Chapter 1: His Homecoming

Him.

Sol was a famous back-to-back lightweight division champion in MMA, but his roots were unknown. He threw punches in the octagon, sending people to death just like the deity Anubis.  He was the fiercest, yet no one knew his real story, and no one dared to ask. 

Sol McConnell was the current defending back-to-back lightweight champion. He was fast, brute, and smart. Any intelligent fighter would definitely avoid agitating the Egyptian deity in the rink. He stormed to fame five years ago when he took down James the “Lethal Beast” McAvey in 30 seconds in the rink and was hospitalized for two weeks due to unforeseen injuries. 

Sol McConnell took the limelight and was celebrated due to his undeniable charm in the rink and, of course, his good looks. Not only was his strength and looks praised by many but he was also an intelligent mixed martial arts player with a master's degree in sports science. 

Unbeknownst to his real roots, Sol McConnell was the only heir to the McConnell clan.  The McConnell Family was Sol’s pride six years ago. But, everything was placed into a blur when that accident happened and pushed him to hate his brotherhood, father, and family. 

“You’ll fight next month in Rayfield City. Are you going to take this?” His manager, Sabrina Marquez, asked as she came into his house Wednesday morning. 

“What match?” He asked as he sipped into his coffee by the counter.

“Mr. McConnell, you must have forgotten that you signed up for a competition without your coach or mine’s approval.”

“Was I drunk that time?”

“I don’t know, Sol, you simply do whatever you want whenever we are not around. SO No backsies on this. I paid huge publicity for the competition, and big names are coming in to poll money. So it’s a win-win situation for us.” 

“Am I fighting an illegal match?”

“It’s not illegal. It’s what we call ‘business.’ Don’t overthink it. Also, the coach said to get your fucked up ass in the gym by 3. I’ll pick you up by then. Bye.” Sabrina muttered as she headed to the door. 

Sabrina Marquez used to be Taekwondo's national player in the country. However, during her qualifying round in the Olympics 2016. She got into an accident that almost cost her her life. Since her accident, she learned to be a liaison to players. Later on, he met Sol and became his manager. 

Sabrina looked petite, but she was the best in her field six years ago. If there would be a person Sol would be afraid of, it would be her. Although she looked innocent and petite, her temper wasn’t a joke. She had quick wits and was a control freak. 

[Hello,] Sabrina answered the phone as it buzzed in her pocket. 

[Ms. Marquez, how are you?]

[I’m fine. Who’s on the line, please?]

[I apologize for the late introduction, this is Leon McConnell, one of the investors of the upcoming league in Rayfield City.]

[Ohh, Mr. McConnell, hello. Weirdly, you do have the same last name as my player. Right, we would like to express our utmost gratitude that our player, Sol, was invited to this prestigious league.]

[No worries with that. We are happy he signed up for it.]

[We will be arriving next week, and don’t worry our fighter will not bail on you.]

[Good, just contact my son, Carl, in case you need anything. Once you get here I’ll have someone arrange everything for you.]

[No—-] and she could only hear the beep sound from the other line. 

Sabrina wanted to decline the offer, but before she could deny his help the phone was dropped. In this line of business, she knew she had to choose investors carefully or else they’d be dragged into a world she didn’t want to go back to. 

***

Six years back, when her career was just about to shine, she got involved in a car accident and alcoholic addiction scandal. She was removed from the national team, and her career ended in a snap. 

However, she knew in her heart that her accident wasn’t purely an accident at all. A week before the qualifying round, her stepfather owed a tremendous amount of money from the Carlton family due to his gambling addiction. She didn’t know about this debt until she found her stepfather bloodied and half-dead in the hospital. When he got conscious, he immediately begged her to throw the fight and lose. 

As stubborn as she was, she chose to go on with the match and even qualify to represent the country. What she did not expect was her famous car accident. 

Two days after the qualification match, she was dragged into a bar in Rayfield City and got framed. She completely blacked out after two drinks, and the next thing she knew, she was in tubes in the ICU. The national team dropped her out from the competition, her sponsors backed out, and worse, she was placed in three-month detention for a drunk driving case. 

Even the detectives on her case were replaced the moment she testified on what happened, the bartenders in the club changed their statements, and that’s when she realized she was framed. Ever since then, she stayed out of the limelight of the competition and went back to school to rehabilitate her busted knee caps. Her stepfather died for a different reason, and she went back to competition as liaison. 

During her “quiet years” Sabrina uncovered so many new things that she wasn’t aware of before. She became well versed with the mafia world and its big three. The McConnell, Hampton, and Carlton, these three big names, resided in peace for 50 years in Rayfield City. 

Generation after generation locals feared the name “mafia,” no one knew, these three families were responsible for the economic boosts of the city, its protection, and its prosperity. Although these families were considered “Good Samaritans of the City” on paper, they were still part of the huge different world called the “mafia.” 

These people owed her a lot, but she chose to leave her grudges and moved on. Her injury was one thing, but revenge wouldn't be a choice. The Carltons were influential, and an ordinary former athlete like her couldn’t afford to mess them up. 

***

Sol arrived in Rayfield two days before the itinerary Sabrina prepared. As he was scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, but now the foolish one was standing in front of Sabrina’s hotel room. 

“Sol? What are you doing here?” The puzzled look on her face clearly screams, “What the fuck?!” 

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” 

“I think it’s not the right time for this.”

“Why do you have a boytoy inside?” Sol’s face became sullen at the thought of it. 

“Hell no! I’m too busy right now, and I’m not wearing anything underneath this robe.” 

Then she finally pushed Sol away from her door, and she immediately locked her doors. She tried to calm herself, but she couldn’t. Sabrina had a visitor that night since she was busy preparing for Sol’s training plan and matches. Moreover, the McConnell sent someone over to assist her in the preparations. 

“Is there anything wrong, Ms. Marquez?” Carl asked as he stood near Sabrina. 

She nodded with her brows creased. 

“Is it personal? I can leave,” Carl suggested.  

The loud banging on her door became fiercer, so Carl continued, “I think you should invite him in, or else he’ll break the door, and you’ll pay for the damage.” 

The sudden change on Sabrina’s face became evident because other than looking for talented players, Sabrina was obsessed with money and profit. So she immediately opened the door right before Sol kicked it.  

“You have a guest.” Sol coldly uttered as he saw Carl standing behind her. “Who is he?”

“Good evening, Mr. McConnell. I’m Carl McConnell of the McConnell family, interim chief executive officer of McConnell Group of Companies. Nice to meet you.” Carl coolly handed Carl his calling card and continued, “I’ll be on my way, then.” 

Stopping Carl from leaving, he coldly asked. “When did you two meet?” 

Carl smirked and winked at her, “I met Ms. Marquez downstairs and helped her with her stuff. As a gentleman as I am, I should be obliged to do so, right?”

Sabrina was appalled by Sol’s protective attitude over her and pushed the two of them out of her room before the fight escalated. 

“Next time, follow your schedule. You’re on your own now, Solomon!” and banged the door. 

Carl looked at Sol with his eyes judging him, and by staring at him, his brother had grown physically and still was the immature guy he used to play with six years ago. 

Sol couldn’t help but laugh at Carl’s surprised look on his face. Who could even imagine that a person like Sabrina, who appeared to be “weak and meek,” was able to push the two of them and even graciously slammed the door? 

Sol’s laughter was playful, yet there was still a stone-cold aura around him. 

“Long time no see, brother.” and Carl bowed in respect. 

“I miss you too, brother.” and Sol gave him a quick tap on his shoulder before saying, “Let’s go out for a drink.” 

***

The night was young and with only a few customers in the hotel's lounge area. The two went to the hotel’s lounge and ordered expensive drinks. Carl was known for his wine, cocktail drinks, and bartending skills, while Sol was known as a three drink genie. 

When they were younger, the two ran a business in the South, and people in their circle knew Sol would get quickly drunk and would grant any of your wishes the moment you leave an impression on him. 

After the third shot, Sol would become a person utterly opposite to him. He wasn't the cold, overbearing Sol, but instead, he would flip to a smiling and agreeable Sol. And no matter what you ask him, he would do it, and most times, he would get in trouble for his drunken behavior. 

“Still the three drink genie, huh,” Carl asked as he savored his bourbon. 

Looking appalled, Sol grabbed the shot glass and drank it, “Hell no!” 

After two three – five shots, Sol was already seen handing out autographs and selfies on the dance floor, whispering to girls and shouting. 

“I’m Anubis. Let me bring you to your death!” 

Carl, who was down on his 7th shot, instinctively checked the surroundings and saw Sabrina. Although she was petite, her perfect figure and slick long hair would catch anyone’s attention. 

Her arms crossed her chest when she saw Sol dancing with another woman on the dance floor. Carl immediately grabbed Sol away from the crowd and whispered:

“Sol, fuck. Sabrina’s here!” Carl whispered as he tried to slap him with sense. 

“Who’s Sabrina?” His words slurred as vision tripled and the world was spinning. 

“Sabrina Marquez, she’s coming our way. Fucking act normal!” Carl urged as Sabrina caught their collars and immediately dragged them down to their seats. 

“Oh, this Sabrina.” Sol playfully waved his hand at her, “C’mon my treat, drink whatever you want.” 

Sol was pretty much done for tonight, and Carl could only pray for his salvation. It wasn’t a secret that Sabrina was definitely a scary person, and Sol was already halfway down to his death based on their situation. 

Sabrina looked at them and pinched both of their ears, and dragged them to the hallway.

“Seriously, Solomon?! I just look away for a minute, and you give me this?! What the hell were you thinking?!” She shouted the moment they left the crowded place. “Kneel!” 

Although his brain was still intoxicated with alcohol, he immediately knelt in front of her with his arms raised. 

“I’m sorry, coach. I will not do it again.” 

“And you! We don’t know you, but why did you let him drink?! You do know he is done after three drinks, right?” 

Carl was stunned by her angsty attitude and nodded his head in agreement. 

“I don’t care who you are but stay away from my fighter! And use your influence to take down the videos posted on F******k!” Sabrina sternly instructed and continued to drag Sol by the ear.

Carl stood in his place, tall and noble, and looked at them leaving the hallway. He silently offered Solomon a prayer and whispered. 

“May you survive the night, little brother”