SECURED

SHOCKED.

•DAVID•

As we sat in the back seat of the car, watching the city lights blur by, ciya leaned forward. "Dad," she asked with a small frown, "what's my name for this ball thing again?"

I glanced at her, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "It's Zippy ."

I know she will not like it.

She crossed her arms, her brows furrowing even more. "Zippy?" she grumbled, her voice filled with that cute, grumpy tone I have come to adore. "That's so weird," she added, pouting slightly.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her expression. She looked so serious, but her cute, scrunched-up face only made it harder for me to hold back my laughter.

"Why do I have to have such a weird name?" Ciya complained, giving me an expectant look.

I smiled warmly and answered, "For security reasons, sweetheart. It keeps people from knowing who you really are."

Ciya sighed dramatically, her arms still crossed. "I guess... but I'm not gonna like it," she said grumpily, though a tiny smile played at the corners of her lips.

watching the city lights flicker past, casting soft glows on the streets below. My thoughts wandered to a time long ago-back to a moment I rarely spoke about.

Dimitri Romanav who had saved my life when no one else would. It was a debt on me that I had never been able to repay, but the memory stayed with me, a shadow that followed me through the years.

"Don't tell anyone I was here, don't tell anyone that Dimitri Romanav was there" he said quietly, his voice low and serious. I nodded, knowing instinctively that this was one secret I 'd carry to my grave.

I never told anyone, not even my agency that i was saved by him. I owe him this.

But yesterday I spoke about him with ciya. But I didn't said his name.
I don't think it will create a mess.

Would he be at the ball tonight? I wondered, my gaze fixed on the glowing skyline. He must be. A man like him, with his influence and power, wouldn't miss an event like this.

The thought stirred something inside me-a mix of hope and anticipation. I hadn't seen him in years. Could this be the chance to finally meet again? To express my gratitude in some small way?

And what of his family? I had never met them but had heard stories. I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of curiosity.

As the car continued through the streets, I lean back, still lost in thought. Perhaps tonight, fate would bring our paths together again.

•CIYA•

As the car came to a stop, my thoughts were abruptly interrupted. I knew what was coming next-we had to go inside. I glanced out at the grand building looming ahead and sighed, pushing the door open.

Stepping out, I turned to face my dad. He was already looking at me with that familiar expression. "Remember what I told you about the rules?" he reminded me, for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Yes, Dad, I know," I replied with a slight roll of my eyes. "You don't have to worry."

"If you feel uneasy, just tell me," he added, his tone a little softer this time.

"Okay, sir," I said playfully, giving him a small salute.

"Alright, we've got to act professional," He said with a nod.

"I just did, sir," I shot back with a smirk.

Dad chuckled, shaking his head. "Okay, Miss Zippy, follow me."