The Announcement

It was 5:26 a.m., the morning of the party. John was out on his usual jog around the perimeter when his phone vibrated. Director Price’s name flashed on the screen. It was a video call.

John answered. Price sat in a chair, posture straight despite the early hour. “Good morning, sir,” John said, slowing to a walk. “Morning, John. Doing your daily due diligence, I see,” Price replied.

“Yes, sir. Is something wrong?”

Price didn’t waste time. “I received a report from Mei. You requested tools for data extraction.” John stopped completely. “Yes, sir. There’s a party at Ryo Sera’s place. I want access to files on his system. Anything tying Vincent Reed to the case.”

“Request denied,” Price said without hesitation. John frowned. “Sir—why?”

“Because gathering information that way is illegal,” Price replied evenly. “Anything you obtain would be inadmissible in court and would expose both you and the company to serious legal repercussions.”

John paced once, jaw tight. “I know Vincent has a hand in this.”

“John,” Price said, rubbing his eyes briefly, “I understand your history with him. But are you factually certain he’s involved?”

“I don’t have evidence,” John admitted. “But even if he’s not directly involved, he’s connected. I’m sure of it.”

Price leaned forward slightly. “Then until you have something solid on Sera or Reed, your role remains the same. Not espionage.” He paused. “If Vincent concerns you that much, keep your focus on him. Don’t let him out of your sight.”

John exhaled slowly. “Yes, sir. Understood.”

“Mei’s reports on you have been positive,” Price added. “You’re doing well. Let us handle the Intelligence part. You handle the rest.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The call ended. A second later, John’s phone buzzed again.

Mei: Sorry, John. I tried to get clearance for a Rubber Ducky and aluminum powder. Director blocked it.

John: It’s fine. We wait and see what happens.

He slipped the phone back into his pocket and stood still for a moment, then shook his head, set his pace, and continued jogging.

*****

That night, Aria wore a gold gown as she walked toward the car where John was waiting.

“Isn’t Rina coming?” John asked.

“No,” Aria replied. “She said she’s a bit under the weather.” John opened the door for her. “Thank you, John,” she said as she got in.

The drive was quiet. Silence filled the car until John finally broke it. “Are you angry with me, Aria?” he asked. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No,” she replied. “I’m just trying to keep what we have professional—a relationship between a bodyguard and a client. I won’t cross your boundaries anymore.” John nodded. “Okay, Aria. If that’s what you’re comfortable with.”

They continued driving toward Ryo’s place.

*****

At the penthouse apartment, Ryo was greeting guests and chatting when Vincent approached him. “They’ve arrived,” Vincent said.

“Great, great,” Ryo replied. “The food and drinks are set, her friends are already here, and the media’s mixed in with the crowd—ah, damn, the jewelry set in my safe.” He turned abruptly and hurried toward his home office.

Aria entered the penthouse, her eyes widening at the number of guests filling the space. Ryo quickly returned, greeting her with a hug and a kiss. Standing beside him was Vincent.

“Hey, Johnny boy,” Vincent said with a grin. “How are you?” John stared at him without responding. “Come, Aria,” Ryo said, taking her hand. “Let me show you who’s here.” He led her toward the group gathered at the back.

Aria’s friends were standing together, drinks in hand. “Oh my goodness,” Aria exclaimed. “Besties!”

“Hey, girl!”

“Ari! You looked amazing at Bet Gala.”

“She looks amazing now!”

“Absolutely stunning!”

She hugged each of them, smiling brightly. “What are you guys doing here?” Ryo stepped in. “I got your numbers from Rina. I wanted them all here tonight.” He took her hand and greeted the other guests with her.

Then Ryo guided her a few steps up the stairs. He raised his voice to get everyone’s attention. John watched closely—one eye on Aria, the other on Vincent. “Everyone,” Ryo announced, “I have some important news. By the end of July, we’ll have our wedding ceremony.”

Aria froze.

The guests erupted into applause and murmurs. Her friends whistled and cheered. “End of July?” Aria whispered. “That’s only two weeks from now.”

“The sooner, the better,” Ryo said, pulling her closer. He kissed her as cameras flashed around them. “Let’s go to my room.” For a brief moment, Aria looked down the stairs at John—then followed Ryo upstairs.

Vincent stepped up behind John and placed a hand on his shoulder. John immediately shrugged it off. “Relax,” Vincent said. “Let’s go somewhere quieter and have a little chat—you and me.”

John hesitated, glancing once more at Aria and Ryo disappearing upstairs. Vincent smirked. “What? Don’t tell me you want to stand outside the door and listen. Didn’t know you were into that, Johnny boy.”

“Stop calling me that, Vincent,” John snapped.

“Well, finally,” Vincent replied. “You said my name. Come on, don’t worry about her. He doesn’t have it in him to kill a cockroach, let alone hurt a grown adult.” John clenched his jaw. After a moment’s hesitation, he followed Vincent as he led him toward Ryo’s office.

Inside the office, Vincent moved as if he owned the place.

“Take a seat, John,” he said casually as he walked toward the desk. “I’ve got some excellent white wine from overseas. It was so good I bought a few bottles and gave them out as gifts. Want some?”

“No,” John replied flatly.

“You’re missing out,” Vincent said, pouring himself a glass anyway. He sat down directly across from John. After taking a sip, he leaned back slightly. “I’m sorry about Dylan. When I heard what happened, it truly saddened me. He was a good man. A good patriot.”

John didn’t answer. He watched Vincent closely, studying every movement. Then he reached forward, grabbed the glass, and drained it in one go, then wiped his chin with his sleeve.

A wide grin spread across Vincent’s face. “Now,” he said softly, eyes gleaming, “let’s play a game, John.”

*****

“Mmm… I missed you so much,” Ryo said, kissing Aria. “You have no idea how long I waited for this.” He guided her toward the bed, his hands already impatient.

“Stop. Ryo—stop,” Aria said, raising her hand and pressing it against his chest. He froze and straightened. “What’s wrong?” he asked, confused. “I’m not feeling it,” Aria said quietly.

A moment passed. Then she sat up. “What was that back there, Ryo? Planning a wedding without telling the bride? Bringing media to take photos?”

Ryo sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, Aria. I just wanted that stupid Fouge cover story buried with new pictures, and new headlines.” He reached for a velvet box and handed it to her. “I bought this for you, my love. It’s the most expensive set in the store.”

She opened the box and looked at the jewelry for a moment. “It’s beautiful, Ryo,” she said, then lifted her eyes. “Can you get me a glass of water? I’m thirsty.”

“Of course, babe,” he said with a grin. “I’ll bring you the entire ocean if you want.” He turned and left the room.

Aria closed the jewelry box and lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

What’s wrong with me? Why do I feel different about him?

I’d always known Ryo was an attention seeker. Someone who thrived on applause and cameras. So why did it feel heavier now? Why did it suddenly feel wrong?

She stood up, gripping the box tightly. Without looking back, Aria walked out of the room. Leaving the door open behind her.

*****

Vincent stared at John, that familiar grin stretching across his face. He walked to the table where a chess set sat neatly arranged, then dragged it over and set it in front of John.

“Want to play chess with me?” John asked flatly.

Vincent laughed and, in one swift motion, swept the entire set off the table. The pieces clattered across the floor. “Hell no. I want to arm wrestle.” He leaned closer, eyes gleaming. “Now that your brother isn’t here, there is no one to have your back.”

John leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “I’m not in the mood.”

“Don’t worry,” Vincent said lightly. “I can raise the stakes.”

He glanced around the office, then laughed again. “Wow. This idiot didn’t even close his safe.” He stepped over, swung the door open, and peered inside. “Let’s see what we’ve got…”

He pulled out a stack of papers. “Not this.” He tossed the contracts aside. Then a thick bundle of cash. “Not this either.” It hit the desk with a dull thud.

Vincent paused. His fingers closed around an envelope. A slow smile crept across his face. “Oh,” he said softly. “This one’s good.”

“Why should I care about that envelope?” John asked.

“Because what’s inside it is pain for Aria—especially now that Ryo announced the wedding. Once you see it, John…. You won’t be able to hold back.”