As every other day, Mary awakened while Andrew was still bottomless in slumber, innocent as a child. Even in his sleep, his face was radiant, and his lips seemed to curl into a blissful smile. Silently observing his countenance, Mary felt a pang of sorrow – she had once trusted and hoped for a similar scenario, only to face a disheartening end.
Mary rose, stepping into the bathroom. The icy morning droplets revived her spirit from her daydreams. She realized that she was living in a harsh reality. A single tear rolled down, tasting as bitter as the months of sorrow she was enduring.
Waking up without Mary by his side, Bryan grew worried, but he rejoiced as her small hand looped around his firm abdomen from behind, and her petite face rested on his broad, serene back. Feeling the warmth and security of the woman he loved, he smiled gently, holding her hand tightly for an eternity.
From the moment he was born, Bryan was the abandoned baby, for his mother was a woman who lived by clinging to affluent men. They had been wife and child but still lusted other women. Never before had a woman given him the sensation of security he experiences now. With each passing moment, he finds himself sinking deeper into feelings of affection, respect, and gentle care.
“Hanoi Pho” was the name of a famous restaurant in the city, serving Hanoi specialties. During weekends, it was so crowded that patrons had to wait about forty-five minutes. The server was a young girl, her face beaming and voice vibrant with a touch of childishness. Mary accepted the menu from her and cheerfully placed an order.
She suddenly remembered that Bryan once mentioned it had been long since he had Ha Noi noodles, so she asked, “The Ha Noi noodles here are perfect. Would you like to try it?”
Bryan grinned, cherishing his beloved, “No one in this world understands me better than you, but even if it’s good, it couldn’t possibly beat you.”
Blushing, Mary chastised him playfully, “Be careful. People might hear you. There are many people here.”
Bryan enjoyed her shyness even more, “Let them hear and be envious.”
Mary let out a light huff, and the couple continued to chat and laugh happily.
Suddenly, a crowd gathered across the street around a person who appeared to be being interviewed. Curious, Mary leaned towards the glass window for a better view. From the public, a woman in a long coat, a black hat, and a face mask hurried away, making it difficult for the group to catch up.
Mary wasn’t sure who the person was, yet there was a sense of familiarity. She strained her mind, sifting through fragments of information, and then a shock of recognition surged through her.
The woman crossed the road and turned into a deserted alley. Mary hastily rose to follow, leaving Bryan behind without time to stop her.
The streetlight before her, where the woman had disappeared, illuminated a small stall selling street food.
Frantically trying to relocate the woman and confronted by the arrival of a crowd, Mary found it unwise to linger. She reluctantly moved on. As she returned to the light post, she sensed someone approaching from behind. Startled, she spun around. It was Joy.
So, after a long period of silence, avoidance, and evasion from the public, they finally met again. Each had believed they had embarked on diverging paths, never to cross again. Yet the world was round, and their paths could intersect once more as long as they lived.
At home, Mary was anxious. What would Joy think of her proposition? Would she reject it because of their past? If she were to be denied, Mary would be at a dead-end. But she reflected that Joy, once an esteemed novelist, desperately needed an opportunity, a successful project to reignite her career.
Bryan had returned earlier and was apprehensive when Mary suddenly disappeared without a word. Still, he smiled and asked gently, “What happened earlier? Where did you go without telling me? Do you realize how worried I was?”
Mary coaxed him onto the sofa and cuddled up to him, “I was following someone I thought was an old friend, but unfortunately, it was a case of mistaken identity.”
Bryan comforted her, “If fate wills it, you’ll meet again. Don’t be upset.”
Mary rested her head on his shoulder, a gesture of affection to avert suspicions.
A whirlwind of worries and plans swirled inside Mary’s head. She wondered if she needed to devise strategies against Andrew’s potential moves. She had no idea what he would do next, but he was a crafty fox, always to be guarded against.
Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, Mary felt she was no longer the innocent girl of yesteryears. She could never return to those days again. Each day was a test of resilience and scheming. And she couldn’t recall when she had begun despising herself.
Only a few days remained until the deadline set by Mr. Jonathan, yet Andrew had to devise a solution. He pondered tirelessly, realizing that Mary’s newfound boldness and defiance were only because of the backing she received from his former comrade. Thus, if she lost that support, she would fall squarely into his control. Consequently, he needed to involve Bryan in this venture by persuasion or scheme.
Andrew first discussed his plans with Mr. Jonathan, who, as expected, promptly agreed to anything advantageous.
Mr. Jonathan, a cunning fox who had honed his craft over many years, had his own calculations brewing as he listened to Andrew. He deduced that the remaining ties of the old friendship between Andrew and Bryan would likely dissolve after this affair. He had no particular affection for Mary but would be the primary beneficiary if she could turn the two men into eternal enemies. With such promising prospects, why wouldn’t he exploit the situation?
He sent the golf ball soaring, a perfect shot that greatly pleased him. His minions erupted in hearty applause while the leggy beauties accompanying them cooed in admiration, flattering him to no end and making him feel on cloud nine. His mood was excellent that day; everything seemed to fall into place.
In a different scenario, Bryan, having received a call from his trusted underling, was filled with rage and hurriedly drove off. On his journey, he was incessant in his swearing, with the one receiving the most mention being Andrew.
Andrew had long since understood the fiery temperament of Bryan and had arranged for a chair in anticipation of his arrival.
The car screeched to a halt outside, and Bryan, paying no heed to the greetings of his juniors, rushed inside. Andrew gestured for everyone to leave, leaving the two men alone for their conversation.
Before Andrew could speak, Bryan was quick to challenge.
“I made it clear that we go our way from now on. Why have you drawn me into this again?”
Andrew replied calmly.
“I know you’re angry with me about the past, but we’ve been together through thick and thin for many years. I’ve encountered a lucrative opportunity, and I couldn’t exclude you. Moreover, this venture will only bring you benefits, not harm.”
He paused, then spoke slowly with very agreeable words.
“Mr. Jonathan has always had his sights on us and knew too much about us from the beginning. If we refuse him this time, I fear we will offend him. Do you understand the consequences if that happens?”
Bryan stiffened. He knew since he set foot on this path, he could only move forward and not stop. In the past, he had no choice but to face the injustices and traps of life. Now that he’s found the person he loves, his reason to live, he truly wants to escape from this grimy world.
“Why can’t you do it without me? I don’t need any benefits from this. I’m leaving, so stop looking for me from now on.”
Upon hearing this, Andrew grew angry, and his words came out in a shout.
“Don’t you see the problem? It’s all because of her. As long as you’re entangled with her, Mr. Jonathan’s eyes are on her, and you’re in danger. You could lose your life.”
But Bryan was unyielding, and his reply was steely.
“We’re in love. What right does he have to separate us? If he tries to corner me, I won’t just sit idle.”
Andrew moved closer, his calculating gaze probing Bryan’s thoughts.
“If you want to escape his control, your only option is to cooperate with me and play this act convincingly. Once we bring him down, you can live a peaceful life with your beloved. I promise to let you go once all is done.”
Tan Phong seemed to understand something, and his anger temporarily subsided.
At this point, Andrew realized that his plan’s first stage had succeeded. He leaned in close and whispered something to Bryan, a secret only the two knew.