#WIAE Chapter 29

Augustus Voltaire Ostenhaimer

"We only need one heir."

My father looked at us both. Ayo shifted uncomfortably on his seat. I knew he hated this day. He wasn't tailored for this kind of life, but what could he do? It's what he was living for... to continue the legacy that was Ostenhaimer.

"Ayo."

And as soon as my father mentioned his name, fear crossed his eyes. Ayo had always been my father's favorite. He was smart and very talented. He could think of tactics that even I couldn't think of. He was the brains. And I? I was more on the side of being feared... my earliest kill was when I was eight years old. I could still remember the power that I felt when I pulled the trigger. And the rush it gave me when I saw blood flowing in the middle of his forehead.

That was why people avoided me. They feared me. I didn't have control... not much, anyway.

"Yes, father?"

My father looked at him and I could see that he didn't want this, either. How could he, anyway? How could he send his favorite child in that hellhole? Everybody knows that Academia de Mondragon was nothing but a piece of shit. Equilibrium, they said. Peace, they promised. But how could we have peace in this kind of life? It wasn't even a possibility. Not even at the slightest. It was like one of the promises parents make in order to control their children.

It was bullshit. Every family in the business was mandated to send at least one kid. It was supposed to bring harmony—at least in some crooked up way—in our society. That as long as every family has a child inside that school—from the poorest to the most powerful families—we wouldn't completely self-destruct, because who doesn't love family, right? And everyone agreed to it. Well, my stupid ancestors, anyway.

"Your mother and I agreed to send you to the school," he told Ayo. "The school's pressuring us to send your brother, but we can't do that. Avo is the future of our family."

Of course. I was the heartless one. I was the perfect heir.

"We'd send you in place of Avo, but you have to use his name."

Ayo's face fell. The colors in his face drained. I felt bad for him, but what could he do? In our life, lineage was the priority in all things. And Ayo knew himself that he couldn't lead the business. It was mine. I was born for it.

"Are we clear on that?" father asked. And Ayo, unable to do anything but agree, nodded his head. "Very well, you will be leaving at dawn tomorrow."

When father left us, I stood in front of Ayo. His fists were clenched. He was enraged, I could see, but he wasn't doing anything.

"You could've said no," I offered.

"You know I can't."

I shrugged.

"You never tried asking. The worst thing you can get is a no."

He raised his head and looked at me.

"Am I supposed to act like you?" he asked.

I shrugged.

"Don't kid yourself, Ayo. You're an angel; I'm a demon."

He smiled.

"You are. That's why father will sacrifice me for you."

He was right. He was father's favorite, but he was still being sacrificed. This was how family works... at least, in our world.

"I'll try to visit you," I told him, but we both knew it was a lie. I had lots of things to do. Worrying about him was the least of my priorities.

The day after, Ayo was shipped to the Philippines. I stayed in France for a while, until I was shipped to China. My family was trying to grow a network there, and it was hard. The Estrellas controlled both Japan and China, and infiltrating their network was a pain in the neck. We had always control over Europe, but here in Asia? It was a whole new world.

"Why can't we just kill them, father?"

"We could... but we shouldn't."

"Why? Killing is the easiest thing."

With one bullet, you can take one life. You can destroy a whole life. You can break a person's heart. Killing has always been wonderful.

"If we kill them, the organization will self-destruct."

"Then we take over," I said.

"No. There's a hierarchy and the next to take over would be the Del Rio."

"Then we kill them, too."

My father shook his head.

"Killing isn't always the answer," he said. Lie.

Most of my formative years had been spent trying to rise above expectations. I had kill more than I could count. My father allowed me to spearhead the operations, but as soon as I turned fifteen, I was only allowed to control from a distance. I couldn't kill the enemies anymore. He said that my life was too important to be put at stake.

"This isn't what I signed up for!" I roared. I was tired of being tied down. I wasn't meant to be the brain of our organization! If I would be that, they should've sent me to that damned school, instead! Ayo would have made a better head than I would ever be.

"We had always made our way in Asia. We'll take it slow," my father explained. I didn't listen. All I cared about was how I was being restrained. And I was never good at that. I never liked being controlled—I had always been the one in control. Everything that was happening was just making me furious.

One summer, I sent a letter to Ayo. I told him I'd be going to the Philippines for a visit. My father didn't know about it, but I couldn't care less. All he'd been telling me about was control, control, control. I wasn't an animal. I wasn't a thing to be tamed. So I left our home in Japan and went to the Philippines.

"Avo!" I could see Ayo from a distance. And he was with someone. My forehead turned into crease. "Does father know?" he asked.

I immediately shook my head. Why did he even have to ask? It was like he didn't know me at all.

"Of course he doesn't know," Ayo said. And then he noticed me staring at the guy he brought with him. Avo, this is Oli. Oli, this is Avo—the real Avo."

The crease in my forehead just got worse.

"Don't worry. Oli is my best friend. He wouldn't snitch on us," Ayo convinced me, but I wasn't easily convinced. Trust was a concept unfamiliar to me. All I knew was betrayal. That's what my father taught me. That's what life forced on me.

I looked at Oli. And then started walking.

Ayo toured me around. I didn't understand how he knew so much around the city. As far as I was concerned, the school didn't allow anyone to go out—unless your family summons you. And I was dead sure my father never summoned Ayo. He wanted Ayo inside the confines of the school. He's still the favorite, after all. He wouldn't want his favorite son in harm's way.

"Why do you know so much?" I asked him as we grabbed our cones of ice cream. Who knew Manila could be so fucking hot?

"Oli and I sneak out around sometimes. It's boring inside," Ayo said.

"No, it's not. You have Ella."

My brows furrowed.

"Who's Ella?" I asked.

"Ayo's girlfriend!" Oli beamed.

The motherfucker had a girlfriend!

"She's not my girlfriend," Ayo said. He sucked at lying. His red face gave everything away. He's smitten by whoever that Ella was. She better be good.

The next hour was filled with Ayo denying Ella and Oli proving that indeed, Ella was Ayo's girlfriend. We ate lunch out and when we were tired, we rested at the nearby cliff. We sat there and just looked over the city lights. Oli went away for a while. He said he needed to make a call. It was the first time I felt this relaxed in so long.

"Are you sure he's safe?" I asked as I stared at Oli's retreating back. I never trusted anyone—not like my brother.

"Yes. He's my best friend."

I almost had the urge to flip him for what he said. Friends? Bullshit.

"And you told him about me. What were you thinking?" I hissed. It was our family's secret. If the administration knew about our lies, shit would go down. And we were still new in this circle. Every step we took, we took it with caution. He must've knew that! He's so trusting that it's frustrating!

"He won't tell anyone."

Fucking trusting.

"He has a secret, too," Ayo said. That caught my attention. "Oli said he has a sister. Her name's Belinda and she's living in Japan. Oli said that his sister's mentally unstable that's why she was hidden from the world."

"Mentally unstable?" I asked. He nodded.

"She killed her nanny when she was four. She almost killed Oli when she was seven. Her parents worry that she might kill them, so, she was sent far away. But what Belinda thought was that she was being hidden for protection... well, from herself. She's death personified."

Families. Parents sacrificing children for their own gain. Why wasn't I surprised?

"So you see? There's no reason for him to betray me."

Still, I didn't trust him. Friendship was a foreign concept that I wasn't interested in.

"Anyway, why are you here, Avo?" Ayo asked.

"Bored," I replied.

"Father must be looking for you now."

I doubted that. He didn't even let me do anything. He knew I lived for the kill and yet, he was forcing me to stand down. It was like he put a leash around my neck. It was suffocating.

"Do you wanna switch place?" I asked Ayo. "I'm bored. It must be fun inside that school."

Ayo almost immediately shook his head. He loved it in there. I was beginning to get real curious.

"Do you like it that much there?"

He nodded.

"At first, I hated you because you were supposed to be there. I felt like a trash thrown away... but then Ella approached me. She is my first friend," Ayo said with a smile on his stupid face. "And then there's Oli, as well. I am also friends with Fuji, but I like Oli better. There's also Lorenzo but he's always reading books. And then there's Night... well, I don't really like him. Something's wrong with that guy."

As I listened to him, I was just drawn more. I wanted his place.

"But anyway, it's alright. Oli's enough."

"That's all your friend? I can count them using my fingers," I commented. Ayo had always told me how he dreamt of having lots of friends. Yeah, right.

"I don't need many. Besides, there's a stupid hierarchy in the school. I thought I already outgrew hierarchy, but I guess not."

And then he proceeded on explaining about the Dieux, Deuxiéme, Troisiéme, and the Quatriéme. Thrill began to flow through my bloodstream.

"So... that means you're friends with the children of the head of the Mafia organizations?"

He nodded. Brilliant.

"And... who's the heir of Estrella?"

Ayo smiled.

"Oli."

Shit.

The enemy was so close. And he was approaching.

"Sorry. That was my parents," Oli said. "You done? We need to go back to school."

"Alright, but let's take a picture first!"

The way back, my head was swirling with all the possibilities. If I kill Oli now, my father would be mad... but we'd be able to take over. I knew we could do it. But on the bigger scale, I could go inside and plan to kill all the future heirs. And for that Belinda, I'd deal with her later. I just needed to annihilate the future of the organizations. In that way, we'd be on the top of everything.

We tried to open the passage, but it was locked.

And then there was a shot.

"Shit!"

I looked around and then got my gun. But even before I could shoot the bastard, another shot was fired.

"Oli!" Ayo said and then crouched down beside his friend.

"Didn't you bring guns?!" I said.

"Why will we bring guns?!" Ayo said. Fucking wimp! And now, we're going to die because they didn't bring guns with them!

"Stand up! I'm going to take cover. You two run as fast as you can!" I said. We were already near the main gate of their school. I could cover for them until they make it inside. I couldn't let Ayo die. He's stupid, but he's my brother!

"I can't..." Oli said.

"Stand up!" Ayo replied. "We're going to run!"

And then another shot. Shit! Oli was the target! They kept on shooting him!

"Ayo, we're all going to die if you don't run!"

"I can't leave him!"

I looked at Oli. Both his knees had been shot. There's no fucking way he could run. And I knew he knew that. His eyes said it all.

"Leave," he said.

Ayo shook his head. "No," he firmly said. "I won't leave you. They'll torture you if they get you! You know that!"

Shit. Another fire was shot. I didn't know where it was coming from! I shouldn't have invited them outside! We were sitting ducks in here! He's an Estrella and we're Ostenhaimers! We were all targets and after they're done with Oli, we're next!

"And they'll kill you if you don't leave me..."

Blood was flowing. In a matter of minutes, I knew we'd lose Oli. So I pointed my gun in his head. He looked at me and nodded. He knew I was doing this for him. He knew Ayo and I should leave. We'd all be damned if we didn't... and if we leave him alive, he'd be taken and be tortured in ways unimaginable. He knew it.

"What are you doing?!" Ayo shouted. I removed the safety.

"Mercy killing," I said as I pulled the trigger. Ayo froze in his spot. It all happened so fast. He didn't even have the time to protest for his friend... he was lying on the ground, lifeless.

I pulled Ayo before he got himself killed.

The first thing my father gave me when I returned was a slap on the face.

"You killed an Estrella!" he shouted. Ayo was beside me, still crying. "What were you thinking?!"

I stayed silent. Why would I even explain myself? I was sure he already made up his mind. That I killed Oli because of personal gain... but I didn't. I killed him because that was the better thing to do. If I left him there, who knew what those bastards might have done to him? For the first time in my life, I did a nice deed. And I was slapped for it. And people wonder why I was cruel.

My mother was silent, as well. She couldn't even look me in the eye.

"It's just a matter of time until they figure out what happened," my father hissed. His secretary went inside. I knew by then. The Estrella had already figured out how I killed their socially accepted child... why was they so mad, anyway? They still had that Belinda.

"I'll face the consequences," I said. I was tired of this life, anyway.

"No."

My chest constricted. Shit.

No. He can't do this to me! Not my brother! My eyes widened as my brother was being taken away.

"This is my fault! Take me instead!" I shouted and shouted but they wouldn't listen to me! I tried to take Ayo but even before I could go to him, he was already gone.

My father looked at me.

"This is your fault," he said, looking at me. "Your brother's death is on you, Augustus."

--

All I did was kill. As if killing would bring me back my brother's life. I hadn't been able to sleep a single wink since he was taken. I could still hear his screams. I could still see his tears. I shouldn't have asked him to meet me. It was my fault!

"Augustus."

I continued shooting the lifeless body in front of me. It still wasn't enough.

"What?"

He took the gun from my hand.

"Is it about your brother?"

I clenched my jaw.

"The one you sent to be killed?" I hissed.

"Do you want to take him back?"

My system froze.

"What do you mean?"

It had been five months. My father forced me to go to the school in his stead. He wanted me to pretend as Avo... and yet I was Avo. He said that I should continue what my brother left. That if the world knew about the lie we constructed, about how I was hidden, everything we worked hard for would be put to waste. And yet my brother's life didn't seem much for him!

"He wasn't killed." My hands turned cold. "He was being hidden."

"Then find him!" I roared.

"We can't... we tried."

My chest was heaving with anger. For five months, I thought my brother was alive, and yet, he wasn't?! Was I a toy to him?! Something he could control when things go shit?!

"Then try harder!"

I was about to rain on my father when my mother entered the room. She was wearing black... like she was mourning.

"We did," she said. "The head of the Estrella is now dead."

"What?"

"We killed them... the leaders."

My breathing became uneven. They killed Oli's parents?

"We wanted to take your brother back, Augustus, but they were adamant. They wouldn't give up the location."

"So you killed them?"

She nodded. And smiled.

"We will do anything for your brother... and you."

"But what will happen? Oli's dead... and now his parents."

My mother looked at me. Her eyes were cold—they felt arctic. I had always thought that my father was the ruthless one... but I was wrong. It was my mother. She had always been the one controlling everything. We were just pawns in her game.

"They have another heir, Augustus... you have to find her," she said, her voice was soothing, but it sent chills up my spine. "And then know where your brother is being hidden."

She cupped my face.

"And then bring her to me."

--

The first thing I did when I arrived at the school was to break up with Ayo's girlfriend. I couldn't stand her. I didn't understand what Ayo saw in her. I tried to act as normal as I possibly could, but I had no idea how Ayo portrayed Avo... It felt like I didn't have my own self anymore.

I hid everything that might remind me of Ayo. I didn't want people to notice the difference. We were different—poles apart. And the Dieux noticed it, I knew, but there weren't saying anything. They pretended that everything was normal. How could Ayo be friends with these people? They're a bunch of pretentious bastards. Like myself. And I hated myself so much.

I knew that the Estrella would send Belinda here... here's the safest place. At least for now.

But before the Queen arrives, I better prepare myself. I had been walking around the school grounds, trying to memorize everything. And when I stumbled upon the secret passage, I stared at it. I didn't know how to open it. Ayo's diary only told so much.

"Memento Mori."

I turned around and saw Lorenzo.

"You're not Avo," he said. I didn't say a word. "But your secret's safe with me."

He was about to walk away when I said, "Why?"

"I hate this place. I know you'll destroy it soon." And then he looked at me. "Consider this as a thank you gift."

"Do you know who closed the door?" I asked him.

He smiled.

"The ones who kill are the ones who have the most to gain," he replied.

And as months passed by, I learned that you can only block the secret passage from the inside. My insides felt cold as I remembered that day. If only they didn't block the passage, Oli and Ayo would've gotten inside alive. And I wouldn't have been in this hellhole. I'd find the bastard who planned this and make him pay for his life.

--

She's in.

That was the only message the admin relayed to me. It was from my father. And by then, I knew my target was already locked in place. All I had to do was to gain her trust... and then take everything that's mine.

The first time I saw her, she looked like she was lost. Of course she was clueless. She didn't even know that her parents were dead... and that she's the leader of the organization. She was clueless and naive. And that made her a better target.

"S-sorry," she said as she bumped into me. But I accidentally appeared in front of her. I didn't want to waste more time.

"Name," I asked, though, I already knew her name... and practically everything about her. I studied her day and night. I had prepared for this.

Belinda Ophelia Estrella. The Heir of Mafia Estrella. The Clueless Queen.

"Boe Estrela, Duexième," she said.

She's hiding. She's playing the game. And I knew I should play harder.

"A-ano ba!" she said as she tried to get away from me. I dragged her to the house. I wanted to break her walls. Until when could she pretend? A Deuxiéme? How long did she think she could play that ploy? She's an Estrella. The only remaining Estrella. Everybody would soon know about her... but even before they could, I'd already have her.

"This is kidnapping!" she shouted and shouted, but no one helped her. Why would they? They all feared me. And why wouldn't they fear me? I already gave the students plenty of reasons to do so. "Why did you bring me here?" she managed to ask.

I stared at her. She looked so innocent, but I knew she was far from that... She's a monster, just like I was. But she didn't have to know that. I have to protect this monster in front of me. No one should trigger the sleeping monster inside her.

I didn't need another enemy. Not an Estrella. Not until I get my brother from them.

"Sit," I said.

"Bakit mo ako dinala rito?" she asked.

"I want you." To stay as naive as you are.

"What?" she asked, her face reddening. She was easy.

"You." I pointed at her. "I want you."

I had always appreciated my face... but not as much as now. I knew I could get her easily. She wasn't so bad. And Ella's being a constant pain in the ass. The only reason I was being nice to her was because my brother loved her. That's it.

"You're crazy," she muttered under her breath. "I'm leaving."

"Stay," I said and then stood in front of her. "Boe..." I mentioned her name. "Boe, right?"

I leaned in. She was staring at me. It's so easy to read her... and when I kissed her, I knew then that the Queen had already fallen.

"Mine," I said and then stared at her face.

Being Belinda's boyfriend was probably the most boring thing I had ever done in my life. She's so weak. She's so fragile. But I needed to take care of her. No one should harm her. No one should trigger the sleeping monster.

"Akala ko bawal tumawag sa labas?" she asked.

Why did she need to contact someone from the outside? Did she know about her parents? But she couldn't... I always had my eyes on her. Except when I was outside trying to look for Oli.

Belinda's list of questions only grew longer. But I needed her to remain clueless. So when the night of choosing for the slave came, I chose Laurie.

"Keep her out of trouble," I warned her. She looked at me. Her family died. It was unfortunate, but I knew something was wrong with it. It didn't add up, but that's none of my business. "I'll kill you if anything happens to her."

And I meant it. I didn't want anything to happen to Belinda. It wasn't the time yet.

The time I spent outside had been longer than usual. Estrella's power knew no limit. They had control all over the place, even with the death of the head. That Sandra was proving to be a pain. She was controlling things until Belinda rose to power. But I wouldn't let her plans succeed. Once I find Oli, their Queen's gone.

When I returned inside, Ella was already waiting for me. She was smiling.

"Avo!" she said and then hugged me. "I missed you..." she whispered against my chest.

I was tired from the trip. And whenever I was looking at her, I remembered how much my brother loved her. So when she held my hand, I let her... but little did I know that it would cost me my relationship with Belinda.

"Do we have a problem?" I asked. She had been quiet the whole time. And I didn't like quiet when it came to her. It meant she was thinking, and I didn't wnat her to think. "Look at me," I commanded, but she kept her gaze down. "I said look at me," I repeated. "Do we have a problem?"

She stared hard.

"None," she replied.

"Then why are you pushing me away?"

"I'm not."

"Do you think I'm stupid?"

"No, but why are you asking stupid questions?"

I forced myself not to smile. Since when did she have this side? She's beginning to become entertaining.

"Boe..." I trailed. "Just tell me what the hell is your problem."

"Wala nga akong problema," she replied stubbornly.

"Okay, then. If we don't have a problem, then let's have lunch."

It was hard to act pissed when in fact, I was entertained. I liked this side of her... but I wasn't allowed to. Everything here was a mission. Breaking up with Ella, being in a relationship with Belinda, and finding the culprit behind the secret passage. Everything was planned.

And yet I was entertained. By her. Unbelievable.

"Why are you asking me this?" I asked her. Why was she so concerned with the reason why I loved her? Wasn't I enough? What's with all the questions?!

"Why aren't you answering me? Is it that hard?" she shot back.

She's got guts. But I had to put a stop to it. She shouldn't be triggered. Not yet.

"It was the first time I saw you," I began. "You looked pissed, and then when our eyes met, you looked really angry." I really liked her when she's answering back... I didn't like the good girl Boe. It was boring... I liked Belinda.

"You fell for me because I looked angry?"

"No... it's just that... you're different. From the people in this school. You didn't seem afraid. And it was... a sight."

She's a nutjob. She's like me.

"That still doesn't explain the fact that you dumped Ella for me. I don't understand, Avo. How can you dump someone you loved for years just because there's someone new you fancy? That doesn't even make sense!"

How would it make sense? Everything was a lie! And I didn't even like Ella! She disgusted me!

"In the kind of life we live, life is short. Why will I waste my time with Ella if it's clear that I want to be with you?"

"Because it doesn't make sense!"

"Why does everything have to make sense to you?" I said, teeth gritting in frustration. She's entertaining, as well as frustrating.

"Because I want to understand!"

"What don't you understand? I want you. You. What more do you want to know?"

She sighed.

"Maybe this is wrong. I don't know what possessed me to agree to be with you. I don't even know you, Avo... I don't know you."

Fuck.

--

I planned on giving Belinda some time to think. Her crazy side was beginning to show. I needed to do everything carefully. I didn't need her to become more questioning.

"If you want her to remain as she is, pry her away from Night."

I looked at Lorenzo in front of me. We were playing chess.

"What?"

He moved his knight.

"He's the knight."

My forehead furrowed.

"Then why should I be wary of him? He's supposed to protect the Queen," I said and then took one of his pawns.

"He's protecting his Queen," Lorenzo said. And then checkmate. He's good at this. "There are two Queens in every game, Avo. You should know that."

Lorenzo was something I had always kept close. He wasn't my friend, but I knew he just wanted the same thing as I. We both wanted to destroy this place. So when Belinda came back, I wanted to talk to her, but everything changed.

"What are you doing here?" Ella spat. "You're not with Avo anymore. You're not welcomed here."

She was gone for days... and then she returned. But something was wrong. Seriously wrong.

"But I am, Ella," she said and took a seat. She sat in the middle of Lorenzo and Night. In front of me.

"What?" Ella asked.

"I am Belinda Ophelia Estrella, Dieux."

My insides felt cold. The game just completely changed.

The Boe I hated was gone... the one in front of me was Belinda. She was so close to being the person I was trying my damnest to prevent her from becoming. I tried to get near her... but every time I did, she always knew how to take a step away from me. It was frustrating me in all level!

My father learned about this and he was disappointed.

"We're so close to getting your brother back," he said.

"I know," I replied. "I'm doing my best."

"Then do better."

Chasing Belinda wouldn't cut it, so I changed tactic. I acted cold. I acted like I was over her... and she clicked the bait. But whenever she would look at me, I knew something happened to her. It felt like she was hiding something and I wanted to learn more about it.

"We're not yet done talking," I said, holding her by the arm.

Every time I tried to talk to her, she always found a way to get away from me. But not tonight. I'd get her back and make her who she was before. She shouldn't be like this. She shouldn't be Belinda in the first place. I'd take Boe back.

"Let's talk tomorrow," she said.

"No," I said.

"Let go of me," she replied, closing her eyes. "Please."

"Stop asking me to let you go," I whispered. I wasn't done with you. You still had Ayo. Everything would just stop once Estrella falls. "You never let me finish talking," I breathed. "You always wanted to have it your way."

She nodded.

"Now, you shut up and let me talk." She was looking into my eyes. "Ella's special because she's my first friend—"

I tried to explain who was Ella in my life. She's a trash, but even before I could get to that part, she cut me off. Damn this woman.

"I don't want to talk about her."

"But I need to explain myself—"

"Enough talking," she said as she reached for my lips and kissed me. She was moaning like it was the end of the world. Shit! This wasn't a part of the plan! "Stop fighting this," she whispered against my mouth.

I looked at her. She was as drunk as I was.

"You'll regret this," I whispered. And I was going to, I knew.

"Probably," she murmured. "But that's for tomorrow to worry."

--

Last night was something unplanned... and something that I'd do again. Damn my father.

"Boe..." I called. I woke up from my sleep and didn't find her in the bed with me. I looked for her and she was crouched in front of the dresser. "What are you doing?" I asked.

"I... was looking for my shirt."

I was too tired. I just pulled her back to the bed with me.

The next days were pure unadulterated distraction. I kept myself busy with her body. I was sure Ayo would understand.

"What were you doing outside?" Belinda asked as I was busy caressing her soft arms with my fingers.

"Business."

That damned Sandra was annoying. She was good. I thought Estrella would crumble down without her, but she was proving to be really savvy.

"What business?"

"Family."

"Your sister okay?" she asked.

I stilled. For a moment.

"Yeah..." I trailed. "She's fine."

Ayo's fine... as long as Belinda wouldn't order anything against him, he's fine. I just needed to completely control her. She's the only key. And I learned it the hard way. Mafia Estrella wouldn't just bow down to anyone. Without Belinda's words, nothing would be done. She's the center.

"What's her name?"

"Arabella." Alistair.

"She's your only sibling?"

I looked at her. I didn't want to lie more. I wanted her to stop asking. But even before I could do anything, Fuji charged inside. And he was looking pissed.

"What did you do to her?!" he shouted.

I wrapped my arms around Belinda's shoulder and held her close to me.

"What are you talking about?" I asked him.

"Ella's missing!" Who cares?

"Maybe she went home," I offered as an explanation.

"I checked with her family. She hasn't been home since the beginning of the sem," Fuji said and then turned his fiery gaze at Belinda. "You were the last one with her."

"I wasn't with her," she said, enunciating every word clearly. "I didn't even talk to her. We hate each other. We're not friends."

"Oh, don't fuck with me, Estrella! You were following her towards the secret passage and then hours later, you came back and you passed through the main gate! Do I look stupid to you?!"

"So?"

I didn't understand anything. What the hell was happening?! I didn't give a shit about Ella, but I gave lots of shit with Fuji barging in and shouting nonsense.

"That doesn't prove anything, Fuji."

Fuji shut his jaw.

"She's been gone, Avo. She's not here. She's outside, and her family doesn't know where she is. You fucking know what this means." He looked at me. "This is another Avo in the making," Fuji spewed. Belinda froze beside me. "Oh, your little girlfriend doesn't know what a fraud you are? And a traitor?"

"W-what?" Belinda said, her lips quivering.

A smile dawned on Fuji's face.

"You don't know..." he trailed. "What a big joke!"

Belinda looked at me. Her eyes were asking questions I didn't want to answer.

"Avo? Ano'ng sinasabi niya?"

I closed my fists. If I had Ella with me, I'd probably kill her with my bare hands for what Fuji was doing.

"You don't know why he's here? He's here for you, Belinda Estrella!" Fuji shouted. I charged at him and pulled him by his collars. But that didn't stop the bastard from speaking. "Your family took his brother, and now, he's here for you!"

I punched him and made his mouth bleed but that didn't stop the fucker from speaking!

"He's lying the entire time, Estrella! He's playing you! And soon, he'll kill you! Like how you killed Ella!"

I continued to punch him until he lie bloody on the ground. That bastard! He ruined my plans!

"Totoo ba?"

Her voice.

"And don't lie to me, Avo... O kung anuman ang pangalan mo."

I stared at her. She looked different. This was what I had been avoiding all this time. The crazy's showing. This was bad.

"Why does my family have your brother?"

I didn't know if I'd tell her everything. If I lie, she'd know. If I'd tell her the truth, she'd go batshit crazy. I was cornered and no option was worth taking a shot for.

"He was the payment," I said. "For killing your brother."

The way color drained on face said it all. I just messed up everything. If I didn't kill her tonight, I was dead sure that she'd get back to me. And then I would never see Ayo again.

"Your brother... killed Oli?"

As I nodded, I reached for the gun at my back. My hands felt cold against the metal. But this had to be done.

"Why?" she asked.

But even before I could answer, I felt a stinging sensation in my leg. Someone fucking shot me.

"Estrella."

Belinda's eyes darted at the bastard.

"Night," she said. Tears were flowing from her eyes... and when she ran to hug him, I wanted to murder someone. I wanted to murder Fuji for doing all of this!

"What happened?" Night asked.

Belinda couldn't answer. She was still hugging the bastard. Tears kept on flowing. I reached for my gun and pointed it at Night. He wasn't going to beat me at my own game. No way in hell!

"Don't even dare, Avo. Dare to get your gun and I'll shoot you between your eyes," Night threatened.

The side of my lips lifted.

"Are you innocent yourself, Nightly?"

We all looked at Fuji who was lying bloody on the floor. He was laughing. He's gone mental. But the look on Night's face gave it away. He's guilty of something!

"Shut up, Fuji!" Night growled. He pointed the gun at him and that gave me the opportunity to reach for my gun. I aimed for his arms and shot it. Bastard! "Shit!" he said as he whimpered in pain.

Belinda looked like she didn't understand what was happening. She wasn't supposed to know anything yet! And with the rate of how things were going, I was sure there's no way she'd give me Ayo! If there's one thing I learned about her, it was that she definitely knew how to hold a grudge.

"Ano'ng sinasabi mo?" Belinda asked Fuji. He was smiling. He knew he'd be dead, so he's just doing everything to take us down with him.

"The walls have ears, Belinda... Someone heard your cry for help," Fuji said. Belinda stilled. Her eyes began to water again. "Who do you think orchestrated everything?"

I didn't understand what was happening. Belinda looked at me. Like I was the one responsible for whatever happened.

"No," Fuji said. "Avo may be an asshole, but he wouldn't do go that far."

But before Fuji could say anything, somebody cut him off.

"I did it."