Scarlett: Sir, I think Jimmy Parker knows about me being an agent.
Henry: Why do you think so, Agent 007?
Scarlett: He's literally giving me so much attention. I'm very suspicious he knows something.
Henry: How so?
Scarlett: A few days ago he was literally taking me to his place.
Henry: So did you go? ( He laughs)
Scarlett: Is that a question? No, I didn't.
Henry: If a time comes where the situation is necessary. You should consider your mission on top.
Scarlett: For now, the thing is…I've been talking to him for a month and each day just keeps getting closer.
Henry: It goes like this. You know the blonde and bobbed hair guy who works with you both.
Scarlett: Yes.
Henry: Jimmy has been a really good friend to them. They even go out. It's all to balance his fake identity. Just like you have made some friends, for your fake self.
Scarlett: So your saying…
Henry: He's trying to make you his girlfriend. To be like, you know…a normal boy, normal life, normal girlfriend…And you're a single 19-year-old girl who lives alone. That makes it less complicated. What better target could he have?
Scarlett: In other words, he could kill me if he likes or if l find something out. Because I'm alone.
Henry: Exactly. But Agent 007, you're not really going to gain his trust in this way.
Scarlett: I got this. I'm good at guns, fighting, killing. This type of mission is new for me. It'll take me a while.
Henry: Take all the time you want. But make it successful.
Scarlett nodded and bowed. She left the office, took a bus, and went straight to her college.
...............
Anna: You're leaving already? Don't you have another class to attend?
Scarlett: I have to go to work.
Anna: Okay, but don't overwork yourself.
Scarlett: I won't.
Anna: You were late in the morning as well. I bet you overslept.
Scarlett: In the morning? Oh yeah, I kind of did.
Anna: See? Because you were tired.
Anna continued her lecture and Scarlett smiled. Anna was a friend of "Scarlett" but not "Agent 007", her real self. So, Scarlett couldn't tell her anything true, that she was late today because she had a meeting with her boss. Because in the end, this friendship was just acting. But sometimes Anna really made Scarlett wish her fake life was her actual life.
Scarlett snapped into reality as she saw Anna looking at something in shock. Scarlett turned around and a car had stopped behind her. The same car from that night. The window slide down revealing a handsome guy who smiles at her.
Anna: Scarlett, is that cute guy smiling at you or me?
Scarlett: I think you, I d-don't know.
He actually stepped out of his car and walked to where the two girls were standing. He took his sunglass off.
Jimmy: Why do you always take so long to come out? Ah-hello, Scarlett's friend. I'm Jimmy.
He smiled at Anna.
Anna: I'm Anna, are you her boyfriend?
Jimmy: I guess you could say that.
Scarlett: Hold up, first of all. Why are you here?
Jimmy: Someone said you walk a lot to get to the train station. So I came to pick you up.
Scarlett: Gosh, I can't be—
Jimmy: Just come on.
Before Scarlett could say anything he already turned around and walked back to his car. Scarlett faces Anna who was calm a minute ago.
Anna: How could you not tell me?
Scarlett: No…no, we're not in a relationship yet.
Anna: Yet? That means you'll soon be. Go he's waiting.
Scarlett: B-bye, I'll see you later.
Anna smiled as she watched Scarlett walk fast to where the car was. She got in and looked annoyed. Whereas Jimmy was laughing.
Anna: He's even cute. Ah, I'm so happy for her.
............…
Scarlett and Jimmy went to work together. And they went to get ice cream afterward. Then later they went bowling.
Scarlett: Ha-ha today was so fun! Can we do this again?
The day had come to an end. Scarlett and Jimmy both went to a rooftop and sat on the fence. Which was a bit dangerous.
Jimmy: Aren't you scared of sitting here? You might fall.
Scarlett: Actually, when you sit here you can see the whole city. All these lights. It's actually beautiful. Besides, I'm not the type of getting scared.
Jimmy: You're my type.
Scarlett: .....Jimmy?
Jimmy: Yes? Why do you look so serious?
Scarlett: Do you really like me?
Jimmy: I do, seriously.
Scarlett: I mean you're so handsome. You can get many pretty girls, then why me?
Jimmy: But you're the one I want. Aside from being pretty, I like your personality. So, tell me. Can I call you mine?
Scarlett: But I don't even know anything about you. (Lower voice) and you don't know anything about me.
Jimmy had kept his hand on her hand the whole time. Just as she said that she tried to slip her hand through. But his grip didn't let it happen.
Jimmy: If there's something I don't know about you. And it's something that could separate us. Then just don't say it.
Scarlett looked at Jimmy. Her face was blank but she was actually surprised to hear that.
Scarlett: Even if I didn't tell you. I can't be together with you.
Jimmy: Why??? Is it because you don't know anything about me? Ask me whatever you want.
Scarlett: Who are you? All I know about you is your name and car. You're super mysterious.
Jimmy: I am a gangster.
Scarlett was way too shocked this time. How could he tell her he's a gangster? He's the leader of the biggest gang on the continent and he's supposed to hide it. Why is he telling that to a girl like Scarlett?
Scarlett: Ha-ha stops joking, gosh I thought we were having a serious talk for once.
Jimmy remained serious.
Scarlett: Jimmy is that really the truth? But you said your family…A-and the car…about being rich.
Jimmy: I don't have a rich family. I'm rich myself. I'm a criminal. So, are you going to leave me now?
Scarlett knew what the price of overreacting here could be. If she were to complain now, there was a possibility he would easily push her down and kill her.
Scarlett: But Jimmy, you are a good person.
Jimmy: But I'm still a criminal.
Scarlett: My judgment is, you must surely have a reason for what you do.
Jimmy: You really are different.
Scarlett: I just think a lot... Jimmy, let's get going?
.........
Jimmy drove Scarlett home. She waved him goodbye went inside the building. She was in the elevator now. An unknown man was also present in the elevator.
Scarlett: You're one of Mr. Logan's men. Aren't you?
Man: You have guessed that right. Miss Scarlett.
Scarlett: I already told him. I'm not going to marry anyone.
Man: Miss Scarlett, you have ten more days. After that, you should come on your own free will or we will take you by force.
The door opened and Scarlett stepped out. Not even looking back once. She took out her keys to open the door. 'And this is where my problematic father step in'
.........…
*** A few days later ***
Scarlett was early at work. No one was here yet. Not even staff or customers. Why did she come to eat? She didn't know. Actually, she did. It was to meet Jimmy early. She made a confused face.
Scarlett: Why am doing this? Scarlett this is just a mission, why are you eve-
Before she could say anything. The door opened. She saw someone in a suit. It was the manager.
Scarlett: Mr. M-Manager? What brings you here?
Manager: Sign these.
He put forward a paper.
Scarlett: Resignation letter? Me? I didn't submit this.
Manager: It's better to resign rather than getting fired. This is good for your reputation.
Scarlett: Let me guess, Steve Logan told you to do this to me?
Manager: Your father. Yes. He's too powerful. I can't reject his request. Besides he's your father. Whatever he wants from you is probably for your betterment.
Scarlett grabbed the pen and signed it without any further wait. She grabbed her bag and was about to leave…
Scarlett: Don't tell others about my father thing. Just tell them I left.
Just like that Scarlett left. She knew what else was coming her way.
.........
Scarlett entered her home and her phone started to ring. She picked it up.
Woman: Hello, is this Scarlett Logan. We are talking from the London College of Science.
Scarlett: Yes it's me. What is it?
Woman: This is to inform you that your application to leave the college was accepted. You have now left it. For any certificates or papers please let us know.
Scarlett: No, I don't need anything.
Scarlett ended the call but another call came. It was Jimmy. She picked it up.
Scarlett: Hey.
Jimmy: Scarlett, you left the job? Why? I even went to your college to look for it. Your name wasn't there anymore.
Scarlett: Jimmy, listen. When I said there were reasons, I could not be with you. I really had issues. Just know that this was not because of you being a criminal. I know you have some kind of reasons as well. This is my goodbye.
Once again Scarlett turned the phone off and her doorbell rang. Her landlord entered.
Landlord: Scarlett, I need you to leave this apartment in two days. I'm pretty sure your father told you—
Scarlett: Forget two days. (She handed her keys) I'll leave now.
Scarlett said that after looking out of the window. She had noticed something or someone.
Scarlett: Oh…and you can keep the furniture or sell it.
Saying that Scarlett stepped out completely ignoring her landlord's astonished expressions. Scarlett went downstairs to look at the bundle of cars her stepfather had sent. She went to the nearest car and the door opened automatically. She got inside. On the front seat was the same man from the other day. He had a phone in his hand. He gave the phone to Scarlett, someone was on the call. She knew who.
Mr. Logan: Good to know you came by yourself. Since you hah no other choice than to leave.
Scarlett: Okay fine. You win, I lose.
Mr. Logan: You knew the results from the beginning.
Scarlett: Whatever. (Rolls eyes)
Mr. Logan: Your marriage will be held in 3 days.
Scarlett: Could you not have waited a couple of years? I'm only 19. I had dreams. You're a shameful person to use me for your business in this way.
Scarlett's eyes were going red.
Mr. Logan: My dear daughter, just go home and prepare for your wedding.
He cut the call and Scarlett put the phone down. She looked outside trying to hold on to her tears. Of course, she had to make everything look real.
......…
Three days had already passed. Jimmy has entered the meeting room where one of his partners, Kevin was sitting.
Kevin: What's this? You're back already.
Jimmy: Two months seem less for you. But they were enough for me.
Kevin: Wow, we need to have a party. Don't we?
Jimmy: Forget the party. I want you to search for a girl.
Kevin had his leg on the table and a cigarette in his hand. Jimmy was sitting next to him and swiped a picture on the table to him.
Kevin: She's pretty, new girl?
Jimmy: Could say.
Kevin: But Jimmy.
He removed his legs from the table and looked at Jimmy.
Kevin: Why would you search this girl?
Jimmy: Don't know. But find her.
Kevin: Dead or alive?
Jimmy: Don't touch her, don't even go near her. Just tell me her whereabouts.
Kevin got up and was to exit but it looked like he wanted to say something.
Kevin: Bro, I hope you're not serious about her.
A smirk formed on Jimmy's face.
Jimmy: I can't say I'm serious. I just feel like having her beside me.
Kevin: Our men will find her in approximately 3 hours.
*** Meanwhile ***
Scarlett was sitting in front of the mirror with a serious face. She had about four women doing her hair, makeup, and fixing dresses. She was getting married. She did look beautiful in the white dress. But of course, she was not happy. Finally when all the women stopped.
Scarlett: I think I look good enough now. Leave. All of you.
All of the women quietly left the room. Scarlett got up. She was in her stepfather's house. The wedding was held in his large garden. She looked out of the window, the ground did look beautiful. There were guests, reporters and famous people everywhere. Scarlett looked at where her father was standing. Right next to him was Scarlett's soon-to-be husband. She couldn't see his face. But he did look like a model just from his back.
He called a worker over and whispered something in his ear. The worker nodded immediately. She walked back to where she was sitting. There was a knock on the door.
Scarlett: Come in.
???: Mam, your fiancé wants to meet you. He'll come here in 15 minutes.
Scarlett smiled at the mirror, where she could see who entered the room.
Scarlett: What's up with this hurry, can't he wait to see me for the first time when I walk the aisle.
???: I'm not too sure about that, Scarlett.
Scarlett: So of all people they sent you, Agent 009? I mean Lisa.
Lisa: I heard Scarlett needed someone to help her out. I had free time so, yeah.
Scarlett: You should've slept in your free time.
Lisa: I didn't know your real family was problematic.
Scarlett: And yet, they're not even my real family.
Lisa: So what's the plan? Should I stop this wedding?
Scarlett: Partially yes, I want you to go out and make sure no one's in the mansion. Also, make sure the back door is open and no one should be there.
Lisa: Roger that.
Scarlett: Oh, and don't kill anyone.
Lisa: No violence? No fun.
Scarlett: Stop frowning, little Jackie will be here soon. I need to go before that.
Lisa: You can come out and leave in 5 minutes. Everything will be clear.
It had already been 5 minutes from when Lisa had left. She looked down the window. Little Jackie was walking towards the entrance door. Scarlett knew she had to leave. Before she left the room, she walked back to the mirror, grabbed a red lipstick, and wrote a clear "F*** you" on the mirror. Now she was good to go, she smirked and left the room. Hurried downstairs and went to the back door. No one was there.
She was not getting married today, she left quietly like that. Just as she exited the back door, she was soon in the street. She walked as fast as she could. Scarlett's not-to-be husband entered the room, two of his men waiting outside. No one was inside. Lisa came inside as she was a ' Bride care taker'. He walked towards the mirror slowly, and read the' F*** you'. He had a serious look on his face when suddenly he started clapping.
???: Ha-ha! I like it!!! What a nerve! I like it Ha-ha, seriously. I like the confidence.
Lisa: S-sir, I'm not sure who wrote that. The bride must be in the changing room.
Lisa panicked and knocked at the door of changing room. No one answered. She opened and no one was inside.
Lisa: OMO! She's not inside! Where did she go?
Lisa left the room to tell others about this unexpected tragedy. The bride was gone.
.........
Scarlett was now sitting on a footpath. Right in front of a car. She had been sitting here all along. It was already night. For a second she thought about it all. What if her plan doesn't work. That could seriously damage her career. And also her fake-real life where she is the daughter of a famous politician. Because being who he is, he will be able to find her. And eventually, drag her down the aisle. But she knew if she were with Jimmy, he couldn't do anything.
She had her phone in her hand which got been turned off for 3 days. Just as she turned it on. It was filled with messages and missed calls. They were from Anna, Iris, and other people she knew or was friends with. Of course, they would find it weird if Scarlett disappeared out of nowhere.
Scarlett kept scrolling down but she couldn't find Jimmy anywhere. Did he really not call her again. She opened a voice mail from Iris.
Iris: Scarlett, where are you? Jimmy is also gone. Did you two run away or something?
Scarlett sends a message to everyone who was worried writing "I just went back to my family, I have to help with the business. Things are going fine. Don't worry about me." Scarlett was confused. Why did Jimmy disappear after she was gone? Did he go back to crime? Just after she disappeared? And why did he not try to contact her? Scarlett used to think he cared for her, maybe just a little. But there was 'something'.
Scarlett picked up her phone and called Jimmy. In return she got a "The number you're calling does not exist". He really did disappear. Scarlett put down the phone. She had a sad look on her face. The look of mixed emotions. Sure it seemed like her plan had failed but she wasn't sad because of that. She wanted to talk to him. She didn't know why. But she wanted to at least hear his voice. Scarlett couldn't realize why that was happening.
She hugged her knees and dug her head in them which were covered with the silk of the dress. She hadn't felt this sad in a very long time. The whole time Scarlett was in front of a car. She had thought no one was in it. Little did she know. The door opened and slow footsteps could be heard. They were coming her way, she quickly lifted her head up as she knew anyone would find it awkward to see a bride on an empty street who looked like she was crying.
???: Her pretty dress and her pretty eyes…Her world is filled with horror and lies.
Scarlett looked at the person who she was expecting. There he was. Her target. For whom she did all this. And the one who made her feel this unwanted sadness. "Jimmy".
* To be Continue *
........................