MACBETH

"Stop it, Romeo! Now open the parcel" Capulet ordered, handing me the box.

I hesitated, carefully inspecting it. Knowing her, I half-expected it to contain a bomb. After all, she had a habit of bombing places, didn't she?

But when I finally opened it, it wasn't a bomb. Nor was it anything dangerous.

Inside the box lay a watch, sleek and expensive. A note was placed beneath it—of course, there was always a note. The faint scent of roses clung to the paper as I picked it up and read the printed words:

"Therefore I lie with her, and she with me,

And in our faults by lies we flatter'd be.

Happy Birthday."

I felt my breath hitch, my grip tightening around the note.

Capulet's voice rang through the cabin. "Romeo, are you hiding something from me? Why is she targeting you of all people?" His sharp eyes studied me closely.

I kept my gaze on the note. "There's someone inside the agency..." I murmured.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

"Someone in the agency is helping her" I replied.

"And why do you think that?"

"Because only our department knows that today is my birthday—or at least, the day you all celebrate as my birthday."

"It's your real birthday! You don't have to say it like that" Capulet muttered, patting my shoulder.

I barely registered his words. My mind was racing. "Then someone inside the agency knows even more than you do about me. Someone is helping Juliet. But who?"

Capulet's expression darkened. "Are you suspecting me?" His voice was unreadable.

"No, da—Sir" I stammered, swallowing hard.

He watched me carefully before speaking again. "But why is she after you?"

I clenched my fists. "She thinks that I killed her parents."

His eyes widened in shock. "What?" His voice dropped to a whisper as he took a step closer.

I nodded, running a hand down my face. "I checked the files. The bomb I planted that day—I thought it was the safest place. An abandoned construction site. But I didn't know… I didn't know her parents were inside when it exploded." My voice cracked slightly. "The entire site was destroyed. And according to the reports, her parents were killed instantly. No one ever found out who planted the bomb. But it was me. I didn't even realize it at the time. Why would I kill the parents of someone I lov—" I stopped, frustration gripping me.

Capulet's gaze sharpened. "The person you…?"

I turned away, breathing heavily.

"Are you hiding something from me, Romeo?" he asked.

"Are you her lover? Have you seen her? How did you two meet?" He fired off the questions so quickly that I barely had time to react.

"Father!" I snapped before catching myself. I inhaled sharply. "Basta dai! (Enough, come on.)"

His expression softened for a brief second, but he quickly masked it.

"I'll answer your questions" I muttered, "but not here. It's not safe."

He studied me for a long moment before nodding. "Alright" he said before turning back to his desk.

As soon as he left, I collapsed into my chair, rubbing my temples. My mind drifted back to the past—the moment everything changed.

I had never seen her face. Never heard her voice outside of our coded messages. But something about her captivated me. It wasn't just the mystery; it was her mind, her words, the way she played the game. I had fallen for a ghost.

And then, on that fateful day, everything shattered.

The agency had tracked her to the beach. I had whispered her location, thinking they only wanted to observe. But the moment they opened fire, I realized my mistake. I watched as the woman I had loved—without ever truly knowing—fell beneath the waves.

I had wanted to die.

But then after 3 years, came the note.

And everything I thought I knew crumbled.

She was alive.

The moment I realized she was faking it all, it felt like someone had poured a bucket of relief over me. I knew she was planning to kill me, but a part of me hoped—hoped that maybe, just maybe-something would change. That she would realized I never intended for any of it to happen. That she would let go of her revenge.

That we could start over.

I wanted to quit this job. It hurt.

I wanted to live with her. That was all I wanted.

It was either Juliet or… no one.

A sharp knock on my door pulled me back to the present.

"Sir!" The voice was shaky.

I turned to see Rosaline standing there, her face pale, her breathing unsteady.

I frowned. "What is it?"

"You need to go to the hospital. Now," she whispered, her voice breaking.

A sudden, sick feeling coiled in my stomach. "What happened?"

Tears welled in her eyes as she stumbled forward. "Mercutio…" Her voice cracked.

My heart pounded.

No.

Not Mercutio.

I grabbed my keys and bolted.