: New Mission

"Somebody has guilt written all over their face," Lily softly commented, seeing her oldest brother, Liam Wright, in the dining area of their home early that morning. If anyone knew about the arrival of one Lucas Thompson, her brother would be it. After all, Liam previously managed the joint businesses between their family and the Thompsons.

"Good morning, Lily," Scarlett greeted with a smile from the far end of the table. "Your dad and I made waffles. It's special today because you are home, and your brother Liam came to visit. It's such a wonderful surprise!"

"Take a seat, Lily," Liam urged, eyeing the chair right in front of him.

Lily narrowed her eyes at her older brother, sarcastically saying, "It is a surprise that Liam is here. Wonder why big brother flew out here early in the morning?"

She made sure to enunciate every word that left her lips.

At first, Liam did not respond. He studied their parents, and after seeing they were busy preparing for breakfast, he leaned closer from across the table and said, "I wasn't sure if we were ready for Lucas' return. I wanted answers before I could tell you. I had men follow the Thompsons, but they were cautious. I still did not get anything about ten years ago."

"Did you keep that information from coming into Braeton too?" Lily asked. Surely, something of this magnitude was aired on TV and covered in an internet article: The lost heir of the Thompson Group of Companies has returned.

"I did not have to. The Thompsons kept everything quiet, Lucas' arrival and down to his CEO appointment," Liam replied. He gave Lily a concerned look and asked, "Do you believe me?"

Lily sucked in a deep breath and thought about it. The anger and the pain felt like it was rushing back. Soon, she answered, "I believe you because I love you."

"You will always be my little sister." Liam reached for her hand and said, "I would do anything to protect you and get answers, but the Thompsons have risen into power over the years. Their influence has gone so deep that they are now very efficient at covering their tracks."

"Good morning, guys - Uncle Liam!" Aiden's scream echoed in the dining hall. He ran towards Liam and leaped in his arms.

"Easy, Buddy. You are not so young anymore," Liam laughed before making a mess of the boy's hair.

"It has been a while, Uncle," the boy said.

"It has been Aiden. And you are already nine years old. You are too heavy to be jumping into people's arms," Liam complained.

The dining area became filled with laughter and warm discussion after that. Aiden had so much to tell Liam about martial arts and school.

Soon, breakfast began. Aiden sat beside Lily and announced, "Mommy stayed in my room last night. We played video games and watched a movie."

"Great bonding with Mom, eh?" Liam asked before giving Lily an approving nod.

"Yep!" Aiden turned to his grandparents and asked, "Waffles, please!"

As Aiden ate, Lily glanced back to her older brother and said, "Well, the Thompsons have their secrets, and so do we. I guess we are even."

While Lily said those words, somehow, she doubted if it was truly fair for all parties, especially for Aiden, her son.

Lily knew she had a big decision to make, one that involved Lucas.

***

Wednesday.

"Do you have to go? How many years do you have to serve in the army?" Aiden complained. His brown eyes narrowed, and his face was grim as he asked, "Can't you quit?"

Lily paused. She leaned down to Aiden and explained, "I made a deal with the army. I was supposed to be in the infantry, to be deployed to another country. My contract should have already ended, but because I did not want to stay away from you, I pulled strings to be a part-time National Guard."

She pinched his cheek and added, "As a result, my contract got extended, and no, I can't pay my way out of a military contract."

"Don't worry, Aiden, my contract ends next year, and I'll only work for Black Hawk. We will have more time together," she promised with a wink.

Lily hesitated for a moment before smiling at her son. She said, "And I supposed it's time for Mom to settle down. I'll marry your uncle Jake, and you'll have a daddy -"

"What?" Aiden loudly objected. "I don't like Uncle Jake!"

Jake was Lily's boyfriend of two years. Lily never understood it. With Aiden and Jake, it was like hate at first sight! Jake did nothing to Aiden, but her son created a natural dislike for Jake.

To Lily, Jake was a very good catch. He was handsome, and he was one of a few who accepted her past and Aiden. It was never easy for a single military mom to date and find a man who was completely understanding of that fact.

"But, I thought you wanted a father?" Lily asked. "Jake adores you."

"He is a fake!" Aiden angrily growled.

"How in the world could you tell he is fake?" Lily asked, but her son did not answer. Instead, Aiden rolled his eyes.

"Then who do you want me to marry?" Lily asked.

"My real dad," Aiden responded, crossing his arms against his chest.

"That's not going to happen," Lily answered while choosing a jacket from the closet.

"Why?" Aiden asked angrily.

Lily turned to her son. She gasped and reminded him, "Because I told you he is missing. He left us, Aiden."

She turned to collect her duffle bag. Just as Lily picked it up, she heard a faint cry. Aiden sought, "He did not love us?"

His question broke Lily's heart. They had talked about Lucas before. She had always been open about the fact that Lucas had left them, but it was undoubtedly the first time he had cried about it.

"Look, I don't care if we don't find my dad, but not Jake! I don't want him!" Aiden said bitterly.

Lily embraced her son. She caressed his back and said, "Okay. I won't get married."

Sometimes, Lily felt like nobody was ever good enough for Aiden. He had such a high standard for a father, something that she could not even point out.

She pulled away to wipe the tears that stained Aiden's face and said, "Let's talk about this another time. I'll be on a mission and don't know when I'll return. I'm not sure if I can call either. You know how this works?"

"Yeah," Aiden said dryly. It took him a while to say, "Be safe, Mom. I love you."

"You know, I will," Lily responded. "I love you too."

***

Hours later, Lily discovered the full details of her new mission. She was supposed to protect a very important individual.

When she met this person, her heart sank. She silently thought, ‘No. Why didn't I see this coming?'

: Come Back To Me

"He is an important person who needs protection. It will be your primary responsibility to oversee his security," the major loudly said to Lily while they were on a military helicopter, flying ten thousand feet above the ground.

This was one of those odd assignments.

When Lily arrived at the military camp earlier, Sergeant Major Patton only let her sign a confidentiality contract, and then they hopped on a helicopter. It was while in the air that the major explained the mission. It seemed like she would protect a private individual from a threat, but who? Even that was kept a secret.

After some time, they ultimately arrived at their destination. Earlier, Lily thought they were closing in on a familiar city, but her senior officer often distracted her, and she had to answer many of his questions. She wasn't able to identify where they had landed.

The helicopter landed on a rooftop building. Again, it all seemed familiar to Lily; however, looking at everything several feet above the ground made it difficult to put a name to it.

Lily reluctantly followed the military officer down the building, where bodyguards escorted them. They walked through an elegant hallway and into the private office.

The man whom she was assigned to protect was sitting on a leather seat, and his back was facing them.

'Whoever this was should have heard the doors open, right? Why did he have his chair turned the opposite way?' Lily mused while studying the chair.

Eventually, a man with blond hair announced their arrival, "Sir, Major Sergeant Patton is here with Sergeant Lily Wright."

The chair slowly swiveled, and at the sight of the man she was meant to protect, Lily's hands sweat, and her heart sank.

It was Lucas Thompson, Aiden's father.

'No. Why didn't I see this coming?' Lily silently asked herself. No wonder the place was so familiar. Lily was in Rose Hills, Lucas' hometown and the location of the Thompson Group of Companies headquarters.

Major Patton walked towards Lucas and shook his hand. He said, "Mister Thompson. It's nice to see you again.”

'What? They have met before?' Lily could only wonder.

"Sergeant Wright, this is Mister Lucas Thompson. He is the new CEO of the Thompson Group of Companies, and right now, his life is in danger. He had requested the military’s help, and we have chosen you for the job," Major Patton said. "You will be reporting to Mister Thompson round the clock, which means you will be living in the same building as he is until the authorities have arrested the mastermind behind his assassination threat."

Lily was standing there like a stick. She did not know how many times she gulped. Eventually, she took a deep breath and answered, "The Military is not supposed to be used by private individuals. I refuse to accept this mission."

"Miss Wright, that is true, but if it is for the benefit of the federal state, then we will intervene," Major Patton said plainly. "And that is why you are here."

"Besides, isn't it that your family has used the military for personal protection too?" Major Patton pointed out.

Inside, Lily was fuming. How dare the major point that out?

Yes, that was true. Because Lily's great-grandfather was a former military general, her family, the Wrights, have enjoyed the benefits of military protection and service over the years. So, it was unfair to use this as an argument not to protect Lucas. Thus, she heaved a sigh and answered, "I understand, Major Patton. I'm sorry."

"Then, I shall let you be. You are to report to me every week through our dedicated private line," The Major said before giving respect to Lucas. After that, he excused himself.

Lily heard the door close behind her. When she was alone with Lucas, she lifted her chin to look him in the eye.

Fuck, he looked so good, but Lily had to remind herself that she hated this man. This was the man whom she loved, gave her everything to, and left without any explanation.

"How have you been, Lily?" Lucas finally asked. Like the last, his voice was deep and slightly raspy. "It's been a long time."

"Oh." Lily let out a sarcastic laugh. She said, "So you do know me?"

"I'm sorry about the last time we met. I wasn't entirely prepared for it," Lucas explained himself.

"And you are prepared now? Let me guess, you set this whole thing up?" Lily asked.

Lucas just smiled in his seat. He did not confirm nor deny it. He offered the chair before his desk and said, "Please, take a seat, Lily. I'd really love to catch up. What would you like to have? Coffee or tea?"

"I don't need anything. I will only sit and talk with you if you tell me why you left. Where have you been, and what on earth did you do in the past ten years that you went missing?" Lily could not help but raise her voice. "Why haven't you contacted us, not even your parents?"

"How could you throw away years of friendship, love, and brotherhood just like that!" Lily said that because Lucas was also very close to her brothers.

"If you did not want to be with me, you could have said so!" She screamed. Her emotions were taking over her so she took a deep breath and shut her eyes, trying to find her calm.

"Whoever said I did not want you, Lily? I returned solely to take you back," Lucas frankly said.

His answer stupefied Lily. Her brows raised as she asked, "Really? You want me back? After ten years of being gone?" She scoffed and said, "Are you out of your mind?"

"You left me. You made me miserable, and you made our families fight! You only left me a note to say not to wait for you!" Lily said. She could not help but be irritated by his calmness. "What makes you think I want you back, Lucas? Newsflash, I have moved on as you had requested. Also, I have a boyfriend!"

Yet again, Lucas did not answer. However, Lily saw his expression darkened. He leaned back in his chair and ran his fingers through his dark brown hair. He replied, "Do you think I care if you don't want me back? Is your boyfriend half better than me? I bet he isn't."

His answer frustrated Lily to the core. She asked, "Where have you been?"

"I can't tell you that," Lucas replied bluntly.

"Why? Why can't you?" Lily asked. "If you can't tell me, then I can't trust you!"

"The past ten years are now part of my past. Didn't they say that a person's past should not matter in relationships?" Lucas asked. He finally stood up and walked towards Lily, saying, "Come back to me, Lily. I'll give you everything you want."

"What I want is for you to leave me alone," Lily coldly said.

Lucas stood before Lily and slightly chuckled. At first, he seemed amused, but soon, he firmly replied, "Anything but that."

He held her wrist and repeated, "Come back to me, Lily."

: The Boyfriend

"You know what, Lucas? You are insane!" Lily yelled, pulling her arm away from him. She did it so forcefully that the necklace around Lucas' neck bounced to reveal that golden tag with her name carved on it.

Instantly, Lily stilled. Her heart skipped a beat while her eyes were glued to the pendant. This was the same necklace and pendant Lucas bought the week before he disappeared.

More questions formed in her head, ‘Why was he wearing this? Did he still care? If he cared, then why did he leave in the first place?’

Lily's eyes could not help but brim with tears as she stared at the pendant. With this discovery, she looked into his eyes and begged, "Please, Lucas. Tell me why you left, and maybe we can set aside all this misunderstanding."

Lucas maintained eye contact. He clenched his jaws and said, "I can't, Lily. I just can't."

“Then -" Lily finally snapped. "I don't want this assignment. Talk to the major about this because there is no way I can stand being in the same room as you, much more, breathe the same air as you!"

She grabbed her duffle bag and threatened, "I'm leaving. Don't you dare say a word about it to Major Patton!"

"Lily," Lucas called, but Lily was already at the door.

The bodyguards watching outside tried to reason with Lily, but Lucas said to his men, "Let her go. You'll only end up hurting yourself. She isn't a simple lion."

"Good that you know!" Lily yelled upon walking in the direction of the lift.

***

"Where are you flying to, Miss?" The ticketing agent at Rose Hills airport asked.

Where does she want to go? Lily did not know. She pursed her lips, wiping the tear that fell down her face. She told the woman before her, "Excuse me, let me make a phone call real quick."

Stepping aside and finding an isolated corner in the airport, Lily cursed, "Fuck, why am I crying? I really hate you, Lucas!"

She took out her phones. She had two: her personal phone and the one meant for the mission. She dialed Jake's number.

"Lily, what a surprise! I thought you were out on a mission?" Jake, her boyfriend, answered after two calls.

"Yes, things have changed, and I need you, Jake. I need to talk to you," Lily said. "You are in Lockwood, right? I'm in Rose Hills. Can I see you for a few hours? I won't disturb your business trip. I will go to be with Aiden after our talk."

She sighed and reiterated, "I want to see you."

"Of course, Babe. Come to see me in Lockwood. I am staying at Blue Intercontinental. Call me when you have arrived and Let's have dinner together. I missed you," Jake said, but Lily felt a lump in her throat and could not say the same words back.

Instead, Lily responded, "Thank you, Jake. I'll see you in about two hours."

The truth was, Lily hoped that seeing Jake would make her stop thinking of Lucas. Thus, she went out of her way to see him.

***

"Ah, there she is!" Jake exclaimed. His gorgeous grey eyes sparkled at the sight of Lily. He hugged her and pecked her lips. "God, I miss you so much, but this life of dating a military woman sure is tough."

"I -" Lily flushed. "I'm sorry you had to bear with that."

"It's alright, Lily. I understand. Come inside. Let's have a wonderful meal together," Jake suggested while grabbing her hand. They went to the main restaurant, and Jake quickly ordered Lily's favorite food.

As they ate, Lily studied Jake. He had dark hair and sharp features. He almost looked like Lucas in the past, except his eyes were gray. Suddenly, Lily dropped her fork. She covered her face with the realization that Jake looked somewhat like the old Lucas.

'Oh, my god,' Lily said to herself. She had probably seen this before and simply lied to herself. ‘Did I date Jake because he looked a bit like Lucas?’

"Babe, is there something bothering you?" Jake asked, interrupting Lily’s thoughts.

"Nothing," Lily quickly recovered and faked a smile. She drank her wine and poured more, gulping down three glasses in a row.

"Woah." Jake laughed. He said, "Are you sure everything is okay, Lily?"

Nodding her head, Lily answered, "Yes. I'm just pressured with work."

Jake was an heir to a known construction company in Braeton, the Bass Power Construction. He was currently the Marketing Director. Lily met him through her brother, Liam.

Liam had introduced Jake to Lily as one of their new contractors. Often, Jake traveled to other cities to make proposals, hoping to get another project for the company. That was why he was in Lockwood.

"Lily, my job here will be extended for another week," Jake revealed. "But I'll see you after that, right? Since your mission is canceled."

With a smile, Lily faintly replied, "Yes, it's fine. Do what you have to do here. Aiden wants me to spend time with him."

She continued to finish her meal, but just as she did, she saw a familiar figure walking towards them. It was her former high school classmate, Alicia Bennet.

Immediately, Lily frowned. She said, "What is Alicia doing here?"

Jake turned in shock, saying, "Alicia? Oh." He shrugged and said, "I don't know."

Alicia Bennet was obsessed with Lily's boyfriend. She flaunted her admiration towards Jake, not bothering to be discreet. She would post it on her social media and tell some of Lily's high school classmates.

This woman had long, straight blonde hair and dressed like a model. She was rather the opposite of Lily.

As expected, Alicia walked over to their table. She smiled and said, "Fancy meeting you here."

"Really? You did not stalk Jake, right?" Lily asked while gazing at her boyfriend.

"So what if I did?" Alicia rolled her eyes. She said, "I at least have the freedom to do that."

Jake sneered at Alicia's words. He appeared to be disgusted by this woman. He said to Lily, "Ignore her, Babe. Eat your food. Let’s not waste our breath on her.”

"The truth is, I'm with my friends. I guess I'll be on my way," Alicia said before joining a table where three other girls were waiting for her.

"Is she bothering you? I could ask my cousin to teach her and her family a lesson," Lily offered to Jake.

Jake merely laughed and said, "This is the first time I have seen her in Lockwood. Don't bother yourself with unimportant people, Lily. Let's just enjoy our dinner."

After their meal, Jake invited Lily to his hotel room. She agreed. Again, she wanted to convince herself that she had moved on with Jake, but she did not last a second when her boyfriend kissed her on the lips.

Lily pulled away and made an excuse, "I - I'm sorry, Jake. I wasn't expecting to stay longer. I booked a flight to Braeton at ten in the evening."

"oh, that's a shame," Jake muttered. He smiled and cupped her face. He said, "Don’t worry. I will always understand you because I love you, Lily. You know that. I will always be patient with you."

He grabbed her hand gently and said, "Let's go and get you a taxi."

***

Earlier that day.

Through a security surveillance video, Lucas watched as Lily left the Headquarters of the Thompson Group of Companies. His eyes were fixed on her slender frame, her small and cute face that had not aged over the years.

Like him, Lily was already in her early thirties, but her face looked so young.

Lucas did not want her to leave, but Lily was a force to reckon with. It wasn’t the time. He needed the right opportunity and he was determined to find it.

He glanced up at his assistant and said, "Ryan. Have someone follow her. Update me on her whereabouts.”

"Yes, Sir," a man, also well-built with blond hair, acknowledged.

Lucas returned to work for the rest of the day. He did not leave his office and wasn't planning to until nighttime.

Ryan entered his office once more to update Lucas, "Sir, Miss Wright went to Lockwood to see her boyfriend, Mister Jake Bass. They had dinner together, and she spent a few minutes in his hotel room."

"Jake?" Out of anger, the pen in Lucas' hand snapped. The veins on his neck protruded, and his jaws were clenched. He was seething as he ordered, "Find out everything you can with this man, Jake Bass. I want all his dirt in twenty-four hours. You got that, Ryan?”

"Yes, sir," Ryan replied.

Ten years ago, he left, but now he has returned. Lucas would stop at nothing to have Lily back in his life.