Chapter 1
Never in a million years did I think I'd end up here again. The fake smiles and lies were suffocating. Anna, the popular cheerleader from our school days, was bragging about her wealthy, handsome husband, while secretly working as a hooker in a Las Vegas bar. John, the high school bully, was regaling the crowd with tales of his skiing adventures in Greenland, despite never having left town. I loathed this gathering, and my target's absence was starting to worry me. Where was Ethan?
Name: Ethan Blackwood
Age: 29
Occupation: Computer analyst
Status: Has a girlfriend
How I know him: He's the mafia's target tonight.
The door opened, and someone walked in, prompting a rush of people eager to greet the newcomer. I continued sipping my wine, my gaze fixed on the commotion. Then, he appeared – dressed in a black suit, his brown hair perfectly styled, and a charming smile that made my heart skip a beat. He was still incredibly handsome. Everyone vied for his attention, but he briefly acknowledged them before making his way to the bar and taking a seat beside me. He was the only one who had been kind to me in high school, which was why I took the job.
"It's great to see you again, Ava. It's been a long time," he said, smiling.
I returned the smile and nodded. "You're still so quiet," he remarked, ordering a drink. I checked my watch; only ten minutes left. I excused myself and called my partner, Alex, who joined me. We reviewed the plan one last time and waited for the countdown to end. When the moment arrived, I walked over to Ethan and kissed him.
