Chapter 76

Carly finished her work at the club and finally left. It was already morning when she arrived at Jasmine's apartment. Jasmine was waiting for her arrival and she looked very displeased. Carly didn't bother with her expression since Jasmine was still asleep. She hurriedly showered and returned to the agency.

Martin was quite surprised when Carly showed up at his office that morning. He noticed the file sticking out of her bag and he smiled a little.

"Made your choice yet?" Martin asked.

Carly nodded slowly. "Martin, I really appreciate the offer, but I can't cope with a restricted life. It's so against everything I've ever wished for and dreamed of as a child. It goes against what I want to be. I can continue to just be a part-time agent, doing whatever the agency says but still able to have my life outside of the agency. But being a full-time agent? And that too for Landon? I cannot."

Martin smiled. "I honestly hoped that you would say that. I cannot advise anyone to give up their life to be a secret agent unless it has always been their dream."

"It's a rather difficult choice to choose and a difficult life to live. The agent who was supposed to escort you on that mission suddenly came up with some kidney disease and he kept it away from the agency because he has a family. And that was also away from the agency."

Carly was surprised. "Does that mean that one can still have a relationship outside the agency? Then what about children? Would I still go on missions when I'm pregnant?"

"The agency would not really bother with that unless you're married to an agent as well," Martin said. "Why do you think I remained single with all of this beauty?"

Carly giggled. "You're such a tease."

Martin shrugged. "Anyway, just drop the files on the desk over there. If that's all, I need to leave. I've been summoned by my superiors. It seems like we are having more and more issues with this Santino guy."

Carly nodded abstractly. "That's alright. I need to leave as well. It's getting more and more difficult to cope without... I mean with everything Landon did. I need a new environment."

"Going to a new environment, I hope you realize that you need to be somewhere you can be reached quickly by the agency, in case you're needed," Martin said.

Carly paused. "Huh?"

"Mmhmm."

"But I thought that since the deal with Landon was broken that I would be free," Carly stated.

"Not at all," Martin said. "You see, you signed the contract with the agency, what you get in return is protection and you get to live. As well as Landon. Otherwise, both of you could be killed. We don't like to have people who know things about us, not with us and roaming freely in the streets."

Carly nodded. "Alright. In that case, I think I'll find somewhere close by to stay."

"Good girl," Martin said. "Alright now, I should go."

Carly waved at him and left the office. As she left, she wondered where she could go for the time being. She took a cab to Jasmine's house and Jasmine was finally awake when she arrived.

"You brat!" Jasmine attacked. "You said you were going to Landon's mansion and then you went elsewhere and didn't return until now? Oh, you even changed your wares! Do you have a man behind my back, Carly?"

"Jasmine," Carly called softly. "I returned but you were so tired and asleep and I decided not to wake you. I just had my bath and changed and went to return the documents."

"So where did you go before?" Jasmine demanded, tapping her foot on the floor.

"To the club, Jasmine. I got there to while away a little time and Peter had me assisting." Carly explained.

Jasmine finally toned down. "Look, I'm just worried about you."

"I know." Carly rolled her eyes. "But Jas, I don't think I can cope here anymore. I think I should stay with my parents for a few days or weeks, just to relax and be away from all the drama."

Jasmine looked at her sadly and pulled her in for a hug. "Car-bear." She cooed. "This is so sad, oh that Landon is such a jerk! I wish I could pulverize him!"

Carly chuckled dryly. "No need for all of that. I'm sure he will come to his senses soon enough." And love me back, she added in her heart. Landon would surely realize his mistake and come for her.

"Ugh! It's too late for him already! We don't want a man like him who isn't stable." Jasmine said, pulling back from the hug. "Come let's help you pack, and then we can buy a few things for your parents before you leave."

"Jas, that's so nice of you." Carly smiled widely. Jasmine rolled her eyes and pulled her into the bedroom.

***

Carly arrived at her parent's place in the early evening. Her mother was so happy to see her. She pulled her in for a hug.

"Carly!" She gushed. "We haven't seen you in weeks, months! Where have you been?"

"Working," Carly answered with a small smile. "Here, I got these for you guys."

The older woman collected it, planting a soft kiss on Carly's cheeks.

"Mom!" Carly whined. "I'm not a child anymore."

"Oh, just because I'm not a man now, huh? Speaking of which, is there yet a he?"

Carly's cheeks flushed. Her mother was so shameless and she just couldn't stand it. She hurried inside to find her father seated, reading the newspaper.

"Hey, Dad." She greeted.

James looked up to find his precious daughter standing before him. "Carly, look at you, unfilial child."

"Daddy!" She whined. "Look, I got you so many things and you call me unfilial. Fine, I'll just take my stuff and go back huh."