LUNCH WITH THE SECRET AGENTS

THE VIP ROOM was large enough to have a lounge area and a round wood dining table. The interior design screams luxury. The seats around the table were all leather and there was a thick curtain covering the floor-to-ceiling window. The large chandelier gave a dim yellow light inside that adds warmth to the cold room.

The guys in the room stood up and started to introduced themselves.

"Howdy!" The man who was screaming because of their game earlier was the first one to approach Zoe with a bright smile, reaching to give her a man hug.

Zoe was prepared to be wrapped around the man's arms when someone grabbed her wrist and pulled her to side, getting her out of the way.

She thought that it was Fern but when she lifted her head, she saw the emotionless face of her husband.

Zoe's heart fluttered again. Even though she knew it was just an act in front of the mayor's friends, she felt happy.

"I forgot to tell you who were our visitors," Mr. Mayor spoke, "she is Mrs. Zoe Donovan, my butler's wife and her manager, Mr. Fern Cabios."

Shock crossed the man's face who was about to hug her while the others just nodded quietly.

"If you may not know, Mrs. Donovan is one of the highest paid runway model and as you can see, she disguised herself as a man," Mr. Mayor continued.

"Howdy, everyone. Nice to meet you!" Fern greeted with a lively voice.

"G-good day. I hope you don't mind us joining your lunch," Zoe said shyly.

"We don't! After all, you are Zoe Quinn! Oh my! I am Kane, your number one fan," Kane exclaimed in front of Zoe, "Mr. Cabios, thank you for taking care of my idol."

Zoe's lips stretched into a smile upon hearing Kane's words, "Thank you!"

Zoe wanted to shake hands with Kane but when she tried lifting her hand, Hans didn't let her do it so she just kept the smile on her face.

"I always had a crush on you and this is a dream come true, Miss Zoe Quinn!"

Kane being straightforward made Zoe speechless. She felt a pressure on her wrist since Hans didn't let go of her yet.

"Kane, that's enough. Let others introduce themselves," Mr. Mayor spoke.

The smile of Kane's face never faded, he looked at Zoe and asked, "Can I have a picture with you later?"

"Yes, sure," Zoe just agreed because Hans' grip tightened on her wrist.

Kane happily nodded and didn't say anything more.

"Hi, I am Yuri. Nice meeting you Mrs. Donovan and Mr. Cabios," the one with the dagger introduced himself.

"Howdy, Yuri. Nice to meet you," she greeted back. Zoe then remembered the scene she has witnessed earlier, "and please don't play with sharp things."

Yuri chuckled gently, "Oh, you caught us playing a children's game? No worries, Miss Zoe, it'll be alright," he then pointed at Kane who was busy on his phone while grinning, "and he is the owner of that sharp thing."

'Children's game? And Kane owned the dagger, which in fact has a horrified face earlier?' Zoe's mind pounded in disbelief.

"Miss Zoe, I am Frail. If you need some information, you can contact me, but my services are not for free," the man with the eyeglasses voiced out. His complexion was much whiter and paler than Zoe.

Zoe's soft laugh escaped her red lips, "I will keep that in mind, mister."

"Mister Frail," Fern spoke beside Zoe, "how much will it cost if I ask for your personal information, including all your friends, Mr. Mayor and his butler?"

Zoe just couldn't believe Fern! What is he thinking? Asking the personal data of the gentlemen in the same room as them?

"Since it's your first time to avail my services, I'll give it for free," Frail answered.

"Oh, good.. we should exchange contact numbers later," Fern grinned.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Donovan, Mr. Cabios. I am Hiro."

Zoe turned at the man with long hair and she smiled, "Howdy, Hiro. Nice to meet you."

Zoe stared at Hiro's face for a while. She thought that he looked familiar.

She was about to ask if they met before but interrupted by a knock on the door. She chose to dismiss the idea of asking and will just find the right time to approach him.

"Come in." The mayor ordered.

A group of waiters with trays of food went inside, carefully placing them on the Lazy Susan on the table.

"Hans, bring your wife and Mr. Cabios here," Mr. Mayor ordered Hans.

Zoe's became uneasy again. Hans hold her arm to guide her to the table. As his warm hand made contact again with her soft skin, she instantly froze on her spot.

She didn't pay much attention when he was holding her wrist earlier since she attentively listened to the introductions of Mr. Mayor's friend.

But at the moment, it's different. There is a familiar spark, hitting her every nerves and making her heart throbbed crazily.

"Anything wrong, Mrs. Donovan?" Mr. Mayor asked when she didn't move.

Zoe snapped back in her senses, she smiled and shook her head, "Nothing, Mr. Mayor."

Zoe took Fern's hand with her sweating one for support. Fern understood what Zoe wanted but he has a different idea.

He pulled back his hand and said, "Mr. Donovan, you can have my beautiful model."

Zoe felt betrayed when Fern pushed her slightly towards Hans. She didn't protested anymore and followed Hans who still held her arms.

The large round table was large enough to accommodate the eight of them. Zoe sat down with Hans on her right side and Fern on the other side.

The food served were all delicious but Zoe tried her best to control her appetite. She needs to act dignified in front of the mayor and the other gentlemen.

They ate while talking about random things and Kane would always bring up a new topic.

"Miss Zoe, why didn't you get a VIP room instead of disguising and eating in public?" Kane asked curiously while chewing his food.

"I want to eat like normal people would do on their regular days."

"So VIP people like Mr. Mayor is abnormal?"

"That's not what I mean," Zoe chuckled lightly and continued to explain, "eating on public helps you see the real situation outside. It's not always like this. Some eat on fancy restaurants while others were already contented having their stomachs filled with simple food. Just by watching people around will give us an inspiration for a change in life."

As she finished her words, she saw the intent and serious gazes of the guys at her. She suddenly felt embarrassed.

Zoe bit her lower lip nervously and asked softly, "Did I said something wrong?"

Fern clapped his hands after he recovered, "Bravo."

"Very well said, Mrs. Donovan. Being aware of our country's situation is everyone's responsibility," Mr. Mayor grinned at her.

"Thank you for making South City a better place with your hard work, Mr. Mayor!" Zoe beamed.

"I didn't know that a disguised pretty man look with such sweet voice would be so cute and adorable," Kane said as he stared at Zoe with admiration in his ocean blue eyes.

Right after the last word of Kane, a sound of a loud smash echoed inside the VIP room. Everyone fell silent.

"I apologize. There is a mosquito on the table," Hans calmly yet coldly said as he withdrew his fist on the wooden table that left a small crack.

"Tsk. I thought it was a five-star restaurant," Yuri nonchalantly complained.

"We should sue them," Frail commented.

"Oh. Thank you mister butler for preventing that mosquito to spread more disease!" Kane chuckled.

"My butler has been very sensitive about his surrounding so please bear with him," it was Mr. Mayor who spoke as he continued to eat.

"Scary." Fern whispered on Zoe's ear.

Zoe glanced at Hans fist while he ate quietly. His knuckles were swollen.

'Did he use too much force in killing that mosquito?' Zoe thought.

"Where did you plan to go after lunch, Miss Zoe?" The mayor asked after a minute of silence.

"We will go buy some stuffs at Gio Mall, Mr. Mayor."

"Would you want me to close it so you can shop freely?"

Gio Mall was owned by the mayor and he can always order to close it anytime he wants.

"No need! We must not waste other people's time."

"Alright. Since we don't know when will danger happen, you can bring your husband with you."

"No!" Fern and Zoe refused in unison.

"It's fine, Mr. Mayor. We can manage." Fern added.

"Alright, if that will make you comfortable."

The lunch went well.

Mr. Mayor's friends are very fun to be with. Kane and Yuri always bicker while Frail will just talk with interest if the topic is money. Meanwhile, Hiro kept silent and only talk when he was asked.

On the other hand, Hans was quiet the whole time beside Zoe. She could feel the icy aura that his presence is emitting. She would constantly took short glances at Hans to check on him. She could say that he is in bad mood since his eyes carry an intense dark gaze.

"Mister butler! Can I ask a favor?"

Lunch was already done and they are already preparing to leave.

"What?"

"Could you take a picture of me and Miss Zoe?"

Kane handed his phone to Hans, "I will borrow your lovely wife for a while, mister butler."

Zoe saw the pissed look on Hans' face as he took the phone.

Kane went beside her and pose. Wearing her sunglass and cap, she smiled as well and posed like a man, since she was dressed into one.

She heard the phone camera shuttered continuously.

Kane put an arm over Zoe's shoulder and make a peace sign. Hans eyebrows knitted as he pressed the camera button so hard.

"Done." Hans announced, tossing the phone back to Kane and turned away.

Luckily, Kane caught it. He scanned the photos and grinned.

"Thank you, Miss Zoe."

Zoe nodded with a smile.

She was bewildered at what just happened. Since earlier, she couldn't help but think about the real relationship of Hans with these guys and Mr. Mayor.

Normally, a butler would stand beside and attend to his master's needs. But Mr. Mayor let Hans dine with them at the same table.

A butler should always be respectful at his master's friends but Hans just threw the phone back to Kane and the latter didn't seem to mind Hans' behavior at all.

She also noticed that everytime Hiro spoke to Mr. Mayor, he called him captain.

'Maybe they were teammates in a particular sports when they were younger and Mr. Mayor is their captain,' Zoe reasoned out to herself.

Watching them tells Zoe that they have known each other for a long time and have been used with each other's presence.

Zoe has been very attentive. She may look like a quiet type but she observe what people do around her. With this, she will know how to deal with them.

She just kept her thoughts to herself and turned to bid goodbye to everyone.

"Mr. Mayor, thank you for inviting us over lunch and nice to meet you again, gentlemen," she bowed a little as a respect.

"Thank you also for joining us Miss Zoe. I hope there will be next time."

"Let's see on the following days. We will take our leave now, Mr. Mayor."

"Yes, sure. Take care on the way."

"Thank you everyone," Fern bid goodbye with a wide grin.

"See you next time, Miss Zoe and Mr. Cabios."

Zoe and Fern got out of the room and took their leave after exchanging goodbyes.

They just taken few steps when they heard approaching footsteps towards them. Zoe turned back and she saw Hans following them.

He was naturally elegant as he took every step, and walking in his black suit makes him look so regal and imposing. His cold gray eyes piercing directly towards Zoe.

This was the man Zoe married yesterday!