Chapter 3

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:45:40 +0000

FIRST CONTACT The night was alive with engines.A convoy of black SUVs sped through the empty streets, headlights slicing through the darkness.Inside one of them—Louis sat calmly, eyes half-lidded, as if nothing in the world could shake him.Beside him were his men:Rafael – sharp, impatient, always ready to pull the triggerVictor – silent, observant, deadly preciseNoah – the youngest, but unpredictable“Route’s clear,” Victor said.Louis didn’t respond.He was watching the city pass by… like he already knew something was coming.Rooftop – Across the StreetLevi lay flat against the cold concrete, her breathing steady.Eyes focused.Gun ready.Earpiece crackling softly.“Target confirmed,” a voice whispered. “This is your first mission. Don’t mess it up.”Levi’s grip tightened.Her target—Louis.“Wait for the signal,” the voice instructed.Below, the convoy slowed.Right on time.The AttackBOOM.A blast shook the street.One SUV flipped sideways, sparks flying.“AMBUSH!” Rafael shouted.Gunfire erupted instantly.Chaos exploded.Levi’s eyes widened slightly.“This wasn’t part of the plan…”“Stay focused!” the voice snapped. “Take the shot!”Through the scope—She saw him.Louis stepped out of the car… calm even in chaos.Bullets flying around him.Yet he didn’t rush.Didn’t panic.He simply looked up.Directly toward her.Levi froze.For a second—It felt like he could see her.Impossible.“TAKE THE SHOT!” the voice yelled.Levi pulled the trigger—Click.Nothing.Her gun jammed.“What—?”Before she could react—Someone grabbed her from behind.Hard.She was thrown to the ground.Victor.“You thought we wouldn’t notice?” he said coldly.Levi reacted instantly—kicking, twisting, fighting back.Fast.Precise.But—He was stronger.She broke free for a second and ran—Jumping off the rooftop edge onto a lower platform.Pain shot through her leg, but she didn’t stop.Below, the chaos continued.Louis stood untouched.Watching.Levi turned one last time—Their eyes met.Just for a moment.Louis smirked.Not surprised.Interested.“Retreat!” the voice shouted in her ear.Levi clenched her teeth and disappeared into the shadows.Mission failed.Later – Safe ZoneLevi slammed her fist against the wall.“I had him.”“You failed,” the voice replied coldly.“There was an ambush! My weapon—”“Excuses won’t keep you alive.”Silence.Heavy.“You’re not ready,” the voice continued.“But you will be.”Levi’s eyes burned with frustration.“I won’t fail against NEXT MORNING AT CAFÉSoft music played in the background.The world felt normal again.Too normal.Levi stood behind the counter, tying her apron, looking like just another waitress—Not someone who almost got caught in a gunfight last night.The door chimed.She looked up—And nearly dropped the cup in her hand.Louis.Of course it had to be him.Because clearly, her life wasn’t chaotic enough.He walked in like he owned the place.Calm. Composed.Annoyingly confident.He took a seat and glanced at the menu… like he actually cared.Levi walked up to him, forcing a neutral expression.“What would you like?” she asked.Louis looked up slowly.A small smile.“Oh, I don’t know…” he said, pretending to think. “Something strong. Bitter. Possibly dangerous.”Levi raised an eyebrow.“We serve coffee, not your personality.”A pause.Then—Louis laughed.Actually laughed.“Good,” he said. “I was worried this place would be boring.”Levi crossed her arms slightly.“We try our best to disappoint interesting people.”“Unlucky for you,” he replied. “I don’t disappoint easily.”Levi grabbed her notepad.“Coffee,” she said dryly. “Anything else? Or are you here just to talk?”Louis leaned forward just a little.“That depends… do you always argue with customers?”“Only the suspicious ones.”Another pause.Their eyes locked.Tension.But lighter now.Almost… fun.Louis tilted his head.“You look familiar.”Levi didn’t miss a beat.“I get that a lot. Must be my unforgettable face.”“Or your unforgettable attitude.”She smirked.“Careful. I might start charging extra for that.”“I’d pay,” he said instantly.That caught her off guard.Just for a second.Levi turned quickly, hiding it.“One coffee,” she muttered, walking away.“Make it good,” Louis called out behind her.She stopped, glanced over her shoulder.“Try behaving first.”Louis leaned back in his chair, watching her go.Amused.Interested.Under his breath, barely audible—“Definitely not ordinary…”Behind the counter, Levi exhaled slowly.Why did this feel harder than last night’s missionThe café bell rang again.Levi didn’t need to look up.She already knew.“Back again?” she said, wiping the counter. “Or did yesterday’s coffee ruin your life?”Louis took the same seat as before.“I came to complain,” he said seriously.Levi sighed. “Of course you did.”“It was terrible.”She narrowed her eyes. “You drank the whole thing.”“I like to fully understand my mistakes.”Levi almost smiled.Almost.“So?” she asked. “Another bad decision today?”Louis leaned back.“Yes,” he said. “I’ll have the same thing.”Levi rolled her eyes and turned—“Levi.”She froze slightly.Slowly turned back.His tone had changed.Quieter.Sharper.“You’re not just a waitress,” he said.Silence.Levi forced a small laugh.“Wow. And here I thought I was convincing.”Louis didn’t smile.“Your hands,” he said. “Not soft enough.”A step closer.“Your reflexes… too fast.”Another step.“And your eyes…”Pause.“…they don’t belong to someone living a normal life.”Levi’s heartbeat quickened.But her face stayed calm.“Maybe I just had a rough life,” she replied lightly.Louis studied her.Then—He smiled again.Like he dropped it.“Fair enough.”But something told her—He hadn’t.To be continued..