THE ELITE AGENT

49. ABYSS OF BEAUTY.

Alex's POV:

My cold, clammy hand wrapped around the doorknob. I yank it open wide. I urge my leg to move forward and step out the door, but my mind is already yearning for another look at her. Despite the fact that I saw her a few seconds back.

I discreetly tilt my head. I see her staring up at the ceiling, one of her hands behind her head, lost in thought.

I know she lied. I know there is definitely some other reason for her visit to the hospital. What could it be? Is it because she daydreams? Why did she yell all of a sudden in the conference room? She has been acting weird lately, and I have yet to find out why.

"Gonna stare at me like that all day?" She inquired, her gaze still focused on the ceiling. She turns her head tiredly to look at me. Her emerald radiance is completely lost behind those blinking eyelids. She has lost her composure. Her strength. Her aura.

I leave the room soon after muttering a quick apology. The clicking sound resonated as the door shut close. A heavy sigh eludes my lips. I considered telling the chief about my growing affection towards Elena. That is, if he doesn't chop my head first. But my concern has shifted from my confession to Elena's health.

Should I go back to the hospital and check through the cameras? If she doesn't want to tell me, is it right to intrude on her privacy simply because I am concerned? Does my concernment justify my actions?

A sigh escapes my lips as I lean against the door. For the first time, we have failed a mission. We didn't manage to apprehend Meghan or the king. But why do I have an impression that something worse is going on which is obscured from my eyes?

"Loverboy, stop leaning against my sister's room," Ben ridiculed as he bounced towards me. I frown at him as I lean away from the door.

"What happened in the meeting?"

"Nothing much. Same boring sharing of plans. Dad didn't like most of them. He thinks Meghan would outsmart us like she has been doing. And he knows Elena is the only person who can outsmart her," He said, his tone slightly different as if he's dissatisfied with his father's judgement. "But unfortunately, she's acting weird," He looks past my shoulder at her closed door.

"Where did she go?" He inquired, his eyes snapping back to me. I shrug nonchalantly.

"Nowhere. She got bad headaches and left to buy meds."

Ben's scrutinized observation has been highly commendable. He has been noticing the slightest of change around him. Gwen's true identity. Elena's daydreams. As well as my sudden fondness towards Elena. He noticed it all. Though I have left the blanks open by not revealing Elena's whereabouts, I am certain he will fill them up.

"Hm. Interesting," He commented. "It took her four hours just to grab some pills. I see," He muttered quietly to himself, but loud enough for me to hear.

As I previously stated. He's observant.

"So, let's get into some interesting topic. When are you asking her out?"

I stuff my hands in my pocket as I fall in steps beside him. Normally, I would have frowned at that question, but now things have changed. I have changed.

"Well..." I begin, "Dad told me to ask the chief's permission first before, you know, letting Elena know. That was actually my original intention. So, I would have to talk to your dad first."

"No way! When are you going to dig your grave?"

"Now," I say as I open the door of my room. Asking chief for Elena's hand is akin to putting your own hand in the lion's mouth and hoping it doesn't bite it off.