~Even more Complicated~

Zachariah’s POV
 
“She’s alive!” My mother – who hates me – yelled, eyes beaming widely at her phone. I and Eshaal’s mom who also hates me, by the way – I lost my wife who happens to be her daughter – I’m totally at her mercy. We find ourselves behind my mum in an instant. Three pairs of eyes glued to a screen showcasing a caucasian woman in, if I recognise it correctly, A bur-berry hat and coat and tied at her waist, a black shiny belt. At the background, a scattering of reporters like her and camera men with some celebrities stepping out of a line of cars and walking through an orange carpet with smiles and waves and after some few flashes they disappear into the building.
          My mom played the video back and immediately the reporter started again with her index finger in her ear as she nods and okays at nowhere in particular. Eshaal’s mum stretched her hand forward to fast it forward and suddenly the reporter is staring straight at the camera with her mic to her crooked mouth.


          … The news getting to us now is that the famous Mr Torrez of Torrez hotels and accommodation has just arrived at his event with still no sign of willingness to appeal to the crowd. He just arrived in a Red Excalibur limousine and rumoured to have stepped out, hand in hand with who was seen as MMD’s CEO, Eshaal Parker, Hijabi-fashion-sensation, who has also been in the lime light few times.
          There are so many questions running through our minds. Was it actually MMD’s CEO? And if it was, what is she doing with Mr Torrez, the host of the gRaviQUE/ rRyvella awards, who has given selected rising designers an opportunity to showcase their work and is he finally going to reveal his identity as he, a real estate developer suddenly hosting a fashion show? – I mean anybody can host a fashion show now-a-days but there must be something juicy installed for us viewers especially with the rumours going around.
          Stay tuned or miss out on what’s to come up next!
          Over to Caleb.


          “My baby is alive!” Eshaal’s mum squealed in happiness.
          I got my phone out and made a call to Ivan. I pressed the phone to my ear as it rang. “This is definitely not the time to be making phone calls.” That was my mum.
          “How many views has that got, mum?” I glanced at her.
          She rolled her eyes and checked. “Already a million.” Shit.
          “Why?” that was Eshaal’s mum shooting me a sharp, accusatory look.
          F*cking fag! Pick up! “Eshaal’s fine,” I said firmly. “As much as they want to term it a rumour. It’s impossible they mistook my wife for someone else. I’m certain it’s her – just like we all believe. The last thing Eshaal needs when I get her is for baseless rumours to fuel the entertainment industry’s gossip machine.” I press the phone tighter to my ear, silently urging Ivan to pick up.
          “Boss! Did you see the news?” Ivan’s voice came through. “She’s alright!”
          “Yes. Handle it immediately. I don’t want to see this spreading anywhere else online.”
          “Consider it done,” Ivan replied, and I could almost picture him nodding. “Also, I think we’re close to the kids.”
          “Good. Get them out as soon as you have them.” I hung up and walked over to the car. “Alright, there’s no time. Please, let’s all get in.” I said with the most polite smile I could muster up and opened the car’s back door.
          They got into the Lamborghini Revuelto I rented for the event and I slammed the door behind them. It takes me exactly 0.1 second to realise my misdeed. I quickly walked around the car to the driver’s seat. I closed the door after me and adjusted the mirror. Sure enough, their eyes were throwing me stones and bullets. I slowly turned back to face them and clapped my hands together. “I really didn’t mean to. It’s what I’m used to. I’m sorry.”
          Eshaal’s mom’s face relaxed. Just when I thought I’ve appeased both of them my mom interrupts. “I didn’t teach you to slam the car door after women!”
          “Sh*t. I’m sorry, mom.” She was livid now and I internally smacked my head at my choice of words. “This isn’t the best time to dwell on this matter.” I plead with my eyes. “I’m sorry.” I quickly faced the road and started the engine.
          We arrived at the event. It was bustling with women in bright lipstick and designer wears and men in expensive *ss tuxedos having pictures taken by camera men using extremely bright white light, I could see the blinding effect celebrities and online sensations seem to be immune to, from the tinted car windows and then the reporters chattering and questioning with smiles at their quest for the latest celebrity gossip. “This is the entrance?” I turned to Eshaal’s mum’s slightly pitched voice. Her eyes were glued to the commotion happening outside. “Won’t this drag attention to you?”
          “True. I can just imagine it on the headlines. Promising Supermodel, Valentino VanShov of Russian VS brands makes stunning comeback after years!” She read in a mocking tone. “And if you’re lucky, they’ll add a ‘steers trouble’” My mum forced a smile that disappeared as soon as it came.
          They had a point.
          I breathed out in exasperation, what do I do now? I checked my phone. There was nothing, no messages except one of MK saying he was right at my tail waiting.
          I ran my hand through my hair. “He’ll want to know I’m here.”
          “There’s no other way to let him know.” Eshaal’s mum supported.
          “He’s trying to get something out of this.” My mum said. “But what?”
          “I don’t know. but I just need to get Eshaal right now and its obvious whoever Torrez is.” I poked my inner cheek with my tongue. “That’s R.”
          “Furtivo sciocco!” My mum cursed under her birth. It means ‘stealthy fool’
          “I’m gonna kill that man myself when I get him!” Eshaal’s mum blinded by anger was about to open the car door.
          “Easy there, tiger.” My mum dragged her back before she could get her hands on the car handle. “In order to kill, we need to watch and make sure our prey is unsuspecting.”
          A heaving Alizey, closed her eyes as my mum patted her back.
          “Ready, mums?” I raised my brow, looking from the mirror.
          They both nodded.
          Here goes something. I opened the door and immediately a swarm of reporters and their cameras flood over me. I casted my gaze the opposite way but there were only more blinding lights. Were they already waiting for me? MK and two other men were doing a good job guiding the reporters as the clicked and shot questions. Were you personally invited, Mr VS? Sir, why disappear and come back now? Is your Co-CEO to show up today too?
          I hated this part of the limelight and I am no different about it now. I opened the door of the car and my mum and Eshaal’s stepped out. The clicks became even more aggressive. My mum seemed to be a natural though, she waved and smiled and Eshaal’s mum did the same a bit more timidly as I followed behind them through the flashing lights and orange carpet. Are they your mums? I heard one of the reporters yell. I called one of my men over. “Tip them off and tell Ivan to get rid of whatever sh*t they might cook up.” He nodded in understanding.
         

          Eshaal’s POV
          I really hate that bright-white lights of camera men at event trying to get the best close shots of celebrities. I was so glad when R already had people to guide us with a tarp into the event. It also meant I won’t be shown entering the event with him. Maybe that’s more of a bad thing cause now no one knows I’m here.            
          R or – Torrez took me to the back stage of the back stage. Yeah, I never knew that existed either and maybe it was just R’s ‘brilliant’ idea. I rolled my eyes at the thought.
          R held up his phone, his beady eyes staring at it like it was his only mode of survival then suddenly he smirked. “Your husband has arrived.”
          “Zach?” I questioned like that wasn’t the only husband I had.
         

          Supermodel Valentino VanShov of VS brands just showed up tonight in a striking dark blue VS tuxedo. It’s almost a dream come true for all us Valentino fans after his sudden disappearance from the limelight in – a year sha – until today where he doesn’t seem to want to have his pictures taken but best believe we caught some angles (she winks) and his face never disappoints. But what made Mr VanShov show up? How did Mr Torrez convince Mr VanShov to break his streak of no limelight? And who are the women he brought along with him?
          Don’t go anywhere. We’ll be right back after a short break!


          They start to show pictures of random celebrities and among them was my mum and Ma Aurora?
He brought them?! While I was having an episode of confusion I heard R’s soft snicker through his grin. My eyes trailed to his face and he sure had a smirk on. Something’s going on?
          “R what am I to do now?”
          After a few seconds he peeled his eyes from his phone, digging it in his pocket as he turned to me. “It’s Mr Torrez here.” He winked.
          Maybe I can just get away with one kill – just one that will probably jeopardize the maybe, maybe not safety of my situation.
          Ignoring his statement I asked. “Why am I here?” It came out slower than I expected and I started to feel goosebumps in my body.
          “Ever heard the name Giovanni Torrez before?” He asked.
          I actually have never heard that name before, neither did it ring a bell. I had no business with the name or his world. I shook my head. “No but I’m assuming that’s your full name.” My speech was slurring by now and my skin became tighter.
          R got up from the tall stool he sat on and grabbed me softly by my shoulders that made me tense wondering what he wanted but he only guided me to replace him on the stool. I sat. “Your mother-in-law would know my name and face and so would everyone tonight.” He held the collar of his suit open and with his other hand reached in to grab my IV. How did that fit there without a bulge? Well, it was quarter filled anyway.
          “How are you supposed to get away with a kill in peace with people all up in your business?”
          He chuckled, his focus on my hand as I winced at the needle being pierced into the back of my hand. “Like you care.”
          I obviously didn’t care. I asked cause now I wouldn’t be able to push him off a cliff without news going about that Torrez has been killed allegedly by MMD’s CEO.
          “But you’re in the mafia. You’re risking that information.” My speech was getting better. “You could get caught.”
          “If that’s so, I believe your husband and his family, the entire VanShov and Violantes would be in jail by now – death row with the amount of lives they’ve taken.” He perked a brow up and I hated that he had a point. “but that’s for me to worry about. All you have to do is shut up and be pretty for the camera.”
          I frowned. “What do you mean?”
          He removed the needle from my hand, “Go play with your friends for now is what I mean.” He pulled his silver cartier watch off and secured it on my wrist. “It’s 09:54.” I looked down at the watch and it was now 09:55. “When it’s 11. I want you at the top of the tower with your Mother-in-Law.”
          “Wait, what?” I yelled. “You’re giving me an hour and 5 minutes to do what?!”
          “1 hour, 5 minutes to wrap up your line, and figure out if you want to be a villain or the reason these people will die today including yourself.”
          How would he kill them? Unless there’s a bomb. “You planted a bomb.” I didn’t know if it was a question at this point. I was numb again.
          “Smart.” He smiled. “If that bomb goes off, it’s very easy for them to pin it on you all – with the scarves, don’t you think? It’ll be all over the news, the beginning to a forgotten era ‘The muslims struck again’ and it’ll be all your fault.”
          I almost couldn’t even digest what he was saying but I knew was he’s capable of it – all of it, he was that sick in the head and every threat was as real as it could be. “There’s no win for me.” I said as I realised it was all villainy work either way.
          “No, pumpkin.” he laughed. “So, bask in your one last win up on that stage and make sure to keep a safe distance from your husband. It’s a chase not a chance to run into his arms and tell him one last I love you.”
          I glared at him, that was the only thing close to killing him I could do anyway. I looked at the bag containing the blue liquid and took in a deep breath. I’ll be fine if I make it on time, I will.
          I marched towards the black curtains, looked down at my watch, 3 minutes was gone. I pursed my lip in a straight line and looked back. R was gone.
          MF!
          My heart was racing. I took slow breaths and grabbed the end of the curtain. You are fine, Eshaal. You are just fine. That seemed to put a stop to my rapidly thumping heart. I put on a huge smile and pulled the curtains open, revealing myself. Everyone’s eyes were on me. The room was white, very white, a contrast to the dark room at the back. While everyone lost interest and went back to their various jobs and phones, my eyes scanned the room for Sophia. I took some steps, still scanning the room filled with hairdressers, models, fashion enthusiasts and designers with tape rules around their necks, when suddenly I heard a scream. “Esh!”
          I whipped my head around to the closet station. Sophia was there all starry eyed at me.