The Red kiss - A Dark Mafia Romance

chapter three

SAN DIEGO, AMERICA.
MAYA'S POV (MAYA: 19 YEARS, KIRILL: 26)
"I'm so excited to spend my birthday with you," I tell my twin brother, my voice bubbling with joy. It had been two long years since we parted ways, with him pursuing computer studies at Stanford University, and myself exploring my passion for law at the University of Law in England. Despite our parents' immense wealth from their diamond and jewellery business all across America, they had always supported our individual choices and never imposed the family business upon us. This freedom allowed us to follow our hearts, and though we were apart now, we were always each other's rock during our inseparable childhood, almost like two halves of the same soul. So, parting ways for these few years has been both challenging and rewarding for both of us.
"Feeling the same, fighter," my brother cheerfully responds, and I can hear the lively chatter behind him. He's already at home, surrounded by the warmth of our parents' laughter and the excitement as they prepare for our birthday celebration.
"Everything is set here; you won't believe the custom cakes mom ordered for us. They'll blow your mind," my brother reveals, a hint of embarrassment in his tone.
Unable to contain my curiosity, I hastily initiate a video call, and my brother accepts. He's dressed sharply in a black Armani coat and a crisp white shirt, his silver-blond curls falling in a style similar to mine, though mine are longer, cascading down to my waist, while his are neatly tied in a man bun above his shoulders.

"I see you're all ready," he observes with a chuckle, taking note of my attire.

"Good thing, we can wrap this up soon," he continues, giving me a glimpse of the stunning cakes placed on the centre table.

"Freaking hell!" I gasp, seeing two extraordinary 3D cakes before my eyes. One is a hilarious depiction of Cinderella, with biceps as massive as a male bodybuilder, while Leo's cake portrays Merlin from 'The Sword in the Stone' show, seated in front of a computer with his signature glasses. It's evident that our mother has planned this to amuse and embarrass us on our last teenage birthday.
"You think our friends won't mock us endlessly on Snapchat?" I exclaim, covering my face with my palm.
“I bet, I won’t hear the end of this”, I tell shaking my head feign a shiver. Leo jokes, "Oh, but think of it this way: with those biceps, no one will dare mess with you. They'll fear the punches they'll get!"
He isn’t wrong though, the cake might actually intimidate my friends from talking any nonsense about me. His humour never fails to lighten the mood.
Just as we share a laugh, my car suddenly comes to a halt. The engine sputters, smoke starts to rise from the dashboard, and I furrow my brow in concern.
“There seems to be a problem with the engine, Miss Kingston. I’ll have to call for a mechanic,” the driver informs me.
"Don't worry, I'll come pick you up," Leo offers, but I decline. “No need, I’ll be fine. I’m just a few miles away; I’ll catch a taxi,” I assure him before hanging up on my brother, who would undoubtedly keep insisting on picking me up.
After waiting impatiently for twenty minutes, a taxi finally arrives. I step into it, clad in a beautiful white satin gown with a cream fur coat, eagerly anticipating the reunion with my family after these long years. The excitement is palpable, and I can't wait to celebrate this special day with the people I love the most.
As the cab stopped in front of the majestic mansion, the driver informed me of the fare, “It’s twenty four dollars, miss”. Without a second thought, I handed him a hundred-dollar bill. “Keep the change “, I said and hurriedly entered the enchanting gardens of my home. The sprawling property welcomed me with its lush palm trees, emerald grass, and a mesmerizing white limestone fountain adorned with twinkling fairy lights and surrounded by bountiful rose bushes. The memories of from the time I used to hind behind them rushed into my thoughts making me smile.
But my elation turned to unease when I noticed the absence of the gate watchman. Brushing off the concern, I assumed he must be occupied elsewhere, especially with the party tonight. My heart sank as I approached the living room, finding a group of people gathered there. The hall was adorned with elegant white and black roses, and a stage was set for taking photos with various props. The chandelier, brought all the way from Spain by my mom, illuminated the room, and the cakes my brother had shown me earlier were still present.
However, an unsettling odour hung in the air, filling me with worry. My heart raced as I walked past the guests, their pitying gazes making me uncomfortable. Trying to dismiss my apprehensions, I convinced myself that this could be a surprise or a prank by my mischievous brother, Leo.
"Leo?" I called out, pushing through the crowd, searching for my parents. My pulse quickened as I moved further, and finally, my eyes met the tear-streaked face of our maid, Anna. Her expression was blank, and she seemed devastated. The anguish in her eyes only deepened my sense of foreboding.
“Is something wrong?”, I ask. My voice thick with emotions. Her eyes lay down as if she is seeing someone there. For a second I was afraid to follow her gaze but when I do, my whole world crashes below my feet. This couldn’t be them.
A hand gently rested on my shoulder, causing me to recoil in fear. I fell to my knees, unable to bear the weight of my emotions. And then, the sight before me shattered my doubt. The bodies of my loved ones lay there, horribly burnt, making it impossible to recognize them. Yet somehow I know it’s them. I let out a piercing scream, feeling my heart break into pieces, the pain searing through every fibber of my being.
In that moment, I wished I had the strength to look at their faces without feeling sickened. The suffocating smell was now a haunting reminder of the unimaginable tragedy that had befallen my family. My loved ones were gone, and nothing could bring them back.
I crawled to them, my screams still echoing in the mansion where few minutes ago the walls were dancing with the vibrations of laughter and smiles. I cradled them as close I could. I clung desperately to their lifeless bodies, not caring about the stains that marred my white dress. The pain in my heart was mirrored in my hands as I felt the burns on their skin. The memories of their laughter and love flooded my mind, contrasting painfully with the horrifying scene before me.I wept uncontrollably, feeling the agony of their burnt flesh on my trembling hands. It must be a nightmare. It should be. I closed my eyes, desperate to change the vision I’m seeing into the good one. Imagining the smiles on my parents face, my brother’s playful personality, mischief in his eyes. When I hopefully opened my eyes again, I know.
Never again would I see my mother's radiant smile, my father's silver-blond hair styled to perfection, or hear my twin brother's dreams of changing the world through his inventions. Their absence left an irreplaceable void in my life, and their memories would forever haunt me, imprinted in my soul.
Another heart wrenching scream escaped from me, shaking my whole body with the weight of sorrow. This time, I didn’t move as two strong arms wrapped around me, his gentle whispers carrying the same pain as mine. “I’m sorry, Miss Kingston”.
“I’m sorry I didn’t make it on time”.
On the day that should have been filled with joyous celebration, I find myself contemplating the wistful memories of past birthdays spent with my beloved family. Laughter echoed through our home, as my mother lovingly braided my hair, regaling me with tales of her youthful crushes before she was swept away by the enchantment of my father’s love during their first encounter in India. They braved obstacles, clandestinely meeting somewhere, as my father was there to establish a new branch of our jewellery store, aided by my mother’s real estate agent father. Respecting her culture, my father sought her hand in marriage with her parents ago, eventually gaining my grandfather’s consent.
A tender union blossomed, and my parents, Noah and Anita, proved to be a match made in heaven. My mother, Anita - rising from a middle-class background to a life of abundance beside an American billionaire she made herself worthy to be the woman of a man like my father. She is just as amazing as my father in business, besides she introduced several Indian designs for jewellery to the designer of the 'Kingston diamond and jewellers' business which brought immense profit from all over the world.

However, my reverie is abruptly shattered by Jin's voice, who stands beside me, a custodian sent by Yakuza, and my family’s close associate. The memories I had been painting in my eyes are now wiped away by the harsh reality of the perilous situation we face. My family has been tragically taken away from me, and I am thrust into a world I had naively believed was the realm of evil from which I aimed to protect others through the study of law.

Jin, trying to shield me from the devastating truth, reveals that my father’s friend, Matsumoto, had foreseen the danger befalling my family, leading to his urgent intervention through Jin’s presence. Despite Jin’s efforts, he could not save my parents, and he bears the weight of his first failed mission, leaving me to grapple with the realization that in this world, one must either hunt or become prey just like jin said. “This world is full of predators, Miss Kingston; you either hunt or get hunted down”.
As fate would have it, my father was a man who shied away from the art of hunting, steering clear of any notion of violence. Not a single ant met its end at his hand, for he cherished all life that crossed his path. Yet, irony played a cruel game, and in this ruthless world, he became the prey, unable to don the mantle of a predator.

Lost in my grief and disbelief, I am unable to find solace in Anna’s attempts to comfort me with food, as the haunting scent of my family’s burnt remains lingers in the air. In the midst of this turmoil, Jin reveals the steps taken to ensure my safety.
“In response to your request, we’ve discreetly dug a refuge behind the rose bushes,” Jin whispers, his voice a soothing reassurance amidst the chaos. I acquiesce with a nod, my heart heavy with grief and anxiety. The profound loss has altered my demeanour, prompting me to put on a sombre black dress, while the once pristine white gown remains forsaken in the laundry basket, tainted with the memories of my loved ones.
“Miss Kingston, we must hurry,” Jin’s voice carries a sense of urgency, “the Yakuza wants me to bring you to the safe house immediately. People who attacked believe you to be dead after the car explosion, and if they investigate, you’ll be at risk.” With a gentle push, he guides me forward.
As we prepare to leave, I exchange a weary gaze with Jin, who, despite his criminal appearance, proves to be a trusted ally. His mono lid eyes, creased with concern or perhaps burdened by stress, betray the weight of his responsibilities. His face, a portrait of resolute determination, exhibits radiant skin and a chiselled jawline. Standing not much taller than six feet, he is wearing black attire, reminiscent of an protagonist from an Asian drama, yet in reality, he bears the mark of a criminal.

Despite his seemingly unassuming appearance, I am acutely aware of the danger he harbours. It is through my own conversation with Uncle Matsumoto that I find myself placing my trust in Jin.

“Princess,” uncle Massimo addresses me gently, acknowledging my vulnerability in this perilous situation, “for now, your safety is paramount. Trust Jin and no one else until you reach the safe house, under my wing.”
Exhausted and overwhelmed, I merely nod in silent agreement, my voice failing me just as it does now.

With a purposeful nod, I shift my gaze toward the door of my room, my feet carrying me forward. In this solemn moment, I know that this place, where my family rests eternally, will forever hold the memories of our cherished past, now mingled with the uncertain and perilous journey that awaits for me.