Shades of Lies ✔ [Completed] #Book1

34. Mafia Chess: Playing the Game of Power

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Athulya's POV

I haven't slept since his call. I can't take any risks, so I've been practicing with my punching bag ever since. Mom and Aarushi have made numerous calls, but I haven't answered a single one, well aware that he might be attempting to hack my phone. Fortunately, I worked on that code, and my phone is still secure. However, I need to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

It was midnight in Italy, and I found myself acting like a night demon in my room until I became thoroughly exhausted. At times, I feel like an energy bomb that quickly refills itself. However, if it doesn't discharge promptly, it might involve dealing with things that fall into the category of "illegal."

I spent my entire life building strength, pushing myself to the limits. It was a fear that gripped me – the fear of weakness. I despise the idea of being or appearing weak. The pitying looks in others' eyes are unbearable. It hurts to see that when your eyes are burning with fire, others try to pour water on it instead of adding fuel.

During the times I needed compassion the most, not a single person stood by me. I felt like choking with every passing moment throughout those years, hating myself each second. Now, years later, everyone sees a strong, fierce, outspoken, and independent girl. Little do they know how much I died inside every second to become this version of myself. No one ever attempted to look beyond the fire in my eyes. No one tried to see the little girl inside me—a girl who deserved to live a simple, happy life.

Now, when everything is going smoothly, it seems like fate has decided to send some troubles my way. What was the need for Mom and Dad to be so soft-hearted? What was the need for giving me friends when I know I am going to lose them someday? My life is full of dangers at each step, and I can't afford to lose my loved ones due to it.

The night wore on, filled with a turbulent mix of determination, exhaustion, and the looming uncertainty of what awaited on the horizon.

Satisfied with my exhaustive training session, drenched in sweat, I decided to take a brief respite. A quick shower later, I returned, mentally preparing to engage in the intricate game that lay ahead. The adrenaline coursing through my veins fueled a sense of readiness for the challenges that awaited me.

I dialed Robin to get the setup ready, even though it would be night in India. Thankfully, he picked up after just two rings.

"Provide me with the setup; I'm entering their security."

"What? Why?"

I shot him a piercing glare through the phone, my eyes reflecting a seriousness that wasn't typical of me. "I prefer you to be fully awake when I'm speaking, and no questions."

"First time, Madam is being serious."

"Shut up! It took me a lot of hard work to get this serious; don't ruin it. Provide me with backup; I'm hacking their system, and don't call me when I'm at their base."

I ended the call, opened my laptop, and within 10 minutes, I broke through their security code. How weak! Didn't I say I'm a pro at everything?

Placing my gun in my pocket and donning an oversized coat to conceal the bullets I was carrying, I put on my goggles and headed down to the reception. The taxi was already waiting outside, and in half an hour, I arrived at their location. They would probably, still be trying to find the bug in their security.