SHARED SECRETS

Q City

In the Market

Amidst the vibrant hustle and bustle of the market, an elderly lady gracefully navigates her way through the colorful stalls, picking out the freshest vegetables. Despite feeling the piercing gazes of two men who are slowly approaching, she remains focused, haggling with the shopkeeper over the price, displaying a spirit that defies her years.

At first glance, the two men appear imposing, especially the one with the muscular build who strides directly alongside her. The lady, in her late 60s yet possessing the vitality of someone in her 50s, continues her bargaining, determined to secure the best deal.

But then, without warning, the tension escalates. The man on her left abruptly seizes her arm, pulling her forcefully as he attempts to guide her away. Meanwhile, another man nearby stands still, his eyes scanning the crowd with an unnerving intensity. The bustling market seems to fade around her, the atmosphere thickening with a mix of confusion and apprehension.

The woman walked calmly beside her captors, a shadow of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. Inside, she was a coiled spring, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike back against her would-be abductors. They had no inkling of the storm that was about to unleash upon them.

The two men swaggered with confidence, convinced that nothing could derail their mission. They envisioned the handsome ransom that awaited them, dreaming of how their lives would change forever.

But just as they were about to revel in their anticipated victory, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Out of nowhere, a girl surged forward and landed a devastating punch on one of the men who had been intimidating the crowd in the hustle and bustle of the market.

With her messy bun bouncing and dressed in a simple T-shirt and blue jeans, she radiated a fierce determination.

In the crowded market, a young lady stood her ground against two muscular men who towered over her. With a fierce determination in her eyes, she dodged the first man’s heavy swing, countering with a swift jab that caught him off guard. The second man lunged, but she expertly sidestepped, using his momentum against him to send him crashing into a nearby stall. She moved with agility, combining quick strikes and precise footwork. The bystanders cheered as she fought bravely, proving that strength isn’t just about brawn. With each powerful blow, she turned the tide, showcasing her unexpected prowess.

The old lady stands at the side and observes the girl who is selflessly helping her, ignoring the potential danger. She smiles because few people will assist strangers when a risk is involved.

After rescuing the old lady from the kidnapper, onlookers gather to watch the dramatic scene unfold. During the struggle, the girl's arms get scratched. Upon seeing the injuries, the old lady offers to apply ointment, but she leaves when the police arrive.

The old lady sees her grandson also coming with the police.

Her grandson walks to her and asks, "Granny, Are you alright? I am sorry, I came late. The driver just told me that someone wants to kidnap you." He saw the girl leaving. Her brown eyes look familiar to him. He shrugged the thought away and turned his attention toward his grandma.

The elderly woman looked at her grandson and said, "I'm fine, John. But that girl, her arm is scratched. I wanted to apply ointment on her scratches, but she left." John looked in the direction the girl had gone. His crystal-grey eyes resembled an ocean, or at least that's what the girl thought.

John stays silent and helps his grandmother settle in the car. He drives away from the scene.

Government Intelligence Agency, GIA

The girl who had just outsmarted and defeated the two men strode confidently into the agency, determination in her eyes. She made her way to Mr. Kim's office, her heart racing with adrenaline from the encounter. As she stepped inside, she greeted her boss with a nod and reported, “Sir, I have the details you requested. Our sources indicate that they’re plotting something dangerous. I tried to gather more information, but someone spotted me. I had to make a quick escape before they could catch me, luckily, my face was concealed.”

Mr. Kim's gaze sharpened as he listened intently. After a moment of consideration, he smiled warmly and said, “Well done, Anna. Your courage and resourcefulness have earned you a well-deserved reward—a holiday for an entire year!”

Anna understood her boss's intention when he granted her a year-long holiday. She couldn't help but think, 'I know exactly what he's getting at. Maybe he could just say it's a different assignment. A slight tweak, requiring me to stay in-country rather than go on an outdoor mission.'

Anna snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the sound of a door opening. Mrs. Lisa entered in a wheelchair. She was about to see a different side of her boss, and everyone in the office knew how much their boss doted on his precious wife. He stood up from his chair, walked over to his wife, and asked, "Lisa, why are you here? I told you to stay at home and rest. Is there anything you need?"

Mrs. Lisa replied affectionately, "I'm just missing my hubby. So I thought to give him a little surprise." She has a cute smile on her face. She is gorgeous. She has black hair and light brown eyes. Mr. Kim is handsome with brown-black hair and grey eyes.

Anna has become used to seeing the heartwarming displays of affection between her boss and his wife. She deeply respects and admires the genuine connection they share. Their kindness and support have been present since Anna was just 15 years old. They took her under their wing and provided her with guidance and training. Now 17, Anna is starting her very first mission, driven by her determination to uncover the truth behind her parents' tragic demise.

They turn to look at Anna. Anna was thinking about her past she hardly remembered.

Anna Rey lost her parents in a car accident when she was seven years old, which resulted in memory loss. Her parents, whose surname is "Matthew", were prominent figures in Q city, but their company went bankrupt before the accident.

Anna is a beautiful 22-year-old with brownish eyes, a sharp nose, and thin lips. She has long brown hair and is 1.68m in height.

Mr. Kim clears his throat, and Anna looks at him.

Mr. Kim said while giving her an envelope, "Anna, this is your new mission. The person in the envelope is very powerful and you have to guard him by changing your appearance as he hates women a lot. In this envelope, you have his all information."

Anna replied, "Sir, Can you tell me why he needs a bodyguard?"

Mr.Kim thought for a while before answering, "Because he is very important to us."

Anna stopped asking questions when she saw her boss's serious expression. She was sure he was hiding something. Upon receiving her mission, she left the room and met with her colleague, Sherry, who had been waiting for her. The two long-time friends sat in the cafeteria, chatting with each other before parting ways, as Sherry had to embark on a lengthy mission.

In the office, Lisa asked her husband with a worried face, "Do you think it's good to send her to him? You know how he is."

Kim answered his wife, "I know. Only she can handle him."

Lisa nodded her head.

Mr. Kim and Mrs. Lisa exchange a knowing glance, and a sly smile plays at the corners of their lips.

While Anna hadn't seen Madame Rey for a long time, she decided to meet her as she had to leave the next day.

Madame Rey, the kind-hearted and caring owner of the Orphanage, has been like a second mother to Anna, nurturing and guiding her every step. Her bond with Anna's parents, who were dear to her, continues to be a source of strength and support. Taking care of Anna is her way of honoring their memory and the love they shared.

Anna is close to Madame Rey. Madame Rey explains to Anna everything about her parents she knows. She narrates the story to Anna of how they met Madame Rey and helped her when she needed someone.

Madame Rey is the one who introduces Anna to Mr. Kim and Mrs. Lisa, and they later train her to become a spy. Madame Rey does not know that Anna is a spy in GIA.

Anna is on a mission to track down her parent's killer, and she's found the support she needs from GIA to make it happen.

The mystery of her family's sudden bankruptcy and the mysterious accident fuels her determination to uncover the truth. She's determined to unravel the mystery, and one day, she will succeed.

Anna stops in the middle as she feels someone following her from the time she left the agency. Whoever it is not from the agency, Anna plans to change her route to her best friend's house.

She didn't want to let someone know where she lived. Because if they find out, they will find out about her family.

Anna crossed paths with Mia, her closest friend from her college years in Massachusetts. Anna takes a while to let people in, and Mia is an extrovert.

The orphanage has a special place in Anna's heart as it was her childhood home. She yearns to revisit the orphanage after many years, eager to reconnect with the woman who has always been like a mother to her.