𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 𝐓𝐥𝐨𝐊

𝘐𝘐𝘐

As the sun rose, casting a warm glow over the sprawling estate, the mansion came to life with the bustling activity of its staff. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the kitchen as the cook, with deft hands, expertly prepared a breakfast fit for royalty. The maids, dressed in crisp uniforms, meticulously set the table for two, arranging the finest china and silverware with precision. Meanwhile, in the expansive garage, mechanics were busy ensuring that the fleet of luxurious cars was in top condition, while gardeners tended to the lush foliage that adorned the sprawling backyard. The serene beauty of the estate was a testament to the dedicated efforts of its diligent employees.

Walking through the corridors could see the portraits that adorned the walls. But the portrait that drew the most attention was the portrait of a family.

On the left side, could be seen a strong-featured man with a beard and deep brown eyes. He was dressed in a gray suit with little red and gold accents and a matching red scarf around his neck. On the right side, there was a woman with a delicate face and a sweet smile. People envied her beauty. She had deep green eyes that captivated anyone who looked at them and her hair, dark as a night with soft curls that embellished her. She was wearing a red dress with small golden details, with her husband's hand resting on her shoulder.

And in the middle of the couple, there was a beautiful girl with a delicate face and magnificent eyes, with dark hair that contrasted with her skin. She was dressed in a gray-sleeved shirt, which was underneath her red dress.

The butler who passed through the corridors reached the end of the corridor and turned left, heading towards a wooden door. Halting in front of the door, the butler raised one of his hands and struck three times. Waiting for a few minutes, the butler, not hearing an answer, struck again. But this time, with a little bit more force.

"Little Miss! It's time to wake up!" said the butler as he knocked on the door.

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''Please-- please! Not my daughter! Don't you dare touch her!''  Asami could hear her mother terrified screams. Her mother was terrified for her. She was scared too. She didn't know what was going to happen to them. She didn't know how these men invaded their mansion.

''Leave my daughter alone! What do you want? Is it money? I can give it to you. But please, please leave my daughter out of this!'' Yasuko desperately yelled at the other man that had Asami locked in his arms.

''We don't want money... we want revenge!'' The man yelled at her face, squeezing her jaw tightly with his hand. '' Your husband took something from us. And now it's our time to take something from him.''  The man whispered, running his nose through her neck. Yasuko shivered in disgust and made an effort to get out of the tense grip of her jaw.

'' I will do anything... but please let my daughter leave,'' Yasuko whispered, eyes burning from the tears that were starting to form in the corner of her eyes.

''Anything...?''

Yasuko at that moment just wished for her daughter far from there. She just wanted her little princess to be saved; even if it cost her her life. ''I'll do anything.''

Asami broke free from the grasp of the man on her body and quickly ran to her mother to embrace her. '' Mother--''

"Asami listen carefully, ok? I want you to go and hide in your room and stay there. No matter what you hear, never leave your room alright?" Yasuko whispered to Asami's ear, caressing her head gently. 

''But mother--'' Asami's voice started to strain, a knot forming in her throat, eyes burning from the tears that were already running down her cheeks. She didn't like the way her mother was talking. It sounded like a goodbye.