Roses & Gunfire: The Price of Devotion

Three girls were in the car, and they traveled through the bustling city streets, its occupants brimming with anticipation as they made their way to the headquarters of La Xiena Mafia. That's right, these three girls were part of one of the most respected mafias in their country. However, their identities were hidden. Although they are part of the underworld, they still needed to mingle outside. Thus, no one knew about it. Besides, their mafia has a legal business wherein they buy a mask for them. Amethyst sat between her two friends and fellow members of the upper echelon, Venna and Maureen, her heart fluttering with nervous excitement. How could they not? This is the first time their boss will throw a party for his own birthday. Usually, they will only eat outside, and that's it. However, tonight was not just any celebration; it was Dylan Villarosa's birthday, the man who had captured Amethyst's heart for five long years. The man who had given them an order made them feel respected and appreciated. They couldn't help but feel more than they should. Especially, Amethyst. Everyone in their circle knew about her feelings, and sometimes they felt sorry for her. It was because Dylan was indifferent. As they neared their destination, Venna couldn't resist teasing Amethyst about her carefully chosen gift for Dylan. Even though they witnessed a lot of Amethyst's pain in pursuing Dylan, they didn't have the heart to tell her everything since they knew that Amethyst knew about it somehow. Venna jabbed Amethyst in her waist. "I wonder what extravagant present Amethyst has cooked up for our boss this year," she mused with a playful smirk. Even though it is still the same as last time, they still want to help her. "Something to win his heart, perhaps?" she said, raising an eyebrow to tease her even more. Maureen looked at Venna, and in one eye contact, she knew that Venna was just trying to build up Amethyst's confidence. Thus, she did not mind and joined in with a chuckle, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Knowing Amethyst, it's probably something that will make all the other gifts pale in comparison. You know that she's good at buying gifts, right?" she remarked, nudging Amethyst teasingly. "You really know how to spoil him, don't you?" Venna and Maureen had always been there for Amethyst, and ever since they joined the mafia, they have never been separated from each other. Well, aside from sleeping, their condominium units are just right next to each other. Amethyst blushed at their teasing, but she couldn't help but smile at her friends' playful banter. Her worries seem to have lifted up a little. She knew that something might happen, and even so, she wanted to convey her love to him, their boss. Deep down, she hoped her gift would convey the depth of her feelings for Dylan, even if she dared not speak them aloud. She was worried, but she is ready for everything. After all, for the past years she has gifted him, none of it has made him accept her gift. Everything seems unimportant to him when it is from her. It made her heart hurt, but she didn't want to give up. As they stepped out of the car and entered the bustling headquarters, they were met with warm greetings from their fellow mafia members. Of course, these members were all the staff of their legal business. They don't want to hire someone from outside since it would be a hassle and make them feel restrained, so they just hire their own people. Amethysts were loved by everyone. From the lower members of their mafia up until their circle. This made her feel warm. However, one person seems not interested in her. Okay, she doesn't want to think about it. She just wanted to greet them back. Amethyst's heart swelled with pride as she exchanged nods and smiles with familiar faces, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her. However, as they approached the center of the room, where Dylan stood, the atmosphere shifted. While everyone else welcomed them with open arms, Dylan's gaze merely flickered in their direction before returning to his conversation, his expression unreadable. Amethyst's heart sank at the sight, a knot forming in her stomach as she exchanged worried glances with Venna and Maureen. Had she done something to upset him? Was he purposely ignoring her? Or was it because he didn't want to see her? Oh, that's right, she forgot about it. He never even tried to make her feel welcome. Despite her inner turmoil, Amethyst plastered a smile on her face and tried to push aside her doubts. After all, this is a happy occasion, and she doesn't want to ruin it. Maybe Dylan was just preoccupied with the festivities, she reasoned, forcing herself to remain optimistic. This is the only thing she could do, after all. As the night wore on, Amethyst couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. Even as she laughed and mingled with the other guests, her thoughts kept drifting back to Dylan, wondering why he seemed so distant. His distance is even greater than before. Amethyst knew that Dylan did not like her, and he kind of hated her. However, was this kind of distance necessary? Was it really hateful to be loved by her? Finally, as the party began to wind down and guests started to depart, Amethyst found herself standing alone in a quiet corner of the room, her heart heavy with disappointment. She had hoped tonight would be the perfect opportunity to show Dylan how much he meant to her, but instead, she was left feeling more uncertain than ever. This was just wishful thinking. Dylan saw her as nothing but a subordinate. She knew about it. However, for her, who has loved him for five years, it is still hard to swallow. Just then, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, and she turned to see Dylan standing beside her, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "I'm sorry for being distant tonight," he said quietly, his voice tinged with regret. "I had a lot on my mind, but that's no excuse for ignoring you." Amethyst's heart skipped a beat at his words, a rush of relief flooding through her. "It's okay," she replied softly, her eyes meeting his with unspoken longing. "As long as you're here now, that's all that matters." However, despite saying those words, Amethyst's heart couldn't calm down. It was because she knew he was lying. Everyone finally settled down. The only ones who remained in the headquarters were them, the core of the mafia. After the lively celebrations in the upper echelon, the atmosphere shifted as the members transitioned to the meeting room. It was time for them to have their own time. After all, they were core members, and it is only reasonable to have their own party. Amethyst's heart raced as she watched each person present their gifts to Dylan, her hands growing clammy with nervous anticipation. She really doesn't know if he's going to accept it or not, like the last four years. Somehow, she felt like he'd accept it, but she didn't want to have high expectations. She couldn't help but notice the thoughtful gestures and extravagant presents that adorned the table before him, each one a testament to the deep respect and admiration his subordinates held for him. Well, it is normal for them to gift him expensive things since he's generous with their own salary. Even so, Amethyst took a deep breath, as she knew this was the gift he wanted. As the last gift was presented, Amethyst felt a surge of courage welling up inside her. With a determined resolve, she stepped forward, her pulse thundering in her ears as she approached Dylan. The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards her, curiosity mingling with anticipation. They knew Amethyst, and they wanted her to succeed. This time, they wanted her gift to be accepted by Dylan. With trembling hands, Amethyst extended her gift towards Dylan, her heart pounding with every step she took. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her, his dark eyes piercing through her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "Happy birthday, Dylan," she murmured softly, her voice barely more than a whisper as she held out the small box towards him. "I hope you like it." She almost couldn't hear her own voice as her heart beat so loudly. Before Dylan could respond, a chorus of playful laughter erupted from the crowd, followed by a smattering of teasing remarks. It was because they knew that Amethyst had something for their boss and weren't against it. After all, they all shared the same thought: it was for Amethyst and Dylan to be together. However, it seems like a star from the start and won't be able to reach. Amethyst felt her cheeks flush crimson as she realized she had become the center of attention once again, her secret affection for Dylan laid bare for all to see. But before she could retreat into the safety of anonymity, Dylan's voice cut through the laughter like a knife, his tone stern and disapproving. "Enough," he admonished, his gaze sweeping over the room with a cold glare. Everybody shuts their mouth up. No one talks. "It's not appropriate to tease Amethyst—or anyone else—for their feelings. Show some respect." Amethyst felt a pang of pain shoot through her heart at Dylan's words, a sharp reminder of the gaping chasm that lay between them. Though he hadn't explicitly rejected her, his rebuke stung nonetheless, a stark contrast to the warmth and affection she had hoped to receive. But as the moment passed and the room fell silent once again, Amethyst forced a smile onto her lips, masking the hurt and disappointment that threatened to consume her. She had grown accustomed to hiding her true feelings, burying them deep beneath layers of stoicism and composure. How many times had she been smiling while hurting inside? She couldn't count it yet. She felt hurt. She wanted to cry. But how? She couldn't even shed tears. It was as if her tears were exhausted. For the past five years, she had been chasing her. Well, she's not blaming him. After all, it was all her intention to chase him. He had always been telling her not to chase him, but she couldn't. She's the one who doesn't know how to give up.