The Gangster's wife (When love crosses boundaries)

6

My car glides to a stop in front of Mexico's biggest and most opulent mall. It's a sprawling complex of luxury and high-end boutiques, a haven for the rich and famous. The gleaming glass facade reflects the setting sun, and the mall staff is already assembled, waiting to greet a member of the Castillo family.

As I step out of the car, the valets and attendants rush to open doors and offer assistance, their faces plastered with rehearsed smiles. The air is filled with a sense of expectation and the unmistakable aura of wealth.

However, I'm far from happy with the grand reception. I turn to the bodyguard in the car with me, my voice laced with annoyance. "Why on earth did you have to inform them of my arrival?" I demand, my fiery temper flaring.

The bodyguard shifts uncomfortably, sweat glistening on his forehead. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but it was Mr. Drew's instructions. He thought it best to ensure your safety by having the mall staff aware of your presence."

The bodyguard shifts uncomfortably, sweat glistening on his forehead. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but it was Mr. Drew's instructions. He thought it best to ensure Castillo's safety by having the mall staff aware of your presence."

I grind my teeth in frustration, my annoyance bubbling over. "Drew," I mutter through clenched teeth, my memories of him like a persistent thorn in my side. "Always trying to control every aspect of my life."

The bodyguard takes a cautious step back, giving me space as I collect my emotions. Drew's presence, even indirectly, is a constant reminder of the turbulent past we share. I can feel his influence everywhere, a shadow I can't seem to shake.

But as I stand in front of the luxurious mall, with its grand entrance and eager staff, I realize that I won't let Drew's actions dictate my every move.

As the mall staff stands by, awaiting my grand entrance, I deliberately step back into the car, my irritation still smoldering. The confusion on their faces is evident, and I can feel their curiosity and expectation hanging in the air.

The guards exchange nervous glances, knowing that defying Drew's instructions is no small matter. They lean in, their voices hushed with caution. "Ma'am, are you sure about this? Going against Mr. Drew's orders could have consequences."

My eyes flash with determination, and I'm resolute in my decision. I'm tired of living in Drew's shadow and following his every command. "I don't care about the consequences," I reply firmly. "Take me to the other mall."

The guards share another look, this time tinged with concern for my safety. But they know better than to argue further. With a reluctant nod, the driver revs the engine, and we leave the grand entrance of the opulent mall behind.

As we drive away, I can't help but feel a sense of liberation. I've taken the first step in breaking free from the control Drew has over my life. The world may expect me to dance to his tune, but I'll march to my own beat, unapologetically and on my terms.

Drew's POV -

In the car just behind Phoenix's, a devious grin curls on my lips as I watch her through the tinted windows.

"I've always known how to push your buttons, Phoenix," I murmur to myself, my voice dripping with an insidious delight. "And now, it's time to set my trap."

As we follow her to the other, less grand mall, my thoughts churn with a darkness that would send shivers down anyone's spine. Phoenix may believe she's escaped my influence, but little does she realize that I've been pulling the strings all along.

I lean back in the car, my eyes never leaving her as she enters the mall. I can almost taste the anticipation in the air, the unfolding drama that she's stepped into.

"You think you're free," I chuckle softly, my words like venom. "But you're playing right into my hands, Phoenix. This is just the beginning."

As the car tailing hers continues down the road, I relish in the thought that Phoenix is playing right into my hands. The stage is set, and the game has begun.

I can't help but smile, a predator reveling in the pursuit of its prey. Phoenix may think she's free, but little does she know that every step she takes, every decision she makes, is a part of the carefully orchestrated plan I've set in motion.

Phoenix POV -

As the car continues along the road, my eyes catch sight of a quaint little sweet shop nestled amidst the bustling cityscape. The colorful façade, adorned with hand-painted signs and faded pastel hues, beckons to me like a memory from a forgotten dream.

My heart surges with an inexplicable urge, and I can't resist the pull. I turn to the driver, my voice trembling with urgency. "Stop the car," I demand, my tone unyielding. "I must go in there."

The driver hesitates, concern etched on his face as he scans the surroundings. "Ma'am, it's not a safe place," he cautions. "We should keep moving."

My patience wears thin, and my determination prevails. I lean closer to him, my eyes locked onto his. "I insist," I say firmly. "You will stop the car."

Reluctantly, he complies, pulling over to the side of the road. I step out, my heart pounding with a strange mix of anticipation and trepidation. The shop looks as if it belongs to another era, its aging exterior standing in stark contrast to the modern world around it.

The bell above the door tinkles softly as I enter, and my eyes are met by the sight of an elderly Japanese woman. She's hunched over a worn wooden counter, her hands meticulously arranging colorful candies and sweets in glass jars. Her age is evident in the lines on her face and the silver strands of hair that frame it.

But it's her eyes that draw me in—eyes that hold the wisdom of centuries, a lifetime of stories etched into their depths. She looks up, her gaze meeting mine, and a flicker of recognition dances in her eyes, like the rekindling of an old flame.

Tears well up in my eyes, and I can't explain the profound connection I feel with this stranger. It's as if I've stumbled upon a piece of my past, a fragment of a forgotten memory. I approach her, my voice choked with emotion. "Do you remember me?" I ask, though I can't explain why.

The old lady's eyes soften, and she offers a fragile, knowing smile. "Some memories are etched in the heart, not the mind," she replies, her voice carrying the weight of years. "You were always drawn to the sweetness of life."

I'm overcome with emotion, and a torrent of memories floods my mind, like a river breaking free from its dam. In this tiny, retro sweet shop and the gaze of this elderly woman, I've found a piece of my history I never knew I'd lost.

The old woman's gaze shifts from my face to the luxury car waiting outside, to the vigilant guards, and back to the bustling street. The warmth in her eyes wanes, replaced by a stern and guarded expression. She turns her attention back to me and her tone becomes businesslike.

"Madam, if you need anything, please let me know," she says, her voice devoid of the earlier familiarity and warmth.

Confusion envelops me like a shroud. "You don't need to call me 'madam,'" I reply. "And may I ask, why did you leave Houston? How long have you been here?"

But the old woman's annoyance with me deepens, as though I've crossed an unspoken line. She tries to steer the conversation away from my questions, ushering me toward the store's wares. "Please, madam, take a look at our sweets. We have the finest selection in town."

I'm taken aback by the woman's sudden change in demeanor. Her previous familiarity and recognition of me had been unsettling, and now, her refusal to answer my questions adds to the mystique of this encounter.

As the minutes ticked by, the tension in the room grew palpable. I couldn't understand why she was acting this way. Finally, I couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "What's wrong?"

The old lady's eyes blazed with anger, and her voice trembled with frustration. "You really want to know what's wrong?" She leaned in, her breath hot on my face. "Your traitor invader family lost everything, right? And yet here you are, living such a luxurious life in Mexico. Do you even know why?"

" Your traitor invader family is what's wrong! Your father took bribes from Mexico, and you've been living a luxurious life here because of it!"

I felt a knot in my stomach as her words hit me like a sledgehammer. I had always defended my father's integrity, but now I was left speechless. "You don't understand," I stammered, my voice trembling. "My father would never…"

She scoffed, her voice dripping with bitterness. "Oh, he took bribes from Mexico, alright. And you know what happened as a result? We were kicked out of Houston because even though we belonged to Mexico, everyone started calling us traitors!"

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I could feel the eyes of the room on me.

My world had shattered, and I had no defense against the accusations. I looked down, unable to meet her gaze, feeling broken and lost

From a distance, I watch the encounter unfold between Phoenix and the old woman, my emotions roiling as I witness her vulnerability. My fists clench tightly, and my teeth grind with frustration. I may not be there in person, but I can hear everything, see everything, thanks to the discreet microphones and cameras my guards carry.

It's not just Phoenix's fragility that gets to me, but the raw emotions that the encounter has stirred in her. I can't stand to see her upset, especially when she's defenseless and hurting.

My possessive instincts surge to the forefront. She's mine, and no one has the right to make her feel this way. The accusations, the accusations against her father, hit close to home. I've always known Phoenix's determination and strength, but seeing her vulnerable shakes me to my core.

In an instant, I realize that the protective instinct I feel for Phoenix runs deeper than I ever admitted to myself. It's not just about a game or control, it's about not wanting to see her hurt, not wanting anyone to cause her pain.

As I continue to watch, I silently seethe, waiting for the right moment to step in and protect her, to confront the old woman if necessary but I know I couldn't… How Could I do this to her ? She's here in this situation right now because of me !!! It's not the old woman who's hurting her soul but it's me who thrash dragger in her chest.

Inside Drew's exquisitely luxurious office, Siddhart and Reyansh sit amidst the opulent surroundings. Reyansh is deeply engrossed in work, his focus on the intricate details of the files spread across the desk.

"Pass me those files, Sid," Reyansh calls out, his voice carrying a note of urgency. He's been trying to get Sid's attention for a while, but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

Sid, on the other hand, is completely absorbed in something else, his fingers dancing across a tablet screen. The sound of Reyansh's voice is drowned out by the world he's engrossed in.

Finally, Reyansh can't take it anymore. He rises from his chair, intrigued by what has captured Sid's attention to such an extent. He leans over Sid's shoulder and peers at the tablet's screen.

To his surprise, he sees Sid engrossed in what can only be described as a kids' girlish game, complete with colorful graphics and playful characters. Reyansh can't help but chuckle.

"Seriously, Sid?" Reyansh teases. "Is this what you're so engrossed in?"

Sid, taken aback by Reyansh's sudden appearance, tries to defend himself, but his eyes remain locked on the game. "It's more challenging than it looks, Rey. You wouldn't understand the strategy required to win this."

Reyansh's laughter fills the room, and he playfully pulls Sid's leg. "Oh, I see. It's all about strategy, is it? Well, you're certainly putting your analytical skills to good use."

Sid grins, his competitive spirit roused. "You think you can do better, Rey? Why don't you give it a try?"

Reyansh shakes his head, his eyes dancing with amusement. "I'll stick to the business strategy. I'll leave the girlish games to the experts like you."

Sid grins and shrugs, the playful exchange continuing. "Well, you see, I have my reasons for mastering these games. I'm just preparing for the day when our little girl asks me if I know any fun games or stuff. I want to be the best dad for my little girl, and that means being a master at girlish games too!"

Reyansh raises an eyebrow and laughs even harder, finding Sid's explanation highly amusing. "You're really taking your fatherhood role to a whole new level, aren't you?"

Sid defends himself with a playful pout. "Hey, I've got to be prepared for everything when it comes to our baby girl. You'll see; it'll come in handy one day."

playfully nudges Sid and jests, "Oh, Sid, if Drew ever found out that when he's out on important meetings, you're here playing these games instead of handling business, he won't be too pleased."

Sid's grin fades, and he looks genuinely worried.

"You wouldn't tell him, would you, Rey? I can't afford to hear his yelling"

Reyansh can't help but chuckle at Sid's sudden realization, though his laughter is more affectionate than mocking. "Don't worry, Sid. I'll help you cover your tracks this time. But you owe me a favor."

Sid breathes a sigh of relief, grateful for Reyansh's understanding. "You're a lifesaver, Rey. And I promise, I'll make it up to you somehow."

Reyansh smirks and continues to tease, "Just remember, one day you'll have to explain to your little girl why her dad is a pro at girlish games."

Sid joins in the laughter, his good humor restored. "Well, when that day comes, I'll be ready to impress her with my gaming skills."

Drew's POV

From my position outside the mall, I watch Phoenix as she gracefully weaves through the bustling crowd, her eyes keen and attentive. She seems to blend in seamlessly, a chameleon in this bustling human habitat.

As I observe her, my mind races with thoughts and possibilities. What is her true intention here? Is it just a shopping excursion, or is there a deeper motive lurking in the shadows?

Her every move, her every action, is a reminder of the power struggle that defines our relationship. I can't deny that there's a certain thrill in watching her, in observing her every move. But there's also a simmering frustration, a desire to control her, to bend her to my will.

As I continue to watch, my mind races, " why are you planning games phoenix?"

My thoughts turn to the intricate web of influence and manipulation that I've woven around her. I've always been one step ahead, the master of the game. But Phoenix is a formidable opponent, and her ability to elude my control is both frustrating and intriguing.

With each passing moment, I become more determined to regain the upper hand, to assert my dominance, and to reveal the secrets of her baby. I know that our power struggle is far from over, and I'll stop at nothing to ensure that I come out on top.

" The game is afoot, and while she may think she's in control, I'm determined to outmaneuver her."

Phoenix POV -

As I make my way through the mall, I decide to take a short break and head to the restroom. My phone buzzes, and I see Sid's name flashing on the screen. I pick up, knowing he'd be wondering how my day is progressing.

"Hey, Sid," I greet him with a smile, "I'm just taking a quick break. I'll call you later to catch up, alright?"

Sid's voice, warm and caring, comes through the phone. "Of course, take your time. Enjoy your day."

I hang up and make my way to the restroom. But as I push open the door and enter, I'm met with an unexpected sight. Two burly men, dressed in dark attire, are loitering inside the female restroom.

I pause, my heart quickening. "What are you two doing here?" I inquire, my voice firm but laced with an edge of caution. The men turn to look at me, their expressions unreadable.

One of them smirks, his gaze trailing over me. "Just freshening up, darling. What's it to you?"

My instincts tell me that something is off. These men don't belong here, and their presence raises a red flag. I take a step back, my guard up.

"I suggest you leave the ladies' room immediately," I insist, my tone unwavering.

The two men exchange a knowing glance,