The Possessive Mafia King

5 - Whipped

"Aren’t you going to town?" Manang Lucelle asked me as I sat silently on the balcony, sipping my coffee.

"Your father specifically asked me to remind you to attend the fiesta. He’s hosting several games for the youth and even a raffle. You know he’s running for governor again. He just wants to make sure there are still people willing to support him in the next election," she added.

"Will Marcus be there?" I asked.

"Of course. He’s always by your father’s side during these events. Your father has plans for him too. Marcus is considering running for mayor in the next election."

A small, knowing smile played on my lips as I took another sip of my coffee.

"I suppose his fiancée will be there as well."

"Naturally. This is Snow’s hometown, after all. It only makes sense for her to be present especially since her uncle is the village captain."

I set my cup down and stood abruptly. If Snow was going to be there, then I had to be there too. I needed to see her. She had been haunting my dreams all night, and now that the opportunity had presented itself, I wasn’t going to waste it.

"Is Mang Sed still around?" I asked.

Manang Lucelle nodded. Without wasting any more time, I went to prepare. After changing into white button-down clothes and dark trousers, I took a moment to apply cologne, ensuring I looked presentable. Running a hand through my naturally dark and bit wavy hair, I made sure it was neat before heading downstairs.

Mang Sed was already waiting by the limousine, opening the door as soon as he saw me approach. I stepped inside, and we were off.

It took a while to reach the town of San Diego Paz. Along the way, I watched the lively streets filled with people celebrating. Colorful banners and banderitas lined the roads, adding to the festive atmosphere. We finally arrived near the open field where a youngsters' competition was being held.

I stepped out of the car and made my way toward my father and Marcus, with Sed following closely behind. As I approached, all three of them turned their attention to me. My father motioned for me to sit beside him.

I sat down, my gaze subtly shifting toward Snow. She was completely absorbed in watching the youngster's game, her face lighting up with amusement.

"I’m glad you decided to come," my father remarked.

"Are we staying here long?" I muttered, leaning in slightly so only he could hear.

He let out a chuckle.

"You just arrived, and you’re already eager to leave?"

I leaned back in my chair, uninterested in the festivities. My eyes wandered back to Snow. She was smiling, clearly enjoying herself. I had never cared for events like this, but seeing her so animated, so carefree... it was different.

Marcus stood up to grab a bottle of water from the cooler behind us. He returned, handing it to Snow with a smile. She accepted it gratefully, taking a sip before handing it back. Without hesitation, Marcus drank from the same spot her lips had touched.

I clenched my jaw.

My grip tightened around my chair when I noticed Marcus’ hand resting casually on her bare shoulder. She was wearing a simple white tank top and denim jeans, nothing extravagant, yet she looked effortlessly beautiful. Even while sitting on a plastic chair, she resembled a queen on her throne.

What man wouldn’t want a woman like her?

I barely realized I was staring until Marcus leaned in and whispered something in her ear, making her laugh. My fists curled tightly. That familiar, unwelcome pang of jealousy surged through me again.

A soft, affectionate kiss landed on Snow’s shoulder as Marcus turned his attention back to the games.

I looked away.

For an entire hour, I sat there, bored out of my mind. I just couldn’t bring myself to enjoy these kinds of events. The laughter of children, the playful shouts, it all felt distant, irrelevant.

Then Snow turned to us, her voice filled with excitement.

"Why don’t you two join one of the games?"

I frowned.

"That’s a good idea," my father agreed.

"You and Marcus used to love playing games together when you were kids."

I stiffened at his words. Memories flashed through my mind. The memories I had long buried.

I remembered the last time Marcus and I played together as children. I accidentally hit him with a baseball bat. That incident led to one of the worst punishments of my life, the refinement of his mother, Mauie. Unlike Marcus, who was born to my father’s second wife, I was merely the son of the first. And Mauie made sure I never forgot that.

She wasn’t just cruel, she was a monster.

Her punishments weren’t limited to beatings. As I grew older, the abuse worsened. Physical pain was one thing, but the other things she did to me… the things no one ever knew… those were the true scars.

"Let’s try it, bro," Marcus said, breaking me from my thoughts.

I glanced at Snow. She was watching me, silently encouraging me to say yes.

Damn it.

With a sigh, I gave a small nod.

Soon, we were blindfolded and spun around five times before being handed baseball bats. The objective was simple, to find and break the hanging clay pot. The audience shouted directions, guiding us.

I was just about to swing when—

A sharp pain exploded in my head.

The crowd gasped.

Snow stood up in shock.

"Demetri!"

Marcus ripped off his blindfold and looked horrified.

"I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—"

Snow rushed toward me. I could barely hear her over the ringing in my ears.

"Are you okay?" she asked. I saw her concern but still, she was distant.

Oh god, even she's a bit stood away from me—I smell her sweet fragrance. So feminine, so pleasing!

I touched the side of my head. It hurt, but I wasn’t going to make a big deal out of it.

"I’m fine," I muttered.

"Are you sure?" Snow pressed, her brows furrowing in worry.

I gave her a brief nod before walking away.

Inside the restroom, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. A darkening bruise had already formed on the side of my head. I ran my fingers over it, feeling the swelling beneath my skin. Marcus had hit me hard, probably harder than he intended.

A knock on the door made me turn.

"Demetri?"

It was Snow.

I opened the door, and she stepped inside, holding a small towel and a bag of ice.

"Here. Ice will help keep the swelling down," she said, handing them to me.

I took them, pressing the ice against my injury.

She was… thoughtful.

I had heard how the housemaids praise her; they say she was kind, but I hadn’t expected this. Snow wasn’t just beautiful but she was genuine. She was the kind of woman men would kill for.

The kind of woman Marcus didn’t deserve.

"Thanks. It doesn’t really hurt," I said.

Compared to the wounds and bruises I had suffered in my underground dealings, this was nothing.

"Still… I feel bad. It was my fault for suggesting the game," she murmured.

I shook my head.

"It was an accident. Not your fault."

She relaxed a little but still looked guilty.

If only she knew the real pain I had endured in my life.

And if only she knew how much I wanted to steal her away.