Jeff steps into the building, fixing his cuffs and collar. It was a handful to leave Mr. Mello under Jenny’s—that sneaky ferret managed to get into his car more times than he could count. If it weren't for his busy schedule, he would have gotten another ferret, but luckily jenny was always there to lend him a hand in taking care of his biological kid

“The reports,” Yves says, falling into the steps beside him, passing him the file. They both step into the elevator; as the door closes, Yves starts speaking. “Investors are established. Nyx is back on track. Clayton is dealing with legal issues. Iris’s degree has been detained, and she is also facing legal charges for bullying and harassment. Kavya has been blacklisted fully. Everything is resolved.”

He hums, unimpressed, taking the file. “Any updates on Maya?”

Yves nods in response. “Her appointment is a hot topic in the media, but her PR is working fine. The brothers are backing her up. An insider says they are planning to expand their franchise like Veer Singhania.”

Jeff’s hand stills on the flipping paper; he turns his head in amusement. “Expansion? Keep a close eye on it. It could benefit us,” he says, giving him the file back. Yves nods silently; he had questions on the choices Jeff made, but working with him for years made him not ask out loud.

The elevator opens onto his floor. “Is Jasmine’s name drafted into the list?” jeff asks, stepping into the new space

Yves nods, still following him. “Yes, she is finalized. I am waiting for her approval to set a meeting with the other members.”

Jeff waves his hand dismissively. “Don’t wait; postpone it to a month or so. It’s not a good time.”

He knew that Jasmine wouldn't be in the mind to be attending a meeting or sorting out her role as a new member of the Indigo Club.

The lobby was quiet during this time, with most of the workers out to grab lunch. His shoes tapped against the marble floor as he made his way towards his cabin, glancing at a few employees who stared at him before looking away.

No matter how much people tried to cover things up, rumors were still around that he burnt his father alive

He loved that actually. In fact, he spread the words

Jeff Anderson wouldn't mind eliminating his own blood

“Sir—” Yves stops him as he was about to reach for the handle of his door. Jeff tilts his head to look at Yves, who now seems hesitant. “There is also something unusual that happened.”

He frowns in confusion, straightening up and releasing the door handle. “Spit it out.”

Yves clears his throat. “You have received a message.” He pulls out an envelope with no name or address written on it. “No sender, no traceable origin. The security thought it was a prank and wanted to destroy it, but I thought to show it to you first.”

Jeff nods, taking the letters. He pulls out a thin piece of paper, which is engraved with one word: ‘seraph.’

Jeff’s jaw clenches, his blood running cold. The others might not know it, but this single word was enough for him to remember a million unforgettable nightmares. For the first time in years, he is feeling an emotion he killed years ago—fear. He closes his eyes briefly. His mind replaying the scene—blood, marble floor, cries

“When did it come?” he asks gruffly

“Ten minutes ago”

Jeff exhales sharply, cursing under his breath, “Cancel my meetings. And check all the warehouses for any suspectable activity.” Yves could notice the inner turmoil jeff was having; he barely lost control over emotions “Yes, I will take care of it.” he takes a last glance at jeff before walking away

Taking a deep breath, Jeff entered his cabin; the place felt too cold and suffocated. He loosened his tie, almost yanking it deliberately, looking over the city stretches beyond the glass. He places his hands on his table, his knuckles turning white while griping it

Should have killed him the last time we met

His eyes flicker over to his gun that lies on the table—almost like someone purposely kept it there—he doesn't remember keeping it outside. He reaches over for it, feeling the weight of it; it was heavy. d. “Are you here?” he asks, his voice dropping lower

“Well hello, brother.”

The voice makes Jeff’s mind blank to think straight; before he could even process, he spins around and pulls the trigger, firing three shots into his brother. The room was sound enough for the firing noise not to get out, but the walls were damaged.

Raphael tilts his head, a slow, starlike smirk spreading across his lips. “Still so dramatic,” he scoffs, his body flickering slightly. Jeff’s eyes narrow; he lowers his gun, exhaling sharply, watching the image ripple

Hologram

“What do you want,” Jeff demands, “before I shut you down permanently?”

“What? You thought I wouldn’t come for you?” Raphael steps closer to him; his expression turns serious. “You still have a lot of things to answer, remember?”

Jeff’s face drops at his words, his mind repeating the words of his brother. The painful reminders, the people caused by him. But he couldnt show weakness infront of that guy; his eyes flashed with anger, he lifts his gun, pointing it at the device attached to the ceiling—the source of the projection

“You are still my same old brother.”

“Half-brother Raphael,” Jeff corrects, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes when he sees Raphael’s face flicker with hurt. Before he could speak, Jeff pierced a bullet through the device

He lets out a frustrated yell, throwing the gun across the room and running his hand through his hair. Questions building up in his mind: Why did he come back? What does he want now? He reached his cabin, the most secured one.

He isnt the same raphael jeff raised

He isnt the same Jeff Raphael saw growing up

***

The terrace was quiet; only the sound of breeze brushing against the trees could be heard, and it was rather calm and peaceful.

Jasmine guided Lucas carefully, her hand wrapped around his wrist. It's been a few weeks since he was discharged from the hospital; his shoulder was almost healed but still had strain, and his movements were careful, but he relaxed under her touch. Charlie follows behind them, his tail swaying lazily

A mat was spread neatly across the terrace floor, layered with a soft bedsheet, with corners weighed down with cushions and folded blankets. Soft pillows were arranged around it, and fairy lights hung on the roof of the sitting area.

The sky filled with stars, the full moon shining bright upon them, casting a soft moonlight glow.

Lucas exhales slowly, his heart trumping. “You did this?” he asks, his eyes flickering towards her, softening.

Jasmine shrugs her shoulders, trying to remain nonchalant, but she felt proud seeing his reaction. “I saw you were bored, packed into that one place, so I thought of doing something new,” she says, turning to face him. “And we haven’t been on a date for so long?” She lets out a deep sigh. They have been dating for a while but couldnt go on proper dates for a while

“A peaceful stargazing night sounds good.” Lucas’s smile curves up into a genuine “I really appreciate it, Milaya,” he mutters softly, leaning over to press a kiss against her forehead. Charlie lets out a content purr, as if agreeing, as he curls up on one of the pillows. “See, he is already enjoying it,” Lucas points out. Jasmine’s eyes fall on their cat. “Oh, I knew he would.”

She looks up at him, her hand still holding his. “i wanted to share something with you,” she starts slow, hesitating on how to put her feelings into words

His eyebrows furrow in confusion, noting the slight distress on her face; his grip tightens on her hand, thumb brushing over her knuckles in comforting circles.

She couldn't help but smile at his gesture. “I didn’t say it because it wasn’t the right time; you were at the hospital, and everything was happening so fast that I couldn’t make myself express it.” She gulps the lump in her throat.

Reminding herself that everything is better now, her family is supportive of Lucas, his health is good, Nyx is back on, and she and Jeff have taken care of others. Lucas has submitted his painting for the exhibition, and she has taken admission for her master’s degree. Everything is alright

“When you left, I felt really scared and confused. I don’t know what happened, and I couldn’t reach out to everyone. I thought I had lost you.” her voice cracks slightly, the sudden heaviness form in her chest

“I swear I didn’t want to doubt, but the words… the guilt that you have gotten hurt because of me? I wouldn't lie; at one point I did doubt you. All the questions and blame—I even lied to them, so I didn't know whom to blame. For the first time I loved someone and had everyone doubt it, and I am really sorry for it. It were my words that “sorry doesnt fix the mistakes, but—”

“Jasmine,” he interrupts her, his voice slightly firm, “I don’t blame you. We both were filled with confusion; the lack of communication wasn’t because of us,” he says, his voice growing after.

She takes a deep breath and says, “Gosh, I don’t even know. I understood why you said you want to forget those things. I want to too now; it hurts just remembering. My emotions were a whirlpool going everywhere. Angry at those who held grudges and ruined things between us, guilty for lying to my family, and ashamed of how they have wronged you.”

His hands come up to cup her face, brushing away the tears that slipped from her eyes without realization. “Share it with me, Milaya. Let it out in front of me if it makes you feel better.”

“I don’t understand why you aren’t angry or resentful,” she asks. he just forgave everyone so easily, no complaints or expression

He inhales sharply. “Because I realized that being resentful doesn’t change anything; you have seen it with my…biological mother. It's no use, because many times people aren't affected by how we feel towards them. But that doesn't mean you are not allowed to feel angry; it's totally upon you.” He looks at her, past the facade or the happy face she has put on. Waiting for her to speak her mind.

“I don’t know. I just… I want to wrap it into a ball and throw it in the dustbin,” she grumbles, her nose scrunching slightly.

He couldn't help but chuckle, nodding in agreement as she continuously said, “Start on a fresh paper.” No confusion, no doubts, no lies. Just trust, honesty, and happiness.”

“We will; we are doing that right now, right?”

She nods slowly, leaning closer to him. “I wish that from now on, our friends, family, and our lives are filled with happiness.”

Maybe her wish came so deep from her heart that even the universe responded. Their eyes widened watching a shooting star pass through the deep night sky; its light twinkled while fading away, taking her wish across the sky.

“See? Now you can be relieved,” Lucas says, his tone turning playful as he bumps his shoulder into her. She lets out a chuckle while bumping back into him, but Lucas didn't leave that chance.

“Ouch,” he lets out a fake groan of pain, holding his shoulder. Jasmine’s eyes widened, concern flashing on her face. “I am so sorry! Are you alright?” she asks, checking his shoulder only to realize it’s different. 

“Lucas!” she exclaims in disbelief, stepping back. “Honesty, remember?”

He smirks, shrugging his shoulders and shoving his hands into the pockets of his track pants. “Honesty? Well, I do have one more confession to make.”

Jasmine frowns in confusion, waiting for him to explain

“You remember the lily bouquet you got for your graduation? That disappeared magically?” he asks slowly, sheepishly. He takes a step back, watching Jasmine’s expressions turn furious. He lets out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, I burned it thinking some jerk gave it to you.”

She sprints

He escapes.

“Lucas Williams, you better come here!” she yells, chasing him around the terrace.

“I didn’t know better!” he cries out, running around the place. He hides behind the chairs, debating to run left or right when she is right across him

“It was my first bouquet!” she exclaims, coming around to reach him

He suddenly hops from above the chairs. “I promise to gift you a hundred! No thousand—as many as you want!”

“You first come here!”

Charlie lifts his

head, watching their chase while yawning lazily. He has seen this since he came here, closer than anyone. ‘Some things never change, I guess.’