Torn Apart

Chapter 6

Afternoon – Marino Mob

Hours later, Felix lay sprawled across his bed, still dressed in black. He had fallen asleep almost immediately after leaving his father’s office.

“Wake up.”

Sapphire sat on the edge of his bed with her arms crossed, her sharp eyes fixed on him.

At twenty-one, she was the mob’s princess and popularly known as Fire. She had visited Eleanor the night before.

Felix stirred and slowly opened his eyes.

“Don’t threaten me, Fox. I’m used to it,” she said with a hint of amusement.

Felix yawned and sat up, rubbing his eyes.

“I visited Elle last night. She’s hurt,” Sapphire said, concern clear in her voice.

“It’s just a graze. Don’t make a fuss,” Felix replied lazily.

“It’s her first time being shot, even if it was only a graze. I saw the wound last night. It’s serious,” Sapphire said, her brows knitting together.

Felix stood and walked to the sink. He splashed water on his face, then turned off the faucet and dried his face with a towel before leaning against the counter.

“Oh,” he said calmly.

Sapphire’s patience snapped.

“Just ‘oh’? You tore her skin!”

Felix looked at his reflection in the mirror before turning toward her.

“I was assigned to do that.”

“Really? I know you failed the task, but that’s still too much. You should have declined!”

Felix’s eyes darkened.

“Decline it?” he said quietly. “That would have meant someone else would succeed. Father threatened me. Someone else would have taken the job. I didn’t want you to watch that happen.”

Sapphire paused, her anger softening slightly.

“I… I don’t know what to say. Thank you… but not for hurting Elle.”

“Tell Father never to threaten me again,” Felix said firmly. “I only accepted the task so you wouldn’t break down watching someone else kill her.”

Sapphire’s expression sharpened again.

“I need to warn Father about something.”

Felix shrugged. “Be a good daughter.”

“Who do you think wants Elle dead?” she asked.

“Who knows?” Felix replied casually.

“Could it be rivals connected to her father?”

“Obviously,” Felix said with a small nod.

Sapphire’s voice turned cold. “Someone is looking for death. I’ll find them.”

She paused before adding, “And as for Jenny… one of these days, she’s finished.”

Felix chuckled quietly.

“Mia already told you that?”

“Stay away from women,” Sapphire said sternly. “Be a dangerous monk, not the other way around.”

“Do I need a timetable?” he smirked.

“A month off. One hour on,” she replied seriously.

“Never,” Felix laughed.

“You’re just eighteen!” Sapphire shouted.

“Leave my room, Fire!” Felix snapped.

“Obey me and you’ll thank me later,” she said with a wink.

“In your dreams.”

“We’ll see.”

She slammed the door behind her as she left.

Felix leaned back against the counter, smiling faintly, amused by her temper.

Night – Joseph Mansion – Eleanor’s Room

After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms. Eleanor took her medications and lay down on her bed.

Her room was quiet and softly lit by a golden lamp.

The pale cream walls and floral curtains made the room feel warm and peaceful. A cushioned armchair rested near the window, and a framed photo of her and Brenna rested on the bedside table. Beside it, a small vase of daisies added a quiet sense of peace to the room.

Eleanor lay on her bed in a silk lilac nightgown that clung gently to her body. One of the thin straps had slipped from her shoulder.

She shifted restlessly.

Sleep refused to come.

Frustration built as she stared at the ceiling.

After a while, she sighed and sat up. Her bare feet touched the cool floor as she stood and quietly slipped out of the room.

Kaysen’s Room

The room was dimly lit. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air while the soft hum of the air conditioner filled the silence.

Kaysen stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. His damp hair dripped slightly, and droplets of water caught the soft light across his chest.

He stopped when he noticed someone sitting on the edge of his bed.

Eleanor.

Her knees were pulled close to her chest.

“Why are you here?” he asked.

“To sleep,” she replied quietly, her voice heavy.

“You have your own room,” he said, still watching her carefully.

“This isn’t my first time,” she pouted.

“We just had a disagreement. Why come here?”

“I’m trying to make it up to you.”

Kaysen walked toward his closet to get dressed, the wooden floor creaking softly beneath his feet.

Suddenly, soft arms wrapped around him from behind.

Eleanor’s uninjured hand rested gently against his waist while her cheek leaned lightly against his back.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his brows tightening.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.