Lemon Like Love

Perfect Target

~Lenna's pov~

I gazed around the restaurant to find my team. Atlas was dressed up as a waiter, blending in seamlessly with the staff as he discreetly kept an eye on our surroundings. His dedication to our mission was truly commendable. Across the room, I spotted Cal and Matteo, both posing as customers, engaged in what appeared to be a casual conversation. It amazed me how effortlessly they could adapt to any situation; their undercover skills were honed to perfection. While Kamari was laughing with Zuko and a few other patrons at the bar, her infectious smile lit up the room. It was clear that she had effortlessly integrated herself into the social fabric of the place, making it seem like she belonged there. As for myself, I played the role of a wealthy socialite, complete with an elegant gown and an air of confidence. Just then, my eyes landed on my target. It was a man in his forties, wearing a sleek black suit, and talking animatedly with a group of businessmen. 

He was the politician that I was forced to kill his friend, and tonight, I carefully orchestrated this elaborate masquerade ball as the perfect setting for my mission. The soft melodies of the orchestra floated through the grand hall, masking the underlying tension that hung in the air. With every step I took towards him, I could feel my heart pounding and the weight of my mission heavy on my shoulders. The man, oblivious to the danger that lurked nearby, laughed heartily as he raised his glass for a toast. It was now or never.

I tapped on his shoulder gently, catching his attention. As he turned towards me, I mustered a charming smile and lowered my voice, creating an intimate atmosphere amidst the crowded ballroom.

"Hi there," I said, my voice slightly husky. "I couldn't help but notice how captivating you look tonight. Mind if I join you for a moment?"

His eyes widened as he registered my words, his laughter fading away into a bemused smile. Intrigued, he gestured for me to take a seat next to him. Game on, I thought to myself, ready to play the flirtatious cards in this dangerous game of attraction.

His friends got busy among themselves, leaving him and me alone at the table. As I sat down, I could feel the electricity between us—a magnetic pull that seemed to defy the chaos of the surrounding crowd. The music continued to play, and laughter and chatter filled the air, but in that moment, it was as if we were in our own little world. I studied his face, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, and the way his lips curled into a smirk that hinted at a mischievous side. He was the key to this mission. I can't fuck it up.

"Is it really you Aurora?" He asked , his words slurring slightly as he leaned in closer. I could smell the hint of alcohol on his breath. My eyes widened as I heard him take my mother's name.

"Aurora?" I asked in confirmation. He suddenly cupped my face in his hands, his eyes searching mine for any trace of recognition. 

The intensity in his gaze matched the weight of his words as he whispered, "I've missed you so much, Aurora Hart."

"I said I was sorry.. I said I wouldn't do it again ," he slurred, his voice full of false remorse. "But you know how I get when I'm angry. It's not my fault that I can't control myself. You just stopped listening to me. You stopped giving me what I wanted, so I had to find it elsewhere." His words dripped with entitlement and manipulation.

That's when it hit me. He was my mother's ex and he mostly probably is drunk out of his mind mistaking me as my mom. The realization sent a shiver down my spine, as I recalled the stories my mother had shared about her tumultuous relationship with this man. The countless nights of arguments, the bruises that she had tried to hide, and the fear that had consumed her.

My blood started to boil. So this was the asshat that had hurt my mom huh? I couldn't believe my luck, or rather, my misfortune, in encountering him now. The anger within me surged, fueled by the memories of my mother's pain and suffering at his hands. I had always promised myself that if I ever came face to face with him, I would give him a piece of my mind. And now, as fate would have it, that moment had arrived. My fists clenched tightly, my heart racing with a mix of adrenaline and rage.