Andy is packing her boyfriend's luggage, "i'm going to miss you" she said with a sense of impending loss hung heavy in the air. "You said you were going to spend a week, you spent five days and you're leaving, it's not fair" she continued sadly with her words carrying a mixture of longing and frustration, revealing the ache of his imminent departure and the brevity of their time together.
"Babe, looks like you're having some skin reactions or something and your body is getting bigger, have you stopped hitting the gym, you look almost double your size now" he remarked. His observations slicing through Andy's facade with surgical precision.
"I've not been to the gym for a while now because I was sick, the sickness made me add weight" she lied, serving as a stark reminder of her vulnerability, a vulnerability she had tried to conceal beneath layers of bravado.
"As for your face, if your skincare finishes tell me" he said, wearing a broad smile, "Anyways, how is work? You didn't mention anything about work in the few days I spent with you" he continued.
"I'm on my annual leave, so I'm not resuming soon." she lied, a deliberate omission to shield her boyfriend from the realities she faced when they were apart"
That's nice, expect your boyfriend in a month. I'm coming to stay here and protect you from people like the delivery man".he said jokingly. They both laughed tinged with a hint of unease.
"Did you bother checking what is inside the box?" he suddenly remembers about the mysterious package that arrived days ago.
"I don't know who it is from," Andy said.
"You should still check it or what's your plan? He asked her. "Lets go unwrap it" he said holding her hands as they headed to the living room.
As they unraveled the box together, anticipation mingled with disappointment, the absence of a gift casting a shadow over their shared moment. This person must be a joker, he exclaimed with frustration.
"No gift? We need to sue the delivery man, he must know something about this, maybe that's why he insisted he was going to carry it inside himself. He's a fraud but how did he get your address? You need to be more careful, someone is watching you. I can't wait to be back from this trip so I can protect you" he said almost in tears.
They bade themselves goodbye, hugged while he placed a kiss on her cheek. She assisted him to carry his luggage to the door. Andy shut the door immediately he went outside. Andy's tears flowed freely, her vulnerability laid bare in the wake of her boyfriend's departure. "I will be so disappointed if he eventually realizes, I honestly don't know what to do" she whispered. The weight of her secret bore down on her, a burden too heavy to bear alone. A whispered confession of her turmoil and uncertainty, echoing in the silence of her empty apartment. In the midst of her tears she remembered Drake, She picked up her phone and sent a text message to drake "he's gone"
Drake was at work when he received the message from Andy. Immediately he saw it, his heart raced with anticipation as he received Andy's message, he jumped up in excitement. He was so happy. He called the hired assassin immediately. The hired assassin picked it up after the first bump.
"Hey, whatsapp" the hired assassin said, cracking the intensity of their shared mission.
"Back to business, the guy is out of the house." he said happily.
"Really? That's great news. I'm on it right now, it will be done by this week" he said uncertainty
"I don't want to hear the opposite or any silly excuse, I want to hear certainly" Drake said with his insistence on certainty underscored the gravity of the task.
"Certainly, it will be done this week," the hired assassin assured him.
"The next time you call me I want to hear good news please nothing more because this ought to be a done and dusted project". He cut the call quickly with his impatience a reflection of the stakes at hand. His abrupt dismissal spoke volumes, a stark reminder of the consequences of failure in their deadly game.
"I hope he gets it done this time" he whispered with a flicker of doubt lingering in the air. His whispered hope was a fragile beacon in the darkness, a desperate plea for the closure he sought.
The next day was Drake's birthday, he decided to stay at home and have an alone time with stephanie. He picked up his phone and dialed her number. She picked up after the first bump.
"Hello, birthday boy," Stephanie said joyfully.
"I don't think I need to invite you over, do i? Don't you know I took a day off just to be with you? Where are you? I feel so lonely without you." he said without exercising patience for a bit.
"Calm down, I'm almost at your place. I will be there in a short time" stephanie said hurriedly
"Be quick. I'm expecting you" he said calmly
"Alright bye". She said as she cut the call quickly.
About ten minutes after he received Stephanie's call another call came in. It was the finance manager. He hissed as he picked it up
Don't you know I took a day off because it's my birthday, are you not old enough to manage the company in my absence or what is the reason for this call.
"Five of our workers dropped dead while working but were rushed to the emergency clinic in the office building and media panels are circulating the office to get reports from other members of "…. Said the head of finance department
Drake cut the call before the head of finance department could say one more word
"Driverrrrrrrrrrrrrr" he screamed
Instantly the driver came out in a new black Rolls Royce Spectre
Drake hopped in instantly. The driver got the message immediately and sped off like a lion seeking a meal to devour. Drake was panicking all through the journey, his breath quickened, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he pressed on, fueled by determination. Time seemed to compress, seconds ticking away in sync with the rhythm of his drive.
The exotic car, a symbol of luxury and success, sat gleaming in the background. Drake was surprised to see no media panel at the door of the office. He completely ignored the thought of the media panels and wanted to confirm who the five people were.
As he approached the entrance, the automatic glass doors slid open with a subtle whoosh, allowing Drake to seamlessly transition from the urban hustle to the controlled environment of his professional domain.
"Where are these people".. He thought The lobby, adorned with minimalist decor and polished surfaces, served as a prelude to the corporate world awaiting him on the upper floors. He gradually approached the third floor which was the main floor that most staff are. As he approached the automatic door, he heard silent footsteps but the lights of the third floor were completely turned off. He was confused and wondering what was going on. "Where could these people be?" he asked loudly this time. He then reached out for the lights to turn the lights on and placed a phone call to the emergency unit to ask where everyone was.
As the door creaked open, the lights dimmed momentarily before flickering back on to reveal the assembled crowd. Coworkers stood shoulder to shoulder, wearing wide grins and holding sparklers aloft, while Stephanie stood at the center of the room, a conspiratorial twinkle in her eye.
"Surprise!" the room erupted in unison, voices blending into a chorus of excitement. Drake stood frozen in the doorway, a mixture of shock and delight spreading across their features as they took in the scene before them. He couldn't say a word for about three minutes while the rest of the staff and stephanie; his wife , sang loudly and happily.
The room was transformed into a haven of festivity, with vibrant decorations adorning every surface. Streamers crisscrossed the ceiling in a rainbow of colors, while balloons floated gracefully, each one bearing messages of love and congratulations. The long table along one wall was laden with an array of delectable treats, from intricately decorated cupcakes to savory hors d'oeuvres.
Stephanie stepped forward, a radiant smile gracing her lips as she enveloped them in a tight embrace. "Happy birthday, darling," she whispered, pressing a kiss to their cheek before leading them further into the room.
Coworkers approached one by one, offering heartfelt wishes and gifts, while others clustered around the table, eager to indulge in the culinary delights on offer. Laughter echoed off the walls as stories were shared and memories recounted, the atmosphere buzzing with an infectious energy.
It was a celebration orchestrated with love and care, a testament to the bond between coworkers and the unwavering support of family. In that moment, surrounded by those they held dear, Drake felt truly cherished and appreciated.