The Mafia heiress

Same Message, Different Wars

The moment the crowd was murmuring, “Why do Sage and Leo look so fierce toward each other?”

Sage received a message — at that exact moment, Leo also got one.

The message Sage received read:

"Your application to join Raven Military University, China, has been approved. Kindly go to the inner vet signing office to sign. You are now one of Raven Military University’s students. Thank you."

Leo also received the same message Sage did, but neither of them knew the other got the same thing.

Sage headed straight back to her car. Leo also returned to his.

"Why now? Why would I receive this message at this exact moment? I would’ve taught him a lesson he’d never forget today," Sage said angrily as her driver drove off.

"What the f**k? Why now of all times? I would’ve shown her not to mess with the wrong person again," Leo said, his hand clenched into a fist.

Sage took her phone and dialed her father’s number.

The call connected quickly.

Mr deluca said with a heartfelt tone, “Sage, I’m sorry I raised my voice at you. I’m also sorry I slapped you. It’s just that... you know since your mother died, I’ve never introduced anyone to you. It’s just that I love....”

“Dad, that has nothing to do with me. She should know by now there’s no place for her in that house. And why did you hurriedly send an application for me to go to China? Why must I go to Raven Military University now? For how long have you been planning this? Why didn’t you notify me? I just got out of high school and boom already being pushed into another journey,” Sage said in a harsh, loud voice, clearly angry.

Mr deluca replied calmly, “Calm down, Sage. Me and your stepmum talked about it carefully. We thought it was the right choice for you, also....”

Sage cut in sharply, “Dad, if I get you right, you're telling me that thing you call my stepmum gets to decide for me now? Wow. What has she been feeding you in the name of love that you’d go against your own daughter? Fine. You want me far away from you, right? So be it. I’ll go to China — and I’ll make life miserable for her.”

Still in a pleasant tone, Mr deluca said, “Sage, calm down. Hello? Hello?”

Sage had already hung up.

“What? Sage actually hung up on me? Wow, this girl has grown wings,” Mr deluca said angrily.

“Honey, I told you it wasn’t the right time to introduce me to her. And it’s not right for me to stay here. I don’t want to break your family apart,” Madina said stressfully.

Mr deluca moved close to Madina. “That won’t happen, Madina. You’re staying here. Besides, my other daughter hasn’t declined yet, so relax. You see, Sage only stays angry for a short time. I know someone who can talk to her and calm her down.”

“Who is that?” Madina asked.

“Her sisters, Diana and Riana. So, rest your mind. All these issues will settle down soon.”

*****

In Leo’s car

Leo dialed his father’s number. The call connected after a few seconds.

“Hello, Dad,” Leo said, his tone slightly off.

“Give that to me, sweetheart. Let me speak to my son,” Mrs Visenson said, collecting the phone from her husband.

“Okay, take it as you wish,” Mr Visenson said, spreading his hands apart.

“Hello Leo, how have you been? Why won’t you come see us? Have you been sleeping well? Do you eat proper meals? I hope you’re not skipping meals,” Leo’s mother asked.

“Mum, I’m fine. At least you’re hearing my voice, so that means I’m okay. And guess what? I’m in Korea. I’ve been back since yesterday, but it was too late, so I slept in a hotel.”

“What? You’re in Korea? I’m so happy I’ll finally see my son! It’s been over a year since you’ve been this far from home. I regret letting you finish high school in the US,” Mrs Visenson said, joyfully but with a bit of regret.

“Mum, I won’t be coming home,” Leo said softly.

“Why, Leo? Why won’t you come? I’ll prepare your favorite food for you,” she said, confused.

“Because your husband doesn’t want me to come,” Leo replied.

“What? What do you mean? Leo, stop beating around the bush.”

Leo answered, “Mum, your husband sent an application to Raven Military University.”

“So? What’s that got to do with you? I thought it was something serious,” she said, feeling relieved.

“Mum, don’t you get it? Your husband sent the application for me to attend the university,” Leo said loudly.

Mrs Visenson, now confused, said, “Wait a minute… Raven High School is the only one in Korea. So, Raven Military... China?!”

“Yes, Mum. Your husband didn’t want me back. And I’ll do what he wants — I’ll go to China.”

“What?! Why would he send your application without telling me? At least I’m your mother! Oh, I get it. He doesn’t want us to get close. Are you afraid, honey? That he’ll take all my attention from you? Tell me!” Mrs Visenson shouted.

“I thought you two were having a nice talk,” Mr Visenson said, walking by. “Leo, what I did was for your own good. Come spend time with your mother today, and leave tomorrow morning. Byeee. See you soon.” He hung up.

“Hyun Visenson, did you just hang up on my son?” Mrs Visenson asked.

“Minjie,” said Hyun’s other wife, “Did you just call your husband by his name?”

“What if I did? Hyun, why would you send my son far away from me?”

“Hey woman, remember — he’s my son too. I can send him wherever I want. Besides, he’s still in Asia, right? So how is he far from you?” Mr Visenson replied.

“Hey man, that’s my son. I carried him in my womb and breastfed him! He’s just 19! Why would you send him to China? And what do you mean he’s not far? Korea to China isn’t walking distance. How will I know if he eats on time? What if he hates the food there?”

*****

Back in Leo’s car

“Thanks, Dad. At least I’ll get to taste some Chinese food. I’m happy… but at the same time, sad. Why so suddenly?”