Snake

BROKEN

It's been four months without Rin, but I was still hanging on to the hope that he would be found alive. My belly was getting bigger, and I wanted to keep myself as less stressed as possible.

Mr. Zen still wanted me to come visit him, but I was bitter. What does he have to talk to me about other than accusing my fiancé of getting his daughter pregnant.

Hiro was found and arrested a few weeks after Rin's disappearance. He remained tight-lipped about what happened to Rin and is still being held in police custody.

My phone rang, and it was Emi. I wasn't going to answer, but I changed my mind.

"Hi Violet."

My eyes widened. "Mr. Zen...hi."

"I know you must be going through a lot right now. I was thinking about you and wanted to see how you were holding up."

He sounded healthy and of sound mind. I was actually happy for him.

"I'm okay."

"And the little one?"

"He's fine."

"Oh, you're having a boy. That's great... I know Hebi would be very proud."

Hearing that made my eyes tear up. I missed Rin so much, and I was dreading the worst about his condition.

"Violet, you are not alone, and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me... okay?"

I sniffled. "Okay."

"Promise me, Violet?"

"I promise."

"If you are feeling well, I would love for you to have dinner with the family or just me."

"I'll think about it."

"I understand. Take care, Violet, and congratulations."

After we hung up, I got up and went into the baby's nursery. I had a few things to get, and it will be complete.

"Where are you, Rin? I miss you so much....I need you, Rin. I don't want to do this by myself."

I felt our baby kick, and I broke down in tears. I cried myself to sleep and woke up the next morning on the nursery floor.

I got another invite to have dinner with the Zen family. Tired of being in the house, I texted back that I would attend.

Awesome, my father will be so happy!

***

A car was sent to pick Violet up as she walked out of the penthouse building. Inside her purse was Rin's .22 handgun.

It's better to be safe than sorry.

There was still no word on Rin, and she felt like the police were losing momentum and interest in finding him.

After thirty minutes, the car pulled up to the Zen family estate. The driver opened her door, and she got out, taking a deep breath.

"Okay, son, it's just you and me."

She followed the maid inside and was led into the dining area. There were more people there than she expected, but all she could do was smile and wave.

"Violet, you made it! Thank you for coming." Emi was the first to greet her.

She mingled with the family members she had never met before, and soon, the food was brought out.

Everyone sat and continued to talk while filling their plates with delicious food.

"Mmm, this is so good."

"I'm happy you enjoy it. Eat as much as you want," Mr. Zen smiled.

Once her belly was full, Violet sat out back, looking at the lit up pond of Koi fish. Mr. Zen came outside to join her.

"I've had this pond for twenty years."

"It's beautiful and relaxing to watch."

"Thank you. I remember digging the hole for it. It was way smaller than it is right now."

"Oh really?"

"Yup. Over the years, I grew very fond of the fish and wanted more. The next thing I knew, I was expanding it every two or three years."

"That had to be a lot of work."

"It was... but it felt good doing it on my own. I worked at my own pace and built everything just the way I like. It felt like it truly was mine."

"You did an amazing job, Mr. Zen."

"Thank you."

They sat silent for a few seconds.

"Are you still singing?"

"Yes, I am. It's really helped me get through things lately."

He smiled. "You really have the voice of angels. I really do miss hearing you sing."

"Father, we are going to serve dessert now."

They got up and went back inside. After everyone had their servings. Violet stood to make an announcement.

"It's been a while since I've been able to see Mr. Zen...and since I don't know when the next time I will see him, I want to do something for him."

She began to sing as Mr. Zen's eyes lit up in awe. Everyone stood in a trance with all eyes on Violet as she lifted her voice in perfect harmony.

When she finished her last note, the room erupted in applause. Violet walked over to Mr. Zen as he stood to give her a hug.

"Thank you... that meant the world to me."

After another hour, Violet went to use the restroom. When she was finished, she checked her phone but received no notifications.

"You need to tell them the truth."

Violet heard voices coming from the guest room she stayed in before.

"You know I can't... my father would disown me."

"Why?"

"He already assumes it's Rin's baby."

"Yeah, but he's probably dead. You're just using your father as an excuse to still hold on to Rin."

"Please understand...I."

"Enough Emi, I'm done. Don't come crying to me when the baby is born asking me to be in her life."

Violet stood back in the bathroom as the guest room door opened. When she looked out, she covered her mouth in shock.

"Daichi."

She shut the bathroom door back and stood trying to get her mind together.

This whole time, Daichi was the father? He's been sleeping with her, too?

Violet’s hands shook as she sat, trying to calm her nerves. She waited a few minutes, then took a deep breath. She made her way back to the dining area, but when she passed the living room, she heard a loud scream.

"AAAAH! NO! NO!"

She hurried to see Emi crying on her father's shoulder. The rest of the family came into the room.

Violet walked through the crowd to see what was going on.

"What happened?"

Mr. Zen looked at her with tears in his eyes.

"They found remains and skin...it matches Rin's DNA."

Violet instantly fainted.