Threads of Deceit

My mind filled with curses as I struggled against his hold, desperately attempting to break free and reach the surface.

Summoning all the strength I could muster, I launched a series of punches at his abdomen, hoping to loosen his grip on me.

As his hold gradually weakened, I seized the opportunity and pushed him away, finally breaking free and gasping for air as I emerged from the water.

"You..." I managed to gasp out, still catching my breath, my eyes blazing with anger.

"What was that for?!" His face bore a satisfied smirk, devoid of any regret or guilt.

He seemed to relish the chaos he had caused.

If I hadn't been trained and were just an ordinary person, I doubt I would have survived against his strength.

When a dominant alpha attempts to assert dominance, anyone is powerless.

As someone who has undergone rigorous training for years in the art of assassination, this harsh reality regarding disparities has become ingrained in my mind. Consequently, I've remained vigilant, ensuring my skills never surpass my judgment.

However, there was one instance where I faltered, an incident I vow never to repeat.

"You're surprisingly strong," he commented, his tone almost casual, but I paid no attention to his sudden friendliness.

"Are you crazy?"

"Hmm... maybe?" he responded with a smirk.

It was as if he found amusement in my reaction, further fueling my frustration.

"You could have almost killed me."

"But you didn't. It's a good thing."

I was dumbfounded.

The rumors about him being a psychopath—a ticking time bomb—suddenly seemed more believable than ever. I already knew that dealing with him wouldn't be easy, but to think he would suddenly try to drown me after remaining silent for a while—it was like a calm sea preparing for a violent storm.

I wasn't prepared to die on the first day of work!

I raised an eyebrow as I watched him exit the swimming pool.

"Should I express my gratitude then?!" I called out, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

He grabbed his towel and paused to look at me. "You should know, I could end you anytime I wish..." He emphasized the last word, his eyes locking onto mine, sending a shiver down my spine. I knew his threat was not empty.

The coldness in his gaze was enough to freeze the very air around us. His lips curved into a vicious smile — the kind that didn't reach his eyes.

 "But I choose not to... for now. So, stop being a nuisance." He then left and went to his room.

After that incident, I promptly went home.

Midnight provided me with another unit in the same apartment where I'm currently residing under my fake identity. It's just a precaution in case suspicions from the Sullivans were to arise.

Fortunately, Midnight knew that I didn't like being separated from my child.

Ha... Thankfully, he still somehow possesses a little bit of consideration.

"You've been waiting?" I whispered as I looked at Liam sitting on the couch, staring at his phone. He seemed lost in thought, perhaps waiting for a reply from me. I hadn't checked my phone since I had put it on silent, so I was unaware of his call.

Suddenly, he stood up and walked towards me. When he reached me, he grabbed my shoulders, his eyes reflecting a mix of worry and anxiety.

"How are you? Did something happen? Did someone hurt you?"

Liam bombarded me with questions, causing my head to spin even more. I was already stressed out, and Liam's questions seemed to hit the mark.

What amazing intuition he has...

It's a good thing I went to a department store to buy clothes before heading home. Perhaps Liam noticed, as he seemed to recognize the change in my attire, and he knew me well enough to know that I wouldn't buy something impulsively.

"How's Mauwi? Is she sleeping now?"

His eyes immediately narrowed. "You're changing the topic."

I looked at him, placing my hands on his shoulders and giving him an assuring smile. "I'm fine. Nothing happened. It's just that I accidentally dirtied my clothes, so I bought new ones because it would be inappropriate if I didn't change—"

"Sorin..." He interrupted.

It had been a while since someone had called me by my actual name instead of Shadow. If Liam used my real name, it meant he wasn't buying my excuse.

I let out a heavy sigh and looked deeply at him.

"Liam, I'm tired... not now. I know you're worried, but I'll be fine. Trust me."

He then nodded slightly and lowered his gaze. "Sorry... Rest well."

I held his face in my hands. "Thanks. Goodnight."

After talking to Liam, I promptly updated Midnight, omitting the fact that I had almost died at the hands of Hellion as I deemed it unnecessary to tell him. Instead, I provided him with a few details about Hellion, though there was nothing significant aside from the scene he created at Daisy.

Then, I went to Mauwi's room to check on her and kiss her forehead before returning to my room to take a shower.

As I felt the softness of the mattress, exhaustion washed over me.

It had truly been a long day...

Morning came, and I finished tidying up Mauwi before Liam took her to school. Afterward, I headed to Hellion's penthouse as I had received a request from Yarina to bring him food. The regular cook was on leave this month due to her granddaughter being hospitalized.

Yarina had already informed the security personnel about me and provided me with the password, as my handprint had not yet been registered.

That's why I found myself in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for Sleeping Beauty who was still fast asleep, even though it was already nine in the morning.

He was certainly taking advantage of the event cancellation. I had mentioned it to him the last night before I left his room.

I transferred the pancake onto a plate and drizzled some strawberry syrup over it before proceeding to make coffee. I don't know what type of coffee he likes, but I decided to brew some anyway. If he doesn't like it, that's not my problem anymore.

Suddenly, I sensed someone heading towards the kitchen, and it was too obvious to guess who it was.

"Who let you in?" his voice was so authoritative that it almost made me flinch.

I turned to him after placing the brewed coffee in the cup. "I'm Mr. Maximillian's secretary."

"That Yarina bitch. She really likes to meddle in things."

I'm no longer surprised by his reaction towards Yarina.

If he finds me annoying, I think he's even more so with Yarina, although he couldn't touch her since she's Maximillian's most competent secretary. During the interview, I could clearly sense her strength and dedication when it comes to her work. She's the type of employee who will do everything to get things done.

"It's too early to curse someone. Besides, Yarina is just concerned about you," I said, although I really doubt that.

"Concern? Yarina?" He immediately scoffed.

"The only thing she loves in this world is money, and that's also the only reason she sticks with my brother because he has a lot of money."

Well, I could understand Yarina, as it was also the thing that drove me to be part of the organization just to survive.

"I thought you'd leave," he suddenly changed the topic as he walked towards me.

It's weird to have a normal conversation with him after the incident last night like it never happened.

"As if."