CHAPTER 14: ANSWERS

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Xia arrived at the building of the agency she works for. Last night, the agency called her to come over. Breathing deeply, she entered the doors and went straight to the top floor. The top floor is quiet, walls of translucent glass colored in bluish-grey. Xia stopped in front of two glass doors.

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(Xia's pov)

I don't know what to expect. My heart races every time I think of the weapon they promised. Although, it brings up memories of that night. I can only shake my head about it. What happened has happened and there is no way to erase it.

~~•~~

I infiltrated the building through the vents. The vents are big enough for me to crawl but it is still not enough for me to move quicker. When I reached the control room, I knocked out the guards positioned inside using the sleeping fluid I manage to have with me. I immediately accessed the building's security system and shut it down for a specific time.

I hacked into the files in search of the information I was tasked to find. Everything went smoothly, I can see my partner sneaking pass the halls. Hitting the guards from behind knocking them unconscious. Everything is silent, not a sound can be heard. I saw him again passing by with the signal of 'mission complete'. I quickly left the building and back to the rooftop back where we started.

~~•~~

After that, well I wish to forget. That doesn't matter now, I have my prize with me. This is the most important. A man in a black suit approached me and gave me a briefcase. I bowed and left the building.

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Xia went back to the mansion straight to her room. She thought of opening the briefcase with Ann or Xander. Xia looked outside from the floor to ceiling glass that made up the wall of one side of the room.

She touched the silver locket that she got from opening the box. Xia didn't tell Xander about what is inside the box, worried about what he'll do. She tucked the pendant back under her shirt and went out of her room. It's still early in the morning, about ten o'clock.

A message popped upcoming from Vincent.

*So, anything to do today?

Xia smiled, there was nothing to do that day and she is lazy to read her books.

*Nope, just staying inside the house

*Want to hang out with me?

*I don't know

*Come on, it won't hurt going out a bit

*Yeah... I suppose I could

*So, is that a yes?

*Yeah, sure I'll come

*Okay, pick you up in 20 minutes

Xia got ready to go out, she wore a black long-sleeved asymmetric top partnered with jeans and sandals. Simple and fresh, the look that she always favored.

On the way to Xia's place, Vincent couldn't stop from smiling. A whole day with just the both of them, how thrilling. It felt as if luck has poured onto him this day.

=====♣=====

(Vincent's pov)

I received a call from the agency. They told me that the girl already received the promised item in exchange for the work that she completed. They also told me that, she is trying so hard not to smile. I can only imagine how cute she would look like controlling her overflowing happiness receiving something she wanted for so long.

Completing a mission with her last time is already a big accomplishment for me but... I couldn't help myself but crave for more. The face that she made after that little kiss is embedded in my memory. That little piece of reward she exchanged for money is nothing compared to what I want to give her but I should take my time and reserve those things when she is officially mine.

The thought of treating her today is actually a part of my plan to give her another gift. Wouldn't that give her more happiness? I can't wait.

=====♣=====

Vincent arrived and picked Xia up from the mansion. As they travel, not a sound can be heard. The atmosphere is awkward. Vincent opened his mouth to speak.

"How was your brother-sister bonding?"

Xia sighed, "it was good"

"Good?"

"Well, I just came across some thinking and–"

"And??"

"Nothing"

Vincent nodded, Xia doesn't seem to dig into the topic further. To ease the air a bit, Vincent changed the subject.

"Where do you want to go?"

Xia raised her eyebrows, "Why are you asking me that?"

Vincent laughed, "I asked you a question and instead of answering you asked back. Haha, well, you seem down. I don't want to bring you somewhere uncomfortable"

Xia smiled, to think that Vincent would be considerate about her feelings. She couldn't help but feel warmed and light. She thought for a moment and came up with an answer.

"Do you like high places?"

"Uhmm... Maybe?" Vincent answered uneasily.

Xia laughed, "You know the manor of my family right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"The place is actually in the forest near the manor, I mean if its okay with you. We could go somewhere else–"

"Sure, why not" Before Xia could finish, Vincent agreed.

Xia blushed, Vincent is the one who planned this but he agreed to go somewhere unknown to the world. She is really lost for words to express gratitude for his tolerance for her wishes.

After leaving the car at the manor, Xia led Vincent into the forest. There is a path that was created by the multiple time people walked over the grass. The trees let some sun in enough to see where they are going and providing them shade as they venture deeper.

They stopped at a cliff, it has enough space to walk and run but it has no barricade to prevent people from falling. The view of the forest below them as it meets with the horizon is breathtaking. The forest resembled umbrellas covering the entire land with its lush green leaves. The sky is clear and blue, not many clouds are seen in the sky.

"Wow, I can't believe there's actually a place like this here" Vincent applauded.

"I come here sometimes to clear my head or if I'm in a bad mood" Xia sat at the edge with her feet dangling meters above the forest below.

"You must really like high places" Vincent followed the Xia's position and sat right beside her.

"Yeah, maybe, I don't know. I just like to look at the horizon when I was little"

"Really? You're not scared? Of heights, I mean"

"It's not scary if you look far ahead"

Vincent looked at the horizon, the sense of peace and quiet suddenly entered him, he feels relaxed. He smiled thinking that what Xia said is right, it is relaxing to look into the horizon from high places.

Vincent caught a bright light from the corner of his eye. He searched for the source and found it on Xia's hand. Being played in between her slender fingers. His eyes grew wide, it is a silver locket with a diamond at its tip.

"What's that?" Vincent asked he couldn't hide his anticipation.

Xia isn't aware of Vincent's excitement and explained, "I got this from opening a box that we found while cleaning the manor"

"Did Xander know what is inside?"

"No, I didn't tell him about what is inside the box" Xia looked at him, locking their eyes.

"So you have to keep this a secret" With a wink, Xia grinned and then averted her gaze.

Vincent chuckled, this girl is mischievous. Keeping secrets from her beloved brother. He can't help but laugh at her tricks. Xia's lips curved upwards as she plays with her locket. A treasure that Xander might take away from her.

"What is inside it?" Vincent asked further as if hoping for something to assure his expectations.

Xia smiled at him, a smile that can give the impression of a little devil brewing her tricks.

"It's a secret" She stood up and walked back from where they came from.

Vincent hurried to follow almost tripping on the way.

"So, where to next?" Xia asked

"Well, I plan to take you somewhere nice" Vincent held her hands and opened the car door for her. Once Xia is inside, he entered the car and drove off to their next destination. Looking out the window, Xia is lost in thought.

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(Xia's pov)

Vincent is not a bad person at all. I wonder why Ann seems so hostile to him. It almost feels like she's a guard dog, overprotecting her master. Weird metaphor but that's the first thing that came to my mind. I can't help but laugh. I mean, he is actually kind and patient. I can't see anything bad about him. Now that I think about it, Xander also wanted me to keep my distance from him. Weird, he isn't like that to other people. He even pushed me to socialize with them. But towards Vincent, it's like he changes into a new person.

Well, not that it matters to me. I pick whom I will be acquainted with.

-----♠-----

The car parked at a parking lot. Xia and Vincent got off and walked towards the entrance. The sign says 'Enchanted Gardens' Xia cringed at the name but didn't say anything.

Vincent led her inside, she walked across the wooden floor. Surrounding her are beds of beautiful Cosmos flowers placed inside huge boxes made of wood. Above her hangs flowers of Wisteria, covering the sky as if it is the roof. The surrounding is blooming with flowers of pink and purple hue.

Moving forward, Xia found herself at the hanging bridge. The sound of water rushing as it falls to the river below soothes one's mind and body. Birds chirping, flying from branch to branch. The bridge rocking with every step until the end.

After crossing the bridge, rows of cherry blossoms greeted Xia. With its petals falling from its branches causing a shower of petals as she passes by. Xia ventured onwards not removing the gentle smile from her face.

Lastly, she comes across a maze of roses. The flowers vary in color, every one of them is in full bloom. It is like walking through a rainbow. Xia went through the maze but stopped in the middle. Looking around, she didn't see Vincent.

"Vincent?! Where are you?" Xia walked around at a fast pace hoping to find Vincent. Then she reached out for her phone and dialed him.

"Hey, Vincent where are you?" Xia's asked worry and panicked is heard in her voice.

"Don't worry, I am still following you" Vincent calmly said on the other side of the call.

"What do you mean following me? You're–" Xia is utterly surprised. Vincent is standing behind her holding his phone over his ear receiving her call.

"What the hell?! Why did you suddenly disappear like that?" Xia punched Vincent lightly. She is annoyed by his sudden disappearance.

"I didn't do anything" Vincent laughed. He caught Xia's hand as she is about to hit him again. Her little hands compared to him is cute and adorable. Xia took her hand back and calmed herself.

While Xia's back is facing him, Vincent pulled out a white box. Approaching her silently, Xia is stunned to see Vincent so close to her when she turn around. Vincent smiled and placed the box on her hands.

"I wanted to give you a gift when you returned from your business trip, but Ann kept me distant from you so I never got a chance. I saved it for today, I hope you like it" Vincent smiled shyly with his face flushed pink.

Xia smiled at his little gesture. She slowly opened the box and found a butterfly-shaped brooch. It is decorated with crystals colored purple, blue and pink. Her smile grew wide as she pins the jewelry to her chest, where the heart is located.

"I like it very much"