Dark Romance: A Cruel Obsession

Simpson’s computer sat within arm’s reach, and Alajos could see Bryson’s nauseating face on the computer screen with just a glance.

“She doesn’t need to know,” Alajos said. “This is a war between men, she doesn’t need to be involved.”

“The end of this war will either be Bryson’s death or yours,” Simpson said with his tender eyes, speaking extremely cold words.

“If Bryson dies, I won’t harm her,” Alajos promised. “But if I die, Bryson won’t spare her and the child.”

“Anyone hindering Joseph’s success, Bryson will eliminate. Vilem is a good example.”

Simpson understood this, so they secretly executed this plan, making Vilem unwittingly part of the plan.

Simpson sighed inwardly. “I hope Vilem never finds out about this, or I will lose my friend.”

“Put away your kindness, Simpson,” Alajos warned.

“I know,” Simpson composed himself, his heart growing cold and hardened in the process. “Our goal is to keep Houston alive. Anyone obstructing this goal deserves to die.” Bryson would be the first, but not the last.

Simpson reactivated the computer screen, opened the email software, and began writing an email. “We need to know Bratva’s next move. I guess Barron will be the one to finally go after Bryson.”

“Have Fidelio’s people keep a close eye on Barron,” Alajos requested. “For Washington’s elites, it’s as simple as eating and drinking.”

Following Alajos’s instructions, Simpson wrote the email. “We also can’t rely too much on Washington. Be cautious that Washington doesn’t become the next Los Angeles.”

“Of course,” Alajos had a plan in mind. “Emmert is already on a flight to Los Angeles; he is our finest sniper.”

“If Bratva is incapable of killing Bryson, Emmert will take action.”

Simpson paused as he typed on the keyboard, looking at Alajos in surprise. “I thought you sent Emmert to be Vivian’s teacher so that he wouldn’t have to carry out this task. Aren’t you afraid Vivian will suspect something?”

“Emmert has never stopped his mission. Business trips are very normal; Vivian won’t suspect anything,” Alajos stated confidently. “I have everything arranged.”

Feeling a bit reassured by his words, Simpson smiled. “You took Vivian’s teacher away. Who will teach her shooting now?”

Alajos fell silent, his gaze fixed on Simpson.

Simpson was taken aback, pointing to himself. “Me?”

Alajos neither nodded nor shook his head, as if he agreed.

Simpson’s mouth twitched, refusing. “No.”

“You’re refusing me?” Alajos raised an eyebrow.

“Yes,” Simpson pleaded with him. “I don’t want to create any unnecessary shadows with Vivian.”

Alajos stayed silent for a moment and said, “It’s okay. Vivian is not that fragile.”

“I am!” Simpson’s typing speed increased, completing the final string of words, entering the recipient’s email, and clicking send.

After completing these actions, Simpson swiftly closed the laptop screen with a snap and grabbed the computer, running. “I have other things to attend to. I’m busy, I have to go.”

Simpson ran so fast that he didn’t give Alajos a chance to persuade him further.

After Simpson had vanished, Alajos moved his finger and pondered to himself, would it be too late to call Emmert back now?

…

Vivian accepted Nirupama’s invitation and went to her bridal shop for an afternoon tea with Luzia. Shelley also joined them; her wedding was approaching, and she needed to pick out a suitable wedding dress.

Nirupama prepared delicious scones, adorned with fresh fruits picked from Mrs. Yazmin’s estate, drizzled with honey. The sweet taste delighted Luzia, a lover of sweets, even lifting her somber mood considerably.

“I’ve been longing for Nirupama and your scones in Los Angeles,” Luzia, moved by the delicious taste, almost teared up. “The chefs in Los Angeles are incompetent. They don’t know how to make scones or small cakes.”

“Poor thing,” Nirupama sympathetically patted Luzia’s head, promising to give her many small cakes and cookies when she leaves Houston.

Although Luzia would be very sad on the day she leaves Houston, receiving many delicious small cakes and cookies might help salvage her mood.

Vivian tasted the tea that Nirupama had personally brewed. The rich tea aroma and the tartness of the lemon balanced perfectly. She glanced at Shelley, who was selecting a wedding dress, and asked Luzia, “You should stay to attend Shelley’s wedding, right?”

Neither Shelley nor Festus were heirs of the Benoist or Rosente families, so Joseph’s attendance at the wedding was inconsequential. However, Shelley’s maternal grandfather, Capo Fidelio Williams of Washington, had decided to fly to Houston for the wedding. Given Joseph’s nature, he would undoubtedly stay to investigate the alliance between Houston and Washington.

If Joseph were to stay, Luzia definitely would not fly back to Los Angeles alone.

Luzia couldn’t provide Vivian with a definite answer. In fact, she had been staying at Mrs. Yazmin’s estate during her time in Los Angeles, and Joseph had not been seen since the birthday party.

Of course, if Joseph was busy with his work, Luzia would never proactively contact him. She was increasingly fond of solitary moments; only in solitude was she truly free.

“I can’t make decisions for Joseph,” Luzia said with a dim look in her eyes. “But I am willing to stay by your side, for as long as possible.”

“I need your company,” Vivian immediately expressed.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Thank you, Vivian. Your need makes me feel valued. But…” Luzia grasped Vivian’s hand. “In reality, the longer I stay by your side, the greater the danger you are exposed to.”

Luzia’s ability to remain in Houston hinged on Joseph also staying in Houston. Vivian was heavily pregnant, and keeping the pregnancy a secret had been the result of a concerted effort from multiple parties. Furthermore, Joseph’s focus was not on Vivian; he consistently held a dismissive and neglectful attitude towards her. Otherwise, he would have noticed Vivian’s pregnancy at the birthday party.

Now, the longer Joseph stayed in Houston, the more likely he would discover the existence of the child. Once he found out, both Vivian and Houston would face danger.

Could Vivian, Alajos, and Houston bear this risk?

Luzia didn’t know the answer. Or rather, she subconsciously did not want to speculate on the answer.

“I will pray to God,” Luzia said, “for a smooth delivery for you, for your safety and health, my dear friend, my Vivian. I wish you eternal happiness.”

“I wish the same blessings for you, Luzia,” Vivian said. “God will bless his faithful, and our prayers will surely be answered.”

Luzia was not as optimistic as Vivian, having endured too much hardship from Joseph. Still, she harbored hope, hoping that, as Vivian said, their prayers would one day be answered.