CHAPTER 11: ENCOUNTER

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Pacing back and forth, her heart filled with anxiousness. Ann came to greet the siblings at the airport. These past few days felt weird and trouble. She couldn't stay still onowing that her cousin is with her right now.

"Ann calm down and sit.... They will be here any minute" Lina sipped her frappe casually while looking at Ann who seemed restless.

"I couldn't help it" Ann muttered.

"Nothing will come out of being nervous.... Relax it's just big sis Xia"

"I am not worried about that"

Lina let out a snort and distracted herself by looking away.

'Xia is coming back today.... I hope no one followed us here' Ann looked at the arrival area, hoping to see the siblings first before anyone else.

The doors opened, Ann searched for two faces whom she waited all morning. Xia came in sight right beside her brother who is talking to someone in the phone. Ann hurried over along with Lina.

"Xia!!" Ann gave Xia a big hug, almost in tears.

"I was just gone for a few days..... I can't believe that you missed me that much" Xia returned Ann's hug and chuckled. Carefully wiping some tears from her face.

"I'm glad you're safe"

"Why wouldn't I be? Hello Lina, long time no see"

"Hello big sis Xia" Lina gave Xia a hug.

Ann heaved a sigh of relief. Facing Xander who is approaching them.

"We will return home first.... I'll see you at school" Xia said cheerfully.

"Yeah... sure" Ann was taken back by the sudden cheerfulness that she rarely see.

'Something good must have happened... That's better'

Ann and Xia seperate ways. Throwing herself on the bed, Xia let out a grunt. Picking up her phone, she texted the number that she got for her mysterious partner for the mission.

She went to the bathroom and took a shower to freshen up before dinner. Wearing a t shirt and shorts, she came out of the bathroom and sat on the bed. Scrolling through her social media site, a message popped up.

*Heard that you're back in the city... how are you

Xia confused about how Vincent knew her arrival, shrugged thinking Ann must have informed him.

*Tired but okay

*Oh... as long as you're safe, that's good

*Did anything happened at school

*Nothing much

*That's a shame.... need to go my brother is calling

*Okay see you at school

Xia turned off her phone and went downstairs. Xander and Mr. Vanderwood is already at the dining table waiting for her. They chatted while they eat and quickly went to bed afterwards.

Meanwhile, a man is at the balcony gazing at the view that lies before him.

"Sir, should I stop from following them?" A man in black suit came up.

"Hmmm.... Sure, we'll stop for the time being"

"Yes sir"

After he left, the man stood in silence. The moon is bright and full tonight, it's dim light shone at his face, revealing his beautiful and sleek face.

"Xia, I look forward to working with you"

Morning came and it was time for school. Xia bid her father and brother goodbye before leaving to school.

The hallways are still full of fuss, nothing new. Gossips and whispers are in the air. Students roam about while walking past each other. Xia turned at the corner.

"Xia!! nice to meet you again"

Xia looked and it was Vincent waving at her.

"Good morning, I hope the play went well" Xia smiled

"You seem to be in a good mood today"

"Really? How come?"

Vincent faced Xia who wears a confused look. Her eyes showed everything in confusion, her small lips are pursed in a cute manner. Vincent blushed and looked away quickly hoping Xia didn't saw that.

"Well... you're smiling so much today as if you just drank a happy pill or something"

Xia kept silent making Vincent nervous about what he said.

"Maybe I have been too happy these days.... Thanks for pointing that out"

"I'm sorry, just forget everything that I said"

Xia looked at him puzzled

"Why? I you hadn't pointed that out I may have freaked out the whole school. Thinking I suddenly became friendly and then poeple will just pop out eveywhere.... You should know that when that happens it will be stressful"

Xia gave him a reassuring smile, hint that she is not annoyed by what he said. The two walked till they reach the classroom.

"Xia, over here!" Ann waved her hands at Xia whom she saved a seat right next to her. Throughout the class Ann kept stealing looks at Vincent who is seated across the room.

"Ann, is something wrong?" Ann looked at Xia with a serious face.

"Xia.... "

"Yeah?"

"Nothing" Ann smiled and walked away.

"Hey, what happened to your trip?" Ann changed the subject wishing to ease the atmosphere.

"Well..... It was fun and relaxing"

"Nothing interesting happened?"

"Ahhhh..... nothing much" Xia wanted to keep things secret to Ann about the matter of her new partner in a mission. The class is over before they knew it, they are then dismissed. Ann hurried along with Xia to the parking lot to meet Xander who came to pick up his sister.

Xander stood beside the car with his hands in his pockets. Seeing that Xia is getting near, he opened the car door for her. Ann waved Xia goodbye and they are off.

"Need something?" A silhouette of a man came out from behind the tree nearby.

"Always on your guard, that's nice" Vincent walked towards Ann making her step back.

"Don't you dare go near Xia, lying to her with sweet words" Ann snorted. She turned her back to leave.

A snicker came out from Vincent which made Ann shiver.

'I can't allow Xia to get close to him, this is bad'

That night Xia got ready for the mission, she packed her weapons and dressed all black in coat and jeans. She wears her knee high boots and tied her hair in high ponytail.

"Leaving?" Xander stood against the door. Xia hugged him and looked directly at his face.

"Sorry to leave you, I'll come back quick after this"

"Alright, be carefull okay" Xander kissed Xia's forehead and let her off the door.

Xia arrived of the rooftop that is set as a meeting place. The wind is cool and soft, brushing past her face as she looks into the distance.

"Am I late?" a voice came from behind Xia snapped her from her daze. Looking back, she saw a man in black coat with a mask covering his face.

"No, I've just arrived as well. We should hurry and finish this" Xia answered

"Oh, what's the rush?"

Xia looked at him from head to toe but unconsciously ended up locking eyes with each other. Realizing this, she looked away quickly and turned her back from the guy.

"I do not wish for this to take up all night" Xia said in a serious tone.

"Okay, if that's what you wish" the man chuckled and then they disappeared into the shadows.

Xia returned home and quickly changed into her pajamas. She threw herself into the bed and closed her eyes to sleep.

"Ugh, I can't sleep. If it weren't for the special reward for this mission I wouldn't even accept it. Ugh, Xia!! you need to sleep there is school tomorrow"

After a few more ranting about the mission, Xia fell asleep.

The next morning at breakfast, Xia and Xander are busy with their phones while eating. Mr. Vanderwood left early for a business meeting and Xander will follow him later.

"So, how was your mission? did it went well?" Xander asked.

"Uhh.... yeah, it went great for once since I have a different partner"

'It was a lie.... that bastard... I don't want to see him again'

"Okay, you did get enough sleep right?"

"Yeah.... even though the mission was a nightmare" Xia mumbled.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, just a little bit sleepy but I can manage"

"You sure?"

"Yep" With a nod, Xander didn't ask anymore questions. He dropped Xia to school and head off to the company building.

With a sigh, Xia walked to her classroom with a lot in her mind.

~~~•~~~

After finishing the mission, the two came back to the same rooftop from before.

"Well, I didn't think that was just about it" The man smiled with his hand holding his chin.

"It would've been quicker if my partner were here" Xia complained.

"Is that so, then how about another mission with me again? Surely, I will do mcuh better to fit your standards for a partner"

"Nah... I'll pass, I only accepted this for the reward afterwards. Besides, I would never want to see you again. Again, I only accepted this mission for my benefit and not to be acquainted with you" Xia coldly turned his request down. The man grinned, Xia turned to leave when he grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him.

"What the hell!?! Let go of me!!" Xia tried to escape from him but it was no use. He is much more stronger than her. What happened next is something she didn't expect.

The man held her chin and kissed her cheek. Xia froze from shock. "I'll be watching you my sweet cupcake"

He let her go and left first leaving Xia stunned from what just happened.

~~~•~~~

"Xia?Xia?" Xia shook her head to forget about what happened.

"Xia, are you okay? You've been lost in your thoughts all day. Did something happened" Ann kept wondering if something has happened. Her friend seems to be not feeling well today.

"Don't worry, I'm fine" Xia brushed off Ann's question for it makes her remember what happened last night. She busied herself with reading her books and isolated herself in one corner.