The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Before she could finish her sentence, Jarvis cut her off with a dismissive wave of his hand, turning to one of his henchmen. "Switch to the remote feed. I want to see for myself that this tough guy is really dead." His minion swiftly changed the feed, and the big screen in the hall now showed clear images of a beachfront mansion somewhere in the States.

Jonas' body was being carried out from the mansion, and Elisea recognized Madeline, whom she had seen before, sobbing uncontrollably, supported by two middle-aged folks - presumably her parents. Madeline attempted several times to throw herself onto Jonas, who lay in a crystal casket, only to be restrained timely by the couple.

Soon after, a military procession arrived, and a solemn ceremony with full lieutenant colonel honors was held for Jonas. The atmosphere was somber and dignified.

Elisea felt as if her heart had been ripped out as she stared at Jonas' picture, which was displayed prominently. She nearly broke down in tears on the spot. She quickly turned her head away, trying to muster an indifferent facade, and addressed Jarvis, "I've completed the mission you assigned me. Now, let me see my Mom, and please honor your promise. Grant us the freedom we've longed for, and let us leave."

Jarvis' gaze finally shifted from the screen, glancing at Elisea with a stone-cold expression. He scoffed, "Elisea, oh Elisea, after all these years of meticulous grooming, have you still not grasped the basics? Once you're in this line of work, you're in it for life. What do you think would happen to all our secrets if you were to leave?"

Elisea knew Jarvis didn't trust her and immediately assured him, "Sir, you can absolutely trust me. I swear I won't reveal any of the organization's secrets. Just let my Mom and me go, and we'll vanish into some backwater town, living our lives in seclusion forever."

Jarvis scrutinized her sharply. "I could let you reunite with your Mom and grant you freedom. However, you'll live here and never step foot outside the organization again."

It dawned on Elisea that Jarvis had never intended to set her free. All his promises were nothing more than a pipe dream, dangling before her to keep her risking her neck for an unattainable goal. Realizing this, Elisea felt a surge of hatred for Jarvis, glaring at him with icy determination.

Jarvis, noticing her defiant stare, roared, "What, you think you can kill me?"

He turned to Landon, who stood beside Elisea, and barked an order, "Landon, take her to see her Mom. From now on, they're confined to the organization's grounds and are forbidden to leave!" "Yes, sir!" Landon responded, gripping Elisea's arm and leading her out of the great hall.

Elisea resisted, but Landon's firm grip forced her to leave. Her fists clenched so tightly that her nails nearly pierced her palms, and her eyes burned with destructive hatred. Yet Elisea knew directly confronting Jarvis would be futile. Reluctantly, she allowed Landon to pull her away.

They stepped outside, and Elisea jerked her arm free. "Let go! You're all treacherous scum! Bottom-feeders!"

Instead of getting angry, Landon simply said, "Better to bend than to break. Let's go see your mother."

Elisea was taken aback by his consoling words, expecting a lash of a whip, not comfort. When Landon mentioned her mother, Elisea's anger subsided momentarily, and she followed him out of the hall. Desperate to see her Mom, Elisea hurried forward, leaving Landon trailing behind. She arrived at her mother's humble cottage and cried out before even entering, "Mom, Mom!"

Her mother came out, feeling her way forward, anxiously asking, "Elisea, is that you?"

"Mom!" Elisea embraced her mother tightly, overwhelmed with emotion, and breaking down in tears. Her mother joined her in crying, feeling like a burden that had always held Elisea back.

After a while, Elisea calmed down, gently patting her mother's back. "Don't cry, Mom. I just missed you so much."

With a vengeful glance at Landon, who stood some distance away, Elisea resolved that tonight, she would escape with her mother, even if it meant death.

"Mom, are you hungry? I'll make us something to eat," Elisea said, heading to the spartan kitchen.

After preparing a modest meal and watching her mother eat, Elisea ate a little herself. She then noticed Landon was no longer outside.. Quietly she said to her mother, Get ready, Mom. Tonight, we're leaving this place."

Her mother shook her head. "My child, if you can escape, do it. Go as

far as you can, and don't worry

about me.

I've been a burden for too

long and somehow never managed to die. I've lived enough. My only

wish is to see you escape this hell

and start a new, peaceful life. That's all I've ever hoped for."

Elisea refused, tears streaming down her face. "Mom, I can't leave you. If you won't go, neither will I."

Her mother silently began to gather their belongings.

As night fell over the land, the stars scattered across the sky, a silent backdrop to their looming escape. In the still of the night, Elisea carefully held her mom's hand, aiming to slip away silently.

Just as they reached the doorstep,

they were spotted by Jarvis'

henchmen. They quickly surrounded them, and the leader spoke out loud, "The boss' orders are clear, you are not allowed to leave! Elisea, take your mom and head back now! Or else we won't be so polite

With a cold snort, Elisea flicked her right hand, and several silver needles glinted through the air. The leader and his two men behind him toppled over with a dull thud.

Elisea's mom was trembling all over, fumbling to grasp Elisea's hand, "Honey, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Mom. Let's go." Elisea said with calm confidence, leading her mother towards the gate.