In the shadows

Chapter 1: Good Tidings

"The results will now be announced"the coordinator of the event spoke her voice echoing so loudly across the room . I could literally feel my heart racing so fast. I was so eager to hear the results. I stood with my friends Clara and Maya holding hands tightly together. "And the winner of Solihull dancing competition for this year goes to Ryan Group" the coordinator announced.

I screamed and jumped for joy. I turned my eyes to see the thousands of people appaluding and cheering for us. "We made it!" the three of us choursed, jumping , laughing and crying at once. This was the second time in a roll of us getting the trophy for this competition. I could see the pure joy and happiness filled in the faces of every member of the group as we ran to get our trophy. Our endless nights of practice was finally paying off. We were all going to get a cash prize worth millions and the sound of that was already something of joy for us.

The Ryan group was a group of 12 dancers. I was always choose to be the lead dancer for the Solihull dancing competition for 3 consecutive years because of how I poured my soul and everything to dancing. And I have never disappointed my group. I had a rival, "Pelly" who had always been jealous and envious of my role and always competing for the role every time but just couldn't get it. She really hated me because of that and always wanted bad for me every time.

I held the trophy in my hands while other members of the group stood by my side for the photographs to be taken. My heart was red. This was another milestone of achievement for me and the team.

I was so happy that I was now putting all my mind and concentration towards this dancing career. I was no longer the dark ruthless cold hearted Lord I was before. I was glad i was now an ordinary person with a dancing career. I no longer had dark secrets I kept from everyone.I wss no longer pretending to be who I wasn't.

But even with all these, I didn't have total peace for myself. "She was an innocent person. Her blood is still on your hands. She didn't do anything to deserve death" those thoughts kept hunting me everytime I was on my own or sat to do something.

Even tho I tried to convince my inner self that it wasn't my fault that the innocent was the target for the Mafia and I had to do to leave that dark place, it still couldn't come to terms with it. "I had murdered an innocent person "that's what my mind kept reminding me of every single time.

"I really loved how you potrayed your talent out there" one girl in the dressing room commended. "Thanks you also tried your best too" I replied as she walked away with her other team members. "Seems someone is a big super star" Maya smiled looking at me while I was trying to pull out my sock. "But the Super star is nothing without her two best friends" I said pulling both of them into a tight hug.

"But I really wished I was like you"Maya envied. "So talented, so brave and always happy" she added. "Maya don't wish for something dangerous" I warned her immediately.

"Wait....what does that mean"she questioned? I ignored just smiling at her." You mean your......" . Before she could complete her words, Pelly walked up to us and looked at me straight to the face. I just smiled at her.

I knew why she was here, to say a threatening or challenging word to me. I was glad I was having an ordinary rival who couldn't aim a gun at anyone. She didn't know how happy she made me feel each time she came to challenge me.

It really showed me how much my life have really evolved from always having your men prepared and fully armed whenever your rival mafia is approaching to just being relaxed and happy whenever your rival was coming.

"Hi Pelly"I smiled as soon as she got closer to me. She smirked. "Don't you think you are bit too old for all this"I said carrying my bag, parting her shoulders about to leave with my friends.

"It won't be long the truth about you will be exposed"she shouted before I got out of sight. I froze at the spot. Truth?Did Pelly know anything?What truth was she talking about?

"You are really a clown, Pelly," Maya said, trying to defend. Pelly walked up to her and smiled. "You'll know that the friend you claim you have is not who she claims she is" She smirked and then walked away.

Maya and Clara turned to look at me as soon as Pelly was out of sight. "What is she talking about"Maya questioned. "You know Pelly is always finding a way to threaten me, that's just one of her schemes." I said convincingly. "I have no truth that hasn't been exposed " I added mimicking Pelly's voice and we all giggled.

"You guys should head out now, I'll go home later" I said walking them out. "But why?" they both questioned. "I just need to go for a run, I'll text you guys later. "I hope everything is alright Becky " Clara gave a pitiful look. "Whenever she wants to take a run on her own, I just feel something is definitely up "Maya added. "Trust me guys, nothing is up this time" I finally convinced them and they left.

I found a spot to sit and take a drink. I tried to rack my brain about what truth Pelly was talking about. I knew she couldn't be so smart to find out that I was a Mafia Lord. My thoughts was suddenly interrupted by my dad's call. I sighed before picking. I knew he was going to rant about marriage and how I needed to bring him grand children. I finally decided to pick the call.

"You finally decided to pick the call " he shouted. "Sorry dad, I've been so busy with work and other stuffs" I apologised. "Not my problem" he coughed and then continued "I have sent you the location, be there in the next 30 minutes " he ordered sharply. "Location to where?" I questioned so confused and shocked. "Dress nicely, smell good and don't be late" he said authoritatively.

You are meeting your husbands family " Dad continued. "Husband??"I shouted at the top of my voice but dad already hung up on me.

What was going on? Did my father just arrange a marriage for me without my own consent?