Vows and Bullets
Chapter 99: Masquerade (Part 2)

Chapter 99: Masquerade (Part 2)

How badly I wanted to roll my eyes or squint angrily at him! If only there weren’t any people around. Tsk.

"Ah... my wife has become a little naughty, I see," he said as he gazed back at me with eyes that looked rather... thirsty?

’Wait... Don’t tell me he’s going to—’

As I guessed, he ran his hand from my cheeks to the back of my head, pulled my face closer to him, and went straight to my lips in a kiss. My eyes widened when he did that. We were in a freaking party, for goodness’ sake! There were kids around, too! Where in the world did he get the courage to do something this shameful in front of everyone?! Wraaaaaaaa!

’Eun-Woo’ya, I’m gonna kill you! You obviously have a few loose screws in your brain!’

Then again, it was partly my fault. I shouldn’t have humored him and acted seductively. I was only planning to tease him back, though, not this.

I quickly pushed his face away and covered his lips with my fingers.

"We’re not at home, my dear husband," I said sternly, emphasizing each word.

"Aw. Too bad."

Despite the mask, the way he looked at me was still as intense as ever.

And his lips...

’Ugh! Why am I thinking about his lips?! Did I miss his kiss? No way!’

That’s right. We hadn’t kissed for more than a week now since I stopped him every time he tried to make a pass at me. In that case, did I really... NO! I won’t accept it!

Feeling frustrated about my damn self, I grabbed the glass of juice near me and drank it straight.

’Tsk! Damn you, Eun-Woo! Screw you! Pervert!’

Soon enough, the party started. The emcee introduced the birthday girl in front of everyone, and the cute little Tiffany wearing a beautiful princess gown, gave her well-mannered speech and thanked everyone for coming.

After that were a couple of entertaining performances—from dancing to the singing of famous celebrities, instrument playing, and many more. There were games for the children, too. They had them do a little seeking game around the mansion where hidden treasures were supposedly hidden. It was all a play, though, since little Tiffany won the most treasures in the end. Undoubtedly, the other parents told their children not to get ahead of her since she’s the celebrant.

While all the performances happened, delicious food was served at each table. For some reason, we had many lobster dishes in ours—Eun-Woo probably pulled in some tricks with the people he planted here whom he called his "dogs." How cold of him to his trusted people. Oh well, at least I have lobsters.

Hours passed, and the night turned deeper. When the entertainment finished, it was time to give gifts to the celebrant. Each family came to the little princess sitting on her throne at the center of the social hall, then the emcee announced their gifts.

"A new XXX car!"

"Custom perfume from XXX brand!"

"A life-size doll house made by the famous master crafter XXX!"

"What a magnificent dress designed by XXX!"

On and on, their luxurious gifts flooded the little girl. She was smiling and looked happy about them, I guess? Or was that just a polite smile? After all, she was still a kid. What would she know about those expensive gifts? Well, given that she grew up in luxury, she would be familiar, right? But... was that what she wanted?

Hmm... The more I saw of this "Elite" world, the more ridiculous it seemed to me. When I was a kid, I was happy getting a simple toy from my parents. There were no extravagant parties, but I was happy since everyone that attended were people dear to me—my mother and father. And when I lost my father, I had Yoon-Ah and her family. I guess those drama series and movies shed a little light of the truth, huh? The world of the Elites was truly... complex and sad.

’Nevermind them, Kim Ye-Ji. Different people, different measurements of happiness. Maybe, this is how they like it.’

Later on, our turn came, and the emcee called us. We walked toward little Tiffany, and her face lit up as soon as she saw us. Wow. It seemed that what Mr. Young said was true. She really was looking forward to meeting us. She even stood up from her chair and ran to us! Aww... such a sweet little girl.

"Pretty Noona! Handsome Hyung!" she addressed us cheerfully.

Her smile was so wide, and she even stretched her arm to give me a warm hug. I did the same and stretched mine as I gracefully knelt down to welcome her embrace. It was such a sweet hug from a child. When she thought she was acting rude and without manners, she let go and bowed her head to apologize.

"Why are you apologizing? I do enjoy warm hugs," I said, smiling at her.

Her little dejected face smiled back up.

"Really?"

"I can attest to that," Eun-Woo knelt down and joined in the conversation. "We do hug a lot, you know."

"Woaaah. I’m glad if that’s the case. Thank you so much again for helping me before!" Turning to me, she added, "Especially to you, pretty noona!"

Hm? Why especially to me? I don’t think I did anything significantly different than what Eun-Woo did.

She then leaned into my ears and whispered.

"Don’t worry. I haven’t told anyone. I promise to keep your secret to the grave! Just you and me."

My eyes widened when she said that. She couldn’t possibly know that I was the woman in a battle suit that saved her, right? She should only know me as the pretty noona who saved her from her evil aunt... right?

"Oh, and what secret would that be, my princess?" I whispered back, a little curious about the matter.

She whispered to my ears once again.

"You’re the heroine that saved me."

Oh my goodness. She really knows. But how did she—

My question was soon answered when she whispered again.

"It was your scent. I recognized it from your smell. I’m good with perfumes, so I recognized it when I came to the shop."

Ahh... I see. Of course! How careless of me! Ever since we started the facade, I had to dress and act like these Elites, so yes, when we got out that day, my stylist sprayed perfume on me. That’s why there was a perfume bottle in my bag at that time—the one Agent Helios used to spray on me when I reeked of blood after saving the child!

’How could I be so careless?!’

Before saving her and killing most of those kidnappers, I talked to her and asked her to stay hidden and not make a noise. I still didn’t have blood on me at that time, so of course, she would smell it!

’Ughh... my head is starting to ache.’

"Don’t worry, pretty noona," little Tiffany whispered again. "I really won’t tell anyone. I always keep my promises."

Her eyes looked like a cute and worried little dog, and I’m weak with that, so... haah.

"Alright. I’ll trust you on that."

Then, we pinky promised and smiled at each other.

On the bright side, even if she told anyone, I doubt they’ll find such info useful or anything unless they were affiliated with Kraken. Also, others might not believe her. Haah... Usually, in cases where our identities were compromised, we either silence the one who knew or threaten them. But she’s just a kid. There’s no way I could do that. Let’s just hope for the better.

"Hm? What are you two whispering to each other? Why don’t you let this handsome hyung join in?"

"It’s a girl’s secret!" little Tiffany teased.

"Ehh? Then maybe you don’t want our gift to you?"

"Bribes don’t work on me, handsome hyung."

"Really? Even if it’s the most delicious chocolate in the whole world?"

Little Tiffany’s eyes glimmered. She must like chocolates, huh? How come there were barely any chocolate desserts at this party then?

"There were also toys, limited edition shoes that are very comfortable to wear," Eun-Woo pressed on, luring the kid. "And I even have a handmade card from my dear wife. She put a lot of effort into making that card and writing such a sweet message inside."

What the—why was he using that card as a way to lure her? No way such a lousy card would tempt a child. Why did I even think of making one? Haah...

"I want those, please! Especially the card!" little Tiffany pouted cutely. "But I still can’t tell. I made a promise already. Or else I eat a thousand needles."

"Hm... alright. Keeping promises is good. You shall get those."

"Yaaay! Thank you so much, handsome hyung! You truly are the most handsome!"

"I know. Thank you."

Ugh. Look at him acting so smug in front of a child? Not even a hint of modesty.

And so, we presented our gift to the little girl, who looked like she loved them that much. I guess we picked the right presents. Eun-Woo asked me the other day what I wanted to gift the child, so I told him the usual gifts I know children would like—he just added a little flair, making them as luxurious as what they were now.

After that, the ceremony ended, and it was finally time for the after-party, which was a dance like those grown-up party events. Everyone came to the dance floor, drank wine and champagne, ate, and just enjoyed themselves while the children were ushered to the playroom or bedroom to sleep by the house staff.

Meanwhile, it was finally time for Eun-Woo and me to switch to our agent persona and do the mission we came for.