The Assassin's Charm

[1]

"Charm!"

She abruptly turned at the sound of her name. Her eyes landed on a familiar figure—her best friend, waving excitedly from across the room.

"Jenny!!" Charm beamed, waving back just as eagerly.

Her heart swelled with excitement. It had been almost a year since she last saw her. Without hesitation, they rushed toward each other and embraced tightly.

"OMG! I'm so happy to see you again!" Jenny said, pulling back slightly as she clasped Charm's hands.

"I am too... you're so beautiful," Charm replied, looking at her in awe.

And it was true. Jenny had changed so much—from the sweet, simple Jen-Jen she used to know into someone stunning, confident... almost radiant.

"Look at you! You're even more beautiful!" Jenny teased.

Charm blushed.

"Come on, Mom and Dad will be so happy to see you," she said, dragging Jenny toward the function hall where her family was gathered.

"Mom! Dad! Look who's here!" Charm called out happily.

"Sweetie, lower your voice," her mother said gently, smiling. Despite the wrinkles and streaks of white in her hair, she remained elegant and beautiful.

"Welcome back, Jenny. It's been so long," Mrs. Alegre added, pulling her into a warm hug.

"I'm happy to see you too, Tita. You're still as beautiful as I remember," Jenny replied sweetly.

"Oh, and you're still as charming," Mrs. Alegre chuckled.

"Tito! It's nice seeing you again!" Jenny greeted Charm's father.

The older man gave a small nod and a faint smile in return. He was known as a serious and intimidating business tycoon, but to those close to him, he was a good man.

"Charm, sweetheart, why don't you show Jenny around? Introduce her to your cousins," her mother suggested.

Charm nodded. "Come on!"

She led Jenny through the crowd, introducing her to relatives one by one.

"Tabi!" Charm suddenly called out, waving to her left.

Jenny hesitated before turning her head.

"Charm, stop calling me that," the man said flatly before shifting his gaze to Jenny.

"You're back."

"Y-Yes..." Jenny replied softly.

He simply nodded.

"Are you with someone, Tabi?" Charm asked.

He nodded again and glanced toward two unfamiliar figures nearby.

Both turned their attention to them.

One was a striking woman in a dark red, Venus-cut dress. Her fair skin was flawless, her long blonde hair cascading down her back. Her sharp, cat-like eyes held a dangerous allure.

Beside her stood a tall man—lean yet muscular, his physique evident beneath his fitted shirt and coat.

Charm found herself staring.

His eyes were... captivating. Beautiful, yet unsettling. Dark and empty, like black holes that could swallow everything whole.

"Charm?"

She snapped out of her thoughts at Jenny's voice.

"Uh... yeah..."

"Are you okay?" Jenny asked.