Chapter 9-Mission Cancelled
913 Words
The afternoon sun cast golden rays across the elegant living room as Mrs. Ryan sat poised on a velvet couch, her posture upright, her expression unreadable. Collins sat opposite her, a wine glass cradled in one hand, trying to appear composed, though tension gnawed quietly at him.
Nora wasn’t home. She was still at work.
Mrs. Ryan broke the silence with a deliberate tone. “Collins, how far have you gone with our mission?”
Her eyes locked on his, searching for assurance and results.
Collins gave a tight smile and scratched the back of his head. “I’ve been trying, ma’am. I’ve brought it up in conversations, casually... but she’s always cautious. She never gives me a straight answer. She dodges it.”
Mrs. Ryan leaned in slightly. “You’re telling me she still hasn’t told you why she’s refused every suitor?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He paused, meeting her gaze. “But I’ll keep pushing. I’m meeting her again tonight. I’ll try a different approach. Please trust me, I’ll get to the bottom of it.”
She took a long sip of wine, then placed her glass down with a soft clink. “I chose you for a reason, Collins. Nora’s behavior has become... concerning. Her friends are getting married, planning families. And she’s still alone. I need to understand why.”
She leaned back, her tone sharpening. “Your commission is waiting. But if you fail, I’m not paying a cent.”
Collins gave a small nod, hiding his internal flinch. Just like her daughter, he thought. Strong. Cold. Untouchable.
“I understand, Mrs. Ryan. I’ll update you in a few days,” he said professionally, masking his nerves.
“Good.” She rose to her feet, signaling the conversation was over. “I expect results.”
Collins stood as well, watching her disappear down the hallway, her heels clicking like punctuation marks on the marble floor.
Collins' POV
Like mother, like daughter, Collins thought bitterly as he remained in the living room, staring at the wine glass in his hand. Yesterday, Nora walked out on me when I brought up her love life. Today, her mother walks away because I haven’t delivered.
He rubbed his face and let out a long breath.
Is this mission even worth it anymore?
He sat there a moment longer, then grabbed his coat and left the house quietly, his mind in turmoil as he drove off.
Later That Evening
The ambiance at the café was the same, but Nora’s mood wasn’t.
She sat across from Collins, arms crossed, her expression cold and unreadable. Her eyes pierced through him.
Collins smiled nervously. She’s still upset. But he couldn’t help admiring her, how stunning she looked even when angry. Her confidence, her presence… it all drew him in like gravity.
“I want your answer,” she said abruptly. “What I asked you yesterday,I need to know.”
Collins' POV
My heart is pounding.
I looked away for a second. I’ve fallen for her, but if I let this mission go, everything changes.
If I say no, I might lose her. If I say yes, I risk the mission... and Mrs. Ryan’s wrath. Either way, there’s no turning back.
He turned to face her, her eyes still locked on his. Her beauty was disarming. His voice came out before he could stop it.
“I love you, Nora. I love you too.”
Her face lit up instantly. A bright, genuine smile spread across her lips, and she gave him a playful wink.
The tension in Collins’ chest eased. He smiled back, feeling light, like a man who had finally found peace.
“You’ve made me so happy,” she said warmly. “I love you, Collins. I’ll do everything I can to make you happy, too.”
Her words sank deep. Would she support my business goals? Or would she hold back, like her mother? The uncertainty crept back in.
Then she noticed the shadow on his face.
“You look troubled,” she said gently. “Talk to me. Is something wrong?”
Collins reached forward and took her hand, drawing a breath. “Will you come to my place tonight?”
She raised an eyebrow, watching him carefully. Then her lips curved in a knowing smile.
“I will. Just give me a few minutes to set things in motion.”
“What do you need to set?” he asked, curious.
“I need to tell my driver to go home. Then I’ll tell my mother I’m spending the night at my friend Sophia’s. And of course, I’ll let Sophia know the plan.”
She looked up, sincerity in her eyes. “I haven’t told anyone about us yet. But after tonight… I want to introduce you to my mother.”
Collins froze for a second, masking the panic rising inside. What if Mrs. Ryan thinks I’ve betrayed her? That I’ve fallen for Nora instead of completing the mission? What then?
He watched as Nora tapped away at her phone, making calls, sending texts. Calm. Efficient. Radiant.
He smiled faintly. She’s brilliant. Beautiful. Unbelievably magnetic. And somehow… She chose me.
But even as happiness settled over him, he knew: he was walking a dangerous line. One misstep, and he could lose everything, Nora’s trust, her mother’s commission, and his own sense of integrity.
He reached out, brushing her hand again.
“I have to be careful. Very careful.”
- Writer
