I'm already here, so I'll just learn a few things before I go home and rest."Of course, baby. You can.
"What are you doing here?" Tiwa's voice was low but sharp, her eyes narrowing. "You know very well that Mark hates you now. I don't want to be friends with you anymore. Because of you, my brother's heart has been shattered into a million pieces."Before Ralphaelina could answer, a thunderous voice echoed from the staircase.
"What the hell are you doing in my house?!"
Mark's furious roar made the walls seem to tremble. His footsteps pounded down the stairs like warning drums, and Tiwa and Ralphaelina both flinched. The air grew heavy with his rage."Uhmm… Mark, you startled me. Was it necessary to yell like that?" Tiwa tried to play it off, but the way Mark's eyes cold and sharp like blades locked onto her made her swallow hard."She's leaving," Mark growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Right, Ralph?"
Tiwa glanced at Ralphaelina, silently urging her to leave. But Ralph didn't budge.
"Mark… baby, I'm sorry." Ralphaelina's voice cracked, desperation seeping into every syllable. She stepped closer, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I don't know what came over me. I was consumed by jealousy. I still love you, baby… please, don't leave me."
Mark's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Too late. You should know me better by now. I don't forgive my enemies. Remember?"
"No!" Ralph's voice rose with panic. "You can't leave me like this! I'm your partner in everything even your… dirty, shady business."
Tiwa's head snapped toward her, eyes widening. "W–what do you mean by shady business? What is going on here?"
Mark's eyes darkened instantly. "Scorpion!"
"Yes, boss?" A tall, broad-shouldered man appeared almost out of nowhere, his presence radiating menace."Get this lowlife out of my house."
"Ma'am," Scorpion said flatly, "this way, please. If you don't cooperate, I'll have to do it the hard way. "You can't do this to me, Mark!" Ralphaelina shrieked, thrashing in Scorpion's grip. "I swear, you'll pay for this!" Her screams echoed through the hall as she was dragged out, the heavy door slamming behind them.
Mark turned back to Tiwa, his expression softening slightly, though his eyes still held an edge. "Listen to me. She was just spouting nonsense. I don't do any shady business. Maybe this is her twisted way of taking revenge on me. You have to believe me, Tiwa. I'm your brother… your big brother."
"Yes… I believe you," Tiwa said after a beat, stepping forward to wrap her arms around him. "I just hope you're not hiding anything from me. "Of course not," Mark murmured, kissing the top of her head. He watched her retreat up the stairs, the weight in his chest pressing harder. As soon as she was gone, his shoulders slumped, and a long sigh escaped his lips.
That was close. Too close.
I have to do something about Ralphaelina.
Tiwa could never know the truth about who he really was. He had built this life on blood and shadows all for her. He had sold his soul to the devil to protect his little sister. Everything he'd done every crime, every dirty deal was because of her. If she ever found out… it would break her. And I can't stand it when she cries.
"I'm done for the day," I groaned, rubbing my shoulders. "Working here is exhausting. I swear, I'll start sneaking out early from now on." Max chuckled, shaking his head. "Will you be driving home? "Oh, no. I'm exhausted. Bruce will come for me. "Alright then, I'll get going. I have to reach home before your best friend roasts me alive for being a minute late."
I laughed. "Very funny. Now go before I actually turn you into a chicken."
We hugged quickly, and Max headed off.
"Ma'am, your car is ready. It's in parking area 457," the security man said politely."Thank you," I replied with a smile. "Good evening, ma'am," another guard greeted as I passed. I nodded in acknowledgment. Bruce was already there, holding the door open for me. I slid into the back seat, letting the plush leather swallow me whole. The city lights blurred past the tinted glass as we drove off toward home, the events of the day swirling in my mind like a storm I couldn't escape.