“Daddy, why is Aunty Caitlyn here?” Jasmine frowned her face standing in front of Jasper and Caitlyn.
“She’s around just to inform me about some things,” Jasper answered his daughter who was obviously fuming in anger as she glared at Caitlyn.
Carl winked at Jasper and excused them. He wanted to take Jasmine along with him but changed his mind.
“If Jasper and Caitlyn would bond together, they’ll have to appease Jasmine and make her accept Caitlyn.” he thought with a smile on his face.
Jasper ignored Caitlyn’s presence and focused on Jasmine asking her how her day went and other things.
“Jasper, I’m sorry. I don’t understand what you mean, at least explain it.”
“Jasmine… go get your lunch from Bella. Tell her to take you to the restaurant.”
“Alright, daddy” Jasmine kissed his hands with her small lips.
She left her father’s office, taking one last glance at Caitlyn who tried to put on a smile in her presence. Caitlyn moved closer to Jasper, holding his hand in hers again.
Slowly, he removed his hands from her hold, placing them on his waist. He raised his head to take a look at Caitlyn, but his gaze met with her dull face. He felt tingles in his heart at the sight of her face. He didn’t intend to bring up past occurrences, but she pissed him off so much.
“What do you mean by your statement? I noticed Carl acting absurdly to me too, what’s wrong?”
“It’s fine, you don’t have to worry. I was just pissed at something.”
“Really, Jasper? It’s fine, for real? You just blamed me for things that happened back in the days and you just say it’s fine? Do you think I’m to be blamed? No, I’m not. You know, back then, you were also full of yourself thinking you can take it all in without saying a word or without expressing your feelings. Indeed, you don’t like to be weak in front of others and it’s also true that you can overlook a lot of people’s mistakes. That’s just who you are! But do you think that’s right?. No, you’re wrong. People need to be corrected or told of their misdeeds for a change to occur. I make a mistake without knowing, you should have corrected me and told me it’s bad and I would have tried to change at least. If not for anything, for the sake of being loved by you, I will surely change.”
“You’re right! I should have told you that your actions are wrong, but will you really change? Think about how you were back then. All high and mighty because she has a strong backer to support her everywhere. Change should be done because you on w you are wrong and want to be a better version of yourself not because you’re in love with the person. If I no longer exist, will you go back to making that same mistake?” Jasper yelled back at her so much that Caitlyn cried the more.
“It’s fine, I understand you now.” I have to get going. Caitlyn held her bag tightly and left for the door.
“Suit yourself,” Jasper replied, letting his weight drop on the chair. He sighed heavily, closing his eyes and rubbing his forehead continuously. He had so much to worry about in just one day.
His phone began ringing and he reluctantly picked up.
“Mr Callaghan, someone came to the house you told us to seal.”
“Who was it?”
“The CCTV didn’t catch the person’s face, but it was a lady.”
“Alright, thanks for the information. Try to get who it was and let me know once you have an idea.”
“Sure!”
Jasper dropped the call and remembered that he has to check on Katrina whom he decided to take responsibility for. He stood up and headed for Carl’s office.
“So quick, you’re done with your make-out session?” Carl sniffed Jasper’s cloth to see if he smells of other body fluid other than sweat.
Jasper rolled his eyes tiredly and swat Carl’s head, pushing him lightly away from his body. Carl grinned at his friend and rested his butt on his office table while Jasper sat on the visitor’s chair.
“We argued and not what you were thinking.”
“I know, I just felt like teasing you.”
“You mean,”
“Yes, we met at the hospital and I told her to come to meet you when she said you aren’t picking up her calls.”
“That reminds me, how’s Katrina?”
“She woke up already, but she wouldn’t speak to anyone except her brother.”
“It’s understandable. It’s clear that she has gone through so many things. I would go visit her and get her to open up.”
“Of course, that’s your speciality. Especially with girls.” Carl teased and Jasper smiled but stopped as soon as he noticed Carl’s serious face.
“What’s with the expression?”
“When will you accept the fact that you still love Caitlyn?”
“I’m married buddy, and that doesn’t change. You see, I know you love her as well and want to be with her. Why don’t you take this chance to hit it off?”
Carl choked on nothing, changing the direction of his gaze, “You knew about it?”
“Why won’t I? Did you expect me to turn a blind eye to your feelings? You’re my best buddy for heaven’s sake!”
“Jasper, as much as I love her, she doesn’t have a bit of feeling for me in that sense. Feelings can’t be forced, you know. Moreover, you guys are still in love with each other, but just taking to admit it. You’re both suffering from it and I don’t want that. The best form of love you could ever give to someone is to work and appreciate their happiness.”
Jasper hit Carl’s shoulder and embraced him. “You’re right buddy, but I don’t know what to do at the moment. I’m confused.”
“What happened?”
Jasper explained all he experienced that day to Carl and the two friends became speechless.
“This is a bit complex and surprising. What could Grey be planning?”
“I don’t know, if I say I know what to do, I’ll be lying.”
“You know what we do?” Carl said with a bright face.
“We go with the flow!” both friends chorused, shaking each other and giving a side hug.
*
*
ITALY, (1. 00 PM)
A black sports car pulled up in front of a mansion and a male figure alighted from it. “Thanks, Cole,” he said as the driver drove off, away from the mansion’s frontage.
The young man entered the mansion’s gate into the compound which was surrounded by lush gardens which boast a fancy fountain and a neat swimming pool. He entered the mansion which impresses one with a plethora of luxurious features ranging from luxury chandeliers, quality parquet flooring, Persian rugs, antique furniture, and a sweeping staircase in the entrance hall.
The man proceeded into the house without stress or confusion indicating he was no stranger in the house and very familiar with the surroundings. Down the entrance stairs, he found himself in what looked like a sitting room.
Two middle-aged men were sitting over cups of coffee, discussing. One was wearing a t-shirt and black jean trousers. His head was a bit bald at the front with only bits of visible hair.
“Let’s do that Collins,” he said to his company, the other old man.
“Sure, why not?”
“That reminds me, It’s been a while since I saw your son.”
“Which of them?”
“Fenriz, your first son.”
Collins chuckled sipping his coffee. “Yes, It’s been a while. I sent him on a mission, he should be back soon.”
“Alright, I have to get going.”
Just then, the young man showed up in front of them after listening in on their conversation for some minutes. “I’m home dad,” he shouted like someone who just won a trophy.
“Speak of the devil.” Collins stood up to embrace his son.
“Fenriz, you’re back.” the old man smiled.
“Yes, Sir Adrien.”
“Too bad, I was just leaving. I won’t be able to welcome you properly.”
“It’s alright mister, the welcome will not be too late some other time,” Fenriz replied and Adrien left.
Fenriz sat opposite his father on the couch, crossing his leg on each other, his hands placed on each side of the couch. Looking around the house, he commented. “I can see you’ve made some changes with the house setting.”
“Yes, Evelyn wanted it that way. You know, her typical wants.”
“Of course, that’s how mum is. Why is everywhere so silent? Where are the maids, the guards, mum and others?”
“Your mother wanted to go on a picnic and she took most of them along. Other guards are at the warehouse as we’ve got new goods. How was your stay over there? Were you able to complete the mission?”
Fenriz stood up, and knelt on one knee, his hand crossing his chest. “I, Fenriz Vladimir, the first son of the Vladimir Mafiaso, completed my mission successfully with little efforts, no casualty and no trails,” he reported. That was the official way of reporting to the master in the Vladimir family.
“Stand up son, you will be rewarded for your efforts. You sure didn’t let me down.”
Fenriz sat back on the chair. “I used the heiress of the family just like you suggested. After gaining her trust, I was able to get some money and information without her knowledge.”
“That’s a good step. For proper clean-up, what identity did you use there?”
“William Matt, these are the files, ID Cards and information I gathered.” Fenriz handed an envelope to his father.
“Did you see Weapon over there?”
“No, I couldn’t find him no matter how I tried.”
“Never mind, he should be alright. Hope you didn’t forget Elena, she has waited years for you.” Collins gave Fenriz a side-eyed look.
With a chuckle, “I get what you mean dad, I didn’t forget her. Over there, I’ve got no strings attached.”