Flowers Given ..

Oliver.

~

I found myself with head halfway into a toilet bowl.

Not 2 minutes ago, the signs of vomiting hit me, and I was certain it would happen..

It didn't.

After being 100% sure that I won't just explode in a disgusting manner, I pushed the door open.

Metin and Kol were kind enough to wait around outside the stall. I caught some of their conversation.

" .. they already began. "

" Began what? " I asked.

I washed my face and admired the interior of the restroom. The blue they used happened to be my favourite shade.

Kol walked over, handing me a paper towel.

" Sister Marie is having her diamond ceremony right now.. check. "

I was confused by his words, but soon he pushed a phone in front of my face where .. I assume Lilly .. recorded and streamed the entire event.

I saw Marie sitting on a large throne like chair surrounded by a dozen ladies dancing in traditional clothing, examining the insides of a large black wooden box.

She looked happy, frightened, yet strangely calm. The necklace itself was exquisite. God knows how many carats or styles.. I never really cared about jewellery .. but it looked beautiful even in the video.

After the necklace ended up around her neck, a variety of people started surrounding her.

After a full minute of applause, I saw Ayshe joining Zerile and Aunt Seline, embracing her sister as the screen went black.

" With that done .. Do you feel better? "

Kol put his phone away before asking me.

I gathered myself a little, the nausea largely disappeared, and my head felt a hundred times better after a little cold water.

" Yeah.. at the very least, I won't make a fool out of myself. Thanks, boys.. you can go. I will stay for a little .. just in case. "

Kol and Metin gave me a knowing smile before leaving the room.

Damn champagne.. it always hit me like a truck.

I took some deep, calming breaths as time passed. Checked my phone and saw a few missed calls.

A bunch of unknowns .. must be the council or their aids.

A few from Ayshe from earlier..

And 20 minutes ago, Desiree tried to call.

I was playing with the edge of the marble finish of the sink, contemplating something stupid..

Ayshe face floated in my mind, giving me some much needed clarity. I put my phone back in my pocket and walked out.

I should go and find the reason I'm still sane.

My girlfriend.

~

The party itself was tolerable. Toned down, really.

No performances like last year or silly speeches done to embarrass Asin. Most of the guests kept it to themselves.

No one dared to approach us as we pushed a few tables together. The ladies marvelled at the diamond necklace, adorning Marie's neck now.

" .. Promise me to lend it once. " Lilly asked.

" No. "

" Lilly, don't be rude .. As your sister, I believe..

" No. "

Marie was quick to shut down any form of coercion done by her closest friends and family. She kept touching the necklace like she was afraid it would disappear.

It clearly meant a great deal for her. Emotionally, more than anything else.

" .. you can!? "

" Totally.. give me a coin. "

Asin was currently lost in the wonderful life of magic tricks. He was bored throughout the night but resourceful enough to keep himself entertained.

It's not like we could go crazy on parties like this. Too many people who knew us nothing more than boring rich kids attended, and the presence of the entire family limited our enjoyment severely.

I stuck with coffee and soft drinks for the rest of the night mirrored by Marie, who haven't drank anything for months now. Her persistence was impressive.

Around 11pm, the guests were mostly gone, and Asin was away thanking his family for the night.

" She looks confident. " I nudged Ayshe.

We were studying Marie from the side, who looked a good bit calmer now .. stark contrast to than when the night started.

" Let's pray .. just in case. " she smiled.

I chuckled, hearing her reply. I was also amused, noticing Marie humming the same tune Asin uses from time to time. I guess they have been together too long.

In the meantime, the crew went their merry way, and Lilly and Ayshe turned to comfort Henny, who didn't have any luck finding someone.

To be honest, it's hard to find anyone in this aristocratic crowd.

Lucky for her .. Asin just got 26 brothers whom I'm sure would love to give her what she's seeking.

A relationship.

Asin wobbled back, massaging his temples muttering to himself.

" .. pointless .. "

Marie stepped away from Henny and walked closer, comforting him.

" What's wrong? " She asked.

" .. what do you usually get for your birthday? " he looked up.

Marie thought about it. " .. Well.. different things every year. Mostly clothes or .. ohh.. did your parents tell you about their gifts? " she caught on.

Asin gave us a sad smile.

" It's like they buying these stuff as a joke .. to see how annoyed I get. I don't need a jet .. or ancient katanas either or the diary of Sir something or other from a hundred years ago. "

We shared a smile as he walked ahead and past Ovuz inside the car.

Before getting in the car, I got a text.

I had an ominous feeling but still cheked it. It was a picture..

Desiree and Anna are holding champagne glasses.. dressed in fancy clothing, the background of their picture looked familiar. The caption read..

* Hell of a party .. *

Where were they?

I was puzzled until I remembered the colour I was so fond of.

I quickly put my phone in my pocket while keeping my eyes open, scanning our surroundings.

Those two actually had the balls and means to come in tonight? How did they slip past the security.. and how they were not noticed by Asin's parents.. or us for that matter?

They took considerable risk coming here.. but for what?

What's the reason they came here tonight?

———

Asin.

~

I felt excited.

The small lump in my stomach was slowly growing as we put down our friends and headed towards the Balton.

Marie was uncharacteristically calm.

Her smile and demeanour gave off an unsettling vibe. Among the two of us, she looked like the one with experience.

Get it together, Martell!

You been seducing women since .. anyway, just remember you're good at this!

" Khmm .. " I cleared my throat, breaking the silence. " .. Marie, listen .. I wouldn't want you to think it's necessary to .. just because of my birthday.. "

I wanted to convey my understanding .. I managed in the clumsiest way possible.

Her smile spread, and I felt knot in my stomach grown in real-time. She reached over and took my hand.

" You can relax.. I'm aware. "

Was she always this .. sultry and seductive?

I took a long, unashamed look at my 22 year old wife's body.. she was an absolute knockout.

Always beautiful, but tonight.. sexy as hell.

" Good .. Good to be a-aware. Awareness..

Stop talking ..

Thanks to my internal monologue, I stopped myself from a total meltdown

" Are you .. nervous? " she asked with a teasing smile.

" Pfft .. Me? Nervous!?.. Hahaha .. a little bit. " I stopped howling.

Why would I be this nervous?

I knew, of course ..

Marie was my wife. Not just some .. quick, fun, no pressure one-night stand.

I was rocked from my thoughts by the car slowly pulling up to the sidewalk. I took one last look at my wife, .. my courage.. out of nowhere.. came around, and I took charge.

I had an idea..

Reached out and squeezed her hand.

" Alright, Mrs Martell.. let's make this night special. "

I enjoyed seeing her confusion .. before I gave new directions to Ovuz.

———

Ayshe.

~

It was early morning. I heard the songbirds first.

I took some time to stretch before reaching for the phone as one did after getting up.

No missed calls or text.

I weakly punched the air celebrating.

Looks like Marie and Asin had a pleasant time .. I'm guessing.

Either way, the fact she didn't try to contact me was a good sign.

After a quick shower, I went for a bite.

To my surprise, the entire family was attending, including my parents and grandparents.

The man was huddled together at the end of the table in deep conversation. Whatever the topic was, it amused them all.

" Morning, sweetheart. " My mother patted the seat beside her. " .. Did your ..

" No, mother.. Marie didn't call. " I sat down and let the butler push the chair in. " Thank you, Marcell. "

Derya smiled at us from 2 chairs away.

" Must've been busy.. to call. " She nodded with a cheeky comment.

I saw mother turning a little red and granny pretending not to hear a word. As I smiled, my plate was filled with a little of my favourites by the maids.

The conversation.. at least on our side .. were largely about the elusive couple.

" .. Almost fell over seeing his expression. "

" .. Told you he'll hate it.. "

Aunt Seline gave a poisonous look to Derya before sighing and accepting defeat.

" I promised already. I will listen to you next year .. what have you gotten for him again? " she looked up.

" Freedom .. " she smiled mysteriously.

Derya amused herself seeing our confusion but didn't elaborate.

" .. It's almost 11 .. " Henny turned to me, lowering her voice. " Where are they? "

I shook my head. " Probably somewhere close .. sleeping in. "

After breakfast, I called Oliver.

" .. Do you know those days where things just go from bad to worse? "

I stepped outside the garden while the girls waited by the car.

" Oh oh .. what happened? "

" .. I tell you in person. Where are you? "

I started walking towards the cars. " We going to leave soon.. Did Asin call you today? "

" No .. his phone is off. " he sounded distracted. " Listen, I need to go, Maya is in need OF .. I'm .. I'M GOING!! "

I pulled the phone away just in time to shield my eardrums.

We were heading towards the Adans for yet another round of celebrations.

" .. I'm too greedy, aren't I? "

I nodded politely towards the driver holding the door and caught Henny deep in thought.

Lilly was quick to defend her standards.

" No .. of course not. But ..

" But..?? " asked Henny after a little pause.

" It's hard to force .. such things. You know what I mean? " She started carefully. " Chemistry, you know? "

Henny mulled over her words, unsure whether to take offence or not.

I used the momentarily silence to try and reach Marie.

To my surprise, she picked it up immediately like she waited for the call.

" Ayshe hey .. hey .. Asin STOP! .. Hey.. PFft .. hahaha! "

I heard her laughter over the phone, which made me smile as well, and it took a full minute or so before she was able to talk.

" Ayshe.. what's up? "

" Well, good morning.. or rather early afternoon to you to as well. " I exchanged a smile with the girls, who stopped chatting as I put her on loudspeaker.

" We were .. tired. " she chuckled.

Lilly picked up the phone. " Is brother Asin hearing us? "

" Umm .. no. Went to shower. "

We all leaned closer to the phone and collectively asked.

""" Details, please! """

———

Oliver.

~

The day started out bad ..

On my towards the Adans, I got a call.

" .. Nice trick yesterday. The next one will cost you two your heads. "

I heard Desiree trying to quite Anna in the background. I was on loudspeaker.

" Can we ever start a conversation without you threatening us in some ways? "

I pulled the phone away from my ear, trying to bury my frustration, and proceed calmly.

" Why? .. what was that silly stunt for? " I asked.

After a little pause, she answered in an overly serious manner.

" Boredom? "

It was clear I was not going to get the real reason out of her over the phone. " Why did you call? .. just to chat? "

" Asin not picking up.. I'm over at my aunt's house. I was supposed to help him today..

" That's not necessary.. he is tucked away with his wife somewhere nice. "

I smiled, seeing the screen on my phone showing his GPS location as they were heading back from overseas.

I guess he took her somewhere meaningful.

I also wanted Anna to hear the implication in my words .. she did.

" Oli!! What is .. W-what is that mean!?? "

I smiled hearing her immediate reaction.

" Anyways .. " I ignored her. " If there's nothing else, I will see you, Desi.. next Friday. "

" Nice try. You know very well you see me at his actual party .. tomorrow night. "

Before I could add anything else, she hung up, stifling the desperate voice of her girlfriend, trying to get a definite answer to her question.

I put the phone away, realising again .. just how much I hate Anna Lambert.

~

" .. Wrong! .. wrong wrong wrong ..

" Maya! "

" What!? "

We stared at each other growling, and I was waiting for that famous left hand of hers to make the move .. until I once again noticed her baby bump.

Sometimes, I still forget she's pregnant.

I sighed and put down the flower arrangement.

" He won't care about these! You are such a pain.. " I pointed at the truck full of decorations still inside. " This night supposed to be ..

I ducked her left swing. I saw from the corner of my eyes .. she slowed down quite a bit .. and put some distance between us.

" Calling me a pain when you done nothing since you arrived except complaining!!? Come here!!.. "

Our little bit was observed and enjoyed by a few dozen locals, all landing a hand to dress up the square for tonight.

The people wanted to show off their appreciation for the new leader, and the otherwise unremarkable plot of land started to transform into an enchanting meadow filled with wild, colourful flowers, banners, hand drawn by them.

The delicious smell of home cooking filled the air as the sounds of children marvelling at the transformation of their homes made even the hardest of criminal smile.

Maya and a girl called Julie coordinated the community during their efforts, now gathered the people.

" I just want to thank everyone for their efforts today. It means a lot to our family. "

I stood beside Maya as she started to address them.

" Tonight, my little brother will take on the role of leader.. protector of 9th. I would like you all to spread the word around the districts .. All mischief will be punished.. by yours truly. "

Her angelic smile didn't fool those who have known her since childhood. She meant business.. anyone disturbing the ceremony and / or ruin Asin's party will pay with blood comes tomorrow.

She once again thanked them as they dispersed, gearing up for tonight.

I helped Maya walk towards the house, and we said goodbye to Julie.

" Nice girl that Marie.. I mean, as far as sister in laws go, " she spoke up randomly.

" She is nice.. and a good influence on him. He'll need her going forward. "

Last night, Leyla's words rang true. After tonight, there's simply no turning back.. than the ceremony with the council.. finally gets to meet Mr Unknown.

This time next week .. we will be fully committed. Maybe it's time for a talk with the crew .. gave one last chance to turn around and part ways? ..

Maya nodded solemnly. She didn't need further explanation. Being considerably smarter than us, she most likely made up 100s of scenarios and their outcomes.

" Hmm .. what about that, Ayshe? " she asked sneakily.

I rolled my eyes, seeing how hard she was working to hide her smile.

" As in marriage?.. yeah, good chance. " I shrugged.

For me, it was the obvious next step. We are young, but I was positive Ayshe was on the same wavelength with me when it came to our future.

Maya looked satisfied. " It's funny how you two choose sisters as your partners. It's also funny how they handle all the crazy that comes with the title. "

I felt proud hearing her for some reason.

Ayshe was .. a little difficult at the beginning, but now .. well, she changed a lot.

As we walked past the twins and inside the house, my phone buzzed.

Didn't need to check.

The girls arrived... just in time to hang out and do nothing.

All the work was done!

..anyway. Tonight was all prepared and promised to be a momentus one for all included.

It was time for us to meet the Pirells..

———

Asin.

~

Last night .. was .. well, it was a lot.

I had the genius idea of taking Maire to the Manchua towers.

It was an old castle overlooking the sea my family purchased decades ago but never done anything with it.

I was there exactly once, but it made an impression.

Away from the lights of the city, its people .. I felt a kind of rare peace here.

I wanted our first time to be somewhere special.. at least more special than a hotel suite.

Marie loved it here.

We stood outside our room as the wind picked up around the two of us. I grabbed a blanket and pulled her closer, covering us.

" .. Was I any good? "

Marie took the extra effort and turned around to observe my reaction, not just my answer.

I wasn't a dullard ..

" Babe .. seriously. It was the best night I've ever had. "

I kissed her forehead as she turned back to the waters with a satisfied smile.

Truth? ..

Not the best .. not at first, no .. but we had time and energy to practice, and by the end, she really transformed.

So, technically, I wasn't lying.

" What about me? " I nudged her. " Rate my performance. "

I felt a special kind of happiness spread seeing her shy giddiness trying to hide her face under the fabric.

I wanted to stay here some more, but I also had obligations.

" You were great. " she finally spoke up. " .. Little demanding. "

I couldn't even refute that ..

" Well.. I will adjust. " I spoke confidently.

She turned around, locking her hand around my neck.

" We can start now? "

I looked at my watch .. I would be well late ..

" Yes, please. "

~

" .. What took you this long? "

I ignored Oliver's perverted smile and walked past him inside the house. We were out in the Sanctuary.

The house was occupied by the Pirell family. What's left of it, really?

The wife and daughter of the captain who fled Konore.

Captain James Pirell.

" .. He was last seen in Morocco. " Oliver showed me a few pictures.

The man wasn't anything to talk about. Looked exactly like the kind of coward who would leave his family to save himself.

" We have two of ours in the city of Casablanca. They keep their distance.. for now. " Oli continued with an evil smile spreading on his face.

I gave back the tablet and opened the front door of the house.

When this idea was born, we agreed to build these fast and efficiently. Bare basics, really, but it overtime, and people who spent time in it made it theirs. Now, it had character.

I found mother and daughter sitting on the large black couch clutching each other, their eyes filled with the kind of fear only the unknown could cause.

To be fair .. kidnapped and transported hundreds of miles across the country only to be locked inside a house under watch. 24/7 must've done damage on their psyche.

The woman.. Mrs Pirell looked at me for a second, opening her mouth, presumably to start a carefully practised monologue in the hopes of saving her daughter life .. but after my face registered in her mind, words refused to come out.

I saw her daughter nudged her a few times, unaware she had already recognised me from a glance.

" Well, this is awkward. " I grabbed a chair and sat down in front of them. " You must have a lot of questions.. regarding your situation etc, etc.. "

They shared a look before returning their gaze to me. I felt a little more comfortable seeing them stop white, knuckling it, and relax a little.

" Mr .. Martell. Your h-hospitality needs work. "

To my surprise, the daughter spoke up.

After a short smile acknowledging her statement, I turned to Oli.

" Names? "

" Martha .. the mother and her 17 year old daughter. Cecile. " he answered without missing a beat.

I turned back and decided to start.. their question will come later once they feel more comfortable.

" Martha .. no, I'm going to stick with Mrs Pirell. " I adjusted myself in the chair. " ..Khmm.. Mrs Pirell, my name is Asin Martell, and I'm looking for your husband. "

After another round of looks between mother and daughter, she finally spoke.

" A-are we .. are we your hostages? ..W-what have James. .

" Mom .. " her daughter grabbed her wrist, silencing her.

She obviously handled the situation better than her mother.

Cecil turned to me and stared for a few seconds.

Just when it became uncomfortable, she opened her mouth and started talking.

" My father was paid to take a life. Your life... the drivers' lives, I mean. " she corrected herself. " .. I overheard his talk on the phone the night before. "

I looked back at Oliver, who stepped forward.

" Ms Pirell. I need you to tell me everything you heard about that night .. your thoughts and suggestions..

" P-please enough! .. we have been subjected to gross mistreatment and .. and ..

Mrs Pirell voice gave me a headache. Especially since it was all a damn lie.

We, of course, treated them well. We just .. restricted their movement a tiny bit.

I let her vent her anger a little, often exchanging some looks with her daughter, who almost looked embarrassed as her mother started to wind down. There was something about her. Couldn't put a finger on it .. she gave me the creeps.

" .. you rich people think you can just do whatever you want with us common folks .. it's ridiculous..

" Ma'am! " Oliver had enough and stepped forward, shoving a tablet in her face. " Your husband is currently living his best life and well and truly left you behind. Our paths never would've crossed without his greed. Now please for the love of ..

" Khmm .. " I stood up and guided Oliver back to where he stood. " Apologies for my associate.. outburst. Alright .. let me make this clear. "

I walked back and knelt in front of the ladies.

" Your husband tried to murder me and my friends. He managed with one. Your daughter might have information about the person or persons who funded him .. Once I have him, we will come to an agreement, and you two will be free. In the meantime.. please don't cause unnecessary trouble. "

I used my calmest demeanour and tried to calm her down. After all, it wasn't all lies.

They will be free .. its just that her husband won't leave with them.

After both giving me a weak nod, I got up and sat back down.

" Please don't think of your stay as some sort of prison. It's more like a vacation. " I smiled.

The girl Cecile raised her hand like in a classroom.

I pushed away a smile and simply nodded for her to continue.

" What is Asin Martell doing .. with G.O.D? Why would you ..

" Ms.. please understand I'm not going to give you satisfying answers. Our little.. situation will only last for a couple of days. Maybe less if you manage to supply us with information.. or.."

She looked up with a spark of interest in her eyes.

" Or? .. " she urged me.

" Is there a way for you to reach him? " I asked bluntly.

She was a smart girl .. or maybe just a treacherous snake.

" You .. want me to lure him back? " she asked without emotion in her voice.

" We will explore all avenues to clear up this ..

" Situation? " Cecile asked with a cheeky smile.

I nodded, satisfied but a little disturbed. " Indeed. Now, a few rules .. "

I looked at Oliver and let him continue.

" You can't leave the surroundings .. obviously. There will be guards standing outside if you need anything. Food,drink, furniture what have you .. you will contact them, and they will get it done. I will also need your mother..

Oliver mainly talked to the girl and wholly ignored her mother. He clearly figured out she was more on the ball.

" .. to contact some of your relatives. You are on holiday .. that should suffice as a reason for a few days of absence..

" What about the last 3 days? " Cecile interrupted. " How are we going to explain that? The police might already search for us. "

" Good thinking.. but that's not the case, and as long as your mother tells your aunt about the holiday package she won, all will be well. "

Oliver walked closer as he talked and leaned .. almost uncomfortably close to the girl, trying his best to .. intimidated her? .. his smile was pretty creepy.

" F-fine.. okay. " she agreed a little uncomfortable.

Now .. let see if this fear is all an act or not. How much will their loyalty cost?

" Before anything else .. when you overheard your father.. tell us about that night. Must've been a dozy of a phone call he had .. you seemed to know an awful lot. Almost.. too much."

I saw her mother tense up, her eyes filled with fear again .. bingo. Cecile didn't show much of a reaction but noticed her legs shaking. She was an excellent actress.. so is her mother.

Oliver took another look at the duo on the couch and walked closer.

" It's a thing I also wondered. Go on, tell us .. everything will be fine. We won't be .. ungrateful. " he smiled kindly.

But from my side .. it looked eerie and unnatural.

As I watched a mother daughter duo turn into snakes ..

Leyla's words came to mind... the point of no return.