Chapter 626: Misplaced emotions (2/2)
”What are you talking about?” squinted Runa, ”-boy, have you gone crazy?”
”Figures,” he lit a cigar, ”-Runa and Ariela,” he puffed, ”-take a look at these girls, they don't have the backing of a strong agency. Many of them are professionals. Some have soared greater heights than so-called idols have. In the end, my words are rambles of a man with ideals.”
”I knew it,” chuckled Romeo, ”-you're plenty the man I've heard in rumors. Always fighting the system and trying to change what is present. Such idealistic mentalism won't work in Alphia; I know from the fact; the foundation is rock-solid and I apologize. I should have been more understanding of the hard work.” Therein ended the first photoshoot.
The passage of time didn't facilitate matters in Hidros. Julius worked hard for Apexi. Vorn's growing popularity made Alicia's work easier. The idols became independent and sought out work, the populous openly welcomed the girls.
'It's been a month now,' sniffled the distressed Alicia, '-why am I crying so much,' her eyes closed inside the privacy of the washroom.
Apexi's new headquarters made Lai proud. The well-decorated corridors hurdled to a stop as she returned from the bathroom break. Her aura matched one of sorrow and pain.
”What's the matter?”
”Julius,” whispered Nona, ”-our manager's feeling worst lately. I don't know what's happened to her.”
”Why, what's the matter?” a swift glance showed a slumped shouldered Alicia, ”-looks bad,” he remarked, ”-is it the reason you called me?”
”Yes, and we know,” added the others, ”-she's been like that for god knows how long. Should we be worried?”
”No,” he reassured, ”-she's strong enough to take care of her own mind and body. I don't think we should be worried,” and though he had the truest of intent, fate didn't work in his favor.
Dusk fully swallowed the capital, 'I can't take it anymore,' cold showers assaulted her head, '-he was right, our relation didn't work out. I don't have the will to wait anymore, I'm done.' A restless expression loomed before the mirror, '-Alicia, wake up, you can't keep going like this. What happened, happened.' A twinkle caught her eye, '-oh yeah, tonight I meet with Ziu.'
A lavish restaurant at the heart of the capital, expensive champagne, and an escort inside a limousine. Red carpet rolled to welcome, an army of butlers bowed in wait.
”Good evening,” said a tough-looking man, ”-it's been quite a while, dearest Alicia.”
”Ziu,” she narrowed, ”-don't misinterpret my intentions. I've come to negotiate on behalf of Vorn.”
”Yes, yes,” he leered up and down, ”-let's discuss it over dinner.”
Roads up to the private restaurant were shut. Their silhouette outlined against the light-brown curtains, they ate and chatted until drinks were served.
”You bastard,” her head spun, ”-did you use…”
”Yes I did,” he grabbed her neck, ”-you bitch, always avoiding my advances, insulting me and my family, who the fuck do you think you are?” the grip tightened, ”-my heart burns with hatred. This drug makes anyone I wish my slave,” he spat on her face, ”-disgusting visage soiled by other men. My libido doesn't even wish to entertain thy final moments,” he pressed, light emanated from the palms, ”-if I can't have you, none shall.”
The same day they said she would be fine, a tragedy shook Rosespire's order. Alicia's beheaded body was found on the outer edge of Onela, brown vailed in red, broke shards in her stomachs, and knife through her heart. 8th of September, a frantic phone call arrived. ”Igna speaking.”
”Cousin, I'm sorry, you have to come right away. Alicia's been murdered.”
”M-murdered?” he watched on emotionlessly, ”-I'll take the next flight,” the call ended. 'Alicia's dead?' a glass returned to the empty bar, '-Should I be angry or sad?' nothing came of the news. '-I see,' he ambled on to his room, ”-Vanesa, Draconis, and Saniata.”
”What happened pops?” the door shut behind.
”Alicia's been murdered.”
”Wait…” gulped Saniata, ”-she's your partner, right?”
”Was.”
”I'm sorry for the loss,” added Draconis, ”-the death of a friend isn't something to laugh at.”
”I know,” he nonchalantly packed the essentials.
”Should you not be a little more concerned?” remarked Saniata.
”I should,” he turned, ”-but I can't, this heart of mind doesn't care if people die. I've suffered the trauma plenty o' time. I decided after he died.”
*Knock, knock,*
”-enter,” slid out the somber suite.
”Master, transportation is ready. A jet is on standby at the airport. We must leave right away.”
”Understood,” melancholic echoes rattled across the room, '-why did you have to die!' anger gathered within Origin's heart.