Uneventful | Michaeng

Chapter 18

Her tears slowly glided down her cheeks. She quickly swept it away. If it hadn't been for her sunglasses, the hoards of people here to bid her father goodbye would see her red eyes. Mina stood by the flower arrangement, looking down at the gravestone. His life was written out; in just a couple of numbers. She would never be able to make another memory with him, good or bad. She ruffled the parchment in her hands. She was to give a confident, strong speech about her father. To show the Mafia, that despite her father's death, they were in capable arms.

Occupied by the picture of her father, Mina did not notice her girlfriend come and stand behind her. Until she felt a hand on her lower back, she looked behind to see Chaeyoung looking at the grave before them. She tilted her head up and met Mina's gaze. Mina gave a tight-lipped smile, and Chaeyoung ran her arm soothingly along Mina's back. They took their seats, and one-by-one people came up to give speeches about her father. How valiant he was, strict yet ruling with a caring hand. Mina couldn't hear it though, all she could hear was her heartbeat pounding into her ears. She took in a couple of breaths, and a few moments later, Chaeyoung's hand squeezed her thigh lightly, and Mina got the cue to go up.

Mina walked up to the podium, and as a stalling tactic, cleared her throat and fixed the mic. She removed her sunglasses and put them to the side; she stared at her notes for a couple of seconds. But at that moment, she decided to abandon those notes.

"My father was a strict man. He looked for perfection because he was the embodiment of it. I didn't know my mother. She passed away when I was young. And when my father was busy or angry, I wished for her. But when I moved out to study, there was one thing I found. There was not one person I found who cared for me as he did. I held his hand as he took his last breath, and he left, telling me how much he loved me. I wish he hadn't left, but I'm happy he left happy. I hope to be your daughter again in another life so we can make more memories. Rest well, Dad."

Mina looked down, she could feel her legs going weak and the lump growing in her throat, but she shook it off. Giving a small bow, she made in her back to her seat, and light clapping was heard. Chaeyoung gave her a small smile and tangled her arm in hers. Mina wore her sunglasses again.

-one week later-

Mina had begun taking up her father's duties, but she had yet to take the throne. She couldn't face all of her father's things at once. At the moment she sat in the garden, as Chaeyoung played in the pool, she was working on paperwork. A couple of cases had come up with some ruffians trying to sway the next local election. We were to stop them from succeeding. Mina's father had-- really--turned it around. The Mafia was in illegal activities before but, now they worked to protect the people with a side business outside the state. As a few of her first orders, Mina had pardoned Chaeyoung's parents and created a system to allow for better trade between small shop owners and the state. Though, they had to terminate a couple of people in the process.Mina, though well trained in a myriad of fighting and weaponry skills, had yet to show them. It was then that she heard the clacking of boots.

"Mina, it's time."

Mina looked at Bang in confusion. One of her brows lifting.

"You need to be inaugurated. People are getting restless, and the other gangs are mad at your father's attempt to reinvent the Mafia, and they are planning a coup."

Mina sat with her chin now resting on her palm. On one side, she wished to push seeing her father's belongings for as long as she could, and on the other was making sure the Mafia stayed alive. The choice was clear.

"Okay, we will inaugurate tomorrow morning at 9."

Bang stood up, a smile now adorning his face. He turned and went back to work.

_________

Standing in front of the large double doors, Mina brushed off the lint on her puffy dress. She ran her fingers across her ribs. As a part of the inauguration, Mina had to get a tattoo of a lion on her body. She chose the right side of her rib. Taking a deep breath, she opened the grand doors to catch sight of Chaeyoung and Bang standing beside a large, throne-like seat. She smiled lightly. The grand room was filled to the brim with Mafia members. Mina began to walk forwards. She kept her strides slow and long, to show off her elegance. Her hair, cascading down her bare shoulders. She looked like a princess. Reaching the end, she turned to Bang, who stood with a sword in hand. Mina knelt and looked up at him. In the stead of her father, he grabbed the sword and placed it lightly turn-by-turn on both of her shoulders. Then he handed her a bracelet, which she held tightly in her hand and spoke the oath taken by every leader in the past. At last, she wore the bracelet then sat on the throne. Besides her, Chaeyoung in a suit and Bang in a long-sleeved black turtle neck, covered by a suit coat and matching black jeans.

The crowd went wild, and Mina gave a small bow in her seat. From there, people began to exit to the main hall for the catering food. Mina got off the throne and began to walk around with the people. Bang beside her and Chaeyoung a couple of paces behind her. She met the elders of the Mafia who shared stories about her father. During conversations, she could see the top of Chaeyoung's head by the catering talking to another girl. She had been by Mina's side all along. Mina kept up the conversations for a couple more hours, watching Chaeyoung every couple hours or so.

"Mina, this is Mr.Nort. He is in charge of defense and strategy. He ensures that we are always protected. He has been fending off invasions since your father's death and even arranged the security tonight."

"Ahh, Mr.Nort, my father said many good things about you. I can't wait to work more with you in the future."

"Of course, your father and I were very close. I doubt she spoke about me, but I appreciate the thought."

Mina felt her throat go dry, and her cheeks turn red. She gave an awkward laugh and excused herself for some water. She looked at the catering spot to see Chaeyoung missing. 'Hmm, where did she go?' Mina grabbed a water bottle and looked around. Her concern quickly turned to internal panic when she could not spot the blond amongst the crowd. But she kept her emotions in check. Chaeyoung was probably around here somewhere, but Mina could not risk panicking and looking like a fool amongst the members. She walked around the room, keeping her eyes moving for any sight of her. When *bam* she clashed into Bang and Mr. Nort. She gave a bow.

"What's wrong, Mina?" Mr. Nort spoke. He leaned on his cane and scratched his groomed beard hair.

"Oh, it is nothing. I just can't find someone." Mina forced a sweet smile.

"I can ask my guards for them. Who is it?"

"Um Chaeyoung, my girlfriend, she is blond, wearing a blazer, big round eyes."

"Don't worry. I'm sure she is here. This is a big mansion after all. We'll find her." Mr. Nort gave a wide smile.

____________

Mina held a whisky in her hands and paced the room. Now, dressed in jeans and a leather jacket, Mina could not find Chaeyoung. She was missing from the party, and it was over a couple of hours ago.

"She's nowhere near the or in the manor Ms. Myoui."

"FIND HER!" Mina barked at the afraid man in the doorway.

Chaeyoung had been missing for the past 3 hours. Where could her baby be? What is happening to her right now. She couldn't bear the thought of it. She needed Chaeyoung by her side right now.

Author's corner:

Hey Guys! Oh no! Chaeyoung is missing! What do you think happened? I have loved writing this story. It has been a growth experience and I have loved every moment of staying up late typing away to get a chapter in. I hope you guys love the book. Let me know your thoughts and edits :)

My DMs are always open

I love you all

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- T