The city lights flickered in the rain soaked streets as Leonardo Jake or "Leo" as he preferred to be called, stepped out of a sleek black car. At the age of 28, Leo had a reputation in the underworld that many feared and respected. He was known for his versatility; an assassin, an undercover agent, a con artist, a hitman. Leo would wear any mask as long as the money was right.

And tonight was no different, Leo adjusted the collar of his leather jacket, a grin tugged at the corner of his lips as he thought about the hefty payment waiting for him at the end of his job, his goofy demeanour often masked the lethal skills he possessed, a combination that made him both unpredictable and dangerous.

The target tonight was a crime boss who had double-crossed too many people. Leo didn't care about the details, all he needed to know was where and when. As he strolled down the dimly lit alley, his mind drifted back to his childhood.

He grew up in the roughest part of town, a place where you learn to fight or become a victim. Leo's parents died in a car accident only when he was four, leaving him alone in a world that didn't care, but then there was Gina, the old lady who had taken him in, she wasn't related to him, but she might be as well his real mother.

Gina had a hard edge to her, honed by years of surviving in a world that had never been so kind to her, she had taught Leo everything she knew; how to fight, how to survive, and most importantly, how to make money in a world that didn't care about you unless you had it.

Leo grinned as he remembered Gina's favorite saying: "Kid, there's nothing in this world that can't be bought, except loyalty.. that's earned." It was a lesson that had stuck with him, shaping him into the man he was today.

The sounds of footsteps echoed down the alley, pulling Leo back to the present. He slipped into the shadows, blending seamlessly with the darkness as his hand went to the gun tucked under his jacket, the target was close, as he waited, Leo's thoughts wandered again. He was a man of many faces, each one tailored to the job at hand. To some, he was a carefree mercenary, to others he was a ruthless killer, but beneath that all, there was a part of him that still the orphaned kid that Gina had raised. The one who knew the value of loyalty in a world that only seemed to value betrayal.

The door at the end of the alley creaked open, and a figure stepped out, shrouded in a long coat. Leo's hand tightened around the grip of his gun, but he didn't move, not yet. The figure paused, lightening a cigarette, in the dim glow of the lighter, Leo saw the face of his target, a middle aged man with a scar running down his cheek.

Leo waited a moment longer, ensuring there was no surprises, before stepping out of the shadows. "Nice night for a walk.. huh?" He called out, his voice laced with a casual cheerfulness that belied the deadly intent behind it.

The man stiffened, his hand moving towards his coat pocket, but Leo was faster, in one swift motion, he drew his gun, the silencer already on. "I wouldn't do it if I were you." Leo said, his tone still light but with an edge that made the man freeze.

"Who the hell are you?" The man demanded, his voice shaky as he dropped his hand to his side.

"Just a guy who gets paid to take out the trash." Leo replied with a grin. "And it's look like you've been stinking up the place."

The man's eyes widened in recognition. "Leo... Jake.." he mumbled.

"Bingo~" Leo winked. Taking a step closer. "Now how about we make this quick? I've got a hot date with a big pile of cash."

"Wait-!" The man raised his hands, desperation creeping into his voice. "I can pay you double— no triple! Whatever they're giving you- I can double it!"

Leo tilted his head, pretending to consider the offer. "Tempting.." he says, his grin widening. "But you see.. this isn't about just money."

The man looked confused, his brow furrowing. "Then what is it about?" He asked.

"It's about loyalty." Leo said, his tone turning cold. "And you've been stepping on the wrong toes, my friend."

Before the man could respond, Leo pulled the trigger. The sound was a soft pop in the rain, and the man crumpled to the ground, Leo holstered his gun, giving the body one last glance before turning and walking away.

As he strolled back down the alley, the rain washing away any traces of what had just happened, Leo couldn't help but think of Gina. He wondered what she would say if she could see him now, probably something like: "good job, kid. Now don't forget to collect your fee~" Leo chuckled to himself.

Leo pulls out his phone to call the client. "It's done." He said simply when the line connected. After a brief exchange, he hung up, his mind already on the next mission. For Leo, it was just another night, another payday.

But deep down, he knew that no matter how much money he made, it was the lessons Gina taught him that truly defined who he was, in a world everything had a price, Leo Jake knew that loyalty— real loyalty was worth more than any amount of cash, and that was something he'd never forget.

Despite the substantial wealth Leo had accumulated through countless jobs, there was one thing that never changed; his visits to Gina. No matter how high the stacks of cash grew, he always made time for her, bringing gifts that he hoped would make her smile. Gina after all, was more than just a woman who raised him, she was the mother he never got to keep.

Leo just finished another job, the payment securely transferred into his account, instead of celebrating with the usual extravagance his lifestyle allowed, he found himself in a small quaint shop that sells antiques and trinkets. His fingers brushed over delicate porcelain figures, colorful scarves, and ornate jewelry, but nothing seemed quite right.

Then he saw a simple yet elegant, sliver locket. It wasn't flashy, but it had a timeless beauty in it, something that felt just right for Gina. He could imagine her wearing it, keeping it closer to her heart, just as she kept him close all these years.

Leo bought the locket without hesitation, not caring about the price, it was a small gesture compared to everything Gina had done for him, but it was his way of showing her that, despite the life he had, despite the money and the danger, she was the most important person in his world.

He drove to her modest house, tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood that felt a world apart from the chaos in the city. When he knocked on the door, Gina answered with her usual warmth. Her sharp eyes softening when she saw him. "Leo, my boy~" she greeted him, pulling him into a hug that made him feel like a kid again.

"You didn't have to come all this way." She said, Leo grinned, holding up a small neatly wrapped box. "I brought you something. Just a little something, really."

Gina's eyes twinkled with amusement and affection as she took the box from him. "You always bring me something Leo.. you don't need to spoil me, you know."

"Maybe, but I like to." Leo replied, watching as she carefully unwrapped the gift. When she opened the box and saw the locket, a soft gasp escaped her lips, she lifted it from the box, the sliver catching the light. "It's beautiful.." she murmured. Her eyes misting over slightly.

Leo shrugged, trying to downplay it. "It's just reminded me of you, thought you'd like it." He said. Gina smiled, her fingers brushing over the smooth surface of the locket.

"I love it, Leo. Thank you.." she reached up and fastened it around her neck, the locket resting gently against her chest. "You always know just what to get me."

Leo felt a warmth in his chest, a feeling that was rare in his line of work, Gina's happiness was worth more to him than all the money he could ever make. She had given him a life when he had none, and no amount of wealth could ever repay that debt.

As they sat together, sharing a cup of tea in her cozy living room, Leo felt a sense of peace that he rarely experienced. For a while, the world outside didn't matter, no contracts.. no targets.. no danger.. just him and Gina. The woman who shaped him into the man he was today.

As Gina patted his hand and told him about her week, Leo couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe.. this was what real wealth looked like. It wasn't in the piles of cash or the expensive cars, it was in the connections, the people who made life worth living.

For Leo, Gina would always be a reminder of the love he had lost and the love he had found again, as long as she was there, he knew he'd keep coming back, no matter how far he strayed.

As they sat in Gina's cozy living room, the warmth from the tea in their mugs slowly filling the air with a comforting aroma, Gina glanced over at Leo, her expression thoughtful. The locket he had given her hung gently around her neck, a small but constant reminder of how much he cared. But there was something else on her mind today.

"You know, Leo." She began, her voice carrying that familiar tone of gentle curiosity. "You've done so well for yourself, but there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Leo raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of his tea. "What's that, Gina?"

Gina hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Have you ever thought about settling down? Finding someone special.. maybe even starting a family?"

Leo blinked, surprised by the question, of all the things she could've asked, that was the last thing he expected. "Me? A relationship?" He said with a chuckle. Leaning back on the chair. "You know im not really the settling-down type."

Gina smiled softly, not at all surprised by his response. "I know you've never been one to stick with one person for long" she said, her tone understanding. "But it doesn't mean you don't deserve to be happy.. everyone needs someone to share their life with, don't you think?"

Leo shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "I'm not exactly cut out for that kind of a thing, Gina. Relationships.. they require commitment, time, emotions.. all the messy stuff.. and let's face it, im more of a 'live in the moment' kind of a guy"

Gina watched him for a moment, her gaze soft but knowing. "You have always been a charmer, Leo. But there's more to life than just having fun and moving on to the next thrill."

Leo sighed, leaning forward and setting his mug on the table. "Gina, you know I care about you more than anyone else. But relationships? They're just complicated things, im good at what I do because I don't have attachments, I can focus on the job, get in, get out, and move on. No strings, no heartbreaks."

Gina reached out, placing her hand gently on his. "But what about when the jobs are done, Leo? What then? Don't you ever get lonely?"

Leo hesitated, her words hitting closer to home than he cared to admit, there were nights when the silence of his apartment felt too heavy, when the thrill of his lifestyle didn't quite fill the void. But admitting that out loud? That was a step he wasn't ready to take.

"Nah." He simply answered, forcing a grin. "I've got everything I need right here, besides, if I ever need company, you know im not exactly lacking in options." He winked.

Gina chuckled, shaking her head. "That's true, but those women, Leo... they're not really with you, are they? They're with the idea of you, the excitement you bring, but who's there when the lights go out and the thrill fades?"

Leo looked away, the playful glint in his eyes dimming slightly, he didn't like where this conversation was going, but he knew Gina meant well. "I'm not really meant for the whole: 'happily ever after' thing, Gina. I've got too much.. baggage, too much.. darkness."

Gina's hand tightened on his. "Everyone has baggage, Leo. But that doesn't mean you have to carry it alone. Maybe one day, you'll find someone who can help you lighten the load."

Leo smiled faintly, appreciating her concern even if he wasn't ready to take her advice. "Maybe.." he conceded, thought his tone was noncommittal. "But for now, im doing just fine by my own."

Gina gave him a knowing look, her eyes full of understanding. "Just don't close yourself off to the possibility, Leo. You deserve more than just fleeting moments, you deserve something real, someone who sees you for who you are, not just what you do."

Leo nodded, not entirely convinced but touched by her words nonetheless. "I'll keep that in mind, Gina. But for now, I'll think I'll stick to what I know best."

Gina smiled, squeezing his hand one last time before letting go. "Just remember, Leo. Life has a funny way of surprising us when we least expected it."

Leo chuckled, his playful demeanour returning. "If life's got any surprises in store for me, I hope they come with a fat paycheck."

Gina laughed, shaking her head at his usual antics. "You and your money." She teased. "But you know I want the best for you, Leo."

"I know, Gina." He said, his smile softening. "And that's more than enough for me"

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