City A, Indonesia
Dusk was settling when their private jet landed in Indonesia.
The streets leading to the city center were alive with traffic, the car lights flickering like modern fireflies darting across the dark asphalt.
A sleek black car carried Aegypt, Antonio, Lexus, Ocean, and one of Aegypt's men who sat behind the wheel, driving calmly through the vibrant chaos.
"You really booked a house already?" Antonio asked, glancing suspiciously at his grandson beside him. His tone was half doubtful, half confirming.
In the front seat, Lexus occasionally peered through the rearview mirror, quietly observing Aegypt's expression.
In the back, Ocean—the cheetah—slept soundly, unfazed by the vibration of the car or the glittering streetlights racing by.
"Yes, it's done. Don't worry, Grandfather," Aegypt replied without turning.
His eyes followed the cityscape outside the window—the tall buildings glowing in the humid night air.
So much traffic, Aegypt thought. The city hadn't changed much since the last time he set foot here—five years ago.
"Why didn't you just rent an apartment? Your men will need a place to stay, too," Antonio added, glancing toward the back window.
A black van followed closely behind them, filled with several of Aegypt's subordinates.
"I've already arranged apartments for them. You don't have to worry, Grandfather. Pretend they don't exist," Aegypt said flatly.
Antonio exhaled a long breath and leaned back in his seat.
"Where did you even find those people? And why bring so many?" he pressed.
Aegypt glanced briefly at him, his gaze cold yet composed.
"They're just hired men—like bodyguards. I don't want anything to happen to you. Even though this isn't our first time here, we're still foreigners in this country. I won't take any chances."
It was a lie, of course. Those men weren't hired guards—they were his own men, loyal to him and brought for a reason far beyond "protection."
"Oh, I see…" Antonio murmured, though the curiosity in his eyes lingered.
Aegypt turned back toward the window, his reflection caught in the glass.
The truth was heavier than what he said.
He was still haunted by the dark shadow of what had happened five years ago—
a tragedy he swore would never happen again.
---
A few moments later, their car finally pulled into the driveway of a luxurious house Aegypt had arranged beforehand.
The iron gates opened automatically, and soft garden lights illuminated the path.
Antonio stepped out, assisted by one of Aegypt's men.
Meanwhile, Lexus rushed to open the door for his master.
"Assign two or three men to stand guard around this house. I don't want anything happening to Grandfather," Aegypt said quietly to Lexus.
"Yes, sir," Lexus replied promptly.
Antonio and Aegypt entered the house, while Lexus and the rest of the men drove off toward the apartments nearby.
But not long after, the sound of another engine roared in the driveway again.
The van had returned—this time, accompanied by chaos.
Loud thuds and snarls came from inside. Two men stumbled out, their arms covered in scratches, faces grimacing in pain as they struggled to pull out a thrashing Ocean.
Apparently, the cheetah had been left behind—and now, it was furious.
"Just leave it by the door. Let it come in on its own," Lexus said tiredly from inside the car. His own arms bore fresh claw marks.
"Yes, sir," one of the men groaned.
With great effort, they lowered Ocean in front of the grand door.
The big cat growled menacingly, its teeth gleaming under the porch lights.
"Damn cat. If it weren't for Mr. Aegypt, I'd have roasted you for dinner," muttered one of the burly men.
Ocean let out a deep snort, fixing the man with a gaze sharp enough to cut steel.
"Hey, watch your mouth! Look at that collar—what if it's voice-activated or something?" whispered his partner nervously.
The big man looked down and noticed the sleek silver collar around Ocean's neck.
He clicked his tongue. "Tch, right. Let's go before Mr. Lexus chews us out again."
They hurried back into the van, leaving Ocean pacing in front of the door, unsure how to open it.
Moments later, the heavy door swung open.
Aegypt stood there, irritation clouding his face.
"So you're here? You stupid cat," he muttered, grabbing Ocean by the collar and pulling him inside.
The cheetah lowered its head, silent and oddly pitiful—as though it had been scolded for something it didn't understand.
---
Later that evening, the dining table was neatly set.
Aegypt and Antonio sat across from each other, eating in silence.
Only the faint sound of cutlery against porcelain filled the air—steady and cold.
Then Antonio spoke, his tone quiet but firm.
"That woman is beautiful, kind, and caring."
Aegypt froze mid-cut, glancing up for a split second before quickly refocusing on his plate.
"No one asked," he replied flatly.
"Not yet," Antonio countered calmly. "But one day, you will."
Aegypt stayed still, a muscle twitching in his jaw.
Again with the marriage talk, he thought. Thank God my plate's almost empty.
"Don't waste time," Antonio continued, his voice deceptively casual. "Just marry her."
Aegypt choked.
COUGH! COUGH! COUGH!
He quickly grabbed his glass and took a long gulp of water, his face turning red.
"Grandfather! I haven't even met her yet, and you're already asking me to marry her? Please don't add to my frustration," he groaned, exasperated.
Antonio sighed, his tone softening. "You shouldn't wait too long. Before I—"
"Stop!" Aegypt interrupted sharply, his voice rising.
"How many times do I have to tell you—stop talking about death! No one's dying between us!"
He threw down his napkin, stood, and walked out of the dining room.
Antonio watched his grandson's retreating back, whispering under his breath,
"You can't fight fate, Aegypt. Every life is controlled by something greater."