In the evening Max and Leo were sitting in the drawing room, arguing about what movie they should watch. Max suggested a cheesy action movie, while Leo wanted to watch a romantic comedy.
"Come on, Max," Leo said, rolling his eyes. "You always want to watch those dumb action movies. Can't we watch something more interesting for once?"
Max scoffed, amused by Leo's reaction. "You call those sappy romantic comedies interesting? They're just a bunch of cliche rubbish."
"So you go and watch your violence on your phone, why have you come here?" Leo said In annoyance.
"Why should I go? I want to watch it on television, if you want to go then you can go"
Seeing Max's seriousness, Leo playfully swatted at Max's arm. "Hey, don't knock it till you try it! At least it's not all explosions and car chases."
"I'll have you know that explosions and car chases are the peak of cinematic entertainment." Max pretended to be offended.
"Yeah, for a twelve-year-old," Leo retorted, laughing.
While Max mock-glared at him. "Watch it, or I'll change the channel, neither will I watch mine nor will I let you watch yours."
Hearing this, Leo stuck out his tongue, saying, "You wouldn't dare."
Max feigned innocence. "Oh, you want to bet on that?"
Leo's eyes widened, and he quickly grabbed the remote control. "Don't you dare!"
The two brothers broke out into an unserious fight, their argument quickly devolving into a playful struggle over the remote when suddenly Max's phone rang attracting his attention, he picked up his phone while glaring at Leo as Leo was doing the same. Then Max received the call.
"Hey Max! What's going on?" Daniel spoke from the other line of the call.
"Oh hey Daniel, Nothing special, just trying to set my brother's useless mind right. Well, what about you?"
Hearing Max's words, Leo angrily threw the remote towards Max which he caught immediately and started showing Leo the remote in the gesture that now it was in his hands, making him roll his eyes in annoyance.
"I have called to invite both of you for dinner tomorrow night and please do come because tomorrow's dinner will be very special. And if you want, you can invite your friends too." Daniel's voice was calm and happy as he spoke.
"Of course we'll come!" Max immediately accepted his invitation with a smile.
"That's great, by the way, Jae and Jia have also returned from Japan and they are also coming for dinner tomorrow, so prepare yourself to meet your brother after a long time."
"Really? By the way how cruel our brother is, he didn't even call us to tell us that he has returned. Anyway he has such a habit, we always get to know about his return from someone else." Max uttered with a resigned expression while hearing his words Daniel chuckled.
"Okay then see you tomorrow." Saying his last sentence Daniel disconnected the call.
While placing the phone on the coffee table Max sat on the sofa. "We have to go to dinner tomorrow." He uttered casually without looking at Leo as his eyes were on television.
"I understood, but now give me the remote back." Leo said while trying to snatch the remote from Max's hands but failed as Max immediately hid the remote under his butt, making Leo look at him in disbelief.
"Don't you businessmen have any work to do? Go and do your work." He said while trying to get Max off the remote but Max wasn't backing down.
"We have a lot more work than you chefs, we don't sit idle most of the time like you guys."
They both started to fight over the remote again but this time wildly, creating a huge mess in the drawing room.
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Jae was driving his car through the main road at night, he reached a red light at an intersection. He brought his car to a halt and waited patiently, following the traffic rules. As he waited, his eyes fell on something out of his window.
Two teenage boys, wearing helmets, no older than 17 or 18, approached the intersection on their bikes. But they ignored the red light, accelerated their bikes, and cut through the intersection with a burst of speed. The sound of the engine of the first bike echoed through the empty road. The second bike followed the first, but not as quickly. Both of the boys were laughing and shouting in excitement, enjoying the thrill of breaking the rules.
Watching them, an involuntarily bitter smile appeared on Jae's face as he lost In some thoughts. Suddenly, a siren rang out in the night, jolting Jae out of his thoughts. He glanced in his rearview mirror and saw two police cars approaching the intersection, their sirens on and lights flashing.
The boys didn't bother to look back. They continued to speed down the road, ignoring the police cars behind them as the police cars gave chase.
Meanwhile, Jae put the mask on his face and slowly drove his car across the intersection, following the green light. He picked up speed and started following the boys and the police cars.
••••••
Jae was at the police station now, still wearing a mask to hide his identity. He approached the officer in charge and requested to speak with them.
"Can I help you, sir?" The officer spoke, sitting on his chair, looking up at Jae.
"Yes, I would like to bail out the two teenagers who were brought in for breaking traffic rules."
The police officer looked at Jae sceptically, but recognized his expensive clothing and tone of speech. He realised that Jae was a man of importance.
"And may I ask who you are, sir?"
"I'm Jitoku Jae but I'd prefer to remain anonymous, if possible."
Hearing his name, the police officer got surprised but quickly controlled his excitement, being professional he nodded, respecting Jae's request. "Very well, sir. You can sit."
Accepting the allowance, Jae sat on the chair opposite the officer.
"Can you tell me what your relationship is to these teenagers?"
"I am not related to them. I was simply a witness to the incident and would like to ensure they are released on bail." Jae responded calmly, his voice remaining steady and composed.
While the police officer regarded Jae with a look of curiosity but also a sense of respect. Then he nodded and turned to the nearby computer, beginning the process of preparing the paperwork for those two teenagers' release.
"Very well, sir. We will begin the process of releasing them on bail. May I ask why you are choosing to remain anonymous?"
"I have my reasons for remaining anonymous and I think you know very well. I would appreciate it if you could respect my request for privacy." Jae responded coolly, still keeping his emotions in check.
"I understand, sir." The police officer nodded in understanding, knowing that Jae likely has a public image to uphold as he continued to fill out the paperwork, glancing up at Jae from time to time. He was clearly curious about Jae's personal personality but was also wary of upsetting a VIP.
"Can you provide me with the necessary information for the bail process?"
Hearing him, Jae proceeded to provide the necessary information to the police officer, his tone remained calm and level-headed throughout. The police officer wrote down the details and input them into the computer.
"Thank you, sir. We will start processing the bail shortly. In the meantime, you may wait here in the lobby area." He explained professionally.
While Jae nodded in agreement and made his way to the lobby, taking a seat in a relatively secluded corner where he could watch the police officer and other staff as well without drawing too much attention to himself.
As he waited, Jae glanced over at the two teenagers, who were watching him with a mixture of curiosity and awe and he immediately noticed, one of them was a girl and not a boy. Jae didn't make any effort to interact with them, instead choosing to remain silent and observant, his mask was hiding his facial expressions.
After some time, the police officer finished processing the paperwork and approached Jae. "Sir, the paperwork for their bail has been processed. But before we release them, we need you to sign a few documents."
Jae stood up and the police officer handed Jae a stack of documents, pointing out the places where his signature was needed. Jae reviewed the documents quickly and signed them, his signature elegant and confident.
"Thank you, sir."
At this, Jae nodded,"I appreciate the swiftness with which you handled this matter." He spoke.
The police officer nodded and turned to the teenagers. "Alright, you two. You're being released on bail. Thanks to this generous gentleman over here."
The teenagers turned their attention to Jae, their expressions a mix of disbelief and gratitude. The police officer released them and they quickly ran behind Jae as Jae was walking outside without showing any interest to interact with them.
One of the teenagers, a young boy in his late teens, finally gathered the courage to speak up, walking beside Jae, trying to match his speed.
"Who are you, mister? Why did you bail us out?"
The other teenager, a girl who was a year or two younger, wearing tomboy clothes was equally curious. "Yeah, we don't even know you, and you just bailed us out like it's nothing."
Jae turned his gaze towards them, his eyes studying them from behind his mask. He was quiet for a few moments, considering his response. Finally, he spoke, his voice cool and measured. "Let's just say I appreciate young people taking risks and having fun. Besides, I saw the whole thing unfold and thought you deserved a second chance."
The teenagers exchanged glances, their eyes were widening further in surprise and disbelief. They had assumed that Jae was bailing them out because he was involved in some sort of shady business or had some sort of connection to the police.
"You mean, you just saw us breaking traffic rules and decided to bail us out on a whim?" The boy asked.
Jae looked at them then forward again, walking continuously, his voice still laced with mystery. "On a whim? Yes, you could say that. But I also believe in giving people a second chance, especially when it comes to youthful indiscretions."
They both were staring at Jae, their eyes searching his masked face for any hint of dishonesty or ulterior motives.
"Alright, listen up. If you're going to keep breaking traffic rules, you need to be smart about it. You need to learn how to avoid being caught." Jae's voice was quiet and firm. "First, you need to pick your spots carefully. Don't do anything too flashy or draw too much attention to yourselves. Stick to areas where the police presence is limited and the chances of being spotted are lower."
The teenagers listen intently, absorbing Jae's words like sponges. Jae continued, his tone still serious.
"Next, you need to know your escape routes. Before you do anything reckless, have a plan in place for how to get away quickly if needed. Know the streets and the alleys like the back of your hand so you can slip away without getting caught."
The teenagers nodded, their eyes gleaming with determination, excitement and amusement at Jae's unexpected advice. Jae continued, his voice stern. "And most importantly, don't get cocky. Don't start to believe that you're invincible or untouchable. The police are always watching, and they'll be looking out for you now that you've been caught once."
The teenager's bravado and confidence were somewhat tempered by Jae's stern warning.
Jae suddenly stopped walking and leaned in closer to them, his voice dropping even lower. "Follow these rules, and you'll have a much better chance of avoiding the police and staying out of trouble. But remember, there's always a risk involved in breaking the law. Be smart, be cautious, and don't take unnecessary risks."
The teenagers nodded vigorously, their eyes full of newfound respect and admiration for Jae's wisdom and advice.
And without saying anything further Jae quickly made his way towards his car. After opening his car door, Jae glanced at them for the last time who were standing at their same place, looking at him with a respectful smile. Then sitting in the car, he immediately drove away. While the teenagers were watching him leaving.
Jae had given them a valuable lesson, teaching them how to balance their love for thrill and excitement with the importance of caution and awareness. He had warned them about the dangers of being reckless, but also given them the tools they needed to stay one step ahead of the police. They were thankful for his advice and determined to follow it, knowing that Jae had given them a rare glimpse into the world of cunning and strategy. They both exchanged their glance and shrugged their shoulders.
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Bella entered the dim lighted basement of the underground secret area, she found the serial killer chained up in a corner, glaring up at her, his eyes slightly opened, there were so many wounds on his body and face due to being tortured for many days. Several of her loyal members were present as well, all of them looking at the serial killer with anger and disgust.
"So, you're the one who's been terrorising the city. Who do you think you are?" Bella uttered standing right in front of him. The serial killer glared up at her, his face twisted in anger.
"Who do YOU think you are? You think you can just trap me here like some sort of animal?"
"Oh, I think I know exactly who I am. I'm the one who can choke your head off right now. You might not like being treated like some sort of animal, but you certainly have no problem treating others like one."
"You think you can just catch me and do whatever you like? I'm not afraid of you."
Bella glared at him before speaking. "You think you're tough, don't you? You thought you could terrorise this city and get away with it?"
Hearing her, he tried to put up a tough front, but his voice betrayed his fear. "And what if I did? You think you can stop me?"
Bella smirks at him, her confidence unwavering.
"Oh, I don't think so. But I know I can make sure you never hurt anyone again."
He sensed the determination in her voice, and his fear began to grow. "Y-you won't dare. I'll fight back, I'll escape. You can't keep me here forever." He stuttered slightly.
Bella smirked again, her eyes narrowing. "Oh, I can keep you here and make my men torture you for a long time as much as i want, believe me. And as for fighting back, I don't think you'll be able to do much with your hands and legs bound."
Hearing her, his bravado wilted under her gaze.
"What are you going to do to me?" He whispered with a scared filled and angry voice.
Bella stepped closer. "What do you think? You've caused so much pain. I think it's time you felt some of your own."
He swallowed hard, terror began to show in his eyes as remembered being torture from her men for so many days, he finally accepted his defeat and threw away his toughness. "Please, have mercy." He whispered in fear.
Bella smiled cruelly as he finally came to his place in front of her. "Mercy? Why would I give you mercy when you showed none to your victims?"
He started to tremble as he realised the extent of the situation he was in. "Please, I'll do anything! Just let me go."
Bella leaned in closer, her voice cold as ice. "Anything, you say? That's a big promise. But it's too late for that. You deserve to pay for your crimes."
He pleaded and became more desperate and frantic. "No, please! I'll change, I swear! I'll never hurt anyone again!" As he continued to beg and plead for mercy, Bella signalled to her members to step back.
They moved away, giving her space to deal with the situation. Bella stood straight before the serial killer, her expression cold and resolute.
"I've heard enough. It's time for you to face the consequences of your actions. And I don't want my members' clothes to get dirty with your blood so it is better for them to stand away from you."
His eyes widened in terror as he realised the true purpose of her signal and he started panicking. "No, no, please don't do this! I'll do anything, anything you want!"
"Too little, too late. You should have thought about that before you started killing innocent people."
He looked around desperately, searching for any way to escape. But his struggles were in vain, his hands and legs were helplessly bound.
Bella stepped closer even more, her eyes filled with a cold determination. "You have no way out. Your fate has been sealed."
He looked at her, defeat and despair written across his face as he immediately tried to kneel down in front of her but failed due to his legs being locked with chains, tears in his eyes. "Please...please have mercy...."
Bella glanced at her members, a silent signal. Her members nodded, understanding her signal. Bella turned back to the serial killer, her voice low but firm. "It's time for your final breath."
The serial killer looked at her, terror and resignation in his eyes. "Please...no...don't do anything to me." He whispered, his voice shaky.
She looked at him for a long moment, her expression unwavering. "No more pleading. You don't deserve it."
Hearing her, he closed his eyes, resigned to his fate. He could only wait for the inevitable.
One of the members of her group stepped forward and handed her a long knife. Bella took the knife, her grip firm and unwavering.
"Any final words?"
The serial killer remained silent, his eyes still closed.
"I hope you're comfortable. It won't be for long."
He remained still, his eyes squeezed tightly shut. While Bella lifted the knife, her eyes fixed on him.
With a swift and calculated movement, Bella delivered a fatal blow to him by blowing off his head from his body. The blood splashed on her face and clothes and some were spread on the wall. The tension in the room thickened as the group members were watching in silence. Bella stepped back and looked over the motionless body, the knife still clutched in her hand.
"It's done." One of the members broke the silence. Bella took a deep breath, steadying herself before saying. "Yes, it's done."
The group members exchanged grim looks, understanding the gravity of the situation. While she turned to her group members, her voice was firm and authoritative. "Get rid of the body."
The group members nodded, understanding the order. They started moving, preparing to carry out and dispose of the body.
Bella took a moment to collect herself. She had no regret about killing the serial killer but she just took someone's life. And as she had a good heart she always needed some moments to embrace herself to the reality after killing someone that she didn't kill any Innocent and what she did, did right.
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The dinner party was set up in a grand outdoor space, with a long table adorned with beautiful centrepieces and soft, flickering candle lights under the open sky, with the stars twinkling above them, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. A subtle breeze ruffled the leaves of the nearby trees, creating a peaceful and tranquil ambiance.
Daisy and Daniel stood near the table, taking in the sight of the beautifully laid out decorations. The soft glow of the candle lights were casting a warm and intimate ambience, as the crickets and other night creatures were creating a soothing symphony in the background.
Daniel turned to Daisy, a soft smile on his lips. "Everything looks absolutely perfect, my love. You've outdone yourself with the decorations."
Daisy smiled, her eyes twinkling in the candlelight. "Thank you. It was important for me to make this evening one to remember. And I think it's going to be a night that everyone will never forget."
Daniel took a step closer to her, his hand reaching out to gently touch her arm. "With you as the main attention, I have no doubt that this evening will be unforgettable."
She leaned into his touch, her body responding to his presence and she said. "I just want everything to be perfect for our friends and family. And for us, of course."
His hand slid down her arm and took her hand, intertwining their fingers. "Everything is perfect as long as I'm with you. We could be anywhere in the world and it would still be perfect."
"I feel the same way, Daniel. As long as I have you by my side, nothing else matters."
The couple stood there in silence for a moment, their hands still joined together, enjoying the peaceful and intimate moment.
Suddenly Daisy looked up at the stars, her expression thoughtful. "Isn't it amazing how a simple dinner party can be transformed into something so magical, just by a little bit of ambiance and the people we share it with?"
Daniel followed her gaze, his eyes tracing the path of the stars above. "You have a way of making everything special, my love. Even something as ordinary as a dinner party becomes extraordinary in your hands."
She turned to him, a playful glint in her eye. "Are you saying I have a special touch that can make even the mundane feel magical?"
He grinned back at her, his heart racing with a hint of excitement. "That's exactly what I'm saying. Your touch can turn the mundane into something extraordinary. You have a magic touch, my love. And tonight you have more magic with you."
She laughed softly, her cheeks flushing with pleasure. "You always know just what to say to make me feel special. But I think it's not just my touch that makes this evening special. It's the love and connection between us that really makes everything feel magical."
Daniel's expression softened, his eyes locking onto hers. "You're right, my love." Saying this, Daniel pecked her on the forehead affectionately when suddenly, they heard a familiar voice behind them.
"Aww, look at that. We seem to have interrupted a romantic moment here."
They turned to see Max, Leo, and Samuel approaching them, a playful grins on their faces. Daisy and Daniel looked surprised but also amused to see their family and friends approach, a slight flush of embarrassment on their faces at being caught in their intimate moment.
"Not that we're complaining, of course. It's lovely to see a couple so deeply in love." Leo smirked at them, a twinkle in his eye.
Max chimed in, a sly smile on his face and said. "Yeah, we wouldn't want to dampen the mood. But since we're here, we might as well join in on the fun."
Samuel chuckled, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "And what a beautiful setting you have here. It's the perfect backdrop for a romantic night."
Daisy laughed lightly, her earlier embarrassment quickly dissipating in the presence of them. "Thank you, guys. We wanted everything to be perfect for our dinner party tonight."
While Daniel gestured towards the table, beckoning the three men to take a seat. "Please, everyone, have a seat."
Max, Leo, and Samuel immediately took their seats at the table, clearly comfortable and familiar with each other.
Max looked around and asked curiously, "So, where are the others? Why haven't they arrived yet?"
"They'll be here soon. I'm sure they're just caught up in traffic or something." Daniel replied while making Daisy sit before taking his own seat and at that very moment, Bella and Sarah appeared from behind them. Max, Leo, and Samuel turned to look as Bella and Sarah approached, their presence commanding attention.
Daisy greeted them warmly. "Ah, there you are. We were just wondering where you were."
Bella smiled and took a seat at the table, followed by Sarah. "Sorry we're a little late. We got held up a bit on the way here."
"No worries at all." Daisy reassured smilingly.
As soon as Sarah looked towards Samuel, she gave him an awkward smile and he just looked towards her without any expression. Leo, who was observing the scene, sitting beside Samuel, couldn't help but notice the tension between Sarah and Samuel. He looked between the two, silently wondering if it was right for him to intentionally invite Samuel for Sarah.
Just then, Jae and Jia arrived at the gathering, making their grand entry, drawing the attention of everyone at the table. The atmosphere was suddenly filled with excitement and joy as everyone stood up to greet the newcomers before starting to greet them.
"Oh my brother, you don't miss us even a little bit, do you? How can you be so cruel?" Leo ran towards Jae while spreading his arms in the air, letting out a fake cry before hugging Jae tightly but suddenly Max pulled Leo aside and hugged Jae himself, making Leo look at him in disbelief.
"At least you could have met us once after your accident." Max uttered against Jae's shoulder, making Jia confused at his word 'accident' who was standing beside Jae. She was about to ask but suddenly her eyes fell on Bella who was coming towards her with Sarah and a smile on her face. And on seeing Bella, she stiffened at her place as she was feeling overwhelmed.
Sarah came and hugged Jia tightly, affectionately. "Oh my god, finally you're here Jia, I was missing you a lot, Bish. You can't even imagine." A relief was in Sarah's voice as she spoke but Jia didn't say anything as her eyes were stuck on Bella.
In the midst of all this Jae was the only one who wasn't saying anything or showing any expression, standing there and silently accepting their hugs but without answering their words.
"So you're Jitoku Jae, nice to meet you." Samuel forwarded his hand to shake with Jae with a forced smile as a little jealousy was arising inside him as soon as he saw Jae with Jia.
However, seeing Samuel in front of him, Jae accepted his hand and held it very tightly as the jealousy also arising inside him, knowing that Samuel is the friend of Jia and the one who was her co-actor in her latest movie. They both exchanged glances, creating an invisible current through their eyes.
While Max and Leo were clearly happy to see him after such a long time. There was a sense of reunion and happiness in the air, the atmosphere crackling with excitement. However, ignoring everyone Jae made his way towards Daisy and gave her a warm side hug.
"What was the need to leave so suddenly?" Daisy asked in a complaining way while ruffling Jae's hair.
"What are the specials tonight?" Ignoring Daisy's question, Jae asked, looking down at her with a questionable face. While she narrowed her eyes playfully before saying.
"Wait a little, you will know in some time." Hearing her, Jae nodded. "Okay, by the way, tell me Jia is your Fairy right?" She asked playfully in a very low voice that only Jae could hear.
And hearing her question, Jae looked at her face in surprise before taking a seat without answering her while Daisy smiled teasingly, considering his silence as yes.
Everyone else also took their seats and sat down. And this time Sarah sat beside Samuel.
"How cruel you are, Jae, you ignored us and came straight to Daisy." Leo uttered, crossing his arms over his chest, looking towards Jae with a displeased expression. And everyone chuckled at him.
"Hey where did Bella and Jia go?" Daisy asked, roaming her eyes.
Hearing her, everyone also looked around to find Bella and Jia. Meanwhile, Jae stayed calm and composed as he knew where Bella and Jia could be at this moment.
"Actually I don't know but Jia took Bella with her because she wanted to talk to Bella about some things alone." Sarah uttered, attracting everyone's attention. And everyone looked at her in confusion. "You guys don't worry, they will come back soon." Sarah reassured them.
"Well, by the way, Is Jackson brother not going to come here?" Leo asked, his eyes fixed on Daniel and Daisy.
"He had said that he would come, maybe he got stuck in some work, that's why he is getting late." Daniel replied casually, shrugging his shoulders.
And at that very moment Jackson appeared in front of them, surprising them. "You all guys are probably waiting for me for a long time, sorry for being late." His voice was cool and mischievous as he spoke while giving a side hug to all of them before taking his seat.
"Well it's good that everyone is here now." Daisy said delightedly.
"Hmm, it's good that there isn't that arrogant girl here." Jackson whispered to himself but enough for Daniel to hear who was sitting near Jackson. Daniel moved near Jackson's ear and said teasingly.
"Don't worry, she has also come." Hearing his words, Jackson rolled his eyes.
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