Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 29: Beyond Loyalty: The Bonds of Trust

Beyond Loyalty: The Bonds of Trust

As Phoenix stood before Maya, his masked gaze held hers. "The time for truth has arrived, Maya," he declared, his voice low and mysterious. With deliberate slowness, he reached for his mask.

Phoenix's mask slipped, revealing the face beneath. Maya's eyes widened in stunned disbelief as she gazed at Harry, her mind reeling with the revelation. "Harry?" she whispered. "This can't be. You're... you're alive?" She stumbled backward, her hand grasping for support.

Harry's eyes, filled with regret and longing, locked onto hers. "I'm sorry, Maya. I had to protect you," he explained, his voice cracking with emotion. "Champ's thirst for power consumed him. Faking my death was the only way to shield you."

Maya's face contorted in anguish. "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you let me believe you were dead?" Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Harry's jaw clenched, pain etched on his face. "I wanted to, Maya. Every day, I yearned to reveal the truth. But exposing my survival would've put you directly in Champ's crosshairs."

Maya's world shattered like fragile glass as the unthinkable truth slammed into her consciousness. The room spun around her, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirling in her chest. She stood frozen, her gaze locked on Harry's familiar features, now etched with lines of pain, regret and longing. The soft lighting highlighted the sharp angles of his face, reminding her of countless memories they had shared.

Time seemed to suspend itself, and the air was thick with tension as Maya grappled with the revelation. The man she had mourned, the love she thought she had lost forever, stood before her, very much alive. Her eyes searched every inch of his face, seeking answers to the myriad questions swirling in her mind. The faint scar above his left eyebrow, the small dimple on his right cheek and those piercing blue eyes – all of it was just as she remembered.

Her thoughts raced back to the memories they had created together – laughter, tears and whispered promises. The ache in her chest intensified, a mix of joy, confusion and lingering grief. Overwhelmed by the resurgence of long-dormant emotions, Maya's heart pounded in her chest. The impossible had become reality. The flame of hope, extinguished by grief, flickered anew. She envisioned a second chance, a reunion of their forbidden love.

Her thoughts swirled with the memories of their tender moments, the whispers of forever and the promises they had made. Time seemed to fade away, leaving only the raw longing. The anguish of loss still lingered, yet the fire of revenge burned brighter.

"No, I will not collaborate with that Eclipse and his team," Harry stated while in the office with Gabriel, Maya, and Hyunjie, as a few crew members with Sander were behind, standing and overhearing the discussions. "We have no alternative but to depend on my associates at the FBI agency; they are the only ones we can contact."
 
"And... what about the cops?" Maya asked while lounging on the sofa next to Hyunjie. "I could also get in touch with the CID team about our strategy; since the FBI and CID have teamed up." She got up from the couch and noticed the wall clock ticking away. "It's been over an hour; I'm sure Champ's men are already searching for me at the private terminal at the airport. I know I can't outrun Champ; he'll be back here in no time because he knows something's off."
 
"Alright, I'm all set to take on Champ and come up with another excuse to get by," Gabriel said.
 
"No, there's no need," Harry said, drawing everyone's attention to him. "We don't have to hide or pretend anymore. This is the opportunity I've been waiting for: the plan is in place, my colleagues at the FBI are fully briefed, and everything is ready because Hyunjie and Maya are safe now. It's time to execute the operation to take down Champ and his syndicate."

Five hours ago, the atmosphere was tense in the cramped, makeshift command center. Harry, Maya and Hyunjie exchanged anxious glances, awaiting Vladimir's pivotal update on Gabriel. The soft hum of computer equipment and flickering screen lights were the only sounds breaking the silence. Gabriel's phone buzzed, shrill in the stillness. "Guzev..." he swiftly answered, his eyes locking onto the others.