Chapter 69: Trust.

"Fine," he sighed, the weight of what he was about to share settling heavily on his shoulders. "But it's not just about hearing it... can you handle what you'll hear?"

"What could you possibly say that I can’t handle?" she pressed, her curiosity piqued.

"Just don’t turn out to be the Devil, as they say... that’s the only thing I won’t be able to handle," she added, vulnerability creeping into her features, softening her defiance.

Steven studied her for a long moment before he finally replied, "Don’t worry, I’m not the Devil… I’m something else… something beyond your wildest imaginations."

"What’s that?" she asked, her eyes widening with intrigue.

"When the time is right, I’ll tell you," he said, a cryptic smile forming on his lips.

Dua’s expression shifted to something more hurt, "You don’t trust me?"

"You’re afraid of me. How can I trust you with my real identity?" he countered gently.

She sighed, knowing he was right. If she were in his shoes, she would be just as wary. "Fine! I admit it, I was afraid of you. Anyone in my shoes would be. But not anymore," she declared, voice steady.

"I’ll stand by you no matter who you are... even if you turn out to be the Devil. Though I can’t handle that truth, I’ll try," she continued, and there was a strength in her words that struck him.

"Were you always this good at sweet talking?" he asked, half-teasing but with genuine warmth.

"I’m being serious," she replied, her gaze unwavering.

"I know," he said, holding her gaze with an intensity that made her heart race.

"If you still don’t feel comfortable telling me now, that’s fine. I can wait until you’re ready," she offered, giving him an assuring smile, and he somewhat found solace in her unwavering support, a silent reminder of how much she cared for him.

"So, next item on the list is Diane's father's plan," she said, shifting the topic with an air of determination.

Steven couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at how quickly her mood had shifted again. "You’re such a rare person," he mumbled to himself, admiration evident in his eyes.

"I don’t know why yet, but they want you to be the Mafia Lord, and I'm tasked with making sure that happens," Dua said, her brow furrowed with confusion.

Steven leaned back in his chair, fingers interlaced. "They raised this topic in one of the Mafia meetings before. If they’re still pushing for it, there must be more to their intentions."

Dua's curiosity piqued, "What's a Mafia Lord, anyway?"

"It's not a 'what'—it's a 'who,'" he replied, watching her expression shift as understanding dawned.

"The Mafia Lord is the supreme leader of the Mafia worldwide, the one with ultimate authority," he explained.

"Wow!" Dua exclaimed, awe evident in her voice. "But what does this have to do with you?"

"Because I’m the Mafia King of my territory, and only Mafia Kings are eligible to contest for the position of Mafia Lord," he stated, his tone serious.

"But you’re the Mafia King, not him. If you become the Mafia Lord, you’ll enjoy all the prestige that comes with it. So why is he so fixated on making sure you take that position?" Dua pondered, brow creasing with concern.

"It’s either he’s getting something in return or he has his own agenda," Steven replied, his voice low.

"But whatever it is, it can’t happen because I'm not going to be the Mafia Lord," he asserted firmly.

Dua cleared her throat, her voice quieter now. "Um, excuse me. You might want to reconsider your decision. I have two days to convince you to become the Mafia Lord, and today’s the last day."

Steven smirked, "You’re scared because of that?"

"No," she shook her head, panic flooding her tone. "It’s because our lives are both in danger. I’ll be both the trap and the bait to bring you down because according to them you cherish me."

At her words, Steven’s grip on his wine glass tightened, his mood darkening.

"But you could escape the danger as long as you don’t care about me," she suggested, urgency in her voice.

"I’ll become the Mafia Lord," he stated decisively, causing Dua’s eyes to widen in shock.

"No, you don't have to force yourself to do this," she said softly, her brow furrowed with concern.

"I'm not forcing myself to do anything," he replied, though his tone was defensive.

"Then...then...no," she shook her head, disbelief etched across her features. "It can't be."

"Yes, I cherish you," he interjected. His confession sent a cascade of emotions through her—shock, surprise, happiness, fear, and an undercurrent of sadness.

"Then you’re not safe... I'm your weakness." Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper as she looked away, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Turns out," he shrugged, taking a slow sip of his drink as if to steady himself.

"I'm sorry..." Her gaze fell to the floor, glassy tears threatening to spill over. "I'm so sorry," she repeated, her voice a mere echo of despair.

"Why are you apologizing?" He raised an eyebrow, genuinely puzzled.

"Because I feel like I’ll be the one to drag you down... I'm really sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have started this." The words tumbled out in a rush, heavy with regret.

"Do you really want to save me?" Steven asked, his eyes searching hers. She nodded vigorously, determination flickering in her gaze.

He leaned in, cupping her face gently, bringing her focus back to him. "Then instead of being the one to drag me down, be the force that lifts me up. Do everything in your power to make this wonderful plan you've started a success. Remember, Dua doesn’t give up easily."

Her lips curved into a faint smile as she wrapped him in a tight hug, feeling the warmth of his support wrap around her like a security blanket. "What would I do without you?" she whispered, her heart swelling with gratitude.

"Nothing," he teased, a playful smirk on his face. She playfully punched him in the arm, lightening the mood.

"Oh, and thank you for helping me out with my math assignment," she added, her tone more cheerful now.

"No need to thank me; nothing comes for free," he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"And what would you ask in return?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"I haven't thought of it yet, I'll tell you when I think about it," he replied and she chuckled.