No one likes him either

Mr. Lynn Stoll was the most feared Mafia Lord in the Mafia-dom. His name alone wielded power and authority. If there was anyone Zayde was truly scared of, it was his father.

Zayde had a rather complicated childhood. His parents were separated. Then, there was his favorite twin brother. Zephyr was a lovely soul, but behind those smiles hid the darkest secrets.

Mr. Lynn had longed introduced Zayde and his twin into the Mafian way, as early as six, and that what one of the things that split his family. At nine, Zayde and his twin were virtuosos when it came to handling weapons. They knew they had to do it; it was a survival strategy.

Zephyr met his death at fifteen. He was killed by his father on the basis that he dated a girl his dad didn't approve of. It was one tearful moment for Zayde, but he too got his share of the pain for crying.

His mom, unable to live with a beast who could easily do away with his children had to run away. Asides been threatened by her husband's rivals, she no longer loved him. But then, that act made Zayde hate her. She didn't go with him. She didn't take him along. She only thought of herself. She was being selfish.

The cause of his twin's death and his mother's abandonment made him despise women and everything that had to do with them. It was no miracle he let Carmella stay -- that was obviously his dad's order. He was not allowed to date any girl besides Carmella, and both had been in that loveless relationship for four years. Carmella did see that as an opportunity to cling onto him. He was her childhood crush and she knew she'd become his girlfriend as an agreement to whatever business their fathers had.

Mr. Lynn was the one who taught Zayde to kill his emotions. And though his brother was more skilled and heartless than he was, that didn't deter him from loving his girlfriend deeply.

Jove was his friend; a very close one at that. He was the only one that wasn't scared of him. People were and hence, admired his godly looks from a safe distance.

Also, Jove reminded him so much of his twin. The new Zayde was void of emotions and empathy. He was soulless.

"Did he ask of Carmella?" Jove asked after a long time of silence.

"No. Needed me at home." Came Zayde's brief reply.

Jove put on a smile, trying to lighten the heavy air in the car. "Don't get all worked up, Zay. It probably isn't something serious." He added with a chuckle he himself wasn't too sure of.

Almost immediately, the car pulled into a compound; one that needed no description as it was simply magnificent.

Both folks got down from the car and walked in.

Zayde's dad sat quietly on one of the fur-black couches, sipping on his wine. The aura around him was enough to send one crucial message to whoever that dared mess with him -- he was deadly. But then, he was proud. Proud that his son was taking over.

He noticed some presence but refused to turn. Zayde finally walked up to his face and stood. Jove on the other hand hung around the door. He almost forgot Zayde's dad hated him being around his son.

"Good afternoon, Dad." Zayde greeted with a slight bow.

After what seemed like eternity, Mr. Lynn stood to his feet gracefully and like a flashing light, landed two brain-splitting slaps across Zayde's cheek.

Jove's face held a grimace. It was almost like he felt the impact.

Zayde stood unyielding. His gaze was firm and his face had the least altered demeanour.

His dad smiled admist his action. "One is for bringing this penurious loony into this building and the other is for leaving work for school. Where's Carm?" He spoke calmly.

It was obvious. Zayde got all his characters from his father; the differences being that he spoke too little and didn't reveal emotions.

"School."

"You left her in school and drove back in company of this fool?"

Zayde was simply quiet.

Mr. Lynn massaged his temples. Finally, he sat back on his couch. "Take a seat." He said, pointing towards the couch opposite him.

"I came back to monitor your work progress." He started after Zayde had sat and spoke slowly, like he was measuring his words. "Gotten all of the information from Darold. Impressive. Italy also knows you. I was surprised tho, but then, it's a great thing. I'm leaving tomorrow. I'll be visiting Mr. Lanwood for some business and it's been fixed; 8 pm." He said, raising his gaze to meet Zayde.

Zayde knew what his father insinuated and he wouldn't play dumb on that.

"We'll be there on time." He replied.

With a satisfied nod, Mr. Lynn took another sip. There was some silence.

Zayde got to his feet. "If there's nothing else I'll be leaving."

"To?"

"For some questioning. I've gotten Mr. Nanstre."

Mr. Lynn looked up at his son. With a wry smile and a nod, he motioned him to go. "You should be done before eight. Oceans Hotel." His dad said behind.

Zayde could only nod before walking out.

Jove sat in the car with a headphone on. He'd simply left after Mr. Lynn referred to him as a fool. He was slightly angry so he needed some space.

Zayde walked into the car and ignited it. He threw a short glance at Jove. "I won't take you if you sit, sulking."

"I really don't like your dad."

"Nobody does."

Jove sniffed. Zayde really couldn't console him. "Fine. Where're we going?" He asked as Zayde drove out of the compound.

Zayde was silent. "C'mon, Zay. Tell me." He pleaded. "Don't you want to see her?"

Jove's brows furrowed in confusion. "Her? Who? Oh...the girl. Wait...you know her whereabouts?" He asked.

"I took her." His reply seemed cryptic. Why the hell would Zayde of all people keep a girl?!

"Is there something I should know?" Jove asked, his gaze entirely on Zayde's face to detect even the slightest facial change. But he couldn't get anything. Nothing. Zayde took a quick side glance at him. "Don't pester me, Jove, or I'll drop you off here."

And that was it. Jove kept mute. He knew Zayde. He didn't make empty threats. They were in the middle of the road and Zayde could care less. He'll just have to be patient and wait till they get there.

Zayde wheeled into another compound, one Jove was totally unaware of.

This was his hiding spot. Whenever he wanted to be away for sometime he came here. Now he was beginning to wonder why he asked them to bring her here.

As expected, Jove face was saddled with befuddlement. "You took her to a friend's place?"

"It's my house." He replied curtly and alighted, heading inside. Jove followed, looking around like some lost dog. "You never told me about this one."

Zayde ignored him and walked till he reached a room. He pushed the door open and met a totally different scene; something he'd never imagined.