Mission

As Sial approached the mansion, he took a moment to steady his nerves. He ran his fingers through his hair frustratingly. 

Was this potentially the last time he'd see her? 

Sial reached the door of the mansion and took another deep breath. 

….

Evelyn and Amelia were in Evelyn's room, Amelia who spent an entire hour making transactions finally dropped her laptop.

She glanced at Evelyn who was sitting at the vanity applying hair oil, "Humph, that man is still not back?" 

"Yes" Evelyn answered, Already knowing who Amelia was referring to

"Good" Amelia Cheered happily making Evelyn speechless. "By the way, those two suddenly seem rather close…" 

Amelia was well aware of Zetian and Sial's interaction which was like both owed each other million dollars. However, today the two rather seemed to behave unlike their usual animosity which was strange. 

Evelyn looked at Amelia, slightly surprised by the question. She had also noticed the strange change in Zetian and Sial's behaviour towards each other, but she just brushed it off, Nevertheless,

she too was clueless about the explanation for it.

"I'm not sure," she admitted. "But it's weird" 

The two seemed so secretive, their interaction at the reunion added to her doubt

Amelia nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it is weird," she said. "And speaking of weird, what's up with you and that guy" 

Evelyn looked at Amelia, surprised by the change in topic. "What do you mean?"

Amelia, being the gossiper she was couldn't help but roll her eyes impatiently "So, spill the tea, Evelyn," she said, a sly grin on her face. 

Amelia was reminded of the scene at the reunion when Sial said such words with deep meaning

Evelyn blushed a little, feeling a mix of embarrassment and irritation. "There's nothing to tell," 

Amelia playfully nudged Evelyn. "I saw how he was all protective of you earlier," she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she chuckled "He was like a lion guarding his pride. It was quite a sight."

Evelyn tried to maintain a neutral expression, but her ears betrayed her and turned slightly red.

Amelia rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on. Are you expecting me to believe that nothing is going on between you two?" She pondered and added righteously, "Actually it is a good thing, that guy does not seem like a good person. He already has such a reputation, try not to be too involved with such a person. Don't think this is your Mafia falling for the damsel story" 

Right then, the door to Evelyn's room clicked open. Amelia glanced up only to see Sial silently standing there, She shivered at the cold look. Amelia awkwardly laughed and then picked up her laptop, "Oh you're back, You must have something to say to Evelyn, go on go on. I'll go to the guest room, the air is a little stuffy here" 

Amelia quickly fled, Evelyn scratched her head awkwardly being caught redhanded, "Dont take it to heart, She was just spouting rubbish" 

"Ok," Sial said silently walking over covering the distance between the two. The silence between them hung heavy in the air, the tension palpable. Sial could feel Evelyn's presence beside him, her warmth almost burning into his skin. He took a deep breath

"Sial," Evelyn said, her voice barely above a whisper. She turned to face him fully, her gaze fixed on his face, the scar looking striking and his suit a little messy. "Is something wrong? You seem... different tonight."

"I'm fine" Sial's hands tightened a little but Evelyn didn't notice as she was staring intently at his face

Sial noticed the subtle movement and turned away slightly. 

"Dont move," Evelyn said frowning slightly, she reached out to his face but before she could touch it Sial shifted 

"I said don't move" 

Sial stood stiffly and stared at Evelyn's scrutiny, he gave a helpless smile "Don't look, it's ugly" 

Evelyn ignored his words, And turned his face around then suddenly she glared at him. Sial was stupified being shot a death glare, "What?" 

"Why is there blood, You both left hurriedly earlier seemingly to handle something only to spar!!?" 

Evelyn snapped angrily, she felt a sudden burst of anger which she had no idea why. While they were talking earlier she noticed a slight dried blood across Sial's ears and wanted to make sure

Sial was dumbfounded and his hands trembled slightly, how was he supposed to explain the truth, what could he possibly say? 

He shut his eyes tightly and opened them again, "I'm Sorry" 

Evelyn was stunned at his apology and her anger started to subside slightly, replaced by a hint of curiosity.

"Why did you guys engage in a fight this late?" she asked, her voice softer

Sial took a deep breath, his mind was messed up

"Listen Evelyn, Zetian and I didn't go for a spar. Regarding the injury, it was a … mistake. Zetian gave me intel on a new mission I have to go to which I can't tell you about right now" he said finally, his voice steady. "Not until I'm sure it's the right time."

At this moment, Sial could only give this as an explanation

Evelyn's expression hardened slightly, her eyes droop 

"You can't even give me a hint?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of hurt. Evelyn did not know what she wanted to know or why she was asking. She just found the situation quite strange 

Since when did Sial receiving mission require Zetian for information 

Sial's heart ached at the sight of her hurt expression. He longed to tell her everything, but he knew he couldn't. Not until he was also sure 

"I promise I will tell you, but not now," he repeated, his tone firm yet gentle. "Please, trust me."

Evelyn's shoulders slumped slightly, her anger giving way to resignation.

"I trust you," she whispered, her voice quiet but sincere, "I just... I just wanted to know if the mission is going dangerous."

Sial's heart skipped a beat at her words. He reached out, gently touching her shoulder.

"It's okay," he reassured her. "I promise, I'll tell you everything. Just... just not now."

Evelyn looked up at him uneasily, but After a moment, she seemed to relax slightly, 

"Okay," she said quietly, "I'll wait. But you better keep your promise, Sial."