A wave of relief washed over me as I finally allowed myself to breathe, knowing that Jiah was safe. All those months of hard work and planning had finally paid off. I recalled the moment I first agreed to this dangerous path; Sean, my old friend from the days of being in the orphanage together, warned me that stepping into the world of assassination was a grave mistake. He believed I wasn't cut out for taking lives, but the allure of power and the thrill of the game pulled me in, and I made the fateful decision to embrace this dark role.
My introduction to this new life came when I met Kyle at the warehouse where I used to handle drugs. He pressed me repeatedly, asking if I was truly ready for what lay ahead, emphasizing that there would be no turning back once I stepped into this world. Before I could even learn about my target, they implanted a tracking device on me, a precaution against any second thoughts. When I finally received the details, a photo of Jiah accompanied the promise of half the payment upfront—a staggering amount that made my heart race. I was told that completing the job would secure the rest, and I felt the weight of my decision settle heavily on my shoulders.
I had planned to execute the task swiftly, shadowing Jiah until the perfect moment presented itself. It came when she entered a coffee shop alone, and I seized the opportunity. I discreetly handed a packet of poisoned powder to the waitress, who was in on the scheme, while I positioned myself behind Jiah's chair. But as I listened to her cheerful voice and infectious laughter, a wave of doubt crashed over me. When she stood to collect her coffee, I intentionally bumped into her, causing the hot liquid to spill onto my shirt, a moment that felt like a turning point in my resolve.
She kept apologizing until I finally managed to soothe her worries. Sitting across from her at that table, I felt an overwhelming sense of inevitability wash over me. Words poured out of me like a river, each one a carefully crafted lie, as I desperately tried to prolong our conversation. Her eyes widened with surprise at everything I shared, and I could see that she was hanging on to my every word. As I prepared to leave, I hesitated but mustered the courage to ask for her number, and when she handed it over without a second thought, my heart raced uncontrollably.
That night, as I lay in bed, a single message lit up my phone: "Good night." Those two simple words carried a weight I had never experienced before, especially after growing up in an orphanage where such kindness was a rarity. No one had ever taken the time to wish me well before, and it felt like a small piece of warmth in a cold world. With each passing day, I found myself drawn to her more and more, wanting to shield her from any harm that might come her way.
I realized that I was becoming my true self around her, shedding the layers of pretense I had worn for so long.
I turned to Sean, seeking his help to uncover the identity of the person who had put a HIT on her, and I was taken aback to discover it was her own father. In that moment of urgency, driven by the need to protect her, I proposed that she come live with me. The joy that surged through me when she agreed was immense, but I was acutely aware that time was of the essence. I had to find a secure place for her, somewhere hidden from prying eyes.
Back in our childhood, Sean and I would often escape to the water, exploring in boats that took us to a secluded island, a cherished secret between us. I realized that this very spot would serve as the ideal refuge for her. Over the next few months, I made it my mission to prepare the island for her stay, ensuring it was stocked with everything she might need while she was there alone.
The thought of her being safe and away from danger filled me with a sense of purpose. I envisioned her on that island, free from the threats that loomed over her. It was a place where she could find solace, and I was determined to make it a sanctuary for her, a hidden gem where she could heal and feel secure, away from the chaos that threatened to engulf her life.
