Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Winter Chill

Chapter 39:

Winter Chill

Julius avoided me after that day. Anytime I entered a room he was in, he'd get up and leave. Yuriko called it cute. Cecelia found it amusing. I myself wondered if he would ever be true to himself. He was kindhearted underneath that cold exterior.

I had to remember he was younger than us. Just like I was the youngest in my family, he was the youngest in his. Barely 19-years old and already with a lot of responsibility. I often looked at those in privilege with a jaded eye.

Born with a platinum spoon shoved up their asses, they had the entire world before them. Stepping on those on the ground to get to where they were. I still believed that to an extent, but my view has expanded since marrying Cecelia. Perhaps it was my influence that got her to rework bad neighborhoods and make them prosperous for those already living there.

I grew up in poor areas, and in each place I lived things were cultivated. Improved. Not for the businesses, but for the people living there. Ordinances were passed to provide better drinking water, cleaner streets, and just all around better living conditions. Despite it being a poor area, people lived healthy and well.

It wasn't all great as not everything could be fixed so easily. Crime was still an issue, and people were still people. Of course, those who stepped in my families way often found themselves on hard times. I often chalked it up to karma or just bad luck. Secretly, I was happy when they were screwed over.

My father and mother both worked themselves to the bone for our family. It caused a lot of fights, but they meant well. Often, they would get shorted on money or fired for no reason. I even recall my parents being grateful they were fired, because that very same business soon found themselves under scrutiny.

Apparently, the owner was having an affair with his bosses very own daughter, who in turn was having an affair with the owners wife. On top of that, both were embezzling money. It wasn't long before the place was shut down due to that scandal and various ethics violations. It was an entire mess.

Now, I knew how that all came to light. Cecelia, my wife and most powerful woman in the world. Well, one of them anyways. She watched out for us as much as she could. My family got by, but we were never that well off. All thanks to her working in the shadows.

She never made herself known, for fear of hurting me or my family. That day in the park really scared her. Her life wasn't exactly easy. It was dangerous. That's why from a young age they're taught to fight. To kill.

Dragging us into that world was not an option to her. Not at that time, and I couldn't blame her. She did all she could outside of that. I was honestly thankful. Thinking back, after that time my family began to stay afloat. Our debts were able to be paid, but it was still a struggle.

Everything turning around when my brother finally got the break he needed. He worked hard at the job he applied for. Starting out as a mechanic, he soon rose in the ranks to management and now had a decent office job. The one who got him his break? Cecelia.

His application and resume were flagged and pushed through discreetly. It was the first to be seen and first to be considered. In other words, he jumped the line. Because it was done covertly, neither he nor his employer knew.

I was worried when I heard this. That he would feel his efforts were for nothing if he was just handed his job. Cecelia assured me, however, that it was his hard work that got him to rise in the company. All she did was get him in the door.

Her reach was vast, and the company he worked for was one of their branch offices. At the time, Cecelia didn't know if she could be there for me. At the very least, she'd open the way for a more comfortable life for us. She was a shrewd businesswoman. She knew talent when she saw it.

Now, my family was her family. She could make them a lot more comfortable, but her priority was me. The time I've spent with her has been the best in my life. As I watch her now, hand to a man's throat, I could only admire her.

"Love..." Reaching up, I touched her shoulder gently, "Let him go."

Her loving gaze was enough to send my heart racing as she looked at me. Consenting, she dropped the man who collapsed upon the ground. Choking and sputtering as he attempted to catch his breath.

"Y-You bitch, I'll-" The man spouted angrily.

"Sir," Kneeling next to him, I sighed in exasperation, "She just held you up with one hand...are you really wanting to insult her?"

My words seem to get through to him. His words cut short as he looked up in fear at my wife. Looking back at me, he shook his head vigorously. We had just finished dinner and decided to go for a night walk before heading home. That's when we ran into him, stumbling along.

He was drunk out of his mind, making the unfortunate choice to insult me. I knew the type. Those who see a beautiful woman with someone like me. They just couldn't keep their mouths shut, but he was sobered up real quick.

"Look, just take a breather," I told him, trying to level with him, "My wife has a bit of a temper."

Glancing up at her, she coyly shrugged. Smiling warmly at her, I returned my attention to the man.

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"Not that I mind that," I informed him, trying to reign myself in a bit, "Still, she's protective and you meant no harm. Just...watch your words, alright?"

"Y-Yeah..." He nodded, looking around at Julius and Yuriko who stood nearby, "A-And them? They won't..."

I shook my head, looking towards Yuriko and Julius. Julius was as stone-faced as ever, but he stopped avoiding me. His icy gaze sent shivers through both me and the man. Yuriko was as serene as ever, but that was perhaps the most intimidating.

"Such an angelic expression on someone who is about to murder this man..." Looking back towards him, I placed a hand on his shoulder, "They won't touch you, but get going. Try to rethink things, alright?"

He nodded, scrambling to stand up and get away quickly. Holding up a hand, I made sure that no one followed.

"Leave him, he's just a drunk," I explained softly, "I appreciate you protecting me, but..."

"Sorry, love," Cecelia helped me back to my feet, wrapping her arms around mine, "You know how I am..."

"I do," I nodded, smiling up at her, "And I love you for it. Just...not around my family, if you can?"

The feeling of Yuriko pressing herself against me drew my attention to her. That innocent smile hid such danger. Yet, to me it was the warmest of smiles. Comforting and lovable.

"Yuriko promises!" She exclaimed dreamily, giggling.

"...I guess," Julius shrugged, looking away as if disinterested.

"Tsundere..." I teased him, to which he blushed lightly.

Cecelia stifled an amused laugh.

"Really, Yandere?" I questioned her, teasing.

"I mean..." Cecelia tightened her arms around me, trying to act nonchalant, "Well, regardless..."

"Speaking of your family," Julius inquired, "Have you heard from them yet?"

"No," I shook my head, sighing in worry, "I'll message them again later, but-"

My words were cut short as a notification popped up in my vision. It was a message. "Speaking of my family..." I saw that it was from my mother. Then, another from my father. Several more came through from my brother, and even his wife. Finally, a message from Alana, my niece.

As I saw the contents, my blood grew cold. I was thankful for Cecelia and Yuriko, for they were the only thing keeping me standing as my legs gave out. My vision narrowed, and I only had one thing on my mind.

"I need to go..." The words felt dry in my mouth, "Now."

Taking in their concerned faces, even Julius looked on with a bit of worry. The entire world felt like it just came down upon me. I had no time to mince words.

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