The Unbroken But Impure

CHAPTER 47 TEAM LAKAN

Days and weeks passed.......

John and Sarah's love grew stronger. Yvette finally accepted that John would never be hers. In a few months, she would enter the cadetship program, and she hoped that would help her forget him.

Meanwhile, Mae and Michelle became even closer as friends. Still, both kept secrets from each other that they weren't ready to share. As for Kryzel and her siblings, they were already in the U.S., continuing their studies while undergoing therapy for their illness.

One day...

"John, how's the training with our fighters?" Colonel Garcia asked.

"Brother Peter, the three of them are ready to compete in the MMA match. They're in great shape, and I'm confident they'll win," John replied.

Colonel Garcia often called himself John's older brother, to make him feel part of a family. With his kind nature, many of his men admired and trusted him.

"Good! Take care of them so no one gets seriously hurt. By the way, this is Marvin. The kid's got potential." He pointed to an eighteen-year-old boy.

"Hello, big brother! I saw how you beat that instructor, and I want to train with you!" Marvin said with a cheerful smile.

John liked him instantly. He was the youngest of the group, full of energy, and very easy to get along with.

"Of course! We're like family here. If you've got problems, talk to me and we'll figure them out together," John said warmly.

Like John, all of them had been rescued in police operations and were now under protection. To them, Colonel Garcia—or Brother Peter—was like a big brother, and John was already considered family.

"When you're all ready, you'll fight in a mixed martial arts tournament in the next few months. Train hard. Don't worry—aliases will be used so no one will recognize you," Colonel Garcia added before leaving them.

After training, John returned to his room to review for the board exam. Later that night, he met Sarah, who told him her father wanted to see him.

"Right now? Tonight?" John asked, a little nervous.

"Yes. I thought it's only right for my parents to meet you since I'm already your girlfriend," Sarah said softly.

John nodded. "Alright. Let's go."

They walked to Sarah's house near the camp. To their surprise, not only her parents but also her aunts, uncles, and cousins were waiting.

"Dad, why are all my relatives here?" Sarah asked, annoyed.

"We want to meet your boyfriend. You're the prettiest among your cousins, so we want to see what kind of man you chose," one of her aunts replied.

John suddenly felt like he was facing a thesis defense panel. Still, he stood tall.

"Good evening. I'm Juan Marco Cortez, but my friends call me John. I'm working as a striker here at the camp, and one day I hope to become a police officer. Don't worry, I truly love Sarah and will do everything to make her happy."

He spoke confidently, but inside he was nervous—especially around Sarah's father.

"What did you study? And what's so great about being a striker?" her father asked with sarcasm.

John felt the sting but held back. Now wasn't the time to reveal who he really was. The Saturno Drug Syndicate could still be out there.

"For now, I don't have much to be proud of. But like graphite turning into a diamond, I'm still in that process. One day, my value will show," John answered calmly.

"You're too much of a poet. Just prove it," Sarah's father said coldly.

The grilling continued, and in the end, Sarah's relatives agreed he wasn't good enough for her. They ignored his intelligence, his skills, and his character—focusing only on the fact he hadn't finished college and had no "real" job.

Sarah was disappointed in them, but deep inside, she couldn't help wondering if they were right. What future could she have with a striker?

That night, John told Sarah, "One day, I'll make you proud."

But Sarah only raised an eyebrow, and that stung him. Even she doubted him. Still, he resolved to prove them wrong—with the board exam results just a few months away.

He would prove he was a diamond hiding in plain sight.

Meanwhile......

Michelle lay awake. It had been almost four months since John disappeared, and she still hadn't heard a word. Many men admired her, but they never dared to court her. Though friendly, she was cold to anyone who tried. Her heart belonged to John. She had promised herself that if he ever courted her, she would never make it hard for him.

Now, with no news, she was losing hope.

That evening, she got a call from Kryzel's father.

"Michelle, tomorrow I'm leaving for the U.S. I need to focus on Kryzel. I've been flying back and forth for months. I'll leave the businesses to trusted people here. Just keep me updated on the things I asked you to handle," he said.

"Yes, uncle. Any other instructions?" she asked carefully.

"Nothing. Just focus on your studies so you can help Kryzel in the future."

After the call, Michelle sighed with relief. Kryzel's father was kind to her, treating her like his own daughter, but sometimes his requests went against her will. She decided to call Aunt Emilyn instead.

"Aunt Emy, when are you coming to the U.S.? Are you also managing Uncle Paul's pharmaceutical businesses here?" Michelle asked.

Emilyn sounded surprised. "Michelle, you know I've never liked the pharmaceutical business. Paul told me that after Kryzel graduates, he'll hand over all the businesses to her—except the pharmaceutical. She'll need you by her side. So focus on your studies."

Michelle smiled. "That's a relief. Anyway, auntie, please join me this weekend. I'm joining an MMA tournament to sharpen my skills."

"Rusty? You? No way! You're a martial arts genius—you could beat male fighters! Don't tell me you fell in love and got distracted?" Emilyn teased.

Michelle blushed. "Well... the truth is—" She began telling her about John.

"My goodness! So you and Kryzel fell for the same guy? Poor Kryzel... she must be so worried. I hope he's safe, and I hope you find him," Emy sighed.

"Yes, Auntie. Anyway, come watch me fight!" Michelle said.

"Of course! I'll even bet on you!" Emy laughed before hanging up.

To Michelle, Kryzel was like a real sister. As her personal bodyguard, she had to stay strong for her. The tournament wasn't about money—it was about sharpening her skills.

The next day........

Colonel Garcia checked on John's training.

"John, there's a sudden invitation to an MMA tournament this weekend. Are your guys ready?"

"We're ready, Brother Peter!" one fighter answered.

"Yes! We're ready!" Obet added.

"Good. Relax for now so you'll be in top condition. The women's matches will come first, then the men's. By the way, what's the name of your group?"

"Team Lakan, Brother Peter," John replied.