FIRE AND SILK

FOUR YEARS AGO

Getting into my car, I drove into the highway for hours until I entered the road to Wuhan. My legs complained and I stopped the car and stood staring at the night sky. I was running, away from Clay and the hidden desires of my heart. Huffing and puffing I got back into the car and kept on driving until he reached a narrow bridge and saw a man lying on the side of the road. A few meters ahead lay, a car had overturned and by the smell of the scene, fuel was leaking from the car.

I stopped the car, rushed out, and got as he called 911. The ambulance arrived and I followed them to the hospital as the man got admitted. My sixth sense told him that, it wasn't a normal accident. Leaving my contacts at the hospital just in case the police needed further information, I drove to the city of Wuhan.

Checking into a hotel, I showered and drank myself to sleep. Day after another, I drank myself to sleep while fighting the urge to go back. One week later, after an evening walk, I walked back to the hotel and found the man I had saved waiting for me at the reception area.

Walking over I bowed to him in respect " Sir, I hope you are feeling better."

"Child, thank you for saving my life. What is your name?" He stated.

"Liam Wu," I responded kindly.

"My name is Selkath Shi" His voice was as commanding as his demeanor.

I had heard the name before. This was the Mafia boss at Wuhan City. I remember hearing the tales of how frightening this Mafia Boss was and the gory stories of his killings by him. He was feared and no one messed with him.

He had smiled at Liam Wu's reaction. "You seem to have heard about me. Your reaction tells it all. I am not here to kill you, don't you worry.

Smiling awkwardly, I responded, "Yes sir." I wondered who was bold enough to try and kill him. Of course, the car accident must have been planned.

"I did a background check on you. I know that you are a hard worker and am so sorry for the loss of your parents. Since you saved my life, I would like to express my gratitude by offering you a job. You will be trained and paid well. "

I had nothing to lose. This offer came in handy. I would immerse myself in work and forget about Clay Wuyan. I thought maybe fate wanted to give him a chance, a chance after throwing me into the pit. Maybe that was the only path written for me.

"You don't have to give me an answer now. Take time to think about it. I am offering you this position because you are trustworthy. You would have left me for dead but went the extra mile. "Selkath Shu added.

"Thank you, Sir. I accept the offer. "I quickly answered.

The truth was I was desperate to escape that pain, to escape Clay Wuyan's memories that I took that life-changing decision without caring about shit. Who cares if I chose something dangerous? Who cares even if I died, death would be a better option than living in this never-ending torture.

The Mafia Boss had then told him "Go upstairs and pack your bags. You shall be staying in my Villa."

I responded hurriedly "Okay Sir."

Finally! A good new life. I disposed of my phone sim card knowing it was the only thing that would connect me to Clay Wuyan. Little did I know that escape could never be a cure for love, running away could never extinguish the fire of longing. I trained hard and worked diligently. I soon became Selkath new favorite.

I went back to school and did crash courses about running a business. I slept only for four hours a day and it became a habit. Everyone raised eyebrows at how much Selkath put in the effort to push me into leadership. In my head, all I wanted was to keep busy.

One night, during a late drinking spree, I bared my soul to Selkath Su. I had left the only man I ever loved behind because of guilt and duty. In his words, he slowly comforted me "Love, is Love Liam. You can't run forever" His words rang true.

Fate, on the other hand, had its plans. Injuries from the accident made his health deteriorate and he passed away after heart failure. In his will, he had left all the wealth and Mafia leadership to me. The announcement caused a stir in the Mafia, and I knew the decision did not go down well with Zira Zhen.

"Selkath Su, why did you have to die? You were like a father to me. Losing you shattered my heart. I never wanted to be the Mafia Leader, but how can I let you down?" I whispered into the night.

Zira Zhen was the protege of Mafia Boss Selkath Shu. Everyone expected him to be the next mafia boss, but Selkath Shu had other plans. I knew that my new life would endanger Clay Wuyan. I would have stayed away but knowing how crazy Zira Zhen was, it was inevitable that he would cause trouble.

Would Clay accept his new life? Would he look at me with a different eye? I had soiled my hands with blood. Being trained, I had taken out the Mafia enemies for the past three years. And now he had brought danger to Clay Wuyan's doorstep. But he knew this was the only way he would protect him was by being near him.

Coming back to Beijing, I was risking both the business and Clay Wuyan.

"Clay Wuyan, I hope you will forgive me. I had no other choice. "

Walking back to the bed to the bed I closed my eyes and tried to catch sleep. Fatigue finally took over after tossing and turning for hours and I slept soundly.