[KARRIN]
I came down for dinner. Everyone was already at the table. It was a seven-chair setup—two for Mom and Dad, one for each of us, and two extra meant for my future sister-in-law… who hasn't even been born yet.
It used to be an eight-chair table, which honestly made more sense—three on each side—but Mom and Dad removed one a while ago. They said they're not planning to marry me off… not in this lifetime. Not until I die. I guess that was their way of saying I'm staying put.
I sat beside my brother. Sam, my younger sibling, sat next to me. The other side of the table remained completely empty, as usual.
"You took too long, Karrin. We had to reheat the food," Father said, not looking up from his plate.
"Sorry, I was busy with… hiccup… something," I replied, avoiding everyone's eyes.
My brother gave me a sharp side-eye. Not the playful kind. He looked genuinely pissed off.
"Are you all right? It seems like you've been crying," Father added, laughing like it was a joke.
I laughed along, mostly to hide the lump in my throat. "Why would I cry?" I said, pretending to be casual. Another sharp side glance from my brother.
We started dinner, the tension hanging above us like fog.
In the middle of the meal, Mom suddenly cleared her throat. "Right… an announcement. Tomorrow, after lunch with Mr. Kelvin, we have dinner with your uncle and grandparents."
Sam and I froze, forks mid-air. We glanced at each other and spoke at the same time.
"Can I—"
"No, you both can't skip," Mom cut us off instantly.
We both sighed in unison. It was like we were synced in our misery.
"Mom, you know they hate us," I said quietly. "The only one they ever acknowledge is the eldest brother… hiccup. He's the only one grandfather respects." Another glance from my brother, this one unreadable.
I thought I saw something flicker in Mom's eyes. Nervousness, maybe. Like she was hiding something.
"No. You both have to go. It's important," she replied, regaining her firm tone.
"But—" Sam tried again.
"End of discussion," Mom snapped.
And that was that. End of the conversation. End of hope.
…
Later, I went back to my room, my chest tight with confusion. Crying for a reason is one thing. But crying for no reason? That's something else. Something scarier. I didn't want to think about it too much, so I just got into bed and pretended to sleep.
I heard footsteps on the stairs. Slow, measured. I quickly turned off the lamp, jumped into bed, and shut my eyes tightly.
There was a soft knock. "Karrin?" And again—"Karrin, it's me."
I stayed quiet, forcing my breathing to slow.
The door creaked open. "Karrin?" he said again, walking in. "Don't pretend to be asleep."
Still, I said nothing.
"Karrin?... Are you really asleep?"
He stood there for a moment, then sighed deeply. "Why were you crying?"
His voice wasn't angry. It was worried. Gentle. And now I felt even worse for pretending.
Eventually, he left.
I sat up with a sigh. "Well… my acting career finally helped me in real life."
…
The next morning, I was grateful that my brother's men weren't following me for once. I had to stop by the agency for some urgent paperwork, and it was easier to slip in and out unnoticed.
Once I finished, I headed back home for lunch. The place was already buzzing—servants moving quickly, setting up the table and arranging fresh flowers. Mom was in the middle of everything, giving orders like a general before battle.
I let out a soft sigh.
"Oh, you're here. Go freshen up—they'll be here any minute," she said without glancing my way.
"Mhm." I nodded, still half-asleep, and dragged myself upstairs.
In my room, I splashed cold water on my face and looked in the mirror. I looked pale. My eyes were puffy, and the dark circles were darker than ever. I wasn't one for makeup, but today it felt necessary. I did just enough to look awake.
I wore a crisp white button-up shirt tucked into loose blue jeans. Casual but neat. Hair parted to the side. Simple makeup to cover up the exhaustion. It was too casual for a formal lunch, maybe, but this was my house. I didn't care.
Downstairs, Dad and my brother were talking on the couch. Mom was still rushing around. Sam was nowhere in sight, which was probably for the best.
I sat beside my brother, scrolling through my phone as he continued talking.
Soon, the guests arrived. Dad and my brother got up to greet them at the door. Mom disappeared, likely into the kitchen. I stayed put, too tired to pretend I cared.
Just then, my phone buzzed. A message from Mr. Black—our agency director. He'd sent over a CCTV clip from a mission last month.
I opened the file and played the video. My eyes narrowed.
There he was—that man. Right there. Moving behind the car. I watched the timestamp, zoomed in, and smiled. Yes, there it was. Gotcha.
I took a screenshot of his partner's face.
Suddenly, someone cleared their throat.
"Karrin?"
I looked up, startled.
Everyone was staring—Dad, my brother, and Mr. Kelvin with his assistant.
Damn.
I quickly locked my phone and stood up, putting on my most professional smile.
"Sorry about that…" I looked directly at Mr. Kelvin.
His blonde hair was unexpected. But his features—sharp, clean, striking—didn't match the coldness in his eyes.
"I'm Karrin. Nice to meet you, Mr. Kelvin." I extended my hand.
His assistant started to step forward, but Mr. Kelvin stopped him with a glance and shook my hand himself.
"Nice to meet you too, Ms. Karrin."
I smiled and gestured toward the couch across from mine. He sat. His assistant gave me a mixed look—curious, maybe suspicious.
He placed two contracts on the table. My brother's assistant placed our seal beside them.
"You can review if you'd like to suggest any changes," Mr. Kelvin said, leaning back casually.
My brother nodded at me.
I read through the contracts. Surprisingly fair. I nodded. "We can sign now."
My brother stamped both without reading. Then Mr. Kelvin signed, his eyes fixed on me.
"Happy cooperation," I said with a smile.
"Happy cooperation," he replied.
Mom arrived. "Lunch is ready. Please head to the dining room."
We moved to the dining hall. I sat quietly, eating. Mr. Kelvin's gaze felt heavy, like he was trying to see through me.
What does he want?
I gave him my prettiest smile and kept eating.
After lunch, they finally left.
I went to my room and switched SIMs. Then, as Agent Red, I texted Mr. Kelvin:
"I've entered. Will start work tomorrow."
I sighed, fell back on my bed, and stared at the ceiling.
"Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day."