1 Preface: Pull The Trigger (1/2)
As I walked into the park, I spotted a middle-aged man in the distance. He was sitting at one end of the seesaw, looking ridiculous as he glanced at me every so often. The park was empty otherwise, and I thought it fortunate that there would be no interference during the face off.
It was still snowing, the flakes rained down at a rapid speed. I was glad that no innocent lives would be endangered during this encounter. I quickly s.h.i.+fted my hand discreetly to my waist so that I could access my gun if the man tried to attack. I could sense that his eyes were glued to my hand as they moved, and he, too, pushed his hand inside the pocket of his jacket and prepared to pull his gun out and shoot.
I took in a deep breath as I calmed myself. The other man was hesitant; it just helped boost my confidence further. His jaw was clenched and I could see his muscles tense as if he were clutching onto the gun in a tight grip. He probably thought that he could shoot me if he had to, but I knew better.
He pulled his hand out of his pocket when he noticed that I had retreated my hand from my waist. He sighed in relief and continued to keep watch on me. I took a quick glance around the park, dissatisfied with his unwavering stare, attempting to find an escape route if worse came to worst.
My latest hit had been tipped off about my mission and was adamant to finish me off before I could get anywhere near him. It was understandable considering that only one of us would come out alive of this mission, and to want to be the one who survives is only human. I had been looking over my should for the past week, unable to find the opportunity to get close to my target because his lackeys just seemed to swarm around me, always vigilant, but today the stupid game of hide-and-seek would finally come to an end.
The man jolted up from his spot at the seesaw and I saw him s.h.i.+fting uncomfortably from one foot to the other. He was staring past me. His eyes widened a bit before he turned and bolted to leave. I felt my back stiffening immediately and I sucked in a breath, preparing myself for the pain.
It never came.
I was left stunned as a familiar voice resonated in the cold day. No, it wasn't just any voice; it was the voice of the man I had come to loathe with the very fabric of my being.
”Mia?” his voice was soft, almost a whisper. I didn't turn, trying to keep my heart in control as it thudded loudly in my chest. Ignoring my tumulus heart, I turned to him with the coldest expression that I could muster.
I was shocked to see his face. It was still perfect with sharp features and undeniable beauty, but he looked… younger. Though I hated him ardently, I couldn't help but be in awe of him. His velvety voice pulled me out of my thoughts again.
”Where have you been all this time?” he asked, false concern lacing his words. He was an astonis.h.i.+ngly good actor. Even when he smiled warmly and rea.s.sured people of his undeniable love for them, his cold and black heard was only concerned with using and throwing away the people he a.s.sociated with. And he never let them know his real thoughts; that was how good of an actor he really was.
He wrinkled his nose in irritation when he saw me nonchalantly shrug off his concern.
”Where did you go?” he tried again, and that time I let out a snort. His eyes bulged in curiosity as they locked with mine, trying to coax me into answering him. I had taught myself in time to grow resistant to his charms, to try and keep him out of my head so as to protect me from his mind games. I had learned not to let his treachery affect me. But facing him, being in such close proximity with me was slowly gnawing away the harsh training I had put myself through. I could feel my s.h.i.+eld crumpling as he kept on pus.h.i.+ng for information.
”d.a.m.n it!”
I smiled victoriously to myself as he ran his hands through his hair in frustration.
”Speak to me!” he shook me and my composure broke. I saw red as I pushed him away from me and ground my teeth together to restrain myself from shouting at him.
”None of your b.l.o.o.d.y business,” I growled.