SOMEONE WANT TO HURT ME

As they cruised down the road, John stole glances at his grandmother, her gentle presence a comforting anchor beside him. He couldn't shake the worry gnawing at him—was she alright?

Suddenly, they pulled up to a chaotic scene. A girl was hastily retreating while police apprehended the kidnappers. Heart racing, John fished his phone from his pocket and dialed his trusted assistant, Shawn Smith.

"Shawn," he urged, urgency lacing his voice, "I need you to dig into who sent those kidnappers."

"On it, Sir," Shawn affirmed, his voice steady and reassuring.

Not just an assistant, Shawn was John’s confidant; their bond was forged in years of friendship and unwavering trust. After hanging up, John’s grandmother broke the tense silence. Her brow furrowed with concern, she looked at him, her eyes glistening with uncertainty. "Do you really think someone wants to hurt me, dear? I can't fathom why—I've never wished harm on anyone."

John took a breath, trying to reassure her, but shadows of doubt lingered in his mind.

John looked at her and replied, "Not you, but me. Whoever it is wants to hurt me. That person knows that I only have you, and they want to take you away from me."

Granny Ria gazes at her grandson, a wave of bittersweet memories washing over her. She can’t help but think back to the last day John tasted freedom—a day filled with laughter and a sparkle in his eye that seemed to light up the world. He was once a free spirit, brimming with joy and an infectious smile. Now, however, his reality is shrouded in shadows; he believes that those he loves the most are intent on harming him. With a heavy heart, she shakes her head, feeling a deep sense of helplessness. As her thoughts drift, she turns her eyes to the window, longing for the days when the warmth of the sun seemed to illuminate everything, including John's carefree laughter.

John said, "Just making sure not to trust that girl." She sighed but didn’t respond. He now believed that even someone like the innocent girl—who had just helped her—could hurt her. She had lost her last hope when his girlfriend, whom she had never liked, cheated on him. After that incident, he stopped trusting anyone.

However, there is one thing she doesn't know: he didn’t stop trusting people because of that woman, but because a few important people in his life had left him alone when he needed them most. They knew he needed them, yet they chose to abandon him. Why? He didn’t know. The reason? That was also a mystery to him.

At that time, his grandmother was the only one there for him. Now, someone wanted to hurt her as well. He snapped out of his thoughts and called his assistant again. Before Shawn could say anything, John ordered, "Check the CCTV footage of the street where today’s incident happened. I want to know more about the girl who saved my grandmother. If you need to, follow her. I want all the details."

On the other end, Shawn looked at his phone in shock. John was asking him to look for a girl—something he had never done before. Shawn wanted to tease him but didn’t get the chance as John hung up.

His grandmother watched him and began to wonder if he was interested in her. She thought, "Finally, he wants to be with a girl. If he’s interested in her, then he must be getting back to normal."

Little did John know his grandmother had started contemplating his future.

Before heading to the agency, Anna decides to visit Mia's house, as it is a safe place where no one can harm Mia or discover Anna's presence.

Mia is a kind girl who lives with her parents and has a brother named Max, who is Anna's colleague. They are unaware of the activities that Anna and Max engage in. From the beginning, Mia has always been friendly to Anna, and they have developed a strong bond of trust. When Anna arrives at Mia's house, Mia greets her with, "What's up?" Anna replies, "I just got back from a trip and thought I'd visit you. How are you?"

Mia smiles at her best friend and responds, "I'm good. What about you?" To which Anna replies, "Me too." Mia is studying journalism, while Anna has told everyone she works as a content writer. They chat for an hour or two before Anna says her goodbyes.

Anna longs for her home; she wishes to rest before returning to work the next day. She ponders why a man who seems well-built would need a bodyguard and why her boss has decided to send her for this assignment instead of someone else.

Afterward, she visits an orphanage and spends some time with the children. Then, she goes to her usual spot where she likes to stay when she’s in the area. Sitting on a tree, she closes her eyes and reflects, feeling that something is missing in her life.

Anna doesn't remember much about her parents, but she is determined to find their murderer after Madame Rey reveals some truths to her. However, Madame Rey advised Anna to remain still and not act rashly.

On her way to the office to meet Madame Rey, Anna feels comforted knowing that Madame Rey is the only person with whom she can share her thoughts freely. Although Madame Rey is unaware that Anna works for a special agency, Anna longs to discuss her parents and hear more about them, as she misses them dearly.

When she left the place before going to the Agency, she happened to see the woman she had just helped. She noticed how the woman’s grandson was worried about her. It made her feel that he had someone in his life to call family, while she did not have that connection. The person who killed her parents had robbed her of the chance to be with them and experience their love.

All she had was one photograph of her parents. She was in the picture too, but she didn’t remember what occasion it was taken for. When she entered the office, Madame Rey was sitting at her desk, working on some papers.

Upon hearing the door open, Madame Rey looked up and saw Anna standing there. A smile spread across her face as she said, “Anna, I miss you, my child.”

Anna walked toward her and hugged her tightly. Madame Rey was not only her guardian but also provided her with the warmth of a mother. She was such a sweet lady. Though she had no children she loved Anna as if she were her daughter.

Madame Rey knew Anna's parents very well. She often told Anna they were kind-hearted people who always helped those in need, including her. Because of this, Madame Rey respected them deeply. After their death, she took Anna under her wing, wanting to protect her and honor the memory of her parents.

Anna and Madame Rey settled into an inviting nook, where their conversation flowed like a comforting cup of tea. For hours, Anna regaled her with tales from her recent adventures, painting vivid pictures of the fascinating moments she encountered during her travels. Madame Rey, blissfully unaware of the secretive world Anna inhabited as a spy, listened intently, her heart swelling with joy at the passion Anna exuded for her work.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, signaling the end of their delightful chat, Anna announced her plans to retreat to her apartment for some much-needed rest. Although her apartment was her home, she made it a point to visit the orphanage frequently, cherishing the bonds she had formed with Madame Rey and the children there.

With a warm smile, Madame Rey extended an invitation for Anna to stay the night, reminiscing about how her old room remained untouched, just as Anna had left it—filled with memories and warmth.

However, just as Anna contemplated the comfort of home, her phone buzzed with a call from the Agency, shattering the cozy moment. She felt a wave of duty wash over her and with a reluctant smile, she bid farewell to Madame Rey, promising to return soon before heading out to fulfill her mission.

As Anna stepped into the bustling halls of GIA, the energy in the Agency was palpable—an undercurrent of urgency that hinted at something significant brewing. She had learned that when her boss called her in with such haste, it was never just routine. Without stopping to gather intel from her colleagues, she made a beeline for Mr. Kim’s office, her heart racing with a mix of curiosity and concern.

She knocked lightly on the door, and moments later, Mr. Kim looked up from the chaotic spread of papers littering his desk, his expression a blend of focus and gravity. “Come in, Anna,” he beckoned, and she stepped inside, standing at attention like a soldier awaiting orders. The room felt charged with anticipation, and she knew whatever lay ahead was bound to be important.