Gran Matador

Everyone was clapping as they welcomed the newly wed couple: Magnum and Zenuine. They were so overwhelmed with the moment; as if it was the last time to see them.

"How lovely," I razzed. I puffed my cigarette, throw the stick on the floor and stepped on it.

"Berreta, why aren't you joining them?" Asked mother as she walked towards me.

"Nah, Mother. Not my thing," I replied.

This was all absurd. Marrying someone just because you loved them was foolish. Undoubtedly, Magnum and Kimber were twins.

Mother chuckled, her eyes full of amusement. I snatched a wine bottle and poured the liquor in my glass.

"Sienna might be ahead of you," she said.

I almost puked at her statement. So disgusting!

"Marriage is not my business, Mother. Men are selfish and stupid."

My mother only laughed at my statement. I guzzled my wine and enjoyed the stinging sensation running through my throat. That was pretty relaxing.

"Well, that was me years ago. I didn't like the idea of marriage until I met your father," she said dreamingly.

"It was you, not me," I protested. "Surely no one would dare to ask my hand. No one can be trusted these days, Mother."

"Right, sweetheart," she smiled. "You must be careful. Take care of yourself."

I remained silent. I suddenly remembered something.

"Why, sweety?" Mother asked.

I shifted to my weight. "Since we're done with the Ferragnis, what's our next mission?"

She pondered about it too. I wondered who could be the next target.

"Well, I got some. If you want to handle it," she said.

"Who?" I scrunched my brows.

"The Condez family. You know them, right?"

I looked away as I contemplated about the family name. It sounded familiar. I haven't heard about them for awhile now.

Condez family was in-lined with politics. They governed the entire Bohol province. They were involved with political dynasty.

"Governor Amon Condez still seats on the throne, Berreta. And as what I have heard, his son Abbadon Condez is running for mayor."

"In what Municipality?"

"Garcia-Hernandez," she replied.

I held my breath. If this Condez family was my next target, I needed to fly to Bohol. But before that, I had to study their backgrounds first.

"Send me their personal info and let me handle this," I told mother.

"I will let you but not now, Berreta."

My forehead creased. "If not now, when?"

"Let's celebrate first you kuya's wedding."

I rolled my eyes tiredly. "Mom, this is not my thing."

"I know. But have some respect."

I mocked my mother mentally. What was the point of celebrating something that was not even my victory?

"Ma, I have to go. Give me the details of Condez then I'll plan ahead," I said. "Send my courtship to kuya."

I walked out but before I could go far, someone called me. I rolled my eyes tiredly and faced Kimber— who was carrying her baby Titus.

"Where you going?" She asked as she walked towards me.

"I have my own business to run, Kimber," I replied and faked a sweet smile.

"Why leave too soon? Don't you want to celebrate with us?" She asked.

I smiled. I held Titus' hand. My heart hurt a bit.

"No need, Kimber. I have important matter to do."

"Can't it wait? This gathering only happens once but you're leaving too soon."

"I already sent my gifts to them, Kimber. That's enough for now,"

She looked disappointed and hurt at the same time. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. She can't change my mind with that face.

"Berreta," she called.

"Not now, Kimber. I have to go," I coldly said. I didn't wait for her response rather I walked out promptly.

I fished out my phone and dialled Chameleon's number. It took two rings before she picked up her phone.

"Yes, Gran Matador?" She formally greeted as soon as she answered.

"Prepare yourselves. We have another target," I said and cut the other line.

I smirked. I can picture out already the scenes in my mind. Ready to fall for my trap, Condez Family.

I drove back to my place. I have to plan ahead. Once I receive the information, I will make a move.

As soon as I arrived at my place, I gathered my men together. I ran my computer and settled on my seat.

"Gran Matador," they called.

"Yes?" I replied.

"Anything we can do?"

I glanced at Cuttlefish, a codename.

"Have some research about Condez Family in Bohol," I replied.

"You mean Governor Amon Condez?" Peacock replied.

"Yep," I swang my chair and smirked at Peacock. "Now, I want the complete research tomorrow."

"Okay, Gran Matador," they replied in chorus.

I smirked and played my fingers. I hummed and looked at my team. This was so interesting.

Few days passed after Magnum's wedding, my mother has been nagging me to give myself a chance to love. That was so disgusting! Her voice was already an irksome!

"Mom, how many times do I have to tell you I'm not gonna grant your request? Even if you shed blood!" I protested annoyingly.

Why can't she just understand?! Love was not my thing! I won't waste my time for that!

"Relax, Berreta. I'm just teasing you, darling," Mama said in between her laughs. She was always like that. She enjoyed getting into my skin.

"Well, this is not funny, Mother. Stop comparing me from your twins!"

"Berreta," she warned. Her eyes darkned. I heaved a long sigh and rolled my eyes in annoyance.

"Mom, please... don't make this hard for me," I desperately begged.

She smiled sweetly and fixed my hair. I had this feeling she already knew the truth. Whatever it was, I didn't know.

"It's okay, darling," she said while playing my hair. "I am your mother. You can be honest with me."

"Mom," I pushed her hand off but she just chortled. She really knew how to piss me off.

"Do you have the copy of Condez Family?" She asked.

"Yes, and I am planning it thoroughly."

"Like what?"

"What else, Mother? Mess with them."

"Do you really have to do this?"

"I'm bored, Mother. I want some fun."

"You're always having fun playing with people."

"Because they are stupid, easily tricked and foolish. Name it all."

Mother chuckled. She was amused with me. Then she sighed and smiled at me.

"You don't fail to impress me everytime, darling. Okay, I'll permit you this time. If you need my help, I'll be there to save your ass."

"When did I ever fail you, Mother?" I bragged.

"Hmm," she hummed playfully.

I knew she was playing safe. I knew her too well.

"We're done, Mother. I need to go," I said.

"Okay. Take care."

"I will," my last replied then disappeared out of her sight.

I went inside my car and drove away. Tonight, I'll be flying to Bohol to meet the Condez Family. There was nothing more interesting to do than to play this game.

I went back to my place and gathered my team together. They were all as ready as me.

"Just speak the words, Gran Matador. What else do you want us to do?" Beetle asked.

"Call Mr. Del Fierro and tell him to call Governor Condez's secretary to inform him I will negotiate with her boss. Same old tricks, Beetle."

"Yes, Gran Matador," she replied.

I smiled in mischief.

Have fun, Berreta.