CHAPTER 45: THE DEVIL WEAR A SUIT AND A SMILE...

Scene: Mek's Hospital Room — Late Evening

The lights are dim.

Rain taps gently on the window.

Mek lies there in silence.

Eyes half-closed, pretending to be asleep.

Then the door opens quietly.

Polished shoes.

Expensive cologne.

Power. Control. Cruelty.

Pete's father.

He steps inside slowly, shuts the door behind him.

> "You're awake. Don't pretend."

Mek opens his eyes, expression unreadable.

> "What do you want?"

Pete's father chuckles softly, moving to sit in the chair beside the bed. Casual. Cold.

> "You've caused quite the mess, haven't you? My son… breaking down over a boy."

Mek clenches his jaw.

> "He's not just 'a boy.' He's the love of my life."

Pete's father leans forward, voice low and venomous:

> "Exactly why you're dangerous."

> "He used to be focused. Ruthless. A true heir. Now? He's running around chasing love stories like a fool."

Mek narrows his eyes. "Maybe love made him human."

Boom. Point to Mek.

But Pete's father just smirks.

> "Here's the thing, Mek. I don't care how dramatic your love story is. I don't care how many candles you light or songs you sing."

He leans in closer. Mek stiffens.

> "You are a risk. And I don't let risks stay in my empire."

Mek glares. "What are you gonna do? Shoot me again?"

Pete's father grins. "No need. You're already bleeding from the inside. All I need… is to press a little harder."

He stands.

> "So here's my offer. Leave my son.

Disappear quietly. Break his heart if you must.

But if you stay?

I'll destroy everything you love. Starting with your family."

Mek's fists tighten beneath the blanket.

> "You think I'm afraid of you?"

> "No," the man replies. "I think you love Pete enough to obey me. That's even better."

And with that—he leaves.

Silent. Satisfied.

A ghost in the rain.

---

Scene: Mek alone — Moments Later

His breath is shaky.

His chest feels heavier than his bullet wound.

> "If I stay… Pete loses everything.

If I go… I lose him."

Tears slip silently down his face.

He whispers to the ceiling,

> "Why does love always come with a price?"