Uncle Ed continued, "He was scared because... he knew the day you were born, every enemy he ever made would start counting your days instead of his. He knew that the moment you cried for the first time, someone out there marked you for death."
I froze.
The air in the room suddenly felt heavy—thick enough to choke on. I stared at Uncle Ed, not even blinking, as his words settled over me like a cold, wet blanket.
Marked the day I was born…
My heart thudded loud, but slow, like it was trying to catch up with what I’d just heard.
I always thought they were after Dad. Carlton Cole—the legend, the monster, the kingpin. He had made enemies. Countless ones. Of course, they wanted him dead.
But now?
Uncle Ed’s voice echoed in my head, looping: “Someone out there marked you for death.”
My hands were cold. I looked down at them, half-expecting to see blood or something else that would make this real. But they were just hands—trembling, pale.
I was the target. Since the beginning.
"He knew he could die any moment, specifically after your birth. They wanted either of you to die or both. He sensed the threat already and informed me about it. I thought it might be just another attack, another threat, and as usual we have to stay alert and fight it together... until we got to know that it was actually you who was the target and it was actually him who died that day. You were just three and Michelle was still a newborn."
I swallowed hard, my throat dry as dust and my hands trembling.
“You didn’t see it,” Ed continued, voice lower now, almost reverent. “Your dad… he fought like a man possessed that night. It wasn’t just another fight. Carlton always fought to win, but that night, he fought to protect you.”
He paused, his gaze distant, like the scene was playing out in front of him again.
“They set a trap,” he murmured. “And he walked into it knowing exactly what was waiting. Every bullet fired, every breath he took — all of it was for you, your sister and your mother.”
My hands clenched into fists on my lap. Dad had been so much larger than life to me — the king of our world. And yet, in that moment, he was just a father protecting his family.
"You’re Carlton’s son. You’ve survived this long for a reason, Justin.”
I looked up at him, feeling the weight of those words settle into my bones.
And for the first time, I wondered if the reason was more than luck. Maybe it was something my father had left behind for me after all — something stronger than fear. Something that would help me fight back.
Same day
Evening 8PM
Author POV
Justin and Liam were sitting on the dining table while Ryan and Andrew were already serving macaroni pasta for the four of them.
It was really a long day for Justin. Fighting those two men the previous night, meeting Edward Whitmore today, diving into his father's past once again and discovering more about the day he lost his father.
"So, how did it go with Edward?", Ryan initiated the conversation, carefully choosing his words.
Liam, extra careful with Justin's state of mind, simply answered, "He said he would increase the security by appointing a few more guards and more CCTV camera."
Andrew: "They'll definitely come again. And we surely can't let Justin be alone to fight them."
Liam: "Totally agreed. But for now, let's enjoy this pasta!"
Next day
Amelia POV
New day. New emotions. New motivation. Today the day is yours, Amelia. You'll definitely get what you wished for. You can. You will. You deserve it.
No!!! I don't want it!!!
We didn't even get a proper holiday after exams. Just one day. We got just one day. And that too, I spent it only by sleeping and eating. And today, we are called up for the college 'to attend lectures'. Ahh, waking up early morning sucks!
By the time I finally peeled myself out of bed, the dorm was already buzzing with the sound of showers and hair dryers. Knowing I’d feel grosser without one, I made it quick — just a short, lukewarm rinse to wake myself up before pulling on my most comfortable pair of baggy sweatpants and an oversized hoodie. Okay, this looks... cool and comfortable for today's mood.
I quickly picked up by bag, stuffed books according to the timetable, took my phone, handkerchief and exited the dorm.
Author POV
By lunchtime,
Amelia shuffled into the canteen, her hands tucked into the pockets of her oversized hoodie, her hair still a bit damp at the ends. Katherine, Daisy and Sarah looking bright and perfectly put-together after morning classes, waved her over to their usual table where the guys were already seated.
As she sat down with a tired sigh, Andrew gave her an exaggerated once-over. “Whoa, Amelia. Did you just roll straight out of bed? You look like you’re still asleep.”
Liam chuckled. “I was going to say, you look kinda… childish in that hoodie. Meanwhile, these three”—he gestured to the girls—“are glowing like they had a stylist on call.”
Amelia narrowed her eyes playfully. “Say whatever you guys want to. But I was really not in a mood to come today."
Ryan smirked. “Don’t worry, we’re not judging. Just appreciating your… dedication to comfort.”
They all laughed as Amelia stuck out her tongue.
"Geez, I'm going to fetch a water bottle. You guys need anything?"
Daisy, clearly having fun in teasing Amelia, said, "I guess it's only you who really needs some water to cool down."
Amidst the teasing, only one person remained quiet, as expected–Justin.
He had been quiet up until now, gaze lingering on Amelia just a second too long. To him, there was something genuinely endearing about how she looked — all cozy and unbothered. The softness of her hoodie, the way her messy hair framed her face, and the sleepy glint in her eyes made her look… well, cute.
He felt a small smile tug at his lips, but when Liam noticed and raised an eyebrow, Justin quickly glanced away, busying himself with his drink.
God, stop it, he thought, feeling the faint heat rise to his ears. She’s just Amelia. It’s not like we’re a couple or anything. Why am I even thinking this?
And as the boys kept up their easy teasing, Justin kept his thoughts to himself — even if his heart was being a lot louder than he’d ever admit.
Amelia POV
Arrrghhhhh!!!! These people really can't stop talking about my outfit today. Andrew literally admitted that I look like coming straight outta bed! I mean come on, I even took a damn shower! Do I really look that ugly today? Huh, can't believe these jerks at all!
I was walking back to our table with a new water bottle in my left hand and adjusting my open hair with the right hand.
I put my hands in my pockets for the phone to look at myself on its black screen. Oh wait. No! Not again! Why does this happen to me every single time!
I forgot my phone on my desk, again. The lunch break has just started and I'll need my phone to for the rest of it.
I was about to reach our table, but stopped on my place as I heard some murmurs near our table. Taking utmost care that I don't look like I mind, I casually glanced at the neighboring table.
(Keywords: utmost care & casually glanced)
There were a few girls glancing at our table and occasionally giggling to each other. Wait. What's actually going on? Whom are they looking and giggling repeatedly?
I followed their line of sight. Not once. But twice. And then it clicked me. I facepalmed and rolled my eyes when I noticed it, clearly being unimpressed by the spectacle.
This group of girls were openly ogling at our group's boys, especially Justin. Oh girls, hold on. If I tell this to Katherine and Daisy, the next moment you'll be seen nowhere not just in the university but also in the world. Two of them are happily committed. The third is in extreme need of a psych ward. And about Justin... umm never mind...
"Keep my water bottle safe. I'm going to the classroom. Forgot my phone."
I kept my water bottle on our table, barely glanced at Daisy and already made my way to the classroom. I could hear the girls shouting on top of their voices to come back real quick.
I kept my head down and hurried towards the classroom, dying to just disappear.
But before I could reach the door, three girls stepped in front of me like a brick wall.
One of them gave me a long, slow once-over and wrinkled her nose. "Ew. Who let this mess in the college?" she asked loud enough for the entire hallway to hear.
The one in the middle folded her arms and smirked. "Oh my god," she said, loud enough for the whole hall to hear. "This is who Justin picked? What a downgrade."
Her friend gasped dramatically. "Never expected such a low class girl from the golden boy of Rosendale," she added, grinning.
One of them sneered at my oversized hoodie like it was something infectious. "Do you even own a mirror? You look like a pile of laundry," she drawled.
Justin uncovers the painful truth of his past, while Amelia faces a different kind of challenge. Both discover strength they never knew they had.And sometimes, even the smallest moments can reveal the biggest battles. Let's look forward for the next chapter to know who are these girls and why are they downgrading Amelia.
Please vote and comment if you liked this chapter. The next chapter will be updated soon. Take care, cuties 💙
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