Vince: My Dangerous Mafia Brother

CHAPTER 2

Sydney's Point of View

"Sydney!"

I halted my steps upon hearing my name being called. When I turned to see who it was, a smile immediately graced my lips upon spotting Anie, my BFF here at the university.

"Are you heading home?" she asked as she stopped in front of me. But before I could respond, she grabbed my arm. "You're not going home yet. Let's have snacks at the cafeteria."

I just let her pull me along until we entered the cafeteria and ordered our snacks.

"Sydney, the truth is, I have something to tell you."

"Tell me. What is it?"

"About my cousin Jeffrey, he's asking for your number. He said he has a crush on you."

I couldn't help but laugh and paused eating my burger. "Oh, Anie, please don't give him my number. I can't have a boyfriend yet because my brother would surely get angry. He always reminds me not to get close to boys because they're pests in studies."

Anie frowned at me. "Come on, can't he just want to be friends with you?"

"Just don't give him my number, please. I don't want my brother to get angry."

"Wow, your brother is really strict with you," Anie rolled her eyes at me.

I smiled. "That's because my brother loves me. He always thinks about my welfare, so I'm not allowed to have a boyfriend or even male friends. It's his strict rule for me not to get close to boys, and I can't disobey that because I don't want my brother to get mad at me."

"But you're turning eighteen three days from now, so maybe your brother won't stop you anymore."

"I don't know," I shrugged. I stood up and slung my bag over my shoulder again. "I think I have to go now, Anie. My driver might be getting impatient waiting outside. Just don't forget to come to my place this Monday for my birthday."

"Can I bring my male cousin?"

"Of course, you can bring Jeffry, just don't give him my number."

Anie smiled at my answer. "Okay, I'll bring Jeffry. Who knows, maybe you'll give him your number yourself when he personally asks for it."

I just shrugged and left the cafeteria.

When I reached the parking lot, my driver was already waiting along with Nana Rosia, the dorm mother at the mansion and my caretaker.

"Hello, Nana, Mr. Mero!" I greeted as I got into the car.

"Good afternoon, hija," the driver greeted me back as he started the car.

"How's my dear ward's studies going?" Nana asked with a smile, patting my hair.

"It's going well, Nana. By the way, did my brother call you? He hasn't been answering my calls and messages for two days now, and I'm starting to worry about him."

"Your brother is just busy, but yes, he called me last night and asked about you."

My eyes lit up. "Really, Nana? But why didn't he call me?"

"As I said, your brother is busy."

I frowned. "But will he come to my birthday? It's only been three days. Maybe he forgot because he was so busy."

Nana smiled and held my hand, gently stroking my hair. "Of course, your brother will come on your birthday. How could he forget the birthday of his only princess?"

"I'll really be upset if he doesn't come. I'll disown him as my brother!"

Nana just smiled at my response.

Ever since childhood, my brother and I have been separated because he's busy with his work in Italy. He's the only family I have left since both our parents passed away when I was young. I don't know what caused their deaths because I was still a child back then, so I don't remember what happened, but according to my brother and the household staff, both our parents died from illness. It's saddening that I never got to meet them, but at least there are pictures of them left, and I always look at them every day to keep my spirits up, especially when my brother is away.

My brother and I often talk on the phone and chat, but we rarely get to see each other because he's always busy in another country. But I understand; he's just working hard for me, to provide for all my needs. Even when he's not around, the household staff who take care of me never neglect me. My brother said I can only be with him once I finish my studies. So, I study hard and always follow his reminders to stay away from any boys who try to approach me, not to entertain suitors or even be friends with boys; I should only stick with girls. I'm an obedient sister, so it's not a problem for me because I still don't have any thoughts of having a boyfriend. All I want is to be with my brother.

He never forgets my birthday because he always comes home to the Philippines just to celebrate it with me. That's why whenever my birthday is approaching, I can't help but get excited.

But now, I can't help but worry. He hasn't answered my calls or messages for two days because he's too busy. I'm worried that he might not come on my 18th birthday, and I still have something I want to ask him.

"What do you want for dinner later, dear?" Nana asked me as the car stopped; we just passed by the market.

"Crunchy chicken feet, Nana."

"Alright, I'll buy chicken feet so I can cook it for you later."

I was left alone in the car as Nana and Mister Mero went to the market to buy groceries.

I picked up my phone again and checked if my brother had called, but I frowned when I saw that there were no missed calls or even a chat.

I tried calling his number again, but it still wouldn't connect.

"You're so annoying, brother," I muttered as I stared at my phone screen and his number.

I really can't help but feel sad when he doesn't answer my calls, especially since we only talk once a day. I decided to reopen my social media account and stalk his profile. But there's still no change in his account; not even a single post, just his profile picture sitting on his swivel chair, wearing his gray suit, with a faint smile. "My brother is really handsome," I couldn't help but comment while staring at his profile picture.

Still unable to resist, I messaged him even though he wasn't online.

Me: Big bro!!!

Me: Vince bro!!!

Me: My bro!!!

I couldn't help but smile at my silliness. I've sent him so many messages.

Just as I was about to put my phone back in my bag, it suddenly rang.

Vince Arsheido: Yes, sweetheart?

I was surprised, my eyes widened. My gosh, finally he replied! What perfect timing, he's online!

So I quickly replied to him.

Me: Are you busy, bro? Why did you only reply now? I'm worried about you, you know. Are you okay?

Less than a minute later, he replied.

Vince Arsheido: I'm sorry, sweetheart, I'm just a bit busy. Are you on your way home?

I smiled.

Me: Yes, bro, I'm on my way home. Nana and I just stopped by the market, then we'll head home.

Vince Arsheido: Okay, I'll wait for you. I'll leave later once I see you. I love you, sweetheart, take care on your way home; Tell Mr. Mero to drive slowly.

My eyes widened at what I read. No way!

Me: What do you mean, bro? Are you saying you're here in the Philippines? Are you at the mansion right now?

But he didn't reply anymore.

I felt like I was being burned inside the car, I couldn't sit still, constantly looking outside to see if Nana was around.

"So that's why I couldn't contact your number, bro, you're here in the Philippines. You didn't even tell me you were coming home," I whispered with a grin. I suddenly felt excited.

Finally, I'll get to see my brother again after one year.

"Mr. Mero, please drive faster," I told the driver as he got into the car with Nana.

"Oh why, dear, is there a problem?" Nana asked with surprise as she noticed my restless reaction.

"Because Bro Vince seems to be at home, we might not catch him!"

Nana's eyes widened. "Oh, okay then, drive faster, Mero."

"Yes, yes," our driver quickly replied and immediately started the car.

I thought he would drive faster, but nothing changed, he was still as slow. I just let it be and didn't ask him to speed up more, Mr. Mero is already quite old anyway. And my brother said he'd wait for me before he leaves.

He's so intense; he just arrived but is already planning to leave; well, that's how busy my hardworking brother is. All he thinks about is work. And I'm so proud of him. He's so sweet and affectionate even though we rarely get to spend time together.

When the car stopped in the spacious garage, I felt even more excited when I saw the new blue sports car parked there. So, I hurriedly got out of the car and ran inside the mansion.

"Bro! Bro!" I called loudly, running up the high stairs.

"Dear, take it easy, you might slip and fall," I heard Nana scolding me, but I didn't pay attention.

I went straight to Bro Vince's room. Upon entering, there was nobody there, but I could hear the sound of water running from the bathroom. I smiled and just sat on the bed, waiting for him to come out.

When I heard the water stop, I quickly stood up and silently approached the closed door. I positioned myself beside it, leaning against the wall so he wouldn't immediately see me when he came out.

Until I heard the doorknob turn and the door finally opened. I covered my mouth to stifle my giggles as I saw Bro emerge, wrapped in just a white towel, with another towel drying his wet hair.

I took a slow step forward and followed him quietly. But just as I took my first step, he suddenly paused in drying his hair and stopped in his tracks, seeming to have sensed my presence.

Then he turned completely towards me. "Bro!!!" I quickly leaped towards him, causing him to drop his towel and catch me quickly.

"Oh, sweetheart, you surprised me!" He let out a sexy laugh, returning my embrace tightly.

I wrapped my legs around his waist like a child, while my arms hugged his neck tightly. "I've missed you so much, Bro!" My voice broke as tears flowed freely while I held onto him.