Tyler was still cold and distant toward me. I couldn't help but wonder, was he deprived of love?
But instead of letting that thought occupy my mind, I focused on the plans Dad and I had made, on how we would face his enemies from the opposing faction in case they decided to attack again.
It's been years since the last war between them, but we shouldn't get too comfortable. We had to be ready.
The next morning, I woke up early to cook breakfast for Tyler and me but it turned out to be a disaster.
I ended up serving burnt food on the table. Still, food is food, and it would be a waste to throw it away, so I served it anyway.
Moments later, Tyler came down, wearing a black coat and holding his car keys. No glance. No greeting.
"Good morning," I greeted with a smile.
He didn't even look at me. He walked straight to the door. I followed him with my eyes.
"Tyler… I cooked something. Just one bite?"I pleaded.
He paused briefly and responded coldly.
"Tsk. Are you really taking this fake act seriously? Don't worry, there's no need to pretend here. There's no one else around."
I scratched my head awkwardly.
"Right… haha. S-so… you're leaving?" I asked, still awkward.
But he just kept walking.
"Wow. Am I a ghost?" I muttered with an eye roll, then sighed.
"Such a waste of good meat."
I took a bite of what I had cooked and tasted the bitterness. The bitterness of a past where no one fought for you… 'JK'.
"Ugh, that's bitter!"
I spat it out and dumped the food I had worked so hard to burn in the trash.
I went back to my room to get changed.
I didn't really have much going on in life anymore except for being a special agent—but I already resigned since Dad needed me.
After changing, I hailed a taxi from the main road and headed to Gina's bar.
"Big time! No crowd yet?" I called out to Gina from her office, which clearly startled her.
"What the—! You're like a cockroach, popping up everywhere!" she said with a scowl as I made a playful face.
"Oh right!" I showed her the paper her staff had posted outside the bar.
"TADA! You're hiring a bartender? I'm available!"
"You?!" she blurted out in shock.
"Khoeznie, have mercy on me. If your husband or your dad finds out, my business is doomed."
"Tyler doesn't care."
She stood up.
"What about your dad?"
I scratched my head and gave her a mischievous look.
"would he ?," I teased.
She let out a sigh and sat back down.
"Sorry, but I can't let you. It's not allowed," she said again.
I pouted as I walked out of her office and started guilt-tripping her.
"I understand… if you don't need me anymore. I'm useless anyway."
I was about to close the door behind me when she stopped me.
"Fine! A-alright, I'll allow it. But… just make sure your dad doesn't find out," she finally gave in.
I nodded and jumped with joy, then ran up to her and hugged her tightly.
"Thank you!"