A Secret Mission
1148 Words
Chapter Eight ; A Secret Mission
(Anna's POV)
Levi was getting ready for work, dressed in his usual dark suit, looking as composed and powerful as always. I stood by the door, watching him adjust his tie in the mirror. He looked like the perfect man—calm, confident, in control. But I knew better now.
He turned to me with a smile. “I’ll be back late today. There are some important meetings I need to attend.”
I nodded, forcing myself to smile. “Okay. Don’t overwork yourself.”
His gaze softened, and he took a step closer, cupping my face gently. “I never thought I’d feel this way about someone, Anna. You’re everything to me.”
My stomach twisted.
I looked up at him, pretending to be the loving fiancée he thought I was. If I showed even a hint of doubt, he might suspect something.
“I love you too,” I whispered.
He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. I kissed him back, keeping my expression as natural as possible. His lips were warm, his touch firm, but all I could think about was escaping the moment he left.
When he pulled away, he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’ll call you when I get a break.”
“Okay,” I said sweetly.
He gave me one last look before heading out the door. I followed him outside, watching as he stepped into his sleek black car. The driver was already waiting.
I waved as the car pulled away, keeping my smile in place until he was completely out of sight.
The moment he was gone, I dropped the act and let out a deep breath. My hands trembled slightly. I had been holding in so much, pretending, playing along.
But now, it was my turn to act.
I had a mission. And I couldn’t waste another second
I ran to my bedroom and rapidly changed into some casual clothes—jeans, a hooded jacket, and sneakers. Then I grabbed a cap and a nose mask. It was a poor disguise, but it would be sufficient enough to keep anyone from easily recognizing me. I could not risk Levi or anyone he was with seeing me.
I peered out through the curtains first and then went outside to check if anyone was present. Everything was fine. Good. I grabbed my phone, stuffed some money into my pocket, and creeped silently out of the house.
I did not take the main street. I took the less crowded streets, stayed with my head down, avoided eye contact with anyone. Each sound made my heart race. What if Levi had someone following me?
I ran through a rundown alleyway, between a private grocery store and the rear street of a row of apartments, and turned onto a side street where the taxis usually queued. I didn't hail one immediately—I walked a little further before getting into a cab. Just in case someone was following me, I didn't want to be too obvious.
When I finally entered, I spoke in a low voice as I gave the driver my lawyer's office address.
"Take the longest route possible," I added.
The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror, but he didn't say anything. He just nodded and drove on.
I watched the streets closely. No one seemed to be tailing us. But I wasn't letting my guard down.
I unbunched a little as soon as I arrived at the lawyer's office. I tipped the driver, stepped out, and pushed my cap down as I stepped inside.
The receptionist looked up but made no comment about my appearance. She just nodded. "He's in his office. You can go on in."
I didn't need to be introduced. This was not some guy off the street, some stranger-lawyer. This was Daniel, my buddy since childhood.
I opened the door and stepped in.
Daniel straightened up from behind his desk, his forehead creased as he saw me. "Anna? What disguise is that for?"
I shut the door behind me and locked it. "I want you to do something for me," I said, removing the cap and the mask. "And I want you to keep it confidential."
He leaned forward, looking worried. "What's happening?"
I leaned forward, gripping my hands tightly together. "I need you to find me a private investigator."
His expression turned serious. "Why? What's up?"
I inhaled deeply before letting the truth spill out finally. "I'm seeing somebody. And just found out that he's my stepbrother."
Daniel's eyes went wide in shock. "What?"
I nodded. "His name is Williams Levi Alex. He's my stepmother's son. And now he's pretending not to know me and playing along like he cares about me."
Daniel was silent for a second, processing what I'd said. "Anna, this. this isn't right. Do you know if he knows who you are?
I barked a sarcastic laugh. "He addressed me as 'Teevee.' That was my childhood name. Only my past would remember that. And instead of tackling me, he's being as if nothing happened. Like he wants to propose to me."
Daniel scratched his chin. "This smells of a setup.
"I know it is," I stated firmly. "That's why I'm seeking your help. I want an investigator to research his past, his reasons, and most importantly—I need to know what's going on in my father's house."
Daniel let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair. "I can get an investigator, but Anna… we can't just go barging into your father's house and start asking questions. We have to be careful."
I nodded. "I understand. But I want to know if my father had something to do with this. Did he leave me on his own? Or did his wife tell him something different?"
Daniel paused. "The best way to do this is to have the investigator do some preliminary information gathering—background checks, surveillance, and investigating Levi's business and personal life."
I swallowed. "And my father?
Daniel stopped. "If his number is the same, then it means there is hope he is still reachable. But we have to be careful. If he is implicated in this, then direct contact would alert them that you have something on your hands."
I clenched my fists. "I just want the truth."
Daniel nodded. "Then we'll get it."
When we had discussed more details, I stood up and re-slung my mask and cap.
"Anna," Daniel said as I headed away. "Be cautious. If Levi has something as massive a secret, then he may be unsafe."
I offered a small smile. "I know. That is why I have to get crafty here."
With that, I departed his office, into the unknown again, with a resolve to get to the truth before it was too late.
- Writer
