One week Later

Eden was sitting in the school's cafeteria having a pastry. She was sitting alone. Now that she was dating Luigi not everyone dared come close. It did not matter than Luigi was miles away. Luigi's presence could still be felt. Eden still had friends. But students were much more careful in conversations and approaching her. They were respectful before because she was friends with the Alessandrinis from the beginning when she had joined. But now respectful had a different definition and everyone seemed to know it. It was bizarre. Luigi wasn't even there and association with him as his girlfriend made her be treated almost like ... royalty. That was it. He was like a ruling monarch.

At least she wasn't the only one who was treated like royalty. She waved at Lena as she entered the cafeteria. She was a princess. In every way.

Eden looked forward to talk to Lena and also hear the latest news about Luigi. She knew Luigi was in Mexico spending time at the house of Serrano family, a Spanish crime family whose daughter was part of Luigi's fan club.

After news had reached her a week ago at that hotel that Lena had been found and she was returning, she had been over the moon. She looked forward to see Lena and looked forward to returning to her normal life. She looked forward to coming back to school. But now at school she was not so thrilled. Why was everyone giving her special treatment? This was too much. Was this how her life going to be like if she chose to stay with Luigi longer?

Lena grabbed a plate of pastry from the cafeteria counter and walked to Eden. She sat down opposite her around her table and said "Hi Eden..."

Eden said "Hi. What's the news today?"

Lena knew Eden was asking about Luigi. She said "It does not seem like Luigi could be home any time soon..."

Eden raised an eyebrow "Really? How long does he have to stay there in Mexico?"

Lena shrugged "Until Estrella's parents return home from their trip."

Eden sighed "I understand he has duties. But does he have to represent your family there? Why does he have to be the one to stay to pay respects?"

Lena said with a sigh "If I had not gone missing, then he wouldn't have to stay... The Serranos gave me back safely when they were not really obliged to. They did not ask for anything in return except the chance to sit down with a representative of our family. She was the only Serrano at that house at the time and she chose Luigi so Luigi had to stay..."

Eden said "This is crazy..."

Lena nodded "Yes. I know..."

Eden said "How big is Luigi's fan club Lena? Are there more girls out there who are competing for his hand? He has so many choices... A big range..."

Lena said "Eden. It does not matter.... Luigi loves you so much... There is no way he would ever consider being with another girl on even one date now that he has you as his girlfriend.... He does not care for other girls... He never has... It does not matter how many choices he has... He has chosen you.... You are the one and only for him..."

Eden did not argue with Lena... She finished her pastry and said goodbye to Lena. As she walked towards her locker in a deserted corridor, she came across Gianluca. She was startled.

Gianluca said "Hi..."

Eden put her hand on her heart "Hi... You are like a phantom... Where did you come from?"

Gianluca said "Sorry... I saw you walk here, so I thought I catch up quickly... I need to talk to you... It's important..."

Eden said "Ok... Sure... What's going on?"

Gianluca said "Not here..."

Eden then found herself in Gianluca's Football Captain office. She took a seat and Gianluca stood around pacing the floor. "Eden... I had a message from Luigi..."

Eden froze "Message? He sent you a message? I thought Lena said his communications are being controlled... She said he wont phone or send letters because its being intercepted... Lena said he only calls to say he is ok and that is it..."

Gianluca said "His communication is being controlled... Yes... His message was given in person to someone he trusts.... They flew from Mexico to give me the message..."

Eden said "What was the message? It must have been important..."

Gianluca nodded. He sat down behind his desk while looking at Eden's seated form "He thinks you are in danger...."

Eden said "In danger?"

Gianluca said "Yes... But not around here.... You are safe here.... But if you get too far away from where he considers the safe zone, there maybe danger to you..."

Eden said "Who would want to kill me?"

Gianluca said "I did not say anyone wants to kill you.... I said you are in danger..."

Eden said "Danger is death..."

Gianluca shook his head "Not necessarily..."

Eden asked "Why does he think that I am in danger?"

Gianluca said "I am hesitant to tell you this... I am not sure why he wants you to know... But since it's his wish I tell you.... You know when they abducted Lena at that hotel, she was not the target... The target was you..."

Eden gasped "What? Me... How? Why?"

Gianluca said "That is what Luigi is trying to find out... That guy who abducted you has all the answers... But he is a captive of the Serrano family somewhere guarded in a Serrano prison most likely... Estrella won't let Luigi talk to him... Luigi has been trying to find him and interrogate him but hasn't managed to locate him yet... Luigi has other sources in Mexico though... When the Serranos don't watch him, he does get in touch with his family's contacts there and investigates about what happened to Lena... He said the big boss who ordered the abduction is feared... So he hasn't found the identify of those who ordered that Mercenary to operate at that hotel, but he is certain that the target was you..."

Eden was shaking her head "So... what does Luigi want me to do with this information?"

Gianluca shrugged "There is not much you are expected to do... He doesn't want you to worry... His family would make sure you are safe....He wants you to tell me or the Alessandrinis anything suspicious that you notice around you... Anything... His family might have a talk with your family about this information soon... Luigi's personal message to me was that I tell you first before anyone else does and asked me to ask you to please not to ignore anything..."

Eden nodded. She then rubbed her eyes "This is madness. This is insane... Why would anyone want to abduct me? It cant be to get to Luigi? I am his girlfriend. Lena is his blood... She would be a fitting target for that kind of motive... Do they want to get to the Fontanas? My aunt is a Fontana... Not me... The Fontanas do not like me and my family anyways after we were involved indirectly in my aunt being in danger.... Why would anyone want to come after me? Do you know?"

Gianluca sighed "Eden... From what Luigi has gathered, someone is trying to get you because they think you are a threat... It was not because they wanted to get to Luigi or anyone you are associated with.... The target was you..."

Eden asked "What do you mean? Why does anyone want to get me? I am no threat to anyone..."

Gianluca said "Luigi is trying to find out why... Don't worry Lena... Just watch out... Tell me or the Alessandrinis if you notice anything suspicious..."

Eden nodded "Thank you for the warning and passing on Luigi's message.... I will be careful... But I do not understand why anyone wants to get me... The only enemies I know of are the girls in Luigi's fan club... Do you think someone from his fan club is involved?"

Gianluca said "That is a possibility. Yes... Someone is after you... It could be anyone..."

Eden said "Seriously? If someone wants to be with Luigi then they should come forward to talk... I am willing to walk away if it means happiness for Luigi... Whoever wants Luigi is welcome to him if he chooses them..."

Gianluca said "You know if Luigi hears this he would not be happy... he would never give you up... I know how much you mean to him... Either way Eden... Even if someone from Luigi's fan club was after you they would be looking to eliminate you and not just force you to walk away... I am certain of it..."

Eden asked "I dont understand what you mean... You are confusing me..."

Gianluca said "The girls in Luigi's fan club wish they could swap places with you... But they also see you as a threat... Not because Luigi has chosen you... But because you have made Luigi choose you... You have qualities and potential. You are a threat because of you Eden... And no one else... You have earned respect... From so many.... All because of who you are... You dont appreciate your own potential. Others do... I dont know why someone wanted to get you.... But I am certain your ambitions, determination, personality and fighting spirit makes you worthy enough for someone to plot against you and bring you down Eden... Luigi has a fan club as you say .. But have you thought of that maybe you have a fan club too..."

Eden said "Gianluca... Come on.... I do not think anyone is in my fan club...."

Gianluca said "There is too many to count... Trust me.... But let's not go off tangent here... Let's not go too far... The fact is that even if for argument's sake you offered to walk away from Luigi it wont necessarily resolve anything here ... We dont know what someone wants with you. It could be your total elimination. Who knows.... That is the point I am trying to make here... Someone wants to get to you... It could be someone who is from Luigi's fan club ... Or it could be someone from outside the fan club... Either way you are in danger and you must be careful... That is all we should focus on... To keep you safe..."

The bell suddenly rang signalling they had to go to lessons. Eden looked at her watch and then stood up "Look Gianluca. I appreciate that you took time to talk to me before the Alessnadrinis do.... I get it... You say someone is after me. I dont know why and I dont know who is after me... But I will tell you and the Alessandrinis if I see anything suspicious... I will be careful... Thank you for being here for me when Luigi is out of the country..."

Gianluca nodded "Enjoy the rest of the day..."

Eden left Gianluca's office. As she left she felt baffled. Why on earth would anyone invest time and effort in abducting her? What did they want with her? She had no idea.

****

It was night time. Christian was on the rooftop of his uncle Artan's mansion. He was setting up his telescope to watch the stars. It was a calm and peaceful night.

Christian was looking at the stars. It was a hobby he loved so much. This was one special hobby to him for many reasons. The girl he loved also liked this hobby which was making it extra special to pass his free time this way. He looked at the stars and thought of his life, his past, his present and his future. He had dreams. Big ones. And now he knew he could share those dreams with Gabriela it made his life more exciting. His Gabriela had said that she loved him. That was all he needed in his life to make it complete. She loved him. Now that he knew that, he was going to make sure he did everything in his power to make her his. Now that he knew she felt the same way about him, his life suddenly looked much brighter to him.

Christian heard his cousin Archer's voice from behind him "There you are... You have been hiding up here it seems. I have been looking for you..."

Christian didn't turn around and just carried on watching the stars. He didn't respond as he admired the clear sky with its beautiful stars.

Archer sighed and stood behind Christian "I am talking to you Christian..."

Christian straightened up and turned around "What do you want Archer?"

Archer said "Our grandfather has come to visit and he is asking for you... Everyone went to greet him except you..."

Christian said "Tell him you couldn't find me..." He was reluctant to meet with his grandpa, Ardan Armstrong.

Archer said "Christian. You don't seem to understand the seriousness of some situations at all. Grandpa is the head of the Armstrong from family. He has arrived and everyone is there greeting him. everyone.... And he insists that he wants to see you now so you go to him... You cant disobey his orders with no consequence..."

Christian sighed "Why did he send you to find me of all the people?"

Archer said "He didn't send me actually. He sent some guards who are searching every room in this mansion right now... I came to find you because I know you can't keep grandpa waiting... He doesn't like it..."

Christian said "So you volunteered to come find me?"

Archer said "Yes. I did. Now. Let's go..."

Christian said "Archer. I knew when he was coming and I ensured to make myself scarce long before his arrival. So why don't you go back... You haven't seen me..."

Archer said "Why do you have to be so difficult? He is our grandfather. Stop trying to give him the stranger treatment... Is it too much to ask to show up and see him?"

Christian said "Go back Archer. I don't want to go right now. I am watching the stars..."

Archer said "Bad idea... You have chosen the wrong time for this defiant act of yours... You must go down now... Don't keep grandpa waiting. He will be angry with you..."

Christian said "I need to watch the stars now. The skies won't be this clear later on tonight... I will go when they are about to declare me missing... I will give them a well justified excuse. I won't get caught..."

Archer said "The guards will eventually check the roof... You can't get caught star gazing when you should be greeting grandpa."

Christian sighed.

Archer then started walking away "I cant understand you... Is it worth getting caught star gazing on a night you know full well he is coming?"

Christian said "Fine. We go..." Archer had a point. It was not worth it.

Christian started following his cousin.

Archer said as he was walking away "Finally. Your common sense seems to be prevailing..." He did not understand how Christian could dare keep their grandfather waiting. No one else dared.

****

Christian was sitting down at the dinner table having a not so quiet meal with his uncle's family and his grandpa Ardan.

His uncle Artan lived separately from his grandpa, Ardan Armstrong. That was a relief. He did not need to see his grandpa Armstrong often. But he had to see him sometimes. He was a caring grandpa even though he was a brutal and feared businessman. But Christian was not very fond of him since he did not like his grandpa Kavannagh much. They clashed. But civil relations were regardless existent between the two families. If grandpa Armstrong started showing more respect towards his grandpa Kavannagh they could get along better for sure.

Everyone was busy talking as they were having a meal.

Christian was mostly silent unless his cousin, Archer who sat next to him nudged him to say something... Grandpa Armstrong was in a cheerful mood and talked alot and also was listening to other conversations around the table. He glanced around the table from time to time and a few times made eye contact with Christian.

Finally, Grandpa Armstrong cleared his throat and took the posture he usually did when he wanted to address the table. The table went silent quickly.

Ardan Armstrong said "I would like to propose a toast to my grandsons, Christian and Archer. The lights of my eyes."

Everyone raised their glasses. Archer and Christian did not move. They had stopped eating and watched as everyone raised their glasses and drank.

Ardan Armstrong then smiled "So... Christian and Archer... Tell me about yourselves... I am interested to hear from my heirs... How have you been?"

Christian sighed. Why did his grandpa Armstrong want to hear from him? His cousin, Archer started answering and talked about himself. Once he finished he turned to Christian and gave him a look that said now its your turn.

Christian sighed "There is not much to tell..."

Ardan Armstrong raised an eyebrow "There is alot to tell... Tell me are you happy here in Chicago Christian? Is all well?"

Christian knew he had to give an answer so he shrugged and decided to oversimplify his response and hope his grandpa left him alone and was going to satisfied with his response. So he shrugged "Chicago is different to New York... I have learnt alot from uncle Artan... It's been an educational stay..... And its fun spending time here with Archer... We get along... But I miss home in New York... I cant wait to return... Thanks for asking...." His grandpa Kavannagh had not returned from his business trip yet. So he had to stay here for now and there was no way around it because his uncle Artan called the shots and made the most of his grandpa Kavannagh's absence. His grandpa Kavannagh was his legal guardian so once he returned he did not have to hang out with the Armstrongs any more. Archer was ok but he was not fond of anyone else here because they did not like the Kavannaghs.

Ardan Armstrong nodded and drank from his wine glass. He then put the glass down "You miss home in New York you say? But your home is in Chicago too Christian... Dont forget that... You must take your responsibilities as an Armstrong seriously."

Christian decided not to argue. It was not worth it. So he just said "Yes grandpa..." He then drank from his juice.

Ardan Armstrong said "If you miss home then return to New York next week for a few days..."

Christian almost coughed. His grandpa Armstrong did not want him to return to New York and did not even like it when Christian mentioned returning to New York. Why did he say that? But who cared. Christian quickly said "Sure.... Thats a great idea." He smiled.

After the meal, when everyone went to the other room, Christian was still sat at the table eating his third helping of a dessert as Archer was sitting there looking at him. There was only him and Archer at the table now.

Archer sighed as he looked at his watch "When do you finish?"

Christian said "This dessert is so good. If others are not eating it why let it go to waste? Why dont you go to the other room?"

Archer shrugged. "I get bored in the other room. You said its fun spending time with me... The feeling is mutual... I really dont want you to go back to New York next week..."

Christian said "You can come and tag along if you like. Why not? I can help you get yourself a girlfriend..."

Archer narrowed his eyes "What? You want to send me on a date?"

Christian said "Not exactly.... You see... I dont know when my grandpa Kavannagh will return from his business trip. So I will get my school to schedule the homecoming dance next week so I get to go with Gabriella.... You can attend the dance. You never know. You may get yourself a girl so your parents would stop asking you when you are getting a girlfriend..."

Archer said "Or I can just wait and see who my parents force me to marry when the time comes and I dont have a girlfriend. Thats easier..."

Christian said "Taking the easy option is not an option..."

Archer said "Sure.... Whatever you say.... You know if I were you I would try to stay on grandpa Armstrong's good side... You should try to be as diplomatic as today... He suggested you visit New York when you said you miss your home in New York...."

Christian said "I dont know why he did that..."