On a tranquil evening in the XX City, a knock echoed through Mikhail's office.
"Come in!" Mikhail's voice commanded.
Kira, his trusted aide, entered with two newcomers in tow. This evening, the members are having a small celebration for the new additions to the Family. Mikhail, disliking social gatherings, opted to stay in his office and drink alone.
"Sir, I brought the two newbies," Kira informed.
"Leave us," Mikhail ordered, and Kira discreetly closed the door.
"Have a seat," Mikhail gestured to Benjamin and Warren.
"I've heard about your remarkable skills from both the test and your training. The capos are quite impressed with you now," Mikhail remarked.
"You mentioned that joining your organization was necessary for us to assist in finding Kaye. Now that we're official members, isn't it time to fulfill your promise?" Benjamin questioned.
Benjamin Allegre and Warren Cervantes, childhood friends from poor families, faced tough lives. Warren's father fled due to debts, and his mother, plagued by illness, passed away five years ago. Benjamin's father, a reckless gambler, squandered their money, while his mother left them for another man. Both trapped in dire circumstances, they resorted to a life of crime, engaging in activities such as robbery, snatching, and scamming just to survive.
As they were on the verge of being captured by the police, an earthquake struck, leading to their demise. Within their lifeless bodies, two new souls found residence. William Hughes, a knight from the Serolf Empire, inhabited Benjamin's form, while Ryu Ishikawa, an assassin, took residence in Warren's body. Initially bewildered and stressed, they gradually adapted, navigating life as Benjamin and Warren once did.
Their fates took another twist when a gang confronted them one night, subjecting them to a brutal beating. It was then that Mikhail intervened, offering assistance. To enlist their aid in finding Kaye, Mikhail proposed they join Fuentebella, a proposition the two accepted for the sake of their quest. Under the direction of southern capos, they undertook diverse missions, including tasks that demanded them to take the lives of adversaries. Now official members, they began serving under Mikhail's command, who had secured them better positions to ensure their proximity wherever he went.
"I've instructed my aide to place you under my command. You'll be appointed better positions." Mikhail responded.
"I don't care what work you give us; finding Kaye is all that matters," Warren declared, his past experiences making him indifferent to lethal tasks.
Mikhail smirked, "Your job is to guard and assist me. Killing is only ordered if our lives are at risk."
They nodded and, with a subtle gesture, Mikhail presented a bottle of wine.
"Help yourselves," he said, and they poured glasses, beginning to drink.
"By the way, during your time in J City, did you get any information about Kaye?" Benjamin inquired.
Mikhail hesitated; should he reveal the truth? Before he could decide, the door swung open, interrupting the moment.
"Mikhail, you bastard!" Haru shouted.
The guards arrived, attempting to escort him out. "Let go of me! I have to talk to your underboss!" Haru struggled against their hold. "Mikhail, help me!"
Mikhail sighed, questioning how this guy managed to infiltrate the building. "Let him," Mikhail ordered, and the guards released Haru.
"Ugh, you!" Haru approached. "Why didn't you tell me you went to J City? Benjamin had to inform me!"
"I don't recall having to report everything I do to you," Mikhail retorted.
"We agreed to find Kaye together!" Haru protested.
Warren poured a glass of wine for Haru, trying to ease the tension. "Relax, he'll share what he discovered in J City tonight."
"Fine!" Haru took a sip and joined the others. "So, what happened in J City? Any lead on Kaye?"
Mikhail pondered. Revealing that Kaye was in J City might prompt Haru to rush there and risk complicating matters. Mikhail decided that he would only disclose Kaye's whereabouts once her memories returned.
"No, she's not there." he replied.
The trio sighed in disappointment. "We've been searching everywhere. Why is finding her so difficult?" Haru lamented. "If only I could quit my job." he looked at Mikhail. "Take me in! Let me join your organization!"
"I've said it before; I can't. I despise scandals," Mikhail asserted.
"But I can keep a low profile. My fans won't know I've joined the mafia!" Haru pleaded.
"When I say no, it means no," Mikhail glared.
Haru gulped, realizing Mikhail's seriousness. "Fine!" He took another sip of wine.
Shifting his focus to Warren and Benjamin, Haru engaged in casual conversation about their lives in the modern world. Mikhail excused himself to the balcony, lighting a cigarette as he gazed at the moon, reminiscent of Kaye.
"Tss..."
He couldn't shake off the fact that Kaye was in a relationship with another man. That infuriating mayor – every time he recalled his face, an intense desire to shoot him surged within Mikhail. It wasn't just because of the resemblance to Gilmesh but also because he felt the mayor had stolen Kaye's heart.
After spending nearly an hour on the balcony, Mikhail decided to reenter. His expression hardened upon seeing Haru inebriated.
"No! I won't leave. I will stay here!" Haru protested, while Benjamin and Warren attempted to carry him.
"I said I won't leave!" Haru continued to complain.
"You're drunk, and you have work tomorrow. It's time to go home," Benjamin advised.
"Noooo! I want to stay at Fuentebella and be part of this family!" Haru insisted.
Warren shook his head. "We'll call your manager to pick you up."
"Noooo!!!" Haru sprawled on the floor, throwing a tantrum.
Mikhail sighed, massaging his temple. This guy was beyond hope. "Kira, send that idiot to one of our rooms. I don't want him causing a scene here."
"Yes, sir," Kira acknowledged.
The three left with the inebriated Haru. Mikhail exited and drove alone to the main mansion, where his brother Isaac resided. Their grandpa, the Boss of the Fuentebella Family, had left on a business trip. Mikhail headed to Isaac's room.
The nurse bowed upon seeing him. "How is he?" Mikhail inquired, glancing at the unconscious man.
"His fingers moved again earlier," the nurse reported.
"So he'll wake up soon?" Mikhail asked.
"I believe so, sir," the nurse replied.
"Alright, leave us for a while," Mikhail ordered.
The nurse nodded and exited the room.
Mikhail fixed his gaze on Isaac. This man was Mikhail Fuentebella's twin brother. They were fraternal twins, born on different days. Isaac was born on December 20 at 11:55 pm, while Mikhail came into the world on December 21 at 12:10 am. They were known for their close bond, inseparable even. During the earthquake, Isaac had saved Mikhail but suffered severe injuries, leading to months in a coma.
"Tsk..." Mikhail clenched his fists.
He couldn't bring himself to accept Isaac as his brother. Why? Because Izekiel inhabited Isaac's body. That wretched escapee from the cold palace had followed them into this world. Although the urge to kill him was strong, Mikhail restrained himself for the sake of Fuentebella. Their grandpa held an inexplicable affection for Isaac.
In this world, Mikhail had two brothers. The eldest was abroad, uninterested in the organization, desiring to explore the world. As the most competent, intelligent, and serious member of the family, Mikhail became the chosen heir for his grandpa's position. Isaac, too, had no aspirations to become the future boss; he had pledged to be his beloved brother's right-hand man, following him wherever he went.
He stepped out of the room, recognizing that lingering there any longer might tempt him to harm his brother. As he made his way to his room, Kira called.
.
.
....
One month later...
"Mom!" Cedie exclaimed upon spotting Kaye waiting outside their school.
Kaye beamed when she saw him and he rushed over, embracing her tightly. "How was school?" she inquired.
"Today, we learned about baking cookies! I made lots for us; it's in my bag!" Cedie excitedly shared.
"Really? I'm excited to taste it," she replied.
"Is she that boy's mom? I thought he was adopted."
"I also heard they sent him to an orphanage. It seems his parents returned for him."
"I heard his father was a doctor, he's so handsome!"
Kaye furrowed her brows upon hearing gossip from the older women, mothers of other pupils.
"Don't mind them, Mom. They're just jealous because you're pretty and sexy!" Cedie reassured her.
Kaye chuckled. "You're flattering me again. Alright, I saw a newly opened cafe nearby; let's go there."
"Waaahhh! I want cake!" Cedie exclaimed.
Kaye and Cedie walked happily and hailed a taxi.
After one month, she was now residing in Kurtis's house, officially becoming Cedie's mother alongside Kurtis as his father. Cedie was so happy, and no one dared to bully him at school after Kurtis took action.
Timothy had stopped bothering her as well, and she couldn't understand why. He didn't call or message her after that night, nor did he show up at her workplace, which she considered a relief. She didn't disclose the real reason for their breakup to Tin and Rubie, leaving them surprised.
Living peacefully, Kaye focused on searching for her other husbands. She also learned that Valentine, Nikolai, Ryu, and Cedrik were here, so she's doing her best to find them, but there's still no leads on their whereabouts.
"Over here!" Kaye waved at Tristan.
Tristan smiled upon seeing them.
"Did you just finish your class?" Kaye asked.
"It's my vacant time now; my last class is tonight at 6 pm," Tristan replied.
"You mentioned you're conducting research this semester. Am I not disturbing you?" Kaye inquired.
"Don't worry; I'm not the only one conducting research; I have a team. And you will never be a bother to me," he assured.
Tristan was a professor in a prestigious university. Their university boasted a reputation for harboring brilliant students and accomplished professors skilled in conducting research and publishing articles. Many families want to enroll their children in that university, but the tuition is so expensive, and the entrance exam is so difficult that only geniuses will manage to enter that university.
"By the way, have you found a lead on others' whereabouts?" Tristan asked, with Cedie occupied enjoying his cake and listening.
Kaye sighed and shook her head.
"I wonder where they are now. I was hoping they were here too," Tristan pondered.
"You're right." Kaye gazed out the window, watching people pass by.
.
.
....
On the road, within the confines of an opulent car...
"I told you to stop giving Mom a headache. You know she doesn't like you," Raon asserted while conversing with his half-brother over the phone.
(Haa! It's my job, and I love racing. Whether she likes it or not, she can't stop me.)
Raon Montenegro, the eldest son of the Montenegro Family and the CEO of Montenegro Group, belonged to one of the wealthiest families in the country. Renowned for their diverse business portfolio, including resorts, hotels, restaurants, and a real estate company, the Montenegro family held a prominent position in society.
Inside Raon's body resided Claudius Rembrandt, the Duke of the North in the Serolf Empire. Like others, he, too, was in search of Kaye, yet there were no promising leads.
The individual Raon was conversing with on his phone was Nikolai, his brother presently inhabiting Rein's body—the half-brother of Raon.
Recently, they uncovered the existence of his half-brother. Rein, was a famous underground racer. When Nikolai inhabited Rein's body, the first thing he did was to search for his brother, Claude. Initially disliking his job, he soon realized the thrill of racing and began to love it. Engaging in numerous underground racing events became a regular pursuit for him. One day, while walking on the road, he spotted Raon on a billboard. Immediately, he went to Montenegro Group Building and created a scene, boldly claiming to be Raon's brother. Raon spotted him and recognized him as Nikolai. However, when news reached Raon's family, his mom expressed displeasure and initiated an investigation into Rein's background. They discovered that he was also a son of Raon's father from another woman. His mom was furious and almost pursued a divorce, but Raon pleaded and convinced her to accept Rein. While his father acknowledged Rein as his son, his mother harbored continued resentment. This issue remained a private matter within their family and was not disclosed to the public.
Raon sighed. "Fine, but you will still attend the family dinner tonight, right?"
(Yes, but I won't stay longer. You know I can't stand your so-called mom.)
"Alright, I'm still glad that you will come. Please don't forget that I am your brother, and I will always be here for you."
(Thanks. I have to hang up now. See you later.)
"Bye."
The call ended, and Raon stared out of his car window, his thoughts shifting to Kaye and her whereabouts. The car came to a halt due to a red traffic light. Kaye, Tristan, and Cedie exited the cafe and headed towards Tristan's car. Just as Raon was about to glance at them, a phone call captured his attention.
"Yes, hello? The private meeting? Yes, it will be the day after tomorrow. Make sure there are no mistakes in the preparation. We must not disappoint our VIPs."
Kaye and the others had already entered the car and departed. Raon glanced outside and missed seeing them.
.
.
....
The following night,
"Kaye, are you done?" Tin asked.
"Yeah, shall we go now?" Kaye said.
Tin and she grabbed their bags and walked out of their office.
"I still feel bad that you and the mayor broke up. But seriously, what really happened between you two? I thought he loves you so much," Tin commented.
"Well, things didn't work out well for us. We have different perspectives and likes," Kaye explained.
"But is he really not contacting you anymore? At least, become friends?" Tin asked again.
Kaye shook her head.
Tin pouted.
"Kaye!" Shin quickly got out of his car and now running towards them.
"Who is he?" Tin whispered.
"A friend of mine," she replied.
Shin was panting.
"What happened?" she asked.
"I... I have good news!" Shin said.
Kaye glanced at Tin. "Uhm, Tin, you can go without me. There's something I have to do tonight."
"Ehh?" Tin glanced at Shin. This man was handsome and looked rich. "Alright, see you tomorrow. Bye!"
"Bye!" Kaye waved at her.
They watched Tin ride a taxi and left.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I found a lead about the others. Let's get inside my car, and I'll explain everything to you," Shin said.
While inside the car, Shin explained to her what he discovered.
"Look at these photos," Shin handed her the envelope.
Kaye looked at the photos. Her eyes widened, and she covered her mouth in surprise. It's a painting of Aria.
"There's no doubt, it's you. And look at the name of the painting," Shin pointed.
She read it. "My Empress."
"Could it be that one of my husbands was the artist of this painting?" she asked.
"The painting really looks exactly like you when you're in Serolf Empire. It was painted by an artist named Troy Jimenez. And when I checked his background, this is what I found out," Shin handed her another envelope.
Tears fell from her eyes. "C-Cedrik?"
"He's an artist who owned a small art studio in CN Province. I'm glad I attended an art exhibit with my mom the other day and saw his painting. I think it's his way to find you, Kaye," Shin said.
"But where is he right now? Is he here?" she asked.
"Unfortunately, he didn't attend the exhibit because he got sick," Shin explained. "But we can go to him in his province. I already sent an email to him telling him that I'm interested in one of his paintings. The schedule will be tomorrow," Shin said.
"Alright, let's go meet him," she smiled. Finally, they found Cedrik.