Made For Maybe

Chapter 11:Thicker than Water

Asher's Core

As time passed by, so did the wave of Asher's heart — flowing with the rhythm of dusted leaves, flying and spreading from floor to floor.

Asher, stuck in his world, trying to process all this — got a sight of a familiar face: Louis, walking away like he had done something despicable again.

He followed him to a nearby warehouse. It was abandoned, dark, and scary.

Louis wasn't naive though. He knew a figure was following him and liked the goose chase.

"For someone who claims to hide his teeth, you're actually easier to detect," Louis said to Asher's shadow.

"An eye right on the spot. Same old Stanford," Asher came out with a smirk.

"Please... I'm a businessman, you shanty Carter."

"And I'm intrigued to find out what could make a man of your caliber come to this part of the country," Asher said.

"What are you planning... deceit... betrayal?" Asher asked, trying to unlock the code he imputed.

"I never remembered when my affairs mattered to you. Tell me, boy — does my daughter catch your vision that much?" Louis played a dirty mind game.

"You know what you are, Stanford?" Asher launched.

"Oh, I do. I know I am her father. I have every right to use, own, warn her any way I want to. My duties to her reside on my will."

"But you?... what exactly do you take yourself for to dear Emerald?"

Asher tongue-tied, and Louis caught up and smirked.

"Oh~ I render poor mafia boy speechless," Louis chuckled.

"Indeed, blood is thicker than water. You have the same demeanor of that hatched man."

"Do you compare me to my father — looks or actions?"

"Anything that suits the tea, I suppose."

"I am nothing like him," Asher flared.

"And yet you are — creating a forbidden rally over her. You bleed the same, and your veins sugarcoat with his — doesn't it, Master Asher?" Louis tried to provoke him.

"Your current manipulation won't work," Asher tried to talk, but Louis fiercely interrupted.

"And so won't you. Your cheap invasion in my daughter's life — it's petty, shameful, and utterly upsetting."

"Leave the affairs of me and my child away from your bloody hands," Louis warned.

Asher moved back and laughed a bit, hands folded and head shaking in amusement — leaving Louis confused.

"I'm sorry... it's kind of a play seeing you act father figure."

"Louis Stanford, anyone who sees you now will picture you as the lovable father shot out from Disney."

"And me?... of course they'll label me as an intruder of family, a villain forcing himself on a maiden."

"Isn't it ironic how this picture is? You're here... trying to show the world you care, but your heart is as messed up as that old man I call a father."

Asher puts his fingers in a shape, picturing Louis.

"Blood runs thicker than water, but the both of you seem to share a fountain of water."

"Never compare me to that dog-ridden maniac," Louis warned.

"Did I make the businessman angry?... you are so much like your enemy, yet the hatred runs deep," Asher continued.

"If only you knew the secrets that hide behind your father's glare, you'll see it's pointless," Louis said and continued.

"Boy, I see the way you look at her... and although she is as precious as the ocean Pacific, you need to stop, boy... and now."

"I'm sorry — that is something out of the ordinary," Asher subdued.

"And a warning to you then. If I ever catch you trying to sideline this very wedding... I will remember the reason I dueled with your father," Louis warned with fire.

Asher stepped closer, his shoulders gnashing with confidence, as he entered Louis' space with no mercy.

He bent lower to look deep in Louis' eyes.

"Look into my monsters, old man... do they look like one who fears violence?"

"I am what I am because of her. And if to protect her from what was meant to heal her will make me bleed... then my blood will be mixed with a breed of hers to block yours."

"Listen, old Stanford, I do not care what evil you plot in this warehouse. Neither will I interrogate you to talk. We both have things to do."

"But!"

"Whether you... my father... or any unfortunate figure that will be so stupid enough to harm her — even by a little — you will feel the reason behind my stories and rumors. And I mean it when I say... you will hurt."

Asher held his breath, keeping his eyes on Louis, raising himself once more.

"The engagement will hold," Louis said, a sense of shakiness in his hands and a hint of fear.

Asher noticed, and his smile twisted in a corner.

"You do your biddings... I'll do mine."

"Permit me to take your blessings, father-in-law." Asher tried to touch him but was rejected.

"Well, old businessmen do be cranky," Asher teased.

"Remember — whatever you do here has no side aftereffects. Nice talking to you, Mr. Stanford."

Asher said and wished goodbye, knowing he had provoked him.

But was he scared? Never.

Just excited to see what both forces had prepared. He loved suspense after all. All he knew — Emerald will be his lady, after the denty drones.