15 14. King of business

Ernest Hemingway

◾◾????◾◾

CHAPTER 14

THE KING OF BUSINESS

Ivan Grassini is a powerful businessman all over the countries. He started small at the age of 22 then made his way to the top at the span of three years, after that his company expanded and the money he had grew higher and higher every month, making a big name at the industry. The king of business. Everyone knows that he is a firm competitor and having a wide resources and influence no one managed to break through his defenses, because of this, others could only dig on his private life for any dark secret to surpass him-- Alicaena Ludenburg is one of it.

When Ivan was killed at his own car by an unknown assassin Alicaena can only cover up her identity during the investigation. They know that the police would dig unto his private life to find any evidence or lead about his death, and they don't have to know about her.

Her lips made a thin line on her face. The question is too hard to answer, harder than answering a math test or an impromptu recitation.

'How can I escape this?'

The four focused on her, anticipating a reply.

"Alice?" Chloe called, but she was unheard.

Alice sighed. "You don't have to know who my father is." And they don't have to know who she is as well.

"Someone is after your life." Rain started. "We are here to help you and if you still want to live to see another day just answer the damn question."

She glared at him, digging a hole at his head. Someone wants her dead and they are implying that it was his brother, that's impossible, they never met nor know each other. Ivan made sure that his secret was well kept.

"We never even met each other." Not even once.

"And how sure are you that he does not know about you?"

Eros, who has been quiet for some time, crossed the distance between him and Alice. He towered over her, gazing at her like how an emperor look at his subordinates. His eyes dimmed as the girl chose to tighten her lips. Chloe instinctively took a step backward when she felt the dark aura from the guy, her hands are unexplainably clammy.

"Alicaena." He called, the name smooth yet cold on his tounge. "Trust me."

Trust me.

That was all he said, yet it made a huge impact on her. The words, short and precise as it is, but it carries a huge weight for someone like Eros Ziegler to utter it. Alice lifted her gaze at him, surprised at what she just heard. She does not trust anyone with her secrets because someday someone is going to use that secret against her-- to break and to crush her, like how her deceased mother was betrayed by her most loyal friend. She gently shook her head and stand up, walking past him her shoulder brushed against his arms.

"Just trust me." He coldly said. "I don't want you to get hurt and I know you don't want to worry your grandmother." His grip tightened when she tried to remove the hand.

I won't let you go unless...

"Alright." Sighed Alice, the guy has no intention of letting her go without answering the question so she decided to concede defeat and tell them the harsh truth about her. "My father is Ivan Grassini."

Chloe furrowed her brows. "Grassini? Isn't he the king of business?"

"Ivan Grassini amassed a great empire at such a young age. A legendary businessman." Rain stated, rubbing his chin. "Mr Grassini has only one child named Phillip. Don't fool us, Alice."

Her mouth quirked. "You want to know the truth and now that I already told you, you're not even taking it...!"

"But you are not a... Grassini." Don trailed off. "You are a Ludenburg and... Wait, you mean...?"

"I am an illegitimate daughter of Ivan." She snapped, her words laced with venom. "I am his deepest, darkest secret that no one should know about, especially his real family."

His princess. Was all his father would always call her, but she was no princess, she is his mistake and no matter what she do she will remain a black stain on his father's good reputation-- a black apple. His bastard.

Throughout the four corners of the room the silence reigned all around them, as if they were so engrossed at the revelation in front of them. The uncomfortable quietness prevail, it stretches until one finally is brave enough to end it.

"Your secret is safe with us. I know we've been friends for only a short time but you can definitely trust me." The blonde cheerleader cajoled.

"I know..." Alice lowered her head, a small smile hinting on her face. This people around her, though they only know little, they are willing to help her-- to save her. On the other hand, she knows less about them too and she chose to trust them, now they're even.

After the serious talk, the two girls get back at their own room to rest. Chloe did not ask any further, giving her roommate a space to think for herself, she just laid down on her bed and quickly bid a goodnight.

"Goodnight." Alice replied, lying on her back she just blankly stared at the ceiling. The dimly lit lamp creating an abstract shadows around her, under this dark shadows she looks like a lifeless puppet lying still at the bed. The blank look on her eyes gradually darkening as she recalls all of the memories she had with her father.

She just revealed their secret. And now, the securedly locked box of her past, a pandora box, is slowly lifting its own lid.

Alice blinked, the blankness turning into a complete melancholy of breaking a promise to someone that is dear to her.

"Aria, I just broke my promise." She whispered before darkness reigned and claimed her conciousness.

◾◾????◾◾