Zachary North

It was three in the afternoon when Markus' men came in my apartment. They were divided into four groups, each with 10 men. As usual, they were dressed differently from each group.

The first group, the one who will accompany me and Erin, wear the usual suit and tie. As for the second group, they're wearing casual clothes as they will be disguising as one of the diners of the restaurant. The third group are the snipers they're wearing all black, they're the one who will watch us from afar. Lastly, the fourth group is the backup group.

"Sir, we have checked the private room booked under your name. As per checking the blueprint of the restaurant, the nearest exit you and Ms. McAfee could run to, if something happened will be on this side." Markus pointed at the nearest exit at the blueprint.

I nodded at him and memorised the way to it. Erin's with me so I needed to be extra cautious and be on my right mind so I can protect her. Afterall, we still didn't know the identity of this Justin. All we ever know was he can do anything and can get away with it.

"There will be a car in every exit sir, so wherever you went out, we're ready to get you."

"Alright, but how about my family, friends, and Erin's family? Is there anything odd going on around them?" I asked.

"As of 12 noon, my men didn't record any peculiar activities within the 10 meter radius from their house or work."

"Okay. Do we have any reports or word of mouth from the underground community who this man is?" I asked him again because it's so odd that Markus can't even know a single thing about him.

This just means that either he's just an imaginary person made by Mason or a very very powerful man that disguised himself as Justin.

Either way, I'm going to find out about him later. I just wished that he didn't include Erin.

"I'm sorry sir, but I believe he had already blocked us in acquiring any information about him. Just like what we did to Mr. Knights before."

I took a deep breath and sighed. Oh yeah right we did it already so he can do it also. Geez! Who the fuck is this man?

"It's alright, Markus. I know you already did your best, all we can ever do is to be extra ready, careful and cautious tonight. Thank you for your service again." He saluted and exited my home office.

When he went out, I closed my eyes and massaged my temple. I could feel that a headache is coming due to overthinking.

"We'll get over this." I heard Erin beside me and she placed her left arm around my shoulder.

I looked up at her sadly because she had to be in this situation because of me.

"Baby, I'm really really sorry for getting you in this mess. Had I known this beforehand, you would never be in this predicament. I'm so sorry, my love, I promise to end everything tonight." I took both of her hand and kissed it.

She gave me an understanding smule and sat on my lap.

"It's already his intention to get me into this. Whether I stay farther away from you or not, I will still be in his plans. Also, I told you many times that this isn't your fault, Zac, so stop blaming yourself. The only thing we can do now is to stay strong and believe with each other. Especially now that we know that he will do everything to rip us apart. We have to show him that he can't separate us no matter what he does." She looked me in the eyes seriously while telling me this.

Honestly, I went mummed with what she said.

I didn't know how to react that's why I hugged her and placed my chin atop her shoulder.

"I was so dumb in breaking up with you that night. I missed you sooo bad, Erin. There were no days I didn't miss you and hate myself. I'm glad my dad and sister made me realize that I should follow my heart and face my fears. If I didn't, you and I are still hurting because of me. And thank you for giving me another chance, my love." I told her and burrowed my head on the crook of her neck.

"I'm glad they smacked the shit out of you." She responded and hand combed my hair.

I smiled at it and hugged her tightly.

Everything's slowly going back to normal... This Justin is the only thing that's blocking me and Erin to move forward.

I promise to myself and to Erin, I will finish everything between me and that Justin tonight. Even if I have to risk my life, as long as Erin's safe.

***
It was eight sharp when we arrived at the Sala Restaurant. As we exited my car, Erin immediately held my arm for support. I could feel her hands trembling with nervousness.

Before we looked enter the restaurant, I faced her and cupped her face to tell her that everything's fine and reminded her with our plan tonight.

She nodded at me and I gave her a peck on the lips.

I may look like I'm fine and not nervous at all, but trust me, inside, I feel so nervous and cold. You know when you get nervous, you feel cold and your stomach churn in anticipation... Well, I'm feeling it but I don't show it because it will make Erin more scared.

Before we entered, I glanced at Markus and nodded at him to let his men open the door. There are five men in the front and back of us, me and Erin, while me and Markus sandwiched Erin in between us.

When we entered the restaurant, my nervousness heightened when I saw that no one's inside, even the men I hired was not in sight.

Erin gasped beside me and her hold on my arm tightened even more. I looked at Markus in question and he shook his head indicating that he also didn't know what happened.

Then, a lady came to us and directed us to the private room. I placed my arm around Erin's waist in a protective stance and pulled her towards me.

As we neared the room, my heart beat so fast. I felt her touch my face and made me looked at her.

I looked down and she mouthed, I love you.

I smiled at her and replied I love you too.

Because of this I got my confidence back. All I could think of right now was to protect her at all cost, that's one of my main tasks for tonight.

When the room was opened by the lady who received us, a dim lighting welcomed us. It's like there's no one in this room but when you look around properly, you can see a tall silhouette of a man looking out of the huge glass window.

I guess this is Justin.

"I see you brought your men." A very deep voice spoke.

"Yes, I did. Now, who are you and what do you eant" I asked him a bit louder as we are far away from where he stood.

"How's your head, Zachary? I heard you had concussion." He asked purposely wanting to prolong the conversation.

I don't know why but I feel like I know this man, and his voice, I feel like I've heard it before.

"Perfectly fine. Are you upset because you failed again?" I mocked him with his failed attempts to ruin me as well as to separate me and Erin.

He chuckled deeply.

"Failed? Oh, Zachary, you have no idea."

This just mean that we are where he wanted to be and that his plans are a success. Before I could say anything, he spoke again.

"How are you, Erin? Any plans on leaving Zac again?" He directed his questions to Erin now which made my blood boil.

"Who the fuck are you?!" I asked in irritation as I started to lose my cool.

"Uh-uh... I'm not asking you, Zachary. I'm asking Er---"

"Whatever your plans are, I'm not leaving Zac. You won't succeed with your plans, Justin." Erin interrupted him to which made him chuckle.

"Oh, Love. How silly is that? You're willing to endanger your life for him? The one who hurt you and treated you like nothing. How bullshit is that?"

"You don't know a thing so stop fucking assuming anything!" This time, I replied.

"You'll leave her again, Zachary. When the time gets rough, you will leave her again..."

"No matter what happened or what you do, I will never ever ever leave her again. So stop---"

"That's bullshit."

"No! You're bullshit! Come out and show yourself. Stop being a coward!" Erin said in anger. Even though she's trembling, her voice was void any of it.

"Don't be too excited to see me, love. You'll see me later, don't forget that I control this game. To which I almost forget, my men has all of your men, snipers, and the runaway drivers you deployed in each exits. Now, this restaurant is surrounded by my men."

Erin gasped quietly and held my arm tighter. I looked at Markus and his eyes were closed tightly. I took a step forward and blocked Erin from anyone.

The men with us were also in a protective stance ready to attack anytime.

Lord, I know I don't pray but please, let us be safe tonight especially Erin.

"Oh... Did I scare you? Well, don't be. I don't bite..." He laughed at his joke.

"Shut the fuck up! Who the fuck are you and what the fuck did I do to you?! Show yourself to me, asshole!" I said calmly but enough to tell him that I am already at my wits end.

After I said those, the lights in the room slowly opened. As we followed the last light, it made me stop breathing.

"Surprise!" He said in a wicked tone.

"N-Ni.. Niccolo?" I stated but more like questioned.

"W-what... How..."

"Don't tell me he forced you too to do this? What's he holding above you?" Erin asked.

"A lot." He replied and lowered his head.

Then, it clicked on me. He's using him too... On what grounds?

"Where's Olivia? Where's Dylan?" I asked in panic.

"They're fine." He replied.

"I'm sorry, Zac, if I have to do this. I want you to know that everything I said awhile ago was from this earphones. I swear I never wanted to take part in this." He apologised to me.

"What's he holding over you?" I asked.

"More like 'she'. She holds me and my son's whole life, Zac." He said and that's when it hit me.

"OLIVIA JUSTINE NORTH, come out!" I shouted and then, not even a second when I called her, she emerged through one of the doors located at the far end corner of the room, laughing.

"Ugh, Niccolo... I said I will tell you when to tell them! My God, you're such a bummer." She strut her way towards Niccolo and pinched the side of his arm.

"Anyway, what's done is done. He already realized who am I. Markus dear, tell them to get the food here inside, I'm starving. All of you, you can go out now, your food is also ready outside. Thank you for your cooperation." She dismissed my men and they listened to her. HER! Not me.

I don't understand... What is happening right now, actually. All I know is that Olivia is Justin, a very very powerful man who disguised himself as Justine, she used her middle name.

She sighed and spoke.

"Alright, I'm very very sorry for scaring the both of you. I know I have an explaining to do but can we eat first? I'm literally starving right now. I promise after we eat, I'll explain everything. Pleaaaseee?" She looked between me and Erin.

I looked at Erin, she's not moving or uttering a single word. She's just looking at Olivia with a shock expression. Poor Erin, she still couldn't process what's happening in front of us.

So, I spoke for the both of us.

"Fine. Don't leave anything behind, Livy, but don't think that I'm not mad at you for pulling this kind of sick joke." I said and pulled Erin to sit at one of the tiffany chairs.

"Alright." Olivia just smiled and winked at me.

Then, as if on cue, the wait staff started to enter one by one with lots of food. As they prepare everything, I took Erin's hand and intertwined it with mine. I kissed it to break the shock in her, fortunately, it worked.

She looked at me and gave me a tight lipped smile.

I don't know why but that made me nervous. It made me think that after all this, something will happen between us, either good or bad.

Fuck.

We all ate in silence. As usual, Olivia ate like a pig, while Niccolo occasionally gave me apologetic smiles to which I returned with a nod. Erin on the other was still oddly silent and did not made any eye contact with me despite all of my touches, to which made me even more nervous that's why I ate a little.

"Okay, before I start, I want to apologise for scaring you too. I swear I didn't want to do it but that's the only way I could think of doing..."

"There are---"

"Hush, brother. Don't butt in, let me tell everything from the start. After I was done, you can then start asking me questions." She said and I rolled my eyes.

"I knew from the very beginning that you two liked each other, from you, Erin, staring at my brother's photo at dad's study room, to you, brother, accidentally hugging Erin that night by the pool. At first I though it was just infatuation, but then as time goes by, those surreptitious glances turned into something you two can't explain but everyone around you can see." She smiled and leaned on the table.

"Cut to last year, when Alex came into the picture, I knew you, brother, would chase him away and would try to warn her with the likes of him." She looked at Niccolo and uttered, "No offense, babe." He smiled at her and nodded.

"I know you'll see him as a competition that's why I kept on sending flowers to Erin in her office almost everyday under the name of Alex. I swear I didn't know what would happen but when me and Jowee saw Zac went out of your apartment with a very swollen lips, that's when I devised a plan. To which I didn't know what to execute until the bidding." She took a sip of water from her glass then continued.

"I thought I would release your jealous side and make a bet on her but boy was I wrong. Thankfully, I had a backup plan, I called Nikkie and bid a million dollar on Erin on my mark. I wasn't drunk that time, brother, I was pretending." She smirked.

"Anyway, you two became together secretly. I was actually waiting for the day when you are going to tell us until something happened between me and Niccolo. You became distant and blamed Erin for not telling you about my plan. For weeks, I followed both of you. I could see how he became a jerk to you, Erin, that's why I asked Mason to be the unknown bidder."

"More like forced him." Niccolo butted in and Livy elbowed him. She frowned at him and was about to continue when Erin spoke.

"You're the one who holds the majority of outside shares? You're the one whom he needed to obey for him to obtain your vote of confidence to him?" Erin asked and Livy nodded.

"Yes, I am." She sighed when she saw my expression. "As André saw my potential, he sold to me those shares. Dad knew about it, okay." She rolled her eyes at me.

"Okay, as I was saying, as expected, Mason had a hard time wooing you, so, the idiot made you think that he knew everything that went on between you and Zac. It wasn't part of the plan actually. But I guess the idiot just wanted to get everything over with. However, it just get crazier because my brother is the most complicated man ever. And of course, you, being done with him. I mean, who wouldn't."

"Then you went to Amsterdam... I promised to Nick that I won't meddle in again and let you settle everything on your own. But seeing how in denial you were, Erin, and not moving on from the past, unlike Zac, I decided to let Zac come to you. As I said before, you both needed closure from the past and it's up to you if you will write a new chapter with each other or end your book."

"As I have seen and based on what you both said awhile ago, you two are starting to write a new chapter on your book. I hope this will go on for a lifetime." She said and smiled to us.

I hope too, Olivia. I hope that after this night, we will start writing the new chapter of our book.

"So, are there any questions?" My sister asked as she leaned her head on Nick's shoulder.

"Who hit me? Or was I really hit by a car?" I asked because I was waiting for this to tell me.

"No one hit you, Zac. You fainted while we're waiting for your car. As for the concussion, you hit your head on the ground because I failed to catch you. Because of the lack of sleep, higher anxiety, stress, and over exertion of yourself, I asked Dr. Deven to inject  you Propofol to put you to sleep so that your mind and body can take a break."

"That's why there were no major cuts or any bruises in you, Zac." Niccolo said.

Now, it a made sense. No news, no major injury, no recalls of me being hit by a car, and as I have said many times in the last few days, I am perfectly fine, because I never really got into any accident.

"How about the delivery guy? How did you know that Erin already told me?" I asked.

"Oh. Well, after you called Markus, he called me." She played with Nick's hand and intertwined it with hers.

"How? Markus answers to me... How did you---"

"Don't forget that Dad was his original boss, brother. I know he will find out soon enough when you asked him to look into it. So, I talked to him about my plan, but he didn't agree, as expected, then I asked Daddy's help. He told Markus to do everything I say. So, here we are tonight in this very restaurant, through the help of Markus."

"But..."

"Don't worry, he only agreed to do this but moving forward, he won't confide in me again. So don't fire him or get angry with him." Olivia said immediately.

"Why? Why did you do everything?" Erin asked.

The playful glint in Olivia's eyes immediately became serious.

"Because not only you, Zac, received a letter from Mom. She wanted me to take care of you and Daddy as well. You need not to do everything, Zac, you didn't have to." She stood up from her seat and went to me then hug me.

"Did you think I will let you bear all the responsibility? Did you think I will be completely happy when I knew that you're living a miserable life? Of course not, Zac. As Erin have said, you endured a lot. You took care of me, dad, and the company. It's time for you to be happy again. That's what mommy wanted for us." She said and kissed my cheek.

I swear I didn't know what and how to react so I stood up and hugged Olivia.

After years of self neglect, I failed to see that my sister was actually taking care of me. All those clothes, those watches, the surprised take out lunches, and the reminders for me take a rest, it was her way to take care of me.

"Brother, today's the day you will meet the happiest version of you. You just need to own it." Olivia whispered before she pulled herself away from me.

I nodded at her and kissed her forehead.

Oh, how I love my sister.

Hello, loves!!!!

What did you think about this chapter? What was your reaction when Niccolo showed himself?

Anyway, we're down to the last two chapters of this book. I'm both excited and sad to end this but I wanted to thank all of you for patiently waiting for my updates!!!

I loveeee you all!!!

Oh, before I forget, please vote for this chapter. ☺️

xo,
kimmypatata