Lovebound with a spy

A man stumbled out of the darkness of the woods, sprinting toward my car as I navigated the winding road at an alarming speed. Panic surged through me as I realized I couldn't swerve in time. "Noooo!" I screamed, slamming my foot down on the brakes. The tires screeched in protest, betraying my desperate urgency. As I fumbled out of the car, the rain poured down in relentless sheets, soaking me instantly as if the heavens were unleashing their fury. I rushed toward the old man sprawled on the ground, his frail body bleeding profusely onto the damp earth. The rain fell harder, not just drenching me but drumming like a relentless drumbeat in my ears. "Kneel with me, please," he muttered weakly, his voice barely audible above the torrent. "Help... they're about to kill me." His breaths were labored, punctuated by coughs that brought forth more blood. I desperately reached to help him up, but he seemed too heavy—too overcome—his body an anchor in the storm. Suddenly, a bright light cut through the downpour as a car pulled up beside us. A man leaped out, his eyes wide with accusation. "You murdered someone! Help!" he shouted, his voice ringing with panic. “No! Sir, you're jumping to conclusions!” I protested, my heart racing as I gestured toward the injured man. “He ran into my car; I didn’t do this!” The man rushed to the old man's side, examining his lifeless form. "He isn’t breathing anymore," he spat, eyes narrowed in disbelief. "And you say you didn't kill him?" I leaned closer, desperate to check for any sign of life. "Last I checked, his heart was still beating—please, help me!" Again, I felt the force of his fury as he shoved me back. "So you want to kill me too?" he accused, eyes wild as he brandished a knife, the blade glinting menacingly in the rain-soaked darkness. "Don't you dare come closer!" “Sir, we need to get him to a hospital! His heartbeat was weak, but there’s still a chance," I pleaded, my voice cracking under the weight of urgency. He shook his head violently, despair flooding his features. “No! I checked his pulse—there’s nothing!” “No, it can't be,” I whispered in horror, my stomach knotting as disbelief washed over me. “I didn’t kill him, I didn’t!” Just then, I jolted awake, my heart racing, tears streaming down my cheeks. The nightmares had haunted me ever since that fateful night two years ago, replaying the horrifying scene over and over. I was tired, frightened, desperately searching for an escape from this endless torment when the shrill ring of my phone pierced the silence. It was Frank. Just when I thought I might find some peace, he called me—like a devil revisiting my thoughts. His voice screeched through the line, “Have you been approved for the company? I told you I’d get the work done this week. Could you stop screaming into the phone?” I gritted my teeth at his ridiculous tone. “Well, you could cancel this deal, and I’ll show the world—” I cut him off mid-sentence, irritation boiling over, stop, am not a criminal i screamed “Why don’t you shut that wide mouth of yours and actually get something done? Unless you’ve forgotten what I can do.” His laughter echoed in my ear, a cruel reminder of the grip he had over my life, before he hung up, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. I turned to the window, yearning for the tranquil chirping of birds outside, but it offered no comfort. My chest felt like it was being crushed under an unbearable weight. This torment had begun two years ago when Frank witnessed the terrible scene unfold. He promised to bury the truth, ensuring I wouldn’t end up in jail—but it came at a cost. I found myself carrying out various jobs for him, afraid to disobey, knowing he held the key to my freedom. Then a sharp cramp twisted through my abdomen, pulling a groan out of me. I shifted, hoping it would pass—only to spot the red stain spreading across my bedspread. Great. Just what I needed. I muttered, rolling my eyes Dragging myself up, I yanked open the wardrobe and rummaged through it. Nothing. Not a single pad. Because of course, the universe was feeling extra funny today. I glanced at the clock and saw it was already half past eleven, it was already too late to buy one. I continued searching until I remembered that I always kept an extra one in my bag in case my current one got full. Clenching my palms together, I silently prayed it would be there. When I opened the bag, I was relieved to find it lying there by itself. A smile of excitement spread across my face. I changed to it quickly and went over to my computer table and saw a new message sent into my email, I grinned excitedly and read the letter I sent to the Lux company, it read, “Dear Hiring Manager, I could start this letter by telling you I’m efficient, reliable, and detail-oriented—but honestly, that’s what every applicant probably wrote before me. Instead, let me prove it differently. This letter is formatted, proofread, and time-stamped by code I wrote myself at 2:17 a.m.because why waste precious minutes on something a script can do perfectly? If I can automate my own application, imagine what I could do for your calendars, emails, and schedules. I don’t just organize, I optimize. You’ll never miss a meeting again (unless you want to). In short: I’m not just applying to be your secretary. I’m applying to be the last secretary you’ll ever need. Sincerely, [Vanessa]” I read the reply not once, not twice leaning on my chair with a slow grin curling across my lips, “We don’t usually respond personally to applications…" I laughed out loud, tilting my head with a grin. ‘I’m in,’ I whispered, savoring the words. Then a cramp clawed at my stomach, and a moan slipped out before I could stop it. I slammed the laptop shut. Damn. I really wasn’t supposed to laugh that hard. Still, pain or not, I’m showing up at that company tomorrow by eight to get my mission accomplished and to end all this. ******************************************* I stood in front of Lux Headquarters at 7:08 a.m., Just so you know, I’m not a morning person. However, I thought arriving early on my first day of work would give me a good head start. The skyscraper loomed above, its glass panels reflecting the sun, and the golden entrance letters exuded authority. I took a moment to appreciate the building before telling myself, “Confidence is key. Positivity is important,” mimicking a gesture from my favorite K-drama.