C1 The Billionaire's Game

"Welcome my lady Danielle and Mr. Ferrer...Welcome!”

Danielle Gustilo and Roger Ferrer sat in their respective places saying nothing about my greeting. The waiter approached us to take our orders. I sensed their aloofness to me that I changed my strategy, for them to catch my bait. I kept my silence looking at them squarely. They noticed the situation that Roger started to talk about.

“Marco Fernando, we’re glad to see you again.”

“Me too, but it seems that your wife’s...,” my words trailing deep inside my throat.

“Forgive her Marco, she’s happy too...but...,” Roger stops and looks at his wife.

“I hated you so much Marco....that I want this meeting very badly,” Danielle Gustilo said suddenly.

“Ohhh I see....then it’s the best time to talk to you, Danielle. Can I ask you why you hated me so much?”

“You knew it, bastard!”

“Me a bastard? It’s you my Lady Danielle...looks at you now? It’s the year of the Billionaire now...and you......a poor-struggling lady of the beautiful city of Dubai?”

Danielle stops abruptly when she sensed my anger. She turned her head sideways to the left where she can view Mike Luna and three of my men sitting at another table.

"You know Danielle...Roger...I know all about the two of you....everything...that I heard...you want to talk to me? Am I right?”

“Yes Marco, that’s right,” Roger answered. “Sorry for my wife’s behavior.”

“Then...tell her to behave in front of me...you need me more than I need the two of you!” I shouted at them, faking my way to get them.

“Sorry, Marco...I’m very sorry...” Roger Ferrer said while Danielle keeps her silent looking at me.

“Then, how can I help you?”

“We need a large sum of money now...have to pay for our debts.”

“How much?”

“Five million US dollars.”

“Five million? How can you pay for that amount Roger?”

“I’ll try my very best to pay you....,” then Roger looked at his wife.

“What’s my assurance for this agreement?”

Suddenly, Mike Luna signaled to me and I excused myself and stood up. He reported the additional subjects about the couple which gave me another idea in gaining the situation. I came back to the table and spoke.

"Forget it, Roger...I have an offer for you and your wife. I will double that amount if you agree with me.” I make a sign to Mike about the suitcase and he hands over one folder to me.

“Roger...Danielle...read it...I’ll give you thirty minutes to read and decide...you can leave and be back here after 30 minutes, okay?”

“Okay, Marco.”

They left at once heading to their hotel room without knowing that I instructed my men to monitor them on the CCTV. After five minutes, one of my men reported to me that the two are fighting over their decisions. Danielle wanted so much about the money and to take her revenge on me. While Roger has an inkling of her decision, keeps his stand but wanted the money very badly.

"Okay, continue monitoring them until they’ll coming back here...go..go..”

“Yes sir...yes.”

Mike and I waited for my men to report again, but I viewed them all coming to us on the table.

"Mike hurry...talk to them...and report to me even they’re here...go!.”

When the couple appeared, I used my acting ability to persuade them even though I’m not saying a word. That’s the way I’ve learned when dealing with bastard people like Danielle. I observed that it works well, and I opened up my acting strategy. I posed Italian style, shrugged my shoulders, and looked at them directly into their eyes.

“So, what can I expect from both of you now?”

“Yes, Marco...I agree with your terms and conditions....all the way,” Roger said confidently.

“Okay, then Roger....could you please step back...I’d like to talk to Danielle alone?”

“Yes, sure Marco.”

Roger stood up and sat beside Mike at another table nearby. I started to release what I want to say to Danielle.

“Now that you approved with my terms, I give you this chance, remember...” I said to Danielle.

“Yes, Marco.... because I want you dead!”

“I’m sure you will...because you’re nothing now...and I’m ahead of you a billion times...see Danielle...that’s why I dare you to catch me...once and for all...or you still love me?”

“You fool Marco...I hated you so much...I’ll kill you this time to avenge for my children!”

“So, you brainstormed them for your baleful motives? Oh, what a wonderful mother you are Danielle! They’re my children too! You took away from me...You knew that I loved them, that’s why you kept away from me!” I shouted with rage that Mike comes nearer to me, and pull me out behind the wall. He injected through my arm and I calmed down instantly. I went back to the couple, ”I expect both of you....don’t be late.” I said to them before leaving the place. Mike and my attorney prepared the documents to be signed by them, explained fully the agreement, and answered their questions on the spot. The couple had no knowledge that I was inside my tinted car observing them.

Danielle Gustilo and Roger Ferrer left the hotel after signing the documents and my men were ever ready to monitor them all the way.

After performing my daily ritual; injecting adrenalin-boost, workout, and taking my diet pills, Mike reminded me to review once again the signed documents of Danielle and Roger. He persuaded a run-down for me to interpret of my own accord. I made these rules and I knew beforehand that it was very dangerous but I liked the excitement. Danielle could avenge her hatred for me and she could end up a billionaire too.

I knew Mike understood what I wanted him to do but still kept on asking and reviewing the agreement.

"Marco, do you realize this?”

“Yes Mike, I know what I’m doing.”

"Here on the document, it says that Danielle and Roger Ferrer follow you everywhere you go, find you...any terrain... and kill you....and your dead body must be brought to me to execute the transfer of money involve?”

“Yes, Mike.”

"And, they must use any modern equipment to track you down including the old ones...as in anything they like to use against you?”

"Correct...and I can only use improvised objects...or tactics... manually to defend myself from them...and kill them too. Any military and authorities intervention must be kept at bay...if possible elude them....or eradicate them with my own accord. That’s the beauty of it...I liked it then...it excites me.”

“Marco, you don’t want to live anymore...it seems that living is like a game to you...why my friend?”

“I’m a damaged person, can’t you see Mike? I’ve got everything I have but I’m living with those drugs...and...and worries about my family...I’m alone...only you...don’t ask me anymore like that, okay Mike?”

“As you wish Marco...Also, in the document....you can use your ATM card only but not the actual money...and I will monitor the three of you...every hour. Gadgets are required for the three of you.”

“Yes, Mike....rules must be followed by the three of us.”

“We have to announce this party, at the beginning of the game.....called Game FX...invites all classes of people; media, socialites, models, actors, actresses, banker, businessmen, writers, dancers, filmmakers, social climbers, friends, families, employees, politicians, etc.....etc.....Marco, it needs two months of preparation.....I supposed...”

“It’s a must, Mike....to announce to the whole world....“Bored Billionaire Hired His Ex-Wife and Husband as Hit Men For The Game FX”.....Mike, am I correct...or...“Bored-Drug-Addict Billionaire Hired His Ex-Woman as Hitwoman To End His Life Called Game FX”....which one’s the best Mike?”

“Okay...okay Marco...but please...if ever you change your mind....just pray to God and ask forgiveness.”

“Hoping to find answers Mike....this is the only way...”

“I’ll start right away Marc...by the way, how’s your preparation for Game FX? Anything I can do for you?”

“Just check my adrenalin-booster, ATM bank cards, and a rosary.”

“Okay Marco, I’ll go ahead with my assignments. Just stay foot here, don’t leave okay?”

I heard Mike’s last words but my mood swung indiscriminately I nodded my head for confirmation. I stood up, went to my bar, poured whiskey into a transparent glass, and gulped to quench my thirst. I poured another double shot to directly wash my throat towards my stomach. My body started to quiver profusely so I ran to the sanctuary room. The coldness of my flesh ran deeper into my bones, my vision formed distorted images and my mind floated into the air. I felt the world was distorted because of me. Images of the past kept haunting me forever. I can’t hide it anymore...Those evils remained in my being. I shouted in pain...”Living’s not an option anymore! You devil!! Go away! Go away!!!!!!”

The unknown feeling kept on agitating my soul, my vision’s vague, and I held my body closer to my heart. I felt somebody injecting into my arm and I slowly recovered from the wrath of the devils.

Outside the fence perimeter of my mansion, thronged by curious media people; local and international built their makeshift shelters in front of my house. I can see them through my room where I observed some of their activities. They’re curious about Game FX and they wanted to know more about it. They arrived early as scheduled by Mike Luna.

It’s publicized globally; really, it made tremendous waves across the continents!

All over the world, Game FX was spreading like a virus which gave hungry media people to know firsthand about my decision. Mike submitted some insights about the agreement we had with Danielle and Roger. Curiosity was the agreement we had with Danielle and Roger. Curiosity was the answer for some people about why I have to hire my ex-lover as a hitwoman and why I’ve decided this way since I’m a billionaire.

Mike did all the preparations from decors, food, event personnel, servants, waiters, and even maintenance staff. Every angle of his assignments was delicately composed of his prowess to organize people, equipment, and time. It showed his ingenuity in organizing this kind of event was composed of thousands of guests in one place.

I was very happy with the result that I prepared myself for this occasion. My energy doubled when I knew that my plans are forming like what I wanted.

“Marco, the time has come, seven hours more....has to begin the party. Are you ready with your speech?”

“Yes Mike, I’m ready and excited!”

"I instructed our guards to strictly observe the policy, “For Invited Guests Only.”

“Great Mike....take good care of everything...my trust’s on you, my friend.”

“I received reports that Ayah Isabel and your children are secluded in a secret place...Danielle and Roger too, in Dubai, they’re instant celebrities...but your two children for her...not to be found until now.”

“Thanks, Mike, any more news?”

"There are other speculations that your soul’s condemned by the devil according to Christian’s believers. Government institutions all over the world are clamoring about this Game FX you’ve created, that the UN’s investigating about this, including the gigantic Americans. But, media and cyber people are fighting back for their freedom of expression. Marco, this is much of chaos when people notice you in the street....and media people will follow you everywhere...Are you aware of this friend?”

“I’m excited to know that people all around the globe are focused on my endeavor...I like it Mike...it makes me feel the very important person, that they’ll give their attention to me...And, it’ll erase the worries I have had...Mike please, I need this very badly...,” as my tears are falling down my cheeks and I knew deep down in my heart that I loved my children Ayah Isabel, and Danielle.

"Marco....don’t...I can’t ...please don’t ...I can’t bear to see you like this...come on man!!”

“Mike...I’m lonely...I missed my children...”

"You need your booster now? I’ll get it for you?”

“Yes...before I begin with my Game FX...yes Mike. You know, those drugs are giving me much energy to live...to keep living....but I’m dead inside!”

"I know Marco...I know...relax okay?”

I stood in front of the huge mirror looking at my reflection, asking if it was me or another person inside of me. I got no answer but still, I continued looking at the wholeness of Marco Fernando, the thrill-seeker. I removed my shirt, got naked fully, and again looked at the image of myself. I turned to the left, turned to the right, and fingered a pouch of diamonds.

I went to the bathroom for my shower, towel-dried my body, and was back in front of the mirror naked when Mike appeared at the door.

“Marco, get ready now....one more hour to go, we’ll start the party. The crowds are very eager to see and ask you some questions.”

“Yes, I’m ready.”

“Put on your brief Marco and the servant will massage your whole body...light massage will do....”

“Okay fine.”

After 10 minutes of light massage, another servant gave me a glass of orange juice, and took a rest on my bed.

The time has come for me to wear my single-breasted tuxedo suit with the help of my servant. Another whole body viewing of myself together with the servant; I was satisfied with my outfit when Mike entered, embraced me tightly, and said, “Good luck Marco Fernando, you’re the best!” While holding his shoulders I said, “Thank you...I love you, brother!”

Mike escorted me from my room going to the huge veranda overlooking the gigantic receiving area for our guests. The scene was so panoramic, grandeur, and elegant. Even I couldn’t decipher my true feeling about my status as a billionaire.

I looked down at the guests who stared and applauded when I raised my right hand to them waving. I am not an actor in the movie; especially in the opera house, but I had the charisma to tumble them down through my antics. I used this before and it’s needed now.

Two beautifully sculptured stair railings are built for this purpose which made my entrance a dramatic one.

Cameras and videos of different brands started to blind my vision. It hurts. I knew it. I continued my everlasting smile to them descending the stairs together with Mike and the guards. I don’t like it this way, it’s like I’m a prisoner!

I remembered those times when Ayah Isabel and I were walking from West Avenue, Quezon City up to Luneta Park to discover something beautiful about Manila. Those were the days...those struggling moments of our lives...those stairways to my life...alone.

I couldn’t believe that Danielle contributed so much to my life ever since I was a struggling student; a nobody from the province of Negros Occidental, a trying-hard person with lots of dreams, and a dreamer, but now, I wanted Danielle to kill the dreamer....to erase those dreams as a payout.

I slowly went up the stage escorted by Mike Luna and the guards. I sat on the chair while Mike delivered his speech at the opening ceremony. While sitting, I observed my guests sitting at their respective tables; buzzing and talking which made the area like an astrodome. Media people were moving from one place to the other to get close-up footage of me and the activities.

At a table near the stage, I noticed Danielle and Roger were having their time chatting with each other or discussing their strategy for the job. I don’t know, but all I knew was Danielle wanted the job so much, to pin me down. I saw it in her eyes when I focused my sight on her.

I liked what I saw in her eyes; her motivation to play this game.

At last, I stood behind the rostrum where I received a standing ovation from my guests. I waved my right hand, they stopped buzzing and I spoke my first words.

“Good morning people....thank you for coming and I am really glad your presence here today,” I suddenly shouted, ”Game FX!!” Everybody stood up and shouted; ”Game FX" too, clapping their hands to the highest level. I raised my right hand again to silence them. It added to my ego to know that I can command them this way.

"Today, it’s the starting point of the Game FX, truthfully, a large sum of money at stake and the danger that comes with it. But this is my decision... it’s final. The agreement was approved by the two hitmen. Truly, I think you know them too. Enjoy your food and drinks...All the guests will receive an envelope courtesy of my kindness to mankind. Mike will be in charge of this gift.”

“Right now, I’m ready to answer your queries,” I said with conviction in my voice, the power of being a Billionaire!

XXX