Love or Vengeance

Chapter 11: Code Name: Louise

Louise's POV

I had just come from Ate Miley's house to check in on the two of them, and since it was Sunday, the three of us—Kylie, her, and I—went out. I had such a fun afternoon with them.

"I'm home!" I called out as I stepped through the door.

Mr. Grim Reaper is here!

"Good evening," he greeted me. I glanced at the clock—6:30 PM.

What is this guy doing here at this hour?

"Good evening," I replied before heading straight to the kitchen... where, of course, I caught the two lovebirds cuddling while cooking.

Ugh, PDA again! They're always like that. She doesn't even ask me what I want for dinner anymore, unlike before. I think I made a mistake letting Rimjel stay here.

"Oh, you're here, Besty!" Emilie greeted.

"That's just your imagination," I replied with a pout. "PDA," I added while grabbing Strawberry Ice Cream from the fridge.

"Move!!!" I shouted at the two of them who were blocking the drawer with the spoons. They stepped aside obediently.

I scoffed

"Someone's grumpy today, huh Besty?" Emilie teased. "What do you want for dinner?" Yummy!

"This one." I pointed to a picture of the food I had long been craving—it was on a flyer I got from a restaurant at the mall.

"White spaghetti?" she asked. I nodded eagerly.

"Okay... don't sulk anymore, okay?"

"I'm getting a boyfriend too," I declared. "You always pay attention to him now." I pointed my spoon at Rimjel, who was laughing.

"My best friend's getting jealous," Emilie said teasingly, gently rubbing my back. "And might I remind you, Besty, that you're only here because you ran away from your fiancé."

She immediately covered her mouth afterward. :facepalm:

Why did I even tell her about that in the first place?

"YOU'RE ENGAGED?!" both Ivan and Rimjel shouted, and to make matters worse, they both stepped closer to me.

"Yes," I answered flatly, glaring at Emilie. "You talk too much, Besty."

I grabbed my ice cream and walked off to the living room. Of course, they all followed me.

"Sorry!" Emilie said with her hands clasped together in a pleading pose. "Those two aren't even the chatty type."

"Well, who would they even gossip to? Unless... those two are secretly gossip kings."

"Why did you run away from your fiancé?" Rimjel asked.

"Because I didn't want to marry him," I replied simply and took another spoonful of my ice cream.

I don't usually offer what I'm eating to anyone.

People say it's one of my bad traits.

But honestly? I don't care.

"It's a political marriage then?" Ivan asked.

I just nodded since my mouth was full.

"Besty, my white spaghetti please?" Emilie called out, but no one answered.

"I might forget we're best friends, you know," I threatened playfully.

"Ivan's the one cooking," Rimjel chimed in.

"Huh? Why?" I asked, confused.

"We're all culinary students," Rimjel replied.

Wait—does that mean Ivan is actually good at cooking?

"Wow!!! It's a feast tonight, Mr. Grim Reaper," I said to him. He was just staring at me like he was trying to read my mind.

"My white spaghetti?" I added sweetly.

He frowned and turned away from us.

A moment later, I heard someone moving around in the kitchen. He's probably starting to cook!

"Allejah!" Ivan called out.

For the first time, he actually used my other name.

I quickly ran to the kitchen.

"Chop these," he ordered.

Why me!!!

"No way," I refused immediately.

"Then no white spaghetti for you," he said, threatening me.

"Fine, don't make it!"

I walked over to the cabinet and grabbed some almond cookies.

"I'll just eat these instead." I also took my chocolate drink and walked out of the kitchen.

"I'm heading to my room," I told the two who were watching a movie.

Tsk... tsk... tsk... I'm starting to feel jealous of how sweet they are to each other.

"Alright, I'll just call you when it's time for dinner," Emilie replied.

"No need, I'm going straight to sleep."

I didn't wait for them to respond and quickly headed upstairs.

My favorite spot in this room is the window seat.

I felt drowsy as I ate... zzzzZZZzzzzz...

"Spoiled brat," I heard Ivan say.

I suddenly felt something soft press against my lips. Gulp.

Am I dreaming?

I slowly opened my eyes and looked around the room. 'No one's here.'

I touched my lips—why does it feel so real?

And here I thought I finally had my first kiss.

My phone started ringing. It was Christian, according to the caller ID.

"Hello, Chris."

"Come to our HQ. Right now," he said seriously.

"It's important."

"Okay."

"Alright... we'll wait for you."

'It's already nine pm,' I thought as I glanced at the wall clock.

After taking a quick shower, I hurriedly dressed in six-pocket pants, a white t-shirt layered with a black jacket, and quickly slipped on my shoes. Emilie is used to me going out at night now, and I think she understands where I'm headed even if I don't say a word.

I grabbed my keys from the drawer and hurried down the stairs.

"Are you leaving, Besty?" Emilie asked. "Be careful, okay?"

"It's already late, where else would you be going?"

I was startled and turned toward the voice. Ivan was still here?

"Your white spaghetti is already cooked," he said, glancing at me from the side. It made my mouth water, but I knew I had to forget about eating—at least for now.

"I'm leaving now. I'll eat later."

I didn't wait for them to answer.

I started my motorcycle and quickly revved it.

If we had an underground HQ in Manila, we had one here too—our meeting place.

I'd been sneaking out at night for days just to meet them.

I glanced at the side mirror of my motorcycle—tsk, these people are relentless. I sped up, and so did the motorcycles tailing me. I lost them for a bit by weaving through some streets before heading to the HQ.

When I arrived, I found Kiera and Christian sitting at the round table with Drago, Ryan, and Dan.

They all fell silent as I entered, then we all sat down together.

"What is it?" I asked formally, leaning back and looking at each of them one by one.

"We've already bought all the shares of Judas's business partners—now you own all his legitimate companies," Christian explained.

"Good job, Christian. I can really count on you," I praised him. "But where's the problem with that?" I asked, curious.

"Judas is one of the biggest syndicate leaders, running multiple illegal businesses underground. On the surface, he appears respectable—polished, influential, even trustworthy—but underneath, he's a ruthless predator, a wolf in sheep's clothing, hiding his true nature behind a carefully crafted mask." Dan added.

"It really won't be easy for us to get close to him. Even if we control his legal businesses, that alone will never be enough to bring him down. What he shows on the surface is just a fraction of what he hides beneath — and that darkness is far more dangerous."

"You know, I'm starting to think it might be best for us to move somewhere else. That way, we can keep your family and friends out of harm's way. The visits Judas makes? They're just part of his little game. We all know he's far from shallow," Christian said.

"We all know he's using your paintings to export drugs. Do you have any plans about that?" Dan asked.

"It's been a while. I've been investigating on my own and noticed that every time you have an exhibit, there's someone who buys all your paintings," Ryan said.

"I know. That's why I keep exhibiting my work," I replied. And Judas's right-hand woman — Arah Min Garcia is the one who is buying it."

"Who's she?" Kiera asked. "I've been around the syndicate world, but I haven't heard that name before."

"She's a celebrity, you don't like entertainment that's why you did not encounter her name." I replied.

"Arah Min Garcia, better known as 'The Death,' is Judas's right hand. It wouldn't be surprising if you end up facing her," I said, locking eyes with them. "She's an expert with a katana and notorious for killing anyone for money."

"The Death?" Kiera repeated, smirking. "Easy as pie... she's mine."

Christian immediately pinched her lightly. "Hey, what's that for?"

"We believe you can handle her, but don't be reckless."

"Let's just finish this, then you all can go back to your normal lives," I said. They each have their own lives to live, but because they're helping me, they've been separated from their families. "I'll take care of Judas."

"We won't leave you, Louise — not until the end. Just like you've always been there for us when we needed someone to lean on," Dan said, and I couldn't help but smile at his words. It's chaos all around, but big or small, we've got each other's backs.

"Thank you," I said with a grateful smile.

"I'll head out now, Louise," Ryan said. "It's my duty to watch over your niece." I nodded, and he left. Ryan and Dan are my guards to protect Kylie and Ate Miley, while Drago watches over Emilie — because it's possible they'll try to use her against me.

"Time for us to get some rest," Dan and Drago said as they prepared to leave. Just like the Underground HQ in Manila, our base here was clean, orderly, and surprisingly fragrant—typical of two neat freaks like them.

"Louise, there's something you need to know," Kiera began, glancing at Christian for support.

"Your dad is in a coma," the words hit me like a punch, my body went numb. "I only found out recently while checking on your family's situation," she continued softly. "Are you going home?"

"No," I answered firmly. "It's not the right time yet. How is he now?"

"He's stable," Kiera said, then explained what had happened to Dad. It all felt like my fault—if I hadn't run away, maybe he wouldn't have had a heart attack.

"Christian, I have something to deliver to you tomorrow at the mansion. You'll need to return to Manila," I said.

I forced myself to stay calm, steeling my heart. This was not the time to break down. Hang on, Dad—just a little longer, and I'll finish what I started.

"Just call me anytime," he said calmly.

"Alright, I'll go ahead. You two take care of the rest. By tomorrow, all of Judas's wealth should be reduced to ashes," I ordered firmly.

"You can count on us, Louise."

"Thank you... for not leaving me," I said with a grateful smile.

It was one in the morning when I arrived home. Opening the door, I was shocked to see Ivan's face waiting for me. Was he really waiting?

"Grim Reaper," I murmured softly, my nerves prickling under his steady gaze.

He took a deep breath before speaking.

"Have you eaten?" he asked.

I shook my head.

Electricity seemed to surge through me as he gently took my right hand and led me to sit on the counter. I just stared as he quickly pulled out a large bowl of white spaghetti from the fridge and put it in the microwave. While waiting for it to heat, he mixed a glass of juice.

He gently placed the food in front of me, and without hesitation, I began eating. "This is the best!!!" It was unbelievably delicious. Honestly, Ivan... you're amazing. I'm even more impressed now.

I thought.

After I finished the entire bowl, I looked up and saw his expression.

"Sorry... I finished it all," I said shyly. Slightly embarrassed.

He just smiled and handed me a glass of water.

My heart skipped a beat!

"Thank you," I said softly, stepping down from the seat and starting to clean the dishes.

After I washed everything, I made myself a cup of coffee.

"You're staying up late?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Why?" he asked again — definitely the curious type.

"I have something to work on," I said, lifting my mug and heading toward the living room.

"Do you want help?" he offered. "I can't sleep anyway."

Yeah, that's obvious.

"No need. I can handle it. But... why are you still here, anyway?"

"Oh, that?" He scratched the back of his neck. "Rimjel didn't let me go home. She and Emilie went out earlier."

"What?! Where did they go?" I asked, eyes wide.

"Relax," he said with a small laugh. How can I relax!? "They're already back. They just got home late, so they told me to stay the night."

I sighed in relief.

"But I can go home now if you want," he added with a slight smile. "Our house is just nearby — about five houses away."

"Don't bother, just go to sleep," I told him.

I was about to go upstairs when he suddenly held my arm.

"Why?" I asked.

"Can I stay with you?" he asked softly.

"Ehh!?" My heart skipped a beat.

"I can't sleep... and you said you were staying up late anyway," he reasoned.

"Alright." I agreed, feeling flustered as I walked up the stairs first, with him following behind me. I get to be with my crush... YES!

"You stay on the bed, I'll sit by the window seat," I said firmly. Don't get too close to me—something dangerous might happen to you.

I watched as he leaned against the headboard of my bed. I grabbed my laptop and the CD containing the video of my performance. Emilie had given me a copy of it, and I planned to edit it now so I could send it to my dad.

"Sleep if you want. I won't be able to chat with you much—I have work to do," I said, taking a seat.

"Are you sure it's, okay?" he asked.

I didn't answer. Instead, I walked over to him and adjusted the bed. I gently helped him lie down and pulled the blanket over him. I figured maybe he couldn't sleep because this wasn't his home. Some people just can't fall asleep when they're alone in an unfamiliar place—and I had a feeling he was like that.

"Go to sleep," I told him gently.

I put on my earphones and started editing the video. I saw him slowly close his eyes until he finally fell asleep. I quietly stepped out onto the terrace and continued working there.

The video started with pictures of me and Daddy, followed by a clip of my performance. Toward the end of the video was a personal message I recorded just for him.

"Hello, Daddy!!!" I greeted cheerfully in front of the camera.

I hope you enjoyed what I made. I miss you and I love you. Please get well soon, so you'll be strong again by the time I come back."

Tears fell down my cheeks uncontrollably.

"I'm really sorry, Dad. Please forgive me. But I promise I'll be back soon. So please, take care of yourself."

I forced a smile despite the pain.

"I love you."

With that, I ended the video.

I looked up at the sky and smiled. "I will make them pay, Mommy. I will get justice for your disappearance," I said to myself.

It was already five in the morning when I finished, and because I was extremely sleepy, I just rested my head on the table.

I woke up feeling something heavy over me—a thick blanket? I was now lying in bed, and all my stuff was neatly placed on the side table.

Wait, I remember falling asleep on the terrace.

I got up and took a shower right away.

When I went downstairs, I found the two of them happily cooking breakfast. Hmmmm, the smell of bacon and eggs made my stomach growl. I looked around for Ivan, but he was nowhere to be found.

"He already went home," Rimjel said with a teasing grin.

"Did he ask anything?" I asked as I sat at the dining table. "I'm starving, bestie," I added, pouting at Emilie.

"WOW." She placed a plate in front of me—bacon, eggs, hotdog, and toasted bread.

"Thank you!"

"Thank Ivan," Rimjel said with a mischievous tone. "He cooked that before he left."

I ignored him and continued eating with a smile on my lips.

"Are you coming with us to W&B Café?" Rimjel asked.

Why is she so chatty today?

"What's going on there?" I asked in return.

"Food," Rimjel replied.

"Sure!"

................................................

Hi-Yu