SHADOWS OF NEW YORK

ARIA

Ɪt was a pleasant Monday morning when I awoke from my slumber. "Why is the sun so bright?Just then, there was a knock at my door, and my assistant entered. "Good morning. I have both good news and bad news," she announced. "Seriously, Ella, I just woke up, and you never ask what I would like for breakfast." "Madam," she replied. "Which news would you prefer to hear first?". Ella has Been my assistant for 10 years . and we both get along very well and act like friends when my dad isn't around . and she always saves me from shit things from. happening . "Please, the bad news," I said. "Well, you have a dinner meeting with your father's closest friend." she interjected, "Ella, which one? There are so many people—wait, no, don't tell me... Is it Mr. Nishimura, Niki's father?" I groaned inwardly, "Oh no, not him. I cannot bear to see that man again after he excelled in that mission in G.H.A.

Niki and I became members of G.H.A( GOBAL HEADQUATERS OF ASSASINATION(three years ago on the same day, a fact that our fathers are unaware of. It is remarkable how fate has intertwined our lives, especially considering that we have harbored animosity towards each other since childhood. Mr. Nishimura was a friend of our fathers, and they both attended Columbia University together, where they demonstrated considerable intelligence. However, I must admit that Niki and I possess greater intelligence than our fathers. The most challenging aspect of our relationship is that we have consistently competed for the top position in school, college, and now within GHA. We are recognized as the leading agents in G.H.A.

"Ella, there's no way I'm going to that dumb dinner. I have to go to Jules' birthday party today, you know that, right?". "Yeah, but I don't think Sir Albert would be ok with that." Albert is my dad, but his Korean name is Kim Tae San. Since we've been living abroad, he prefers everyone to call him Albert. "Ella, I swear to God." "Okay, now tell me the good news." "You've been chosen for the next mission to steal the red diamond from Mr. Russo, which was taken eight years ago." "Ella, how is that good news?" Russo was a jewelry owner of La Marco who was obsessed with all that fossil fuel shit . "That guy just wants fucking more money, doesn't he? Like he doesn't have enough already."

"so mam would u like to have breakfast with Dad. i replied, "Yes, please, finally!" I headed downstairs and saw Dad chatting with his assistant about work stuff. I took a seat at the table and quietly dug into my pancakes. Once his assistant left, I decided to ask him, "So, Dad, I heard we're having dinner tonight with Mr. Nishimura." He nodded and said, "Yeah, Aria, we're joining our company, and guess what? Your favorite friend is coming too!" . him and his stupid jokes"Seriously, Dad" I thought to myself. If he knew what I was up to (translation:that I am part of GHA and killing people), he wouldn't look at me the same way. "Just kidding!" he laughed. "But Dad, I have to go to Jules' birthday party tonight."Jules was also my friend since childhood after my mom died when I was 4 .she made smile every time when I was with her . "I can't skip someone's birthday party and most importantly its jule's" He replied, "I know, Aria, but this is more important." I couldn't understand why I had to be at that boring dinner. " dad pls, and why do I need to come? " I said, feeling confused. Dad never invited me to his dinner parties unless only if his business partners kids were there. Plus, he always hinted that he wanted me to get married soon since I was almost thirty. Then he dropped a bombshell: "Yeah, Aria, I also asked Nishimura for hand in marriage." I nearly choked on my food. "What the heck? No way." I exclaimed. "What do you mean, Aria? You two have known each other since childhood." And that was exactly the fucking problem.