No matter how strong the wind that tousles her hair, her clear eyes are focused on one point. The string of words that forms a name has been engraved in her heart for a long time. She hopes that time could turn back, but it feels impossible. What has left this mortal world, she knows, will never return. They patiently await the reunion with those who love them dearly.
Someday in the future.
She sighed softly, then positioned herself on her knees beside the area where the owner of the name peacefully rests. She cleared away the fallen leaves that dirtied the surroundings of the grave. She gently wiped the tombstone, which had been replaced and looked much better than before. In the past, she felt unable to smile whenever she visited the place where the hole in her heart was truly massive. But now, she's starting to adapt.
"How are you, Tony?" she asked with a wide smile. "I'm sure you're doing well. Mom and Hera come here often, don't they?" She laughed, or rather, she laughed at herself. "I'm the one who rarely comes here. Sorry, big brother. Boss Sam doesn't give me any leeway at headquarters. I have so much work to do."
"Your words can get you in trouble, Anne," the figure that had been by Anne's side all this time responded. He faithfully sheltered the girl with a large umbrella. Even though the girl had vehemently refused, the umbrella bearer was even more stubborn. He said, "You're not exerting yourself, are you? Why refuse?"
"But that's honesty," Anne raised her head, pursing her lips. "Since Boss Sam took on a lot of work from Quassano, I have to check most of it."
"Do you like it?" the man asked with a laugh.
"Well, yes," Anne admitted, not denying the fact that she felt invigorated. Sam changed many things at Twin Dragon including the security system and the hidden weapons prepared to protect the headquarters. Oh, not to mention the remote control used to monitor the movements of the only woman Sam loved; Beatrice, also known as Leora Quassano.
Eland grinned slightly. His eyes scanned the surroundings of the cemetery. From his vantage point, he could see several personnel cleaning the corners of the cemetery, as well as a group of people wearing black clothes. There were also several cars and vehicles accompanying the funeral procession of someone.
He recalled when he was part of a procession where his heart was not just sad, but filled with burning anger. Moreover, he and the others, who could be considered all of Sam's subordinates, knew their ways. They couldn't be killed so easily. At least now he could breathe a sigh of relief. Everyone involved and who disturbed Twin Dragon had been completely eradicated.
Although there was still a lingering sense of dissatisfaction, he was fully convinced that Sam's decision had its own meaning. A person like Sam wouldn't just let those three bastards go so easily. In the end, he found out for himself what happened to all of them. Remembering that made his grin even wider.
"Why?" Anne asked curiously. She rarely saw Eland's cold face displaying even the slightest smile. She was still not used to being close to Eland because he rarely spoke. And when he did, it was always in a firm and rigid tone. Unlike Hugo, who often joked and eased the tense atmosphere.
However, Anne realized that Eland didn't take attention lightly. Even something as simple as holding an umbrella in the scorching sun that showered them this afternoon, she initially refused. But Eland insisted until she couldn't refuse anymore.
"There's nothing," Eland chose to observe Anne, who now stood beside him. "Are you done?"
"Yes," Anne smiled broadly. "Thank you for accompanying me here."
Eland nodded instead of using his mouth to speak. Besides, he did want to visit Tony's grave, just to say hello.
"I'll wait on the motorcycle, okay?" During the journey, Eland mentioned that there was something to discuss with Tony. Anne didn't know what it was.
Eland frowned. "What are you going to do there?"
Anne blinked slowly. "I thought you needed privacy?" Her guess was right, wasn't it? She didn't want to disturb their conversation. The closeness between Tony and Eland when they were still together at Twin Dragon seemed like a cohesive team. Tony often trained with swords alongside Eland, and Eland was skilled in shooting as well.
"No." Eland folded the large black umbrella he had been using to shelter Anne. "You also need to hear what I want to say to Anton."
Anne stared at Eland in surprise. "What is it?"
"You know, I'm not joking when I say I want you by my side, An." Eland's words made Anne recall a moment she could never forget. How could a man known for being cold, emotionless, and with such a terrifying aura whenever he was at the headquarters say something that left Anne stunned.
Fortunately, she didn't faint, although... Anne admitted that since Twin Dragon reformed, Eland had never been far from her. He tried to be by Anne's side as much as possible and sometimes slipped in one or two messages that comforted her. Sometimes, Sam even seemed to deliberately make them complete missions together.
"In front of Tony, even though we are in different worlds now, I can't eliminate Tony's existence from your life, An."
Anne nervously swallowed. Initially, she could still gaze into Eland's dark gaze. It was one of the unique advantages he possessed. His eyes were deep black, although they slanted down like many Chinese men, and his skin was lighter than others. Eland had been different since his arrival at Twin Dragon.
But his loyalty had been tested and was beyond doubt, which is why he stood by Sam's side. He played an important role that Anne knew, facing risks and dangers that surrounded him. Unfortunately, Eland was known for his brutality and mercilessness when wielding a sword. His cruelty had been heard throughout the Northern and Southern regions.
"You know my behavior with many women out there, An. You can judge how I am with them. I won't deny all of that if you want to discuss it. But one thing you should know, in front of Tony, I want to be the one who continues his wishes from the past." Eland closed the distance between them. "To bring happiness to you. Well... even though I know that happiness may come with danger. But you don't need to be afraid, as long as I'm by your side, you'll be safe."
That was true.
Anton's desire when he was with Anne was simple. He intended to marry the girl he loved, witnessed by their friends at the headquarters. Together under the protection of Twin Dragon because both of them were raised by Sam, they pledged their loyalty to Sam and did their best for Twin Dragon as a form of gratitude and a special bond.
Eland, who heard Tony's words and plans, supported them and didn't pay much attention to their relationship because he didn't see Anne as anything more than a comrade within the same headquarters. Anyone who was in the headquarters and showed their loyalty to Sam was considered a comrade to Eland. Nothing more. His relationship with everyone there was also good. Whatever they did, Eland knew and was under Sam's control and supervision. Eland and Hugo were in charge of surveillance.
That was it.
He didn't know when Eland started feeling that Anne was different. He had acknowledged the girl's intelligence since their first meeting. He had also casually mentioned her beauty, with her straight shoulder-length hair. For Eland, praising a woman's beauty was normal. It was just a conversation wrapped in Twin Dragon’s interests between them.
And Eland knew about Anne's relationship with Tony at that time. In fact, Eland strongly supported Tony's desires when they talked about it before. Unfortunately, that desire had to come to an end due to the tragedy of the shooting that befell his teammate.
Several times he had tried to figure out why he couldn't let go of Anne so easily. Unlike most girls who accompanied him briefly. Talking to Anne, who was initially reserved but turned out to be enjoyable, perhaps that was what made Eland think a lot.
"I'm not a man who beats around the bush, An. I just say what's on my mind. You must know exactly what Tony wanted when he was in a relationship with you, right?"
Anne nodded slowly.
"So... do you allow me to continue? Because I'm sure Tony wouldn't mind."
***[]***
For the past two hours, Jack's eyes have not left his work screen. Occasionally, the window behind him provided a temporary distraction, where the bustling Flown could be seen returning to its usual state. Jack greatly enjoyed the constant stream of guests entering after passing through rigorous security checks.
Flown nightclub was pulsating once again. However, Jack enforced a rule for its visitors. Initially, many protested, but the owner had entrusted the decision to Jack. No one could object to anything Jack wanted in Flown, including the tight security measures.
"Busy?"
Jack scowled in surprise and sighed in annoyance as the person entering his room casually sat down without a hint of guilt. Ah, he blamed himself for not locking the room door after Sam's visit a few hours ago.
"I have a lot of work." Instead of venting his frustration, Jack chose to continue typing on the keyboard. "Why are you here? Aren't there things you need to attend to in the North?"
"Just finished." Eland sneered. "Have you met the boss?"
"Not yet. Once my business was done, I came to Flown first. I wanted Jeremy's signature Tequila. That new guy makes a great Tequila for me."
"I heard he used to work for Jimmy Lee. He was a private bartender at his mansion." Jack smirked with satisfaction. "You know, many of the employees at that mansion are hired by Sam. Some also manage the two Quassano mansions."
Without hesitation, Eland nodded.
"How about you and Anne, Eland?" Jack had to know the progress of their relationship. Besides being curious, he was quite surprised by the direction Eland had taken. He never expected the man to take a girl seriously. Just like the boss, Eland had many women ready to entertain him. He could satisfy his desires momentarily and easily forget them. He could change partners as he pleased without considering the feelings left behind.
That's why the news about Eland's seriousness towards Anne was quite shocking.
"You don't need to know." Eland folded his arms across his chest. He deliberately lifted his foot and placed it on the edge of the table. "I want to sleep."
"Damn!" Jack shook his head in astonishment, but soon he heard a soft snore from Eland. His fatigue was evident on his face after his recent arrival. Perhaps Sam's orders had caused him to lose a lot of rest time. Jack wasn't too sure about the mission Eland was currently undertaking.
Because of that, Jack chose to continue his work. Sam's desire to open a nightclub on the border between the North and the South might be crazy, but considering the opportunities Sam had outlined some time ago, Jack agreed that the opportunity should not be wasted. After all, Sam controlled the Northern region without needing validation from anyone.
The Eagle Wing's existence was no longer heard, even though its leadership had changed. As expected, Quassano held power and had full control over the clan that used to compete with and oppose every move Sam made. If it weren't for Gerald's actions that disappointed Alfred Quassano, his reign would undoubtedly be restored by that middle-aged man. Even if it required undergoing various loyalty tests. Alfred was also known for his cruelty when dealing with traitors.
Who would like to keep traitors around them? No one.
A knock on the door distracted Jack once again. "Come in," he said. He was slightly surprised by who entered his room this time.
"Am I disturbing you, Jack?" she asked awkwardly. She never expected that the person she was looking for would be here. Although Jack had already told her that the room the man usually stayed in at Flown was available for use again. Since the renovation process was completed, Anne knew that Eland rarely visited that room.
"Are you looking for Eland?" Jack laughed. It seemed like that question didn't need to be asked, right? Anne didn't avert her gaze from anywhere other than observing how Eland was sleeping. "He just fell asleep, it seems."