A bracelet will do the trick

I get up early, well before everyone is awake. After a quick shower, I prepare a light and quiet breakfast so as not to wake the others. Once ready, I sneak out of the house using Meridia's car.

The journey to the special store is short but fraught with tension. I park and take a moment to compose myself before putting on a mask and hat to conceal my identity. When I enter the store, I am immediately greeted by a smiling employee.

-Hello, how can I help you?, he asks politely.

-I'm looking for a little gadget that would allow me to listen to someone, I said in a low but confident voice.

The employee nods and guides me towards a window where several accessories are displayed.

-We have several options, he said, pointing at the objects. "A bracelet, a necklace, a key ring, or cufflinks. All of these gadgets are equipped with discreet microphones and can be controlled from your phone. You will have access to recorded audio and can, at any time, deactivate the program so that these objects become normal again."

I carefully observe each option. The bracelet seems the most discreet and easy to integrate into someone's daily life without arousing suspicion.

-I think the bracelet would be perfect, I said finally.

The employee takes the bracelet and begins to show me how it works.

-You can synchronize the bracelet with your phone using this application, he explains, showing me the screen of his phone. "Once synced, you will be able to listen to the recordings in real time or download them for later listening. And if you ever need to deactivate the gadget, just click this button and the bracelet will return to being a completely ordinary accessory. "

I nodded, taking mental note of each instruction.

-Thank you, this is exactly what I need. Can you also wrap the bracelet in gift paper, please?, I asked.

-Of course, he replies with a smile. He takes the bracelet and heads to a small packing station. In a few minutes, he returns with the bracelet carefully wrapped in elegant silver wrapping paper, tied with a blue ribbon.

-There, it's done, he said, handing me the package.

-Thank you very much, I said, taking the gift.

I leave the store, the package carefully placed in my purse. On the way back, I think about the best way to give the bracelet to Koen without arousing his suspicion. I decide that I will offer it to him as a simple gesture of affection, something to mark our complicity.

Back home, I synchronize the bracelet with my phone following the employee's instructions. Once the process is complete, I hide the bracelet among my things, ready to give it to Koen the next time we meet.

When I come out of my room, my manager and his wife are already getting ready for the day. My manager sees me and smiles. "Ready for filming?"

-Yes, I said with determination. "I am ready."

-What do you want for breakfast?, Meridia asks me

-Nothing, I told him, shaking my head.

-Are you sure?, she asks me in surprise.

-Yes, I already had breakfast before you two, I replied, smiling at him.

-You don't usually get up this early, Meridia said to me, Koen came?

-No, not even, it's just that I wanted to finish the music for the film, I lied to him

-Even if you have to finish the song, don't forget that your health is more important, Meridia told me, concerned about my health

-Yes, don't worry, I slept well, I told him

-Are you sure?, she asks me

-Yeah why would I lie to you?, I answered him

-Because you don't want to talk to me about what's perhaps bothering you, she said to me, shrugging her shoulders.

-You're making too many films, I said to him with a fake smile on my face.

She was right, I had no desire to talk to her about my problems and especially my worries at the moment.

-I'll wash my dishes and let's go, my manager quickly told me as he finished his breakfast

After finishing her dishes, me and my manager leave together for the studio while Meridia prefers to stay at home.

I take a deep breath and mentally prepare myself for the day ahead of me.