“There is nothing more, father! It is nothing!” Edwin tried to lie with a strained boldness that sold him off.He was struggling to even breathe, and obviate his father’s eyes at all costs. Jordan found Edwin to be such a coward. He could not only acknowledge his mistake, but he was also afraid of telling the truth.“Yes, there is! Do you want to come out clean or do I let Jordan speak? I know he won’t lie to me like you two are lying to my face.” Mr Jonathan spoke.Now that stroked Edwin’s demons. How could his father trust a total stranger and a useless soul like Jordan instead of his son? He despised how his father was banking all his trust and affection on Edwin’s mortal enemy.“Would you rather believe a total stranger, a right-down fool like this man instead of your son?” Edwin asked. The heat of his wrath was burning his skin, making it flash with redness.“This man that you detest so much saved my life! I demand that you show some respect to him.” His father urged.“I don’t ca
‘I knew it! He is such a hard nut to crack!’ Edwin sighed inwardly.‘This old fool is bent on boiling the ocean for me until I am totally ruined. What else is going through his head now, huh?’ Diana screeched inside. She hated Mr Jonathan for being so bullheaded. It seemed like Jordan had succeeded in recruiting one devotee on his side - people who made her blood boil.Jordan on the other hand was eager, just like everyone was. He wanted to know what Mr Jonathan had to say.“What now, father-in-law? What else do you want to say?” Diana screeched.“My same old stand - this marriage can not hold! I will not allow my family’s name to be dragged into the mud by this. You two better think of a way to solve this without getting me involved.” He spoke, sternly and boldly. Undefiable.Diana felt like collapsing with fear and anger. How could the old man be so difficult? What would happen to her baby if the old fool succeeded? She would be the laughing stock, especially in her circle of afflue
“With all due respect, Mr Jonathan, that is gone and buried. I believe that it is best that we just forget about it and try to solve the one at hand. What I mean is, I already took care of it and I don’t want to dwell on it.” Mr De’Luka argued.Just like Mr J.onathan, Mr De’Luka also knew Mr Jonathan very well. The fool acted all saint and wanted everything solved in the most ostensibly way. He thought that the man had missed his career. Instead of being a businessman, he should have sneaked his way somewhere in the law enforcement sector or become a judge. Even then as he gawked at him, Mr De’Luka could tell that the man was growing suspicious every single second that passed.Mr Jonathan was indeed dubious of the old man. He knew that in business you could not vouch for anyone. Money was the root course of all evil, they said, and he could not concur any less. There was just something about Mr De’Luka that he didn’t unde
“What? Do you want more money?” Mr De’Luka spoke after turning to Edwin.They stood right in front of their faces while the rest stood in awe waiting. Not even Diana could tell what Edwin was thinking about.“No! I just want to correct you.” Edwin said, as his hand rummanged inside his pocket."Correct me? Explain yourself.” Mr De’Luka asked.Edwin pulled out something as he spoke to the arrogant man. “The thing I regret the most is having trusted you, Mr De’Luka. The person who beat me up is still walking free. And now that my father knows about this, here is your cheque. I do not have to remain under your clutches anymore.” He returned the cheque to him, and Mr De’Luka accepted it with a dark frown.His plan had failed. He didn’t know whether Mr Jonathan would still remain mute about the incident now that his stupid son had returned the cheque. But all in all, he was Mr De&rs
Jordan strolled into the room where Ana was struggling to sit up. He ran to her with concern. She had just woken up, and here she was attempting to sit up.“Why are you getting up? You will irritate your wound with this. You need to lie down and avoid any form of motion so that your wound won't get irritated.” He said, tucking her back in the covers again.Ana pulled her face shyly. His care touched the soft part of her heart. For someone who had lived her life trying to prove her worth to the people who adopted her and who didn’t seem to reciprocate her philia, receiving such cloying gestures warmed her heart. Not to mention that it was Jordan. She was thawing down to the guy in ways she could not explain.She was still swimming in glee, trying to recall how their paths had crossed. It was a beauteous fortuity that she could never in her lifetime stop thanking the heavens for. What would have happened if the heavens didn’t send a black Messiah to her rescue that night? Probably gone
Ana had experienced a lot of pain before, but nothing tantamount to what she felt when she saw the look in Jordan’s eyes. He was quizzical. That hurt, but merited.“I only agreed to his plan so that I could warn you about it. It was not my intent to betray you. I did not even know I was being followed.” She explained, looking anywhere but Jordan’s eyes.Jordan laid-back. Deep down he knew he was wrong in judging her. But he needed to be sure.“Believe me when I say I can never betray you, Jordan. You saved my life. What kind of a monster would I be?” Ana almost cried.“I know that you have a good heart. But your parents are so rotten and heinous.” Jordan stated, standing from the seat. Now that he knew Ana did not betray him, he thirsted for revenge. He would make Mr De’Luka pay for trying to harm him. “What are you planning to do?” Ana asked like she was reading Jordan’s mind.Jordan turned around and slammed on the seat again, banking his eyes on Ana. “You? What do you plan to do?
Mr Jonathan walked over to where the three faces were. A mixture of vexation and daze was registered everywhere on his face. That was the same look that Liya and Ana wore too.Ana had even pulled herself up and leaned her back on the bed. Remembering how Jordan had saved her, he could get a clear picture of him possessing such powers.And Mr Jonathan saw him too that night. Even how he put that Martin the arrogant in his place. His swift and calculated extraordinary moves were so impressive. No wonder the man exuded such a composed and daring aura. He and Liya knew about his expertise in medicine. He had told them himself, but the new version that he was introducing surprised them.Liya may have not seen so much of Jordan in action except with the incident in her house with Martin, but she knew there was definitely something mind-blowing lying in Jordan. The way he confidently and swiftly drew up an effective plan to lure Martin and his crew. He had even broken Martin’s bones before t
Jordan matched outside with battered thoughts. He really was torn between which decision to make. His heart was throbbing for both offers. The idea of him exercising his both gifts stroked him with coequal thrill.Mr Jonathan’s offer presented a lot of blinding opportunities for Jordan, though. The man was moneyed. He associated with affluent people who were enlisted in Jordan’s circle of interest - the likes of Mr De’Luka and Diana. Venturing into the world of the rich would provide him an opportunity to study their ways well and plan his revenge well. He was so tempted to lean on that side.“Listen, I don’t care what you do. Whether you go against your family or against the entire world is none of my business, young man. All I want is for you and my daughter to get married! I will not allow you and your family to bring any shame to my daughter and me!”Jordan was chilling in a corner when that bitter voice stroked his ears. He couldn’t have been mistaken. He remembered that galling
Three months later!Anticipation and enthusiasm surrounded the grand opening ceremony as it took place. In addition to officially opening The Rivers Group of Martial Arts' newest location, the ribbon-cutting ceremony signified the end of a journey that had passed through darkness and emerged into the light of mutual empowerment and progress.Jordan stood proudly in front of the assembly and spoke to them. "Our slogan stands true today as it did when we started: The Rivers Group of Martial Arts is not just a school to teach martial arts, but a community for empowerment and growth, both as a community and individually." His statements reverberated with authenticity, capturing the spirit of their group's objective."And so, ladies and gentlemen, here I present to you the last, as of now, branch of The Rivers Group of Martial Arts." Jordan handed the scissors to Ana, symbolizing the transition from the shadows of the past to the bright possibilities of the future. As Ana cut the ribbon, t
The following day, Ana woke up in his old home, the De’luka mansion. Ricotchetting her eyes. Memories lingered—a combo of both good and bad memories. She had slept off there with her entire crew to prepare for the burial.“Are you ready? You can stay back if you want. I will bring the body here.” Jordan said, giving her a morning hug after strolling into her room.Ana sampled everything that Jordan’s body was bleeding on her—the solace, the heat, the comfort. Everything. She appreciated his comfort and his gesture. She then pulled away, and Jordan kept her hands in his. “I appreciate this, Jordan, but I have to do this.”“Are you really sure?” Jordan emphasized."Come on, Jordan! Do I look like I am showing signs of a mental breakdown or something? I am perfect. Besides, you and I know the story behind this man. I'm all good.” She said.Jordan nodded his head. “Alright. I never said that you were about to break down, by the way. I know you are strong. Even more than I am.”‘Yeah, yeah
“I guess so. We can all say that.” The officer affirmed.A few chatters filled the room for a long time. Who would have thought that a once vigilante group could be saluted by the government, huh?Jordan cleared his voice, speaking to the officer, although everyone was keen. “Whether the government recognizes me or not, I don’t care. But I know how much you loved your job. I also know that you like it, and it is my hope that you have no regrets whatsoever for those few days that you and your boys have been members of this family. I want you to know that I cannot hold you back. If they want to give you back your position, please don’t feel obliged to remain with us. You deserve that position.”Officer Adamson looked at Jordan with so much appreciation and gratitude. “Regrets? What is there to regret about being part of this great community, Jordan? I felt honored that I was lucky to have a chance to meet you all and to partake in your just missions. But, like you said, I feel the need
The group, which had now become a family, pushed itself into the audacious project of opening martial arts schools in the following weeks, their unwavering dedication transforming dreams into concrete accomplishments. With incredible vigor, resolve, and a sense of purpose that permeated each movement they took, Jordan's vision came to life in that brightly illuminated room.Securing a central location for their flagship martial arts school was the crew's initial action. They converted a large warehouse, which had previously served as a symbol of corruption, into a center for empowerment, training, and discipline after extensive reconnaissance and planning sessions. When they held their first courses, the sound of kicks and swishing-trained moves filled the air inside those walls.With her excellent organizational abilities, Sarah oversaw the administrative side, making sure that all licenses, registrations, and marketing campaigns were completed. She proved to be the mainstay of the o
As the soft hues of morning began to seep through the windows, the room, once ablaze with celebration, now held a serene stillness. Jordan and his crew, draped in the comforting shadows of a night well spent, found themselves resting on makeshift seats, their weariness a testament to the battles fought and won.The sunlight painted a gentle tableau, revealing the subtle lines of fatigue etched on each face. Yet, amidst the quietude, a sense of unity prevailed. Jordan, observing the camaraderie that had evolved in the past hours, felt a renewed purpose bubbling within him. This wasn't just a crew; they were a band of individuals who had weathered storms together and emerged stronger.Looking at Major, he knew that he had a question to tackle. They looked somehow confused about what to do next, and he knew he owed them an explanation, at least for the sake of their sanity. He remembered how he and Major’s group became participants. Initially, they were just his hired bodyguards, but ove
‘‘Huuu!” Noises crackled in the house of Jordan as the members heaved out their tiredness, sampled in the aura of victory, and rested their weapons on the tables as they took their seats. It was almost 4 in the morning, but the night echoed with sounds for the next few hours. Their faces were smeared with soot and sweat from the tough battle they had fought and, by God’s grace, won.“This calls for a big celebration!” Jordan spoke, pulling Ana beside him as he rested on his signature seat of authority. “Mariela? Could you make us something delicious for us?”Mariela nodded in agreement. “After emerging triumphant, you all deserve a special treat. I had made arrangements before we left. I will be back in a sec.”They all made sweet sounds of appreciation that sent Mariela off to the kitchen with a smile on her face.Soon enough, she was making hasty back-and-forth tours to and from the kitchen with trays of mouthwatering shawarmas. Then the drinks followed, and everyone wanted nothing
As Jordan and his group crouched in the shadows, staring at the far-off warehouse where the covert conflict had taken place, the night sky hung thick with an oppressive still. An overwhelming feeling of unease permeated the air as they anticipated reaching the pinnacle of their unwavering quest for justice.Abruptly, a menacing gleam illuminated the horizon, illuminating Jordan's team members' features with elongated shadows. From the warehouse, flames shot up, licking the darkness with an abysmal embrace. The blast echoed through the still air like a mighty cry of vengeance.Jordan clinched his hands and tensed his jaw, watching the conflagration with a bleak determination mixed with joy. The warehouse collapsed under the weight of its own secrets; it had previously been a center of corruption and dishonesty. His transgressors were being burned into charred souls. He could imagine them weeping in pain as the wildfire mercilessly devoured them.Jordan whispered, "That's it," his voice
“Names? What names, Jordan?” Mr. Elias asked in confusion.Jordan, with a steely gaze, had no time to waste. He needed to get to the heart of the issue as fast as he could. His voice was firm as he spoke. "The names of your supporters. The high-ranking officials who are protecting."The alliance members exchanged uneasy glances, a palpable scent of impending doom slapping at their nostrils. How could they comply with Jordan's request? Revealing the identities of those wielding formidable power felt like signing their own death warrants. And death was what they were trying to escape by all means. How could they negotiate for survival and sell themselves to the devil in the same way?“Jordan, please understand that we cannot do that. It is too dangerous for us. Besides, why do you want the names?” Mr. Elias replied, attempting to mask the tension in his voice.Jordan's eyes narrowed, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "I need those names to expose the corruption that is eatin
Jordan looked at Elias and his meanness. He could read through their minds. He knew exactly what they wanted. And he loved their stupidity.Elias gazed at Jordan and spoke with a stern voice without a single tinge of wavering in it. “You are wiser than this, Jordan. I know you know what I mean.”Jordan shook his head and read a memo that said, ‘I know, but I want to hear that crap from your stinking mouth itself’! “No! Please enlighten me, Elias! I might be getting carried away.” Jodan spoke.Elias even managed to smirk, even though he could not tell whether Jordan was toying with his mind or not. He spoke. "Jordan, all I am suggesting is that we can settle this amicably. You don’t have to betray your noble parents by becoming a bloody murderer. Well, if it is revenge that you want, your parents are gone, and you can’t bring them back. Don’t even kill us. I have got something that will surely interest you."Jordan, unmoved, eyed Elias with a steely gaze, his expression portraying no