Erika

After dinner, Alexis waved his acquaintance goodbye, and I followed his action, putting on a fake smile and nodding my head repeatedly. The number of handshakes I received today was greater than in my entire life combined.

It made me both annoyed and nervous. But one thing I do not understand is why everyone addresses him by his first name rather than his surname.

When we finally returned to Alexis’s presidential suite, I heard a sigh of relief. "You’ve earned quite a reputation among people, and they respect you. I admire that; you must be quite powerful to command things, right?" I remarked softly, before he could wish me goodnight.

He narrowed his eyes and smiled warmly at me. "All of this—power, respect, reputation—can be yours as well, Ms. Carter, if you—" He paused, speaking calmly as if he expected something from me.

We stood in the center of the suite’s living area. The yellow light from the chandelier above Alexis’s head complemented his features quite nicely. I noticed his resemblance to Mr. Sebastian King: his aura, the way he spoke and walked, were very similar, though distinct in their own way. I detected this even though I had only met Mr. King once.

"What if—?" I challenged him to finish his line. I had been waiting for this moment since our encounter. I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world, so I wanted to know what he expected in return for his kindness.

"If you become a part of this organization. If you become one of us. If you return to the training center, complete every examination properly, and prove yourself worthy. You have potential and could earn a position as the best assassin in the world. So, I can’t understand—why are you running from it?" he finally said, his voice laced with irritation. His features twisted with worry, as if my decision was critical to him.

"Because I don’t want to be part of an organization that kills innocents mercilessly and claims to be strong. I don’t want to belong to your world, where only fear earns respect and people become slaves to others. Moreover, I have my own goals," I answered sternly, noticing his eyes turn amber.

That was it—the real face of these people. They act sweet, but in reality they just want to drag others down with them. I’ll never join them, not even over my dead body.

He looked at me silently with a blank expression, but I didn’t care. I waited for him to argue back, but instead he walked to his room and slammed the door. His actions hurt me a little because his care reminded me of Allan, but I was oh so wrong. I returned to my room, changed, and lay down on the bed. Finally, the darkness enveloped me.

Next morning...

Knock! Knock!

Again, I woke to a knock on my door. I opened it idly to find Alexis standing there with a blank face. He invited me for breakfast once more, and I couldn’t help rolling my eyes at his persistence. Nonetheless, I joined him, but this time we didn’t exchange a single word.

He accompanied me for the rest of the day, keeping a respectful distance so as not to disturb my peace. He allowed me to enjoy my cruise tour, playing games and eating lunch at the luxurious restaurant. His protection and care felt warm and fuzzy, not romantic—again reminding me of Allen, though I forced the thought away. He could never be Allen.

Their memories overwhelmed me again, so I decided to go for a walk and watch the sunset.

"Be ready within an hour; we will leave the ship early," he said monotonously from behind as I stood at the railing. I nodded to confirm.

An hour later...

Alexis drove me in his branded car. Now, sitting beside him on the shore of the vast ocean, it was nearly seven p.m. The sound of the waves had never felt so soothing, nor the wind so refreshing.

A smile formed on my face, but vanished when I saw Alexis’s stoic expression. He was clutching the steering wheel, visibly angry. I had no time to focus on that.

"Goodbye, Alexis. It was nice to meet you, but can I ask something?" I was ready to climb down from the car, wanting to ask the question that had been bothering me for the last two days.

"Yes," he replied sternly, finally paying me some attention, which encouraged me.

"Why do your eyes look so… similar to Mr. King’s? Not only your eyes, but your entire personality seems just a bit older than his. The main difference between you two is that you’re warm and easygoing—unlike him, who acts like a monster." I voiced my suspicion, but as soon as I finished, Alexis gripped my throat, choking me.

His hands were cold and hard, ready to strangle. The rage in his eyes transformed him into someone I barely recognized, terrifying me.

"You have every right to say anything, baby girl, but never—never bad-mouth Master. I’ll let it go this time because it’s you, but if it were anyone else, their head would be rolling by now," he stated in a low, dangerous tone, gritting his teeth. He was furious, but restrained himself. After a moment, he released my neck.

*Cough! *Cough!

I took a deep breath and patted my chest to steady myself, glaring at him with anger and confusion. There was no concern or guilt on his face. What did this man think of himself?

"Master gives you the chance to win what you never thought possible. You could avenge your loved ones and make those who wronged you pay, but you’re too foolish to seize it," he paused to collect himself, but frustration still swirled in his features.

"You’re weak and stupid and wouldn’t survive a night alone in the real world, yet you crave freedom for nothing. I’m curious how you’ll find your way back," he mocked, further fueling my anger.

"And you’re just a stranger; I don’t share my personal information with people. If you’d accepted my offer, things would be different. Now leave, Ms. Carter, you’re wasting my time," he added, his voice emotionless and cold, embarrassing me.

I opened the car door, ready to leave him and this life behind, but his voice stopped me.

"Remember, Ms. Carter, as soon as you step on the ground, you are no longer my responsibility. If you get into any trouble, don’t expect help from me even if I am nearby—I won’t be accountable for you," he warned.

I turned and replied, "Don’t worry, Mr. Alexis. I’m fully capable of saving myself from any danger." After spitting out my words, I jumped out of the car.

He drove away immediately, leaving only clouds of dust behind.

I sighed and squatted down on the ground. The sunset looked amazing, and the giddy sense of freedom made it even more beautiful. However, along with happiness came the worry of finding shelter.

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