PROLOGUE

***

NAKARAMDAMAN ng kaginhawaan si Alexa sa pagtapak niya muli sa bansang minamahal. "Finally! "she smiled in relief.

Mula sa hindi kalayuan ay nakita niya ang kaniyang pamilya at kaibigan. Kagagaling niya lang sa South Korea kung saan katatapos niya lang sa military service na tungkulin niya bilang isang mamayan ng Korea. Na kahit isa sila sa pinakamayaman at maimpluwensya ay hindi naman niya maiiwasan ang kaniyang tungkulin. She has two citizenship to the two different country. South Korea and Philippines. Pero hindi iyon naging hadlang para hindi maging isang mabuting mamayaman. Kahit mahirap ay naisasagawa niya ng maayos ang kaniyang responsibilidad.

Pinapapili nga siya ng kaniyang ina para hindi na siya mahirapan pero hindi naman siya makapili, sa ngayon. Sa Korea kasi siya ipinanganak at nang mag-edad labing-isa matapos ang trahedya ay umuwi siya sa Pilipinas para ipagpatuloy ang kaniyang buhay malayo sa magulong sistema ng mga Mafia.

While walking through the sea of crowds, her phone vibrated. She grabbed the cellphone from her pocket and looked to see who texted her. It's Knight, her childhood friend.

Welcome back! I miss you my princess. A message from Knight Vasquez.

Thanks. I miss you too my knight! -Tulad ng pangalan nito ay ganun din ang pagkatao nito. Si Knight ang naging knight in shining armor nito. He is her trainer at sa kabila ng ilang beses na pagpigil sa kaniya ng mga kuya niya ay natuto siya sa mga bagay iniikutan nila sa pamamagitan ni Knight. She learn self defense from him and every single thing she need to get what she wants.

How about my gift? Knight texted her again.

Knight texted her again but she decided to put the cellphone in her pocket and talk to him later. She brought a special gift for her friends. Alexa approached her mother and immediately hugged her.

"Sweetie! Oh my gosh! By the grace of God you came home safely! I miss you so much, my sweet daughter!"Mrs. Belinda Montreal said as she hugged her intimately.

"I miss you too, mom. Napaka boring sa camp. Andaming ahas at toxic people. I miss here, working in hospital and helping people, " Alexa told her mother.

"I know that's why I'm worried about you. I know you have Montreal blood but still I can't help it but to be afraid. Korea is different here in Philippines. "

"Mom, "Alexa smiled wearily as she held her mother's hand and massaged it to calm her mother. Alexa's mother is a widow, 15 years ago after that nightmare happen in her life, her mother is the only one who raised them.

"You have nothing to worry about. I can take care of myself and besides mom, masamang damo ako. I won't die easy-" Alexa didn't get a continue her sentence when her mother pinched her in her waist. Brennan- her second brother just laughed at her, Alexa just rolled her eyes to him.

Her father died from rescuing her from the kidnappers and failed to survive. She saw right in front of her two innocent eyes how her father died just to protect her while they are waiting for an extra support.

Their opponents are too strong, dangerous and audacious for her father's men to handle. He was a senator, a high class agent and an army back then. And as showing gratitude and respect the government pay his family and give them the benefits they deserve. But those money can't bring back her father's life.

It's almost 15 years and all those memories are still vivid in her mind, that Alexa can't remember all the events, especially how she escaped from the kidnappers without the help of rescuers.

They are not just simply kidnappers that want some money, they are part of a Mafia Group that is the greatest enemy of the Montreal family.

Alexa let out a long sigh. I miss you Dad! She said to her mind. All that happened in the past made who is she now.

"Finally, frennie, you're finally here! I miss you. Do you know that since you've been gone, no one has protected me?" Elsa Fontanilla pouted, Alexa's best friend since college.

"You are exaggerating things, bhess. I know you can defend your self and if not, I trust someone will come to protect you. "Napanguso naman sa kaniya si Elsa. "Sino naman gagawa no'n?"

Nagkibit-balikat lang si Alexa ngunit may nakakalokong ngiti ng bumaling siya kay Darren.

"Anyway, how are you? You and Julian?" Alexa asked, she pouted again. She was like a child looking for an ally.

"We broke up. That bastard had the guts to cheat on me! How dare he?!" Elsa answered, her jaw dropped on what she have heard from her, but she smiled again.

Darren Daniel Motreal-Alexa's big brother's eyes darkened and she saw how dangerous the monster want to come out of her brother's head. Huh? Hmm, why? Does he have feelings for my bestie? Alexa thought about that. Maybe, yes.

"But I'm okay because my hero is here, bestie is here. "Elsa said to her as she clang to Alexa's arm.

"Tch. Childish. "Darren smirked. Elsa glared at him.

"You! You are so annoying! You are like my uncle... Old crunch man! "she irritated pointed him. The two other brothers laughed at her bestfriend.

"Stop pretending, El. We all know you really like that he notices you because you like him. Don't deny it we all know that."

Clinton Clay Montreal-her third big brother teased her. Alexa chuckled. Because Clinton is saying the obvious. Even though Julian was her boyfriend at the time, she still looking up to Darren, but the case is... Darren is very manhid na nilalang.

"Guys, stop it. Let's go to the restaurant. For sure our princess is hungry," Brennan interrupted and he territorial put his arm around Alexa's shoulder when he saw some fiery eyes looking at his youngest sister with a.... Lust and admiration? Of course, every brother will do their best to protect their sister.

They were about to leave when suddenly someone shouted at the exit entrance of the airport. There are commotion and stamping right there and it caught Alexa's attention.

Alexa saw a man in a black suit holding a hostage. His knife pointing to that young man that she don't care who he is... The only thing in her mind is just to save the young man from harm and death.

"OMG! It's Marcus from Cassio! "the woman shouted.

Alexa don't care and didn't bother to pay attention to others. Her only intention is to save lives. It's really hard to be a doctor and at the same time an agent. You need to balance the life and death.

"Please, call a police now!" someone shouted.

When she found a way to take down the enemy, she immediately run into it but she is about to jump high to give the hostage-taker a good kick when someone who has a faster flexes shoot the hand of the man and when the man loss it's grip to the young man he immediately knocked him out with just a single punch. Even though the hostage-taker drop the knife the young man received a not so deep wound but enough to see the vein in his neck.

All people who's there gasp and frightened. Alexa didn't bother and went to the man. She put a handcuffs to the culprits hands.

Someone called an ambulance. After securing the man won't harm anyone, she approached the young man.

"Wait sandali po ma'am, hindi po kayo pwede rito. "A security guard interrupted her. She smiled. She showed him her personal identification.

"I'm a doctor and a Montreal. "

Hindi niya gustong ginagamit ang pangalan nila pero para sa mga ganitong sitwasyon ay wala siyang magawa.

The guard's face fainted and step away. He bowed his head.

"I'm sorry ma'am," the guard apologize.

"Holy crap! What was that? I taught we are safe here?!" Evren exclaimed while confronting one of the security personnel of the group. She understand them.

Actually wala naman talagang safe na lugar dito sa mundo, kahit saan ka pa pumunta ay mayroong kaguluhan. When Evren shouted she just realized that the person she helped are here favorite group.

Evren Lee is one of Cassio member. He is a korean but a half south korean and north korean. He is taller than Marcus. But Alexa found Marcus more attractive than him.

Perfect nose, pinkish lips and oww his baby face and narrow eyes are so attractive. Marcus Kim is half Filipino and half Korean. Alexa gasped when she heard someone fake a cough. She was slightly embarrassed. Did I stare at him? Is it obvious. Huh it's embarrassing. I hope the earth will swallow me now! She said to her mind. Well she just caught starring at Marcus.

In the other hand, it was as if Marcus Kim-one of the Cassio's Member-saw an angel in the midst of danger while staring at her gentle face.

She is so beautiful that he can't take his eyes off her. But a thought appear in his mind. He think that they already met but he can't pinpoint where or when.

Marcus woke up in realization when he heard that she spoke in their language- Korean.

"Wanseong. Dangsin-eun jigeum un-I johda. Hyeolgwan-e dahji anh-assseubnida. Da-eumbeon-encun, Mr. Kim, da-cum-e gasilttae josimhaseyo. "(Done. You are quiet lucky now, it didn't reach the vein just better be careful next time Mr. Kim... I gotta go.) Alexa said as she finished treating his wounds. She helps him to sit properly. Alexa smiled then bowed to him.

"Gamsahabnida!" He said, that means thank you in Korean language. "Cheonman-you!" Alexa said to him. Good thing Alexa knows how to speak Korean.

"Annyeong!" they said to each other before they parted ways.

When she left, the ambulances arrive at the exact time.

Alexa used to just watch them at the concert now she clearly sees him face to face. but in a wrong timing. It's really wrong timing. Yung tipong chance mo na sana makapagpa-autograph kaso may mga demonyong nanggugulo. Nakakainis lang. Until next time, guys. She said while hoping to have a second face off with her idol.

After that, the ambulances arrived immediately. The doctor immediately checked their condition especially Marcus.

"Going back here is a bad idea, "Mio Kugiyima said in a disappointed tone, Mio Yakamuto- the drumist of Cassio and a former lider of Tarantula Gang. Minsan seryuso pero madalas ang topak. Lunatics. A Thai but he grow up in korea and became the badass gangster before he met his friends. Because Korea wasn't the only one that gave nightmares to their lives. Also the country they loved -the Philippines - which is not really the fault of the country but of those who rule it.

"Yeah, but we don't have any choice. We need to get here because it is an order from our boss, "Jin agreed.

"It is good to stop the bleeding immediately and luckily it didn't reach your veins. You are lucky to have someone help you immediately, " the doctor said after taking care of Marcus situation.

It's not severe though it's dangerous when the touch of a knife is close to a person's veins.

"I think the person who helped you is not just a med or doctor who rescued you but a person with a good heart, "he said again and handed over the basic medication for the wound.

"Thank you, Doc! "Evren said when Marcus didn't even respond and pay attention to the doctor.

His mind is still in the face of the woman. He feel like his mind is floating. Jeez, what happened to me? Ginayuma niya ba ito? Or she just has the strong charm. Marcus said to his mind.

"What is her name? "Marcus suddenly asked his friends. Didn't even bother of situation his situation he is in right now.

"Who?" they all ask.

Ben just came back from comfort room. Evren Lee and Benedict Moon are Marcus's closest friends in Cassio. Evren is a full Korean. It's just different. His mother is from North Korea who was only saved by his father who is a chief officer of South Korea.

"Is there any pain in your body, bro? Are you sure you're okay?" Evren help him to stand up. "What happened here by the way? "Ben asked them innocently.

Benedict Moon is a korean but somehow, Ben looks more likely a chinese nationality. But before Ben met the gang, he grew up in the Philippines before someone from Korea adopted him and bring him back to his hometown. But before meeting those people who adopt him, he met his near-death experience and dark age era in the hands of pure evil being, that's why Ben doesn't want to comeback here, it's because of his painful past. Being a slave to the syndicates and ordered to swallowed drugs and sold illegal drugs every day, he was seriously traumatized.

All of them experience the dark side of the rainbow, but somehow, that rainbow turn into a bridge that connects all of them now.

Ngunit dahil sa biglang pagbabalik nila at dahil na rin sa nangyari ay para bang binabalik sila sa nakaraan, isang panaginip na ayaw nilang maalalang muli.

"I almost got killed in that suicidal accident then Evren immediately kicked the guy. Fortunately a girl approached us and helped me," Marcus explained and looked at them.

"Ah that... that girl looks angel but I don't know her name bro. Nakalimutan kong itanong, " Jin Walter answered him quickly while shaking his head.

And here this Jin Walker. A half American and half Korean- the main singer of the group. He stands as the older brother in the group. Because all in the circles are lunatics and he is the more matured and they ask for advice. He is the son of an extreme American Chief Police Officer.

"You are interested? Maganda ba siya? Bro, pag iyan hindi mas maganda sa akin huwag ka na mag-jowa, "Ben, while Mio Yakamuto is teasing Marcus. Well, that Mio, he is the scariest gang lider in Japan that time pero ewan ko na lang ngayon parang nawalan ng sanib at nahawa sa kabaliwan ni Ben.

Tsk, crazy people. Napailing na lang talaga si Marcus sa madalas na pagaaktong gay ni Ben. Pero ang kagandahan ay napagaan ni Ben ang mabigat na hangin.

"Don't deny it. Well she's damn pretty but she's not suit to you. She had probably lots of suitor every year. "Marcus glared at Mio.

"Don't be such jerk, Mio. I just find her attractive," Marcus said to him. That they just laughed at. But Evren stopped them from talking.

"She's not even that beautiful. She didn't reach my standard, " Evren suddenly commented coldly.

In the group, Evren and Sam are the most quite, mysterious and cold. But even though, Marcus, can guarantee that they are the kindest person he ever met in his life.

Not because they were the ones who saved them and Ben back then, but, because they think about the welfare of others rather than their own welfare.

"Tsk, tell me you have a crush on her too? Or maybe...the rumors were true. Wala namang masamang magpakatotoo. Uso maging honest. " Evren frowned at Ben. "What rumors?"

He wears a playful smile. "That you are a guy. So there's no-"Evren shoot bullet of glares at him.

"Me? Gay? Tsk. And what? I like her? NEVER!" Evren said while still shaking his head.

"Tse, you're still indenial," Jin said in a girl tone. He just shook his head at the antics of his friends.

"Alexa Alice Alliah Montreal. "

Everyone went silent when the youngest of the group spoke. He is just quite there but he immediately gathered some information.

Samuel Igarashi is the youngest member but a multi-billionaire guitarist of their group. He is the son of the founder of Cassio. Sam really hates music but it's part of their job as Cassio's. A Japanese nationality, blackbelter, a true samurai and the nerd when it comes to computer and digital world.

"Mwo?" Jin asked in disbelief. Who wouldn't be surprised when someone suddenly speaks out of silence?

"Her name is Dra. Alexa Alice Alliah S. Montreal or known as Triple A in military and Miss A in the hospital where she works. The only daughter of Belinda Schemetzer-Montreal and Alexandro... Montreal. A Mafia Princess, "Sam explained and everyone is speechless except for Evren who is not in the mood lately.

I caught that Sam was stunned for a moment, even he and Evren looked at each other. What does those looks mean?

"She's not good us. She'll bring chaos to us," Evren said.

Sam shook his head vigorously. Because Sam knows how deep to the core of Evren's anger whenever he heard about Mafia's thing.

"You are wrong, Ren. And I also want you to remember that don't be driven by your emotions. Don't do anything stupid, I can guarantee you that they are not what you think who they are. Hindi siya kaaway at hindi nga lang ako nakakasiguro kung kakampi siya, " Sam's long litany.

Marcus can't understand what they are aiming for. He seemed to be the only one who noticed the serious and tense conversation they were having.

She is a doctor and at the same time a army, too. Amazing woman indeed.

"How did you get her information that fast?" Their manager asked Sam who had just arrived. Sam didn't answer.

"You guys worked hard, I know the Montreals and especially that young lady. I first met them in Korea and actually Alexa helped me find a job there in Korea that's why I became your manager," said the manager, her name is Havana Gonzales. This manager is still young and their age gap ay hindi nalalayo.

"Well, you know him manager, his words are precious, "Marcus said and they laughed. Oh our baby Samuel is growing and learning a lot.

"Anyways, what do you know about them?"

"I know them but information about them is too confidential to share. They are not normal citizens. I don't want to get into your secret agenda but I just want to say that their family is not bad. The Montreal family's background was not that good when their grandfather was still alive at ngayong sila na lang, they grew up under the care of the Schemetzers and Alexa and her older brothers, lumaki sila na iba mula sa ibang Montreal. They are the ones who clean up the mess and clutter that created by their ancestors."

"Alexander Montreal V, IV and III-her father's father are all evil. Their hideous hand reign for a long time, "Evren said.

"But her father Alexander Sr. is a good senator and like them-Alexa and her brothers are great citizens. They are at odds with their relatives. Isn't she's amazing that at the age of 25 her mindset is to help people in their healthy life?"

"She is amazing!" Jin exclaimed

"Indeed." The others agreed.

Marcus looked up at the sky while smiling "I think I'm in love," he said out of the blue, and everyone was shocked but he didn't care. He just wants to do is to love her. Loving a stranger is so strange for him but it's okay. At least he's happy with it.

He turned to their hacker-Sam. "Give me her information please li'l bro." Sam just nodded to him. Evren stood up. He is frustrated as always but today is different.

"We have an interview later in ABS-CBN. Be preferred," he said and went out first.

Aba't, sometimes he really couldn't understand Evren's behavior. Minsan na nga lang siyang magsungit, sa maganda pa.

Marcus smiled as he thought of a plan to get closer to Miss Alexa Montreal. She doesn't look like a grumpy girl so anyone can approach her easily.

"Let's go guys!" our manager called to them. The service has finally arrived.

"I'll just call the agency for bodyguards to watch over you. It's hard that what happened might happen again," said their manager to them which they just nodded.

Meanwhile, in Prado Restaurant near at Clark Airport. The whole family is having a lunch. The family was no longer surprised by what Alexa did earlier at the Airport. Because it is so helpful and compassionate, it becomes close to misfortune.

"How was your military training in Korea?" Alexa's brother asked her.

Alexa is Darren's younger sister that their family treasures the most. She is the target in their family. A rear stone in every prey's eyes. At first, the family didn't really allow her to join the military, especially her brother Darren, she badly wanted to join the military, but they couldn't do anything because kahit pigilin nila si Alexa she keep and continuesly secretly studying in the military, so they just let her do what she wanted to do. Darren make sure the security is tough, the Montreal brothers will not let their youngest sister perish

"It's fine, brother, "She answered while chewing her food. She wiped her mouth with a tissue and continue talking.

"Sometimes I get into a fight with someone. Well that can't be avoided especially when there are many people who are interested in you." She added. Darren just nodded.

Yeah, she's right. When Darren was just starting in the engineering department, there were many people who criticized him. Although, he doesn't care. And he never gave them the satisfaction they wanted. Darren pursues engineering because he likes it and its his dream to be one not for the fame and money because he got so much of that.

"Oh my hija, If that's the case then don't continue there in the military. You won't die in the war, you'll die inside the campus because of the snakes and caterpillars around there! " their mom said, Alexa shook her head and held her hand.

"Mama, trust me. They can't harm me, yet, they can destroy my reputation but I tell you. I'm not Montreal for nothing, "Alexa said to her. We agreed. We are the famous Montreal after all.

"Don't worry, sweetheart, once I transfer your citizenship, you don't need to participate in military training in Korea, "her mom promised her.

Here in Pampanga or throughout in Asia, Montreal are well known. Try to touch one branch of these tree, you'll get poison. You're just planning, you're already on fire.

"She's right, mom," Brennan agreed.

"We are Montreal's. Even the Emsworth is bowing to us," Clinton said.

Indeed, the Emsworth. Their business partners for a long time. And that's not all- they are also family because their mother's sister married Isaac Emsworth and they are the parents of Giovanni Lionel Emsworth who is also a fierce business tycoon and mafia boss. But they seem to be weakening now because Lionel seems to have done something wrong.

Lionel, maybe he already meet his downfall.

Emsworth is related to them, but in the world of business and the chaotic side of Mafias... relatives are meaningless. At the time of the collision, you begin to forget that you are not related by blood.

"Oh wait, how is Kuya Lionel? I heard that his marriage to Antonia has been postponed. Is it true? "Alexa said.

"Yeah, it is my li'l sis. And the boss of Europe doesn't seem to be okay," Clinton answered, smirking.

"Huh? Why?" Alexa asked them curiously. "Cupid hit him," their Mom said meaningfully.

"He got in love with his mysterious slave that based on the rumors suddenly disappeared like a bubble in an accident. That's why Lionel canceled his marriage to a woman he didn't love and also bothered himself with looking for his slave." Darren told her. Alexa swallowed.

"Love is so scary isn't? It can tame the beast I mean the most powerful mafia in Europe. "she said. Her mother hold her hand.

"No, it's not like that hija. Love is scary if you are weak and you will be called as a coward if you can't fight for each other." Her mother said not only for her but also for all of them-to his brothers that also had their own problem in their love.

***

"Annyeonghaseyo! Jal jinae, Eomma, "(Hello! How are you doing, mom?) Marcus answered his phone. He is currently in Cassio's headquarters. It's midnight and her Mom called him without knowing the time here. Maybe the time there in California is morning.

"Adeul-"(Son-) there is a threat in his mother's voice. "I'm sorry, Mom. But I can't let you decide for my fate this time." Marcus intruded. Because he already know what his mom is up to now.

"Adeul-a, neoneun naleul anda. Geulaedo ibeon-edo bulbogjonghandamyeon nae gyeonghowon daedaega geogieseo dangsin-eul delileo seoullo jib-eulo delyeogal ttaekkaji gidaliji masibsio! Ihaehaessnayo?! Mwo?" (Son. you know me. If you will still disobey this time, expect that there's a battalion of my body guards who will pick you up there and don't wait for them to drag you back home to Seoul! Do you understand?! Huh?) Marcus massage his temple, keeping his cool. "Mom, it's not my decision. I'm not here for vacation, mom!"

"Please, mom. I'm old enough. I can handle my self, just trust me this time."

"Ne, hyugaga anila jeo galsaeg-ui maleun salamdeulgwaui paenmiting-ibnida! Dangsin-I nabchidoeeossdaneun sosig-eul deul-eul ttaejjeum-imyeon jib-e dol-agal jibdo, uijihal boho jangchido cobs-cul geos-ibnida!" (Yes, that is not a vacation but a fan-meeting with those brown skinny people! By the time I hear that you've been kidnapped, you'll have no home to go home to and no protection to count on!"

"Geu hoesaneun ttong-iya! Geudeul-eun eotteohge geuleon ssan nala-e gagilo gyeoljeonghabnikka!"

"Mom, I'm sorry but I rather to choose to disobey you this time. "Marcus hung up the phone and sat down on the sofa. His mother does not know the true agenda of his group and who they all really are. Cassio has a reputation for being a bright star that harbors tiny but destructive black holes.

It's not like his mother is interfering in his life, she is just worried for his well-being and she is afraid of losing her son again. Of course, as a mother, she will not let the negligence she did before happen again. And his mother has a trauma in the country of the Philippines, causing the lady to be racist when it comes to Filipinos.

She will let her son to decide in other matters but not about Philippines. For her, Philippines is greater than South Korea. It has so many predators waiting for you.

But for Marcus, Philippines is more than a jewel, the reason why there are danger in Philippines because there's a special brilliant stone hiding in this they so-called cheap, dangerous and corrupt country.

Especially now na mas lalong nagkaroon siya ng dahilan para manatili sa bansa kahit pa matapos na ang pakay nila rito.

Alexa and Marcus's Dad is his reason why he's here. He will do everything for them. Lalo na't nalaman niya na si Alexa ay matagal ng damay sa gulo na meron siya. Baliw na siguro siya para mangarap itong makasama ang dalaga hanggang sa pagtanda gayong kakakilala niya palang rito at hindi niya pa tunay na kilala ang buong pagkatao ng dalaga.