SECURED

FATHER.

•David Martin•

"Congratulations, Vid," Peter said to me with a smile. I returned his smile, though I couldn't shake off my worry.

"Aren't you happy that your daughter completed her first mission?"he asked.

"Thanks, Peter. I'm very happy that my daughter accomplished what she set out to do, and I'm incredibly proud of her for completing the mission," I replied.

"But as a father, I'm worried about her. I hope she's not too badly injured."

"She'll be fine. I talked to her on the phone, and besides, I trained her-she'll be alright, Vid,"Peter said confidently.

"She always wanted to be like you, David. That girl won't break; even if she falls, she'll get back up and shine,"Vid added.

"Yes, she will," I said, my voice full of pride.

"No one would guess you're the director of our organization. You were always so grumpy, but after Ciya came into your life, you've become less cold-hearted," Peter remarked.

"Don't remind me of those days,"I grumbled, making him laugh.

"Alright, Ciya will be here tomorrow. She has to stay in Russia tonight," he said.

"Don't worry, I'll go get her," I responded.

"Don't tell me you're planning to go yourself,"Peter said, his eyes widening in surprise. "You know she can come on her own, right? Plus, you can't go, Vid-you're the director."

"I know, but I'm not going as the director. I'm going as her father. Besides, I'll change my attire and be careful not to get caught. You know we've been doing this for years. Trust me, I'll be careful," I assured him.

"I have no doubt about that. In the meantime, I'll handle those ministers," Peter said.

"Okay," I replied, leaving our organization's hidden headquarters behind a local bank.

As I got into my car, I checked the time on my phone and looked at the wallpaper-a picture of my daughter, Ciya. She had taken a selfie with me after blackmailing me into it.

My daughter, Ciya. I smiled as I looked at her photo. If someone had told me 11 years ago that I could be this warm-hearted, I would've called them a liar. But I became this way because of my little girl.

Before her, my life was all about missions, helping the government, and torturing those bastards who hurt innocent children. When I lost my wife in an accident, I became a total jerk-constantly busy with missions, ignoring the organization's rules, and always picking fights with my superiors.

Until my daughter came into my life. I adored her. She changed me for the better.

**Flashback**

- 11 Years Ago-

I was returning from a party celebrating my promotion to senior officer. As I drove, I noticed someone running in the middle of the road.

I slowed down to see who it was, and my eyes widened in shock. It was a little girl, barefoot and crying, badly injured.

I immediately stopped the car and ran towards her, scooping her up into my arms. She had brown eyes and black hair, and her skin was bruised.

"Shit, can you hear me, little angel?" I asked her, and she nodded weakly.

"Hey, angel, please don't pass out. Can you tell me your name?"I asked as I carried her to my car.

"Ciya," she breathed out as I buckled her into the seat.

"Don't worry, Ciya. I'll get you to the hospital. You'll be fine, just stay with me, little one,"I reassured her softly.