章節 10: The work
I was really nervous. I woke up early on purpose, intending to make breakfast even if it was just a burnt omelet. But it wasn't just about breakfast; I overheard Evan and his assistant talking about work, and I was waiting for this moment.
Just as I predicted, I heard the doorbell and opened it for Han. He looked as calm as usual, but I was the one who was tense.
"Good morning." He greeted me politely, with a mature gesture despite being around the same age as Evan.
"Good morning, Han. Please come in." I said, and he nodded, following me as I still wore my apron. I didn't leave his side, which made Han a bit suspicious of my behavior. Honestly, I was awkward, hesitant, but determined to ask him something, so I decided to get straight to the point.
"Han, um, I want to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"It's about Evan. Um, he's still in the room getting ready, and I purposely greeted you first because there's something I want to ask."
"Yes?"
"It's about Evan, Han!" I said as I sat on the couch opposite to him.
"What's wrong? Did something bad happen?"
"It could be, or maybe not. I just want to know why he always talks in his sleep. He seems anxious and scared." It seemed I was the only one curious because Han looked indifferent. "I wanted to ask you about it, and maybe there's something I can do to help."
He nodded, but I was disappointed that he didn't answer my curiosity. "He's almost ready, and we're running late."
As I suspected, he stood up calmly, and I had to bury my curiosity because Evan was right behind me. "Honey," he called, making me jump and turn around.
He hugged me in front of Han and kissed me briefly, then focused on Han, signaling him to leave.
"Honey, I have work, so take care of yourself. Don't do anything that would worry me. We can video call every day if you want," he said, looking into my eyes with affection.
Han stepped out first while Evan hugged me tightly again. "Honey, I have to go. Take care, and don't do anything that will make me worry. We'll video call, so keep your phone charged."
I nodded slowly, trying to convince myself that everything would be fine. "I'll take care of myself, don't worry," I replied, though anxiety still clung to my heart.
Evan smiled and released me. "I'll be back soon, darling. Trust me," he said before finally leaving with Han. I stood at the door, watching their car disappear in the distance, hoping my worries were just temporary.
After Evan left, I tried to distract myself in various ways. First, I turned on the TV and tried to enjoy some of my favorite shows. But somehow, everything I watched felt bland. Even the comedy shows that usually made me laugh out loud couldn't lift my spirits.
I decided to exercise, hoping to channel my negative energy into something positive. I started with some yoga, focusing on my breathing and calmness. But thoughts of Evan kept interrupting my concentration. I switched to the treadmill, running as if I could escape my own worries. But after a few minutes, I felt exhausted and gave up.
Next, I tried snacking. I grabbed some of my favorite treats from the kitchen and sat on the couch. But even the sweetness of chocolate couldn't dispel my anxiety. I just sat there, chewing tastelessly, staring at my phone screen.
Sleep was supposed to be my last refuge. I lay in bed, trying to close my eyes and force myself to sleep. But my mind kept spinning, thinking of all the bad possibilities that could happen to Evan. Every time I managed to doze off, I woke up with even greater anxiety.
Throughout the day, I felt bored and restless. Nothing could really distract me from thinking about Evan. I constantly checked my phone, hoping for a message or call from him. But my phone screen remained empty. No new messages, no missed calls. I started to worry, thinking maybe something bad had really happened.
I tried calling Evan several times, but my calls went straight to voicemail. The messages I sent went unanswered. The anxiety in my heart grew stronger, as if something was really wrong.
Night fell, and I still hadn't heard from Evan. I sat in the living room, staring at my silent phone, feeling desperate. Negative thoughts began to take over my mind. "Are you okay? Did something happen to you?"
In the quiet of the night, I heard a knock at the door. My heart raced as I stood up and walked towards the door. With trembling hands, I opened the door to see who was there.
It turned out to be just my imagination. I had hoped it was Evan, but when I opened the door, no one was there. Only the cold night wind greeted my face, snapping me out of my baseless hope. I slowly closed the door and leaned against the wall, feeling disappointed and hopeless.
"Why do I have to feel like this?" I whispered to myself. "Why hasn't Evan contacted me yet?"
I sat back on the sofa, staring at my phone as if it mocked my loneliness. In the silence of the night, I started talking to myself, trying to divert my increasing anxiety.
"What are you doing right now, Evan?" I asked the empty air. "Why haven't you called me? Are you okay? Do you miss me as much as I miss you?"
I waited a few moments, hoping my phone would suddenly ring. But once again, only silence accompanied me. I sighed deeply, trying to calm myself.
"Maybe he's really busy," I said, trying to convince myself. "Maybe he doesn't have time to call me right now. I have to be patient and trust him."
However, even as I tried my best to think positively, the anxiety remained. I tried to distract myself by reading a book, but the words on the pages couldn't capture my attention. I kept glancing at my phone, hoping for a miracle.
Time passed, and the night grew later. I began to feel very tired, but sleep still wouldn't come easily. I decided to try sleeping again, hoping dreams would take me to a place where my worries couldn't follow.
As I lay in bed, I reached for my phone one last time and sent a final message to Evan before trying to sleep.
"Darling, I miss you so much. Please let me know if you have time. I'm very worried," I wrote. After sending the message, I placed my phone beside my pillow and closed my eyes.
But in the quiet of the night, only the sound of the wind outside my window lulled me to sleep, leaving me to drift off into unanswered anxiety.
******
In the bustling streets, Evan walked while constantly looking at his phone. There, he saw a picture of Lucia smiling sweetly, reminding him of all the wonderful moments they shared together. He smiled slightly, even though his heart was still filled with anxiety and longing. He tried not to think too much about his worries, but every time he looked at Lucia's photo, he couldn't help his feelings.
Han, walking beside him, could only shake his head. "Evan, you can't go on like this," he said, looking at his boss with a concerned expression. "You have to focus on our work. She'll be fine."
Evan sighed, closing his phone for a moment, but his eyes soon returned to the screen. "I know, Han. But I can't stop thinking about her. I feel like something is wrong. I worry about her more than myself."
Han patted Evan's shoulder gently. "You're worrying too much. She can take care of herself."
Evan nodded, trying to reassure himself with Han's words. But the anxiety wouldn't go away that easily. He opened Lucia's photo again, staring at her loving smile, hoping to feel a bit of peace.
"Watch your step, Evan, we're in Paris right now!"
"Yeah, I know!"
Walking through the crowd, Evan was so focused on his phone that he didn't notice someone watching him. In an instant, a pickpocket skillfully took his phone and ran off in the opposite direction.
"Hey!" Evan shouted, shocked and angry. He tried to chase the thief, but the crowded street blocked his way. "Stop!"
Han quickly ran after the thief with Evan, but the pickpocket was already lost in the crowd.
They stopped, out of breath and frustrated. "Damn it!" Evan yelled, kicking a pebble on the street.
Han patted his shoulder again, this time harder. "Evan, calm down. We'll find and get your phone back. But for now, we need to focus on our work. Let someone else handle this."
Evan nodded, trying to calm himself. "You're right, Han. I just... I feel so helpless without being able to contact Lucia. And my memories of us are on that phone."
Han paused. "You didn't record anything on there, did you?"
"Unfortunately, I did. You know she's so beautiful and innocent. I love her."
"Okay, I get it." Han was a bit disgusted by Evan being in love.
With mixed feelings, Evan and Han continued their journey, leaving the busy street behind. Despite losing his phone, Evan's thoughts remained on Lucia, hoping she was safe at home.
As they continued their journey, they were suddenly stopped by a group of professional-looking guards. Standing tall and alert, about five of them, they seemed ready for anything.
Evan and Han immediately sensed something was wrong. They exchanged glances, quickly reaching inside their jackets, ready to draw the items hidden there. The tension in the air was palpable.
Before either could move further, an older man, around 70, emerged from behind the guards. With
his snow-white hair and thin body, he exuded an air of authority. His sharp blue eyes pierced through Evan and Han as if he could see straight into their souls. He was accompanied by a young girl, about 15 years old, who seemed unfazed by the tense situation.
"Give him back his phone," the old man commanded, his voice strong and decisive.
One of the guards quickly handed the phone back to Evan, who accepted it with a mix of relief and suspicion.
The old man then turned his attention to Evan. "You and your friend must come with us. This is a matter of utmost importance."
Evan exchanged a wary glance with Han, who nodded subtly. They had no choice but to follow the old man and his guards. The group led them to a quiet, secluded place away from the bustling streets of Paris.
Once they arrived, the old man spoke again, this time with a hint of urgency in his voice. "You two are not who you appear to be. You carry secrets that must be kept safe."
Evan and Han exchanged puzzled looks but remained silent, waiting for the old man to continue.
"We know about the sensitive information you have," the old man said. "And we also know about your connection to certain high-ranking individuals."
Evan's heart skipped a beat. He and Han had indeed been working undercover, gathering crucial intelligence for their organization. How did this old man know?
"We are part of a covert agency," the old man explained. "Our mission is to protect individuals like you who are entrusted with sensitive information. We have been monitoring your activities and ensuring your safety."
Han, still suspicious, asked, "Why should we trust you?"
The old man smiled, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Because we have been in your shoes before. We understand the risks and dangers you face. And we have the resources to help you."
Evan glanced at Han, who gave a slight nod. They had little choice but to trust the old man and his agency.
"Very well," Evan said. "We'll go with you."
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