Life in Captivity

I saved a man once, a man who turned out to be an undercover agent.

After he vanished, I received coffee and roses every day.

When we met again, he had become a big shot, surrounded by women.

Leaning close to my ear, he whispered venomously, "I was just lonely and wanted some company. That's all."

1

Two days ago, Otis Lawrence, the head of the police department, approached me and asked if I knew Braydon.

My palms were sweaty at his question, and I tried to keep my expression as natural as possible. "No, I don't," I replied.

Otis chuckled, "Relax. Braydon has already told me everything. I'm here today to ask for your help."

He seemed genuine, and I hesitated.

Six years ago, Braydon had repeatedly warned me never to reveal any information about him to anyone.

Otis sighed and continued, "Braydon is undercover in the largest crime syndicate in the city. He's gathered enough evidence and is on the brink of success. However, he's been undercover for so long that he's become highly valued and promoted within the syndicate, and he might have been corrupted. There are signs that he might betray us since he keeps delaying handing over the evidence."

My heart ached with worry.

"Braydon has had a tough time. He was sent undercover right after graduating from the police academy. He's been living on the edge for years, and the criminals have always been corrupting him. We need to help him remember his original aspirations and complete this mission honorably! We need someone to pull him back."

Otis stood up and extended his hand to me. "And you are the one capable of this task. Will you assist us?"

I bit my lip, memories of Braydon from six years ago flashing in my mind.

He had once said tenderly, "April, wait for me."

I grasped Otis's hand and nodded resolutely. "Alright."

2

Two days later, I accompanied Otis and some undercover agents to Fernwood, where Braydon stayed.

That evening, Otis took me to a nightclub and told me to go directly to the private room on the fifth floor to find Braydon.

The nightclub was crowded with all sorts of people, and he advised me not to say much upon seeing Braydon, but to find a way to bring him to a nearby restaurant.

It was a safe place where we could speak freely.

I followed a waiter into the private room.

The room was large and bustling, filled with flashing lights and vibrant music. Initially, no one noticed my presence.

Braydon was lounging lazily on a sofa, dressed in a dark green suit, with a carefree demeanor and a seductive girl in his arms.

The girl was feeding him grapes mouth-to-mouth, and he deepened the kiss after eating the grape.

I stood stiff on the spot, unable to move, feeling as if I had been fed something disgusting.

I had imagined countless possibilities, even fantasized about his sacrifice, but never expected that there might be another woman by his side.

Someone asked, "Hey, is that beauty new here? She looks so innocent."

Braydon, still holding the girl's chin, opened his eyes casually at the remark, glanced over lazily, and then squinted in surprise. He pushed the girl away and stood up, ordering everyone to leave.

Silence descended.

He approached me, his tone somewhat doubtful, "April?"

Overwhelmed by longing, I rushed to embrace him. "Braydon, I've missed you so much!"

Braydon gently patted my back and asked me after a moment, "How did you know I was here?"

I remembered Otis's instructions. "I'm in this city on a business trip. I came here with colleagues tonight and happened to see someone who looked like you at the entrance, so I came in."

Braydon stroked my hair like he did six years ago. "Quite a coincidence."

"Braydon," I held his hand, "Let's go out for a walk, so we can talk."

Braydon agreed readily, and we left the nightclub together, with many eyes discreetly watching us. I was extremely nervous.

He held my hand and whispered, "Why are you still so timid? Don't be afraid."

We strolled along the street slowly, and upon seeing the restaurant Otis had specified, I used the excuse of being hungry to lead him inside.

After years apart, there was a sense of unfamiliarity between us.

I was delighted to see him again and recounted everything that had happened since his disappearance.

"Later, the coffee bar you ordered from closed down, and the flower shop too. Everything has changed."

I finished with a sigh, asking him an insinuating question, "But I know you won't change, right?"

3

I asked Braydon, "When will your mission be completed?"

Braydon didn't respond, so I asked again, "Do you... miss me?"

Braydon twirled his water glass like a wine glass, still silent.

I took a deep breath.

Otis was right. He had been corrupted by the crime syndicate and lost control of himself.

He even started to ignore my questions. But if I could make him come to his senses, everything would be alright!

"Braydon, do you remember? Our old place wasn't big, but it was cozy. We cooked together and snuggled close up to each other on the sofa watching TV. And when we went to the movies, you laughed at me when I cried my eyes out."

These memories had been the motivation to wait for him for six years. I wouldn't let anyone take Braydon away from me.

I've often visited your parents since then, but I didn't dare approach them, so I just watched them from afar since I didn't know how to explain the situation. They're both healthy." You said you wanted to return to your parents' side and marry someone like me. I've become less introverted now. And I get along well with my colleagues and even became a junior manager. Braydon, isn't this the life you've always wanted? Why are you hesitating now?"

Braydon wouldn't easily show his emotions, and even when he did, it was hard to tell if they were genuine.

As he lowered his gaze in thought, I believed he was seriously considering my words and struggling internally.

I waited quietly, allowing him time to think.

But eventually, he smirked and spoke lightly, "April, I never thought you'd be so naive. Everything I said before was a lie."

It was like a thunderbolt out of a clear sky.

I couldn't believe what I heard. "What... did you say?"

"When I left, I never intended to return. That wasn't my life."

My fingers began to tremble. "Explain yourself clearly. What did you lie about?"

Braydon casually smoothed out the creases on his suit sleeves. "Everything between us wasn't genuine. I later compensated you with money, a house, and a shop. My parents passed away long ago. That address was made up. I didn't expect an elderly couple to actually live there."

I was incredulous, almost shouting, "Impossible! We have so many wonderful memories..."

How could the affection shown inadvertently be fake?

Braydon leaned back with a sly grin. "Tsk, just a show."

I was here to convince him for the sake of the mission, but all of this was based on the assumption that he still loved me.

Now that the assumption was shattered, I was practically a joke.

Who could have imagined it?

The motivation that kept me waiting for six years turned out to be a lie.

I stood up, eager to escape this place and my embarrassment.

Behind me, Braydon spoke leisurely again, "Since we've cleared things up, let me tell you one more thing."