Trying To Heal

Epilogue

Derek

Parker's arms are awkwardly flat to his sides, in a classic, lush tuxedo. "Did I do it right?"

Buttoning my cuffs, I fix his bow.

Parker peeks at the opened drawers of watches. "I thought I'd be used to it by now."

"Bonheur is what I mostly." I fastened a silver Rolex. "I am sure you heard what happened."

"Toxic fashion industries profiting from paedophilia and grooming."

I observe my purchases. "Most fashion industries are owned by one company, except for Bonheur."

"Really?"

"Just like how most banks are owned by one establishment."

"Including the Matthews Industry?"

"Except that."

He eyes the watches again. "You got a good collection."

"Choose. Whatever is mine, is yours."

He happily picks a black-iron plated watch, complimenting his tuxedo.

"What are the others doing?"

"A stylist is prepping Elijah. Tareq is ready."

"Are Elijah and Harlow alright?"

Parker grins. "You're still hung up over that?"

"They cried."

"That was nothing, man. Seriously. Chill. I think you gotta be stern on Elijah. I know what happened to him, and I think because of that, he doesn't know how to behave normally, you know?"

"You did not tell your brothers and sister what is really occurring, have you?"

"That there is a sex trafficking ring?" he draws in a forced, light-hearted tone. "That you, Uncle Tan and Uncle Luke ... Um, hurt people? No. They're too young for that."

I fully gyrate to him. "What are your thoughts on me hurting people?"

"Have you hurt anyone recently?"

"I left that life months ago. I stopped being Deimos."

"Deimos. What, is this a damn Marvel movie? I don't mind you hurting people, as long as they deserve it."

I leave the closet, Parker behind, and the closet's ceiling lights automatically switch off. "Except a few decent ones, the Everstons are not invited to this wedding. That does not mean they will not 'crash' on this occasion. Whatever they do, do not react. It is pointless."

"They are really awful, huh," he mutters.

"They have a history with Nazis, too."

"Wait, what?" he exclaimed.

***

Tareq is standing next to Simko, in a luxurious Bonheur tuxedo. His usual curls are more defined, his facial skin glowing than normal. He notices me advancing to him and radiates.

"You look very smart."

He grins. "Thanks. I learn from the best."

I reflected on his smile. "Of course you do —"

"Uncle Tan," he overjoys, annihilating my pleasure. I should have expected that. "Oh, you're wearing a nice watch, too. Uncle Tan told me to wear this." He shows Parker and me a silver Bonheur chronograph, fifteen-thousand-pound watch. "He told me to keep it. Pretty cool, huh?"