Chapter 22: Mommy’s Home

Aizen's POV

As much as I cherished the moments with Desiree that filled me with joy, duty called me back to my secret life. Kenji's urgent summons to our headquarters had my blood boiling as I scrolled through the grim details he forwarded. 

Sabotage had ripped through one of our factories, leaving a trail of corpses in its wake. The theft of our precious drug prototype only deepened the wound, and I couldn't shake the suspicion that the Chernov family played a sinister hand in this treachery. 

Entering the headquarters, reverence greeted me in every nod and bow. Stepping into my father's office, I greeted him with a respectful bow. Although I'm still pissed at what he did, outside the walls of our home, I have no choice but to treat him with the highest respect. 

"Father," I acknowledged, locking eyes with him. 

Takeshi Nara, my father, embodies a duality that defines our family's legacy. Beneath the veneer of familial warmth lies a shrewd and uncompromising businessman, wielding power with ruthless efficiency beyond the sanctuary of our home. 

"Aizen," Father greeted, his nod acknowledging my presence. "Who fucked this up?"

"I believe the Chernovs are behind it," I replied with unwavering conviction. 

Father's brows furrowed. "Any evidence?" he inquired, his tone brooking no uncertainty. "Regardless, identify the perpetrators and exact retribution double the damage they've inflicted." With a decisive gesture, he handed me a SIG Sauer P226. "Consider it your instrument of justice in their undoing."

"Yes, Father," I acknowledged with a respectful bow. 

"And Aizen," he continued, his tone emphasizing the gravity of his next words, "Heighten the security around the Estate. We cannot afford any threats to the princess.."

I tightened my grip on the pistol, the mere thought of those bastards infiltrating my home and harming my wife made my blood boil. If that ever happened, I'd end the entire line of the Chernovs and erase them from history. 

Kenji's reassuring presence loomed behind me, a silent reminder of solidarity. With a firm nod towards my father, he assured, "Understood, Chairman. Safeguarding the princess is our utmost priority." His glance at me conveyed unwavering resolve. "After all, she is the future queen."

"If that is all, we will take our leave," I declared, ready to embark on the mission ahead. 

My father rose from his seat, his expression serious. "There is another task I would like you to undertake," he announced.

I raised an eyebrow, awaiting his instructions. "What is it?" I inquired.

He handed me an envelope, his gaze unwavering. "Ensure that your mother receives this," he instructed firmly."

My mother? She was in Manila. Did my father expect me to fly all the way there just to deliver this to her? 

"She arrived this morning and is en route to the Estate," Father clarified. 

"What is she doing here?" I questioned, slipping the envelope into my jacket. "Is there something I should know about?"

Father shook his head, dismissing my concerns with a wave of his hand. "No," he replied curtly. "You are dismissed."

I nodded in acknowledgment, exiting the premises with Kenji by my side. My men trailed behind in their respective vehicles as we embarked on our investigation into the sabotage that had occurred. 

I bit my lip. There are a million things spinning through my mind right now. Desiree's safety was paramount, especially with the looming threat from the Chernovs. Then there was the mystery surrounding my mother's sudden appearance. And amidst it all, the burning question remained: how the fuck we'd make the Chernovs pay? 

The car hummed along the road, the silence broken only by Kenji's voice cutting through the tension. "Why do you think your mother's here?" he pondered, his words hanging heavy in the air. "It's odd. Didn't she break things off with your father a few years ago? The last time she was here was at your wedding.."

I nodded slowly, my thoughts racing to unravel the mystery. "I don't have the slightest idea why she's here," I admitted, my brow furrowing in concern.

"Could it be that your dad's dying?" Kenji ventured, his words hitting me like a sledgehammer. 

The sudden halt of the vehicle mirrored the abrupt halt in my mind. "What?" I breathed, my heart skipping a beat.

"Think about it," Kenji pressed on, his gaze intense. "It's the only reason I could think of.."

"It's too soon," I countered, the words feeling weak against the weight of the possibility. "He's still healthy."

"Your mother was the only lover your father ever had, right?" Kenji probed further, his voice gentle yet probing. "Chairman was married to someone else out of duty, but he loved your mother. They stayed together through thick and thin. After all that, why did she leave him?"

I closed my eyes, the memories flooding back with painful clarity. "Because she's tired of living the life he has," I confessed, my voice heavy with the weight of regret. "Which is why my relationship with her took a turn when I decided to become like my father. She wanted me to live differently, but I chose success."

The thought of repeating history sent a pang of fear through me. What if the same thing happens between Desiree and me? No. Desiree swore to stand by me. 

Kenji's questions cut through the heavy atmosphere, redirecting our focus from my parents' tangled history to my own complicated present. "So," he began, his tone measured, "You and Desiree are in it for real, huh?" His gaze bore into mine, searching for answers. "Did you tell her last night? EVERYTHING?"

Of course, I didn't. The less she knew the safer she was. Or was that what I told myself to avoid telling her? 

I hesitated, the weight of my silence heavy in the confined space of the car. "No," I admitted finally, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. "The less she knows, the safer she is. At least, that's what I keep telling myself."

Kenji's eyebrows shot up, a skeptical expression crossing his face. "And have you figured out what you're gonna do once she knows?" he pressed, his tone tinged with concern. "Because let's face it, it wouldn't be a pretty confrontation. Chances are, she'd throw a fit." A hint of humor crept into his voice. "She might even punch you like she used to back in elementary school."

A wry smile tugged at the corners of my lips at the memory. "I'd take a punch over seeing her heartbroken any day," I admitted, my voice tinged with regret. "I promised her I'd never hurt her, but if she ever found out about my secret life... it would shatter her." 

"She promised to stay with you no matter what, correct?" he asked. 

Kenji's words struck a chord, prompting a nod from me. "Yeah, she did," I confirmed, a soft smile gracing my lips as I recalled her earnest words. "She said she didn't want us to part even after death." 

Kenji's optimistic words resonated with me, infusing a sense of hope into my thoughts. His voice carried a hint of certainty as he spoke, each word ringing with conviction. "You know what," he said, his tone brimming with positivity, "I honestly think that might be true. Given your history as kids and fate throwing you back at each other, maybe you're just destined to be together." As he groaned, a wave of nostalgia washed over him, his features contorting with the weight of memories. "I just hope that when you have children, they won't be a pain just as you both were." Kenji's face seemed exhausted upon recalling the memory of our childhood. 

His words stirred something within me, igniting a flicker of optimism in the depths of my being. "Thanks," I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I'd like to believe she'd stay."

Kenji's gaze softened, a glimmer of understanding dancing in his eyes. "She loves you," he said, his voice carrying a note of reassurance. "I could see that." With a gentle laugh, he shook his head in wonder. "It's crazy to think that she loved you since we were kids."

The gravity of his statement struck me, prompting a surge of curiosity. "You think she did?" I asked, my voice laced with genuine curiosity. 

Kenji looked at me in disbelief. "Are you fucking serious, right now?" he exclaimed, a mixture of disbelief and amusement evident in his tone. "Desiree's love for you has been unwavering since childhood—it's like it's imprinted in her DNA."

 "Are you still upset that I dragged her into our world?" I ventured, my voice tentative. 

Kenji's response was measured, his words carrying a sense of resignation. "You two are stubborn people," he remarked, his tone tinged with a hint of wistfulness. "At this point, who am I to argue with you? Even fate seems to throw you two together." He released a weary sigh, the weight of his concern palpable. "So, no, I'm not upset. I warned her last night and she chose to have you. I scolded you a million times, and you chose to be selfish." Another sigh escaped him, laden with the burden of unspoken fears. "I'm worried about the dangers this life would bring to her. And as your friend, I'm worried about how it'll affect you if she ever decides to…"

"Leave?" I interjected, the word heavy on my tongue.

He nodded, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on his shoulders. "Anyway, everything makes sense now," he continued, his words tumbling out in a rush of realization. "She's the reason why you never dated, isn't she? You never moved on from her."

I bristled at the accusation, my defenses rising instinctively. "I dated," I countered, my voice tinged with defensiveness. 

But Kenji remained steadfast, his conviction unwavering. "The only person you ever loved was her," he asserted, his words striking a chord deep within me. "Prove me wrong."

I can't. He was right. I hadn't engaged in meaningful relationships because I believed myself incapable of love. Each encounter was strategic and devoid of emotional attachment. But Desiree... she was different. She had always been different. 

Our conversation was cut short upon our arrival at the remains of our factory. Everything was destroyed. The explosion broke most walls and all that's left is an empty shell. "Don't think we'll find traces of evidence in this shit," I said, scanning the area. 

"No kidding," Kenji nodded, lighting up a cigarette. He offered me one and I waved it off. "Damn," he says chuckling. "Desiree changed you, alright!"

I found myself smiling. I suppose she did change me. Little by little, I found myself changing. I know that I don't deserve her… letting her go is simply not an option. I'm going to be a man worthy of her. I want to better myself because of her and for her. 

"Anyway," Kenji says, changing the topic. His words were cut off by the sudden sound of a breaking twig and instinct took over both our bodies. Kenji pulled out his gun, shooting it precisely on his target. 

I turned around to meet the bastard. Probably one of the enemy's goons. I pulled out my pistol and shot both of his hands and both of his feet. "Tell me," I said, walking closer. "Who the fuck sent you?"

Kenji cracked his knuckles, staring the man down. "We won't kill you," he says, pointing the pistol on his forehead. "We need a messenger to deliver a message."

"But killing your family is a perfectly good option," I said, kneeling beside the bastard. "I'll ask you one more time. Who sent you?"

"This is the part where you comply," Kenji says, playing with his pistol. "My friend here isn't a patient man. He will kill your family if you don't answer now."

"The Chernovs," replied the man. 

I reached for his pocket and pulled out his ID. As I suspected, he's not much older than me. "Kishi, huh?" I said, examining him. "I assume the Chernovs know everything about you. When you return, they'll kill you themselves. If not, they'll also go on a murder spree and kill your family for fucking up."

"I was just sent here to collect any trace of evidence left behind," the boy begged. "I had nothing to do with the explosion. Please, if I'm going to die, at least protect my family. I'm begging you! Please!"

My first instinct was to turn him down, but then an image of Desiree flashed before my eyes. Am I really capable of such change? My goal is to be a man deserving of her… I might never be given the life I lead… the murders, the drugs—everything. 

"Get to his family and put them on a plane out of Japan. Arrange everything," I commanded, looking at the baffled Kenji. I won't hear the end of this, I'm sure. 

"What?" Kenji shook his head in disapproval. 

"You heard me," I said. I shifted my gaze to the boy—his face the picture of relief. "You work for me now."

"This might as well be a trap, you know?" Kenji cautioned.

The rest of the operations for the day went smoothly. Soon enough, it was seven in the evening. I was exhausted and so was Kenji. As I drove into the estate, I noticed my mother's car parked out front. I sighed. I almost forgot about her sudden arrival and the letter my father asked me to hand her. 

As I walked into the drawing-room, I found Desiree sitting with my mother. As I expected, my wife looked uncomfortable. "Aizen," she greeted, eyes shining with relief and delight. She got up and immediately ran into my arms. 

I kissed her head, holding her firmly. She felt cold. It's like the warmth within her vanished. 

"Mother paid an unexpected visit right after you left," Desiree said, smiling at my mother. "Let's all have dinner, shall we? Mother and I cooked."

I nodded, smiling at my wife. I then shifted my gaze to my mother as I released Desiree from my embrace. "Mother," I greeted, walking to kiss her cheek. "I'd like to have a word with you in private after dinner."

"Private?" she asked, glancing at Desiree and back at me. "And why? That's a little too insensitive, don't you think? Don't you trust your wife enough to let her hear what you have to say?"

"I do," I said firmly, "But this doesn't concern her."

"My dear," Mother said viciously as she made her way to Desiree. "Do you really allow my son to treat you this way?"

"I trust my husband, mother," Desiree assured her. "I'm sure he has his reasons."

Mother pulled her into an embrace, caressing her long black hair. "My dear, Desiree," she says almost sympathetically, "You remind me of myself when I was about your age. From my observation, you're a very intelligent girl. So, my sweet daughter-in-law, my advice is this: don't be a pawn. Don't be a fool." That said, she released Desiree. Turning to me, she continued, "I'm skipping dinner as I'm exhausted. "If you want to talk, let's talk."

And so I followed my mother into the study.