My Billionaire Mafia King: Chapters 1–5

Vexon

Before I knew it, I was in my second year of college. One day, on my way home after my last class I was hoping to lie down and relax, but as I stepped over the threshold I realized the air was thick with tension. So thick I could cut it with the blade in my pocket.

"No, Kendrik! You can't do this!" my mother was yelling at my older brother.

"Mom, please, try to understand. If I become king, it will put Pearl's life in danger," Kendrik pleaded, "I can't take that risk. After our wedding, we're moving away from here and we're going to lead a normal life. No more Mafia."

Our mother let out a frustrated sigh.

I felt bad for my older brother. The things people did for love were indeed crazy. I never desired to be a victim of love. At least, that's what I used to think...

Not wanting to interfere with their argument, since I was beyond tired, and I had an assignment to submit. I pretended not to see them and walked as fast as I could straight up the stairs and to my room.nd even after shutting my room door, I could still hear their yelling from downstairs, seemingly making the mansion we lived in seem small. Their yelling started to get on my nerves but I managed to ignore it.

I grabbed a t-shirt and a pair of pants, along with a pair of boxers from the armoire, before taking a refreshing five-minute shower. Stepping out of the shower with a towel hanging around my waist, I glanced at myself in the mirror as I passed it and started playing with my hair.

"Oh how I love you, my beautiful dark brown hair," I mumbled to myself as I continued playing with it. I loved playing with my hair, but my fun didn't last long as my phone started ringing.

"Boss, we've got a problem," Mane Cands, one of our trusted men, spoke through the phone. He has been the trainer of all the Bevine children since before I can remember, as we were all supposed to join the gang once we were old enough. I had completed all my necessary training, but Kendrik being the eldest and the next Mafia king, still had five more years of training left that only the Mafia King is supposed to undertake.

Our mom ran the deadliest gang in Canada, the Gladiolus, and my brothers and I have always wanted to be a part of it and Kendrik, he is supposed to be the next Gladiolus King. However, it seems he doesn't want to be King anymore and this is why he and mom continue to argue.

I hummed in response and waited for Mane to continue. He sounded quite nervous, which was unusual for him.

"Mistress has called an emergency meeting and she asked me to arrange everything within the next fifteen minutes. So, I thought you might have an idea as to why she is calling this meeting so suddenly."

"No, I don't know anything about it," I answered in confusion, at what I was hearing. "Inform all the important members and manage everything. I'll go talk to my mom," I said before cutting off the call, getting dressed, and then marching downstairs.

"Mom!" I called as I walked towards the hall, I could see my mom looking at her phone. She lifted her head and looked at me.

"What's wrong, Vexon?" she asked, putting a hand on my cheek.

"Why did you suddenly call an emergency meeting?"

My mom would never make such a hasty decision without a valid reason, but I wanted to know the reason right at that moment. I hated not knowing things, as I liked being prepared for whatever was coming.

She let out a small laugh. "Wait until the others join us first, honey. Then I'll tell you everything."

"You've got to tell me now. You know, I hate not knowing something," I groaned as the suspense of it all had me running a hand through my hair repeatedly.

"No," she said firmly as she walked off and into her bedroom, while I trailed behind her.

"Mo-" but before I could continue, she closed the door on my face and said through the door, "No means no, Vexon."

With a sigh, I gave up and went back to my bedroom and stayed there until it was time for the meeting.

When the time for the meeting came I headed down towards the study, and while walking towards it, I bumped into my younger brother, Cason.

"What's the emergency, bro?"

I glared at him. "For the first and last time, Cason, mom didn't tell me anything."

"How could mom not tell her favorite son?" another brother of mine, Kace, questioned sarcastically. He had appeared out of nowhere and joined us. I rolled my eyes at his comment, while he kept mocking me until we reached the study.

I was the second of five brothers and surprisingly mom's favorite son. Meanwhile, Kendrik was the first, Kace the third, Cason the fourth, and last but not the least, was Orson, our fifth brother. The bonds between us were very strong and we loved each other to death and I was sure nothing could break us apart.

Mom appeared soon after our family lawyer, the Gladiolus Executives and Mane had gathered in the sitting room in her study.

"Thank you all for coming at such short notice," she addressed us. "Now I shall make an announcement, so please listen carefully," mom said as she sat down beside me.

"As you all know, soon I am going to retire and according to the tradition, my eldest son, Kendrik, is supposed to inherit the title of 'Gladiolus King. Regrettably, he has rejected the position because he didn't want to put his girlfriend in danger, which is quite understandable."

Mom paused for a long moment, letting the news of Kendrik's decision sink in, before she continued, "We need a new Mafia King, thus, with no further hesitation, I declare that the new Gladiolus King will be my second son."

I nodded, understanding her announcement.

So it's going to be her second son. Cool.

"Vexon... honey?" mom spoke up.

I looked at her as she gave me a pointed look, while all the others looked at me with various expressions of awe and admiration. I frowned at the sudden attention.

What's wrong? It's not like I'm going to be the next Gladiolus King.

Cason shook his head and whispered, "You're the second son, Vexon."

That's when it hit me. I was going to be the next Gladiolus King.

The job sounded like it would be a pain in the neck, causing a lot of turmoil and confusion. I always thought I would be one of the Executives, but never in my wildest dreams I thought that I would be the one ruling as King. Kendrik was always meant to be the next King, not me. Who could have thought that Kendrik had the power to convince mom, otherwise?

I stiffened at the next thought, oh Lord, I'm going to go bald with the amount of work I will have to do. Oh, not my beautiful dark brown hair.

"Congratulations, Brother!" all of my brothers chorused as they engulfed me in a bone-crushing hug. After they released me, mom side-hugged me and kissed my cheek with a satisfactory smile.

All the formalities were taken care of, and everyone seemed to be happy with the decision. It all happened so fast, while I hadn't been able to swallow the news yet. Why had mom decided to make me the King, without even asking me about it?

Sensing my unease, mom stepped close and spoke, "Vexon honey, come to my room please." With everything settled and everyone happy with mom's decision I stood up and followed after her, closing the room door behind me when we finally reached her room.

"Sit down, honey," she said in a tentative voice with a heartwarming smile. I did as she said.

"I know you're shocked by the news, but son, Kendrik wants to handle the legal business, as in, our Armament Company. Not the Mafia one. I talked to him about it and we both thought you would be the best decision. I had always had it in my mind that I would make you the next Gladiolus King if anything were to happen to Kendrik. It's because I feel you have the potential. I just know it. You see, I ain't getting any younger and our men need a young, capable King now, not an old, grumpy Queen."

I remained silent, her words running laps in my head.

"Since traditionally the firstborn child is supposed to inherit the position, I had to announce Kendrik as the next King, but truthfully I always wanted it to be you. You, my son, will be the best Gladiolus King. Please don't let me down, all my dreams are now dependent on you," she continued.

I could see mom was tense and afraid that I might reject the position, as Kendrik did. But all I knew was that I couldn't let her down. She had such high expectations for me.

"When do I start my final training?" I asked, getting straight to the point, which made her glow with happiness as she beamed. I had already been given basic training, now I just had to complete the final stage. The training that would prepare me to become the next Mafia King.

"You have to go tomorrow. Mane will accompany you. Once you come back, we will hold the coronation."

I nodded and left, heading straight to my room. I couldn't stand to talk to her anymore and needed to be alone. I needed time to think as well as to set aside my feelings and emotions. From here on out, I had to focus solely on the Mafia and nothing else. My only goal now would be the safety of my gang and my family, I couldn't afford to disappoint my mom. Not now.

I snapped out of my thoughts when my door creaked open and turned to find one of my brother's standing at the door. "Sorry, Vexon," Kendrik said, guilt clearly showing in his eyes.

Walking over to him, I patted his shoulder, "It's okay, you did it for love."

Of course, he felt guilty. Because of him, I had to take over the gang and give up my life, and everything I wanted.

"But if it weren't for me, Mom wouldn't have burdened you with this huge responsibility."

I chuckled. "It's okay. I'll make sure this gang is handled in the best possible way." Kendrik's eyes lit with amusement at my words.

"Mom was right. I can see the Mafia world taking a step forward with your leadership. I can just feel that willpower of yours," he said proudly and I smiled.

"Vexon, you can't go!" My eleven-year-old brother, Orson, came running towards me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I ruffled his hair playfully.

"I have to, Orson."

"Do you promise to call me every day?" he asked and I nodded as he started jumping in excitement.

"By the time you get back, I'll be twenty-three!" Cason squealed.

"I'll be twenty-four." Kace sent a challenging look at Cason.

Dear Lord! Please spare everyone from their fights while I'm gone. Besides, they clearly don't understand that time passes equally for everyone.

"Enough," Kendrik said, shutting them all up. I thought Kendrik would scold them, but boy was I wrong! "I'll be the eldest as always. I will be twenty-seven." And we all burst into laughter.

Our night passed with us playing video games, which was fun as heck. We all fought over the games, engaging in a hand-to-hand fight in the end. I would be lying if I said I wouldn't miss them at all, once I'm gone.

Finally, when they all went to their respective rooms, I finished packing my suitcases and then went to bed. Drifting into a deep slumber with the final thought being that I was the next Mafia King.

The next morning, I woke up and took fifteen minutes in the bathroom to freshen up and get ready for the day ahead. Soon I was standing at the front door of the Bevine Mansion.

"Take care, Son," Mom said, wiping her tears away for the umpteenth time. I hugged her tightly, not wanting to let go.

"You too, Mom."

"I'll miss you, Vexon," Cason said through tears. He was the emotional one, always crying, especially when other people cried as he got attached to people really quickly and never really forgets them. Sniffling, he engulfed me in a bear hug.

"You are squeezing me, Cason," I joked, trying not to let a tear slip from my eyes.

"Don't forget to call me every day." Orson hugged me, after Cason. I chuckled and ruffled his blond hair.

"I won't. Be a good boy, Orson. I won't be able to save you from mom's wrath for the next five years, so don't be naughty."

"I won't," he said with such an innocent look, anyone would fall for it. Though, I knew he was lying. There was no way he could go on without doing something which would anger mom.

I went over to Kace and hugged him. "Don't leave, Vexon. Home won't feel like home without you."

"I have got to go, Kace. Hey, I'll come back though. It's not like I'm dying or anything." He shot me a glare, and I let out a chuckle. "Okay, just don't cry."

Kendrik reluctantly approached me and I pulled him into a hug. He was my best friend. "Don't turn into an ass," he said and we both laughed, hiding tears.

"I'll try not to."

"I'm so sorry. I got you into this mess."

"It's okay."

"Time to go, Boss," Mane announced after all the farewells and I walked outside.

"Thanks, Mane."

He chuckled and let out, "Aye aye, Boss. I'll be your assistant for the next five years."

Nodding my head, I got into the car and glanced up at the mansion through the window. I wouldn't see them all for the next five years, scared that once I left, everything would become a long-forgotten memory to me.

Who knew I was going to be the one going away?

A tear escaped from my eyes, as the engine started and we started to pull away. I tried to comfort myself, and in doing so decided to use my Mac-book to check the stats of our company, just to pass time more quickly. I was studying business, so I could help my mom when she needed it, in managing the Bevines' Armament Company - the company that Kendrik wished to oversee now.

"Boss, we're here," Mane spoke up. Closing my Mac-book, I looked up and glanced out the window.

This was where I would be living for the next five years. I stepped outside and looked around. There were camouflaged camps littered all over the grounds. My training was a secret, so my camp would be near the hills. I walked around, with Mane and some other guards following behind.

"Guys, I'll give chocolates to everyone. Calm down!" a sweet, angelic voice filled the air, causing my heart rate to pick up.

Where is this voice coming from? I wondered as I looked around frantically, searching for the owner of the voice. But I found no girl around me. Who and where is she?

Vexon

Who and where is she? That was the only thing running through my mind. If she wasn't meant to be spotted, then why did her voice reach my ears in the first place? This was so frustrating.

While searching for her, I didn't even realize that I was surrounded by my guards. "Boss, your camp is on that side," a guard of mine spoke up. "Boss?"

"Yeah?" I said, breaking from my trance as I met the curious gazes of my guards and flushed at their odd looks.

Mane's face held pure concern, when he asked me, "Are you okay?"

I cleared my throat before nodding, wishing I could know the owner of that sweet angelic voice or maybe it was just my imagination due to the long journey. With a final look around, I walked towards my campsite with my men trailing behind me.

"You guys didn't leave any chocolate for me. Now I feel left out," that voice spoke again.

This time my eyes snapped to the right and the scene I saw was the most beautiful thing ever.

A beautiful girl, maybe one or two years younger than me, was whining with a cute pout adorning her lips. A few small kids surrounded her, eating chocolates, which most probably had been bought by her.

Some of them kissed her cheeks, while others hugged her. It made me want to kiss her, too. I didn't know why I had the urge. I sounded horny, but this feeling was something else. I couldn't comprehend it. She kept grinning, whereas I kept staring at her like a creep.

Her rosy, pink luscious lips looked soft and the beautiful smile that was playing on them was a sight to see. When she laughed, it was like a soothing melody to my ears; as if an angel had descended on earth. My heartbeat quickened as I admired her.

When a few kids pulled her cheeks, a voice called out for her. "Okay, kids. I've to go now. Bye-bye now!" She waved at them. She got up from the grass and picked up her bag.

I noticed her clothes then, she was wearing a pair of white jeans with a yellow off-the-shoulder top and a pair of white bunny-eared slippers. I continued to stare at her as she disappeared to the left.

Where is she going? Curiosity rose in me, and without a second thought, I decided to follow her.

"Boss, where are you going?" Mane's voice caught me off guard. Obviously, I couldn't tell him that I was following a girl for no reason. I had to come up with an excuse.

"Uh, I'm going to look around the camp," I said absently, as all the guards looked at me as if I had just grown a second head. After all, that excuse was definitely stupid, like who would even buy that?

"We're coming with you," Mane spoke up.

"No!" They flinched at the sudden outburst and I mentally slapped myself. "I mean, no, you guys don't have to follow me. It's secure here. I'll be just fine on my own," I let out before walking away from them, without waiting for an answer.

Now, where did she go?

I walked to the hills to look for her. Just then, I saw her looking at the natural scenery from the hill. She took out a camera from her bag and clicked a photo.

The wind was blowing very fast, making her beautiful, black wavy hair fly around her face. I could feel my heart beating faster than usual. Again.

She placed her camera carefully back inside her bag and rushed away. Meanwhile, I followed her tracks, not noticing the root of the tree in front of me. "Oww!" I groaned in pain after tripping over it.

Rubbing my forehead, I got up and looked for her and found her near an old man. I watched her from a distance. She took the bags from the old man's hand and walked along with him, a smile brimming on her lips.

How can one's smile be so enthralling? I thought. Following her once again, she put the bags down inside a nearby tent and again ran off. I was about to follow her again when I bumped into someone. Unfortunately, it was one of my own guards.

"Boss, your training starts in an hour. Mane said to inform you," he said.

I looked at him for a long moment before closing my eyes and trying to control my emotions as I exhaled a deep breath I hadn't known I'd been holding. Nodding, I turned away from the beautiful girl and went back to my tent to freshen up.

___

"Damn it!" I growled in frustration, it had been half an hour and I still couldn't get her out of my mind. Unable to think straight, I decided to call Kendrik.

"Kendrik."

"Hey, Vexon. How is everything going over there? Has your training started yet?"

"No," I sighed.

He could sense my stress through the phone, so he asked, "What's wrong?"

"I saw a girl today," I answered in frustration.

I could already imagine the big grin on his face, "Aha. A girl, huh? It's only been a few hours since you left and you're already drooling over some girl? Not bad. How is she, though?"

"She's not that type of girl, Kendrik. I saw her around half an hour ago and she's still on my mind. I just can't get rid of her image," I explained, frustration dripping in my tone.

"Tell me the whole story."

"It was her voice that I heard first. When my eyes fell on her, she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Black wavy hair, tan skin, curvy body, pink lips, gorgeous smile-a pure angel. I couldn't see her eye color though." And with every description, I replayed seeing her in my mind.

Kendrik started laughing on the other side, shattering my thoughts of her. "It's a mere crush, Bro. You're just describing her physical appearance. It'll go away with time. For a moment there I thought, 'My brother was in love'," he said with a laugh and hung up.

Is it really just a crush?

But I did see a bit of what she was like on the inside. She was kind, caring, soft-hearted, friendly, lovely, chirpy, and cute. She could make anyone fall in love with her. I saw the way she played with the kids and helped that old man.

"If it's a crush, then you'll forget it within a few days, weeks, or months. But if it's love, you won't forget even after five years," Mane spoke from behind me. I shrieked at his sudden appearance, almost falling out of my chair.

"What the fuck, man?!"

"Sorry for scaring you like that, Boss. But I followed you and saw the way you were staring at that girl," he breathed out, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly, afraid of how I would react to him following me.

I stared at him in surprise for a moment before shrugging, he had only been doing his job. I couldn't yell at him for doing that, so I just let it go.

"I assume, Sir Kendrik said that it's just a crush?" Mane began again, taking my silence as a sign to continue, "I saw the girl has both inner and outer beauty. That's why I gave you that suggestion. If it's a crush, it'll vanish, but if it's love, you're surely whipped, Boss. You'll not be able to forget her after these torturous five years of training. Plus, I'll get an awesome Boss Lady, so I won't mind."

"Boss Lady?" I arched an eyebrow.

"Yeah. Boss Lady. She looks like one though. Kind and caring, but I bet if angered, she could be really scary. So 'Boss Lady' suits her," he replied and unknowingly, a smile took over my lips.

Boss Lady. Not bad. Her perfect image of playing with the kids popped into my mind again. I didn't think that I would ever fall in love but seeing her, I understood why Kendrik decided not to become the King. He didn't want his girlfriend in danger as Gladiolus had a lot of enemies.

I decided that if I met this girl again after my training ended, I would make her mine.

"Now, snap out of that imaginary world of yours. It's time for your training," Mane announced, as he dragged me out of my tent.

My trainer didn't beat around the bush, getting straight to the point as he explained the basics of what being the Mafia King would be like. I listened with rapt attention.

"You have to be cold-hearted, emotionless, and strong. Remember, a Mafia Leader never shows any weakness. Even his weakness can be turned into a strength. You'll have to be determined to get what you want and remember, whatever you want, you'll get. By hook or by crook. No one can say 'no' to you. If that person does, it will be his or her last day on this earth. You'll have to understand people and learn to read them, you can't let deceivers surround you. Make sure your right-hand man is someone who you trust blindly."

"Share your secrets and opinions with your right-hand man only. If needed, take his opinion into consideration too. Never make any hasty decisions. Think wisely before you do som..." he continued but as he did, my mind drifted. As I lost focus and once again focused on the girl I had seen.

What is her name?

___

Ruby

Walking into my room, I flopped onto my bed exhausted. "Finally!" I sighed as I sank into my soft mattress, "I missed you so much," I mumbled to my bed.

I had just been hiking with Pearl, my older sister, for most of the day and we had only just gotten home. I still couldn't feel my legs.

"Ruby! Max called on the landline while you were out. He was asking for you. Call him back!" mom hollered from downstairs.

"I will," I thought I had replied loudly, but it came out like a whisper due to my tiredness.

"Don't sleep. Call him, now!" mom yelled again. I almost jumped at her words. How did she know?

Ugh. Mothers.

With a heavy sigh, I pulled my iPhone out of my jeans pocket. Looking at my outfit, I knew I had to freshen up and change into my shorts before going to bed, otherwise, I wouldn't have a peaceful night.

Opening my Instagram because I was damn sure Max had left messages there before calling on the landline, I checked to see what he had said.

Max:

Rubster, what college are you applying for?

As expected. He left me tons of messages in my inbox. Max asked me that question because it was our time to apply for college, as we had recently just graduated from High School.

Max:

Rubster?

Are you dead?

Give me a treat tomorrow and then die.

Rubber!

Ruby.

Rubbery.

Robbery.

I replied instantly.

Ruby:

Dummy, I ain't dead, yet! I went hiking with Pearl today. There's no network in the hilly areas. You know that, right?

Max:

How would I know when you weren't even replying? Anyways, answer my question.

Ruby:

I'm applying for the University of Manitoba. It's literally near my home.

Max:

Okay. Steve wanted to know though ;)

Ruby:

Fudge off, dude.

I locked my phone, before lying back on my bed. Steve was one of my friends, but it turned out that he had started to like me. Now, I can't just throw him out of my friend circle, can I? I mean, I like him, but just as a friend.

After freshening up, I plopped down on my bed again, just as Pearl peeked into my room.

"What?" I inquired, already getting annoyed.

"How was hiking?" she asked excitedly.

I was sure she wanted me to explain everything. Instead, I just yawned, and replied, "Fine."

"Fine? Just fine? You won't sleep unless you tell me exactly how you felt about it!" she said as she came over and started shaking me, eventually pushing me off the bed. I landed on my butt and shot her a glare.

"Argh... stop it!" I yelled at her. All she did though was grin like an idiot. Standing back up, I laid on my stomach and looked at her.

Pearl laid down beside me before I sucked in a deep breath and began to speak. "It was awesome in British Columbia. However, when I got lost it took me some time to find the kids again and after that, I helped an old man. You know I can't sit idle unless I'm at home, right?"

Pearl nodded lazily.

"Anyway, today felt really weird though, I mean hiking isn't something new for me. Yet today, I felt as if someone was watching me. Someone close to me, close to my heart. I mean it sounds ridiculous and-" I said and trailed off as I looked at Pearl to find her fast asleep. She hadn't heard a word I said.

I sighed and got up, took a blanket, and wrapped it around her. She has her own room, but she always comes and sleeps in mine. I love it though because I couldn't sleep alone and she knew that.

I smiled looking at her. Sometimes, I think that I'm her older sister. Kissing her forehead, I laid down beside her, "Goodnight, Pearly," I mumbled as my eyes fluttered closed.

However, I couldn't seem to forget the unusual feeling of being watched earlier today which was a strange but good feeling, indeed.

Vexon

Five years had passed and my training was finally complete but I didn't want to go home. I wanted to go and search for that girl, however, my brother was adamant that I came home when we spoke over the phone.

"I don't want to hear another word, Vexon. There is no way my brother won't be attending my wedding. So you will bring your stubborn ass here tomorrow morning, and that is that!" he snapped into the phone before the line went dead.

Dumbfounded, I stared down at my phone. Kendrik hadn't even allowed me to get a word in and just went off. Snapping that he wouldn't get married unless I attended his wedding - the demand was childish yet I couldn't decline it.

My training however had changed me entirely.

I heaved a sigh and called out for one of my most trusted men, "Mane!"

"Yes, Boss?" he responded, barging into my room.

"We're leaving early in the morning. Make preparations." There was no doubt in my mind that if I arrived late, it would turn into my funeral instead of Kendrik's wedding.

"As you say, Boss."

He left to go make the arrangements, while I opened a few buttons on my shirt, turned on the air conditioner, and laid down on the bed. I glanced to my left, only to find Mane peeping through the door like a creep.

I arched an eyebrow at him.

Noticing my stare, he cleared his throat. "Boss, I have a question," he spoke up, as I motioned for him to carry on. "Since we're leaving, do you still think of your love Boss Lady? I mean, it wasn't just a crush, you do still remember her, right?" he said, slightly stumbling over his words.

When I nodded, he grinned and closed the door as he left, finally leaving me alone. Closing my eyes, I couldn't help but smile as her angelic face popped back into my head. It happened every time and yet I couldn't get enough of it.

Her helping the old man... playing with the kids... her bubbly appearance... I remembered everything. The vivid images of her never faded from my memory.

She was such a pure soul with a heart of gold. She was kind, generous, charming, and filled with innocence, care, and affection. She was everything a guy could wish for. And yes, I still remembered her.

Throughout these past five years of hellish and gruesome training, there wasn't a single day that I didn't remember her. Every day, I thought about her, her lips, her voice, her vibrant personality - all, before sleep finally took me away.

I just wished that without having to follow her like a creep, that on that day I had manned up and chosen to speak to her. Even if it was just to get her name, for now, I didn't even know what that was. I mean, I knew absolutely nothing about her, but there was no doubt in my mind that I loved her.

I was in love with her, and it wasn't a mere crush. I had spent five years, treasuring her in my heart. So, I could spend my whole life with her. I knew that now. Mane had even said that if I still remembered her now, it had to be love.

What else could it then be?

I guess it was high time, I left this place and went back home. And if she was meant for me, we will meet again.

___

Ruby

"There are so many preparations left to do. Lord! I'm going to die," I exclaimed in exasperation, as I flopped onto my bed for a minute. After all, I had to get a little rest.

Wedding preparations were not something pleasant, especially when the wedding was tomorrow, and I was in charge of the arrangements. Moreover, I had an annoying sister, who was getting cold feet before her wedding, torturing me in every possible way.

"Ruby! I can't find my heels," Pearl shrieked.

"Give me a minute, Pearly. I am human, and I need to catch a breather!" I shouted back, frustration clear in my voice, but she seemed to ignore me.

"But I need them now!"

I rolled my eyes and got up from my bed before going in search of her heels in mom's closet where I found them.

Thank You, Lord.

Walking into Pearl's room, I found her nervously standing in front of the mirror once again, as she checked her face.

"Get over it already. No pimple is gonna pop up on your gorgeous face," I sighed, placing her heels on the dressing table. Her whole room was a mess right now, and the only vacant spot at the moment was her dressing table.

"But what if I get one? There's no guarantee," she cried while I looked at her with a blank stare. The tension was written all over her face before I kissed her forehead and smiled.

"You won't. Trust me, beloved sister. You'll be the most beautiful bride ever with the perfect wedding ceremony. After all, I arranged everything." I pulled up my imaginary collar, to show off how proud I was, which earned me a laugh.

"You are impossible, Ruby. That's why I love you." She hugged me tightly. "I'll miss you a lot."

"I'll not miss you. Once you leave, your whole closet, room, and everything will be mine. Hell yes!" I pretended, trying not to let my sadness affect her big day tomorrow as it made her whine.

"May you get married to a Mafioso!" she cursed me because marrying a Mafioso was definitely something horrifying and a curse for everyone. And it was the last thing I wanted to do.

I grabbed an emoticon pillow and threw it at her face. "Take that back!"

She stuck out her tongue at me. "No, no!"

"Please, Pearly. Take that back!" I shouted and threw another emoticon pillow at her.

"Stop throwing pillows!"

"Emoticon pillows!" I corrected her, hitting her face with the third one.

"Now, I won't take it back at all!" she shrieked, as she picked up the pillows and started throwing them back at me. "Take this!"

We both had a pillow fight until we were sufficiently tired and laid down on the messy bed, staring at the ceiling.

"Pearly?" I spoke after a minute of silence.

"Hmm?"

"What if I really do marry a Mafioso?" I asked as a shiver ran down my spine at the mention of the Mafia. The thought was terrifying, ever since I learned about the Mafia, I prayed to the Almighty each day; that Hs would not allow me to get married to a Mafioso. I would rather die single than let that happen.

But what if the thing I fear the most really happens?

"Shrug that thought off, Ruby," Pearl mumbled, breaking me from my trance as she took hold of my hand. "You'll never get married to a bad person, trust me on that."

I rolled my eyes, pushing her hand away. "You always do that! Why do you say 'bad person' instead of saying 'Mafioso'? It would give me some satisfaction then," I groaned.

Whenever she says 'bad person', I feel like there's still scope for a Mafioso to marry me.

"Honey, we don't know what the future holds for us. Pearl is being practical here," mom announced all of a sudden, as she came and sat on the bed with us.

"But, Mom. I'll never marry a Mafioso. I pray for this every day. God will hear my prayers, right?" I asked, hoping that they would agree with me and that God would hear my prayers and not do me an injustice.

"Remember, both of you," mom said, looking at us. "Whatever God does, it's for the best." We nodded, understanding her words.

The Almighty will do good by us, always. I know. But please, no forced marriage, especially not to a Mafioso.

I didn't realize when or how I had fallen asleep during our conversation. Only that it was peaceful that is until morning came, which brought on the hysterics and became pretty hectic as the day went on.

"Ruby!"

I rushed to Pearl's room, leaving my lipstick on the dressing table, and grabbed the edges of my gown.

"What?!" I snapped as I entered.

She sat on her bed with a sad expression on her face, looking as if she would burst into tears at any moment. "I forgot to press my reception dress," she mumbled.

"What the fudge? You could've told me at the reception, you know? Also, didn't I tell you to give it to the dry cleaners?" I asked.

"I forgot," she said sadly.

My blood boiled as I stared down at her, I couldn't believe it. "How could you forget that?" I inquired, on the verge of scolding her just as my gray orbs met with her watery ones.

With a sigh, I walked closer to her.

"Hey, stop crying. It'll ruin your makeup and my efforts. Don't worry, I'll press the clothes now and give it to you," I assured her, rubbing her cheeks with the back of my hand, a soft smile playing on my lips.

With Pearl sorted, I headed to the laundry room, near the washroom. Taking the iron from its place, I started to press my sister's purple gown for the reception.

The feeling of someone watching me crept up my spine, as I turned to look at the door, only to find no-one there. "Too much stress and not enough sleep has made me crazy," I muttered under my breath, as I continued to press Pearl's dress.

I felt that feeling again and turned once more but found no-one again. "What's happening to me? Please don't let it be Sergio, I seriously don't have time to deal with him right now," I grumbled.

"Boss? How long will you keep watching her?" I heard a strong voice ask and my stomach plummeted in fear.

Looking to the door once again, this time I found two men staring back at me. One of them had their eyes trained on me as if I were some delicacy, his blue eyes transfixed upon me while the other looked to the man whom I guess he addressed as 'Boss'.

The blue-eyed man looked very handsome, dressed in a tux, with his brown hair looking messy. He looked hot. Damn!

Dear Lord, stop admiring him, Ruby!

"Boss, she is staring back at us," the man let out as he tried to drag the blue-eyed man away, as he continued to stare at me. Switching off the iron, I decided to approach them.

"Excuse me? Are you lost?" I questioned him, but his eyes didn't leave mine.

Ruby

"Hello?" I called, waving my hands in front of his face, yet I got no reaction out of him.

"Can't you speak? Are you talkless?" I inquired, resting my palm on my hip.

"Talkless?" he asked, looking deep into my eyes.

I shrugged, "Yeah, talkless."

"What's talkless?" he questioned, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion, meanwhile, I slapped my forehead, creating a scene. Trust me to be dramatic.

"Talk. Less. Less talk. Talkless. You don't know what talkless is? Seriously? Everyone knows. You know, right?" I pointed my finger at the guy with brown eyes beside him, who leaned back at my rapid pointing.

"No. I don't actually," he replied nervously.

I sighed. "Who talks? People. Those who talk, can talk, right? So talkless means those who can't talk. Simple," I explained as they looked at me as if I had grown another head.

Both men suddenly burst into laughter, and my goal was accomplished. I smiled shyly at the fact that I could make them laugh. At first, they had appeared very gloomy and serious, which made me feel the need to break through that and make them smile.

A huge achievement on my part, plus all people should be happy, right?

"That's called 'mute', you know?" the light blue-eyed man enlightened me and I smiled along with them.

"Glad I could make you guys laugh," I said as they looked at each other with amusement in their eyes, "Well, are you guys lost?" I asked again, glad that the awkward silence was finally broken. The brown-eyed man cleared his throat, ready to speak when someone else chipped in.

"Oh, they were looking for us." A voice came from behind the two hulking men. Straining to look past them, I found Cason and Orson approaching us.

"Hey," I fist-bumped each of them in greeting.

"And he's our brother," Cason said, clearing the thick air between us.

"Honestly, how many brothers could you possibly have?" I asked, shaking my head, unable to remember ever seeing the blue-eyed guy who Cason pointed out as his brother.

Cason grinned, "Five, he is second oldest."

I had to make things clear. "Let me get this straight. The oldest one is Kendrik who is marrying Pearly. You are the third, no wait, Kace is the third, right? Nevermind, I don't care either way. Orson is the youngest. And the second one is... his name is..." I trailed off as I tried to remember the second brother's name as all four of them stared at me as if I were an entertainer about to crack another joke.

"Wait I got it, You're Foxen and everyone calls you 'Fox', right?" I said turning towards the light blue-eyed guy, as he stood there staring down at me dumbstruck while the remaining three burst into a fit of laughter.

Oops! Clearly, I got his name wrong.

"Did I get it wrong?" I said putting my index finger on my left cheek. "I'm sorry if I got that wrong. Was it Toxon? Boxon? Box? Or Waxon? Wax? No, that sounds weird as hell," I let out, scrunching up my nose in disgust.

Wax... what kind of name is that?

Cason and Orson were almost in tears, while the light brown-eyed man was clutching his stomach. The second Bevine brother, however, stared daggers at me.

"Ummm..." I said approaching him. "Sorry but I don't remember your name. Anyway, I'm Ruby Gerund," I introduced myself, holding my hand out and hoping he would introduce himself too. I always sucked at remembering names.

He looked at me and then at my hand, hanging in the air. Placing his hands in his pockets, he spoke, "I don't talk to talkmore people with Alzheimer's." And with that, he walked away leaving us all dumbstruck.

"Did he just speak her language?" Orson blurted out, breaking the silence.

"Boss just met her today and-"

Cason cut him off, "She's affecting him," he said with a smirk.

My mind couldn't digest one thing though, talkmore wasn't exactly an insult to me. But did he just say that I had Alzheimer's?

Realization of what he said hit me like a tsunami, "Did he just say I have Alzheimer's? Where does he think he's going? Stop right there, Mister!" I shouted, and as I was about to run after that Wax guy, or whatever his name was, Pearl shouted for me.

"Ruby, my reception is tonight, did you forget?!" Pearl yelled, grabbing the dress, I handed it over to Orson.

"Give that to Pearly," I instructed.

"But-" And before he could object, I rushed after that Wax guy.

How dare he say I have Alzheimer's? It's not my fault that I don't remember everyone's names. Urg, I had to talk to him about that.

___

I was still chasing down the blue-eyed guy, who didn’t even dare to look back once.

“Excuse me, mister!” I shouted, holding up the edges of my gown to prevent myself from tripping.

"Wax!"

"Waxon!"

"Waxon Bevine!"

He turned around frantically, staring daggers at me. "Oh my goodness! It’s Vexon Bevine for shit’s sake!" he snapped, making me flinch at his outburst.

Seriously, Ruby? You thought of all the possible names except the ones beginning with V. Heck! I'm an idiot. If only I could go back a few minutes earlier and use the next letter after W.

Maybe I could have said the correct name that very moment, and then he wouldn’t say I had Alzheimer's either.

All your fault, Ruby.

"Well, thanks for introducing yourself," I said with a grin, mentally praying he would smile and forget everything.

Instead, he exhaled a deep breath. "Creep," he muttered and walked away again, his hands in his pockets.

Did he just call me a creep? First I have Alzheimer's and now I’m a creep. Urg, I’m so gonna— Urg. Stay calm Ruby, try to stay calm, I thought to myself as I tried to calm myself down.

"Let me go check on Pearly, the wedding begins in an hour anyway," I said with a sigh, as I walked back in the direction of Pearl’s room.

"Maybe I should run away? There's still an hour left," I heard Pearl mumbling to herself, and without knocking, I barged into her room.

"If you elope now, then rotten tomatoes will be waiting for us, with flying sandals," I said, watching her flinch at my sudden appearance, placing a hand over her heart.

"Good Lord! You could've killed me," Pearl said, glaring at me.

I rolled my eyes, "Good, then you wouldn't need to escape," I commented, she narrowed her eyes at me, and that's when I finally noticed her attire.

Pearl was wearing her wedding gown, and My Lord, she looked like a princess. "You look absolutely flawless!" I shrieked, unable to believe that I had spent twenty-three years of my life with her and now she was going to leave me.

Why was life so weird? I felt a sudden warmth on my cheeks and sighed. Why couldn’t I realize when I cry or at least begin to?

Pearl wiped my tears and hugged me. "Thank you. The same goes for you. You look awesome!"

"Today, only you have the right to look like the most beautiful woman. It's your day after all," I said.

"No. You also have the right. Who knows, some Mafioso might see you tonight and then decide to forcefully marry you?" Pearl teased as I glared at her while she laughed.

"Not again, Pearly. Stop saying such bad things," I whined.

What if it really does happen? Please, Lord, don’t let it.

"Uh-huh, here are my babies," mom said having just gotten all decked out for the event. We hugged her as she kissed our foreheads and hugged us. "You both look gorgeous.”

We smiled and Pearl sat down on the bed, and said, "I am damn nervous."

"Well, everyone gets cold feet before their wedding. But hey, don't worry. I'll be by your side, always," I let out, flashing her a toothy grin.

Mom cleared her throat. "Sorry to burst your bubble, Ruby. But you have to go to church now. I'll bring Pearl," she announced and smiled.

"Okay." I stood up from the bed, ready to go to the venue when mom stopped me.

"The Bevines are leaving now as well except Kendrik. I want you to accompany them all the time. Take good care of them," mom explained, and I nodded. Well, I guess it was time to serve my sister's soon-to-be in-laws.

"Hey, Vanera!" I said to Kendrik's mom as I gave her a brief side-hug, not noticing her sons including that brown-eyed guy.

She gracefully smiled at me and said, "Hello, Ruby. Are you going to the church too?"

I nodded. Glancing behind her, I saw three of her sons waiting and it made me wonder where Vexon was.

"Ruby, we’re also just about to leave. Come on, let's go together," Cason chimed in.

"Sure," I replied and glanced at Kace. "Umm... Kace? Where's Newana?" I asked, watching as he scratched his head, hesitating to respond.

"Maybe she'll come with Kendrik," he answered. Newana Bevine was Kace’s wife. They had gotten married five years ago because she was pregnant. I still haven’t met their baby even though I really wanted to.

I had met Newana once when she had asked me where the washroom was. We never talked, except for me guiding her to the washroom. She seemed moody as heck.

"Well then, let's go," Orson let out as he took my hand, and dragged me with him as we walked to the car.

"Mom, you go with Cason, Orson, and Vexon. I'll take Ruby along with me," Kace explained and all agreed but me. They were a family, so they should travel together.

"There's no need for that," I protested. "You guys can go together and I'll go with that brown-eyed good-looking yet way older guy over there," I said and everyone chuckled.

"I am Mane Cands," the brown-eyed man finally introduced himself.

"Ruby Gerund, nice to meet you," I answered with a smile.

Soon Vexon came to join us, sliding his phone into his suit pocket. Glancing at me for a second before he focused on Cason and spoke.

"So, what have you decided?" he asked, and Cason decided to reply.

"Me, Mom, Kace, Orson, and Mane are going together and you are going with Ruby."

What?

Ruby

"No, the plan was-"

Vexon interrupted me, "Sounds good."

What the fudge?

Grabbing hold of my wrist, he guided me towards his car, as a weird sensation traveled through me at his touch. "Listen, Vexon. This wasn't the plan. It-"

"I know. But if I go with them, they'll chew my head off with tons of questions, which I am not ready to answer. Cason understood that and changed the arrangements," he explained, cutting me off once again.

Confused, I frowned at the back of his head. How did Cason understand him without them even talking? Did it just take some freaking eye contact between brothers?

"That doesn't mean I should be the one who gets punished," I countered as I got inside the car when he opened the door for me. Seconds later he sat in the driver's seat next to me, looking at me with his blue orbs into my grey ones.

"Is being around me a punishment for you?" he asked deeply, his Adam's apple bobbing in tension. The way he asked the question, it felt hot. Didn't he turn on the air conditioner?

I started thinking about how I should reply. Polite yes or polite explanation? How should I reply?

"I barely know you," I blurt out, and there goes my polite explanation. I hope he gets it.

He sighed and started the car. "Then let's get to know each other," he breathed out, and my eyes snapped to look at him instantly.

Why does he want to know me? It kind of bothered me.

"Because we are going to see each other often due to our siblings," he explained, sensing my unease. Oh right! I must get to know him then, I smiled, before shooting my questions.

"Why didn't you join other functions? Where were you?"

He looked at me for a brief moment before answering, "I've been in British Columbia for the last five years for trai- I mean, for studying purposes."

"Were you about to say training?" I asked, tapping my index finger against my left cheek, thinking about what kind of training it could have been.

Could it be-No! Stop dragging everything there, Ruby. It's a study-related training. Plus, if it was that then Pearl would've known, right?

I could see his jaw tense up. "Study training kind of thing, right?"

He hummed in response.

"Oh, good. What is your favorite color?"

"Dark green. Yours?"

"Blue," I continued, "What's your favorite food? Mine is cheeseburgers and anything containing chocolate."

"I love everything as long as it's edible," he responded.

The question-answer round was going smoothly, then, I asked a question out of curiosity, "One intense question. Do you think love at first sight is just a crush? Well, I do. I mean how can one fall in love in the first place? It's definitely by looks."

"Not if I see someone caring for others, laughing with them, and helping strangers like they are her family. In that way, I can see her inner beauty and fall for her," he replied. His eyes fixed on the road, as a small smile played on his lips.

"Did you fall for the love at first sight thingy?"

"Yes," he admitted boldly.

His straightforward reply made my jaw drop, "Woah! Bold, dude."

Both of us fell silent then, as I didn't have any more questions to ask and he didn't seem to be bothered with asking me any in return. Why say we should get to know each other in the first place then?

After some time, he stopped the car. "We're here," he exclaimed before getting out of the car. He opened my door for me, as I grabbed the edges of my gown, and got out.

"Queen," I swear, I heard him whisper. But why would he call me a queen? Was he even talking about me?

Cut it out, Ruby. It's none of your business.

"Thanks for driving me here," I said and he nodded as we walked into the church. There we met the other Bevines.

"I love the arrangement," Vanera squealed. I took a glass of lemonade and was about to sip it. "I'm proud of Kendrik. He chose the perfect girl and the perfect family, and Ruby, I want your hand for my other son too," Vanera said, making me spit out the lemonade on Cason and started coughing.

She couldn't be serious. Please Lord, no! If she is serious, then no again please! What if she's serious and talks to mom about this?

My mom would happily disown me and let them buy me without any profit.

You aren't making any sense now, Ruby. Shut up!

"Are you okay?" someone asked with pure concern, while continuously patting my back so that I could stop coughing. I looked into his blue eyes, to see that it was Vexon. When did he appear behind me?

I looked around and found all the Bevine brothers surrounding me.

Was I zoned out for that long?

"What happened?" Kace asked.

"What happened? She freaking spat her water on me!" a frustrated Cason snapped, glaring at me as the lemonade made his gelled hair droop over his forehead and eyes. I suppressed my laugh.

"Actually, it was lemonade," I said sheepishly and bit my lip, cursing myself for my stupidity. Why can't I just keep my mouth shut?

"What did you do?" Vexon vigorously asked his brother.

"What?"

"You definitely did something to make her react this way," Vexon said to Cason in an accusing tone.

Cason rolled his eyes, "I didn't do anything. It was mom who said-" he stopped mid-sentence as a sudden laugh cut him off.

We all turned to look at Vanera to find her clutching her stomach, laughing.

"What happened, Mom?" Orson asked her and everyone had the same blank expressions on their faces until my bulb lightened.

"She got scared because..." she talked in between her laughs. "Because I was joking," she managed to get out, still laughing.

"Joking about what?" Vexon asked.

Why does Vexon always want to know everything?

"I just-" I interrupted Vanera.

"Well, I'm okay now, so it doesn't matter. It's between me and your mom. I need to go check on the arrangements, so bye," I announced with a wave as I walked away and towards my friends who I had just spotted.

Thank my lucky stars.

"Rubster!" Max said aloud, crushing me in a bear hug, "We were damn bored without you."

"Exactly," Tiffany pouted as I hugged all of my friends, yet Sergio still wasn't there.

"Where is Steve?" I asked Max while Tiffany, Mel, and Darwin were busy discussing things between themselves.

"He'll arrive soon. He just isn't here yet," Max answered and I nodded, as all of a sudden my phone started vibrating.

Mom:

The bride and groom are here. Come quickly.

"They're here," I chirped and everyone left what they were doing as we rushed over to the door.

Music played loudly as we all stood in our respective places, as we waited in anticipation. Kendrik entered in first, his mother slipping into place beside him as they walked down the aisle towards the Priest in front.

He looked dashing in his wedding attire, his suit immaculate and fit him well. A huge smile graced his face as they finally got to the front and turned to wait for his bride to enter.

"Aww," I sighed, unable to help myself. Watching Kendrik smiling from ear to ear, clearly excited for this day. They were perfect for each other, and I was glad that they could choose their own love.

When will I feel this way? Will I ever find someone like him? Where is my 'one and only'?

Questions were popping in my head like bubbles until someone cleared their throat. I looked and saw it was Vexon. "They are made for each other, aren't they?" I asked him, still admiring Kendrik and he hummed in response.

Mom came to my side with a smile, "Let's get this show on the road," she informed me before she went to go find my sister so that they could make their entrance.

"Kendrik," I greeted as I went to stand beside him.

"Hi, Ruby. How are you? Umm, sorry, I'm damn nervous and super excited all at the same time," he said, and I let out a laugh. "I'll keep her safe and happy forever. Promise," he whispered to me.

"Pinky promise?" I asked him, putting my littlest finger out.

He chuckled as he shook his finger with mine. "Pinky promise."

"And don't be nervous. I will always have your guys back, so now let's get this thing started," I said as I motioned for the music to begin playing.

As the first few notes filled the church, everyone present stood to their feet and faced the door as Pearl and my mother stepped into view. She looked amazing in her wedding dress, as she stepped into view.

Kendrik sucked in a breath beside me as he looked at his bride and soon to be wife. "God, she's beautiful," I mumbled, staring at her with love shining in his gaze.

Flower petals rained down on my mother and sister as they made their way down the aisle, my friends throwing them in handfuls on the two of them. When they finally reached the front, Kendrik stepped forward and took Pearl's hand in his as she stepped away from my mother.

With that, my mother and I kissed Pearl on her cheek before we took our seat.

Silence fell over the church as the Priest started up the ceremony, "We are gathered here today, to celebrate the union of Mr. Kendrik Bevine and Ms. Pearl Gerund in holy matrimony," he began.

Everyone watched with bated breath as the priest continued until finally Kendrik and Pearl had to say their vows. The words they said to each other captured my heart as I watched them speak of their love to one another in front of us all. I didn't realize I was crying until I felt sudden warmth on my cheeks and in the corner of my lips. I dabbed at my tears with a tissue, making sure that my make-up wasn't ruined.

Mom sat crying silently beside me. "I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Kendrik and Pearl Bevine," the priest spoke up, "You may kiss your bride," he told Kendrik. And we watched as he swooped my sister into his arms and gave her a kiss.

Mom's tears rolled faster as she turned to look at me with a big smile. We got up to follow the happy couple out of the church before we met them in front to congratulate them on their marriage. Mom pulled Pearl into a big hug, her tears never slowing.

"You're all grown up now," she said to Pearl before she turned to me and pulled me into the hug with them. "Soon you'll be gone too. I'm so proud of you both, and I know your dad is proud too," she said with a big smile.

She was right, after dad's demise, we never did anything that would hurt or shame our mother. We always stood beside her as she stood beside us, plus we were glad that we could succeed together.

Kendrik and Pearl got in their wedding car while the rest of us split up into our respective cars and headed to the main venue for the Wedding Reception. When we got there, mom was still somehow crying.

"Mom, I think we should go get some food," I suggested, as I led her into the venue. Pearl and Kendrik were already there talking to some people they knew.

Everyone was enjoying the music, as they sat around eating or gossiping in their groups. The smell of cheeseburgers drew me away from the table I was at with my mother as I tried to find them. A stack of cheeseburgers sat on a platter staring at me, grabbing a plate I took a triple cheeseburger.

After the long tiring week I had, I finally got some time to myself. The wedding was finally over and I could now enjoy myself. And I would begin with my first and last love - this amazing cheeseburger.

Lifting the burger to my lips, I was about to take a large bite out of it when gunshots filled the air around me and my burger fell from my grip.