''s okay stupid!" She said but she''s still crying.


    "I''m still weak. I can''t do anything for you. I can''t protect you. Look at what happened Ace, they want to take you away too." She added, her voice was cracking as she speaks. She closed her eyes. She can''t bear to watch me dying because she can''t do anything. I know that this is the end of it. The poison that Sophia used was fast that it already spread to my entire body.


    ''Aviana''


    I said to my mind but she is still not looking at me. My tears started to fall. Even I am afraid to die but please! Just, please look at me. I''m afraid to leave you alone.


    ''Aviana look at me.''


    I called once again. She finally looked at me. Thank God her eyes weren''t still changing.


    ''Aviana, I want you to know that this love of ours may not be like those other couples that we see often at the park that we usually go to but I''m happy. I''m happy that I fell in love with you. I''m happy that it was you. I''m happy that you were always there protecting me even though it was my obligation to do so. We may have not been together for too long but at least I''ll cherish our memories together and I hope you''ll do too.''


    Her tears continued to fall. I can see that this is hard for her but for me too. I can''t bear to see her crying like this.


    "Don''t say that!" She screamed and hugged me.


    "Please don''t say that." She begged as she tightens her embrace. I can hear her heart pounding fast.


    ''I love you Aviana. I am afraid to die. I''m afraid to live you alone. I''m afraid that I think that this is the end of it. The end of our story is near. Goodbye, my love''

 39 We are all alone now

    Things turned upside down. This day was supposed to be the happiest day of her life but it was ruined by those people who are eager to make her life miserable. Those people who are trying so hard to kill her.


    Now, another person has been killed, another person from her life is gone and it was taken because of her. She took a deep breath as she closed her eyes once more. Her tears stopped falling.


    "Mom..." Jayden called her mother as he pulled her skirt. Rosalie was afraid but even the people in the church too.


    Rosalie immediately carried Jayden then started to run. So did Christian and the other guests when they noticed the atmosphere started to feel cold. She''s starting to change. Changing into something worse. They provoked her from letting it out.


    She tried so hard to suppress it because she didn''t want to hurt anybody anymore. However, she''s at her limit. Rage started to fill her heart. Her anger''s lingering through her veins. The demons finally out and she''s ready to kill. No one can stop her from now on but if there is one? Please stop her fast.


    She proceeded to walk absent-mindedly. She''s not thinking straight anymore. The only thing that''s on her mind right now is to kill. Kill those who made her miserable. Kill those who made her suffer. She''ll make them pay and she''ll make them experience the true meaning of pain.


    Thunder began to tear the clouds and the lightning started to strike the grounds. This is what they want. This is what they wanted to see. Aviana turning into a demon.


    "Fire." Mr. De Lave shouted. They were all outside waiting for Aviana to come out. The guests were finally gone. They let them go because all they want is Aviana.


    Hence, Aviana finally went outside the church. That is when they started to pull the triggers of their guns. Some of the bullets had landed on her body. It made her fall, yes but she continued to walk. She didn''t mind the pain. Her body is to numb to feel pain. She can no longer feel anything.


    "Fire!" Mr. De Lave shouted once again but now the bullets turned back. Blowing each person''s head who pulled the triggers. She started to laugh. Laugh like a madwoman! However, the lightning suddenly strikes the church and that made it on fire.


    "Blood." She whispered as she made everyone''s body floated in the air. They screamed in agony but what can she do? This is what they want. They wanted from her and she''s just doing what they want. There is no turning back! They howled like a wolf in the night. Then the rain started to pour.


    "Sangue (Blood)" she grinned devilishly. She''s not on her right mind. No! She''s not Aviana anymore. The demon had finally swallowed her soul. She''s no longer here. They all started to cry as their blood flowed down from their eyes, nose, lips, and ears.


    A minute had passed and she finally can''t hear a thing. They were all lifeless, dead to be precise. Then they all fell from the grounds. Hence, she looked at the person she left to kill. The person who killed her love.


    "Forgive me for I have sinned." Aviana started to talk differently and walked towards Sophia with her eyes shut. It wasn''t her.


    "My sins are covered by the innocent blood of people whom I have killed and I truly regret killing them but tonight." She paused and looked at her with those pure red deadly eyes. Sophia started to tremble from where she was standing. She tried to step back but like the people a while ago. She floated in the air.


    "I might kill another person once again." Aviana finishing her confession.


    Sophia immediately touched her neck when she suddenly realized that someone was strangling her but there''s no one in front of her nor behind her. She tried to breathe but she failed from doing so. She tried to plead but she cannot talk. She only cried in fear.


    Aviana can read her mind but she doesn''t care about what she is thinking. All she cares about is her dying right here, right now. The darkness started to cover the place while the rain just continued to pour. Falling rain had already drenched the place and not just the rain but also the blood from the people whom Aviana have killed tonight.


    "Addios..." Aviana said and Sophia''s body was torn into pieces. She grinned as she watches the blood flooded the place. She loves to see blood and death. She was about to walk away but she suddenly stopped when someone pulled her dress. She looked at the person who pulled it and it was a little boy.


    "Who''s this?" She asked and kneel to take a better look at him. He started to cry when she saw those eyes of her. She was surprised by his reaction.


    "This isn''t you." The boy said and tried to wipe his tears.


    "You said you want me to be strong so I''m here to stop you." He said and looked at Aviana in her eyes. Her eyes were like the color of blood on the grounds and it looks very cold.


    "So, may I ask you." He said once again and bit his lip. He is afraid of her but he is mastering his courage just to talk to her.


    "Are you strong?" The boy asked bravely. It made her grin.


    "I am. I''m very strong." She simply answered.


    "Is that so. If I become strong then that means I''ll start to kill people like you. Without giving mercy? Then that means I''ll kill my parents too." He stated bluntly. It made Aviana snapped back into reality. Her eyes turned back to normal and so is her mind. She started to cry.


    "Jayden." She called in disbelief and immediately hugged him.


    "Why are you here?" She asked surprisingly.


    "I''m here to save you." He said. It made Aviana looked at him. Confused by what is he saying right now. Saving her? What if he hurts himself? What if she hurt him without even knowing?


    "Ace told me to protect you." He suddenly stated. Little did she know, the time around them stopped as if the world itself paused for a minute. However, what Jayden told Aviana made her burst into tears. She''s too tired to think right now, too tired to move and too tired to live.


    "I''m really tired." She said and continued to cry. Her tears won''t stop falling. Images of the person whom she had loved kept on replaying to her mind. Her mom, dad, Ava, Sean, and even Ace.


    "We are here to protect you." Jayden suddenly stated wiping her tears. Then she saw Rosalie and Christian running towards where they are. They both look worried. She smiled.


    "Then I''m okay with that." She replied and looked at him smiling. She stood up and held on to Jayden''s hand as they walk towards his parents who stopped from running. They smiled when they saw her turned back to normal. They rushed towards her and hugged her.


    "This is too much isn''t it?" Rosalie said as she cried. She wrapped Aviana into her arms.


    "I''m glad that it''s finished." She just replied and broke out from the hug.


    "Now let''s go home," Christian said and they all started to walk. Seeing them as a family, she just can''t help herself but cry but she didn''t let them notice her. She cried in silence as she looked at the church burning on to the grounds.


    Ace was still there.


    She cried helplessly.


    "We are all alone now..." She whispered.