— ☆⋆｡𖦹°‧ Aizal's POV :

The craziest part about these soft people is that they are easy to fool, easy to manipulate, and even easier when you know their weakness, their soft spot.

And Ashan Hussain's only weakness is his family. I'll do anything to complete my goal, which means I can clearly use his family against him, as his weakness.

"So this is your only refuge now, your grandmother's place?" My smirk wipes off as soon as Ashan spoke, looking at the rented house that I bought after my made-up story.

"Uhm Yes, I would come here once a week to meet my grandma. Now that she isn't here with me anymore, this place doesn't feel like home anymore, but then again it's safe, if my brother doesn't try to harm me."

My voice is somewhat sad, trying my best to act as Ashan hummed, ruminating while keenly observing the house from corner to corner with his sharp chocolate brown eyes.

"Give me the details of your brother," Ashan speaks, his voice firm and bold.

I gulp. There's no brother. What does he mean by I gotta give information and shit? Fuck!

"I have nothing about him. I don't even know where he lives, but he surely knows everything about me, every fucking detail. I think he must have gotten to know about me taking your help," I turn around to look at Ashan, now facing him.

We both stand in the drawing room, me lost in my thoughts and him observing the house and the scene.

"So basically, he stalks you or has people behind you to get your information! We will do something about him. You don't have to worry till then. I'll send the bodyguard quick at tomorrow morning!" I smirk internally at his words.

Bodyguard, I see. I smile, knowing it's going as my plan. Ashan Hussain's destiny is funnily haunting, written by me.

Everything about him will now be in my control. His life will be working according to my plan, my plan to ruin him.

"Thank you! I don't know how to thank you, but honestly, I'm so grateful. I knew you wouldn't deny and definitely help me," my eyes tear up as I look at him, at his dark eyes, those eyes holding no emotions.

"Alright! I'll leave," he replies and turns around to walk towards the door. I stand still, a smirk etched on my face as I watch his figure walking out of the house.

I hiss, out of nowhere, making Ashan turn backwards and look at me. "Is something wrong?" The coldness in his voice covers the air.

"Oh, it's nothing," I hiss again, purposely holding my nape which is reddened after his harsh grip on it.

I rub my nape while hissing in pain, my eyes gazing at Ashan to see if he reacts. Instead, he says, "You shouldn't have stalked me." sighs and walks out of the house while I look at his back with my jaw dropped to the floor.

Why did I expect Ashan Hussain to apologize? Dear Aizal, sorry to break it to you, but he is The mighty Ashan Hussain. He wouldn't care even if you die because of him and then It's just a bruise.

I sigh, mumbling a whatever to myself.

I walk into my room and the first thing I do is take off the microphone they've fixed to my body. They don't trust me, not really, even after everything I've done for them.

I had to wear the microphone so they could listen in on my conversations with Ashan, making sure I was doing what they told me.

I rush into the bathroom and slip into the bathtub after setting out my bath bomb, shower gel, and all the essentials. My phone, of course, is right there too, so I can watch crime documentaries while I soak.

My nerves are calming down, my body feeling better. It wasn't that hard to manipulate Ashan Hussain, but it wasn't easy either. This is just the beginning, though.

Oh, the things I'll be doing to you, Ashan.

Once I finished, I headed to the kitchen, grabbed my favorite treat from the fridge—a slice of blueberry cheesecake.

I popped it in the microwave for a quick warm-up and then settled on the kitchen counter, still in my bathrobe, to savor my dessert.

Dinner wasn't a priority, but dessert is a necessity.

My phone, left behind in the bedroom, buzzed. I knew exactly who it was. Stuffing the cheesecake in my mouth, I hurried to answer the call.

"Hi, sweetheart, are you okay?" I asked, my voice muffled by the mouthful of cheesecake. This person was my everything, my only one.

"No, I'm not! I miss you," came the reply, laced with a hint of sadness.

"And I miss you more," I assured them.

"Did you eat?" I asked, my concern growing.

"She hasn't been eating properly, Aizal. She's being stubborn and says she won't eat until you're here," her caretaker nanny said, her voice laced with worry.

"Miraal, listen to me, baby," I said, my voice softening as I looked at my sister through the phone screen. She hummed in response.

"I'll be home tomorrow evening, okay? Till then, you have to be a good girl! I'll bring you new sketches and colors, alright?" I tried to reason with my eight-year-old sister, hoping to soothe her anxieties.

She didn't know about my life as an assassin, or the nature of my work. But she knew we were in danger, and that I was doing everything in my power to keep her safe.

"I'll wait for you and be a good girl till then," Miraal replied, her face radiating a flicker of hope. Hope that things would get better, that we could live a normal life.

But the problems seemed determined to cling to our backs, refusing to let go.

"Good night, pumpkin," I smiled, feeling it, my sister returned the smile. The nickname, "pumpkin," was a small comfort in our world full of sorrows.

"Take care of her, Aneesa!" I told the caretaker nanny, her nod reassuring me before I ended the call.

Tomorrow will be a whirlwind of tasks. First, the formidable Ashan Hussain would be sending his guards, then I had to inform my annoying but cherished friends at the university about the unfolding deal. And then, finally, I'd make my way to the castle to check on Miraal.

I drifted off to sleep, my mind filled with shattered dreams. Dreams I'd held as a child, dreams that had been crushed and died along with my parents. Nothing remained but obstacles. Obstacles that could only be overcome by Ashan Hussain's demise.

The hurdles whose price only Ashan Hussain's life can pay.

I knew it was selfish, undeniably selfish. But it wasn't the first life I'd taken or will be taking. Those people had forced me to do terrible things, and for Miraal, I was willing to do even worse.

My thoughts warred with each other, the guilt buried deep in my heart a constant ache. I fell asleep, weighed down by my misery. Yes, I was miserable, and worse. But for now, at least, it was the last thing I cared about.

I woke to the discomfort of the bed. It wasn't the soft luxury of the castle, but it wasn't terrible either. It was a large, simple bed that allowed for sleep, lacking the homely feeling, but it was only for a few days, after all.

The apartment was pretty, average compared to my usual surroundings, but that wasn't my concern right now, with so much else to deal with.

I got up, freshened up, and dressed, grabbing my bag. It was time for the university. I ate a few strawberries for breakfast and walked towards the door.

As I opened it, I wasn't greeted by warmth or sunlight, but by a towering figure in a black suit, glasses, and all the trappings of a bodyguard. "Good morning, Miss Aizal!" he said, his voice robotic, his smile almost forced.

"You—" I began, but he cut me off.

"Ashan sir sent me. I'm Lorenzo Martin, your bodyguard from now on." Oh, fuck. I'd almost forgotten about Ashan's bombshell—a bodyguard, and here he was.

"Oh, I see! Thank you for coming. Right now, I'm going to the university. You can stay here or come back after I get home from uni," I informed, watching as he listened.

"I'm sorry, but the boss asked me to follow you everywhere and protect you. I'll be coming with you to the university. You need me," he disagreed, overriding my words and deciding to tag along to uni.

"The university is safe. I don't need any protection or help over there. I'll be safe. You can wait for me here. I'm getting late. Bye," I said hastily, starting to walk out as he followed behind.

"I only listen to what Sir Ashan has asked me to do, so I'll be following you everywhere you go. You'll need me in every danger," he said, walking behind me as I continued forward.

I am the danger. Why don't you understand?

"I don't want you to follow me or any security while I'm at the university," I said again, trying to protest.

"I would prefer not arguing because it wastes my energy, which I gotta save for later," he said robotically, making me scoff and roll my eyes in annoyance.

I'd already planned to get rid of him, but I hadn't expected it to be this soon. I was about to pull out a dagger from the waistband of my skirt and stab him when my movements were interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing.

Rehaan is calling. I'm late for uni. I'll deal with him afterwards and tolerate this bodyguard for now.

I controlled my anger by clutching my fist and drove my bicycle, which I'd bought the other day for this very role. The bodyguard followed behind in his own mode of transport.

I reached the university, parked my bicycle, and was about to walk in when I stumbled on a stone and lost my balance.

I was about to fall, my back getting ready to meet the ground, my eyes closed as I braced for impact. But I didn't fall.

Instead, I felt huge arms catching me, protecting me from hitting the ground—oh, this mother fucking bodyguard.

I opened my eyes, expecting to see him, but my jaw dropped when all I could see were dark brown hues. His hair fell across his face, his features calm yet hardened.

It was the last person I expected to see: the one who's my pawn in my game, the one who'll help me break free from this hell. Ashan.

"You're lucky I caught you, though I'm not sure if you're clumsy or just gravity's number one fan who loves kissing the ground," he said, his deep voice laced with a mocking accent.

He never spoke so much all at once? Or maybe it's not so much—probably because it's the second time he's talking to me after the alley. Anyway, why am I even thinking about his words? And damn, why am I still in his arms?!

I shrug my body, trying to regain my composure and stand up properly. But as I do, the dagger from my waistband clatters to the ground, and my heart stops. My gaze snaps to Ashan's, then to the dagger, my eyes widening while his narrow in suspicion.

Before I can react, he bends down to pick it up. I bite my lip and close one eye, too scared to get caught. Because no, I can't lose so easily. This is just the beginning, and damn, I've already messed up. What am I gonna do now?

"Why do you have a dagger with you?" He asks, his voice deepening with every word, making my limbs shake with anxiety.

Fuck you!

No, no, Aizal, no! This can't happen, he can't find out who you are! You have to save Miraal, you have to complete the mission, you have to kill Ashan Hussain.

This can't happen, no, this can't.

I'm panicking, I shouldn't be. Damn, I shouldn't be scared. I'm strong. I gulp, looking at Ashan with teary eyes. It can't end so easily.

"Answer me, Aizal Mustafa," his voice booms, his jaw tightening and his eyes sharpening as if he's caught on. Obviously, anyone would be suspicious seeing a university student carrying a dagger.

The words catch in my throat, a thick silence hanging between us. My mind races, a whirlwind of fear and desperation to escape.

The consequences of failure echo in my ears, a chilling reminder of what awaits if I don't complete the mission.

They'll kill me, they'll kill Miraal.

The image of her pale face, etched with worry, flashes before my eyes. No, I can't let this happen.

Ashan's anger explodes, his voice a guttural growl, "I'm asking why the fuck do you have a dagger with you?" His face is inches from mine, I could feel his breaths on my face, the heat of his rage radiating off him.

It's done.

I've messed up.

The moment I'd been dreading has arrived, swift and merciless. A tear escapes, tracing a path down my cheek, I failed.

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