NOVPUB
Chapter 4: Thest of love
When Alex opened the apartment door that evening, the familiar scent of chamomile and worn fabric greeted him. His eyes immediately landed on Sarah, curled up on theuch, wrapped in her favorite blanket. Even in the dim light, heuld see how pale she'd bme.
"Weme back, big bro." Iris's voice cut through the heavy silence as she peered at him from the kitchen doorway. "You're home early. Did Mr. Carson let you off to rest? You look... exhausted."
'It's all because of me,' she thought, lowering her gaze, guilt weighing her down like lead.
Alex forced a tired smile, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah... something like that."
"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm such a burden, aren't I?"
Alex's heart clenched. "Don't. Don't ever say that." He knelt beside her, taking her thin hand in his. "The treatments are working, aren't they? We just need to keep going."
"But thests..." Tears welled in her eyes. "The breast cancer... it's spreading faster now."
"Listen to me," Alex said firmly, squeezing her hand. "I promise you, I'll find a way. Whatever it takes, you're going to get better."
Over the next few weeks, Alex transformed.
Each delivery made him sharper, morenfident. Where he once hesitated, he now moved with purpose. Ma's lessons became instinct: vary the routes, watch the shadows, trust your gut.
The money was good - better than he'd ever made before. He took on more runs than any other nemer, earning whispers of respect among the other runners. But more importantly, Iris's treatmentsntinued.
Nights found him in exclusive clubs with rpion, places he'd never dreamed of entering before. The Alex who'd worked at Mr. Carson's store seemed like a stranger now - this new Alex drank top-shelf liquor, wore designer clothes, moved in different circles.
When they arrived at the party....
The rhythmic sound of a basketball bouncing echoed through theurt.
"Are you going to stop me? Huh? Are you?" Kevin taunted, dribbling with ease as he challenged Ma to make a move.
"You're not getting past me this time," Ma shot back, stepping in to block him, determined to shut Kevin down.
But his efforts were in vain. With a swift move, Kevin expertly dribbled past him, closing the distance and sinking the shot effortlessly.
"Pay up," Kevin said with a smug grin, stretching out his hand tollect his winnings.
Ma exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Let's go again—double or nothing."
Kevin smirked, bouncing the ball. "Alright, let's do this."
Just as they were about to start, the sound of footsteps approaching made them pause. Alex entered theurt, his presence shifting the energy.
"You're back," Ma acknowledged, nodding toward him.
rpion grabbed a towel, wiping the sweat off his forehead. "Got your report—seems like you've been getting way too good at this," Ma added, genuinely impressed.
Alex pulled out his phone as a notification buzzed.
"Check your phone... Your payment has been transferred," Manfirmed.
'This isn't close to enough, I need to go for bigger runs,' Alex thought to himself.
"Nice job," Kevin chimed in, cutting Alex off mid-thought.
"Let's celebrate your win at the new club—Crystal Lounge." He threw an arm over Alex's shoulder.
"Put on something nice, alright?" Kevin said with a teasing grin.
Already annoyed, Alex replied, "Okay, sir," pushing his hand away off his shoulders before turning to leave.
Later that night, At the club.
Loud music boomed through the air, people dancing and drinking with each other at Crystal Lounge, the new club. Alex leaned against the bar with rpion, Ma, and Jas. The bass thrummed through the floor as he voiced what he'd been thinking.
"I'm ready for bigger jobs," Alex said, watching Ma's and rpion's reactions.
"Are you sure, dude?" Ma asked, narrowing his eyes. "Big jobsme with big risks, and it isn't something you can just do because you're determined... You might get in trouble. Worse, you might lose your life."
Alex, already resolute, simply nodded. "Whatever you've got."
rpion's hand suddenly wrapped around Alex. "Are you sure—"
Before heuldntinue, his phone lit up. Alex caught a glimpse of the message: I'm here, babe.
"Finally, she's here," rpion said, excitement flashing in his eyes.
The club's atmosphere shifted as she entered - a stunning blonde in a red dress that seemed painted on. Two suited men flanked her as she glided toward the VIP section,mmanding attention with every step. Her presence seemed to pull the oxygen from the room.
"Back in a bit," rpion said, already moving toward the VIP area. His entire demeanor had changed - eager, almost hungry.
"Who is that?" Alex asked, unable to take his eyes off her.
Ma took a slow sip of his drink. "Lydia Lannister–Black Wolf's princess. Daughter of someone big in their organization. That's all rpion's ever said." He shrugged. "She appears, he disappears. Won't see him for days after."
"Damn I can't blame him, she's so hot," Alex muttered, shaking his head in amazement, still wondering how someone like Kevin - rpion - would be able to bag a girl who looked like she belonged in magazines.
"That's for sure," Ma agreed with a knowing smirk as they watched her run a manicured hand along rpion's jaw.
The music suddenly felt too loud, the club too crowded.
"Hey, Ma," Alex had to raise his voice over the bass. "I'm heading out. Pretty tired."
"Sure thing," Ma nodded. "I'll text you when I've got something for you."
Alex nodded innfirmation of Ma's words before turning to leave.
Walking home through the neon-lit streets, he felt a surge of anticipation.
'Bigger jobs meant bigger money. Bigger money meant better treatment for Sarah,' he thought.
He was ready for whatever came next.
Heuldn't have known that his next job would be the one that changed everything.
---
"I'm so drunk right now," Lydia admitted, betraying her usual elegance with an unsteady sway.
"Why did you tell your bodyguards to leave? Theyuld've taken you home by now," Kevin said,ncern lacing his voice.
"I haven't seen you all week. I missed you," Lydia said, pouting slightly. "So I decided to spend the whole night with you, babe. Is that too much for a girl to ask?"
Kevin chuckled, shaking his head. "Okay, then. We're definitely spending our night at a hotel."
"That sounds fun," Lydia said, smirking happily.
Both of them smiled as Kevin hailed a taxi to take them to a hostel. n𝚘𝚟𝚙u𝚋.co𝚖
