Asin
My doctor was very kind, as he always was, especially since our little accident in the past. But I hated him all the same, and everything that involved hospitals.
Even Ovuz noticed my bad mood lately and decided to ask.
"It's nothing, Ovuz," I waved his concerns away. "I'm just irritable lately. Too many annoying things have happened. They are still happening! Like the one we're heading to now."
"Ahh, Lady Maya's friends," he smiled at the driver next to him. "If it's any solace, they enjoy their stay at the Balton very much... and its mini-bar."
As they snickered in the front, I let out a small chuckle myself. It was going to be a grueling day.
I probably should have brought Oliver with me, but lately, I felt like the distance between us had grown. If he wouldn't come clean about whatever he kept secret, it would only continue to grow.
The girls who decided to come from America were three in total: Karen Henderson, Yolanda Becole, and Serena Gregs.
I'd been thinking about how to expedite this miserable process, but their constant chuckles and cackles got in my way.
"Khmm... so the reason you're here, and I came to..."
"You and Maya are actually related?" asked the redhead, Karen.
"Yes. Well, no, but still..."
"So tell us about your relationship status. Are there any changes, or are you still married?" Yolanda asked, a little bashful.
"Yes, I'm still married, happily, but that's not the reason..."
"Are your family really that rich? Those magazines said an awful lot and..."
"Ladies! Please," I cut the small Serena off before this thing spiraled. "My sister is pregnant. I need you for one single reason: to supply the name of the father of her child."
They looked disappointed but also a little nervous. Yolanda found the courage to talk first.
"We... umm... we're not supposed to tell. But... since you're her brother and all." She exchanged looks with the others and gained their consent.
"She fell in love... with someone she shouldn't have..."
"Someone who managed to dupe plenty others along his way," Serena took over, nodding furiously.
God.
Karen had a sad smile as she continued. "His name is Professor..."
Fuck No!
"...Milton Joseph Jones. He teaches economics and is notorious around the campus for seducing younger ladies."
I looked behind me, and Ovuz was already on his phone. I got up and whispered into his ear. "I want him here in two days tops. Whatever it takes, but bring him."
He nodded resolutely and walked out of the room.
"Ladies, I appreciate your help. Please enjoy yourself and everything this..."
"Wait! We haven't even talked properly yet."
"Or seen Maya either. Is it true she won't be coming back to the states?" Yolanda got up, walking uncomfortably close.
I sighed and decided to let big sister handle her friends. Besides, they deserved some good for coming clean almost immediately. And Maya... well, she deserved some bad for a lot of things.
"Fine. Someone will bring her today."
"Can't you just take us to her?" asked Karen.
"I don't think it would end well. Also, do you guys have medical insurance?"
They nodded, confused. "Why?" Serena asked.
"No reason. But you might want to check if it covers international injuries as well. Either way, I promise you, Maya will be here in an hour. I'll make sure of it."
Before they could utter another word, I was halfway into the hotel hall.
"Yes, Kerem? I want you to go and bring my sister to the Balton. Her friends are waiting. Room 1308... and Kerem? Bring some muscle just in case. She doesn't like sudden requests."
As Kerem confirmed it, I ended the call and added one more thing to my already growing to-do list: Kill Prof Milton Joseph Jones. Slowly.
~
At the Sanctuary, I talked to the guards and had them recount what happened when Oliver visited. I asked them to keep this from everyone, including my shady best friend, and entered the temporary home of the heartless duo.
The silence wasn't expected, since my guards told me about their noisy lives lately.
Cecile Pirell was working on her laptop; her mother was missing. I took the chance since I only needed Cecile.
"Afternoon," I waved casually.
She jumped up from the couch, throwing her laptop away. "M-Mr. Martell! I... I was just... hello." She forced a smile after fumbling around.
I saw her eyes darting upstairs and knew where her snake of a mother resided.
"There's no need to panic. I'm just here to see where your plan is heading." I walked over, taking a seat at an armchair.
"T-the plan, sir?"
Sir? This girl must have been spooked to death by whatever Oliver had to say.
"Yes, the luring your father back? Or at least somewhere I can catch and cage him?" I purposely used those harsh terms to see her reaction.
She gathered her laptop and brought it to me. On the screen, she showed a recent conversation between her and her runaway father.
"I managed to get his location, but he is constantly moving around," she added. "I did tell him how miserable we were, and he promised to send us some money... which will theoretically tell us his closest geo-location, and then..."
As she went on and on, a thought occurred to me: What that poor little man has done to his family to have them just sell him outright?
You probably will be an even worse father. That voice belonged to the fear I'd had since I got shot in Konore.
"My mother and I already agreed to meet him, but he keeps pushing the date. Also, I tried to ask sneakily for his benefactor's name, but he just calls him a 'Good Friend,' so it didn't help at all..."
"Yes, yes, I understand." I cut her off. "The place he will send the money should be enough for my people. Once it's done, we can talk a price."
A strange light appeared in her eyes when I mentioned money.
"Oh, well, Mother and I will probably have to chat a little about it, but..."
"Fantastic! I'll be in touch." I got up, ready to leave, but had to try one last thing. "By the way, remember my friend Oliver?"
She shook like a leaf, bobbing her head.
"By any chance, did he make an appearance without me recently?"
She immediately answered. "No, sir. I... I mean, Mr. Martell. We only ever saw him with you... that one time. Haha." She laughed nervously.
Right. You trained her well, Oli.
"I see. So you don't mind me having my men checking for the security footage then?"
It was a bluff, but it worked like a charm. Her phony laugh stopped, and fear crept onto her face.
"I... lied. He did come here yesterday and asked about your wife and..."
"What!?" I stepped forward. "What exactly was the conversation about!?"
She backed up until she sat on the couch. Her silence pissed me off.
I leaned closer and whispered the rest. "If I have to make you tell me, it will be infinitely more painful for you and your dear mother as well. Speak... at least until you're able to."
Reluctantly, she opened her mouth.
---
Ayshe
Marie kept staring at the ultrasound from the past, showing a tiny, very much real baby. My mind went into overdrive. The past betrayal was bad; the past betrayal plus this bomb was catastrophic.
Desiree was patting Anna's back to soothe her tears.
"Is he, or she... died?" I blurted out.
They both looked up. Desiree showed confusion and anger. Anna's face showed pure, unadulterated hatred.
"She," Anna pressed through her teeth. "Died at birth. I couldn't even hold her."
Despite my dislike, I felt bad. Losing a child at 14, right after losing the baby's father to such manipulation... I felt a surge of anger at Asin's parents and Oliver.
I checked on Marie. She was silent.
"So, how about we do this," Desiree broke the silence. Anna now held the ultrasound above her heart. "Let us all come clean to him."
The statement was so shocking my mouth dropped. Even Marie woke up.
"Wh-what is that supposed to mean?"
Desiree's signature smile returned. "Exactly what I said. We tell Asin everything... and let the chips fall where they will."
Before I could comment on how absurd that was, Marie spoke up. "Never!"
I had to grab her hand and pull her back down.
"Let's... let's tell him all of it," I said, holding Marie's hand tighter. "Let him disown his parents. Let his grandfather kill his own son and daughter-in-law... let them kill you two before they die themselves. Let's..."
I enjoyed seeing their smiles die as their brains registered my words.
Anna's eyes regained their madness. "I think you're forgetting the real problem here, sweetie. How's your family handle prisons in general? Because that's where they, and by extension you two, will be heading, once the truth about your mental case of a sister com—"
She couldn't finish. She got covered in now-cold coffee thrown by Marie, who slammed the cup on the table.
"You! You will die by my hands before that would ever happen! YOU LITTLE..."
I saw the security guard heading our way and dragged Marie out the back door. We ran past the confused staff and made it outside.
As the cool air hit my face, I dragged a silent Marie behind me to the car. Once inside, I asked the driver to take us anywhere but here.
This got out of hand fast. My betrayal yesterday will probably cost us everything.
---
Oliver
I needed serious strength to make the call to the Martell Family Tower. I had to call a taxi since my hands were shaking. Was this the right decision?
The ride ended at the luxury golf course, Pashalin.
A security guard ushered me toward a secluded, all-glass room overlooking the course. I found Asin's parents looking out the window.
"Uncle Yanam. Auntie Seline." I stepped closer, gaining their full attention.
Yanam looked up, shaking my hand and inviting me to sit. "Oliver, you sounded strange over the phone."
"Never mind that, Yanam! You said it had to do something with my son. What happened, Oliver? Is he okay?"
I guided Seline back to her seat. "Calm down, Auntie. Asin is away now but perfectly fine. But I'm afraid my news won't be pleasant either."
"Alright then, out with it. It's not something with your mother..."
"No, no," I sat down. "...It's about... some ghosts from the past. Our past."
Yanam's lazy smile disappeared. Seline needed more.
It was time. I took a long breath and decided to start at the very beginning. "It started a few months back..."
...
Their silence was unnerving. Sweat ran down my forehead as Uncle Yanam leaned closer.
"Do you know where those two are right now?"
His words hid a lot more meaning than they would to a bystander.
"I... well, as I said, Desiree works for Asin now, and it would..."
"Son? Just tell us if you know," Aunt Seline asked, with the most disturbing smile—the same smile she wore when they asked me to follow them inside that hospital room four years ago.
"Please don't misunderstand, Oli," Uncle Yanam got up, walking behind me. "We don't need to do anything... unseemly with her. Everyone has family or friends they care more about than themselves."
His touch was gentle, his words calm, but I felt goosebumps hearing his syrupy speech laced with poison.
I immediately regretted calling them. I had forgotten how ruthless they were.
And now there was no turning back.
Brother... I wish I could turn back time and tell you everything. Asin, you would know what to do.
---
Marie
Asin was perfect. Good-looking, smart, dangerous, passionate, loving, rich but not a snob...
I often found myself daydreaming about our future family, our own children, and what a great father he would make.
And now...
"...Marie! Have you heard anything I said!?"
I woke up, seeing Ayshe's panicked expression. "I'm sorry, I didn't."
Ayshe repeated herself. "We need to call someone... who can make sure this never hits the Internet... or at least won't stay on it long..."
That's right, those people had their phones out.
"Ayshe... it's lost," I cut her off. "We... have lost. Checkmate. They truly won."
Seeing her deflate made the entire situation more miserable.
We lost. If they go to the police with everything they have, my parents, granny, and grandad... even Ayshe would get in trouble. Me? I would probably spend the rest of my days in some kind of hellish mental institution.
All that's left is to come clean, as Desiree so eloquently put it.
Ayshe saw me making the call. "Marie, maybe you could wait and..."
"It's time. I can't have him... know it from somewhere else." My voice was void of emotion. I already felt dead.
Asin picked up immediately.
I closed my eyes, feeling a smile creep on. "Marie? Hello? Babe!"
"I'm alright, my love. Just wanted to hear your voice for a while..."
"Wait, wait. Are you crying!? Marie, where are you!?"
The anger in his voice soothed my breaking heart.
"No, no, I'm okay, seriously. I just..."
"I'll call Medved then..."
As nothing but dial tone came out, a phone started ringing behind us: our driver's phone.
We heard his panicked voice. "Sir? Y-yes, sir. N-no, sir. I... Absolutely, sir. On our way. Right now, sir. Understood."
A second later, the window separating us opened.
"My lady, Mr. Martell redirected us toward his location. Forgive me, but..."
Ayshe nodded. "Yes, we understand. Don't worry."
They closed the window and sped up noticeably.
Ayshe turned to me, finally wearing a genuine smile. "...I don't know, sissy. His love might be strong enough... even to fix this."
Her words were like true warmth. I felt life returning. Asin was perfect.
---
Asin
As my wife's car pulled up to the old warehouse, I felt lighter seeing her smile as she stepped out.
After leaving those miserable women, I didn't know how to feel until I saw her name on my phone. Then the fear came, and everything became crystal clear. I knew exactly what to do.
As she waved, I noticed her eyes were a little puffy, and Ayshe looked like she'd just been through a washing machine, but they looked unharmed.
I felt all my anger and fear disappear and went to pick up my wife. As we twirled, I felt it again: Whatever comes in my way, I will be fine as long as she's by my side.
"Thank God you're alright," I sighed. I let go for now, guiding them inside.
We were taking inventory. As they started chatting and laughing with the crew, my heart calmed down considerably.
A hand landed on my shoulder. It was Selim, the head of our streaming team.
"Selim? Something wrong?"
He looked afraid and motioned toward a quiet corner. "Boss, there's something you... I... I feel like you should..."
"Selim, spit it out already."
He nodded slightly and showed me his tablet.
It was a video, dimly lit, but then everything became very clear: a video showing Marie's outburst and coffee toss, with Anna's face clearly visible.
"You will send this one to me and make sure no one ever sees it or shares it. Find those who have copies, and the captains, make sure it's gone forever. Understood?"
Selim looked frightened. All he managed was a quick nod before running to gather his team.
I called Ovuz immediately. "Ovuz, take some men and visit a dinner cafe called Bottega Veneti. Get the security tapes from today and shut the place down... permanently."
As I ended the call, I looked back at my wife and her sister.
No wonder she cried. No wonder she was upset over the phone. No wonder Ayshe and Oliver have been sneaky lately.
Desiree! Curse that day when I trusted you. Curse you as well, Oliver.
Baban, you were right. I needed more, and now everything is finally clear. I also know what to do with those who betrayed me.
Marie, my love, forgive me. I couldn't protect you. My trusting nature, my naivety, caused a lot of hurt to the one I loved the most. But from now on, no one will hurt you. Not even Anna fucking Lambert.
I spent the next hour doing nothing but cuddling my wife. She tried to tell me what happened multiple times, but I shut it down each time.
"Are you angry at me?" she asked timidly.
"At you? No, love. More like I'm angry at myself," I laughed bitterly. "But there's good news as well."
"What is it?" Ayshe asked.
"I decided to get rid of some useless things in my life... starting with Desiree and some old friends."
I saw the surprise in her eyes and felt Marie twitch in my arms. Fear is what she felt.
"W-why her? Did something happen?" Marie asked, looking up.
I shrugged, kissing her forehead. "No reason in particular. But with the timing of our rise within the council, it's better to set her free before we make it official." I lied.
I kept my eyes on Ayshe, seeing confusion, then relief.
"Wait," Marie sat up. "You will fire her before tonight's meeting?" she asked awkwardly.
"Yes, in a way." I caressed her head. "You don't need to worry about it. Ayshe?"
"Y-yes?"
"Text Oliver for me, will you? Tell him we need to meet inside the Balton... right now. Tell him to bring Desiree as well. No excuses." I smiled.
She fumbled for her phone as Marie poked my side.
"Hush, wife," I smiled, kissing her. "After tonight, there's nothing left in this world you need fear from. Nothing left at all."
Her relieved smile is what I got, and it was everything I ever wanted. Her lips never tasted so sweet.