What Is Life? Under Edit

Chapter 14: Alessandro Vs Edward

What Is Life?

Third Person

Edward James gazed at Heaven, now conscious and surrounded by her family. He remembered Alessandro's request from two days ago, and now that he was finally free from his hospital duties, he would make his way to the compound.

Edward bid the nurses farewell, winking at the blonde, "Until next time, beautiful."

The nurse blushed, smiling, "Take care, Doc"

Edward pulled out of the hospital parking lot, feeling a mix of emotions as he left the fluorescent lights and antiseptic smells behind. He cranked up the radio and let the warm sunshine and fresh air clear his head as he hit the open road. The two-hour drive to the compound flew by in a blur of scenic countryside and catchy tunes.

As he approached the compound's sleek, modern gatehouse. The guard's nod of recognition as Edward held out his wrist, and the guard scanned the implant. A soft beep confirmed his identity. The compound was a fortress, a community for the mafia's inner circle.

As he pulled up to the security checkpoint, a guard approached his window. "Dr. James, welcome back. Please wear this," he said, handing Edward a sleek silver bracelet.

"New security protocol. You'll need to wear it at all times, both inside and outside the compound."

Edward took the bracelet, raising an eyebrow in amusement. "Really, Alessandro? A silver bracelet?" He fastened it around his wrist, chuckling to himself.

The guard nodded and waved him through, and Edward continued driving towards Alessandro's house. He pulled up to the grandiose structure, feeling a sense of anticipation.

As he arrived at Alessandro's house, a grandiose structure with columns and marble façade, Edward's thoughts turned to the enigmatic leader.

Edward pushed open the door to Alessandro's office, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Hey, boss man! What's the serious face for? Did someone drain the coffee machine again?"

Alessandro's expression remained stern, his eyes narrowing. "I requested your presence two days ago, Edward."

Edward sauntered in, his eyes sparkling with humour. "Oh, sorry about that, mate. I was busy taking care of the love of your life. You know, the one you're so obsessed with?" He winked, his tone playful.

Alessandro's face darkened, his voice low and menacing. "This isn't a joke, Edward. Heaven was attacked, and I want to know what happened."

Edward's grin faltered, his expression turning serious. "Ah, sorry, Alessandro. I didn't mean to make light of it."

Alessandro's eyes bore into Edward's. "Tell me everything, Edward. From the moment you arrived at the gym to the moment Cristian and Cristiano intervened."

Edward explained what happened to Alessandro, who listened intently, his expression unreadable. For a moment, Alessandro seemed lost in deep thought, his eyes gazing off into the distance. Then, he turned his attention back to Edward, his eyes narrowing.

"Did you recognize any of the men?" Alessandro asked, his voice low and menacing.

Edward shook his head. "No, but they seemed professional. Well-trained and well-armed."

Alessandro's eyes flashed with anger. "Cristiano killed the few that you left behind."

Edward's eyes widened. "Oh, great. So now we'll never know who sent them."

Alessandro's face twisted in frustration. "Exactly. And that's why I need you to think, Edward. Think hard. Did you see anything unusual? Any tattoos, scars, distinctive features?"

Edward furrowed his brow, concentrating. "Three of them had a snake tattoo on his neck."

Alessandro's eyes locked onto Edward's. "A snake? Are you sure?"

Edward nodded. "Positive. It was a distinctive tattoo."

Alessandro's face turned thoughtful, his mind racing with possibilities. "A symbol... That could mean anything, a gang, mafia or any organisation but that is our only lead."

Edward leaned in, his eyes serious. "These guys were professionals, and they were sent to take me, but I don't think they were trying to kill me."

Alessandro's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with determination. " I think it's best if you stop interacting with Heaven outside of the classroom."

Edward's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're kidding, right? It's not like I'm going to tea parties with her. You're the one who asked me to teach her self-defence in the first place! And it's a good thing I did, or she'd probably be even more hurt now."

Alessandro's eyes flashed with anger. "You're the reason her life was in danger in the first place, man. Stay the fuck away from her."

Edward's face reddened, his voice rising. "How dare you! I'm the one who protected her, who saved her life!"

Alessandro's voice was icy. "You're the one who put her in harm's way. And if you care about her at all, you'll stay away from her. Like I did, to keep her safe!"

Edward laughs humorlessly. "Stay away from her? You? Ha! You didn't have a choice, man. Didn't she dump your ass?"

Alessandro's face turned red with rage, and he landed a punch to Edward's face, cracking his jaw. Edward's head snapped back, his eyes widening in shock.

"You son of a bitch!" Edward spat out, his jaw throbbing in pain.

Alessandro's face darkened, his eyes blazing with fury as he walked from around his desk, his voice dangerously calm. "What the fuck did you just say to me, Edward?"

Just then, Cristian walked into the room, his eyes scanning the scene before him. "Alessandro, everything okay?"

Alessandro's glare didn't waver from Edward's face. "Everything is good, Edward was just leaving."

Cristian's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking to Edward's bruised face, but he said nothing, his presence a silent warning to Alessandro to calm down.

The air in the room was heavy with tension, the silence thick enough to suffocate. Edward turned and walked out of the office, his footsteps echoing through the silence, his jaw still throbbing in pain. The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving Alessandro and Cristian standing there, the only sound the quiet hum of the air conditioning.

******

Thanks for reading! Please vote, comment, share, and follow for more!