Readers,
I went through reading and editing the whole chapter a million times, to summarize it into one final chapter. But but but... I couldn't bring myself to publish the whole thing at once.
The chapter was above 12000 words. And I wanted to do justice with the novel so I decided to publish it in two parts. Here's the first half, I will publish the second half tomorrow, perhaps on the 25th :)
Let's wait and see, La Forte ;)
Faithfully,
_A.S. Styles^^
****
Tankhun's POV:
It was easy to forget about things when you've got many things to do, or so I've heard. But I'm crazy, things tend to stick to my brain for years.
It was the next day and her voice still echoes through my head.
'What if.....'
'..he himself was my fiance..'
"Khun are you listening?" Arm watches me lost in thoughts.
"Is it possible?" I asked out loud.
"What..."
"...me and her.."
He blinked a few times then put his tablet aside.
"I think you need a break."
And I think I need her in my life.
.
After the break Arm didn't took mercy on me, he lectured me till my ears bleed, not literally but still it was bad. Real real bad!
Before midnight I went to sleep only to get disturbed by my cellphone. I answered the call without looking at the caller id.
"Who the hell died that you call to disturb my sleep!"
[Sorry I didn't mean to.....]
That voice, oh shoot!
"Amy? What happened? Are you okay? Don't worry I'm coming."
[Woah woah hold your horses, I'm fine. Wait I'll call you back.]
She hung up, I rubbed my eyes to make sleep go away and she called back, a FaceTime. Damn did I look okay? Forget it! she knows I am gorgeous without even trying.
"Hey!" I waved my hand in front of the camera. I was relieved to see her fine and smiling.
[I wanted to apologize.]
"Accepted."
[Thank you!]
"Are we good now?"
[Maybe...]
"I wanted to apologize too."
[Go ahead.]
She encouraged me with a smile, and here I thought she would accept my apology without hearing the word sorry.
"At first I didn't know why you were ignoring me, but today I realized. I shouldn't have told the weeping girl about your... engagement."
Damn the word left a bitter taste on my tongue!
[It's okay. You merely state the fact.]
She said simply but it feels like a slap to my face.
[Okay then good night!]
"Amy wait!"
[?]
I sat up, took a cushion and placed it on my lap.
"I have a question. When the girls accused you of being involved with me.. why didn't you-"
[Is that my cushion?]
She interrupted me.
"What?" I glanced at my favorite black velvet cushion and threw it away. "No, it's not."
[What you mean it's not! It's freaking mine! You stole it?]
"How dare you! You think I would steal something like this!"
[Shut up! A thief has no right to yell! It's mine give it back.]
"Too late! I've got quite used to it. I slept comfortably while hugging it. So that's a big NO from me."
In truth, I like the flowery scent coming from this soft thing, it smells like Amy.
[Hell with your comfort! Give it back!]
"Stop being petty! Alright!"
I yelled shamelessly and she gasped in fury.
[You stole it! Just admit it!]
"I didn't steal it, I just.... took it. And stop accusing me for thievery, you left it at the minor mansion, so here it is..."
[What do mean I left it there, you were the first to leave that house!]
Yeah right!
"My Pol boy took it with my stuff..I think."
[Don't you put the blame on brother Pol!]
"Stop arguing! You said we're good then why are acting like this."
[Fine! You didn't steal, it was a mistake. Now return it to it's actual owner.]
"I won't. Keepers, finders."
[You mean 'Finders.. keepers'?]
"Oh so you know? Good for you my smarty Amy! Sweet dreams ba-bye."
I hung up, grabbed the cushion and lay down while hugging it.
Ting!
I received a text.
"Petty millionaire."
It's billionaire, but I didn't reply to correct her.
Ting!
"Pervert thief."
My jaw dropped down on the cushion.
Ting! Ting!
"Return my cushion"
"I also want to sleep comfortably!"
I read the last text twice and typed to reply. I smiled to imagine her reaction.
____
Amy's POV:
Ting!
I read the text and the device fell down from my hand.
"We can share it if you want."
Shameless Tankhun!
Damn his double entendre!
When I said I want to sleep, I didn't meant it like that! The cushion has the same fragrance as my Mama, it helps me to fell asleep.*
I thought I left it at brother V's house and couldn't bring myself to ask for it. But now I felt stupefied as my lovely cushion was stolen by freaking Tankhun, a guy who can buy a whole cushion factory....or industry...or whatever.
Destiny went out for a girl's night and I've been lying on my bed for a while then gave up on sleeping and called Tankhun. He's famous for not sleeping at night and troubling his guards but today he was sleeping. At first I felt bad for disturbing him but he had my cushion..!
I kicked in the air and left the bed. I grab my backpack, college uniform, laptop and cellphone, their chargers, some energy bars, my wallet and pillow. And double check my main door before leaving.
____
Vegas's POV:
I got back at two in the morning and saw someone sitting near the main gate. I took out my gun and pointed.
"Amy? Is that you?" I was surprised to hell and back. I hastily get out of my car and ran to her.
"Hey brother! You weren't home?"
"What are you doing here...at this hour!?"
"You said I was welcome to come over.." She looked upset. "... whenever I want.."
"Are you okay?" I examine her closely.
"I'm fine, don't worry." She was hugging....a pillow?
"How did you get here?"
"Taxi." She covered her yawning face with the pillow.
"Let's get inside." I said and took her heavy bag.
.
Pete was waiting for my return and got surprised to see Amy with me.
"I'll set the room for you."
"No need." She said and walked to the lounge area.
"Where did you find her?"
"Outside."
"What happened to her?"
"I don't know."
"She's not hurt, right? Should I call Khun?"
"Not now, I don't want my crazy cousin to come here." Pete made a pout "..not at this hour." I added.
"What we do now?"
"I'll go talk to her. Can I get two glasses of milk?"
"Sure." He nodded and ran to the kitchen.
.
"Amy?" I called her name, she was lying on the couch her eyes close.
"Hey silly girl!" I whispered softly.
"I just wanted to sleep." She muttered "Just for a few hours... Am I asking for too much?" She opens her eyes. I was taken aback to see her trembling lips, tiny red veins appearing on her eyeballs. There wasn't any need to ask how long she's been going without sleeping.
"Not at all." I patted her head. "You make a good call and come to me. Now get some sleep. I am here to protect you."
"What if nightmares came?"
"I'll shoot them away." I placed my gun at the glass table.
A tiny smile appear to her face. Then Pete entered the area, he placed the tray on the table, beside my gun.
"Now sit and drink this."
"Wuack!" She made a face.
"Amy. Sit!" I said calmly and she obeyed while muttering something that she's not a dog, why would she sit on my demands.
I bit my cheek and Pete looked away to hide his smile. She complains yet she drinks the whole glass of milk and lay back down.
"I'm sleeping."
"Sure."
"Don't go anywhere!"
"Okay."
"Just sit here!"
"Yes ma'am."
"Good boy!"
"...!" I stare at her face. Her eyes were closed and her lips stretched into a smile. Damn she was treating me like a guard dog!
"Good boy!" Pete mouthed at me before taking the tray back with him.
I shook my head and settle to sit on a floor, my back again the couch. After five minutes her breaths got slow and even, a sign that she fell asleep.
I watched her for a moment. This girl, my sister, is brave. She can face and fight the world, but her fears comes from the inside. I don't know what happened in her dreams that makes her so restless. I wish I could actually shoot those nightmares with my gun.
After a while Pete came to exchange the place with me.
Before going to bed, I called and recount the whole scene to Mr. Donovan - Amy's father.
"Mr. Van, it's Vegas....."
____
AMY's POV:
I noticed that Tankhun was running away from me. I can't believe he got so attached to the cushion. My cushion. He even offer me to pay for that, weirdo.
Next day I followed him and witnessed an unusual scenario. My pretty boy received a lovely confession from a simple girl. I secretly watched him rebuffing her as he already got someone while showing her the ring on his finger. I glanced down.
On my index finger was the thin ring, that I've been wearing for months. It was the couple ring that Tankhun bought, he has the second one.* Strangely I never really noticed him wearing that. Then again I never pay unnecessary attention to him.
I stare at the thin ring for a moment then wear it on my ring finger.
I watched the girl leaving and Tankhun came out.
"Covertly brat!" He stopped to utter and walked away. I stupidly smiled as he knew I was there.
"Allow me to sorrow over your loss." I start to follow him "She was pleasant looking by the way. Even her voice was nice."
"I wasn't looking...or listening...." He spared me a sharp glance.
"Do you?"
"Yes." He answered as if I was really asking him. "I've already erased her from my memory." He added to.... assure me?
"She was...umm...what was her name again..." I pretend to think while tapping at my temple.
"Mo Mo." He told me without thinking.
"Thanks!" I gave him the fakest smile of the year and walked away.
Liar!
'Erased her from his crazy memory', as if!
.
.
It was the last day of the exams, and a familiar guy approached me. It was the same DJ I met weeks ago, the one who's laptop broke because of me. He reminded me about the compensation deal and I assured him positively.*
I left a voicemail to dad, told him the whole story and asked for his permission before going to the night club named Midnight Mirage. Frankly I'm not sure about going to a place like that where I have to play music for hours.
It can be either fun or problematic. In both cases it'll be a memorable experience.
.
.
Mids were finally over.
Tankhun called me to ask for my opinion, he was planning to dye his hair to celebrate the freedom. Haha
I was like I don't know much about hair colours but he insisted.
"Well I liked that brown colour you had when we first met, that matches your..." I swallowed "...chocolate brown eyes."
He went silent then hung up, weirdo.
____
Tankhun's POV:
"Khun are you sick? Your face looks so red!" Porche leaned too much to see my flushy face.
"She likes the natural colour of my hair..." I whispered, my heart was beating faster and... faster.
"Wha-" Porsche made a confused face.
.
There was something on my mind that I couldn't ignore no matter how much I tried.
"What does it mean if a girl finally decided to wear the couple ring on her ring finger?" I asked and turned to my brother Kinn, the leader.
"Ring.. as an engagement ring?" Kinn asked back.
I shook my head in no.
.
.
.
I dyed my hair raven black because black is Amy's favourite colour. I was dying to show off so I get dress and went out to pay a visit to Mini-mansion. On my way, I bought a plush pillow for my beautiful Amy.
I told my guards to stay in the car while I went upstairs. It was difficult to see the stairs while holding the plushie. I used the key to open the door and went inside.
"!" Heat raise all the way up to my face to see her.
Sweet heaven! I'll be damned at the bottom of the fiery ocean!
She was wearing shorts with a tight tank top, her hair was dripping water on her bare shoulder, wetting her top as well. She just came out of a shower when I walked in.
Damn my crazy eyes for the minute observance!
"TANKHUN!" Amy scared me with her roar and looked around for something while I closed my eyes and hid behind the plushie, just in case if she was looking for something to hit me with.
I opened one eye to sneak a peek, she covered herself with an extra large towel and ran to her bedroom.
"Phew!" I exhaled and wiped the sweat off my face and neck.
.
Amy came back and sat on the other end of the sofa, between us sat the soft plushie.
I couldn't dare to face her, but from the corner of my eye I saw her wearing black tracksuit with yellow stripes on the sides - my beautiful asphalt.
"Haha.." I unknowingly chuckled and she turn to face me first.
"Whatever brings you here.... unannounced?"
"I came to give you this." I nudge the plushie to her.
"Cute.." She pokes it with her finger and haha-ed.
.
We were talking when my Pol boy came to deliver two boxes of pizzas. I took one box and told him to share the second one with others - Vegas' men who still guarding my beautiful Amy.
.
"Tell me one childhood memory of yours.." She demanded out of the blue.
"I'm afraid that all of 'em are quite depressing."
"There might be a good one.."
I thought for a moment "Well there's this one... When I was little my dad took me abroad for... medical purposes."
She furrowed her brows.
"We visit to his friend's house. Their conversation was so boring..." I paused to smile "I remember sitting on their terrace area when a little figure came running and hid behind my chair. I watched as the child's mother was searching with some clothes and a hair comb in her hand.
She was surprised to see me first then found her child giggling behind me. The kid was wrapped in a towel, her overgrown hair were all over the place and dripping water. The mother laughed, held the child up and left."
"After a while the child came back, I was taken aback when that little figure climbed the same chair I was sitting on and sit beside me. I must've had a funny expression on for making the mother chuckled.
She came and comb the child's hair, all the while I watched them silently. Then I was shocked when the woman used the same tool to comb my hair too."
Amy smiled beautifully.
"She used the wet comb in my hair. I'm still grateful for not shouting like a spoiled kid at that time. I don't remember her face, yet the motherly feeling still lingers in my memory." I ran my fingers on one side of my head.
"A nice memory you had.." She made a sincere comment.
"Oh and I remember that child falling asleep... on my lap with the wet hair.." I made a face and she laughed out loud while calling me silly.
"Now tell me a horrible memory of yours?"
"There are too many to choose." My lips twitched.
"The one that still lingers in you mind."
I inhaled "Well there's this one which doesn't had my brothers or kidnappers.." I started casually.
"I was like nine when a family visited our house. That time I just returned from...." I thought for a word to describe my abduction "..from an adventure and was very very traumatised. I was recovering from both physical and mental injuries.." I paused to see her paying too much attention.
"In the mean time I isolated myself from the world, no one was allowed to visit me except my dad and brothers. Until one sunny day I've recieved a special visitor." I smiled with a whit of sadness.
"I was walking on the terrace railing - a dangerous thing I used to do just to feel alive." I shook my head at my daredevil childishness "...and felt a pair of observant eyes fixed on me. I turned to see, caught off guard, lost my balance and fell on the right side of the railing, on the floor.
The kid was surprised yet I scared him by shooting murderous glares. I shouted at him for entering my room without knocking, or asking for my permission first. Like seriously I was the first son, 'The King Tankhun' not even my dad came in without knocking first."
I was so passionately immersed in the tale, and saw Amy shaking her head with a hint of smile. I hid the fact that I was embarrassed to fall like a chicken in front of that kid, that's why I shouted at him like a mad boy.
"The later memory was a little blurry but I think the kid was mute, he didn't made any sound when..." I pinched on my thigh with a full claw.
"Tankhun.." Amy called my name to get my attention.
"I think I wanted to take revenge.. As I mentioned, I was recovering from some injuries and because of that kid I fell on the hard floor... It hurts hell a lot. The kid gave me an apologetic eyes, I said I will forgive him if he walked on the railing and fell same way as..."
Where I felt my eyes going blurry, Amy gasped.
"I... I just..." A tear fell on my cheek. "I was smiling to see the kid stupidly obeying my nonsense. He walked on the railing and fell...." With the back of my hand, I wiped the tears harshly "...on the wrong side."
Amy covered her face in horror. I took a moment to create suspense and watched incredible astonishment on her adorable face. She was waiting for me to continue.
I cackles crazily at the memory.
"Don't worry the kid survived, he was lucky that it was spring season and our flower bed was covered with flowers. He got hurt of course..." I foolishly tried to assure her, but who am I kidding with!
I exhaled "I was enjoying his timid walk.... I was going to pull after two steps when.. I tried to catch him... I really did." I paused and continued
"You know what's more horrifying?" I asked, she shook "That damn kid smiled before falling! Gave me trauma for life." Amy tilted her neck slightly, a puzzled expression on her face.
"There were guarding dogs down my terrace who were barking wildly at the flower bed. He was like four or five..same age Kim. A mute boy who couldn't cry for help or at all..."
I went quiet. Finally realising that I chose the wrong memory to put into words... I've never talked about this before... Not a soul knows my side of the story.
"Wha- what happened to the family?" She asked in a low voice.
"They took their kid to the hospital. I think. Honestly I don't know, no one ever mentioned the incident in the mansion. I heard some whispers though.
I was accused of throwing a poor child off my terrace.. It was a believable rumor. An incident expected from a crazy boy who never went out of the house let alone his room." I smirked at my own crazy self.
I know what she was thinking so I added.
"No, I never explained myself to anyone. Why would I? They were right to blame me. Only dad believes that it was an accident. Because I was the one shouting for help madly. I shouted till the kid got rescued, screamed till my voice broke... In the end everything went into darkness when I lost consciousness."
There was a long haunting silence. Suddenly I felt a chill run down my spine to remember something. A few months ago, I dreamt about the same memory in a twisted way.*
No, it wasn't the dream, it was a nightmare in which instead of that kid I imagined my beautiful Amy.
There was I - standing and watching. And there was her - smiling and falling...
My heart clenched as I cried in silence. I shed a few more tears then stopped. No need to mourn! Amy is alright and the kid survived.
"He must be in his twenties now. I wonder if he still remembers me - the ruthless King who threw him out of his castle."
I turned to see Amy, she was unusually voiceless, as if lost in deep thoughts. Her phlegmatic personality was troubling me, I would rather be judged by her than this silence.
I called her a few times and reached out to shake her shoulder. She snapped out of her thoughts and stared at me. There was something about her gaze that makes me nervous and tense.
I cautiously took my hand back and set the plushie between us like a border. After a good long minute she pushed the plushie away and lunges forward to... attack me!
No, I was mistaken. She wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me!!!!???
Wha- why?
What did I do?
I sank on the couch, didn't push her away although she was choking me with her death grip.
She doesn't seems to comfort me. Nor does she looked happy to learn about my past memories. Then why....?
"Care to enlighten me for this sudden bestowment of blissful fortune?" I asked with difficulty.
"Pardon." She released me at once and moved back to sit on the farthest end of the couch, looking everywhere but me.
____
AMY's POV:
We didn't talk much after what I did on impulse. He called me a few times, I answered only to hear silence. Maybe he was calling to hear me breath.
I called him once to tell him that I've received a parcel, which might be his'. He said he ordered the wrong size and told me to throw it away.
Out of curiosity, I opened the parcel. There were shiny black leather pants with same short jacket. Like a shot, I fell in love with that outfit. Surprisingly the pants were just my size.
Like a happy kid, I called Tankhun to ask him if he's okay if I keep the outfit for myself. Not for free as I was going to pay for it. He allowed me at once but declined the latter offer.
"Thank you! I love your taste!" I exclaimed happily through the speaker; on the other side he choked.
Dirty minded highness! I gave a look to my cell phone and hung up.
.
.
It was sunday.
I've received many soundtracks for the job. The DJ shortly taught me about the sound system and effects.
It would be fun if Tankhun accompanied me to the club but I heard that he avoids crowded places for some precautionary reasons. Once he told me that he hates being surrounded by people. I don't want him to attract any danger towards him.
Where everyone seeks fun in the club, trouble finds the first son of the mafia clan. Tsk!
In the end I chose to hide it from him because if he knew, he would come without minding the consequences, just because his beautiful Amy would be there. Hehe
Hold on! Why the hell am I giggling like lovestruck girls!
.
I called both my friends Joy and Nanon to invite them, because I didn't want to be alone there. Both of them were hella shocked to hear the word 'club'. Idiots!
I don't know what got into Mr. D to easily allow me in the first place. But I've already gave my words to that DJ so there's no going back.
Joy agreed at once and went to call both Bright and Day. Nanon refused. He said that he's going out with his club members. That Goofie a.k.a Porsche was finally going to fulfill his promise for taking Nanon - the winner of swimming competition - out for treat. I wish him luck as he's going to enjoy his own gathering.
I was surprised to see Destiny getting ready to join me, only heaven knows how that she found out. She was so excited that she called her BF and asked him to join too. I didn't ask if brother Pol agrees or not.
I was relaxed as Destiny didn't mention anything about me being the DJ of the night. Otherwise Tankhun would be here banging at my door, either to stop me or to join me. I think it's the latter one haha.
The real DJ asked me to get dressed accordingly, and create a cool vibe for myself. I was like why not! He said cool, here I got it!
I was too lazy to straighten my hair, so I just did a half messy bun in the name of hairstyle and did a smokey eye make up. I was excited to get changed into my new leather outfit that I've got by chance, for free. I wore turtle neck shirt inside and brought out the boots that Mr.D send me after the exams. Destiny put a black nail polish on my nails. As for accessories I just wore my thin ring, helm locket, and black wrist watch.
Finally, I was ready to rock the La forte!
"Midnight Mirage! here we come!" Destiny cry out loudly and forced me to do the same.
"HELL YEAH!" I yelled while locking the door.
.
.
It was seven in the evening when Destiny and I reached the location. Both of us watched the area in awe. The glass building was surrounded with sand and coconut trees. Doing justice to its name - The midnight mirage.
There was a huge octagon shaped swimming pool where people were swimming. It was lighted in blue, the water was crystal clear, shining brighter at night time. A long counter was placed on one side where three bartenders were serving drinks while entertaining everyone with their amazing stunts. I stood to watch for a long moment before remembering why I am actually here.
I had to show the staff card before entering and a guy showed me the way. I looked back to see Destiny standing in the queue, giving me two thumbs up.
I just reached my assigned station and started to plug in my laptop and headphones. Loud shouting welcomes me, it's still early and the area was half filled with youths. I waved my hand as if it was my everyday job.
Destiny said to be confident as no one can recognise me dressed like this. I looked like a freaking rockstar. I trust my roommate enough to believe her words.
[David Guetta - Titanium ft. Sia]
I played the first track and watched everyone dancing. I looked around the club, from outside it looked like a glass building, but on the inside it was hollow. Like there were rooms all around in a three story building, and had balconies on each floor where a few people were standing with glasses in their hands. I guess that was the area for VIPs.
The centre was open and roofless. I looked up and saw stars and a crescent of the sky. What if rain starts pouring? I wonder while looking at the whole area.
[Lady Gaga - Poker face]
The track changes and I tried to play with the disc by rubbing it and the sound it created was... Hella fun!
I was standing and watching everyone enjoying MY music. I was beaming wildly when Joy came while pulling Bright with his hand behind her.
"JOY! I'M DJing!" I yelled in the mic so that she could hear.
She laughed and requested a song through text. I searched the song and it was there in my personal playlist.
"You've got this, gurl!" I said in the mic and played Bad Romance by Lady Gaga.
She took Bright to the dance floor. I just watched her enjoying in the middle of the crowd, a thing that I can never do.
I got a text from Day who was asking me to change the track as she was embarrassed to see our friends dancing like monkeys. I tried to see where Day is and found her staring at the Bright-Joy couple with twisted expressions. No matter how hilarious the couple dances, I laughed at Day's expression.
[J Balvin, Willy William - Mi Gente]
I changed the track and stood while waiting for it to end. That's when I got a text from the real DJ.
"Crowd entertainment is reciprocal to DJ's energy. You cannot just stand like a coconut tree."
Is he here? I tried to look for him and found him on the second floor, with his arm around a girl. When he asked me to do his job, he said he got a date with his girlfriend. This club was his dating spot!
As our eyes met, I gave him an acknowledging salute and received another text from him.
"You look like a vibe~"
I grinned, and went nuts.
[Ke$ha - Tik Tok]
As expected from a professional, the more I jumped and danced the more people got passionate. My friends stopped gaping at me in shock, when I did a little rap in the mic.
"Here is this next track in hope that some of you would close your mouths while looking at me." I announced and enjoyed the looks my friends gave.
[Jeff Satur - Highway]
I was vibing when someone approached me, I thought twice before hitting whoever came. I held my headphones to use as a weapon and turned around.
****
#plushie
NOTE:
47. Obsession...!
31. The shopping maniac
100. The Anchor
37. The Nightmare!
****