Deigo and Marcus faced off in the martial arts ring.
It's been a week since the incident and Deigo is still trying to wrap his head around the heartbreak he hasn't done much since his return aside from trying to pick up his fighting from where he stopped.
"Let's see what you're working with," Marcus said, grinning.
Deigo charged, fists flying.
Marcus effortlessly blocked each strike.
"Too slow," Marcus said, landing a swift kick.
Deigo stumbled back, frustration growing. He has lost his cool on the thing; it's been a while since he indulged himself in such acts; his moves are becoming foreign.
Lost in thoughts, Marcus took advantage, unleashing a flurry of punches.
Deigo struggled to defend himself.
"Lost your touch, Deigo?" Marcus teased.
Deigo's face reddened.
"I've been busy," Deigo snapped, trying to defend himself, but who was he kidding?
The only thoughts that have been on his head these days are the burning tastes of his ex-wife's betrayal; he loved her so much that he never thought they'd end like this.
Every night he beats himself about it; there is something he could have done to avoid it, yet he chooses to trust Sophia.
Don't trust anyone. His master's voice rang in his head, making him growl in displeasure.
Marcus chuckled.
"Busy getting betrayed?"
Deigo's anger flared.
"Shut up, Marcus!"
Marcus landed a solid punch.
Deigo staggered.
"You've lost your edge," Marcus said. "You don't practice anymore."
Deigo's eyes blazed.
"I'll show you the edge!"
Deigo launched himself at Marcus.
But Marcus was ready.
He took Deigo down with a swift takedown.
Deigo slammed the mat.
"Damn it!"
Marcus stood over him.
"You've lost focus," Marcus said. "Get your head back in the game."
Deigo glared up.
"Easy for you to say."
Marcus offered a hand.
"Get up. Let's try again."
Deigo took it.
This time, Deigo trucked him, pulling him down, and launched at his face yet stopped midway.
Deigo paused hissing and got up, mumbling curses under his breath.
"You have become too soft and weak. This isn't you. If it was the Deigo I knew for years, you would take that shot and punch me too hard in the face... She has made you too weak," he says.
Deigo hissed in frustration, taking a gulp from his water and deciding to ignore Marcus. He doesn't want to get into a fight with him, not about this issue.
He already is going through too much. The last thing he wanted was an addition.
"Look at yourself, Deigo; she has changed you completely, and not a good change. You're letting her get to you; she doesn't deserve that much."
Deigo cuts him off in frustration, "Please," wanting to end the conversation, yet Marcus doesn't want to get that.
"Come on, Deigo! Who the fuck are they to mess with a blackwood? They have nothing on you; you can ruin their lives in a snap of a finger; then what the hell are you waiting for!?" He snaps.
Deigo's eyes flashed with anger as he tried to refrain himself, trying so hard to keep his cool, but Marcus was pushing him to the wall.
"Marcus, stop..."
Marcus's grip on Deigo's shoulders tightened.
"No, Deigo, listen! You're letting Sophia and her family walk all over you. You're better than this. You're a Blackwood!"
Deigo shoved Marcus away.
"Shut the fuck up!"
But Marcus stood his ground.
"You're not thinking clearly, Deigo. You're letting emotions cloud your judgment. Remember who you are!"
Deigo's face twisted in rage.
"Get out!"
Marcus's expression softened.
"Deigo, I'm trying to help."
"Out!" Deigo roared.
Marcus hesitated before turning to leave.
But the door slid open, revealing Louis.
"Master," he bowed.
"What is it, Louis?"
He handed Deigo a sleek, elegant credit card. His eyes traced his name engraved on it in bold, golden letters.
"This, master, is your master credit card," he announced.
Deigo had submitted all these essentials so as not to make the mistake of any of the Richamonds seeing it.
He nods, taking it in, but the upgrade seems quite impressive.
"Thank you, Louis," he appreciates. Taking it in.
"Sir, you have a meeting with the Franklin's in two days from now." He announced.
Deigo shares a knowing look with Marcus that sends him a glare, to which he shrugs.
"Marcus will be attending," Deigo blurts.
Louis nods.
"Only if you'd be my assistant for the day, or maybe for as long as you plan on lying low before revealing your identity to the Richmond's" Marcus dares, narrowing his stare at Deigo.
Deigo snorts, knowing better than to argue with Marcus in a situation like this; it was pointless, so he let him.
"Fine, but don't you dare try anything funny, not unless by my command, okay?" He warns, to which he nods.
"The family's fortune is at risk, and you, Deigo, will be the one to save it not just that but our lives and our people, so the sooner you work your ass up and get your senses together, the better," Marcus states with anger lashed in his tune.
"Will that be all, sir?" Louis asks with his head hung low, not wanting to be part of the duo's usual fights.
"Louis, I want you to gather all of our workers and warn them against exposing my identity; for as long as I decide, Marcus is still the CEO of Blackwood Corp., and I am his assistant," Deigo warns.
"But sir—"
Deigo catches him off. "That will be all; you are dismissed," he sends him off.