Chapter 15: waste of tears
The fire roared like a living monster, swallowing the remains of the car whole.
Smoke clawed its way into the sky.
The heat was unbearable… but Leo didn't move.
He just stood there.
Frozen.
For the first time in years — the great Leo looked shaken.
Not angry.
Not violent.
Just… hollow.
"Smith…" his voice cracked, barely louder than a whisper.
Beside him, Jhosen dropped to his knees.
"No… no, no, no…" His hands trembled as tears streamed down his face. "Boss… Smith can't die… he promised me we'd grow old and annoying together…"
Leo clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white.
This wasn't supposed to happen.
Not his people.
Never his people.
The flames crackled louder — as if mocking them.
Then—
A frantic voice tore through the smoke.
"BOOOOSSSSS!!!"
Leo and Jhosen stiffened.
They turned slowly.
Very slowly.
And there he was.
Running toward them.
Alive.
Perfectly alive.
Hair messy. Face pale. Eyes wide with panic.
Smith.
Leo blinked once.
Twice.
Jhosen wiped his tears mid-sob.
Both of them stared like they were looking at a ghost.
Smith finally reached them, bent over, trying to catch his breath.
Then he lifted a shaking finger…
And pointed at the burning wreck.
"M–My car…" his voice broke.
Leo's eyebrow twitched.
Jhosen's crying stopped instantly.
"My favorite car…" Smith whispered, looking seconds away from fainting. "Do you know how long I waited for that model?! It was LIMITED EDITION!"
Silence.
Leo and Jhosen slowly turned their heads toward him.
Their expressions said the same thing:
What the hell are you doing alive?
Jhosen sniffed loudly.
Then glared.
"YOU IDIOT!" he exploded. "I was crying for you!"
Smith looked confused. "Why?"
"BECAUSE YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD!"
Jhosen angrily wiped his face.
"I wasted my eye water for nothing!"
Leo shut his eyes briefly and dragged a hand down his face.
Unbelievable.
Absolutely unbelievable.
Before Leo could speak—
Footsteps approached.
Jack.
He walked in casually, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed as always.
He glanced at the blazing car.
Stopped.
Looked again.
His eyes widened slightly.
"...Well," he said after a pause.
Everyone waited.
Was he shocked Smith survived?
Was he analyzing the attack?
Was he about to say something tactical?
Jack frowned.
"How are we going home now?"
Leo stared at him.
Jhosen stared at him.
Smith stared at him.
Priorities.
This man had incredible priorities.
High above them—
From the terrace of the abandoned building…
Two figures watched the entire scene unfold.
Valley Lilly leaned against the railing, relief flashing across her sharp eyes.
"I told you," she murmured softly. "He wouldn't die that easily."
For someone who pretended to be heartless…
She had watched the explosion without blinking.
And yet — the moment Smith appeared alive, her shoulders relaxed.
The Silent Duchess stood beside her, unmoving as stone.
Her gaze was fixed on Leo.
Cold.
Evaluating.
Disappointed.
"They're emotional," the Duchess said quietly. "Too emotional."
Lilly tilted her head. "Isn't that what makes humans interesting?"
"No," the Duchess replied. "That's what makes them weak."
Below, Leo barked orders, already regaining control of the chaos.
But the Duchess simply shook her head.
"They still have much to learn."
Her eyes darkened.
"Especially Leo."
Lilly smirked. "You don't like him."
The Duchess answered without hesitation.
"He is not fit for the mafia."
The wind howled between them.
Down below, Leo suddenly looked up.
For a brief second…
It felt like his eyes met theirs.
The Duchess turned away first.
"Come. This game is getting boring."
But a faint smile touched her lips.
Because deep down…
She knew.
This war…
Was only beginning.