Author's Note: There will be Violent/Gore/Triggering Content in this chapter. There will be an attempt suicide scene too. Please, if this is too much for you, don't read. All of this is fictional and for entertainment purposes ONLY. It is NOT intended to promote anything or to cause harm to the readers. You have been warned ahead.
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"You freaking lied again!" Paris barged inside of the office without thinking it twice, aiming her pistol at the main leader, yelling loudly at him. "I heard everything you said! This is enough! I'm so tired of this! Why did you do it? Why did you kill my parents?!"
Kai had ran after Paris and she was standing beside her. Her heart was pounding rapidly by how perturbed she was with the whole situation. She didn't know what to do other than remain silent for the meantime.
The leader of the minor clan was laying dead on the ground. There was a black hole on his forehead, caused by the bullet that was fired towards him. A puddle of blood had already formed underneath his cold body. This was so disturbing to witness. Anyone would want to vomit by the horrifying sight.
A brother killing another brother. How can someone be so heartless to kill their own family just like that?
The leader of the major family gulped down before speaking up with a serious expression on his face. "Paris, I did all of this to protect you and your brother. I didn't want the past to affect your lives. That's the reason why I kept the whole truth away from you guys."
"I don't care what your intentions were! That doesn't justify the fact that you fucked up from the start! Not only you're a liar, but also a monster!" Paris shouted with restraint tears stuck on her eyelashes. Her hands were trembling as she curled her finger around the trigger.
"Don't! Please...Paris, don't do this!" Kai pleaded with red eyes that were filled with pain. She got in between them, shielding her father from the gun that was being aimed at him.
Paris heart clenched seeing Kai's vulnerable state. She didn't deserve any of this. She didn't deserve to have this horrible father. And she didn't deserve living a life like this, full of lies and dangers. All of this was not her fault.
Paris eyes couldn't help but to soften, staring at Kai's pained expression. Kai was shaking her head slowly, begging her to stop. It was painful seeing her like this.
Kai clearly loves Paris with all her heart, but she also loves her dad. And Paris knew that she couldn't change that. There was no way that she could take away that unconditional love that the daughter has with her father. It was impossible. It would be heartless of her.
Alright. This is enough. Paris was done. She couldn't stand this anymore.
With no other choice, Paris lowered her gun and gave up on the act. She couldn't kill him.
It doesn't matter how evil that man is, she couldn't kill him at the end because of her deep love towards Kai. She admits it. Paris loves that woman with all her being. She can't allow herself to hurt Kai even further because of vengeance. That's not how things work. It's not right to act impulsive even if you're deeply hurt inside. Paris knows that she will never be able to forgive that man, but she would never kill him either.
There was complete silence in the room for a while before the leader let out a sigh and spoke again, "I'm sorry, Paris. It's my fault and I will accept it. I lied to everyone and I will accept the consequences. But I want you to know that I care for you just like my own daughter, and I want to keep protecting you and your brother until the day I die. This is the only way I can think of to pay for my mistakes. At least, allow me to take care of you two,"
Tears rolled down from Paris eyes. She didn't know how to feel anymore. She was so confused of what to do. She just wanted to forget everything and live a happy life together with Kai and Parker. But things were much more complicated than that. This was not a happily ever after type of tale.
If this could only be a nightmare that she could wake up from then things would get much better and easier. But that wasn't the case. This wasn't a dream and Paris knows that she needs to accept the truth eventually. She can't change the past and she can't do anything about it either. She does have the option to leave this family forever and move on, but she decides not to because of Kai. Unfortunately, things are how they are supposed to be.
Life never meant to be perfect from the very beginning.
"It's okay, Paris. I'm here. I will always be here for you. Let's leave everything in the past and move on together. That's all we can do, right?." Kai sobbed and cried along with Paris.
Paris couldn't disagree with her because everything that Kai said was true. She could only nod and let Kai embosom her.
They held each other tightly in that comforting embrace for a moment until they heard some steps approaching to the office so they had to release each other to take a look at the person that had just arrived.
The person who just entered the office was Venus. The doors were already open and she just went inside without asking for permission.
The main leader, Kai and Paris all looked at her at the same time with different expressions on their faces.
Venus was panting harshly like if she has been running without stopping. She was grasping her injured arm with one hand to stop the bleeding that had stained the thick sleeve of her blazer. Her eyes glanced around the room in a daze, landing somewhere that caused them to widen in pure shock.
Her pupils shrank as she gaped completely aghast by the sight in front of her.
What Venus saw was worse than a nightmare.
Someone was following her from behind and also stepped inside the office. This was Pearl. She was also taken aback by the scene.
Seeing the leader of the major family alive was already a shocking view. But what stunned them the most was the person who was laying motionlessly on the bloody ground.
Venus let go of her own arm, not caring anymore of the injury and stepped closer.
Her arm wasn't aching anymore.
What was aching now was her chest.
She felt like if something had stabbed her multiple times on the chest, making that pain a lot worse than the one on her arm. Her breathing became harsher as if she couldn't breathe properly. Her chest raising and falling with every breath she took. She trembled as she approached the corpse of her father slowly, crouching down on the ground to get close enough to him.
There were so many emotions written all over her face, but the most prominent one was sorrow. Venus gazed at her father's pale face silently with faint tears forming in the corners of her eyes. She extended her trembling hand towards him, wanting to reach out and shake him violently, but she knew that he won't wake up.
"Papa..." Venus called for him with a quivering voice, knowing very well that he won't be answering back. With shivering teeth and wrinkled brows she was trying to process what was right in front of her eyes. She clenched her fists and began sob in disbelief. She was devastated
Pearl paralyzed seeing this. She was trying her best to compose herself and not to cry, but this sight was too much. Her eyes were already glistening.
Venus hoped to make her father proud of her one day, but now all of that hope was destroyed. She will never be able to see that man's face giving her a sincere smile.
The sad expression on her face soon shifted, turning into a dark glare as she looked up at her uncle who was staring back at her with that unreadable expression.
Pearl was startled when she saw Venus suddenly taking out the pistol from inside her blazer and was pointing it towards the leader now. "No! Venus! Don't!" Pearl felt frightened by the sudden shift of events.
Not knowing what else to do, Pearl aimed her own gun at Venus with trembling hands. She couldn't allow her to shoot the leader because that was her job, but she was not intending to kill her either. She was just trying to act like a bodyguard in front of the others, but deep inside she knew that she would burst out and drop the towel at any moment just to protect Venus.
Paris and Kai were quiet this whole time, just standing still in the corner of the room while holding hands tightly. They noticed that three bodyguards of the major clan had entered the room and were joining the scene, aiming their guns at Venus who was threatening the leader.
There were four guns pointing at her head now. If Venus dared to kill the leader then she would definitely die too.
Pearl was at the edge of shedding tears, not knowing what exactly to do to protect her.
"There's no need. Lower your guns and leave." The leader ordered them in a calm manner and the bodyguards bowed down obediently, leaving the office immediately.
The only bodyguard who didn't follow the command was Pearl. She stayed in the room, putting away her gun. She was not going to leave Venus here alone. She was going to stay by her side no matter what happens after this.
The leader realized Pearl's odd behavior, but he didn't put much mind to it, and he just ignored her to proceed to talk to Venus instead. "Venus, listen up. I'm not going to harm you. From now on, I'll take responsibility of everything that I have done. I'll take care of you and your brother so that you don't worry about anything else. Let's leave everything in the past, okay?"
Venus gritted her teeth furiously, curving her finger around the trigger firmly.
She didn't want to hear all that bullshit.
Problems couldn't be solved just like that.
She wanted revenge.
But at the same time, she knew that she had already lost this battle.
There was no other way to resolve this issue.
If she shoots the leader, then what comes next?
Nothing.
There was nothing else left.
It was too late now.
Her father was gone, leaving her all alone with Michael
How could she protect him all by herself?
If this was the only way that Venus could protect her brother then so be it. She doesn't care about anything else as long as Michael is safe then everything is fine with her at this point.
Venus lowered her gun and stood on her feet abruptly. She turned around and left from there without looking back.
Pearl watched Venus vanish through those doors and her heart shattered into pieces. She needed to go after her. If she doesn't, then she will regret it for the rest of her life.
She shifted her head to look at the leader with trembling eyelashes. She was afraid of what she was about to do, but she must do it or else she will never be true to herself.
"I..." Her throat became dry as she turned to glance at Kai and Paris who were also staring at her quietly. This situation was scarier than what she expected, but she was firm with her decision and was not going to change her mind.
Pearl bowed down in front of the leader of the major clan and told him, "Thank you for your mercy, sir. I'll always be loyal to the main family, and I love every single one of you. But I can't hide it anymore. I don't want to betray my own feelings or else it will continue to affect me in life negatively." She gulped down with difficulty, bowing down once again. "I hope you all will understand me." She made a brief pause and added, "I will no longer be part of the main family. I resign."
Kai was taken aback by this and she shook her head in disbelief.
On the other hand, Paris already saw this coming and she understood.
The leader didn't seem surprised and only nodded without asking any further questions. "Please take care of Venus, Pearl."
Kai was even more baffled when she heard her father saying this. Was he really letting go their most loyal bodyguard? Kai couldn't help but to feel upset, wondering why Pearl needed to leave them like this.
Paris glanced at Kai and rested her hand on her shoulder, "I'll explain everything to you later." She whispered on her ear and Kai assented her head.
Pearl bowed down for the third time. She was determined to renounce, but at the same time she was feeling dismal. She has worked for the main family for five years now and she was really close to them, leaving them like this was difficult for her too. She trusted them and respected them with all her heart. She will never forget their kindness towards her and her grandparents. But she can't fool herself anymore when her heart is breaking into fragments right now.
There is someone out there who needs her more than anyone, and she needs that person too. She can only choose one option. It's either the major family or the minor family. If the main family doesn't have Pearl, then it doesn't matter, because they also have other loyal bodyguards with them. But Venus has nobody. Pearl can't let her go. From today on, she will chose only Venus. Which means that she will leave the major family to go with the minor family.
'No Legacy is So Rich as Honesty.'
Pearl needed to be honest with her feelings.
The atmosphere was stuffy and empty as Pearl proceeds to take off the round platinum brooch hanging on the left side of her chest over the blazer. She puts it down on the desk located in the center of the office.
This pin was given to her long time ago for being trustworthy and devoted to the main family. It was like a small badge that symbolized her importance in the family. But since she is not going to belong in this clan anymore, she will return it back to them politely.
Along with the brooch, she also removes her black blazer, placing it down on the desk too to return it to them. She was now only wearing the white button shirt and the black skirt of the uniform.
The white shirt was stained with some blood that probably belonged to the bodyguards of the minor clan that she defeated in the war. These stains were making her feel guilty, realizing that she has betrayed the two families in this war because she didn't know how to protect them at the same time. But she has no regrets either because she was sacrificing herself for the people she loved too.
Pearl bowed down for the fourth time, not knowing how to show her gratitude to them. She was really thankful to the main family. She glanced at Paris, then at Kai, and then at the leader before leaving from there to go find Venus. This was her final decision.
The room fell into complete silence after Pearl left, but it was soon broken once again by the voice of the main leader. "According to the rules and traditions of our family, the leader of the major clan can appoint anyone to become the head of the minor family if the leader of the minor clan passes away. And I believe that I have found the right person already."
Kai and Paris glanced at each other for a moment before looking back at the leader. They were wondering who the leader had in mind. He made a decision quite fast. The person that he has in mind must really be responsible to be able to obtain such an important position.
Who could it be?
The leader of the major family cleared his throat and proceeded to explain, "I have decided two things. First, I will officially make Kai the leader of the major clan. I think it's time for her to take the position so that I can rest. I have been the leader for too many years now and I'm getting old. I don't think I can handle the company the same way I used to."
Kai assented her head, agreeing with him. She knew that this day would come eventually and she was willing to accept anything that her father assigned to her in this company. It was an honor for her to officially become the head of the major clan and she had no complains whatsoever.
"Second, to prevent further conflicts between the two families in the future, I will appoint someone who is close to Kai to become the leader of the minor clan. After thinking about it carefully, I have come to a conclusion. The most qualified person to take this position is you, Paris." The leader stated, causing Paris' jaw to drop.
'Wait, wait, wait! Hold on a minute! WHAT? Is he for real? Did he really choose me, or did I hear wrong? Why me? Haven't I always caused problems in the family from the start? Why is he suddenly trusting me with something like this? This is a huge responsibility, sir! Don't take it so easily! Have mercy on me!' Paris was panicking internally.
Kai was not expecting this at all either and her eyes were sparkling at the thought of it. Paris and her as the two leaders of the clans? Did she hear correctly?
"Are you sure about this?" Paris asked him.
The leader nodded without a doubt. "You're the only one that can bring peace to the two families. You're my daughter's lover and I think you will be able to handle it. I would like for you to try, but I also don't want to force you. Do you think you can do it?"
Paris shifted her gaze from the leader to Kai and then from Kai to the leader again. She was nervous about all of this. This came out of nowhere and she didn't know if she was prepared for the drastic change.
However, after thinking about it again, it didn't sound like a bad idea either. If she becomes the head of the minor family then she will be able to work with Kai again and help her with the company. Working together as a couple would be a beautiful experience. Even if they later have to face dangers together, it was better to face them together than separated.
"Alright, I will consider it." Paris accepted.
This young lady went from being a waitress to being the head bodyguard of the mafia boss to later become the second leader of a mafia family.
It was a long journey with a lot of ups and downs, but here she was, still standing strong, trying not to lose her mind with this crazy family that have almost made her life impossible.
The only reason why Paris has been holding on for so long is because of her love towards Kai. That's why she is willing to stick by her side until the end.
Love can be blind sometimes.
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The full moon was shining brighter than ever but the starless sky was cloudy as if it wanted to rain.
It was passed midnight by the time Venus arrived to the backyard of the house after fighting a group of bodyguards from the main family on her way here. She was able to escape from them and was now running away as fast as she could. Wanting to get out from there. Wanting to leave the main mansion and never come back again.
She panted heavily, trying to catch up on her breath, coming to an abrupt stop. She stood still, grasping her shirt in a fist. The bulletproof vest that was underneath the clothing was making it harder for her to breathe somehow. It was not tight around her upper body, but for some reason, it was causing her discomfort.
Venus unbuttoned her black shirt and immediately took off the bulletproof vest, feeling much better after doing so. Her chest expanded with every deep breaths she took, feeling the breeze of the night refreshing her sweaty skin.
She threw the vest to the ground and quickly buttoned up the shirt again to cover her bare torso. The war was long over and she was not intending to go back to the main mansion to fight, so she didn't need that thing anymore.
She was currently standing beside the large pool that was located in the backyard. She had the urge to crouch down and splash some water on her face to freshen up, but at the end she didn't do it.
Instead, she covered her mouth with her palm and began to snivel and weep once again, remembering everything that she witnessed earlier. She wanted to stay as quiet as possible but she couldn't. She was suffering and she couldn't conceal it. She needed to let it out.
Flashbacks came back to hunt her. Reminding Venus of every detail she saw. The way her father's body was laying down on the ground motionlessly. His pale face was sleeping peacefully without breathing. Fresh blood was dribbling down from the hole on his forehead, forming a puddle of blood beneath his corpse.
It was such a disturbing view. Venus didn't want to remember it. She didn't want to see it. But those thoughts keep coming back to torment her, hitting her across the face harshly, making her breathless once more.
She fell to her knees and mourned right there on the ground. Her entire body shook uncontrollably. Tears blurred her vision.
What was the purpose of living now?
The minor family was defeated.
Their clan was completely destroyed.
There was nothing else left for them.
Wasn't it better to disappear at this point?
Venus lowered her gaze to stare at the pistol that she was still holding in hand.
Was that it?
Is this the way the agony will end?
Will the suffering come to a stop after death?
Venus' breathing accelerated. She lifted that gun, placing it against the bottom of her jaw.
Suicidal thoughts were beginning to consume her, blinding her from any other thought that could flash to her mind.
Her cold hands were shaking. She raised her head to stare at the starless sky above her and she closed her eyes, letting the tears fall.
'God, if you exist, then please just take me away with you already. I don't care where it is. Hell or heaven, you choose, I don't mind. This agony is burning me from the inside. I've been suffering for too long. I can't take it anymore. Please take care of my brother and Pearl for me while I'm gone, and don't let them suffer because of someone like me. They don't deserve it. I just can't do this anymore. Please, just do me that one favor. Amen.' She prayed silently.
Venus got ready to pull down the trigger but something halted her actions abruptly.
"VENUS! NO! STOP! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" A person shouted from behind. The voice sounded really familiar.
"AAARGHH!" Venus snapped out of it and screamed at the top of her lungs, letting out the frustration accumilated inside of her chest. She had recognized that voice almost immediately.
Why was this person still coming back to her?
This person has been chasing after Venus for quite some time earlier. They must really love her to be this persistent.
"Go back, Pearl. Don't follow me, it's not worth it. There's nothing else left for me." Venus said to the person standing behind her.
"Don't say that. I'm still here for you, Venus. I'm here only for you." Pearl stepped closer.
Venus shook her head in denial. "Why did you follow me? There's nothing left for us, Pearl. I can't do anything for you."
Pearl ignored her and kneeled on the ground. She opened her arms, leaning forward, embracing Venus from behind tightly. She rested her head on Venus' shoulder, breathing in her scent that reminded her where her real home was.
"Let me go." Venus cried with trembling shoulders.
"No. I'm not letting you go. I'm never going to let you go." Pearl burst into tears.
"Why? Why Pearl? Why did you follow me?" Venus sniveled.
"Because I want to." Pearl answered her.
Venus kept shaking her head in denial. She pushed Pearl away from her to stand on her feet. "I already told you that I have nothing left. Just leave."
"Can you stop saying that you have nothing left!" Pearl yelled at her this time. "Can't you see? I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. Don't turn your back at me now!"
"Why Pearl? Why are you doing this?" Venus wiped away the tears from her own eyes.
Pearl was still kneeling down on the floor with the tears rolling down from her eyes. She crawled closer to Venus and replied. "Because...B-Because..." She stammered trying to get the words out. "Because I'm hungry." She ended up saying.
"..."
"..."
Was Pearl seriously thinking of food right now, or was she that embarrassed to confess her feelings?
Venus was quiet for a moment before asking a little surprised, "You're hungry?"
Pearl let out a sigh, and just continued what she started. "Mhm, I'm starving." She was not really lying when she said that.
"Then, can someone else cook for you?" Venus turned her head slightly to gaze at Pearl with the corner of her eye.
Pearl stood on her feet and clenched her fists really tightly until her knuckles became white. "Are you pushing me away? You dare to push me away like this, Venus?" She choked and cried out. "Then, why the hell did you tell me that you loved me?! Didn't you say that I'm your pet?!" Pearl gulped down dryly and spoke a bit softer. "My owner ran away earlier. So I had to come running here to find her. I'm telling you that I'm hungry. Why can't you understand what I'm saying?"
Venus sobbed and bit on her bottom lip so hard that it bled. She was trying not to cry again but those words were making her weak. Her heart and stomach were fluttering with so many concealed emotions.
"Could you please turn around and look at me? I want to see your face." Pearl pleaded her. "Venus, I..." Those three words were at the tip of her tongue but she was having a difficult time spilling them out.
Venus lifted her brows and slowly began to turn around. She was waiting for Pearl to continue what she was about to tell her. She wanted to hear it. She needed to hear those meaningful words coming from Pearl's lips. Maybe then, she will be able to find a reason to continue living.
Pearl curved up her lips once she was able to see that beautiful face in front of her. Tears kept running down her cheeks but she still gave her a warm smile.
Venus smiled back at her. Her eyes softened seeing her beloved one crying like this for her. This was her weakness. She was about to approach Pearl to embrace her and console her when she suddenly felt a piercing pain going through her chest.
*BANG! BANG!*
Pearl felt her heart drop in that instant. Her pupils shrank in terror as the sound of the gunshots resonated in the air, defeaning her ears. Her blood ran cold and her throat became more dry.
Venus gaped with widened eyes. Her mouth was filled with that rusty metallic taste of blood, dribbling down from the corner of her lip. She clutched her chest, grasping the fabric of her shirt that was already soaked. She didn't know when she started loosing balance, but her body soon collapsed to the ground and she couldn't move anymore after that. She felt numb all over.
Pearl turned around swiftly, her eyes spotted one of the male bodyguards from the major clan not that far away from where they were. He was holding a gun, aiming it towards their direction.
It was him!
He was the one who shot Venus twice!
How dare he!
Who ordered him to do that?!
*BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!*
In a split second, Pearl took out her own gun and began firing it multiple times in that direction. "AAAGHHH!" She roared madly, seeing the corpse of that bodyguard jerking with every bullet that hit his flesh, sending him straight to the grass and killing him mercilessly.
Her knees then crashed to the ground, bruising themselves in the process. She crawled over to Venus, whose body was laying there immobile. "No! No! No! This can't be happening!" She wailed. "Venus! Can you hear me? VENUS!!" Her voice cracked the more she cried.
Venus' eyes were shut and she was not responding back.
"VENUS! WAKE UP! NO! NO! PLEASE!"
Pearl broke down and bawled louder.
All the hope she had a minute ago vanished like dust in a second.
"PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME! VENUS! WAKE UP! LET'S GO BACK HOME! LET'S GO EAT TOGETHER!" Her cries echoed loudly.
Pearl laid her head on top of Venus chest, embracing her close to her, listening to the heartbeat that was slowly fading away as fresh blood spread all over the floor, staining their clothing.
"I NEED YOU, VENUS! I...I LOVE YOU! YOU HEAR ME? I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! I LOVE YOU! PLEASE WAKE UP! LET'S GO BACK HOME!"
Pearl's throat eventually became sore the more she cried out loud but there was no way she could cease the terrible pain that she was feeling on her chest.
The breeze of the night became frigid as it began to downpour. The rain drizzled down like the tears in Pearl's eyes. Without coming to an end.
It was one of the coldest nights of the year.
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Author's Note: Hello there, folks! Can you guys believe that we are almost reaching the end of the story? The next chapter will be the finale, but there will be an epilogue chapter after it that will officially wrap up the story, so please stay tuned for both of these last updates that will be coming soon. Thank you for reading!