TO BE LOVED RIGHT

NOW A GENERAL

Melvin grinned his teeth in anger. "Hey, kid," Melvin said, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. Kovensky shot him a glare, which made Melvin wave his hands in mock apology. "Sorry, I forgot you're now a general," Melvin said, making a zipping motion over his lips.

Mr. Jace, who had been watching the exchange, walked up to Kovensky and patted him on the shoulder. "You're welcome back, son," he said, his voice warm with affection.

Kovensky's response was immediate and cutting. "Old man, stop acting so nice. I haven't forgotten what you did," he said, his voice light but laced with a hint of menace. Mr. Jace's hand dropped awkwardly, and Ryan, who had been watching the scene unfold, cleared his throat.

"Dad, you know how he is, so don't take it personally," he said, trying to diffuse the tension.

Welcome back Konvensky Ryan said panting his shoulder.

Konvensky gave a slight nod.

As they sat down to eat, Freeda bombarded Kovensky with questions about his stay in Singapore. But Kovensky barely responded, his attention focused on his food. Freeda tried to engage him in conversation, but it was like talking to a brick wall. Finally, she gave up and turned her attention to Melvin.

*****

Konvensky walked out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. He strode into his dressing room, looking for a pair of pajamas to wear. As he reached for a black pair, his mind wandered back to the girl he had driven past earlier. "Her face is quite enchanting," he muttered to himself.

Just then, a knock came at the door, and before he could respond, Freeda and Melvin walked in. Freeda collapsed onto the bed, while Melvin leaned against the bedpost, watching Kovensky with a mixture of amusement and wariness. Kovensky's gaze turned cold, and he muttered two words. "Get out."

Freeda pouted, trying to wheedle her way into Kovensky's good books. "Sky, can't you be a little bit softer? We haven't seen you for so long, and you're just going to send us out?" But Kovensky's expression remained unyielding. "I don't want to repeat myself," he said, his voice firm.

Melvin chuckled and shook his head. "He's still as toxic as ever," he muttered, following Freeda out of the room.

Not long after, Kovensky emerged from his room, dressed in an all-black outfit. "Where are you going?" Freeda asked, her voice curious. Kovensky glanced at her and said, "To get you a husband." With that, he strode out of the house, leaving Freeda red-faced and angry, she forgot Konvensky was so sharptogued that it was hard to win an argument against him she glare at the door he just passed puffing her cheeks.

Melvin burst into laughter see her expression, Freeda turned to him and hissed as she went upstairs.

****

Michelle walked aimlessly by the side of the road staring at her phone she realized it was get late already.

She turned around heading back home as she walked, the streetlights cast long shadows behind her. She looked stunning in the dim light, her long black hair blowing in the wind. Unbeknownst to her, Kovensky was driving in the opposite direction, his eyes scanning the road ahead. When he saw her, he increased his speed, stopping in front of her. As he removed his helmet, their eyes met, and Kovensky's interest was piqued.

"You're..." Michelle started to say, her voice barely above a whisper. But Kovensky quickly interrupted her, his voice low and commanding. "Keep your voice down," he said, his eyes locked on hers.

He was in a hurry to come back to see her that he forgot to bring a mask with him.