Chapter 32: Confessions

"I congratulate you, Yuan, on a job well done. You are now an official Alpha. Your probation has been lifted."

Yuan let out a quiet snicker as Don Arnulfo clasped his hand firmly.

"I told you I could do it, Don," he said, his confidence showing in his demeanor.

"I never doubted you. And since you successfully eliminated one of the most important men in the Dragon Brotherhood, I will assign you as the youngest Boss Alpha. In time, you will inherit my position."

A slow smirk spread across Yuan's lips. "That is—" he paused, his voice laced with certainty, "when I kill Lucio Hernandez before Tiffany does."

Don Arnulfo's gaze darkened, his smirk fading into something more menacing. "Are you going to Tiffany kill the target?"

Yuan stood, bowing slightly, his movements fluid and effortless.

"Of course not."

The Don's lips twitched into a half-smile, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"I will take my leave now, Don Arnulfo," Yuan said smoothly. "The next time I return, Lucio's head will be on a platter, exactly as you instructed."

He turned toward the door, steps measured and full of his newfound purpose.

"Yuan," the Don called just as his hand reached for the knob. He stopped, looking over his shoulder with a questioning glance.

A rare expression of approval crossed the Don's face. "I am proud of you, son."

Something sharp twisted in Yuan's chest—pride, exhilaration, maybe even something deeper. "Thank you," he said.

"Kill everyone who gets in your way."

Yuan stiffened. "Everyone?" he asked, his fingers twitching against the cool metal of the doorknob. "Does that mean—"

"Yes. You know what to do."

Heaving a silent sigh, Yuan gave a slow nod before finally stepping out and slamming the door shut behind him. Only one thought remained in his mind. 'I will be the next Don.' And not even Tiffany would stop him.

***

Steffy sensed Marie's hesitation as they neared the only bar in town.

She knew Marie Joyce had only agreed to come because of her persistence. Steffy never took 'no' for an answer, and Marie already understood that all too well. After all, she'd just punish her with endless nagging if she didn't concede.

"Come on!" Steffy laughed, nudging her forward.

The party was in full swing, bodies pressed together on the dance floor, slick with sweat, moving under flashing green and blue disco lights. The bass pounded through the air, drowning out most conversation.

Marie hesitated at the entrance, her body stiffening. "...Too crowded," she mumbled, her voice was barely audible over the music.

Steffy leaned in. "What?"

Marie sighed and tried again, louder this time. "I said, this place is too crowded!"

Steffy only chuckled, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "What do you expect? It's a bar!"

Marie frowned. "I'm not used to being in places like this. I don't like it here."

"I know, Marie Joyce. That's exactly why I brought you. You need to get a life."

Grinning, Steffy grabbed her hand and pulled her into the crowd. Familiar faces turned their way, curious gazes trailing after them. Steffy smirked, unbothered. But beside her, Marie shrank slightly, visibly uneasy under the attention.

With an exasperated chuckle, Steffy turned to her, tilting her chin up to meet her gaze. "Hey, Marie Joyce, listen," she said. "This is a celebration of your new life. This is the beginning of your freedom. Let's enjoy this, alright? If you feel uncomfortable, just keep looking at me. Don't look anywhere else."

Marie hesitated at first. "You're right," she said, her voice steadier. "That fat principal will never be able to ruin my life again. And that's worth celebrating."

"That's my girl!" Steffy declared, throwing an arm around her. "Now, let's get ourselves a drink."

Marie opened her mouth to protest, but Steffy shut her down immediately, dragging her toward the bar. "This is going to be the best night of your life, Marie Joyce. And you fucking deserve it."

The investigation into the principal's murder continued, and classes remained suspended.

Marie still couldn't fully grasp the reality of it all—Mr. Seson was dead. And yet, here she was, sitting in a parked car with Steffy Rivera, basking in the night's aftermath. They had pulled over just a few yards from her house, needing a moment to breathe.

Marie glanced at Steffy beside her. Their friendship still felt surreal, like a dream she might wake up from. But it wasn't a dream. This was her reality now. And she liked it.

"Are you even listening?" Steffy's voice broke through her thoughts.

"I-I am," Marie stammered. "It's just that—"

Steffy giggled. "I get it. I know what it's like to finally see a glimpse of light in your reality."

Marie's heart clenched. 'Exactly my thoughts.'

The connection between them was undeniable. They were different, yet somehow, they understood each other. Steffy shifted, turning fully toward her. Marie did the same, their eyes locking in the dim glow of the car's interior. Despite the late hour, Steffy still looked stunning, her hair unruly from all the headbanging earlier.

Clearing her throat, Steffy murmured, "I want to be honest with you."

Marie rested her head against the passenger seat. "Go ahead."

"I'm not who you think I am, Marie Joyce. There are so many things I can't tell you."

Marie raised an eyebrow. "And why is that? You know your secrets are safe with me."

"It's you I want to keep safe."

Marie laughed. "What, are you telling me you're some kind of Mafia princess?"

Steffy giggled, shaking her head. "The Mafia isn't real."

"Then why are you' being so weird?" Marie teased.

Steffy suddenly reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Marie's ear. "You're one of the best things that's ever happened to me here," she said softly. "Whatever happens, I want you to live freely, Marie Joyce."

Marie frowned. "Are you trying to say goodbye or something?"

Silence stretched between them. Just then, Steffy's eyes glistened with unshed tears. Her heart clenched. "Why are you crying, Steffy?"

Steffy smiled through it. "I'm just happy. You made my stay here… memorable."

Marie chuckled. "You're too emotional tonight. But, what else can I say? You drank too much."

Steffy let out a soft laugh. "I'm not drunk."

Marie scoffed. "Yeah, whatever."

"I'm leaving soon," Steffy said, her voice above a whisper.

Marie stiffened. "You're leaving me? So I'll be alone again?"

Steffy sighed. "I can't explain everything. But the truth is, I'm an heiress. And there are responsibilities I have to fulfill."

Marie swallowed hard, twisting a curl between her fingers. "I like you, you know."

"I know."

Marie inhaled deeply. "No, Steffy, I mean it. I really like you. Not just as a friend."

Steffy's eyes widened slightly. "W-what do you mean?"

Before she could second-guess herself, Marie leaned in, pressing a soft, hesitant kiss against Steffy's lips.

It was fleeting—barely more than a breath—but it sent a jolt through her, leaving her heart hammering against her ribs. She pulled back too quickly, panic setting in. "I-I'm sorry. That was a mistake."

Steffy didn't move, didn't even blink. She just studied her, a slow smirk forming at the corners of her mouth. "Look at me," she murmured.

Marie swallowed hard. "I didn't mean to ki—"

"Just look at me, Marie."

The command was soft, but it held weight. Marie's breath hitched as her gaze locked onto Steffy's. The air between them shifted. And then, Steffy closed the distance. Her lips were warm and nothing hesitant about the way she kissed her.

Marie gasped softly, but she didn't pull away.